Page 29 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“That is possible.”

“Miss Bennet is kind to everyone.”

“So you observed.”

Caroline heard the edge beneath his answer. “Do you believe her attached to him?”

“I have not given the matter the attention you have.”

“You have eyes.”

“Which do not give me access to Miss Bennet’s thoughts.”

Caroline placed her cup in its saucer. “You cannot deny that the family is unsuitable.”

Darcy’s expression hardened by a degree. “They have disadvantages.”

“Considerable ones.”

“Yes.” Relief came too soon. He continued, “That is a reason for Bingley to judge with care, not for you to judge in his place.”

“I am his sister.”

“He is not your son.”

Caroline felt the rebuke more for its quietness.

“You know Mrs. Bennet’s manners.”

Darcy gave a brief smile. “I do.”

“Her daughters have no fortune worth mentioning, and their connections are in trade and the law. Their estate passes to a cousin, leaving them dependent upon whatever marriages they can secure.”

“You have made an extensive study of them.”

“Someone must.”

Darcy folded the letter, though he had not resumed reading it.

“A marriage admits the family,” Caroline said. “You cannot believe otherwise.”

“I do not.”

“Then how can you talk as if these matters have no consequence?”

“I have said the opposite.”

“You defend them.”

“No, I distinguish between them.”

“Between whom?”

“Between Mrs. Bennet, her daughters and relations, circumstances and character. You combine them because the result supports your preference.”

Caroline drew back. “You are generous to Longbourn.”

“No.” His answer came without pause.