He was decided to ask, and now had only to find the right words to say and an opportune time. It was great luck that her father was visiting Hunsford on his way to Margate. It would save him a trip to Hertfordshire, which would have been impossible anyway since the family was not in residence, and allow him to avoid visiting Margate and spending time with Elizabeth’s family, an exercise he would like to avoid if possible.

The following morning, Darcy was disappointed not to find Elizabeth in the grove. She had walked into the village on an errand for Charlotte and hurried home to prepare for her family’s arrival, but of course Darcy did not know that, and he returned to Rosings disappointed.

The Bennets arrived midday at Hunsford with all the fanfare that could be expected of a carriage filled with five ladies and one man. There were hugs and kisses all around and a proud Charlotte showed them to their rooms. Jane was sharing with Elizabeth, Kitty with Maria, and Lydia with Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were given the grandest guest room (the younger girls’ rooms were family apartments not yet taken with tiny Collinses), and Mr. Collins happily droned on about the changes and improvements Lady Catherine had made to the house when he accepted the living.

Dinner was a lively affair and Mrs. Bennet complimented Charlotte on her table, which made Charlotte beam and Mrs. Bennet say marriage became her so much so that she was almost pretty. Elizabeth apologized quietly to her friend while Jane hung her head in mortification. Everyone retired early after such a full day, and Jane and Elizabeth eagerly curled up in their bed to share their experiences of the last week.

“Do you think Mr. Bingley will return to Netherfield?” Elizabeth asked after Jane told her that she had seen Mr. Bingley and that he had called on her after the ball and had been present at several other dinners and events. He had even invited her to dine with his family.

“I do not know.” Jane twisted her hands and looked uncharacteristically conflicted.

“Has your heart healed, then?” Elizabeth asked gently.

“Yes and no. I still ache from the way he left so unexpectedly, and I will always think him the most amiable man of my acquaintance, but I have come to wonder if that is the best kind of husband.”

“What do you mean, Jane?”

“My friend in London, Mrs. Caldwell, I wrote you about her, is recently married to a friend of uncle’s. He runs a business and manages his income, and yet he had time to court his wife and he courts her still. He is attentive and thoughtful and very kind.”

“But is he handsome?” Elizabeth teased.