Page 16 of Succession

April 1812

S he told Mr. Collins that you should leave!” Jane’s eyes were round with horror.

“Yes, can you imagine such rudeness?”

“Truly, I have never heard of such a thing! I am so, so sorry, Lizzy. I know how much you were looking forward to this trip.” Jane’s voice was sorrowful.

Elizabeth found her eyes filling with tears. “Oh, Jane! I was so happy to visit Charlotte, and Mr. Darcy was there, and then Lady Catherine –“ Elizabeth found herself enfolded in her sister’s arms as she wept.

“There, there, Lizzy,” Jane said, stroking her sister’s hair. “It was not your fault at all. Have you told Papa what happened?”

“Yes, and he was furious!”

“Of course he was; Lady Catherine had better never come to Longbourn, or she shall be made to feel her error. But you did not tell Mama?”

“No, I only said that I found myself quite homesick.”

“Did she believe it?”

“I am not certain, but she did not press the matter.”

“Will Maria not tell the tale as soon as she comes home?”

“Oh, I suppose she will,” Elizabeth said, petulantly. “I had not considered that.”

“You will just say that Maria is mistaken. But tell me about this Mr. Darcy.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Oh, Jane, he is intelligent, well-mannered, handsome, wealthy – very well, I see your smile! Yes, I found him quite attractive, more so than any man I have ever met. He mentioned visiting Netherfield, but I cannot imagine his mother will ever permit it.”

“Then you will be surprised to learn that Charles received a message from him saying that he will come to visit us at Netherfield quite soon.”

“Jane! Truly?”

“Truly. You are happy?”

“Happy? Perhaps that is not the right word. I actually have butterflies in my stomach!” Elizabeth pressed a hand to her midsection and laughed for joy.