What a trial ‘tis to be an elder sister, sometimes! Unfortunately for Louisa Hurst, who was thus thinking, the only elder sister she had in mind at the moment was the main raison why it was difficult, and she could not, therefore, complain to an understanding ear! Well, ‘tis almost time to leave, my trial will soon be over… I wonder, though, how I did resist that long!!! I didn’t think Charles could be that trying… In fact, he had never been… Even these potatoes of his weren’t obsessing him that much! Well, at least, Jane’s worthy, not that I can qualify the potatoes as unworthy, if I think of it… Oh Lord, I have to stop grinning like that at my own jokes, even Albert looks at me strangely!

“Yes my Dear?”

“Nothing, Louisa. It’s just that you had a funny smile.” Half paying attention to his brother’s pacing, he frowned and whispered: “How long has he been walking like that?”

“Almost two days… I hope he did get some sleep at night, but I’m not sure. But don’t worry, it will soon be over: we’ll be leaving as soon as I have checked Caroline really cannot come with us.” As an afterthought, she added: “Do you think I’ve been too harsh on him? Two days were the proper time to wait before calling back on Miss Bennet, weren’t they?”

Her husband pretended to get a better look at Charles, and turning his head, he looked skywards. She does ask strange questions… Then, he became thoughtful. In fact, she has changed a lot this past days… She seems genuinely happy her brother is to get married to his angel, she seems tired of her sister, she whines less, she’s even less impatient with me… she’s getting better by the day! Why not satisfying her whims, for once? Turning back to her, he answered:

“Well, I used to always wait two days between each calls before you agreed to marry me. I was too afraid of your father’s wrath because of my idleness to come more often… But I don’t know if it’s ‘proper’ or not. Anyway, I’ve a very high opinion on your social skills, among others of course,” Whooh, that was close… but she’s blushing… no, surely, she can’t think that I’ve… No! “erh, … and… I’m sure that if you deem it proper, it must be!”, he finished with a grin, but still somewhat nonplussed.

Still flushed, Louisa took her leave to see her sister, under her husband’s appraising eyes and her brother’s unbelieving hopeful ones.

When she came down the stairs, Charles was already waiting for her, neater than he had ever been and he held her his arm.

“So she’s still too ill to come with us?”

“Yes, she doesn’t want to see a doctor but she says her headache is too strong and she needs to stay in her room.”

Charles seemed really upset with this news. “Well, whether she wants it or not, if she’s still in her room when we come back, I’d like you to send for one!”

“I will, Charles, don’t worry.” Not that I think he will find anything but anger that her scheme hasn’t worked!

While they were on their way to Gracechurch Street, Charles became surprisingly silent and serious. Soothingly, Louisa put her hand on his arm and tried to comfort him. “Why such a serious face? Miss Bennet won’t recognise you!”

“Please, Louisa, do not laugh at me! ‘Tis serious! What if she doesn’t want me as her suitor? What if she didn’t trust my letter? I have failed her so many times… She cannot have a good opinion of me!”

“Charles, don’t let your fear annihilate your mind and your heart. You’ve seen how she behaved when we called on her… Had she not believed your letter, she wouldn’t have stayed.” Well, even Caroline found a way to flee, on Friday! “And trust me… during her call in Grosvenor Street, she really appeared disappointed when I told her you wouldn’t come. Have faith in you and in fate!”

A hopeful and adoring look had reappeared on her brother’s face. “Do you really believe so?”

“I do! And keep this adoring look for her! She will be far more sensible to it than I.” Her grin was contagious and, when the carriage stopped, Charles Bingley had recovered his usual good-natured self.

Jane’s calm demeanour during those two days had astonished and caused the admiration of everyone in the Gardiner’s household. Its reason was fairly simple: she knew he loved her and she knew he would come. Patience was definitively one of her numerous virtues, so she was calm.

Nevertheless, when the probable hour of the so-hoped-for call drew nearer, she felt some butterflies filling her stomach. As confident as she was about her future happiness, she still owed an apology and she still dreaded the time to make it. She was with her sister, aunt and elder cousin in the drawing-room and all of them were aware of the event to come. She searched her sister’s eyes for comfort and, as usual, found the playful reassurance she needed. The sound of a walking-stick knocking on the front door was welcomed with a blush on her face and smiles on the others'.

Once the callers were introduced in the room, the welcome pronounced and Sophia had performed her best curtsey, everyone had to settle down. Mrs. Gardiner still had in mind her niece’s request about ‘isolating’ herself and Mr. Bingley out of everyone’s hearing so she showed the sofa to Mrs. Hurst for her sitting but she forbore to invite him to sit by herself. He seemed to hesitate; but Jane, who had retreated to the seats in the corner, happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her. Lizzy sat herself with her aunt, her cousin and Mrs. Hurst and asked some news about Miss Bingley’s health. It was answered as truthfully as it could and from there, they moved on to more amusing topics.

The couple was as alone as they could hope to. Both of them were quite happy with this arrangement. Charles was willing and, eventually, able to discuss with his angel. He had been waiting four days to do so and patience was not one of his virtues: he had counted every minute of them. He had been almost put out when, two days ago, after Darcy had brought his sister for tea, Hurst had adamantly requested a trip to their club. And he had not been able to come back on time to see her, talk to her and admire her.

Before being able to speak, he just watched her adoringly for a while. Jane smiled back at him, as unable to speak as he. Finally, realising something had to be said, indeed, he had so much to say, he just spoke his mind: “Miss Bennet, I’m so happy to see you. I was so disappointed when I missed you on Friday! But I had to go… How are you? You look beautiful if I may say… I’m so glad to be able to talk to you at last! Those four days without seeing you have been… I knew I would be seeing you today but I just couldn’t wait…”

The situation suited exactly Jane’s purpose. Although she could have listened for hours to Charles’s babbling, she feared their loneliness might not last and resolved on speaking as soon as he would allow her to. Soon the moment came. Hesitation in her voice, she started, “Mr. Bingley, there is one thing I’d wish to say to you.”

Charles was frightened at this introduction. He dreaded a rebuke of the feelings he had expressed in his letter and, this being their first moment ‘alone’, he saw it come. “Miss Bennet, if it is related to my letter…”

Jane was too focused on her mission to notice his uneasiness and she interrupted him: “Well, actually, it is in some way…”

“If I have offended you, I…”

“No, not at all!” Jane seemed to understand at last his meaning. “It’s quite the opposite. In fact, in your letter, you apologised for your behaviour when we met in my uncle’s warehouse. I just wish to say that I apologise too. I’d never behaved like that and I wish I’ll never again. It was unladylike and unforgivable of me.”

As Charles obviously wished to answer, she halted him with a move of her hand. “Please, let me go on. As for the other reasons you apologised for, I understand the causes of the misunderstanding. I cannot say that I don’t regret what happened and I’m afraid it has taken away some of the goodness you claimed I had but it had also made me understand some truth about the world. At two and twenty, it was probably time!”

She couldn’t end her speech, as Charles couldn’t restrain himself any more. “I’m not sure it was time or not but I’m sure that, so vast was your goodness, the remaining is still much vaster than anyone’s. I also deeply regret what happened and if you’ll let me, I plan on making you forget it and redeem myself in your eyes.”

Jane’s blush was pretty obvious and Charles’s face was also brighter than usual. After a short pause, she answered.

“Could we agree that we forget what happened in the warehouse?”

Taking a big breath, he replied, in a rush: “Only if you agree to let me court you.” At last, he had said it! He felt quite proud of himself but anxiously awaited the answer.

Her face was then crimson. Rendered speechless, she nodded her agreement.

A huge weight took off his chest and, smiling broadly, he added: “May I push my luck as far as asking you to dance the first set with me at Mrs. Umberight’s ball?”

She finally managed to voice a few words. “I’d be very happy to.”

“Would it be too much to request the honour of the supper dance too?”

To lighten the mood, Jane replied, almost coquettishly: “I know nobody in ton; if I agree, I’ll be sure to dance two dances at least!”

“Miss Bennet! You’ll be the most beautiful lady in attendance! I’m sure if I don’t get them now that I have no competitors, I won’t stand a chance to dance with you at all.”

With grinning eyes, she answered: “Mr. Bingley, you’re flattering me!”

“Not at all, Miss Bennet, I’m only stating the absolute truth. Wherever you go, you are the handsomest and the sweetest.” Charles was obviously highly convinced of his point. He was also delighted by Jane’s teasing, the Meryton Jane had never done that and, although he wouldn’t have thought it possible a minute before, he now found her even more perfect.

With a smile, she begged for a pause in his flattering comments and she tried and changed the subject. “I was very gladly surprised to learn that you would be at the Umberight ball.”

“So were we all. But I was even more surprised to learn that Darcy would be there also!”

“Why, wasn’t he invited?”

“Oh, he was! Not a mama would forget to invite him…” He stopped abruptly and blushed, taking into account whom he had been saying that to.

Understanding his unease, Jane decided to go on with her teasing. “Is that the reason why you also were invited? I’m truly glad to have accepted you as a partner for two dances! Every young lady will envy me.”

Charles’s eyes were round in surprise. O Lord, she’s even flirting with me! She’s never done that before! How she sparkles!

Witnessing his reaction, Jane felt ill at ease and with shame said: “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to offend you…”

“Offend me? How can you say so? No, no, I was just surprised. You were teasing me, right?” She nodded. “You’d never done it before. I find it… delightful.”

She blushed once again. To go back on safer grounds, he went on with their former discussion. “So Darcy was invited but he usually never comes to that kind of entertainment. As you may have noticed in Hertfordshire, he scarcely dances, and only with people he’s acquainted to. He seemed to change his mind on learning that you would be there.”

“Me? I’ve almost never spoken with him.”

“True, but he’s really ashamed of what he’s done concerning… us. As you may know, he came with me here when I brought your letter to your uncle.”

Remember the letter, she paused before answering. “Yes I know. And you think he did that to show you how much he regrets his interference?”

“I’m sure that’s why he did it and why he’ll be at the ball. There! You’ll now someone else! Here are four places already filled on your card! And anyway, I’ll always be available to fill any hole on it.”

With her angelic smile, she thanked him and the very happy couple went on with a meaningless conversation including, among other topics, Caroline’s health.

On the other part of the room, the ladies were as much busy conversing as busy throwing careful looks towards its corner. They soon understood that the situation was clarified and exchanged happy glances. After tea was drunk, Mrs. Hurst knew it was time to leave. With a look, she asked for her companion’s help and declared that they had to get back to Grosvenor Street. Then she repeated it and stood up, in order to manage to get her brother’s attention.

“Really? So soon?”

With an indulgent smile, she replied: “I don’t know if it’s so soon, Charles, but we must go.”

Now that everyone in the room but him, had stood up, he had no choice but do the same. For a farewell, he boldly took hold of Jane’s hand and softly put his lips on it. Everyone witnessed the gesture and Jane’s immediate flush but the please smiles on their face showed him that his slightly inappropriate gesture had not been unwelcome. Jane was embarrassed by it but the main reason was not that she had openly admitted he was to be her suitor. In fact she was prodigiously happy and proud of the fact. No, her unease came from the feelings that kiss had caused in her body, starting on the back of her hand and spreading to her whole. She had never felt such heat and, maybe because of the unknown pleasure it had given, it was accompanied with shame. Fortunately, nobody even suspected it and her sense of decorum was accused for the colour of her cheeks.

When the callers had gone, Sophia commented on Mrs. Hurst’s hair-dress – so fashionable, her dress – so fashionable – and her knowledge of the ton – so… fashionable! Her cousin teased her about the extent of her vocabulary and suggested that she go to search in her father’s library a book, which might help her to be more imaginative in the future. This was done good-naturedly and, as Sophia looked up to Lizzy’s spirit, very readily done.

The three remaining ladies could therefore comment on the call more freely and, without much pressure, as she was bursting with the news, Jane disclosed the agreement they had reached.

Lizzy was broadly smiling. “So he is your official suitor, then? I’m so happy for you, Jane! You deserve it.”

“Well, I don’t know if official is the right word… I mean… He hasn’t asked Papa’s consent!”

“If that’s what’s troubling you, remember that your father relies on your uncle and that Edward gave implicitly his consent by, first, authorising him to write, then giving you the letter.”

While Lizzy nodded vigorously on the good sense of the answer, Jane was thoughtful. After a short while, she agreed and went on with all the qualities of the gentleman.

Lizzy interrupted her. “Oh, Jane, take care…”

"My dear Lizzy, how, pray, can I be in danger now?"

"I think you are in very great danger of becoming as worshiping of your Mr. Bingley as Miss Darcy is of her brother."

Everyone laughed.

“My Mr. Bingley?… Indeed, my Mr. Bingley…” grinned Jane.

After faking shock, her sister and aunt renewed their laugh.

“Speaking of Mr. Darcy, Lizzy, did you know that he’ll also be at the ball? Mr. Bingley says he was very surprised to learn that and it claims it is because he wants, once again, to make up for his unfortunate intervention in…” Gathering her thoughts, she went on, more lightly. “I still wonder if he’ll single you out once again and ask you to dance with him.”

Lizzy coloured at the memory. Her sister’s previous comment of the kind had made her relive their last pairing and she could still feel the cold rage she had known then. ’Tis strange to think that the last words we exchanged were at that ball and not at all ball-room like! “Well, I haven’t seen this gentleman since the Netherfield ball. I even wonder if he remembers me. In fact, I’m pretty sure he would have completely forgotten me if it hadn’t been for you. I don’t think you can expect such an event to occur.”

“’Tis a pity. You made a handsome couple!”

Lizzy took fright at the sudden thought. “Jane! Don’t even think of matchmaking! You know my feelings about the man… Please. I am quite sufficiently happy at seeing you happy. I do not need a suitor myself.”

Jane and Madeline laughed at the very thought. “Jane, matchmaking? Come on, Lizzy, you know your sister. She has changed but not to that extent.”

Seriously, Jane added: “But Lizzy, just for my sake, do you not think you could re-evaluate him? There are good points in his favour; you’ve always overlooked them. It’s as if you’d mind having a good opinion of him.”

“Well, he has almost ruined the happiness of a most beloved sister!” Her tone was higher.

“Yes, but, eventually, his interference was for naught and he apologised to his friend for it,” Jane replied soothingly. “I have forgiven him, Lizzy, why can’t you do the same?”

Lizzy’s colours were heightened. She didn’t answer and, instead, went on with Mr. Darcy’s faults. “And what about Mr. Wickham’s misfortunes? He has reduced him to his present state of poverty. He has withheld the advantages, which were designed for him. He has deprived the best years of his life, of that independence which was no less his due than his desert. He has done all this! Doesn’t that count?”

Mrs. Gardiner tried to interfere. “From what I have heard from your uncle, I cannot believe he has done such things. Remember that you only had Mr. Wickham’s side of the story. Maybe there is more to that that you know.”

“And Lizzy, remember what Mr. Wickham told you about Miss Darcy. She’s not at all how he described her. I’m not sure I’m so inclined to believe him as trustworthy as I used to. Blame it on my new acquired scepticism if you wish, but from what I have heard, I tend to doubt his gentlemanliness.”

No niece answered her aunt's unspoken question but Lizzy knew to what recent events Jane was referring. “I’ll think about it, Jane.”

“Thank you Lizzy. Remember that we’re going to see much more often Mr. Bingley and that Mr. Darcy is his friend. We’ll surely meet him also more often. It’ll be more bearable for you if you like him more than now.”

After a pause, Lizzy confirmed: “I’ll think about it.”

The remaining of the afternoon went peacefully and happily, in Jane’s glow.

Charles’ one would have been quite sufficient to light up the carriage, should have it been night.

“So, I take it everything went well?”

“Oh, Louisa! She’s such an angel! She agreed, you know! I can’t wait for the ball…”

Louisa was a bit surprised at the news. “So, you are engaged?”

“No, no… She consented to my courting. I plan on waiting a little before proposing. I wouldn’t want to appear rushing. Waiting is a good idea, is it not?”

Cautiously, as she knew her brother, she answered: “Yes, waiting a little seems a good idea. After all, you’ve renewed the acquaintance less than a week ago.”

Very seriously, Charles agreed. “I knew it! I was clever in postponing my proposal until the ball.’

Louisa gasped at the reply. “But the ball is in two days!”

“You think it’s too long? Then I shall call on her tomorrow!”

“No, no… I meant, it’s only in two days… I thought you would wait a fortnight at least.”

It was Charles’s turn to gasp. “Two weeks? You cannot be serious! I’ve already waited far too long! I should be married with her already… No, I will not wait more than two more days.”

She knew arguing would be useless and, after all, he was not so wrong in his assertions. She smiled gently at him and listened to his feelings about his angel for the remaining of the trip.

Sow Potatoes, See What you Shall Reap, Chapter 15