Lizzy sat on her sister’s bed, holding Jane’s hand. The flow of tears had stopped, but Jane’s eyes were puffy and red.
“I don’t want him to see me like this.” Jane’s tight voice conveyed her misery.
Lizzy thought it would do Bingley good to see the sorrow he had caused Jane. But deferring to her sister’s sensibilities, she called for the maid.
“Barnes, please see if you can get two cucumber slices from the kitchen. They might help bring down the swelling in Miss Bennet’s eyes.”
“Of course, ma’am.” She curtseyed before departing. Her gown was a lovely sunset yellow, possibly one of Miss Darcy’s castoffs. It set off the maid’s complexion beautifully.
Once Barnes was gone, Lizzy stroked Jane’s hair. “If you wish to skip dinner, I can make your excuses.”
“No! I’m desperate to see him. I
