The company relaxed after that, conversation flowing freely. Later, they adjourned to the drawing room, where Mr. Bingley persuaded Louisa and Jane to play at lottery. Elizabeth coaxed Mary to sit beside her.
“Mary, my dear,” she said with a smile, “I know you do not often read novels, but it will be diverting to read this one together. Come, sit with me.”
They moved to a quiet corner, and Elizabeth began to read aloud. Before long, both sisters were absorbed in the tale. Half an hour later, Jane and Mr. Bingley joined them, settling nearby to listen.
Bingley interjected now and then with playful remarks and sly observations about Prince Manfred’s absurdities and the supernatural events. The laughter that followed easedall remaining tension, and the household spent a peaceful afternoon reading and conversing.
When it was time to dress for dinner, Mr. Bingley escorted the ladies upstairs and then excused himself. Jane lingered at her chamber door, watching him disappear down the corridor toward the family wing.
Elizabeth also watched as the handsome, ginger-haired gentleman retreated.
“Oh, Lizzy,” Jane sighed softly, “to have such a man for a husband would be the fulfillment of all my dreams.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied with a wry smile, “but he comes with a terrible sister. She would make you suffer until the day she married, and perhaps even afterward, during every Christmas and Easter visit.”
“Unless Mr. Bingley were to send her to live with the Hursts.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved in amusement. “Do you truly believe him capable of such firmness? He is very amiable, perhaps amiable to a fault.”
“Perhaps.”
Elizabeth’s thoughts turned to Mr. Darcy. He was formidable and decisive. He had even threatened Sir William with a lawsuit should he dare to spread a rumor. Something within her shifted. She was to marry a strong, decisive man, and she took great comfort in that thought.
The sisters dressed one another and arranged their hair. When they emerged, Mr. Bingley was waiting in the hall to escort Jane below. Elizabeth and Mary smiled at each other and followed quietly, pleased at their sister’s good fortune.
But as they entered the drawing room, Elizabeth felt a sense of dismay. Miss Bingley was there. With her flaming copper hair and striking figure, she was undeniably handsome, but her anger filled the room like a storm. The three sisters stopped at the doorway.
Mr. Bingley, who had been speaking with Jane, turned to see what held her still. Then he saw Caroline. Louisa had not yet come down. There was no way to avoid the situation; he would have to confront his sister. Hurst looked up from his newspaper and raised a brow in sympathy.
“Miss Bennet,” he said quietly to Jane, “you will excuse me, I pray.”
He crossed the room and stood before Caroline. Her eyes flashed, but he saw pain there as well as fury. He sat beside her on the edge of the couch.
“Caroline,” he said gravely, “I know you have been hurt by this sudden turn of events, but I will not tolerate rudeness to my guests. If you can behave as a gentlewoman, you are welcome to dine with us. If not, leave now. I will not endure another outburst, and I will call the footmen to escort you out if necessary.”
Caroline studied him and saw that he was determined. “I believe you are in earnest,” she said.
“I am,” he replied. “Furthermore, Mr. Darcy has invited the Hursts and us to visit Pemberley this summer. He made it clear that if you cannot conduct yourself properly, you will not be welcome. The manner in which you treat Miss Elizabeth now will decide whether you accompany us.”
She was silent, considering his words, then sighed. “I will be polite.”
“Very well. You may begin by playing for us while we await the dinner call.”
She walked to the pianoforte and began to play, and Mr. Bingley returned to Jane’s side. “Miss Bennet, come, sit with me on the settee while we wait for dinner to be served.”
Chapter 14: Darcy Travels to London
Darcy dismounted before Darcy House and handed the reins to his footman. “Rub Ares down well. He worked up a sweat on these London streets. He cannot accustom himself to the noise and traffic.” He patted his mount’s neck and then ran up the steps.
The butler opened the door. “Sir, welcome home.”
“Thank you, Higgins. It is good to be home. And Georgiana?”
“Miss Georgiana is in the music room, sir. Her music master is with her, but she will be free in half an hour.”
Darcy drew out his pocket watch. “Very well, Higgins. I shall be in my study. Send Robert to me. I must deliver a note to Richard at the barracks. I should have it ready in fifteen minutes.”
“Yes, sir.”
