Page 142 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

None of them looked chastened. Georgiana carried herself with more confidence than she had possessed that morning, Anne showed no sign of regret, and Darcy seemed relieved by Lady Catherine’s absence rather than troubled by whatever had passed between them. Bingley entered behind the others with spirits that no family quarrel had diminished.

Caroline looked past them. “Where is Lady Catherine?”

“She has returned to Rosings,” Darcy said.

The answer confirmed enough, but Bingley supplied the rest before Caroline could ask.

“Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh will remain with us,” he said. “I have offered them rooms for as long as they please.”

Caroline’s attention moved to Darcy. He had permitted his sister to remain in Hertfordshire after Lady Catherine’s departure, which meant the breach had not ended with harsh words at Longbourn.

“An excellent arrangement,” Louisa said as she came into the hall.

Caroline smiled because the servants were watching. “Of course. Miss Darcy knows she may command us.”

Georgiana glanced at her brother before answering. “I hope I shall command no one.”

“A guest’s wishes amount to commands in a well-run house.”

“Then I shall have few wishes.”

Hurst presented himself at the drawing-room door with a glass in his hand. “Did she take anyone with her?”

“No,” Anne said.

“Then Rosings has lost all hope of order.”

Anne smiled. Darcy did not, but the words eased the strain around his mouth.

Bingley began giving orders for rooms, fires, and supper, while Darcy offered his arm to Anne. Georgiana thanked Bingley for his kindness with a warmth that made him beam. Caroline remained in the hall because she could not trust herself to join the procession. Hurst watched the others climb the stairs, finished his drink, and glanced at her.

“You look as if Lady Catherine took your luggage by mistake.”

“She has made matters worse.”

“That type often does.”

Caroline turned on him. “You find this amusing.”

“I find most family quarrels amusing when they are not mine.”

“It will become yours if Charles marries Jane Bennet.”

Hurst considered the threat and shrugged. “Miss Bennet is pleasant, and Longbourn feeds its guests.”

“That is the extent of your judgment?”

“It is enough for marriage in many families.”

Darcy turned to Hurst. “Did my message reach the house?”

“It did. Lady Catherine’s carriage passed the gates before anyone could deliver it.”

“I expected as much.”

Hurst glanced toward the drive. “She did not appear in a temper that welcomed correspondence.”

Caroline left him before anger made her careless and entered the drawing room, where the signs of Lady Catherine’s visit remained in a shifted chair and an untouched cup. The room looked as it had that morning, though everything Caroline depended on had changed.