Page 68 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I spoke to Bingley about Jane this afternoon and conveyed to him that I would protect her from being hurt at any cost. He assured me that his intentions would be honourable. We shall just have to wait and see.”

“I cannot help thinking about Richard. I believe he was attracted to Jane, but she never spoke to me of her opinion in regard to him. He has been away for so long—did he say anything to you before he left here?”

“He found her very beautiful and enjoyed their walk but there was not enough time for him to get to know her. Time will tell whether Bingley or Richard is the right man for Jane. She may fall in love with someone she has yet to meet.”

“I can see it now: a long line of eligible young men lined up outside Stockton Hall!” Darcy laughed as he held his love. “How is our little one today?” He placed his hand on Elizabeth’s slightly swollen belly.

She rested her hand atop his. “Growing every day—the midwife said I should feel more kicking soon.”

“My love, I know you are concerned about the baby’s face but let us remain positive in regard to the low chances of a birthmark. Besides, unlikeyourparents, we would use face powders or creams to hide the redness on our daughter’s face, so no one notices it. No child of ours will ever hear a disparaging remark about her appearance.”

“I do love you so.” His beautiful wife turned in his arms and ended all further discussion with an adoring kiss.

* * *

Elizabeth’s sisterJane visited Pembrook Cottage almost every day, and Mr. Bingley seemed to appear every time she was there. Due to the inclement weather, the four friends spent a great deal of time inside the cottage, talking, playing loo and vingt-et-un, or listening to one of the ladies playing the pianoforte. Jane could be seen smiling whenever Mr. Bingley was around, and he never took his eyes off her. Elizabeth was beside herself with joy at their apparent pleasure with each other—she was almost becoming her mother with her hopes of their match! When the weather cooperated, Jane and Mr. Bingley often walked together in the gardens. She and Fitzwilliam wisely left them on their own. They remained outside until the temperature dropped to an uncomfortable level—then and only then did they seek the warmth of the cottage. One afternoon, Mr. Bingley was not with Jane when she entered the cottage. Elizabeth’s curiosity was up.

“You seem very pleased with yourself. Where is Mr. Bingley?”

“He went to Lambton to write some letters of business but will return tomorrow.”

“You are glowing, and you have not stopped smiling since you entered the room. Do you have anything to tell me?”

Jane sat beside Elizabeth and took her hand, gazing at their two hands together. “Lizzy, Mr. Bingley told me he has never felt about any woman what he feels for me. We are not going to rush into anything since we have only known each other a short time, but he said he eagerly looked forward to seeing me tomorrow.”

Elizabeth put her arm around her sister and put her head upon Jane’s shoulder. “I am overjoyed for you, and you are wise not to rush into marriage as you did with Henry.”

“I no longer think of those days. Instead, I truly feel joyful for the first time since Papa died.”

* * *

The Darcys were seatedat the breakfast table when a footman entered with the post on a silver salver, including a thin missive for her husband. What could it be? “Anything interesting, my love?”

“A note from Bingley. I wonder why he is writing. Was he not expected later?”

“He told Jane he was anxious to see her today. I hope it is not bad news.” Fitzwilliam read the note and dropped his head into his hand, shaking it.

“What is wrong? Is Mr. Bingley ill?”

“I fear it is worse than that.” He handed the letter to Elizabeth and watched as she read it. Her heart fell at the words within.

“Oh dear! How can we tell Jane? Yesterday, she told me she is able to smile easily for the first time since Papa died. Mr. Bingley had said he cared more about her than any woman he had ever met. She was finally acting like the sweet Jane I knew, and now I fear she will be distraught.”

“Bingley is to be respected for his willingness to behave as a gentleman, but he should never have got himself into that situation to start with. Bingley’s family has worked hard to maintain their reputation and has never been faced with disgrace or scandal. I have told him that Jane is my sister and I shall do whatever necessary to protect her, and I intend to keep my promise.”

“There is no way we could have prevented what happened—they are both adults. I dread telling Jane when she arrives for I fear she will not take it well.”

* * *

Jane calledat a later hour than was her wont, and Elizabeth had been spending her time twisting her handkerchief as she waited. “I was expecting you earlier. Are you well?”

“I wanted to look especially nice today and took a little extra time getting ready. I know we have not known each other long, but the way he looks at me makes my heart flutter. I have a strong feeling he will. . .Is he with Darcy?”

Her sister was clearly eager to see Mr. Bingley again, and Elizabeth was uneasy about imparting the news. “He is not coming today.”

“Oh dear, I hope he is not unwell?”

“Pray sit beside me—I have some disturbing news.” Her sister did as asked, and Elizabeth took her hand. “Fitzwilliam received a note from Mr. Bingley early this morning. He is on his way to London.”