“A carriage is coming up the drive, sir.” Mr. Griggs bowed as he spoke, then withdrew to await the arrival of guests at the front door.
“I had best go greet them.” Bingley stood and left the room.
Elizabeth’s nerves grew with every delicate tick of the gilt clock on the mantelpiece.. She grasped Darcy’s hand and took comfort in his steady touch.
At last, the door to the drawing room opened, and Bingley entered, followed by a handsome, dark-haired gentleman with a beautiful woman on his arm. Elizabeth at once noted a resemblance to Charles. Dressed in a fashionable travel gown that accentuated her trim figure, Miss Caroline Bingley carried herself with confidence and poise.
This was my dearest friend?Elizabeth could scarcely fathom it.
“You know Darcy, of course.” Bingley had begun introductions, and Elizabeth realized she had missed part of them whilst she was woolgathering.
“My betrothed, Miss Jane Bennet.” He took Jane’s hand and drew her gently forward. Elizabeth remained partially concealed behind Darcy. Miss Bingley’s attention had fixed upon Jane, and she greeted her future sister-in-law with an enthusiastic smile.
“And this is Jane’s younger sister, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy stepped aside as Bingley made the introduction. Miss Bingley turned—and froze. Whatever greeting she had intended to offer died on her lips. The color drained from her face, and she gave a sharp cry before collapsing into a dead faint. Her betrothed, whose name Elizabeth had missed, caught her just in time.
“If we had wagered, Elizabeth, I should have won.” Bingley looked both smug and a little chagrined.
“What is the meaning of this?” the gentleman demanded, cradling Miss Bingley’s in his arms as he carried her to a nearby chaise and laid her upon it with great care.
“Sir James, I apologize. I ought to have arranged the introduction more delicately. I knew Caroline might be startled, but I never imagined—”
“Just who is this ‘Miss Elizabeth’?” Sir James turned a dark look on her. “Something out of a nightmare I should say, judging by Caroline’s reaction just now.”
“Have a care how you address my betrothed, sir,” Darcy said coldly, stepping forward and placing a steadying hand on Elizabeth’s back. “If you would allow us but a moment to explain—”
A low moan interrupted him. Caroline stirred and put a hand to her head. “What happened?” she asked weakly.
“You had a fright, my dear. Pray, take care as you sit up.” Sir James assisted her, one hand at her back to support her, just as Darcy had done for Elizabeth.
“Charlie?” Miss Bingley looked about and caught sight of her brother. “Aunt Amelia? Is it possible?”
“I am very sorry, sister, for not giving you warning. We needed to see your honest reaction.” Chuckling, he shook his head. “You did not disappoint.”
He beckoned Elizabeth forward and stepped aside. “Look who I found in the wilds of Hertfordshire.”
Miss Bingley’s gaze lingered on Elizabeth’s face, then dropped to the brooch fastening her fichu. “Can it be so?” She pushed herself up to stand and came within half a foot of her. “How very like your mother you look.” A sob escaped her, and she promptly threw her arms around her long-lost friend.
Uncertain how to respond, Elizabeth tentatively put her arms around Miss Bingley, remaining thus until Caroline broke the embrace. Tears glistened on her cheeks as she placed her hands gently on Elizabeth’s shoulders.
“Let me look at you! I never thought to see you again—and here you are. Why did you never write?”
“It is a long story, Caroline. Shall we sit? Jane has ordered tea.” Bingley motioned to the chairs gathered around the fire. He took his betrothed’s hand and led her there.
Caroline did not leave Elizabeth’s side as they followed. When they were all settled, the entire tale was told once more, including Elizabeth’s loss of memory.
“You see, Miss Bingley, I did not know who I was until very recently.” Elizabeth gave a little shrug and bit into a biscuit.
“There will be none of that. You were Lizzy to me for eight years and so you will remain. And I beg you to call me Caroline, as you did before.” She grinned, her pleasure unmistakable. Then she turned to Darcy. “I see you have at last succumbed to the charms of a lady. Nothing could please me more than to know my dearest friend will be well settled.”
“I thank you, Miss Bingley.” Darcy shifted slightly, as though her informal address made him uncomfortable. “Elizabeth and I are very happy.”
“I am pleased to hear it. I must host everyone at my brother’s house in town whilst you pursue the matter of Elizabeth’s grandmother. That is, of course, if Charlie agrees.” She cast a pleading look at her brother.
“It would hardly be proper, Caroline—with you in residence, they may come to call as often as they like.” Bingley turned to Jane, lifting her hand and pressing another kiss to her knuckles.
“Save your displays of affection for when I am not in the room, dear brother.” Mrs. Hurst appeared in the doorway, her husband trailing behind her. “Welcome, Caroline.”
“Good day, Louisa.” The sisters’ greetings were painfully formal. It was clear that their relationship was strained and distant. Elizabeth felt a pang of sorrow for them. Her own bond with her sisters and brother was amongst the dearest things she possessed. Only Darcy held a closer place in her heart.
