Page 19 of Missing

Jane invited Elizabeth to her room for a private conversation.

"Lizzy, I must tell you that it was a great surprise to learn that you had an understanding with Mr. Dalton."

"I am sorry, Jane. I wished to tell you, but I understand that you have had little time of late. Besides, when I left London, I thought Mr. Dalton had other plans."

"Are you happy, Lizzy? I know that if you have accepted Mr. Dalton, it must be because you admire him. I am certain you would not have hesitated to reject him, as you did Mr. Collins, had he not been someone special to you," Jane said with a slightly nervous smile.

"I do not merely admire him, Jane. I am in love with William Dalton, though we have known each other for a few months.

We are so similar, and yet so different, that I feel we complement one another perfectly.

" Elizabeth spoke warmly for several minutes about William and recounted to Jane all she loved in him.

"Lizzy, do you not think you should have told me that you were engaged?

I admit that I have been occupied, yet that did not mean you could not confide in me, especially about something of such importance.

I thought we were close sisters, and I must confess it hurt me that you concealed your engagement. "

Elizabeth was surprised by her sister's reproach but sought to clarify the misunderstanding.

"Dear Jane, William and I have only this day become engaged. When we parted in London, I believed I should never see him again, for we had quarrelled bitterly. I had no idea he would come to apologise and beg me to accept him."

"I see. Yet still, you had some understanding with Mr. Dalton and never told me. Lizzy, I want you to remember that you can always trust me, and I shall always have time for you," Jane replied, smiling.

"Thank you, Jane," Elizabeth said, though without much conviction. She perceived that, despite her smile, her sister was displeased. She knew Jane too well not to see that her explanation had failed to satisfy her.

Jane disliked entering into controversy, and even less did she wish to risk discord. She therefore changed the subject and began to speak of her wedding preparations.

"Louisa and Caroline have great knowledge of decoration, and Netherfield's ballroom looks so beautiful. They ordered flower arrangements from London, as well as candles, china, and silverware, all expressly for my wedding."

"I am glad, dear sister, that your sisters-in-law are assisting you with everything, although… Jane, forgive me, but sometimes I cannot help but feel that they make decisions without seeking your opinion."

"Lizzy, Charles and his family move among important people, and I must learn from Caroline and Louisa how I ought to act and dress upon grand occasions. Indeed, at times they do not ask my opinion, yet it is not to ignore me but rather to help me improve."

"I understand, Jane. But I think you are a wonderful woman, perfectly capable of choosing the colour of your gown or the flowers you wish for your wedding."

Jane did not like Elizabeth's attempt to instruct her.

Louisa and Caroline had often remarked that her sister could be rather controlling and unwilling to accept the views of others.

She had not credited their words, but at that moment, observing Elizabeth's attitude, she could not help but reconsider.

"Lizzy, Caroline and Louisa desire only the best for me, and they act with the best intentions. I do not like your criticism of them, for they will soon be my family."

"Jane, I am not speaking ill of them. I merely dislike that they would persuade you that you must dress and behave as they do to be accepted in their society."

Jane rose, took up the gown she intended to wear that evening, and asked Elizabeth, "Do you like this decoration on my new dress? Aunt Gardiner embroidered it especially for me."

"It is beautiful, Jane, and you will look lovely at your dinner. I am certain Charles will not be able to take his eyes from you." Elizabeth understood that her sister wished to close the subject, and so she said no more.

Elizabeth thought Jane had been unjust, but she reflected that her dear sister might be merely anxious about her approaching wedding. Besides, she wished for no unease. William was, at that very moment, speaking with her father, and that was all that truly mattered.

◆◆◆

"Do you wish to marry my Lizzy? Is that what you are saying?"

"Yes, sir, that is what I said. But, honestly, I do not understand why it is so difficult to believe that I wish to marry Miss Elizabeth. Do you think me unworthy of her?" William asked directly.

"Do not be so severe, boy. The truth is, I believe no man is worthy of Elizabeth.

You might be a Duke, and I should still think you did not deserve her.

The point is, you should know that my daughter has no dowry, and as a good businessman, you ought to have calculated what a wife and children will cost you, and how hard you must work without the contribution of your wife's dowry to your family. "

"Like my father, I am not afraid of work, Mr. Bennet.

From childhood, he instilled in me that labour renders a man worthy of his place in society.

If you are anxious about your daughter's future, I assure you that, though I am a tradesman, I possess better financial means than many gentlemen.

" William then gave Mr. Bennet a detailed account of his finances, reiterating more than once that he required no dowry to provide Elizabeth the life she deserved.

Mr. Bennet smiled and responded with his usual sardonic humour. "You have passed the test, boy. You have my permission to marry my daughter."

"I am sorry, sir—what test? Are you laughing at me? Do you think this is a time for jest?"

"No, my daughter's happiness is something serious to me.

Neither my wife nor my daughters know that, since the day my girls were born, I have invested money with my brother-in-law Gardiner to provide for them in case I should die prematurely.

Lizzy has a dowry of three thousand pounds, which I trust you will invest in funds for her future.

" Mr. Bennet went on to explain why he had always preferred to conceal from his family that his daughters would inherit something at his death.

As William listened, he could scarcely believe that Elizabeth had grown up with such an inconsiderate father and irresponsible mother.

Mr. Bennet had chosen to let everyone suppose that his daughters had no dowries, rather than explain to his wife the necessity of saving.

But William was not there to judge his future father-in-law, only to ensure that he raised no objection to his union with Elizabeth.

"In any case, Mr. Bennet, I do not require Elizabeth's dowry. Perhaps you might apply that sum to increase your other daughters' portions," William said.

"My other future son-in-law told me precisely the same. And just like him, I shall accept your proposal. My other daughters are rather silly, and I doubt any reasonable man will want to marry them. You are marrying the best of my daughters."

"I understand," William replied with disgust. He did not like the manner in which Mr. Bennet spoke of his own children.

"I am sorry, Dalton, but I doubt you truly understand me. You will only comprehend once you have daughters of your own—and I hope yours are not as foolish as mine," Mr. Bennet added, smiling.

William was deeply offended that Mr. Bennet should speak of his potential daughters so disparagingly.

He could not help but correct him. "If ever I become a father, I shall do all that lies within my power to give my daughters the love and example they deserve, and I shall guide them to learn what is needful, so that no one may dare to disrespect them or call them silly. "

"You are too serious for so young a man; you ought to take life with more humour, Dalton."

"I consider that I possess a sufficient sense of humour for what is truly amusing, sir. To speak ill of my future daughters is not, in my opinion, a subject of humour."

"You are too serious, Dalton. But I do not wish to pursue the topic." Mr. Bennet disliked William's tone, but he had more pressing matters to discuss and would not prolong the argument with that grave and haughty young man.

After several minutes of further exchange, William knew it was time to leave the study.

He wished to assure Elizabeth all was well, then return to the inn to change before dinner that evening.

Rising, he gave Mr. Bennet a firm handshake.

"Thank you for giving me part of your time and listening, Mr. Bennet. "

"It was agreeable to meet you, young man. I suppose my daughter must be waiting for you. After you have spoken of love and other nonsense, pray tell her to come to my study. I must know whether she is as much in love with you as you profess."

William chose not to answer such an impertinent remark, for he longed to speak with Elizabeth. As Mr. Bennet had predicted, she was pacing anxiously outside the study.

"Is everything well, William?"

"Your father has given us his blessing. But he wishes to speak with you. I must go to the inn and return shortly. I love you, Elizabeth."

"Oh, William, I love you too."

They lingered together for a few more minutes until William was compelled to leave. Elizabeth then entered her father's study, prepared for his questions. Yet he asked none, but rather made an unexpected remark.

"Elizabeth, I cannot believe you wish to marry that man. And do not tell me you are in love with him, for I shall not believe you."

"Papa, I do love Mr. Dalton. Why do you think I cannot be in love with him?"