When Jane Got Angry

The older woman rolled her eyes and laughed. “I would expect your valet to act like a gentleman, sir.”

Charles eyed the pair through the window. “I did speak with Harvey about it. His intentions are honorable. I have no doubt he will make her an offer, if he has not already.”

Aunt Gardiner gave Jane an amused sidelong glance. “You two are quite the matchmakers. First your servants and now Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”

Jane squirmed in her seat. “I am not convinced that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are a match that should be made, aunt.”

“I must admit,” said Aunt Gardiner, “I was a bit shocked at the notion that Mr. Darcy might propose to Lizzy.” She raised an eyebrow in Charles’s direction as if suggesting he might have been in error.

He remained unruffled. “When Darcy first confessed his love for Miss Elizabeth, I was initially quite surprised. The only way in which they seem at all alike is in their strong opinions.” Jane muffled a laugh. “But gradually I came to believe she is precisely the right woman for him.”

“Indeed?” Aunt Gardiner now raised both of her eyebrows.

“Darcy has been a prize on the marriage mart for many years and yet has resisted the charms of any numbers of women—who flatter and praise him, agreeing with his every utterance.”

“Lizzy would not do so!” Aunt Gardiner exclaimed.

“Precisely!” Charles agreed.

Jane’s thoughts had run along remarkably similar lines. “So Mr. Darcy likes her spirit—and appreciates the value of a woman who does not constantly agree with him.”

“Yes.”

Jane shivered a little despite the warmth of her pelisse. There was more at stake than she had initially believed. More than Lizzy and Mr. Darcy’s friendship. More than the happiness of Jane and Charles’s marriage. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy might lose their only chance at true happiness. “I hope we are in time.”

Charles grimaced. “Indeed.”

They exchanged worried glances, wondering what they would do if they were too late.

Chapter Nine

Finally, the carriage arrived at Rosings Park, circling the drive and stopping before the towering oak doors that marked the front entrance. The house was far grander than any Jane had ever seen; even Charles gaped for a moment.

Once he recovered his composure, he jumped from the carriage and knocked. They had all agreed that he should be the one to speak to Mr. Darcy. However, Charles hurried out of the house again within five minutes and climbed into the carriage after a brief word with the driver.

“Is Mr. Darcy not in residence?” Jane asked.

“Everyone else is having tea at Rosings Park, but Miss Elizabeth remained at the parsonage with a headache. Darcy excused himself, and Colonel Fitzwilliam believes he may be visiting Hunsford to inquire after her health.”

Jane bit her lip and exchanged a look with Charles as they shared the same thought: Mr. Darcy might take the opportunity to propose. Were they in time to prevent the imminent disaster?

As the carriage lurched into movement, Charles shook his head with a rueful chuckle. “Only Darcy would believe a woman with a headache was in the proper mood for an offer of marriage.”

Jane nodded sagely. “Indeed. Everyone knows it is best to propose when a woman is out of breath from vigorous dancing.”

They all laughed.

“The colonel did not appear to have any knowledge that Mr. Darcy had proposed already?” Jane asked Charles.

“I could hardly have asked that question, but I sensed no particular urgency or concern when he mentioned Miss Elizabeth.”

Perhaps we are in time to prevent disaster!

Hunsford Parsonage adjoined Rosings Park, but the estate was so vast that the ride still took several minutes. When the carriage arrived at the parsonage’s front door, a horse was tied nearby.

“That is Darcy’s horse,” Charles observed a bit breathlessly.

This time Jane followed Charles out of the carriage, with Aunt Gardiner hard on her heels. A rather slovenly maid admitted them and, when they inquired about Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, gestured toward the drawing room with little apparent concern about allowing strangers to roam freely. Evidently believing she had fulfilled her duty, she scurried back to the kitchen.