Strong Objections to the Lady by Jayne Bamber

Author:Jayne Bamber
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-12-21T05:00:00+00:00

19

Jane was feeling much recovered the next morning, though she woke late; Elizabeth and the colonel had nearly finished their breakfast by the time Jane dressed and appeared downstairs.

She had deliberately avoided Colonel Fitzwilliam the day before; though her symptoms of illness had thankfully abated the night before, Jane had not the equanimity to face him. Even this morning she doubted the wisdom of seeking his company, for she knew he would flirt with her as he had done for much of the previous week, and she would likely enjoy it. Such a thing could hardly be wise, with the prospect of Mr. Bingley soon coming amongst them, but one smile from the colonel as she entered the room was enough to dissolve Jane’s hesitation.

He stood and bowed, regarding her with an eager smile. “Miss Bennet, you are looking very well this morning – what a relief.”

Elizabeth looked cheerful, but could clearly sense Jane’s apprehension. “Good morning, dearest. I was just about to come and see you – but are you sure you should be downstairs?”

“I am feeling quite recovered,” Jane assured them, and took a seat beside her sister. “Indeed, I thought it must be very rude of me to remain in my room all this time, when I am certainly well enough now.” She paused, fearing she might sneeze and contradict herself entirely, but thankfully the sensation passed.

The colonel gazed at her with admiration. “There is a very pretty blush about your cheeks, Miss Bennet,” said he. “I hope you are not exerting yourself before you are quite ready.”

“Indeed, Jane,” Elizabeth agreed. “There is no harm in allowing another day for recovery, or more, if that is what you need. Anyone who thinks it rude of you is hardly worth pleasing.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam made a droll face. “I wonder who you mean by that,” he chided Elizabeth, who responded with an arch look of her own.

Feeling her color rising still, Jane said, “I am sure I only blush because you fuss over me unnecessarily. I am perfectly well, and I would much rather speak of happier things.”

“Well, if that is your wish, I am sure I can oblige you,” the colonel drawled. “I have had some news from Rosings – your sister and I have just been discussing Anne’s express, which arrived a quarter hour ago.”

“Oh?” Jane leaned forward with interest.

“It seems we are not to return to Rosings, after all,” Colonel Fitzwilliam continued. “Anne has decided that the whole party at Rosings will travel here tomorrow, with Bingley and the de Bourghs, the whole lot of them. Even your friend Mrs. Collins will break her journey here for a night or two before traveling home to Hertfordshire.”

“Oh.” Jane was too stunned to speak, and could only cast a helpless look at her sister. “Forgive me,” she said. “I am confused – does this plan include us?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “It seems that way to me; Anne has said nothing of our going away.”

“Yes, apparently Bingley has been cajoled into renting the manor with a pre-existing house party,” the colonel rejoined.

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