Tact by Jeannie Peneaux

Author:Jeannie Peneaux [Peneaux, Jeannie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“You know that she did not mean it. Mama was simply so very – surprised – by hearing of it so very suddenly. From her perspective, she had been granted her very dearest wish, that her daughters should be well settled and in the next moment was fearing that it should not be after all. Do not heed it, dearest Lizzy – Mama truly loves you – all she does is for our wellbeing. Oh, Lizzy, do not cry. You must be quite overwhelmed.”

Elizabeth, having burst so suddenly, so mortifyingly into tears at Mr. Collins’s defence, had fled the room with her bewildered elder sister hard at her heels.

Having begun to cry, it seemed as though she could not stop – the events of the last few weeks had finally caught up with her and her already tangled thoughts and feelings needed to be let out on the shoulder of a gentle Jane.

Sweet Jane, however weary she might be, however burdened her own heart, was eager to be of some comfort to Elizabeth. It was rare that such a service was necessary for this particular sister; Lizzy was such a cheery soul in general and quite clever enough to defend herself in an argument – Jane would have been hard-pressed to think of a time when she had sobbed quite like this.

Eventually, the weeping ceased and Elizabeth’s breathing slowed from short hitched gasps to a steadier gentler rhythm. From vast experience of comforting Kitty and Mary, Jane knew that the words would soon spring forth and they could speak profitably.

“Forgive me, Jane; I do not at all know what came over me – it is not at all like me.”

Jane stroked away the wild hair that was tickling her chin and once again rested her cheek upon her sister’s head.

“I know, my dear; it is a sign of how concerned you have been. I am here now – tell me all.”

And with that, Elizabeth imparted to Jane all that had transpired since she had gone into Kent. She hesitated in telling her about Mr. Bingley, but the slow steady stroke of Jane’s hand on her head was so soothing and the desire to speak unhampered truth, without agenda or fear of consequence, was so strong in her that she spoke until all of it was out.

If Jane’s arms tightened involuntarily for a moment when Lizzy mentioned Mr. Bingley, she did not say anything, merely listened attentively as the tale unfolded.

When Lizzy was done, they half lay together on the bed in silence. Eventually, Jane sighed and whispered, “Poor Mr. Darcy.”

Elizabeth gave a watery chuckle. “No, my dear – rich Mr. Darcy; therein lies the problem.”

Smiling at her sister’s wit returning, Jane said, “I do not suppose he has ever considered that it might be an impediment before. Why do you, my dear? You have long known that we must marry well. I do not quite understand.”

“If he were less than he is, I might consider him in as carefree a fashion as I did when I thought he disliked me.

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