“Yes. Your house, your establishment, your place in society. What our parents intended for you?”
Mrs. Hurst nodded slightly. “One must consider expectations.”
Caroline continued, “You will be expected to move in a wider circle – to receive – to host – to be observed.” She paused. “Can Miss Bennet do this?”
Bingley’s expression altered again – uncertainty deepening.
“She has never been in London,” Caroline went on. “She has had no season – no experience of society beyond a small neighbourhood.”
“She may learn,” he said, though without full conviction.
“Perhaps. But will she wish to? Will she be equal to it? Or will she shrink from it – and leave you exposed to every observation?”
Bingley was silent.
Caroline lowered her voice. “You are on the brink of engaging yourself for life.”
He drew a breath.
“And if you are mistaken – if she does not feel for you what you suppose – what then?”
He did not answer. For a moment, his usual openness seemed entirely subdued.
“I would not see you unhappy,” she added more softly. “Nor bound where you are not truly valued. It would be better,” she concluded, “in every respect, to leave.”
The door opened. Darcy entered. He paused, taking in the scene at a glance.
“Bingley.”
Bingley turned to him quickly – almost with relief. “Darcy, you are come in good time.”
Darcy’s gaze moved briefly to the sisters, then returned to his friend. “I hope I do not interrupt.”
“On the contrary,” said Bingley. “I should be glad of your opinion.”
Caroline’s composure tightened.
Darcy remained still. “On what subject?”
Bingley hesitated.
“I have been told,” he said slowly, “that I may have mistaken… appearances.”
Darcy did not immediately answer.
“That I may not have sufficient reason,” Bingley continued, “to suppose myself… particularly regarded.”
A brief silence followed.
Darcy spoke at last. “When you left, you were not so uncertain. So much so, you wanted me to let her know that you would be delayed.”
Bingley looked at him, uncertain, troubled.
“What has altered since then?”
Bingley drew a breath. “I do not know what to think.”
Darcy regarded him steadily.
