Page 7 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Jane studied her face. “Lizzy.”

Elizabeth knew that tone. “Not now.”

“What happened in the lane?”

“An accident.”

“Only an accident?”

Elizabeth’s cheeks warmed.

Jane’s eyes widened. “Lizzy!”

“Jane, he was delirious.”

“What did he say?” Elizabeth glanced toward the door.

Their mother was in the kitchen. Their father had gone to speak with Mr. Jones. Mary was reading in the back parlour. Lydia and Kitty had been sent to gather every clean cloth they could find, which had become a competition.

“He told me he loved me.”

Jane’s lips parted.

“And then,” Elizabeth continued rapidly, “he asked me to marry him.”

Jane became perfectly still. “I refused to answer because the entire thing was absurd, but he kept attempting to sit up. Every time he moved his leg he nearly fainted, and I was afraid he would do himself further harm. So I said yes.”

Jane stared.

“It was not real.”

“Lizzy—”

“He had lost a great deal of blood. He called me sensible. That alone proves he was not in possession of his faculties.”

Jane made a strangled sound that might have been laughter. Elizabeth lowered her voice.

“Then he kissed me.”

Jane’s eyes became enormous. “He did what?”

“Do not make me say it twice.”

“Did you—”

“No!”

Jane’s mouth trembled. “Jane Bennet, if you laugh at me, I shall never forgive you.”

“I am not laughing.”

“You are about to.”

“I am trying very hard not to.”

Elizabeth covered her face with both hands. Jane leaned against her shoulder and did laugh then, very softly, until Elizabeth began laughing too, partly because the alternative was to scream.

Their laughter died when Dr. Garrison entered. “The leg is set,” he said.