Page 10 of The Earl’s Second Chance

Caroline saw Jane first. Her expression shifted from surprise to annoyance and then settled into condescension.

“Miss Bennet. How extraordinary. I had no notion you were in town.”

“We only arrived yesterday,” Jane replied.

“You must have found some family business sufficiently pressing to leave Hertfordshire.”

“Indeed, our father—”

“Charles is exceedingly occupied,” Caroline continued. “He has scarcely a moment for old acquaintances. London offers so many superior engagements that country connections naturally become difficult to maintain.”

Elizabeth felt Lady Susan’s warning like a hand upon her shoulder: everyone remembered what was said, and before whom.

Jane merely answered, “I am pleased he finds London agreeable.”

Caroline’s eyes travelled over the party. “And you have brought all your sisters. How…ambitious.”

Mrs. Gardiner stiffened. Lady Herfershire did not.

“Lady Jane,” she said pleasantly, “we shall be late for our appointment with Rundell and Bridge. Lady Elizabeth, will you take my arm?”

Caroline blinked.

Lady Herfershire smiled at her with polished warmth. “You remember my sister, Mrs. Gardiner. Allow me also to present Lady Susan Ambrose, companion to my daughters. I do not believe you have yet congratulated Lord Herfershire upon his succession.”

Mrs. Hurst’s mouth fell open.

“Lord—” Caroline began.

“Good day, Miss Bingley.”

Fanny walked on without haste.

They reached the carriage before Kitty dissolved into laughter.

“Mama,” Elizabeth said, delighted, “that was magnificent.”

Lady Herfershire settled her skirts. “Lady Allerton says one must never strike a social enemy when a curtsey will do.”

Jane had gone pale, but she did not look wounded.

“She would not let me finish one sentence,” she said.

“No,” Elizabeth replied.

“I used to think her attention friendship.”

Mrs. Gardiner squeezed her hand. “It is painful to discover the limits of another person’s regard.”

Jane looked back through the window as Caroline hurried into the modiste’s shop, almost certainly to demand information.

“It is also useful.”

That afternoon, cards began arriving at Grosvenor Square in such numbers that the silver salver overflowed.

Each Lady Bennet possessed a dowry of sixty thousand pounds.

Society, like Caroline Bingley, had suddenly found time.