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Jane waited in the hall for the dinner guests to arrive at Pemberley. They were expecting her sister Elizabeth and her new husband and sisters in law. She was ready and perhaps she was appearing too eager, but it had been weeks.
“Is anything the matter?” Mr. Darcy asked from the top of the stairs.
“Oh, no, I just wanted to see if anyone had arrived yet,” she said.
“Well, in the past, Mr. Bingley has not always been the most prompt,” he smiled. “I wouldn’t worry yourself too much.”
At that moment, they heard the sound of a carriage approaching, and the housekeeper went to check on the maids, while the footmen emerged and stepped outside to help the arriving party.
Jane took her husband’s arm and they stepped out the door to greet their guests.
The dinner was a happy occasion, and as they sat around the evening, the discussion continued.
“Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley said. “Do you know when Miss Darcy might be returning from visiting her friends in Ireland? It was such a pity that she was away for your wedding.”
“Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth whispered to Jane.
“That’s Mr. Darcy’s sister,” Jane explained. “She’s been visiting friends in Ireland.”
Elizabeth nodded.
Mr. Darcy had obviously listened in on their whispering, and paused before replying.
“She will likely remain through Easter,” he said. “Perhaps a little longer, depending on how she feels.”
“Well, please let her know she has been missed,” Miss Bingley said. “She ought to meet her new sister, after all.”
Jane smiled. “I am looking forward to meeting her, but I would not want her to interrupt her visit on my account.”