Page 5 of A Perfect Stranger

A s the day went on, Elizabeth kept a close eye on the progress of the sun across the horizon. As the shadows began to lengthen, she kissed Jane on the forehead and said, “I shall return right away.”

“Where are you going?” Jane whispered.

“To force Miss Bingley to let me stay here until you are well.”

Jane started to laugh, but the attempt ended in a hacking cough.

“Rest quietly, Jane; I shall be back directly.”

As she ran downstairs, Elizabeth prayed to encounter Mr. Bingley rather than his younger sister. A benevolent deity must have heard her silent supplication, for Mr. Bingley was standing at the foot of the stairs, almost as if he had been waiting for her.

“How is she, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Very poorly, I am sorry to say. But it is getting full dark; I fear I have waited too long and can no longer make the journey home on foot. Might I be allowed to travel to Longbourn in your carriage?”

“Travel to Longbourn? But Miss Bennet needs you!”

“But what am I to do?” Elizabeth asked, wringing her hands. She almost winced in embarrassment at such playacting, but Jane’s health was at stake.

“Why, you must stay here and be with her, of course,” Mr. Bingley said. “Truly, I will brook no argument on the subject.”

“But I certainly do not wish to upset Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth continued, eyes wide and innocent.

“My sister will be delighted, I assure you.”

“I will be delighted at what, Charles?” Miss Bingley chose this moment to approach.

“There you are, Caroline. I was just telling Miss Elizabeth that she must remain here with Miss Bennet to help her get well.”

There was a moment’s silence as the two women eyed one another. Elizabeth smiled to herself, knowing that Miss Bingley had only one course of action open to her. Miss Bingley knew it as well; it was just a matter of time until she accepted the inevitable. “Of course, we should be delighted to host both of you.” When Miss Bingley finally spoke, her tone was chilly.

Elizabeth beamed at both Bingleys. “Oh, thank you! My sister will be so relieved. Mr. Bingley, might I trouble you to send a message to my parents so that they do not worry? And my mother will want to send clothing for Jane and myself.”

Mr. Bingley assured her that it would be done directly.

Having gotten everything she wanted for her sister’s well-being, Elizabeth scampered back up the stairs, aware that Miss Bingley was glaring at her retreating form.