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“Besides,” Mr Bingley added, “Lady Cecilia told me that she looks forward to speaking more with you and to meeting Jane…forgive me, I mean Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth smiled.
“I would be delighted to speak more with Lady Cecilia too. And I am sure Jane would be pleased to be introduced to her.”
“Good,” Mr Bingley replied, looking slightly more at ease. “So…if Miss Bennet feels better and you decide to stay another day, perhaps you will both join us for dinner tonight? Of course, you may return to Longbourn whenever you wish,” he added, causing Elizabeth to smile again. His honest desire to have Jane in his house for a little longer was heartwarming.
Minutes later, Mr Jones appeared, leaving the door open so Jane could hear their conversation.
“I am exceedingly pleased with Miss Bennet’s recovery. The coughing and the fever are almost gone. She will still have to stay in bed for a few days, rest, take her medicine, and build up her strength. But I am confident she is over any danger.”
“Such wonderful news!” Mr Bingley said hastily and a little too loudly. “Miss Bennet,” he called into the bedroom, “I was just talking to Miss Elizabeth…and perhaps you could remain at Netherfield until tomorrow, at least? And…Mr Jones, would it be acceptable if Miss Bennet joins us for dinner tonight?”
“Of course, as long as she feels comfortable,” Mr Jones replied. “Just be sure she is seated close to the fire. If she feels unwell, please fetch me immediately.”
“We shall, thank you,” Elizabeth answered, glancing at her sister who looked bewildered.
“Excellent!” Mr Bingley declared, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. “Wonderful news, indeed. Now, please excuse me. I shall accompany Mr Jones downstairs.”
“If you do not mind, sir, I shall speak to Jane for a little while and will inform you about our decision shortly,” Elizabeth addressed the gentleman, who nodded.
Then she entered the room and closed the door behind her.
“What happened, Lizzy? What dinner is Mr Bingley talking about? You said we shall return home.”
“Jane, do not distress yourself. Mr Bingley insisted — more than once — that we stay at least a day longer. It was not mere politeness, I assure you. Furthermore, he said Lady Cecilia would enjoy my company — and yours — at dinner.”
“Oh…this is so unexpected… So we shall attend dinner?”
“If you wish to. If you still prefer to leave immediately, I shall support your decision. But if you feel well enough for company and you do not loathe Mr Bingley’s attention, we should stay.”
“I do not loathe his attention, Lizzy. You know that only too well.”
“Then tell me, how do you want to proceed? You should be the one to decide since I do not care much about anyone here in particular,” Elizabeth jested. “Though I confess I am curious to know more of the Dunnroys.”
A few moments of silence followed. Jane looked at Elizabeth pensively, seemingly searching for the right words, then finally said, “If Mr Bingley insists we stay, it would be impolite to refuse. We should not reward his generosity with rudeness.”
“My thoughts exactly. Now try to rest while I go and talk to Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth concluded.
***
Later in the afternoon, the two Bennet sisters helped each other to prepare for dinner. Neither of them had their best gowns with them, so their appearance could be described as modest at best. Elizabeth did not care much, as there was nobody at Netherfield she hoped to impress.
“I feel flushed, Lizzy. I think I might still have a slight fever.”
“Or you are just nervous. Mr Bingley must be eager to see you too,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
“Lizzy, please do not tease me. I am already anxious enough,” Jane pleaded as they walked down the stairs arm in arm.
As they approached the dining room, voices could be heard, so Elizabeth stopped in the hall, squeezing Jane’s arm to halt her.
“We are so happy to have you here,” Miss Bingley was saying. “What a wonderful change to be in such exquisite company. We have truly missed that in recent weeks. Life in the countryside is so unfulfilling!”
Elizabeth took a deep breath, gripping Jane’s arm tightly.
“We have enjoyed the pleasant company of Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, but your presence is an honour we would always welcome,” Mr Bingley said.
“Jane Bennet is a sweet girl, but her mother and younger sisters are a disaster, lacking manners and education. With such low connections and no fortune, Miss Bennet, as pretty as she is, has little chance of making a good marriage,” Miss Bingley added. Elizabeth glanced at her sister, who had paled considerably.
