Page 19 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

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The four sisters soon settled into a routine. Each morning, they breakfasted together after Elizabeth returned from her walk to Oakham Mount. Afterward, they occupied themselves with mending their gowns and undergarments, for Uncle Phillips had impressed upon them the necessity of being frugal with the little money that remained to them. Jane and Elizabeth would travel to London once the new master took possession of Longbourn in hopes of finding husbands. Until then, they would have little to spend on clothing and must make do with the best of the gowns they already possessed.

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One morning in the first week of July, Elizabeth asked, “Jane, will you come into Meryton with me to post Uncle Gardiner's letter?”

“Very well, Lizzy, though I have no wish to go into Meryton. I dislike the soldiers' stares, and they bring Lydia's ruin to mind. Had we kept a closer watch over her, she would not have been lost to us forever. God alone knows what she suffers.”

Elizabeth settled Jane's bonnet, then slipped her hand through her sister's arm.

“We do better not to dwell upon it, for we cannot save her. Nothing can be done now, and self-reproach will not alter the past.”

The two sisters walked the mile into the village, their conversation centering almost entirely upon Lydia. They went directly to the post office, keeping to the opposite side of the street to avoid the soldiers who lingered near the shops.

After posting the letter, Elizabeth said, “Jane, my dear, I should like to stop at the bookshop. Perhaps Mr. Baker has received new books for his circulating library.”

Amusement lit Jane's eyes.

“Lizzy, you have spent so much time poring over Papa's old tomes that I can scarcely believe you wish for more books.”

Elizabeth laughed.

“Papa's books require careful study, sister. I fill pages with notes and compare one author with another in hopes of discovering the kernel of truth hidden within the tales and traditions. But Mr. Baker's books are delightful French novels. It is such a pleasure to have a new one to read.”

The sisters approached the bookshop with their eyes lowered, careful not to encourage the officers who lounged near the entrance.

“Mr. Baker, have you a new book that might interest me?”

“Miss Elizabeth, I have set aside my newest novel especially for you. I had begun to fear you would not call.”

“Sir, you know how it has been with us. During those first weeks, I had no heart for reading, but I am doing better now.”

He held out a French novel for her inspection. Elizabeth opened it and began reading. Jane settled onto a nearby sofa and picked up a ladies' journal.

Neither sister realized they were not alone until a rustle behind her drew Jane's attention. She looked up and met the gaze of a handsome young gentleman with reddish blond hair. His blue eyes rested upon her, and a pleasant smile touched his face.

Jane answered it with a shy smile of her own. He wore a finely tailored blue superfine coat cut in the newest fashion. A substantial volume rested in his hands, but he laid it upon a nearby table before crossing the room to her. Jane rose to receive him. They had not been introduced, yet he plainly intended to address her.

“Ma'am, I have recently taken a lease of Netherfield Park and came in search of a book on the management of landed estates. Indeed, Mr. Baker has shown me the very volume I require. At present, however, I find myself wishing someone might perform the kindness of introducing us.”

Jane said, “I am Miss Bennet, sir. My sister and I reside at Longbourn, my late father's estate.”

The young gentleman bowed. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth joined them, and Jane said, “May I present my sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

He bowed. “Miss Elizabeth.”

Both sisters curtsied.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Charles Bingley. I took possession of Netherfield Park but five days ago. My sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, does me the honor of presiding over my household, and my sister, Mrs. Hurst, together with her husband, has accompanied us into the country. We expect to return to London in December to enjoy part of the Season.”

His gaze rested upon their black gowns.

“You have suffered a recent bereavement, Miss Bennet?”

Jane lowered her eyes.