On the way home to Cheapside in their carriage, Elizabeth had grown pensive while her aunt and sister discussed the Bingley sisters and their plans for the summer months. She had not been attending and so was surprised by Jane's question.

"Isn't Pemberley near Lambton, Lizzy? Mr. Darcy did mention it once I believe, when I was sick at Netherfield."

Elizabeth nodded at Jane's question. "It is," she said and turned to their aunt. "Do you recall Pemberley from your time in Lambton, Aunt?"

Madeline Gardiner's face fairly beamed with the beautiful smile that formed on her lips at the memory. "I do, Lizzy. I recall visiting with my own mother many years ago when old Mr. Darcy would open the grounds for Founder's Day. What grand picnics were given around the lake, why you cannot imagine. You must experience it once if we are in the area near Founder's Day, that is if Mr. Darcy has continued the tradition."

Elizabeth knew she would love to attend just such an event but was not certain she would enjoy seeing Mr. Darcy again. Their acquaintance was quite odd when she thought of it. They had each given offense to the other but during Jane's illness, and subsequent meetings before his party departed Hertfordshire for London, Elizabeth had come to believe that perhaps there was something of a mutual respect between them.

Except for the fact of Mr. Darcy's interference in Jane's happiness and the story Mr. Wickham had shared of the man's treachery, Elizabeth might have fancied fostering a friendship with the master of Pemberley.

In any event, she would not soon be in the Lake District. Her next travels would take her to Kent in but a week's time. "I can't imagine Mr. Darcy would ever break with tradition. Perhaps Uncle be persuaded to travel there come the summer? Jane and I shall be happy to stay in Town with the children while you are away."

Aunt Madeline thought Elizabeth's idea was indeed a good one. "I shall speak to him of it at dinner tonight. I have wished to visit Lambton for some time. Summer in Town is simply unbearable."

The Gardiner carriage arrived again at Gracechurch Street and Elizabeth waited until her sister and aunt were free of the conveyance. It was a lovely afternoon and she dreaded sitting in the parlor, though the Gardiner townhouse was perfectly situated to capture the afternoon sun.

At the door, she spoke of her wish to wander the park across the way before succumbing to the somnolent atmosphere of the sun-drenched parlor. "Aunt Madeline, I would walk for a time if it pleases you."

Jane agreed when Elizabeth begged her to come along and the two ladies joined arms before stepping toward the street. A young maid their Aunt had called to join them from inside the townhouse came lagging behind moments later.

Once inside the park, Elizabeth led Jane to a path that circled a small lake and breathed deeply of the air that was much fresher than could be found in the crowded streets of London.

Jane was quiet, waiting for her sister to speak. That was the usual way of their relationship. Jane was the amiable yet quiet sister whose serenity in most every situation highlighted Elizabeth's happy, spirited nature.

Their mother, Francine Bennet, was prone to bouts of nerves and anyone who knew the Bennet sisters also knew that the elder two were the most even in temperament with the younger two being replicas of their mother.

Yet, in comparison to the quiet Jane, the fire of Mrs. Bennet's mercurial nature lent a spark to Elizabeth's own personality that could not be otherwise explained.

Only the middle sister, Mary, preferred the solitude of her room as assiduously as Mr. Bennet sought his study. It was here any resemblance ended, for Mary was a pious young lady far more serious in temperament. Mr. Bennet made sport of one and all, friend and neighbor alike.

Elizabeth owned a greater share of her father's temperament. She and Mr. Bennet were of a like mind when seen together in his study or when at the dinner table tormenting their family members with rapier wit and sarcasm.

In London, Elizabeth had become pensive and Jane wondered at the change. Instead of waiting until they were returned to the Gardiner townhouse, Jane voiced her concern. "Lizzy, I am pleased you have come to London for I am never very happy when we are apart, but you are much too sad lately."

Elizabeth had known Jane would notice her melancholy, though she tried not to dwell on her own unhappiness over Mr. Darcy. "I am not sad, Jane. I am still your loving sister who would not be parted for long from your side. If there is any lack of happiness on my part, it is because of the Bingleys and how you have been mistreated for their amusement."

Jane took Elizabeth's hand as they followed the curving path before them. "There is no need for sorrow on that score, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley is undecided and thus easily swayed by his sisters and friends. If he desires to know me better, I am here. But I am not pining for him. I want a man who cannot breathe without me by his side, don't you?"

Elizabeth was surprised by Jane's candor. Her sweet, sincere sister had never spoken quite this way and it heartened Elizabeth to hear her words. "Indeed, Jane, you've said it perfectly. What use is a man whose affections are so easily changed?"

"Mr. Bingley may yet surprise us, Lizzy, but I will not allow myself to hope for more without good reason."

Astonished by her sister's sentiment, Elizabeth halted her steps. "I cannot believe these words are falling from your lips, Jane Bennet. I thought you were in love with Mr. Bingley all this time."

Jane's bottom lip trembled with emotion. "I might have been once upon a time, Lizzy. But I must guard my heart against foolish disappointment. To hope for a thing that may never be is too painful to bear twice."

Elizabeth's anger at the Bingley sisters grew in that moment. What right had they to interfere in Jane's happiness? Jane Bennet was the loveliest lady Mr. Bingley was ever likely to meet, a perfect match to his sunny disposition if not his fickle nature.

How she longed to take Jane to Kent with her instead of leaving her in Town with the very persons responsible for her current suffering. She thought she might persuade her sister to join her in the Lucas carriage on the journey to the parsonage. "Jane, perhaps you would be better served to come with me to Kent. Charlotte would not mind at all for she did always prefer your company if I was not at home."

Knowing her sister's thoughts, Jane took Elizabeth's arm in her own again and set them to continuing their walk about the lake. "I would not, Lizzy. Aunt Madeline is increasing, as you know, and I am happy to be a help to her. Mr. Bingley may do as he pleases and I shall not worry and neither shall you."

Elizabeth blew out a breath and wished to stomp her feet and throw a fit. But Jane would not be deterred as such actions in their girlhood days had never been met with capitulation. "I could delay my departure. Father gave me a nice sum when I left Longbourn, enough to take a post chaise from here to Kent."

Jane shook her head. "You will do no such thing, Lizzy. Sir William and Maria have planned to come for you and you must not inconvenience them now."

Her sister spoke the truth but it frustrated Elizabeth. Yet there was nothing to be done. "You must promise to write me, Jane. I wish to know all that happens while I am away."

Jane knew she must agree if Elizabeth was to leave without delay. "I promise to write while you are gone even though there shall be very little to tell."

"I hope that your letters will inform me that Mr. Bingley has come to his senses and given a proposal, though the thought of calling Miss Bingley sister makes me quite ill."

Jane made a face and the sisters laughed merrily as they continued their walk about the lake.