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When Lizzy finally spoke up and retreated to their father’s book- room, Jane felt a mixture of pride and worry.

Pride that her sister had found her voice again, worry that their mother would not understand Lizzy’s heart was already engaged elsewhere.

She was relieved, at least, that Lizzy had chosen escape over further confrontation.

“Lizzy- where is that girl?” her mother exclaimed upon settling into her preferred seat.

Jane exchanged a quick glance with her aunt, grateful when Mrs Gardiner smoothly produced a letter announcing Lady Henrietta Fitzwilliam’s engagement to the Earl of Pembroke.

Having met the lady at that memorable dinner in London, her mother was particularly interested in this piece of news from the ton.

“Such an elegant lady,” Jane offered, knowing this would direct her mother’s thoughts away from Lizzy’s absence. “And now Mr Darcy will be connected to yet another noble family through marriage. The Earl of Pembroke is one of the most distinguished peers in the realm, I believe?”

Her mother immediately seised upon this topic, launching into a detailed recollection of Lady Henrietta’s elegant manners and distinguished connections. The evening settled into more comfortable topics, though Jane noticed her mother’s frequent glances toward the door.

When Jane finally retired to her room, she found Lizzy already asleep, or at least pretending to be. She prepared for bed as quietly as possible, not wishing to disturb her sister’s peace. As she lay in the darkness, her thoughts refused to settle.

So much had changed in such a short time.

It seemed only yesterday that her mother had been urging Papa to visit their new neighbour, Mr Bingley.

Jane smiled faintly at the memory - she hadn’t dared hope then that she would find such happiness with him.

But that joy was now tinged with sorrow.

Her father’s illness and death had been so sudden, leaving an emptiness she felt most keenly when thinking of her approaching wedding day.

She had always imagined Papa walking her down the aisle, his quiet pride warming her heart.

Now that dream, like so many others, would remain unfulfilled.

The next morning, Jane and Lizzy exchanged only a few necessary words as they dressed, their shared understanding requiring little conversation. Both knew they would need to present a united front at breakfast, where their mother’s displeasure would surely await them.

To their surprise, they found only their aunt and uncle in the dining room with their young cousins.

The children were discussing their plans for the day in hushed tones - they too had learned to moderate their usual exuberance in these changed times - while Kitty sat with them, offering gentle suggestions for their entertainment.

They had barely exchanged morning greetings, Lizzy pouring tea for Jane with studied calm, when their mother’s voice carried from the hall.

“My dear Mr Collins,” Mrs Bennet’s tone held that particular warmth that made both sisters tense slightly. “I trust you slept well?”

His reply was too quiet to hear, but Jane could imagine his discomfort from their brief acquaintance the night before. She noticed Lizzy’s hand tighten slightly on the teapot, and reached across to steady it, offering silent support.

“Won’t you join us for some breakfast?” her mother continued in that same worryingly warm tone. “There are some fresh rolls, and honey.”

Jane watched as her mother practically shepherded Mr Collins into the room, her manner reminiscent of how she used to manoeuvrer Mr Bingley toward Jane’s side at assemblies. The comparison made Jane’s heart ache for Elizabeth.

“I see you have joined us again, Miss Lizzy!” her mother’s voice held a note of reproach that made Jane wince internally. She watched Elizabeth’s calm response of offering to pour their mother some tea, grateful for her sister’s composure.

Jane’s relief at the momentary peace was broken by Lydia’s entrance. Their youngest sister dropped into the chair next to Elizabeth with her usual dramatic flair. “Lord! How tired I am of wearing black.”

“Lydia!” Lizzy’s warning tone carried the weight of their shared grief, making Jane’s heart clench. Even Mr Collins looked uncomfortable at this reference to their mourning.

Lydia huffed and turned her attention to her breakfast, though Jane could see their mother’s lips tightening with uncharacteristic disapproval. Since Lydia’s return, even their mother had been less indulgent of her youngest daughter’s thoughtless behaviour.

Jane waited for the uncomfortable silence to stretch just long enough before offering, “Lizzy and I are planning to call at Netherfield this morning.” She kept her voice deliberately light, knowing a mention of Mr Bingley would distract her mother from both Lizzy’s presence and Lydia’s impropriety.

“My dear Jane is engaged to Mr Bingley, who is leasing Netherfield Park - five thousand a year at least, such a charming gentleman,” her mother explained to Mr Collins with barely concealed pride, before adding with pointed emphasis, “But surely there is no need to take Lizzy with you - there is nothing for her at Netherfield.”

Jane felt Lizzy stiffen beside her at their mother’s implication. After last night’s confrontation, this was hardly subtle, even by their mother’s standards.

“I have asked Lizzy to come with me,” Jane said firmly, borrowing some of her sister’s strength. “There are a few things I would like her advice on regarding the wedding preparations.”

“Then Mr Collins can join you,” her mother declared with renewed enthusiasm, bestowing what she clearly thought was an encouraging smile on their cousin. Jane felt Lizzy’s hand twitch on her teacup.

Jane could have kissed her uncle when he smoothly intervened.

“I believe Mr Collins and I should resolve the details for his brother’s funeral today,” he said, meeting her mother’s gaze steadily.

“I spoke to Mr Thomas yesterday.” Turning to address their cousin with gentle authority, he added, “And if you are agreeable, sir, he will be available this morning.”

Jane watched Mr Collins’ shoulders relax slightly as he agreed to their uncle’s suggestion. Her mother, for once finding no way to counter Mr Gardiner’s reasonable proposal, returned to her breakfast with uncharacteristic silence. The relief around the table was almost palpable.

Jane exchanged a quick glance with Lizzy before suggesting they fetch their hats for their visit to Netherfield. Their aunt, clearly sensing they needed a moment away from their mother’s matchmaking, followed them upstairs under the pretence of helping them prepare for their call.

“My dears,” their aunt said softly, closing the door behind her. Jane felt her heart sink - her aunt’s gentle tone suggested news she and Lizzy wouldn’t want to hear. “Your uncle, the children and I will be going back to Gracechurch in a few days.”

“We knew you must go home sometime,” Lizzy said with quiet resignation. Jane admired her sister’s composure, though she could hear the slight tremor in her voice. “As much as your company and advice has brought comfort, you have a home to get back to.”

“And my dear Uncle has his business that he must run,” Jane added softly, trying to support Lizzy’s brave acceptance while fighting her own sense of loss. Their aunt and uncle had been such a steady comfort since Papa’s death.

Their aunt smiled at them with understanding.

“We are not going to be able to go to the lakes in June as planned, as you will still be in mourning,” she said, before adding with deliberate cheerfulness that made Jane’s heart warm, “but we could go in October when you are out of mourning. How would you like that, Lizzy?”

Jane watched her sister’s face brighten slightly at this prospect of future pleasure, however distant it might be.

Lizzy smiled - a real smile that reached her eyes, Jane was relieved to see. “That would be lovely, Aunt.”

“Jane, you must come too,” their aunt added, including her with warm affection.

“You will be in need of some fresh company and a little freedom before your marriage.” Then, with a knowing look at both sisters, she added, “Now off with you to Netherfield, before your mother finds a reason to keep you at home, Lizzy.”

Jane appreciated her aunt’s understanding - both of their need to escape the house this morning and of how much they would need each other’s company in the months ahead.

“I would like that very much,” Jane said as she adjusted her bonnet, grateful for this chance to include their aunt in what might be one of their last morning visits together. “Do you not wish to join us, Aunt, as you are to be leaving soon?”

Their aunt’s ready agreement brought another smile to Lizzy’s face, and soon the three of them were settled in the carriage.

As they drove toward Netherfield, Jane found herself treasuring these moments - her aunt’s gentle presence, Lizzy’s renewed spirits, and the promise of future adventures together.