Page 153 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“And now you intend to use its behavior as proof.”

“I need no help from Sarah to understand what I saw.”

“You saw me lose my balance.”

“I saw Mr. Darcy step aside before you could reach him.”

Caroline’s composure slipped.

Bingley looked at Louisa. “Did you know?”

“No.”

“You suspected something.”

“I knew she would not accept what happened yesterday. I did not know what she intended.”

Caroline laughed once, without humor. “How convenient.”

Louisa faced her. “You told me that preference was not the only means by which a woman might secure a man.”

Bingley’s expression changed.

Caroline stared at her sister.

Louisa continued. “I warned you not to act upon it. I did not know you had arranged this.”

“You have chosen your interpretation.”

“You chose it for us.”

Caroline turned to Georgiana. “You cannot believe I meant harm to your brother.”

Georgiana’s face had lost its earlier ease, but not its new confidence. “You meant to deny him a choice.”

Caroline flinched as though the quiet answer carried more force than accusation.

Darcy looked at his sister, then at Bingley. “The servants may confirm how the messages were delivered.”

“They will,” Bingley said.

Caroline reached for the ribbon again. He gave it to her, though the movement held no courtesy.

“You will return to the house,” he said.

“You command me now?”

“In my house? After this? Yes.”

Her face lost color.

“You have not heard the servants.”

“I have heard enough to remove you until I do.”

Caroline looked to Louisa, but her sister offered no rescue. Hurst stood beside her with his hands behind his back, his amusement gone.

Caroline passed them and reached the path. Sarah remained near the threshold.