This is part of a little series I’ve been writing to give new insights into Bingley and Jane. In P&P, we see Jane interacting with her family, especially Elizabeth, and we have Bingley interacting with his family and Darcy. What we don’t have much of is what these two characters say to each other. That got me to wondering – what do Jane and Bingley talk about when they’re alone? Here’s a link to the vignette just before this – Bingley and Jane Discover They Have Something in Common – which shows their developing relationship after the engagement.

The decision where to spend their wedding night had not been an easy one for the Bingleys. Clearly, staying at Netherfield would have been more familiar and comfortable for Jane, but after a few hints from Mrs. Bennet that she might need to “check” on her darling daughter, the bride-to-be decided that London seemed infinitely more attractive.

Although moving to Bingleys’ home in town meant traveling on the day of the wedding, they would have more privacy and the potential for both spending time alone and enjoying the delights of London. Caroline and the Hursts would have to choose between staying at Netherfield and moving to Hurst’s family townhouse. This option also had the distinct advantage of installing Caroline, who had so far been maintaining a thin civility toward her future relatives, in another household. Bingley secretly hoped it might set a precedent. Perhaps, she would continue to spend more of her time with the Hursts and less with her brother and his new wife although he knew in all probability that was a futile hope.

The Bingleys arrived at the townhouse early in the evening on the day of the wedding. During the long carriage ride, the groom had refrained from ravishing his bride more from sheer exhaustion than any sense of propriety, although a sleeping Jane snuggled against him had proven to be more than a small temptation. Once at the townhouse, he used up what was left of his self-control to prevent himself from seizing her and rushing up the stairs to their rooms. Although he was always concerned he might alarm Jane with his ardor, he was delighted to find she seemed equally as eager as he to be alone.

Once they had settled in, a light meal was served, but neither the bride nor the groom had much appetite for food. Bingley fed small bites to Jane urging her to keep up her strength, but both were too anxious to even taste the fine fare prepared especially for them. Finally, although slightly embarrassed at the early hour, they decided to retire for the evening and let the servants think what they will. Continue reading →

Elizabeth stood behind Jane carefully pinning her hair up and patiently winding ribbons though the curls.

“This is the last time we will do this, you know,” said Lizzy. “From now on your maid Molly will be fixing your hair.”

“Lizzy, don’t be a goose. We can do this again when we visit,” Jane replied trying to cheer her sister.

“But it will not be the same.”

Just then, Kitty and Mary swept in, giggling as they gathered around.

“What do you think of our new dresses?” asked Kitty, twirling in a circle to display her new pink gown to its fullest advantage. “Mary, show them the beautiful lace on yours.”

Mary was usually the last one to be looked at or admired, and so when her sisters turned to look at her dress, the attention made her blush. Then they realized that something was different about her.

“Mary, you look lovely!” Jane exclaimed. And in fact, she did. Her hair was done more softly around her face making her look less severe. Lavender-colored ribbons, the same color as the flowers on her muslin dress, were wound artfully into her hair.

“I fixed her hair,” cried Kitty. “Did I not do a splendid job of it? For once she did not insist that I pull it back so tightly. I think it does wonders for her face. Why…”

“Please stop talking about me as if I were not here,” Mary said, clearly embarrassed at the compliments she was receiving. Continue reading →