Jane laughed and tried to glare at her sister. “Actually, no, but that is not the point! Mr. Bingley, who has no business to run and no family to look after, or even a home or estate to take care of, could not be bothered to say goodbye to the neighborhood, not even his closest acquaintance.” Jane looked down and fiddled with a thread on the bedclothes. “Not even me.”

“Oh, Janie!” Elizabeth put her arm round her sister and hugged her close.

“I simply wonder if a man who is so easily swayed and convinced is the best sort of husband. Mr. Pearson, Mr. Bingley’s friend, came with his wife to see me off. They were all so considerate and kind. It was a stark contrast to Mr. and Miss Bingley’s behavior.”

“Yes, it would be,” agreed Elizabeth.

“Lizzy, I have never felt myself as confused as I am now. My heart wants Mr. Bingley still, but my reason tells me that life with a sister who dislikes and disdains me as much as Miss Bingley clearly does would be unpleasant at best. And would I really like being married to a man who cannot even maintain his own schedule? Does that not sound like folly to you?”

Elizabeth had never heard her sister speak in such a way before. Jane was usually so docile, so serene and peaceful. But Elizabeth could remember a few occasions when Jane had been stubborn when she felt she was right. Those who did not know her well would be surprised to believe Jane Bennet could ever disagree with anyone, but they did not know Jane.

“Did Mr. Bingley give any reason for not returning to Hertfordshire?”

“No, he did not. He merely said something had come up in town that prevented his return and vaguely mentioned his sisters. He said Miss Bingley had written to inform us of his plans.”

“Did you tell him you’d received naught but the first letter from Netherfield?”

“No. I did not want to be petty. Miss Bingley has made it clear she does not want me matched with her brother. And again, that makes me think perhaps encouraging Mr. Bingley is not a good idea if it will bring disharmony to the family.”

“Do you believe he wants you to encourage him?” asked Elizabeth.

“Perhaps,” replied Jane.

“Is he behaving as he did in Hertfordshire?”

“In some ways. He is as charming and as amiable, but he seems both more sure and more frightened than before.”

“Perhaps he is sure that he wants you and frightened he has lost you,” suggested Elizabeth.

Jane tilted her head as she thought about the prospect.

“Did he meet Mr. Walker in London?” Elizabeth asked eagerly.

Jane had written often of Mr. Walker, Mrs. Pearson’s older brother, and she had been much in company with him in London.