Peace and Quiet {tag: Lizzie}

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane sat on the window seat looking outside with sketch book in hand of the room she shared with her most beloved sister Lizzie. Jane was never the sort to champion herself to others or demonstrate her accomplishments so precious few people had any idea of Jane’s love for art, let alone her penchant for drawing. Most of Jane’s pocket money went towards sketchbooks and charcoal pencils and she had folios filled with different sketches that were never allowed to be seen by the outside world. Apart from herself, Lizzie was the only one allowed to ever glimpse her artwork for Jane found it to be intensely remedial in practice and hardly worth anyone’s notice.

Although she sat with a half finished portrait of a sparrow sitting on a tree branch in her lap, she found herself unable to focus on her intended amusement with dreaded thoughts of her mother floating around in her head. It had been mere days since Mr. Bingley’s letting of Netherfield Park and Mrs. Bennet had already spoke of near nothing else but his marrying one of her girls, specifically Jane. Now Jane was not at all adverse to the idea of love, no rather she longed for it. Jane was a highly romantic girl by nature and her dearest hope and desire was to become a wife and a mother. But she wished for it to happen organically, not because her mother forced her upon any man that would have her.

So when Mrs. Bennet had begun to formulate plans in order to parade her in front of Mr. Bingley at the next public assembly Jane had remained silent on the subject but there was clearly a pained expression in her eye whenever it was spoken of. Jane hated to be paraded around like a finely painted peacock and wished to blend quite seamlessly into the background. But it never ended up happening that way. So Jane bore the embarrassment in silence, with the most sincere hope that she would never be associated with the same vulgarity that her mother displayed on a regular basis.

When she heard the door open quietly she leaned back against her perch and turned her head to smile at her sister fondly. Of all her sisters Jane was by far the closest with Lizzie and they had managed over the years to forge their own alliance against the embarrassment that their family could cause. Jane could never hide from Lizzie, she always managed to find her whenever Jane drifted away from the main activity of the house. Closing her sketchbook discreetly so that her sketches would not be observed she set them off to the side before addressing her sister. “ I see you have found me dearest sister.” she observed fondly with a sparkle in her eye.


“ Is Mama still talking of the assembly?” she asked curious if she had missed any plans she needed to be aware of.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

The noise from the downstairs drawing room was unbearable, what with Kitty and Lydia wailing about not having new dresses, Mary practicing her scales fortissimo, and their mother, poor Mrs Bennet, bemoaning the fact that Mr Bennet would be so cruel as to not pay the newly settled Mr Bingley a visit. Lizzie could hardly hear her own thoughts, let alone enjoy her tea with such ridiculousness going on around her.

A worn book lay are her side, tempting her to peruse its pages, but with the hammering of the pianoforte, and the sad lamenting of her mother, Lizzie found she could not endure the room for much longer.

“Mama,” she said dourly, placing her teacup back on its saucer, “we shall see this Mr Bingley at the assembly, regardless of whether or not Papa calls upon him.”

Still, her words were ignored as Lydia snatched up Mary’s sheet music, complaining shrilly at the noise. The voices in the drawing room only grew louder, and Lizzie knew now that it was time to quit the downstairs in favor of finding her elder sister.

There were only a few places where Jane could be hiding on a day such as this; a late morning with sun, but with just enough bite to the wind where it was better to stay indoors. If Jane was not suffering through her mother’s nerves in the drawing room, then she most certainly would be in their room upstairs, sketching by the window.

Their bedroom door was open just enough that Lizzie could see her sister quietly drawing, though she could not see what exactly was taking shape on the page. Jane was always very open with her, sharing her secrets and her thoughts, but she had always seemed rather protective of her love of art, and Lizzie did not want to impede on her dear sisters privacy. There were times that the elder would reveal her sketches, images of the trailing garden flowers and the birds that nested in the barn, drawn with such care and precision that Lizzie almost envied her sister’s talent, but at the hesitant look on her Jane’s face, she could only smile genuinely.

But now, tucking the papers away, Jane appeared to be more subdued that usual. Lizzie knew that her mother’s forceful opinions were weighing heavily on the eldest Bennet daughter, and so, smiling softly to herself, Lizzie had taken it upon herself to brighten her sister’s mood.

“I see you have found me dearest sister. Is Mama still talking of the assembly?” Jane asked. The curiosity in her tone was tinged with the slightest threads of exasperation, threads only Lizzie would manage to notice.

“Does she talk of little else?” Lizzie remarked, perching on the edge of the bed with a wry smile, but seeing the look on Jane’s face, promptly dropped it, “Oh, perhaps that is unkind, and yet you must agree with me, dear Jane, as you know how very frivolous they can all be downstairs. Mama is quite put upon that Papa will not visit Mr Bingley. Papa, in turn, is locked in his study. As for the girls, well… it was difficult not to hear them, hmm?”

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Upon Mr. Bennet’s death each one of the fair Bennet sisters would be turned out onto the streets. This was a fact that not one of the Bennet sisters were ever allowed to forget thanks to Mrs. Bennet’s constant reminders. In order for them to be saved from almost certain poverty one or all of the Bennet sisters must marry well so that they could provide for the rest. Mrs. Bennet, for reasons far beyond Jane’s understanding singled her out to accomplish this task in order to save the family. That constant pressure was one Jane bore in silence but it wore at her mind more than she cared to admit.

The problem was Jane was not capable of the guile necessary to broker an advantageous match for any reason other than love. Kindness and virtue were traits she possessed in her nature, not manipulation and deceit. Jane’s only hope to save the family from poverty was to fall in love. Therefore she was of almost no use to Mrs. Bennet’s grand plans although she did not realize it.

So when she saw her sister enter her room she tried to paste a pleasant smile on her face and shield her sister from her gloomy thoughts. When Lizzie commented about Mama’s talk of the assembly Jane smiled almost ruefully at her sister.
“ Oh Lizzie, you know she only has our best interests at heart.” she commented softly although she knew that what Lizzie said was quite true. Mrs. Bennet might act rather ridiculous but there was no denying that she loved her girls more than anything in the world.

“ Do you think Mr. Bingley is truly as wonderful as the rumors in town make him out to be, Lizzie?” she asked with a hopeful look on her face. From their weekly visits to Meryton Jane had heard numerous rumors in regard to Mr. Bingley’s manners and general character. From what she had garnered Mr. Bingley was an exceptional gentleman of an upstanding nature and exceedingly generous.

Although Jane was never one to be in want of a dancing partner or a conversation at public assemblies, Jane had scarecely allowed herself to be involved with a man beyond a mere acquaintance. Seven years ago, when she had been no more than Lydia’s age she had had her heart broken by a man she had thought she was incredibly in love with. She had been young and foolish and believed his idyllic verses that proclaimed his love for her. It had been thought that he would make her an offer of marriage but instead he had left rather suddenly without reason or explanation. Jane had never quite recovered from the hurt.

“ Perhaps he will finally be the one to catch your eye, dear sister.” she teased playfully thinking that surely Mr. Bingley would fall in love with Lizzie or one of her other sisters.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

In the light pouring in through the bedroom window, Lizzie could see the tiredness in her sister's blue eyes. While the novelty of having a new, unmarried gentleman in the neighborhood usually meant excitement for the rest of Meryton, it only managed to signify pressure on poor Jane. As eldest daughter, the duty unfortunately fell to her to acquire the smartest of matches—and in the case of the Bennet family, this meant securing a husband with enough of a fortune to protect the interests of her sisters and mother upon the death of their father.

Lizzie knew, from late night conversations and secret whispers, that Jane wished, most keenly, to marry for love. Their mother had placed such an importance on the idea of finding a wealthy man of consequence to marry, that Lizzie knew her sister felt torn between her heart and her head when it came to the subject of matrimony.

Even Jane, who was kindness and humility embodied, could not fall on her sword for the sake of the family. In turn, Lizzie had already committed, albeit halfheartedly, to the idea of a life of spinsterhood, should she not ally herself for the sole purpose of deepest affection. This entail business was of a messy kind, and Lizzie could see no good coming from it, should not either her sister or herself fall in love.

“Do you think Mr. Bingley is truly as wonderful as the rumors in town make him out to be, Lizzie?” Jane had asked, glancing out the window with the strangest of looks in her eyes.

Twisting her lips thoughtfully, Lizzie could only dance around the subject.

"Well he must be, if he has enraptured all of Meryton thus far! A man who brings twelve ladies and seven gentleman—as Lydia exaggerates—must be the finest of men!"

Jane laughed softly, and Lizzie's lips quirked up in a wry grin.

“Perhaps he will finally be the one to catch your eye, dear sister.”

Lizzie found herself laughing this time.

"I am quite certain that this Mr Bingley will be far too enraptured by you, Jane, to even turn his gaze my way. It is no secret that you are much handsomer than I—oh, don't object dear sister, I bear you no ill will—and I have quite the suspicion that you both will be quite taken with each other; that is, if what Charlotte Lucas tells me is correct about this gentleman."

As a comfortable silence fell, and the smiles on their faces slowly dimmed, Lizzie turned to study her sister carefully.

"But enough about Mr Bingley, for it is silly to talk of men we have not met. Are you truly well, dear Jane? You should not let this business of the entail bother you; you are of your own heart and mind, it is not up to Mama to force you into marriage. Surely you know this."

[MISS JANE BENNET]

When Lizzie claimed that Jane was far handsomer than she, Jane immediately started to object but Lizzie interjected on her behalf before she could get a word out. Mrs. Bennet had always been one to single Jane out as the handsomest of the Bennet sisters yet Jane disagreed entirely. She thought all her sisters to be beautiful in their own way, for who could measure beauty by external looks alone? But she especially thought Lizzie to be the treasure of the family. Not only was she lovely on the outside, with fierce eyes and dark hair but she had an inner beauty that allowed her to light up the room with her sheer presence.

“Oh Lizzie you know that is not true. Mama should not claim such things for they are certainly a falsehood if I’ve ever heard one. Each of us is beautiful in their own way.” she said scolding her sister gently. Jane might be the standard for beauty but Lizzie was the exception and Jane thought that any man would be lucky to claim her as a mate. Although Jane would always champion her sisters as the beauties they were she could deny the flush of pleasure in her face when Lizzie spoke of Charlotte believing that she and Mr. Bingley would get along well together.

When Lizzie spoke of the entailment Jane chuckled softly. Of course there was no hiding her true thoughts from Lizzie for she knew her better than anyone else. “ I am quite well Lizzie. “ she murmured softly her thoughts drifting again towards the entail. “Oh I know I am of my own heart and mind. Does not this business frighten you as well? Mama speaks of near nothing else.” Jane asked earnestly.

Jane had begun to entertain the notion that perhaps her own future happiness could be laid aside in favor of providing a future full of happiness for her sisters. Perhaps because Jane possessed a more compassionate nature than that of her younger sisters, save for Lizzie was why Mrs. Bennet believed herself able to manipulate Jane into falling on the sword for the good of the family. Jane wanted to believe that her own happiness could be garnered by providing the means for her younger sisters to achieve domestic felicity. But she knew ultimately that it would never be the case.

“ You know my deepest and most hopeful desire is to marry for affection. I care not a whit for fortune or connections, I would be quite content being the wife of a butcher rather than of a gentleman if it was a match based on affection. But Mama is quite persistent Lizzie and I know not how to keep putting her off. Retreating now seems my only option.” she said gesturing around the room that they both regarded as their safe haven.

Jane was never one to stand up for herself. A trait that Jane abhorred about herself but rather admired about Lizzie. Lizzie was never one to let their mother manipulate her or any other for that matter. Jane could not stand conflict and was despondent when someone was mad at her. Jane’s answer to that shortcoming was to simply retreat, through silence and a pained expression in her eye. Or by quite literally retreating from the conflict and going off by herself. That was how she had come to love drawing so much, it was her release. She could wander away for a few precious moments by herself and put her feelings on paper that she was unable to express in words.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

While Jane's words chastised her gently for her self-effacing remarks, the flush of pleasure on the elder sister's cheeks from their talk of Mr Bingley was not lost on Lizzie, and she tucked away her own secret smile. Jane could not be convinced otherwise, on Lizzie's opinions of appearance, but as her sister was the kindest woman in the world, Lizzie could expect nothing less from her.

Lizzie's appearance was hardly a concern to her. She felt that there was so much more to her person than the shape of her face, or the pallor of her skin; wit, intelligence, that was what she had in abundance, that was what she had to offer as a marital prospect. She had not meant to sound bitter, because that could not be farther from the truth. Jane's loveliness was well-deserved, and it often brought her vexations, mainly through their mother, that Lizzie certainly did not envy. No, she would much rather be considered Jane's plainer sister with the lively manner, than to be deemed handsome and suffer under her mother's force. And suffer she would.

Their familial situation, should they not marry highly, did not bode well--and this was something that Mrs Bennet did not let them forget. Perhaps foolishly, Lizzie had promised herself that she would not marry unless compelled by love. She would not, could not, endure a marriage without true respect and devotion. But still, the thought of the entail was disheartening, despite her own attempts at making light.

"The entail," Lizzie began diplomatically, "is not the happiest of circumstances, to be sure. And, since I have declared that only the deepest admiration and affection shall move me to accepting any proposal, I fear that I am more suited to an unmarried life. I believe I have made no secret of this. Oh, how Mama shall disapprove!" She laughed, folding her hands in her lap.

Seeing the distressed look on her sister's face, her words of retreat echoing around them, Lizzie frowned. It was terrible indeed that the pressure of their mother was felt so keenly by her sister. If anyone deserved felicity in marriage, it was Jane. And even Lizzie, who desperately wished for her sister's happiness, could not take her place in their mother's eyes as the Bennet daughter who would save them from this horrible entail business.

And yet, all was not lost. There was at least one new and unmarried gentleman in Meryton, and even if this Mr Bingley was deemed unsuitable, perhaps there would be someone in the militia that would catch Jane's—or even Lizzie's—eye. A regimental soldier would be highly received by their mother, who often told stories of her uniformed first love.

Lizzie managed another grin and leaned towards Jane conspiratorially to reveal all of this.

"I would not give up just yet, Jane. After all, there is still this mysterious Mr Bingley to become acquainted with. Perhaps you shall meet the desires of your heart--and Mama's, by bewitching the new master of Netherfield Park. A match of affection and affluence. I daresay she will be very well pleased. Or a militia man! I hear that the regiment has settled in Meryton for some time. Lydia is quite beside herself with excitement. I would not let Mama worry you, dear sister. I would not give up on finding happiness just yet."

[MISS JANE BENNET]

When Lizzie spoke of the entailment and the declaration that she was more suited for unmarried life Jane felt pangs in her heart for her sister. A constant source of worry for Jane was the future happiness of Lizzie. Much like only Lizzie knew Jane’s true feelings and the real her, Jane felt that she was one of the few privileged to know the real Lizzie. Jane wished most desperately and earnestly that Lizzie would find all the happiness in the world. As of right now Jane knew that there was no man in Meryton that was worthy or even deserving of Lizzie’s heart but Jane couldn’t help but hope that that particular circumstance would change.

“ Officers! Oh Mama would be pleased. I daresay we shall have our work cut out for us, especially if Lydia is eyeing one of them for her future mate.” Jane joked playfully. In truth they probably would have their work cut out for them in making sure that Lydia and Kitty didn’t embarrass them once the regiment infiltrated society. Lydia and Kitty had proven to be nearly as bad as Mrs. Bennet in constantly making a spectacle of themselves while among polite society. Jane and Lizzie had been forced to retreat and distance themselves from their younger sisters as well lest their own reputations become tarnished.

Jane couldn’t help but wonder if that was what had driven her first beau away, her family’s general ridiculousness or perhaps it was she herself that had done something wrong. Jane had believed all those idyllic verses that spoke of his love for her and the future they would have together. Looking back upon it now, Jane knew it was an infatuation and not real love. Had it been true love, real love, there wouldn’t have been any obstacle that would have kept them apart.

And much as she had feelings of trepidation regarding the newly arrived Mr. Bingley she couldn’t help but be filled with hope that perhaps he would like her. Or she would like him. Jane was wasn’t expecting anything but she could hope. There wasn’t anything wrong with that.

Jane couldn’t help but smile when Lizzie counseled her not to give up quite yet. Lizzie was not only her sister but her best friend and Jane couldn’t help but be so thankful that they were this close. “ I do not believe myself capable of bewitching anyone my dear sister. But I shall take your counsel to heart and not give up quite yet. But I must ask you to make the same promise.” she said with an encouraging look at her sister.

She knew that Lizzie was quite content to be alone should she not marry for affection. Chuckling she looked away and looked back at her sister with a twinkle in her eye. “ Otherwise , I shall abandon any thought of matrimony and depart most willingly with you into the world of spinster hood where we shall be desperately poor but the most happy spinsters ever to be found. And Mama shall disapprove of us both.” she joked playfully.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

In discussing the officers, Lizzie could see her sister's spirits lifting, and felt her own do the same. It would be of great import for the two eldest sisters to keep the younger ones from disgracing their family by foolishly flinging themselves at any man in a red coat. However, that did not mean that neither she nor Jane had to ignore the officers themselves. Her mother would be beside herself with happiness if any of her daughters managed to ensnare an officer. A marriage to one in the regiment would ease the strain of their poor mother's nerves, if nothing else.

“If these officers, along with Mr Bingley and his innumerable guests, shall attend the next Meryton assembly, well, I say that Mama shall be quite pleased. And, my dear Jane, I admit that I shall be pleased as well, if not extremely diverted at the entire spectacle. There is sure to be no lack of ridiculousness in such a gathering. You know how dearly I love a good spectacle.”

While the laughter had flowed between them, Lizzie knew better than to expect Jane to be distracted by humor. When the eldest begged her to follow her own advice and not give up on obtaining happiness, Lizzie could not help but encourage the growing smile on her lips and concede.

She had watched Jane, several years prior, believe herself in love with a man who had offered her little more than love poems and flowery speeches. If that was love, Lizzie had declared to herself at the time, then she certainly wanted nothing to do with it. Love was... so much more than the soft bloom of affection. It was more than lust, more than obligation. Love was respect and passion and companionship—it was deeper than anything she could imagine at sixteen. And when Jane had been left alone, nursing a wounded heart and pride, Lizzie knew that it would take far greater than a declaration of affection to entice her into marriage.

“Oh Jane, you have always known me far too well. I do not deserve such a sister! But very well, I shall endeavor to take both of our words to heart. It certainly will do no ill to try, and so try I shall,” She promised, eyes revealing more than her words.

With such darker matters aside, Lizzie was content to simply converse with her sister about the excitement of the upcoming assembly and the introduction of so many new and eligible men into the neighborhood. Lizzie trusted no one else to her true opinions on such matters, and it wonderful to have someone, to have Jane, to confide in.

“I do believe that this next assembly will be one of great remembrance” Lizzie concluded, “and in fact, I find that I quite look forward to it. Should I only dance a single dance, I shall consider the evening a success, if there is amusement abound with so many newcomers to the neighborhood.”

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane giggled when her sister declared the assembly to be a great spectacle. She was undoubtedly correct in these assumptions. Jane could see the night unfolding before them. No doubt Mrs. Bennet would drink to much and Mr. Bennet would spend the duration of his evening attending to her needs. Mary would spend the evening sitting in a corner moaning about the spectacle. But Lydia and Kitty would be the bane of their existence. Swooning at every man that gave them a passing glance. “ It shall be a sight.” she agreeing with her sister whole heartedly. But the true spectacle of the evening would be the countless number of eligible ladies clambering over themselves to
meet Mr. Bingley.

Jane would be at the forefront of this spectacle but not of her own choosing. Mrs. Bennet would lead the charge and push Jane in front of him. Jane merely hoped that he would not be to mortified by her mother and she could retreat into the assembly with some shred of dignity left.
Since she had had her heart broken some years earlier.

Jane had become somewhat wary of letting anyone in. She had pleasant manners and a friendly smile but it was rare for Jane to truly confide in someone other than Lizzie. At these assemblies it was true Jane was rarely in want of a partner but it was due more to her face than anything she said. Jane’s deepest desire was to meet someone who cared as much for what she had to say as how she looked. It disgusted her somewhat that these men cared nothing for her other than her appearance.

“Oh yes, I undoubtedly agree. Do not worry dear Lizzie, I shall make it my singular endeavor to procure a partner for you that evening” Jane promised merrily. Jane was always exceptionally fond of dancing. And she knew that Lizzie had a preference for it as well. She remembered as children that the Bennet girls had practiced with each other as partners so they would be ready for when they came of age. Thankfully now they had outgrown that stage in their lives and now attended balls for real.

“ Have you decided upon a gown? Mama is of the singular mind I should wear the pale pink gown with the matching ribbon. She believes it will catch the great Mr. Bingley’s eye. What of your green one? It emphasizes your eyes.” Jane suggested, turning the topic to one of more worldly amusements.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

Despite being rather determined in her independence, and quick to make light of parties and social gatherings, Lizzie was quite looking forward to the upcoming assembly in Meryton. She knew, from past experiences, that there was to be no taming of her two youngest sisters, and Mary—poor Mary—played at each assembly, regardless of whether or not she had been urged to present her talents. Because of this, Lizzie knew she had very little reason so be as eager as she was, but she could just tell that this assembly was to be one that Meryton had not seen in quite some time.

“Have you decided upon a gown? Mama is of the singular mind I should wear the pale pink gown with the matching ribbon. She believes it will catch the great Mr. Bingley’s eye. What of your green one? It emphasizes your eyes.”

Jane’s voice brought her out of her reverie, and she considered her sister’s query thoughtfully.

“The green one would have been my choice as well, but Kitty has taken the sash from it and I don’t know if it has been put to pieces, or can even be salvaged. Papa will give the girls no money for gowns and I fear the only ones to suffer from it are we eldest sisters,” Lizzie lamented with the barest threads of exasperation laced through her words, but then brightened, “Ah, but Lydia has a new ribbon, perhaps I can convince her that her poor elder sister needs more help in looking her best. Do you think she will be fooled?”

Her own laughter warmed the room, and Lizzie had her fill before turning to Jane with an easy smile.

“The pink gown is lovely, of course, and Mama’s stout opinions are,” she searched for words, “…always stemmed from the utmost concern and love, but what matters to me is whether or not you are decided on it. I think the whole room will be enchanted no matter what gown you choose, dear Jane.”

As Jane looked towards their shared wardrobe, Lizzie leaned against the bedpost, eyes unseeing and smile lifting secretly as she imagined the assembly from the scattered reports that were enrapturing the locals.

Twelve ladies and seven gentlemen, the best that London had to offer, packed into the Meryton assembly hall, becoming acquainted with all of the local gentry—it was almost too impossible to picture. There must be some truth to it, surely not so many in attendance with this Mr Bingley, but how many? And how many of these attended under duress? Lizzie found herself stifling a sputtering laugh with the back of her palm, and Jane could only look up at her younger sister, bewildered.

“Oh Jane, if Papa had any stomach for society, I do believe he would be just as excited about the assembly as the rest of us!”

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane chuckled slightly when she heard of Kitty’s doings. “ Ah I see Kitty has been making the rounds. Between your sash and my gloves and shawl Kitty shall be the bell of the ball.” she joked playfully. Gowns were a terrible expense for one daughter let alone five and Jane couldn’t blame Papa for not wanting to give the money. An added advantage to being one of five sisters was the expanded wardrobe. Although the girls were somewhat varied in sizing it was common practice for them to borrow from each other.

When Lizzie made comment of Lydia’s ribbon she smiled. “ Well as always dear sister you are welcome to anything of mine you wish.” she offered with no thought to herself or what she might be left with. As the eldest daughter it was often Jane who received new things and her sisters had to make do with her hand me downs. So she had taken to lending much of her items in order to make her younger sisters feel special.

“ Well Mama clearly knows best my darling sister. I am surprised she has not already made her suggestions on what you are to wear to the assembly as well. No doubt if she could present us both to Mr. Bingley our chances would be doubled!” she joked playfully. With such a large catch as Mr. Bingley she was sure that Mrs. Bennet would be just as happy if Mr. Bingley married Lizzie as she would if Jane married him.

“ A shame he could muster more excitement. But he does have Mama’s poor nerves to contend with. And no doubt she has enough excitement for the two of them!” Jane joked pressing her hand to her forehead in an imitation of their mother when the troubles of the world seemed to much for her.

“ I do say we shall pale in comparison to these London ladies my dear sister. What a spectacle to see them in their fine gowns and their refined London manners. Can you imagine the balls they must attend at Grover’s square?” she asked thoughtfully. Jane and Lizzie had not had much chance to travel in their lives and when the opportunity arose it was usually Lydia or Kitty that seized the opportunity.

Now Jane didn’t mind the country. In fact she loved her home most dearly. But she sometimes wished for a grand adventure all her own. What a sight a London ball must be! Or perhaps getting to attend the opera. But for Jane it was more a pipe dream than anything else she had consigned herself to living in Meryton for the rest of her days.