9

Jane frowned as her mother snatched away the note that had just been delivered to her from Netherfield. From the end of the breakfast table, Mrs. Bennet ceased waving the missive about for long enough to actually read it.

“What does it say?” Lydia giggled with Kitty before answering her own question. “I daresay it is a love letter from Mr. Bingley.”

Elizabeth bristled with annoyance, but Jane was relieved that her youngest sister had asked, so that she would not have to do so herself. Though not as stubborn as Elizabeth, Jane baulked at the indignity of being obliged to her mother to learn the contents of her own letter.

“It is from Caroline Bingley,” Mrs. Bennet replied with a pointed look at Jane. “She invites you to dine at Netherfield!”

Anxiety twisted in Jane’s stomach. In the week since her pleasant ease with Mr. Bingley at the card party, Miss Bingley had gone to greater lengths to ensure there could be no repetition of her brother’s attempts to woo Jane. He had called but once at Longbourn, explaining that his sisters were in great need of him at home in preparation for the ball, and was subsequently carried off by Miss Bingley after a quarter hour. Jane found she really would be glad to see Mr. Bingley again, though she feared his sister had some mischief in mind, for she had not invited all the Bennets.

Before Jane could think too deeply on what that may portend, her mother gave a wail of displeasure. “Oh dear! She says the gentlemen have gone to dine with the officers. Lady Anne Darcy means to keep to her room for the day, and she fears she and Mrs. Hurst shall quarrel if they have not some company. Well! I can certainly believe that, for how you all do go on,” she chided all of her daughters with a wave of her hand.

At the head of the table, Mr. Bennet lowered his newspaper long enough to smirk at them all as he observed, “I believe you may be on to something, my dear, for though I have spent my breakfast hour considering that two of the silliest, most quarrelsome sisters in all the land must surely reside in this house, it seems equally possible that they are to be found at Netherfield. I must consult with Sir William; perhaps the trimming of a new gown may threaten to overthrow the peace of every home in the neighbourhood! No doubt the blasted ball everyone is constantly talking of must be causing uproar at its very source, and I should only think it right if it does.”

Elizabeth chortled, but quickly recovered and glanced in Jane’s direction as if to ascertain her reaction to the strange invitation. Jane felt certain Miss Bingley did not desire her for a sister, and could not imagine why the woman would seek her company. That she should do so while Mr. Bingley was absent only seemed to prove her fears, but there was no accounting for the rest.

“What a pity the gentlemen should be away, but I am sure you shall make the most of it,” Mrs. Bennet cried.

Mr. Collins smiled at Jane. It had not occurred to the man to consider Mr. Bingley a rival, and all of Jane’s attempts to discourage his attentions had been thwarted by her mother’s scheming and fawning. He appeared to have no doubt of his words having the desired effect as he spoke to her through mouthfuls of food.

“My dearest, loveliest cousin, I believe it speaks very well of you, that your friend might entrust you with such a commission as preserving the harmony in her home. Certainly it portends well for any future thoughts of domestic felicity. And more importantly, I believe it is just the sort of gracious behaviour that my noble patroness – that is, my former patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh – would consider appropriate and genteel. She is a paragon of such virtue herself, always doing what she can to ensure the comfort of others. That is why she advised me to consider the merits of a useful, resourceful sort of girl, one who can be counted upon to give comfort where it is needed. I commend you most heartily!”

“I should be most uncomfortable if there is truly some quarrel between Miss Bingley and her sister,” Jane said, suddenly wishing to decline the invitation. “Surely it would be best to allow them to resolve their private matters.”

“Surely not,” Mrs. Bennet cried. “Mr. Collins is quite correct – you are always so obliging when others have need of your comfort, for you are the most tranquil creature! And Mr. Bingley will be pleased to learn of it, though you will not see him.” She wrung the note in her hands, her expression pensive, as if she was considering how to alter that circumstance.

By midday, Mrs. Bennet had indeed contrived a scheme, and she boasted of as much to Jane and Elizabeth. “You shall go on horseback to Netherfield, Jane.”

“Papa has promised me the carriage,” Jane replied.

Elizabeth crossed her arms and grimaced. “It looks like rain, and Mamma wishes you to stay the night so that you shall encounter Mr. Bingley.”

“Exactly so, my dear! Do you not have a clever Mamma? Oh, do not look at me like that, Lizzy, for I know you do not wish Jane to lose her chance at Mr. Bingley and be obliged to accept Mr. Collins instead. Perhaps you may think it better, for when you are married to Captain Darcy and living at Rosings Park, Jane might be nearby at the parsonage, but think of what pin money she shall have as Mrs. Bingley!”

“Mamma,” Jane cried, feeling her cheeks flush with heat. The entire family at Netherfield would see through such a ruse, and Jane knew the mortification of it would hardly help her feel more comfortable with Mr. Bingley.

Elizabeth huffed with exasperation. “If Jane catches a cold in the rain, she will be in a sick bed, and not making merry with Mr. Bingley!”

“She will not catch her death of the rain, Lizzy! Perhaps a slight sniffle, but then Mr. Bingley shall be moved by his tender regard for her! I know just how it shall be. His heart shall be all aflutter with concern for her, and then the next day how he will revel at her recovery! It will teach him his own feelings for her, since she does little else to help him on!”

Jane began to protest but paused. Perhaps her mother was correct. She would not truly take ill from the rain – she might set out early, before the skies opened up and did their worst. And she did prefer to encourage him, over the alternative. She could not like her cousin at all, even if she thought it a right thing that he make his addresses to one amongst her sisters. But why could it not be Mary?

“I wish to depart at half past five, so that I am not in the rain, or not for too terribly long. I do not wish to take ill, and surely any rain occurring after my arrival will have the same result. I confess I am not averse to seeing Mr. Bingley.”

Elizabeth gaped at Jane, but their mother fluttered with joy. “I am pleased you have seen sense – but you are such a good girl, Jane! I am sure it will turn out right! You may perhaps encounter him this evening, if he is not very late with the officers. But otherwise, what a happy surprise he shall have at breakfast! And then you must ask him to show you the gardens, if there is not too much mud.”

Jane listened to a further ten minutes of her mother’s effusions after Elizabeth stalked from the room, radiating disapproval. Perhaps it was wrong for Jane to entertain her mother’s scheming, but Mrs. Bennet was right about one thing. Elizabeth could not wish to see Jane forced to accept Mr. Collins. No, it must be Mr. Bingley.

He was a good man. Jane liked him. She did not know him as well as she wished to, but she could not doubt that he was indeed as agreeable as he seemed. If her mother was determined to hasten the courtship Jane would have preferred to prolong, she would simply have to put her faith in all that she had seen of Mr. Bingley’s good character so far.

***

The temperature had dropped drastically as Jane rode the three miles to Netherfield at the appointed hour. She was but a hundred yards from the manor when the frigid rain began to fall, and chilled to the bone by the time she found herself announced in the drawing room. She sneezed before she could even speak as the housekeeper presented her to the sullen sisters within.

Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst fussed and fretted over her for a full quarter hour, lamenting that she should arrive so unwell, their solicitude laced with hints that they suspected exactly what she was about. Mrs. Hurst saw her outfitted in a dry gown and Miss Bingley sent a maid to dry her hair, and Jane was soon presentable for the meal.

The sisters' attentiveness swiftly diminished, as if they expected her to be fully recovered from her ordeal by the time they began their supper. What followed was a humiliating inquisition. They asked after her education and that of all her sisters, expressed their gleeful astonishment that there had never been a governess at a Longbourn, and pressed Jane to admit that art and music were not amongst her accomplishments. And when they inquired after her relations, they fixated on the Gardiners.

“A tradesman in Cheapside?” Miss Bingley smiled at Jane. “How fortunate that must be for your family. I understand your mother has a penchant for finery; she speaks of little else.”

“My uncle is very generous with his wares,” Jane said carefully. “I understand he deals in the finest quality of merchandise, from fabrics to tea and delicacies, and even exotic luxuries from the Americas.”

“How fortunate his wife must think herself,” Miss Bingley mused. “What sort of woman is she? I imagine the fetching sister of a clerk must have caught his eye, if he is as inclined toward romance as his sister’s family.”

Jane sat up a little straighter. “My aunt is the daughter of a clergyman from Derbyshire. Her father was the third son of an earl, whose family is also glad of the connection to such fine imports.”

“Well, that is something,” Mrs. Hurst said with a little shrug.

Miss Bingley sneered. “They must wish your uncle to take an estate, if his business is indeed so very grand. Surely he can afford something modest like Longbourn, rather than residing in sight of his warehouses. Although I daresay if he did so, you would have no opportunity to visit London. Tell me, Jane, are you often visiting Cheapside?”

“My sister Lizzy and I go once or twice a year to visit London, and my aunt and uncle always ensure we visit a great many attractions.”

“Indeed,” Miss Bingley drawled, her expression one of curiosity. “Which are your favourites?”

“Vauxhall is exciting, and we enjoy taking our young cousins to the Serpentine and the Royal Menagerie.”

“Do you go to the theatre or the opera? Do you attend balls and parties?”

“We do,” Jane said, sneezing before she continued. “My aunt is on friendly terms with many of her father's relations – she often says she receives more invitations from them when she has young people in the house.”

“How fortuitous for you,” Miss Bingley said. “I confess I am impressed. I had not known you to have any connections in Town.”

Jane breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps it was not so hopeless after all.

***

The sisters both declared a wish to retire early, after each taking a turn in exhibiting to Jane on the pianoforte. They parted ways from Jane at the top of the stairs, to make their way into the family wing while Jane was to stay in the guest wing. Miss Bingley bid her goodnight with a warm clasp of her hands, saying, “I must thank you again for joining us this evening, dear Jane. What a treat it has been to come to know more of you! I believe I shall reflect happily on our conversation as I make ready for bed.”

Jane knew not what to make of such an enigmatic piece of praise. Neither did she have long to anguish over the matter, for no sooner had she donned her loaned nightdress and brushed out her hair than Miss Bingley knocked twice before entering Jane’s room.

Jane stood up from her stool at the dressing table, unable to conceal her shock. “Miss Bingley, are you well?”

“I came to ask the same of you. You were sniffling all throughout dinner, and I could not rest until I knew you had a warm fire, and plenty of blankets, whatever you may require.”

“Yes, Miss Bingley, your maid has provided all these things,” Jane replied. “And I believe it is an hour or more since I have sneezed or felt any ill effects of the rain.”

“What a relief – and you must call me Caroline, I insist. And do sit down. Here, come sit by me.”

Caroline perched on the end of Jane’s bed and patted at the space beside her. Jane obliged, her curiosity increasing. Had Miss Bingley drunk too much wine? She was not all at behaving as she was generally wont do.

“I am glad you are well, Jane, for in truth I wished to confide in you – to commiserate with you, if you will allow me.”

“Of course,” Jane said, too taken aback to make any other reply.

“I knew I could depend upon you, for we are quite in the same dilemma,” Caroline sighed.

“I beg your pardon?”

Caroline smiled widely. “Surely you will not be coy with me when I wish to speak candidly with you, as a friend. What we say might remain just between us. After all, we are both in the unenviable position of aspiring to marry above our station.”

Jane tensed and froze. “I… you…” she stammered.

“I told you that Lady Anne kept to her room today due to feeling poorly, but the truth is that she was quite upset over a report she received from Pemberley. Her husband is in declining health, and she wishes to curtail their visit here. The Darcys mean to depart just after the ball next week. I have not much time to display my increasing affection for Mr. Darcy, and grow so acquaintanced with his mother as to earn her approval.”

“Have you an attachment with Mr. Darcy?”

“I have been long attached to him in secret, I fear,” Caroline said with a heavy sigh, raising a hand to her heart. “Even before he married his late wife, I admired my step-brother’s handsome friend. Now that he is out of mourning, I had begun to cherish a hope I might become the next mistress of Pemberley, but I fear his family must think me too far beneath him. Surely you must know what that is like, dear Jane.”

The force of Caroline’s veiled insult hit Jane hard in the chest; she stifled a gasp. Was she really so far beneath Mr. Bingley? But if Caroline felt herself beneath Mr. Darcy, how could she aspire to a match between Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley? Confusion clouded Jane’s mind and she merely shook her head.

“I must confess something else to you, Jane, and I hope you will not despise me for it. I have not thought kindly of the way my step-brother behaves toward you. Indeed, I have told him so many times. Now that he is a man of property, and with fortune and disposition so highly in his favour, he might make a desirable match elsewhere. But after enjoying your company this evening, I have begun to think differently. Indeed, perhaps I might even begin to encourage him to court you. Would you like that?”

Jane gaped as Caroline clasped her hand and smiled again. “I would like it very much,” Jane said. “I feared you would never want me as a sister.”

“There may be merits in suggesting my step-brother marry elsewhere, but I only desire him to connect himself well so that I might stand a chance of doing the same. If I had any other means of securing my heart’s desire, I would naturally wish Charles do the same.”

“That is very kind,” Jane said. “I wish you all the best, as well.”

“I am glad to hear it, for I do hope that the woman who wins his heart might indeed extend me what aid she is able. I could not bear it if Mr. Darcy returned to Derbyshire without paying me his addresses.”

Once again, Jane knew not what to say. Was Caroline’s approbation conditional, did she expect Jane to help her catch Mr. Darcy’s attention? Jane hardly knew how she could manage such a thing, when she struggled with her own suitor.

Caroline did not seem to expect a reply, but squared her shoulders and fixed Jane with an imposing look. “We might achieve great things together, Jane. I wield considerable influence over my step-brother, and I could just as easily persuade him to depart Netherfield and follow the Darcys back to Derbyshire as I could convince him to remain in Hertfordshire and pay court to you. But I have my heart set on Mr. Darcy, and if I cannot secure him by matching Charles with a woman of rank and fortune, I shall have to insist we all travel to Pemberley. Unless the object of his affections here in Hertfordshire possesses the means and inclination to assist me….”

Jane had to remind herself to breathe as a chill ran down her spine. The veneer of false friendship melted away and she understood at last. Caroline was the key to securing Mr. Bingley, but at what cost?

“I do not know what I could possibly do – you are certainly better acquainted with Mr. Darcy, and must know how to make him like you back,” Jane said. “Indeed, he must already think very well of you. Your acquaintance seems an intimate one. Could your step-brother not speak to him on your behalf?”

“He will not,” Caroline huffed with a roll of her eyes. “He thinks Mr. Darcy is not inclined to take another bride, but of course he must. His daughter needs a mother, and he shall need an heir for Pemberley. It would break my heart to see him wed another, when I have pined for him these many years. I had thought this trip to Hertfordshire would be sufficient to demonstrate my affections, but he is always kept busy with odious matters of business! And now I have but a week before he goes away. I have done everything possible, within the bounds of propriety, as befitting the future mistress of Pemberley, of course. But now, I believe I must trespass beyond those boundaries.”

Dread gripped at Jane as she asked, “What do you mean?”

Caroline gave a sharp scoff and frowned at Jane. “Are you really so simple and pure, Jane Bennet? Or do you mean to torment me further? You must know what I am asking of you.”

Tears pricked at Jane’s eyes as she gave a helpless shake of her head.

“Very well, Jane, allow me to explain what is going to happen.” Caroline rose from the bed, her bearing almost ominous as she began to pace by the fire. “You will write to your family and tell them that you have taken ill, and that you have been invited to remain at Netherfield while you recover. I will attend your sickbed like a dutiful friend and hostess, and when you manage to rally yourself to join us for dinner, wrapped in shawls and a little hoarse, you will speak kindly of my kind hospitality in Mr. Darcy’s hearing. You will assist me in displaying my fine qualities to him, and I will do likewise in presenting you to advantage with Charles.”

For a moment, Jane felt a rush of relief. If that was all Caroline was asking, she could happily agree to it, despite her friend’s incivility in asking. “Of course,” she said with a nod.

Caroline responded with a wicked grin. “And after a few days have passed and Mr. Darcy has begun to think well of me, you will walk in on him and I in a compromising position.”

Jane let out a startled squeak. “I could not possibly! You have no reason to resort to such a scheme. You are rich and beautiful, and the sister of his intimate friend. I will gladly speak well of you to him; surely this will be enough.”

“It will be enough when the daughter of the biggest gossip in the county walks in on us alone together in our bedclothes,” Caroline hissed.

Jane began to tremble. “It would not be right. And you cannot wish to catch a husband in such a way! Would you not prefer to be loved, to be courted properly?”

Caroline laughed at her. “That foolishness is why you are nearly a spinster, Jane. I desire to be well-settled, and I am willing to do what I must. After your own little scheme of coming on horseback in the rain, I supposed you would understand that sometimes we must take matters into our own hands.”

Tears poured down Jane’s face, bitter with the sting of shame. “I only wished to….”

“I know what you wish,” Caroline retorted. “And I have the power to either gratify or disappoint that wish. Just as you hold my fate in your hands. We can help one another as sisters ought to do, or we can destroy one another’s hopes. The choice is yours. I shall leave you to deliberate.”

As Caroline slowly stalked toward the door, Jane’s mind was a maelstrom of conflicted hopes and fears. She ought to say no, whatever the consequences. She ought to choose morality and integrity over a chance with a gentleman she was not even certain of. And yet, would it be wrong not to oblige her mother’s wishes? And what of her mother’s fears for their future? If her family was indeed to find themselves in the hedgerows, could Jane look back on this moment and live with her refusal?

Resolution washed over her. She drew in a deep breath, curling her knees into her chest as she looked up with a steely gaze, speaking her answer before Caroline could reach the door.