A few days after arriving in London, Elizabeth visited her sister Jane to meet her second child - a girl - who had been born a few weeks earlier. Elizabeth had been in Lambton during Jane's delivery, fortunately, Mrs. Gardiner was with her. Jane's husband and to a lesser extent Jane were disappointed to have another daughter since they had been hoping to have a son.
Very pleased with her little niece, Elizabeth gave Jane a beautifully embroidered cape, a fairy tale book for her growing and healthy goddaughter, and a copy of her third novel that had just been released. Jane accepted the packages and after opening them, she separated the baby's cape, the fairy tale's book and, with a frown, handed the novel back to her sister. "Lizzy, I don't have time to read these things. Only rich ladies who have nothing to do can afford to waste their time reading a novel. You should give it to one of your rich friends."
Elizabeth was taken aback by Jane's curt response, and for a few seconds, a rather awkward silence reigned. To change the subject, Elizabeth broke the news of her marriage.
"Forgive me, Jane. Sometimes I forget that you have a very busy life with your family, especially with your little daughters who must demand so much of your time and attention. I also wanted to tell you that, as you may have already imagined, in a little over two months I am getting married here in London to Mr. Darcy."
"Yes, Aunt Gardiner told me a few days ago. She spent nearly half an hour raving about your Mr. Darcy." Jane replied with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
A little exasperated at her sister's attitude, Elizabeth finally asked, "Jane, have I done something to upset you?"
"No Lizzy, you never do anything wrong. You are always 'perfect'. Everyone, including my own husband, admires the famous writer. Every time we attend a dinner or party, the only thing my husband's partners' wives ask me about is my sister, the talented writer."
Jane sighed and added, "But I am sad and disappointed because the last time you visited me and your god-daughter was several months ago. Besides, you were not with me for the two most difficult moments of my life. I am aware we have both changed, yet over the course of the last year, you have not been paying attention to me or your god-daughter."
Elizabeth contrite replied with sincerity, "You are right. I am so sorry I could not be there for you when you needed me the most. But the last few times I visited you, you seemed very busy; I felt like I was bothering you." She paused, and worriedly asked, "Are you well, Jane? You seem worried."
Jane sighed. "Unfortunately, my husband's business isn't doing well. Our income has dropped to just over £500 a year, and I am concerned for my daughters' future…"
The two sisters talked for a few more minutes until Mr. Carey arrived from his warehouse, and then Elizabeth returned to Gardiner's house.
After a serious conversation with Aunt Gardiner about what had happened, she understood Jane's problem and frustration better. It was true Elizabeth had been very busy since Jane's marriage, and she was not with Jane during her delivery; however, the main problem was Mrs. Bennet had led Jane to believe that she would have a bright future just for being beautiful, without having to try. When that future did not materialize, her sister was frustrated and disappointed with her situation. Jane had no longer saw the world through rose-coloured glasses. Added to this, Elizabeth - who deserved much less, according to Mrs. Bennet - was facing a future full of fame, love, and a wealthy and handsome husband.
PPP
Christmas at the Gardiner household was a merry one. Mrs. Potter and Kitty arrived in London a few days earlier and took part in the festivities, as did Darcy and Georgiana. The Gardiner's children received many gifts; little by little they "forgave" Darcy for the great sin of wanting to take their beloved cousin Lizzy to live far away.
Since Lydia was not feeling well and had no desire to travel the long distance to London, she had remained in Lambton with her mother.
Kitty was initially intimidated by the serious Mr. Darcy, but as the days passed, she began to trust him and appreciate him like a brother. She was also delighted with her life in London. Society was much more varied than in Meryton and Lambton. Mrs. Potter had several friends whom she met with frequently and many of Mrs. Potter's friends had daughters and sons around Kitty's age, who also attended the social gatherings. Thus, Kitty, a sweet and docile young lady, was soon popular in that circle. Her uncle invited her to stay with them in London, and Kitty gladly accepted the invitation.
In early January, after receiving the approval of his resignation from his commission, the former Captain Watson proposed to Georgiana.
In the months that had passed, although they had not had many chances to see each other, Georgiana had missed him and convinced herself that he was the right man for her.
The two couples decided to get married on the same day. Darcy and Elizabeth were going to tour The Lakes District for more than a month and, in this way, Georgiana and the former captain would not have to postpone their wedding.