“For the good of our family she must,” said Bingley. “If we continue to allow her to do as she will, there may be real consequences for us all, as we have proof this very day.”
Bingley sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Bringing Caroline to heel is as onerous a notion to me as it is to you. We must control her, for her ambitions have twisted her to the point of contemplating dangerous and immoral actions to realize her dreams. That must stop.”
Louisa nodded and nestled in closer to her husband, who put an arm around her shoulders. Theirs was a strange relationship, for they did not make an obvious pair. Hurst cared for his wife and Louisa, though Bingley knew she agreed to his proposal because he was a gentleman of the highest standing who expressed any interest in her, leaned on him for support. As Louisa had informed them when she came to them about Caroline’s potential disaster, Darcy’s friendship was both a boon and a bane. Bingley would not give it up, for he esteemed his friend, but it had allowed Caroline to think better of herself and dream higher than she should.
“I shall not mention this matter to Darcy,” said Bingley at length.
“Do you suppose he would act against us?” Louisa appeared frightened.
“No, I do not suppose it,” replied Bingley. “Yet I do not wish to trouble him with it. This is an internal family matter, one thatwemust solve. Should I suspect Caroline of plotting regardless of everything we do, I shall, of course, warn him to be on his guard. But Darcy is almost always on his guard, so I do not think an additional warning now is necessary.”
“That is likely for the best,” nodded Hurst. “I am fond of Darcy, for he is a good sort. I know he is more properly your friend, but I would not lose his society.”
“Agreed,” said Bingley. “Then let us convene again should something alert us to further trouble. Until then, we should watch Caroline closely. Of greater importance, wemustassert ourselves and control her.”
At his brother and sister’s agreement, they separated, Louisa and Hurst leaving together. Bingley remained in his study for a time, thinking of the perverseness of the situation and his recalcitrant sister. If needs must, he was prepared to deal with Caroline. Yet he did not wish to do so, for she was his flesh andblood—washing his hands of her would seem like a betrayal.
With a last sigh, Bingley departed the room, eager for some occupation. Perhaps a ride would be just the thing to help him work off some excess energy.
Summer was Elizabeth’s favorite season. A lover of nature and avid walker, she could tolerate spring and autumn, except then inclement weather kept her indoors, but she detested winter as a dreary, uncouth time when she had no choice but to remain home, look out her window at the blasted land and long for warmer days. Summer was her favorite, for regardless of how hot the weather became, she always remembered winter would be upon her sooner than she wished. That simple fact reminded her to be thankful for what was before her, rather than bemoaning it if it was less than perfect.
Thus it was that she was out walking the next morning when she came across Mr. Darcy riding a tall stallion. As Elizabeth expected, the gentleman gave her a hearty greeting, asked after her family, and insisted on walking with her for a time. He was, she reflected, proving to be an ardent suitor, for all that he had only come to Hertfordshire a few days before. For a time as they walked, they spoke of inconsequential subjects, all the while Elizabeth was thinking of her discussion with Jane. After a time of this, their discourse became more interesting.
“I must wonder, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth, fixing him with a teasing grin, “if you rode out today intending to meet me.”
“That is shocking, Miss Bennet!” said the gentleman. “If you think so little of me to suspect such stratagems, I must consider this courting business a doomed proposition.”
“Oh, I do not know about that, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth offered a coy smile, surprised at her daring. “What woman does not wish for a little illicit romance in her life?”
It was clear at once that Elizabeth had made a miscalculation,for Mr. Darcy regarded her as if devouring the very sight of her. To her good fortune, he was gentle with her, for she did not know how she might have acted had returned her tease for tease.
“If that is what you wish, then I think I might be happy to offer it. As you are conscious of my feelings, you cannot doubt I will do whatever it takes to persuade you.”
“I am still shocked that your feelings survived my unkindness,” blurted Elizabeth.
“Do not call it unkindness, for it was nothing less than the truth. You were wholly justified.”
“Was I justified in accusing you regarding Mr. Wickham?”
Mr. Darcy shook his head. “That is not to what I refer, for we both understand much of what you said resulted from misunderstanding and his active attempts to defame me. I was speaking of my proposal.”
Elizabeth looked at him quizzically. “The sentiments were the honest feelings of your heart—you have proven this since then.”
“Perhaps they were,” mused Mr. Darcy. “In relating those feelings, I believe I was forthright and honest, and I do not think I was in error. Where Ididblunder was in my attitude. Would you believe I approached that day confident there was no reasonable excuse for you to decline? I have so much to offer in the way of material comforts—no woman in her right mind would refuse me!”
“It was no less than obvious, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth with a sigh, deciding there was nothing to be gained by obfuscating. “That you expected my acceptance was distinct in the way you approached me and your start of shock when I responded.”
“There!” exclaimed the gentleman. “You see? If you were not the most generous of your sex, I do not think I would have received even the level of civility you offered in your reply. Then again, if you were not so possessed of integrity, I do not doubt you would have accepted me. Our wedding date might beapproaching even now.”
“And I would make your life miserable!” said Elizabeth, eager to inject a little humor back into their discussion.
“I will refer you back to my comments about your generous nature,” said Mr. Darcy.
“Oh, I do not know, sir. Should the occasion demand it, I suspect I can be completely ungenerous.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled and shook his head. “Then, wherever this journey takes us, I shall rely on your continued liberality and your forgiveness should I err again.”
“Do you mean to remain long?” asked Elizabeth, feeling playful again.
