She did her singing practice on her daily walk. She would wander through manicured gardens and wild groves, singing scales and simple tunes to warm up her voice, then practicing the newer pieces that tested her range. On more than one occasion she was joined in song by the local birds, an experience that never failed to make her laugh.

When she returned from her morning walk Thursday, Charlotte informed Elizabeth of the impending arrival of Lady Catherine’s nephews.

“Her nephews? As in more than one?” Elizabeth asked.

Charlotte nodded.

“Did she say which ones?”

“I’m afraid not, but I think Mr. Darcy is one of them. She spoke of him quite a bit before you arrived and mentioned an impending visit,” replied Charlotte.

“Oh! I wish it were any nephew but him! Why is he tormenting me? Does he not know how I loath to see him?”

“I’ll be sure to tell him to consult your feelings on all future familial visits when I next see him, Miss Bennet,” Charlotte teased.

“Thank you, Charlotte. You are a dear.”

Charlotte laughed and left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone.

“Of all the estates in England, his aunt must live in the one my cousin is vicar to. Of course!”

She blew out her candle and went to sleep, making plans to avoid Mr. Darcy as much as possible. Hopefully the second nephew wouldn’t be so bad, but judging by the rest of the family, she wouldn’t hold out too much hope.

Chapter 6

Jane had never had so many social engagements in her life. Nearly every day there was something. A musical evening with friends of her aunt, a dinner party with her uncle’s business acquaintances, a ball, a tea, a night at the theater. After a fortnight in town, she was exhausted!

Her friendship with Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Pearson grew stronger daily. The ladies were very kind and seemed genuine to Jane, though her newfound doubt in people made her question her own abilities to discern character. She was not at all happy about that development.

At least she was being given ample opportunity to meet and converse with men who had no connection to Hertfordshire. She had come to London before, of course, but her schedule had never been quite this active. Now, her aunt and uncle seemed to be eagerly pushing her towards courtship. They introduced her to several very eligible men, some with as good an income as Mr. Bingley, and gave her every encouragement. It was all very odd, but Jane took it in stride as she always did.

Perhaps the oddest thing of all was Mr. Bingley.