Notes: I am back. Half-chapter :)
PPP
Mrs. Bennet, a perceptive mother, noticed Elizabeth's distracted demeanor after returning from a stroll on the beach. Besides, she remained unusually quiet during breakfast, engrossed in her own thoughts.
Sensing an opportune moment, Mrs. Bennet chose to engage her in conversation while Mary diligently practiced her piano lessons and Kitty busied herself with mending a bonnet. Elizabeth was seated by the window, a book in hand, her gaze locked onto a fixed point beyond the glass pane, lost in contemplation.
"Lizzy, I noticed that you have seemed quite preoccupied this morning, and you hardly said a word during breakfast. Are you feeling well?" Mrs. Bennet asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Elizabeth mustered a weak smile and replied, "Yes Mother, don't worry, I am fine."
Mrs. Bennet gently squeezed her hand and looked at her with tenderness in her eyes, "You know you can confide in me with all your doubts and problems. I will always do my best to help you in any way I can."
Her mother was the rock of her life, the person she trusted the most, so she replied, "Yes, Mother, I know." After a moment of hesitation, she added, "This morning Colonel Fitzwilliam mentioned that Mr. Darcy recently intervened to prevent Bingley from making an imprudent marriage. Mr. Darcy claimed the lady in question was a deceitful fortune hunter who attempted to mislead Mr. Bingley!"
Mrs. Bennet's expression turned grave as she inquired, "Did he happen to mention the name of the lady?"
Lizzy shook her head and replied, "No, he did not."
"And you suspect that the lady he referred to is Jane?"
"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed.
Mrs. Bennet gently squeezed Elizabeth's hand and said quietly, "Lizzy, I can understand Mr. Darcy's reasoning and advice."
Elizabeth furrowed her brow in disbelief. "How could you say that?! Jane is not a fortune hunter! I am certain she did not want to deceive Mr. Bingley!"
"I know, and you know it! I care deeply for Jane, but the truth is, she chose to believe Mrs. Phillips' falsehoods instead of your father, who warned her at least twice that she was not the heiress of Longbourn and advised her against mentioning it again." Mrs. Bennet let out a sigh and continued, "Do you remember the similar situation with Mr. Stevens? We were aware that Jane did not have any romantic feelings for him, so when he discovered she was not an heiress and ceased his pursuit she was not heartbroken."
"So, do you agree with Mr. Darcy's actions?"
Mrs. Bennet shook her head and replied, "I can understand why he might have thought Jane was a fortune hunter and wanted to mislead his friend. However, I don't like he discussed Jane or any other lady with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Furthermore, it seems inappropriate for the Colonel to divulge a private conversation with Mr. Darcy to you."
Noting that her daughter was still not convinced, Mrs. Bennet interjected, "Imagine if Mary learned that a gentleman who is vying for your attention had lied to you about his income. Would not you want her to inform you?"
After thinking for a moment, Elizabeth sighed and nodded slightly. Before she could respond, Mrs. Bennet added, "Take some time to consider it, Lizzy. Try not to be too quick to judge Mr. Darcy."