Those remaining at Netherfield had been invited to spend the day at Longbourn, capping it off with dinner in the evening. Bingley extended the invitation to Caroline, but given her earlier reaction, he was not surprised that she did not accept. Her activities for the day were now limited. The Bingley carriage would be taken to Longbourn. Not that it mattered, for there was nobody in Meryton she could abide since Darcy was gone. Not that the gentleman would welcome her company any time soon. Jane Bennet was no longer of interest to her. Instead, she would spend her day writing friends in town, seeking an invitation so she could leave Netherfield.
As excited as Bingley was to go to Longbourn and see Jane, Louisa was as hesitant to see Elizabeth in equal measure. She knew she had behaved badly. She did not know much of Elizabeth, but she did not think she suffered fools gladly. Still, she was glad to be included in the invitation.
By all accounts, it was a pleasant afternoon, if superficial. Of Bingley's amiability there was no question. However, Mrs. Hurst's was untried. The other ladies were cautious in front of her. They had reason to be. In her mind, Louisa could predict how Caroline would respond to their conversation, every caustic and vicious word she would say. What frightened her was how often those thoughts were her own as well. Obviously, change would not be the work of a day.
It took her some time to realize the Bennets spoke of fashion and novels and music and similar topics in deference to her. For when talk shifted to more weighty topics, Louisa found she had nothing to contribute. At one time, Louisa would have asked what she could possibly have to say to people like the Bennets. Now she wondered what they could possibly have to say to her. Had she really lost all sensibility so as not to appreciate genuine, decent people and thoughtful conversation. She realized everything she and Caroline had touted as important was inconsequential.
Louisa watched as Mrs. Bennet received an express. She was unable to tell if it was good or bad news. Mrs. Bennet whispered something to Elizabeth and gave her the note to read. Elizabeth took a deep breath and square her shoulders, then she nodded decisively. Mrs. Bennet gave her a long, assessing look before she seemed satisfied and left to speak to the housekeeper.
Louisa considered Mrs. Bennet for a moment. For all the derision she had directed toward the woman, she realized there was little of merit to distinguish them. One born to a tradesman, the other to a country attorney. Both married to gentlemen of minor status. Both women of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. But Mrs. Bennet had a loving family, whereas she had alienated everyone around her. The only thing Louisa had to recommend herself was money.
Finally, she decided it was time to make her amends to Elizabeth. She asked if they might have a moment of privacy. Elizabeth suggested a walk in the side garden. Donning their pelisses and making their way outside, they walked in silence for some time.
"Miss Elizabeth, how have you been faring these past few days?" Louisa asked.
"There has been much to contemplate but I believe all will be well. I have a great deal of support," Elizabeth responded.
"I hope you know that you may include me among those who support you." It was a tentative overture.
Elizabeth had spoken a bit to her brother when he and Darcy came to collect her father for the trip to London. He told her of both Caroline and Louisa's reaction. Even with Darcy's comment the day before, she was surprised that Louisa had taken the news so well. That did not mean Elizabeth was inclined to trust her and, thus, she remained on her guard.
"It's very kind of you to say that. Thank you."
Louisa was not good at reading people, never having cared to, but she felt Elizabeth's reserve. "I realize you have little reason to think me in earnest. I am embarrassed of my past behavior. I am afraid I followed Caroline's lead too often, to my own detriment."
"Ms. Hurst, perhaps you did allow your sister too much influence over you, but we are all responsible for our own actions and must be held accountable for same. It is not for me to excuse or forgive your behavior. All I can say is I prefer we deal honestly with each other from this moment forth. I would rather know where I stand with you than for you, or anyone, to feign feelings you do not have. I do not wish to be impolite, but there it is."
Louisa was surprisingly relieved by this speech. It would have been more difficult if Elizabeth had forgiven her without a second thought. No real reconciliation would result from such an easy pardon.
Elizabeth continued, "I do not wish to be at odds with you. Please be patient. As with the rest of my family, we will have to build our relationship. It will just take time."
"I can accept that. I can be patient."
Just then, they heard a carriage approaching the house. Elizabeth was suddenly nervous. It might just be her father's carriage returning after delivering Mr. Collins to coaching inn that would take him back to Kent. Upon the preemptive refusal of any offers of marriage to any to the Bennet daughters, Mr. Collins decided not to remain in Longbourn. That suited the Bennets just fine. Mrs. Bennet had been persuaded by Jane's argument that the constant presence of the parson would wear thin if they had to live in the same household.
When the carriage did not pull around to the stables, Elizabeth knew it must be that of Mr. and Mrs. Michaels. Tessa. She had been thankful for her father's warning but now she thought it might have been better to be surprised. Her nerves would not have her stomach roiling then. She walked around the corner of the house, Louisa following.
The carriage came to a stop at the front of the house. Yes, it was unknown to her. The footman opened the door and an equally unknown man stepped down. As he turned toward the door, he spoke in a low voice, but Elizabeth was able to catch the words. "Tess, remember Mr. Bennet's words."
"I will, Henry." In an unladylike fashion that Elizabeth could only but appreciate, an attractive brunette of seven or eight and twenty, hopped down with the aid of the man.
Appraising Longbourn, Tessa looked about her. Her gaze stopped on Elizabeth. Picking up her skirts, she ran to her, arms outstretched. Elizabeth was convinced she would be bowled over in an embrace. However, the woman skidded to a stop just as she reached her. Instead, she made to take Elizabeth's hands in her own, but stopped herself before she did. Finally, her hand rose to Elizabeth's face, tracing its shape, a hairsbreadth away from touching her. It was an oddly intimate gesture. Tears ran down her face. "Oh, Zibby."
"Tessa." Elizabeth felt an instant affinity for this force of nature and without thinking, reached up and took Tessa's hand, and closing the distance, pressed it to her face. Her own tears falling.
"Baby," Tessa said in a humorous tone of mock insult, breaking the trance that seemed to envelope them.
Elizabeth immediately responded, "Brat." Surprised at herself, Elizabeth's eyes widened, and she whispered her apologies. "Oh, I am so sorry. I cannot even explain myself."
Tessa gasped softly, "You remember. I did not know if you would."
Finally, a male voice interrupted. "Mrs. Hurst, might you introduce us?"
"I will explain it later." Tessa whispered to Elizabeth. "Louisa, it is nice to see you. I hope you have been well." Elizabeth noticed the aloof manner in which Tessa greeted her sister-in-law. It was unsurprising, in that most people greeted Bingley's sisters similarly. It was surprising that such indifference extended to family.
Louisa returned Tessa's greeting, though with a bit more warmth, and made the introductions.
"Now that we have been introduced most properly you must call me Tessa or Tess. And Mr. Michaels is Henry. What do you like to be called? I hope we will not adhere too strictly to etiquette. How will we get to know each other if we do? And it is not nearly as much fun either. You must promise to let me know if I overwhelm you? I am just so excited to be by your side. I have missed you so very much."
Elizabeth could not deny her. She grinned widely. "I am Lizzy. And I have a feeling I will only realize how much I missed you once I get to know you."
"How does that even make sense, Lizzy? But rest assured, you will not have to worry about Lizzy being too proper." At Lydia's voice, they all turned to see the rest of the Bennets and Mr. Bingley had emerged from the house to greet the newcomers.
"Shall we go meet the others?" Elizabeth offered Tessa her arm. She linked her arm through Elizabeth's with great alacrity. Elizabeth sensed a rightness that she had not felt since learning of her family. Strangely, Tessa's presence made her feel more like her old self. Making a quick decision, she offered her free arm to Louisa, who was pleased to take it. "Now, Longbourn awaits the Hurst ladies."