Page 96 of A Different Impression

During the general discussion, Jane drew Elizabeth aside.

“I have another reason for returning to Netherfield,” she said quietly. “I cannot be certain yet, but I believe I may be with child.”

Elizabeth immediately embraced her. “Oh, Jane. I am so happy for you.”

“Charles is nearly beside himself, although I have warned him that we must not speak of it until we are certain.” Jane smiled, then lowered her voice further. “We have also decided to leave Netherfield. My mother continues to visit whenever she can prevail upon someone to convey her there, and neither Charles nor I have succeeded in persuading her to respect our wishes.”

Elizabeth could not pretend to be surprised. “William mentioned that he had found an estate that might suit you.”

“We intend to travel north to view it after Mary’s wedding. It lies scarcely twenty miles from Pemberley,” Jane replied.

“And nearly one hundred and fifty from Longbourn,” Elizabeth observed.

Jane’s smile held a trace of guilt. “I cannot deny that the distance is one of its advantages.”

“Nor should you.” Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “I sincerely hope you find it everything you require.” The possibility of having Jane nearby added considerably to her pleasure in her sister’s news.

A fortnight later, Elizabeth arrived in Hertfordshire with William, the twins, Georgiana, and Kitty. The journey from London only took part of the day, although they stopped more than once to allow the children some relief from the carriage.

Elizabeth had not seen her father since he departed Darcy House without a farewell, and she was uncertain what to expect when they met again. In the end, there was no confrontation. He greeted William with his usual civility and acknowledged Elizabeth with a quiet, “Lizzy,” before turning his attention briefly to the twins.

“They appear to be thriving,” he observed.

“They are,” Elizabeth replied.

For a moment, she wondered whether he might say more, but he merely nodded and withdrew to his book room. Elizabeth watched him go without attempting to stop him. Nothing had been resolved between them, but she no longer felt responsible for forcing him to resolve it.

Mrs Gardiner had assumed much of the responsibility for the wedding preparations, thereby limiting Mrs Bennet’s opportunities to enlarge the celebration beyond Mary’s wishes. Mr Bennet displayed little interest in the arrangements, but Mary appeared unsurprised by his indifference. She was too occupied with Robert and their plans for the future to allow either parent to diminish her happiness.

On the morning of the wedding, Elizabeth found her standing before the mirror in her chamber, studying her reflection with unusual uncertainty.

“Do you think I am doing right, Lizzy?” Mary asked.

Elizabeth approached and adjusted the lace at her sister’s sleeve. “Do you love him?”

Colour rose in Mary’s cheeks. “Yes.”

“Does he respect you and the work you have undertaken at Longbourn?”

“He does.”

“And does he make you happy?”

Mary’s expression softened. “Very.”

“Then I believe you have your answer.” Elizabeth took her hands. “You are not choosing him because you fear being alone or because anyone has persuaded you that you must marry. You are choosing a man who values you as you deserve to be valued.”

Mary drew a steadying breath and nodded. “I am.”

The ceremony passed without incident, and Robert’s expression as Mary joined him at the altar removed Elizabeth’s final concern. They appeared remarkably well suited to each other, and were equally determined to do the best for Longbourn. William had already planned to invest some money on their behalf with Uncle Gardiner as a wedding gift and would assist them with a home when the time came.

After the wedding breakfast, Elizabeth embraced her sister before Robert assisted her into the carriage that would take them first to London and then to the coast.

“Be happy,” Elizabeth whispered.

Mary smiled. “I intend to be.”

Elizabeth and William returned to London with Georgiana and Kitty to complete the Season. Both girls attracted considerable attention and received offers they declined without regret. Elizabeth was particularly pleased that neither allowed rank, fortune, or flattery to alter the standards they had established for themselves.