The week leading up to Jane and Mrs. Bennet's departure broke the stagnation, and although it was changed to frenetic energy and many complaints from more than one quarter, it was an improvement over the monotony that had settled over Longborn. Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet had never welcomed so wholeheartedly Mrs. Bennet's lamentations of her nerves, or Lydia's of her bleak spring. Not only was she not to travel anywhere, but Mr. Wickham was much courting with Miss Mary King, which was very vexing and she did not hesitate to tell the whole neighborhood of this, let alone her family, on as frequent a basis as she saw any of them. For Kitty, it was nearly an hourly conversation, for the women of the house every meal, and Mr. Bennet dinner as long as he could stand it. And Mary always had a new verse to solemnize regarding her sister's preoccupation, which of itself was impressive due to the sheer amount and frequency that this occurred.
As Elizabeth finished assisting Jane in selecting what to pack and folding her gowns into her truck the night before she was set to leave, she broached the topic of the Bingleys. Attempting to feign disinterest, she mused aloud whether other ladies in London preferred as brightly colored silk as Caroline did or if that was a personal interpretation of fashion. Jane made no reply, so a more direct approach was needed.
"Jane, you know our Mother is determined to have you at every ball and event she can procure an invitation to, and fill the rest of your days with outings with the design to allow as many people as possible to see you, your beauty, and your serenity. London is large, but there can only be so many such destinations and social gatherings, I daresay you will meet with many people again unexpectedly." Elizabeth had still been unable to be fully transparent with which people in particular as she was aware of her sister's delicate feelings on the subject, but it was necessary to fortify Jane so that if, nay WHEN, she was present in the company of Mr. Bingley she was able to be internally calm rather than just act such. No one could act sensibly in a panicked state, not even her angelic older sister.
Jane sighed, and Elizabeth took this as an indication that her hints had been understood. That was all the response that she was given so after some long moments of silence between them, she continued:
"You must be prepared, dear Jane. I will not have you taken off guard and therefore unable to make use of such an opportunity. To wish for one's own happiness is not shameful, indeed it is not selfish or unchristian. If our hearts are not filled with peace how can we serve others and soothe their's? We cannot truely be of use to anyone while in misery."
Jane smiled ruefully at this, "then I shall be happy in whatever situation I should find myself in, not only in London but in my future life. I will not let anything hurt my chances of being of service to you, all my dear family, and anyone else that may fall within my circle of influence in the coming years."
"That is not what I mean, as you well know. If you insist upon being so obtuse I may be required to brandish my frankness at odds with your … demirity."
"I don't believe that is a word, Lizzy."
The girls sputtered with unexpected but very welcome levity.
"It conveyed my meaning nonetheless. Even the bard himself created words that had not before existed when none served his purpose. Why should I not do the same?" Elizabeth said through the last of her laughter. Then, taking a fortifying breath she ploughed ahead with the topic she had heretofore been dancing around. "My hope, dear Jane, is that you shall meet a man that could make you happy and secure, hopefully Mr. Bingley as you will be in London but four weeks and that is far too short a time to plant the seed of a new acquaintance and have it grow to such a stage. You had much better revive an old one that was previously strong and do all you can to make it so again."
Jane made no reply and would not meet Elizabeth's eyes, but if her breath was anything to go by she was quite affected.
"Goodnight, dearest Jane." Elizabeth said, blowing out the candle.