Page 24 of Missing
"And how am I to protect my husband from such people?" Jane asked impulsively.
Caroline and Louisa exchanged a discreet smile; they had succeeded in drawing Jane into their net.
"What we shall tell you is somewhat delicate, and perhaps difficult to hear at first. We cannot dictate your actions, but we can share our own experiences.
Some of our relatives never knew how to keep their distance or respect our decisions; they embarrassed us on more than one occasion and even presumed to dictate to us.
For that reason, we were obliged to remain at a distance and see them only when unavoidable," Louisa explained.
Caroline took Jane's hand and concluded softly, "You must keep away from all who would harm you or Charles. Jane, you are about to become a Bingley, and we shall be your true family."
"I understand," Jane said, falling silent and thoughtful.
Meanwhile, in the garden, the conversation was far more pleasant. Elizabeth and Violet explained to Georgiana who they were and why they had come to Netherfield. They feared she might be unsettled after witnessing Caroline and Louisa's coldness.
"Yesterday, I met your son, Mrs. Dalton, and your betrothed, Miss Elizabeth. In truth, I had already heard of him, for my cousin often speaks of him," Georgiana said shyly.
"The world is smaller than we think, Miss Darcy. Indeed, your cousin is one of the good friends my William has made in London," Violet replied warmly.
"Richard esteems him greatly, Mrs. Dalton. He says your son is clever and industrious, and that thanks to his counsel and business, he will be able to retire comfortably when he leaves the army."
"My betrothed is ever ready to help others," Elizabeth said proudly, though she added with a smile, "though I find him a little too serious at times for one so young."
"Lizzy, every time I see my son with you, he is smiling. He is not so very grave as you suggest," Violet said, laughing when she saw Elizabeth blush.
"Are you and Mr. Dalton planning to marry soon, Miss Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked timidly. "Excuse me, I did not mean to intrude."
"You are not prying, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth assured her.
"We shall decide our wedding date after my sister's. My family is rather chaotic just now and could not manage two such important events at once."
Elizabeth described her sisters and life at Longbourn so humorously that Georgiana laughed heartily. She was glad to have met such agreeable ladies and began to believe that Mr. Bingley's wedding would be far more pleasant than she had expected.
"And will you live in London after your marriage, Miss Elizabeth? I know your husband's company is in the city," Georgiana asked curiously.
"For at least another year. Afterwards, we may move to Manchester and travel to London occasionally, as my husband's principal business is there," Elizabeth explained.
"I am glad you will be in London awhile; perhaps we might visit one another—of course, if you want," Georgiana said quickly.
"Of course, we may. I have no friends in London and shall need someone to show me the city. I promise I am not so terrible as Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst suggest," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"I never believed them," Georgiana protested, flushing. "Please do not think me like them—I only meant…"
"My dear Miss Darcy, you must learn that Lizzy delights in teasing her friends. Pay her no mind," Violet said kindly.
"Mrs. Dalton is wise; you should listen to her," Elizabeth added, winking, which made Georgiana smile with relief.
Georgiana spoke more of her life between Derbyshire and London, mentioning her father's convalescence.
Violet told her that she had known Pemberley in her youth, for her family was from Lambton, and she cherished the memory of that place.
The three ladies walked for nearly an hour, Violet between them, Georgiana holding one arm and Elizabeth the other.
From a window above, Jane watched. She saw Elizabeth laughing with Violet and Georgiana, while she sat listening to Caroline and Louisa malign her family.
Since childhood, Jane had been called the prettiest, the gentlest, the model daughter.
Yet soon all eyes turned to Elizabeth. It was she who drew admiration, who made others laugh, who captivated a wealthy gentleman, and fulfilled her mother's ambitions.
Jane told herself she would be the saviour of her family, the one to secure their future, yet Elizabeth, too, would marry well, and with a mother-in-law eager to embrace her.
"Jane, dear, you are so quiet. Are you unwell?" Louisa asked.
"I am well, thank you. I was only reflecting on all that you have told me," Jane replied calmly.
"And have you come to any conclusion?" Caroline pressed.
"Yes. I have resolved to follow your advice and protect my future family from those who would take advantage of us."
"An excellent resolution. Do not doubt that you are doing what is right, and you shall always have our support, dear Jane."
"I know, Caroline," Jane replied, her voice steady though her heart was troubled.
Jane returned her gaze to the window. She was resolved. If Elizabeth was the one admired and beloved, it mattered not. In two days, she would be a Bingley and would have a new family.