Page 124 of Twice Chosen

"I have worked hard to preserve the quality."

Caroline studied her. "I do not know why he loves you."

Elizabeth's smile faded slightly. "You don't need to."

Caroline looked down. "No."

After a pause Elizabeth said, "You loved him."

Caroline's head came up.

"I thought I did."

"That can hurt just as much."

Caroline stared.

Elizabeth did not add that admiration, ambition, and love were easily confused at twenty-two. Caroline had to discover that herself.

Years later she met Sir Henry Vane at a London dinner.

Darcy and Elizabeth were both startled.

Caroline had married Sir Henry in their first life too, though not until several unhappy seasons after finally surrendering hope of Darcy.

This time the acquaintance began sooner.

Sir Henry admired Caroline's sharp tongue instead of enduring it. He also possessed enough money that she did not need to pretend wealth was beneath consideration.

They married after eighteen months.

At the wedding Elizabeth whispered, "Perhaps fate is stubborn."

Darcy answered, "Or Sir Henry is."

Caroline, standing several feet away, heard him. "Mr. Darcy."

He looked innocent.

Elizabeth smiled.

Some roads apparently found themselves.

Mrs. Bennet changed too, though no one could have accused her of becoming quiet. Jane's secure marriage, Elizabeth's astonishing match, and Mr. Bennet's new attention to household finances eased some of the fear that had sharpened her nerves for years.

One afternoon Elizabeth found her mother reviewing linen with Hill rather than discussing Lydia's prospects.

Mrs. Bennet looked up. "What?"

"Nothing."

"You are staring."

Elizabeth smiled. "Apparently it runs in the family."

Mrs. Bennet ignored that. "Your father says we must save more for Kitty, Mary, and Lydia. As though I have been spending money for sport."

Hill looked wisely at the sheets.