Darcy wasn't expecting a call from Jane. He'd just talked to her, after all, when he and Lizzie had phoned her and Bing to tell them about the engagement. Jane had sounded thrilled at the time, but seeing her name on his phone screen made Darcy's heart race. Had she hidden her reservations about the marriage earlier to protect Lizzie's feelings? Had something awful just happened to Bing?
Darcy picked up his phone and greeted Jane in what he hoped was a neutral tone.
"Darcy!" Jane trilled in response. "I just wanted to thank you privately for being so wonderful to my sister."
"Oh. Thank you. I assure you that she deserves all my efforts and more."
"She is wonderful, but she can be a little difficult to get along with sometimes, and I know she was hard on you when you two first met. I'm glad you were able to move past that and become a couple, because you really are perfect for her."
Darcy cleared his throat. "Thank you. I'm grateful for your approval of our engagement."
"I'm so happy that you're going to be my brother-in-law!"
"I am glad to be joining the Bennet family, as well."
"Good! We all love you, so we're very glad you're finally going to be part of the family."
"You . . . what?"
"We love you, of course! I thought we'd mentioned it before. Bing has loved you for years, of course, and Lydia and Dad have since the moment they found out you took down the website, and our mom and I have since you and Lizzie started dating. You've done so much for our family, and it's obvious that you're perfect for Lizzie—we couldn't help loving you."
"Oh. Well, thank you. I love you all as well."
"I should let you go—I'm sure you and Lizzie have more people to tell and lots of celebrating to do. I just wanted to tell you how much it means to me and to all of us in the Bennet family that you are so good to Lizzie."
"Thank you, Jane. Your support means a lot as well."
