Page 57 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“Then I shall meet them.”

Caroline moved toward the bell. “A servant can fetch your cloak.”

“I left it in the hall.”

Elizabeth dipped her head. “Thank you for your concern, Miss Bingley. I shall give it the consideration it deserves.”

She left before Caroline could decide whether Elizabeth was mocking her.

The corridor was empty. Elizabeth paused to retrieve her cloak, then crossed the entrance hall and stepped outside. The air had sharpened, but the sky remained clear. She saw Jane and Bingley returning along the south walk, their pace unhurried and their heads turned toward one another.

Elizabeth descended the steps to meet them.

Inside the drawing room, Caroline remained beside the mantel. Anger would have been easier to manage if Elizabeth had lost her temper. Caroline could later use a raised voice, a cutting remark, or a show of jealousy as evidence of vulgarity. Instead Elizabeth had remained composed and left her with nothing she could use without exposing the conversation itself.

She moved to the window and saw Elizabeth crossing the lawn toward Jane. Bingley greeted her with a smile. Jane slipped her hand through her sister’s arm, and the three turned back toward the house.

Caroline told herself she had done what prudence required. Elizabeth Bennet possessed neither fortune nor connection, and no sensible woman could imagine Darcy overlooking both. His interest, if interest it was, would pass. It had passed before. Novelty diverted men, and they returned to judgment when it faded.

She repeated the thought until it sounded almost convincing.

A movement near the book room drew her attention to Darcy, standing in the doorway.

He held the folded letter in one hand, his expression revealing nothing.

Caroline’s breath caught, though she recovered before the silence became an acknowledgment. She did not know when he had returned, whether he had heard only Elizabeth’s departure, the final exchange, or everything since Louisa left. “You finished your letter.”

“Yes.”

“I hope Mr. Stewart approves your instructions.”

“He always does.”

Caroline smiled. “You must find Netherfield very disorderly after Pemberley. Charles is fortunate to have your advice, though he seldom follows it.”

Darcy crossed into the room and placed the letter on the writing table.

“Bingley does not require me to manage his affairs.”

“No, of course not. He is capable when he chooses to be. I meant that your judgment is valuable.”

Darcy turned his gaze to the windows, where Elizabeth had reached the terrace with Jane and Bingley. Caroline followed his gaze and wished she had not.

“Miss Eliza has gone to meet them,” she said. “She dislikes being confined indoors when there is any prospect of walking.”

“So I have observed.”

“She has a great deal of energy.”

Darcy said nothing.

Caroline moved to the pianoforte and rested her fingers on its closed lid. “I have neglected my music since coming to Hertfordshire. Georgiana would scold me if she knew. She is so disciplined, though I believe she enjoys playing more when we are together.”

“My sister enjoys playing whenever she can.”

“We have always understood one another. I often think how pleasant it would be to spend more time with her at Pemberley. The music room there is unequalled.”

Darcy’s attention remained on the terrace.