He knew they had small dowries, but he intended to copy his friend Darcy and suggest Jane’s portion go to her sisters. With both he and Darcy as connections, surely the other three would find decent husbands. Even if only one of them married, supporting two women would not be terribly difficult.

He shook his head to clear his imaginings. He had not proposed yet and Jane had not accepted. He could kick himself for not proposing at the Netherfield ball last November as he had thought about. Just as he was about to whisper the sweet words into Miss Bennet’s ear, his sister had approached demanding his assistance with some problem or other. The moment passed, and now here he was, having chased his love to Margate, desperately waiting for a sign that she would be amenable to a proposal.

~

“Good morning, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane sweetly as Bingley joined her on the terrace after breakfast.

He smiled at her widely. “I have news,” he said with restrained enthusiasm, tapping a letter against his palm.

“Oh? From your sisters?” Jane asked.

“From Louisa. She tells me Caroline has met a gentleman at the house party. He has shown an uncommon amount of interest in her and asked Hurst about her situation. My brother says he believes a proposal is imminent.”

“After so short a time? Is that wise?” Jane asked, concerned.

“Normally, I would say no. But Caroline seeks an advantageous match, not a romantic attachment. I believe she would be comfortable with being nothing but friendly with her husband.”

Jane shook her head. “I know it is the way it is often done, but I cannot imagine doing so. It must be very strange to live in such close quarters with someone you know so little of.”

He shrugged. “Probably, but everyone has different expectations and they will come to know one another better soon enough. And he is not a total stranger. They have met at dinners and balls in the past, but nothing ever came of it. He is a friend of Hurst’s, which relieves my mind in terms of his suitability. I would not agree to marry my sister to a stranger, but a respected friend is another matter.”

Jane nodded. “Your care does you credit, sir.”

He looked away. “I wish I could agree, Miss Bennet. I feel I should have done much more long ago.” He looked down, a chagrined expression on his face. “I am not naturally forceful. I can manage my servants and take care of my business, but I do not like to force issues with those who should know better, and I do not like to practice strategy on people.”

“I believe you’re saying you are honest, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane with a soft smile.

“Perhaps. Caroline would call it otherwise,” he said quietly.