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"I did," he said, considering that information again.

That surely was why Miss Bennet thought that becoming a governess was a better situation than marriage. Yes, he could certainly see why that would be the case.

"Can't blame the man," the Colonel said. "But can't blame her either. Can't imagine they'd be particularly well-suited anyway. Look at us, gossiping like a pair of fishwives. It's not visiting Hunsford that has got you so out of sorts, is it, cousin?"

A fraction of a second too late, Darcy shook his head.

"No, I'm keen to return to Georgiana, that is all. I've been away from her for too long."

Chapter Fourteen

Tears interfered with her vision as Elizabeth sat down to write her letter.

Poor, poor Jane. She thought it was just chance that Mr Bingley was never in town when she went to call on his sisters. But now Elizabeth knew better. He had been manoeuvred out of the picture. Who knew if he was as heartbroken as Jane clearly was? Whatever it seemed, the decision had been made by others – by Mr Darcy, certainly, for his cousin had confirmed it. And Elizabeth wouldn't be surprised if Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst had something to do with it as well. They had clearly not liked Jane from the first.

She did not wish to outright tell her sister what Mr Darcy had done, did not wish to put it into writing. But she also did not wish for her sister to continue chasing what was clearly a lost cause.

Their mother would certainly want her to keep trying. She only saw men in terms of their wealth. And while the family certainly needed some stability in that area, Lizzy had not been willing to marry Mr Collins to secure their futures. And she certainly would not expect her sister to make a match or to break her heart further for the sake of the family.

No, it was best, she knew, to let things be with Bingley and his meddling friend. And then they would all move to London. Together, they would forge their way into the future.

My dearest Jane, she wrote, blinking back tears so they did not blot the ink.

I hope you are well. I send my love to you and to our aunt and uncle Gardiner too. I was pleased to hear that you approved of the options our uncle has found for a new home. I wonder if you should now return to Mother and our sisters in Hertfordshire, where I will soon join you, and then we may move forward together.

I look forward desperately to being reunited with you.

All my love,

Elizabeth

She reread it several times. It did not really state what she wanted it to, but she hoped that by saying that Jane ought to go home, she might understand that there was a good reason for it. Perhaps she already knew that Mr Bingley would not be renewing his interest.

Elizabeth sighed. How she wished she were with her sister, not here. It had been a diverting escape from her life for a brief period, a chance to see her good friend. But she was ready to return now. She could not put off the rest of her life forever.

She would wait until Friday, when Charlotte's father had arranged a carriage, and she would ask to go with him instead of staying with Maria for a further two weeks. It was too long to be away from her family in such a time of need. She did not want her mother coming up with unsuitable plans in her absence.

There was a knock at the bedroom door and she called, "Enter", quickly blotting her eyes with her handkerchief to find Charlotte on the other side.

"Are you well, Lizzy? I was worried when we did not see you for tea."

Elizabeth swallowed and quickly nodded. "I am sorry. I lost track of the time. I was writing a letter to Jane."

"Of course, you must miss her dreadfully."

Elizabeth nodded. "I do. All of them, really. Although Jane most particularly, as I'm sure you understand."

Charlotte nodded. "I miss my family living here, although being mistress of my own home gives me a lot to distract me."

Elizabeth gave a sad smile. "And of course, soon you shall live much closer to them."

Charlotte reached out and took her hand. "Is this what upsets you? Do you wish you had accepted Mr Collins? I am sorry, Lizzy, that my ascendancy should come at such a great loss to you. You know I would not wish it. In fact, I would quite happily remain mistress here at Hunsford and never see you and your family displaced. But you know it cannot be."

Elizabeth placed a hand over her friend's.

"It cannot be. I try not to have regrets, Charlotte. For what good can they do? One cannot change the past. I do not think I would have been the right wife for Mr Collins. And I am glad that you are happy, even if you miss your family. Am I sad to be losing my home? Yes. But we always knew this day would come. It is not your fault, nor Mr Collins's fault, no matter what my mother might say," she said with a half smile. "And I'm not sad, merely homesick."

Charlotte nodded. "As long as you are not melancholy. You will come downstairs for dinner, will you not?"