Page 34 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Jane wrote letters to her parents, received responses from her mama, answered invitations and planned her evenings with her aunt, and she could not think of a thing to tell Elizabeth when questioned about the event she had attended the evening before beyond, “It was pleasant.”

On a Saturday afternoon nearly a month after Jane’s arrival, Elizabeth was unsettled to receive a note from Caroline. She had completed her education and was back at the Hursts’ home to stay as of that morning. She was officially out of mourning about a week earlier, and she wanted Elizabeth to come spend Monday afternoon with her to help her decide which invitations to accept and see the new gowns Mrs. Hurst had ordered for her.

Elizabeth had no interest in sifting through announcements for events she would not attend, but Caroline had invited her almost as soon as she arrived home, so perhaps she should go. Caroline had written to her only a few times in the three months since they had parted, but she had not dropped the friendship.

Perhaps Elizabeth’s indecision could interest Jane in having a conversation with her. Maybe if Jane felt Elizabeth needed her, they could become close again. Her cousin was resting now before going to a card party at the home of one of Aunt Gardiner’s friends, but Elizabeth would talk to her later.

Elizabeth reclined on her bed and read a book until she heard movement in the next room. Giving Jane a few more minutes to ensure she was awake, Elizabeth went and softly knocked on her door.

Jane opened the door, saw who it was, and began to close it again as she said, “I need to get ready, Lizzy.”

“I need your help.” Elizabeth had been about to offer to help Jane prepare for her evening when she remembered Jane had not welcomed her assistance all month.

Jane opened her door and stepped back to allow Elizabeth entrance. The younger girl was stunned.

“Is something wrong, Lizzy? What do you need?” Jane asked when Elizabeth said no more.

“Do you remember my telling you about Caroline Bingley?”

Jane’s eyes lit up in recognition. “Yes. You met her family last year and became friends.”

“Right, but she started treating me badly when I returned to London after Christmas. We did not have a falling out, but she became rude before she returned to school in January.”

“I am sorry, Lizzy,” Jane said.

For a moment, Elizabeth thought Jane was apologizing for her own behavior; she had only now realized Caroline sometimes behaved in a similar manner to the way Jane had acted for the past several years. When Jane spoke again though, Elizabeth knew she was not conscious of her own conduct.

“Did you drop the acquaintance after she left for school? Could you make amends?”

Elizabeth wondered whether this had been a good idea. How could she accept any advice Jane gave her if she could not even see what she herself had done to Elizabeth? But Jane was finally speaking to her more than she had in years.

“I did not drop her, but I wrote to her only in reply to her letters. I was surprised to receive an invitation from her today.”

“That is wonderful, Lizzy. I am happy for you. Miss Bingley must be sorry for the way she acted and wants to be friendly again. Likely she was merely overwhelmed with school. When will you go see her?”

“You think I should go, then?” Elizabeth could still ask her aunt for advice. She understood better than Jane did how Caroline had taken over too much of Elizabeth’s life. But, Elizabeth realized, she now understood it, too, and she could maintain control this time. She was allowed to have a life outside of her friend.

“Of course you should go, Lizzy. She invited you. Do not be unforgiving when she has offered to change.”

“She did not offer to change at all, Jane. She asked me to come look at her new gowns and help her sort her correspondence.”

“Oh, that sounds like a charming afternoon.”

“Does it, Jane? Perhaps you should come with me, then.” Elizabeth offered it like a threat, but Jane was overjoyed.

“Could I? I think you said your friend is older than you, but how old is she?”

“Seventeen. She will be eighteen in August.”

“Nearer to my age, then. Will you send her a note and ask if I may join you?

“I…suppose I could.”

“Oh, thank you, Lizzy!”

Elizabeth left her cousin’s room confused and with two questions. First, why did Jane wish so strongly to meet Caroline? And second, could this be the way to become close to her cousin again?

Caroline was delighted to meet Jane and heaped praise upon her beauty, her gown, her hairstyle. Elizabeth felt superfluous after the initial greetings. She attempted unsuccessfully to insert herself several times into the conversation—asking about Caroline’s seminary and her upcoming balls, offering to add fancy work to a gown—before asking to be excused to play the pianoforte.