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“I have never seen Mama so determined,” Jane lamented to Elizabeth in the privacy of their chamber. “I’m sure she is going to throw me at Mr. Madison. I shall be mortified. And what is he going to think of me?”

“Hopefully that you are innocent of having any designs upon him. I recommend doing your best to demonstrate this fact.”

“I certainly shall. But I am still going to be mortified. And the poor man will be made so uncomfortable. He will regret settling in this neighbourhood. And Mr. Bingley too. I cannot believe he will like having Lydia pressed upon him.”

“At least she will only be one of a crowd. Remember how everyone besieged Mr. Hastings’ nephew when he came to visit.”

“That gives me no comfort. I also remember how Mama was at the head of the crowd.”

“But she wasn’t so tired then. I doubt she will have the stamina to push herself forward this time.”

“I am confident that she will still manage to embarrass us. I do not know how you can treat this so lightly.”

“Because I’m trying to distract myself from thinking about being thrown at one of the officers.”

“Oh dear, yes. They will soon be wishing they had been quartered elsewhere for the winter.”

“So will we after they go away leaving nothing but disappointment behind.”

“Where there are no expectations, there can be no disappointment.”

“A wise perspective, but I do not think it will be shared by many of our acquaintance.”

“No, I suppose not. Our mother is not the only one desperate to get a daughter married.

“And not the only one who will feel greatly let down when this horde of gentlemen fails to contract any marriages.”

Jane laughed. “Is that what we are calling it? Very amusing, but do you not think there could perhaps be one engagement in consequence of so many gentlemen coming into the neighbourhood?”

“I think it very unlikely.”

“You are probably right. But it would be nice if one of our friends could be so fortunate. Or maybe even one of us. That would make Mama happy.”

“It would indeed. Are you meaning to achieve that by making matches for your sisters?”

“Goodness, no! I have a great dislike of matchmaking. I only hope for chance to be in our favour. It would give me great joy to see you married to a man who is perfect for you.”

“You mustn’t hold too much hope of that. I can’t imagine myself even thinking any man perfect.”

“You know what I meant.” Jane looked at her sister with a blend of exasperation and fondness.

“Two people sharing similar ideas, taste, and disposition. Like I suppose Mr. Madison and his wife must have been. The story of his devotion was touching. It would be a fine thing to be loved by a man as much as he loved her.”

“It would indeed,” Elizabeth agreed. “But if one of us could be so fortunate, I hope it will be you. Perfect happiness is exactly what you deserve.”

“I would very much like to be loved so ardently,” Jane admitted. “But I am being too hopeful, aren’t I?”

“You never know. Perhaps I am excessively dubious. What I can say with certainty is that any gentleman who wishes for a wife could not do any better than you.”

“Except as to fortune, which is often of primary consideration.

And I have not the education or level of accomplishment that society expects fine ladies to possess.

You are very kind, Lizzy, but I shall not delude myself.

Besides, Papa is probably right about the officers; I am certain that Mama is wrong about Mr. Madison; and it wouldn't surprise me if Mr. Bingley leased Netherfield because he is planning to bring a bride to his new home. Indeed, I rather wish he would, and Mr. Madison too, and if all the officers could be married already, then we might be spared a great deal of embarrassment.”

“You have gone from hopefulness to pragmatism in under a minute.”

Jane smiled. “I don’t seem to know what I want. Except for a nice peaceful existence, which I fear is under a grave threat.”

Elizabeth could agree with this, but she was also wishing for more.

Although her doubts for herself were logical, she wanted to believe that her sister could find the ardent love which she desired.

But there was probably only one viable possibility.

Mr. Bingley. One chance for Jane’s dream to come true. The odds were not in her favour.