She chose her words carefully. “I have done as you asked and tried to see Mr. Darcy through new eyes, and I admit that he is a great deal more amiable than I would have thought, at least in his letters, but I am not comfortable with spending such prolonged time in each other’s sole company, with nothing to keep us occupied.” Mr. Bennet raised his brows and Elizabeth felt herself blushing to the roots of her hair. “I mean, no estate business or calls to make. We will be quite at our leisure and I fear the proximity will do more harm than good.”

“You may be correct, though of course there is no way to know for certain. It is possible the lack of other companions will force you to converse in ways and on topics you might otherwise not, creating a greater closeness significantly sooner than would otherwise be expected. And of course it is entirely possible that you will meet some of Mr. Darcy’s acquaintance whilst there; he does have a much broader circle than we do. And you can always make friends anywhere.”

Elizabeth nodded. “True, but is it not also likely the added intimacy will prove overwhelming and lead to a heightened sense of anxiety, making it difficult to become truly friends and leave us on edge and snapping at each other? We barely know one another!”

“True, all true, but we cannot know for certain. If you could, who would you like to accompany you? A sister usually does the job, and you have plenty to choose from, though I’m sure your mother would perform the service if you asked.” He laughed aloud at the look on his daughter’s face.

“I would prefer to take Jane. If anyone could provide comfort and sensible advice during this time, it is she, but I do not know if it is a wise idea.”

He nodded. “In what way, exactly?”

“In every way! Jane is having such a lovely time here at the shore, I would hate to pull her away.”

“Would she not have a lovely time at The Lakes?”

“And she was getting along so well with Mr. Parker and had seen Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth continued. “As it stands, she will be back in London the week of the wedding. Who knows what will happen then? What if Mr. Bingley renews his courtship and aunt and uncle invite her to stay again, or he decides to follow her here? Margate is a much easier distance.”

“Do we even know if either gentleman will be in town? Mr. Parker is likely to be there, due to his business, but do you know Mr. Bingley’s plans?”

Her shoulders slumped. “No.”

“Is Mr. Bingley not Mr. Darcy’s closest friend? Might endearing your sister to her new brother reap greater rewards in that quarter?”

“I suppose it could. So you believe Jane should accompany me?”

“No! Of course not!”