Page 155 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Bingley stared at him. “What?”

“The room has caused enough difficulty. I don’t think it deserves another inspection.”

Anne laughed.

The sound startled Mrs. Jenkinson, who began to object and then seemed unable to choose between concern and relief.

Louisa offered Anne her arm. “We should return to the house.”

They crossed the lawn without haste. Jane remained beside Bingley, while Georgiana walked near Darcy. Elizabeth kept Sarah between herself and Anne, though the dog’s attention moved twice toward the house.

Caroline waited in the drawing room when they entered. She stood beside the mantel with the ribbon restored in a knot that did not hide the tear. No servant remained in the room.

Bingley stopped inside the door. “I have the note.”

“I assumed Mr. Darcy would keep it.”

“He gave it to me because the lie used my steward’s name.”

Caroline looked at Darcy. “You intend to make a public accusation.”

“No,” he said. “Your actions made the matter public.”

Her gaze moved to Elizabeth. “You must be satisfied.”

Elizabeth had expected anger, but instead, she felt weariness. “I had no part in this.”

“You brought Sarah.”

“I brought her because Miss Darcy wished to walk with her. You arranged the rest.”

Caroline turned to Georgiana. “You misunderstand what you saw.”

Georgiana shook her head. “No.”

The single word stopped her.

Bingley crossed to the bell. “You will remain in your room until I have spoken with the servants.”

Caroline lifted her chin. “And if I refuse?”

“Then I shall ask Louisa to accompany you.”

“And I will,” Louisa said.

For the first time, Caroline appeared to understand that no argument would restore the position she had held that morning.

She gathered her skirt and left the room.

No one spoke until her steps reached the stairs.

Hurst looked at the note in Bingley’s hand. “She chose her approach.”

Louisa gave him a tired glance. “And failed.”

Outside the terrace doors, Sarah lay down with her head across her paws, as though the household was quiet enough at last.

Chapter 33