Page 229 of What Change Entails

Lydia, having failed to keep the secret for even one minute, declared herself responsible for the entire match.

“No one argues with you,” Elizabeth said.

“Because everyone knows it is true.”

Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “Is this what marriage to you entails?”

“Just on ordinary days.”

Before the household had fully recovered from one arrival, Netherfield’s party came the following day.

Mr. Bingley appeared first, looking anxious, hopeful, and freshly determined. Georgiana followed with Mrs. Annesley, and Lydia flew down the steps so quickly that Hill cried out in alarm.

“Georgiana!”

“Lydia!”

They met in the gravel with an embrace that threatened both bonnets.

Kitty stood behind them, uncertain for but a moment before Georgiana drew her in too. That decided everything. By evening, Kitty had joined their friendship as if she had been waiting for the proper invitation all her life.

Jane received Mr. Bingley with kindness, but not forgiveness.

That was a surprise to almost everyone except Elizabeth.

Bingley came to Longbourn the following morning. He spoke with Jane in the garden for nearly an hour. She was pale but steady, and he left looking both chastened and more devoted than before.

“He asked too soon,” Jane admitted to Elizabeth that evening.

“Asked what?”

Jane folded a handkerchief in her lap, then unfolded it again. “Whether I might ever forgive him.”

“And what did you say?”

“That I hoped so.”

Elizabeth sat beside her. “That was honest.”

“It felt cruel.”

“It was not.”

Jane’s eyes filled. “I was very unhappy, Lizzy.”

“I know.”

“I do not wish to punish him.”

“Then do not. But you need not relieve him of every consequence merely because he looks sorrowful.”

Jane gave a small, watery laugh. “You have grown severe.”

“I have grown practical.”

Lydia and Georgiana took Jane’s reserve as a challenge.

Their methods were not subtle.