Chapter 13

Seconds felt like minutes. Minutes felt like hours. Elizabeth felt keenly the need for some distraction. Upon remembering that poor Jane may be taken unaware—with Lady Catherine likely to call upon the Bingley's before Elizabeth could call upon Jane—she rang for her writing set and attempted her letter.

She mended her pen and gathered her thoughts but hesitated to commit the words to paper. Her dearest sister and closest friend now felt further away than before. So much knowledge now separated them that Elizabeth believed it best to not attempt to explain it all in a letter.

Would that I could call upon her! Her temperament is not made to endure the shock of such revelations through the coldness of a missive. Her kind heart will likely discharge them of wrongdoing if I am not present to reassure her of his full confession. Yet, that she may be taken entirely unaware is worse even still. Jane may think they need to meet as indifferent acquaintances as is implied by such a lengthy absence. That, combined with the lies offered to Mr. Bingley could only make the matter worse.

Still, Elizabeth could not bring herself to commit the full details of such dishonorable conduct to paper—primarily to spare Jane reading such a letter with no sister present to comfort her— but determined Jane must have enough of the truth that she could not dismiss it as a misunderstanding. Mrs. Gardiner, though busy with her own children, would have to do, no more comfort could be supplied until she herself could call.

Dearest Jane,

I write to you now from London as Lady Catherine's guest. I can well imagine your shock, though I believe what you next read, you may find more shocking still. I have good reason to believe Mr. Bingley may soon call upon you!

He is entirely unaware you are in London. Do not dismiss what I say to you now, I beg you. I am sure of what I say as Mr. Darcy himself boasted of contriving the deception with the Bingley sisters. He relayed it himself and with such a disgusting lack of repentance and boosting that even I – who thought so very little of him to begin with- was shocked. My pen could not but do a woeful job accurately conveying his demeanor. Together they conspired to keep him from your company through willfully dishonest measures.

He loves you, Jane! He stood up to every objection to our family and situation. When their honest objections proved insufficient, they conspired to willfully take advantage of his natural modestly and assure him of your lack of affection. Feigning knowledge solely for the success of their own machinations. Fearing that may not be enough, they further conspired to conceal your presence in London from him - knowing his regard was not diminished.

I should tell you also that Mr. Bingley has no knowledge of their plan to unite him with Miss Darcy, of it, he is wholly unaware. I have it on the same authority as above. Poor Mr. Bingley! To think he suffers such at the hands of those he has shown so much consideration.

As I know Lady Catherine means to apprize him of your presence, I can only believe it to be a short while before you are reunited. There is so much more I need to alert you of, but I thought it best to wait until I may see you again.

I beg of you, do not dismiss my words as some sort of misunderstanding. Please believe I was assured it was nothing of the sort, and in such plain language, without any proper consideration for what such conduct implies of one's character. Oh Jane, that he congratulated himself on such measures!

Enough of that. I can say no more now. How I long to see you and explain it all. You are sorely missed but how my heart hopes for you!

Your affectionate sister,

Elizabeth

As she addressed and sealed the letter Lady Catherine returned to the sitting room. It was apparent from her demeanor that she had managed to calm herself; her agitation now reduced to accommodating only the matter before her.

"Miss Bennet I will brook no further delay on any account. We depart at once."

"I beg you would send a servant to deliver this note to my sister. I would not wish her to be taken unaware."

"What could she possibly have to do with herself that could take precedent over a suitor? What occupation could distract her from obtaining a husband? The only proper employment of an unmarried woman to secure an offer. This nonsense of young ladies having pursuits of their own only leads to disappointment, though I suppose it's to be expected when there is five daughters and no governess."

Attempting to conceal her frustration, Elizabeth said, "I meant to imply no idle pursuits. She is merely shy and unlikely to encourage him after so long and absence without being first sure of his affection."

"I see that she too, must be spoken with at once. There has been some serious mismanagement of her education if she concerns herself with his affections while her family's future remains unsecured. Heaven and Earth! Nothing can be achieved lest I see to it myself. She shall be taught to think properly."

Elizabeth suspected Lady Catherine of caring more for Mr. Bingley being secured out of her niece's reach, rather than feeling any real concern for the Bennet's welfare, but said nothing. Her natural impertinence was stifled out of concern for Jane. She saw no other means of reuniting the couple, aside from Lady Catherine, and thought it a trifling sacrifice to see her sister happy.

Lady Catherine relieved Elizabeth of her letter and issued orders for its delivery - with great deal more urgency than Elizabeth believed necessary- and they were both returned to the Barouche Box so quickly she was scarcely aware their conversation had ended.

Indeed, Lady Catherine would not be made to wait; Elizabeth was all trepidation.