With Love's Light Wings by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989212189
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2019-12-19T05:00:00+00:00

It was obvious to anyone who cared to look that Miss Bingley was not happy to be at Longbourn that night. Elizabeth was not an unobservant woman, having had engaged in the study of more difficult persons in the past than Caroline Bingley. Of more importance to Miss Bingley’s visit to Longbourn that evening, was that other members of the family who were not inclined to be as forgiving could see it also.

“Mrs. Bingley,” exclaimed Elizabeth’s mother when the housekeeper showed the Bingley family into the room. “We are so pleased to have you with us this evening, and words cannot describe our excitement for the engagement of our dearest Jane to your son.”

“Thank you, Lady Margaret,” said Mrs. Bingley. “I am delighted with the welcome you and your family have shown my family, and in particular to my son. I believe I may say, with no hint of hyperbole, that your affability has been unmatched.”

“We have done nothing extraordinary, my dear,” replied Lady Margaret, pressing Mrs. Bingley’s hands. “Your son is an excellent man. You should be proud of him.”

Then Lady Margaret turned to Miss Bingley and welcomed her, saying: “We all welcome you to our home too, Miss Bingley. I believe at one time you and Jane were excellent friends, though it has been some time since we have seen you at Longbourn. Let this be a new beginning of your former friendship, for you are soon to be sisters.”

“Thank you, Lady Margaret,” said Miss Bingley, giving her hostess a correct curtsey. “My brother is gaining the best of women to be his new wife; I could not be any happier.”

Though Miss Bingley’s words were all that was correct, her lack of enthusiasm spoke to her true feelings on the subject. Elizabeth would not accuse the woman of thinking herself better than the daughters of a baron, though she remembered Miss Bingley’s insolent words from the bookshop. To anyone who knew Miss Bingley’s character, however, her wish that her brother had approached another lady of high society could not be misunderstood.

“Come, Mrs. Bingley,” said Lady Margaret, ignoring Miss Bingley’s lack of enthusiasm, “let us speak together for a time, for I have several ideas for the upcoming celebration, and would hear your sentiments.”

Flattered at the wife of a peer asking for her opinion, Mrs. Bingley went along with her, and soon they were seated together, debating the benefits of satin versus lace, from what Elizabeth could hear. Mr. Bingley stood with Jane speaking lightly, and unless Elizabeth missed her guess, the gentleman had calculated the inclusion of his sister to ensure she did not embarrass him with her behavior. Miss Bingley did not say much, and after a time, Mr. Bingley seemed to forget all about his sister as he fixed his attention on Jane.

The addition of Mr. Gardiner to their party, along with Mr. Collins, evened the numbers out a little, though the gentlemen were still outnumbered. The rest of the party was separated by sexes, as Lord Arundel stood with his brother-in-law and Mr.

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