Jane waved the letter at Elizabeth in the parlor and sighed. “It seems the whole of our acquaintances in London wish to come to Hertfordshire for the summer. I would not refuse the Matlocks nor the Darcys since they are your family too.”
Elizabeth took the missive and read it quickly. She ought to have guessed Lady Matlock could not resist making a nuisance of herself. “We could arrange for them to stay at the inn in Meryton but that would not be very charitable, would it?”
Jane laughed. “It would not be charitable, but it may be sensible. I cannot imagine hosting her under my roof after the way she has treated you.”
“She has done some nice things.” Elizabeth offered.
“Such as,” Jane prompted and sat to do her knitting.
“Well, she got our sisters in hand for my ball. For once, it was someone other than Lydia or Kitty causing a scene.” Elizabeth still could hardly believe that truth.
Jane found it hard to believe as well. “I cannot imagine my sisters behaving at a ball. It defies all logic. And yet, if she could agree to such a task, perhaps there is a future where the two of you are no longer at odds.”
Elizabeth had hoped for such a thing but had not gone so far as to believe it might ever happen. “The woman is hot and cold but you never know which you will get when dealing with her. ’Tis maddening Jane! Almost as difficult as dealing with Mother.”
The sisters grew quiet as they each focused on their work. The laughter of their children in the hallway easily distracted them for it was too lovely a day to remain inside knitting.
“Let us take them on a picnic, Jane. Have Cook arrange some simple fare and Mr. Harley will come along. We shall sit beside the pond between Netherfield and Longbourn and let the children put their feet in the water.”
Mr. Harley had entered the parlor and caught Elizabeth’s enthusiasm. “Such a splendid idea, Mrs. Fitzwilliam! The children are eager to explore.”
By the time the party was assembled, it had grown to include a footman, the Bingley’s nanny, baby Sophia, and the stable boy. Mr. Harley wished to have Richard and Rose take turns on a gentle pony from the stables and Jane wanted the baby along so they might enjoy their picnic for an extra hour or two.
The afternoon was the perfect one for such an adventure; not too hot, nor overcast. The children could hardly be made to sit and eat with the promise of pony rides looming. Elizabeth took them both in hand. “If you do not finish your luncheon, the pony shall remain riderless and content to graze the grass.”
The children would not risk such an outcome and so finished their plates.
Elizabeth and Jane, contented with their spots on the blanket Mr. Harley had spread for them, watched their children led about on the pony for the better part of an hour.
When Major Wickham appeared on horseback, both were startled but Jane stood and went to speak with him. Elizabeth wondered whether he had been to Netherfield or Longbourn. Unable to ignore the man any longer, she stood as Jane led him to their blanket.
“The major saw us as he rode toward Netherfield, Lizzy. I asked him to join us.”
Jane would be so kind but Elizabeth could not fault her. Though they both knew of the major’s past, Mr. Harley and a footman provided a measure of comfort against any reservations they might hold.
“Major Wickham, so nice to see you again,” Elizabeth said and stood blocking the way to the blanket. She hoped he might leave.
“I am pleased to have met you here for I would have been disappointed to have arrived at Netherfield to find you had gone out.” His smile and the way he moved closer to her irritated Elizabeth.
“It was such a lovely day we decided to bring the children out for a picnic. I’m certain there is something left to eat if you would like to sit with us.” Jane motioned toward their blanket but the major declined.
“I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Bingley, but I wanted to speak with Elizabeth. I have received some news that might change both our futures.”
Elizabeth thought the man exaggerated but she agreed to walk with him and called the footman to join them.
Major Wickham offered his arm but Elizabeth avoided it as she had the day she and her sisters had come upon him in Meryton. She did not notice the irritation in his voice at her rebuff.
“Elizabeth, you seem indifferent now and not very friendly as in the past. Have I offended? I certainly would never want to upset you with my actions.”
He seemed contrite but Elizabeth did not wish to soothe him. “I came to Hertfordshire for peace, Major. I do not wish for courtship or to have my future altered. I have a son to care for and the paternal side of his family would love to have him under their care.”
Major Wickham became excited. “Then you will see why I rushed to your side when I received my news. I am going to resign my commission, Elizabeth. We can be together. I could be a father to your boy. The Matlocks could not take him from you if you marry.”
Elizabeth could not believe her ears. “Why would you resign? And why would you think it would be so easy to offer for me? I asked that we remain friends but you will not respect my wishes. I could never marry a man for convenience and I do not love you.”
Major Wickham appeared shocked by her answer. Instead of begging her, he turned angry and delivered his own shocking statement. “You will regret this day, Elizabeth, very deeply. I could have been a wonderful husband for you.”
He turned and marched back the way they had come. When Jane spoke to him, he ignored her and mounted his horse swiftly. Elizabeth was pleased to see him go but his angry words rang in her ears.