Chapter XXV

C aroline Bingley was not a warm woman. Elizabeth had seen this from the moment they had become acquainted. However, as she had informed those about her several times, she had never seen Miss Caroline the way Mr. Darcy saw her, and she supposed it was because of Caroline's open intention to persuade him to offer for her. Elizabeth did not suppose ambition comprised the whole of her motivations, though she was a student of human nature sufficient to understand it influenced her. It influenced Elizabeth too, though from her perspective it was more the ability of the man to support her, which all ladies must consider when choosing a partner in life. More to the point, Elizabeth did not blame Mr. Darcy for his perception, flawed though it was, for he had spoken of his adult life and how he had often felt hunted. With such an open interest as his friend's sister betrayed, it was only understandable that he would see her through tainted eyes.

? Had Caroline been the sort of woman Mr. Darcy had suggested, Elizabeth might have supposed a fraught conversation was in her future, for such a woman would not surrender. As it was, though Caroline was pleasant, she said very little to Elizabeth; recognizing this must be difficult for her, Elizabeth did not press her, preferring to keep relations between them as cordial as possible, speaking when they were in proximity to each other, but allowing Caroline to keep her distance otherwise. She suspected there would come a time at some point or another when they would speak of the matter between them. That opportunity arrived three days after Charlotte visited and announced her engagement.

? Charlotte visited again that morning, her sister Maria in tow. Maria was a pleasant young girl, a little young to be out in society but possessed of a happy, carefree disposition. The Netherfield ladies were also in attendance while the gentlemen were out on the estate, and thus were present for Maria's exclamations about the arrival the previous day of a company of militia that had long been rumored to be wintering in Meryton. While none of the other ladies were that interested in a company of soldiers, Maria, her young mind afire with thoughts of handsome and dashing men paying her attention, had little else of which she wished to speak.

? "Your sister is most... animated, Charlotte," said Elizabeth to her friend as Maria continued to wax eloquent, much to her friend's amusement.

? "She is neither the most vocal nor the most determined," replied Charlotte, laughing by her side. "The Harrington sisters visited yesterday. Given their enthusiasm and that betrayed by several other young ladies of their character, I suspect it will be a miracle if no one finds themselves in a compromising situation."

? Elizabeth nodded, considering the officers she had known in Woodborough. "Officers of the militia are neither so well-behaved nor so serious as their counterparts in the regulars."

? "I recall you mentioning the company you knew in the north," said Charlotte, looking at her with interest.

? "A regiment camped there two years ago." Elizabeth sighed and offered her friend a slight smile. "Some of them were interesting, but most were downy-cheeked boys more interested in flirting than their duties. There were, as you surmise, several incidents, but nothing that ruined anyone."

? "That is fortunate," replied Charlotte with an air of distraction.

? Elizabeth noted her looks at her sister and suspected a serious conversation was in Maria's future. "If you require someone to offer testimony, I am more than willing, Charlotte."

? "Thank you, my dear friend," said Charlotte, pulling Elizabeth in for an embrace. "Should I feel it necessary, I shall rely on your support."

? Soon thereafter, the sisters departed, leaving the Bennet ladies with the Bingley ladies and Georgiana. For a time, they sat speaking further of Maria's intelligence, and they all agreed it did not affect them. Louisa, Elizabeth knew, was far too sensible to allow an officer to charm her, and Caroline had no interest in them. As her sisters had also proven themselves and Georgiana was a well-behaved girl, they agreed to watch the officers when in company and provide a voice of reason for others who might require a check. Then they moved on to other subjects.

? Elizabeth noticed Caroline's eyes on her sometime after. Caroline, she noted belatedly, had participated little in the conversation, and while that was not unusual, her silence that morning was. As Jane was speaking to Louisa and Georgiana and Mary were poring over some piece of sheet music, and would repair to the pianoforte soon thereafter, this left Caroline and Elizabeth with no one to speak with unless they joined either of the other pairs. Sensitive to Caroline's feelings as she was, Elizabeth thought to do just that when the other woman opened her mouth to speak.

? "I must congratulate you . . . Elizabeth," said Caroline.

? The way Caroline spoke her name with hesitation informed Elizabeth that she was uncertain about the familiar address, though they had agreed on it not long after the Bingley sisters had arrived. As such, Elizabeth smiled at once to put her companion at ease.

? "Congratulations are, I suspect, premature. Mr. Darcy has made no promises to me."

? Caroline regarded her as if wondering whether Elizabeth was betraying false modesty. "Perhaps he has not," said she at length. "I hope you will not take offense when I say that I have known Mr. Darcy longer and know more of his behavior in society." Caroline paused and smiled, though it appeared to be more than a little wistful. "I shall not claim to be better acquainted with him, for you now know him better than any woman not a member of his family."

? "Perhaps the latter is correct," replied Elizabeth. "The former most certainly is, since I have never seen Mr. Darcy in society other than what Meryton can boast."

? "Then let me inform you. Mr. Darcy is most reticent, though I have seen him act with more openness when among those he considers particular acquaintances. With ladies, Mr. Darcy is strictly proper, never offering a jot more deference than that demanded by propriety. Why, I have never seen him so much as dance the first with any young lady, and not two dances at the same ball."

? Elizabeth understood Caroline's reference at once. "We did both at the assembly in June."

? "Which told me at once that it was not an idle acquaintance or flirtation on his part." Caroline offered a wry smile. "Not that I ever saw Mr. Darcy flirt with anyone. Even with you he does not so much flirt as treat you with the respect and affection due a queen."

? Not knowing quite what to say, though reflecting on how she suspected Caroline was correct, Elizabeth nodded but did not reply. This did not prevent Caroline from continuing to speak.

? "I hope, Elizabeth, that you understand the good fortune that has come your way."

? "I do," replied Elizabeth, not knowing what else she could say.

? Caroline nodded, her mien turning thoughtful. "You all welcomed my family without stinting, and I thank you for it. Yet, I thought you regarded me with..." Caroline shook her head. "I am not certain I know how to say it. Perhaps you appeared knowing when you regarded me, though it is difficult to explain."

? "You thought we had heard something of you before your arrival," said Elizabeth, grasping what Caroline was trying to say.

? "Yes, I suppose that is it." Caroline turned to regard her. "Do you deny it?"

? "Mr. Darcy was staying with us," replied Elizabeth. "After Mr. Bingley came to inspect Netherfield and determined to take the property, it is only natural that Mr. Darcy would tell us something of those we would soon meet."

? The demand in Caroline's gaze grew more pronounced. "No, it is not, but I suspect that is not all."

? "I do not wish to offend you," said Elizabeth.

? "For that, I thank you," said Caroline, her tone becoming almost dry, "but it is unnecessary." She sighed and offered a rueful smile. "Whatever Mr. Darcy said of me is likely the absolute truth, for I have never known him to lie."

? "He is the most honest man I have ever met," agreed Elizabeth, "but that does not mean his perception is always correct."

? Caroline regarded her for several long moments. "Then you did not accept all his assertions?"

? "Let me first state that Mr. Darcy did not portray you as without redeeming qualities." Elizabeth shook her head. "I will own that I met a woman different from my preconceived notions, but I never thought you reprehensible."

? "The truth, Elizabeth," said Caroline, "is that I was interested in Mr. Darcy with an eye toward a closer connection." The woman shook her head, smiling again as she added: "I am still interested in it, though that end is no longer possible.

? "However, I would like you to know that while Mr. Darcy interested me for reasons that are not the same as yours, I never misunderstood his appeal as a man. There is something good about Mr. Darcy. He is a handsome man, such as to make any woman look twice, and I know that he would make a good husband. Perhaps my focus was on those other factors, but I was not blind to his appeal as a gentleman."

? Elizabeth nodded. "I can understand that. There are few in our society who can afford to put such things to the side in favor of motivations of the heart."

? "Mr. Darcy is one such."

? "That he is," said Elizabeth. "If he was not, I doubt I would be the recipient of his devotion, for I cannot offer him those benefits to which you alluded."

? "Nor can I," said Caroline, "though I believe my fortune is passable for a man in his position.

? "As I said earlier," pressed Caroline, "I would not have you misunderstand your good fortune to be the focus of his interest. From material aspects, Mr. Darcy is among the most fortunate of men—you will understand when you see his property in Derbyshire. More important to you, I suspect, is his upright character and his goodness. I cannot suppose there are more than a few ladies in society who would spurn him should he look their way, and it is not all because of his position in society or fortune. Mr. Darcy's reputation is a little standoffish, but even his worst critics will acknowledge that Mr. Darcy's friendship once gained is as immovable as a mountain."

? Caroline's gaze became distant. "Seeing you together with him has opened my eyes to the benefits of a partner who adores me; I suspect you have both ruined me forever."

? "I am happy to hear it," said Elizabeth, unexpected warmth for this woman in her breast. "The benefits of such a union were always before me as a girl, for my parents were happy. As for your other assertions, please know that I do understand my good fortune. You must recall that I was raised the daughter of a parson; while I hoped to find love, I never expected more than another parson or perhaps a man of the lower gentry. I do not require untold riches, but I understand the benefits of wealth."

? "Then that is all I ever wished. Please understand that I shall do nothing to get between you and Mr. Darcy, not that I suppose I ever could. He has made his choice clear, and I shall accept it, though I might wish it were different."

? Elizabeth nodded. "What of you? Do you suppose you will find a man to adore you?"

? "I hope that I shall," replied Caroline.

? The slightest rosy blush on her cheeks informed Elizabeth that maybe she already had. Their accord was far too new for any further confidence. Regardless, the gentlemen's arrival interrupted their conversation. Mr. Darcy stepped into the room and moved at once to her, and Caroline excused herself, throwing Elizabeth a significant look. With gratitude and perhaps a greater appreciation for the man by her side, Elizabeth turned her attention to him.

"Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy as he approached the vixen smiling at him. "I am afraid I have some news I do not wish to impart, though I will confess I hope it is as unwelcome to you as it is to me."

? Though her smile at dimmed with concern, his attempt at a jest reassured her, for her welcome returned and she motioned him to sit. "This sounds serious, Mr. Darcy. I hope nothing is amiss."

? Darcy sat, noting the other ladies had heard something of his comment to her, and Georgiana was watching him with unconcealed worry. Bingley and Bennet already knew, of course, for they had been with him when they entered Netherfield to find an letter waiting.

? "I received an express from my steward requesting my presence at Pemberley," said Darcy, preferring to state his case at once rather than draw it out. "There was a storm that passed through the area a few days ago that caused the collapse of an embankment, resulting in the loss of part of a field. I must oversee efforts to repair the damage."

? "Oh, that is unfortunate," said Georgiana with a look of concern. "I hope no one was hurt?"

? "No, my dear," replied Darcy, offering his sister a reassuring smile. "The problem is on the plot farmed by the Millers, on the far northern edge of the estate. The house is far enough away from the edge of the valley that it was unaffected, and everyone was indoors taking shelter from the storm."

? "When do you depart?" asked Miss Elizabeth.

? "Tomorrow morning," replied Darcy, looking back at the woman who held his heart. "Once we decide on what is to be done, I suspect there will be no further need for my presence, but I prefer to handle such matters myself. I should not be away more than perhaps a week or two."

? "Then I hope you will accept my wishes for your safe travel and hasty return."

? For several moments thereafter they discussed the potential resolutions to the difficulty at Pemberley, but Darcy could confess he participated little. Miss Elizabeth had greeted the news of his imminent departure well as he had known she would, though he knew she was no happier than was Darcy himself. When the conversation turned to other matters, Darcy turned his attention to her, a question on his tongue.

? "I apologize for my need to go away, Miss Elizabeth, for I would not depart now if there was any other choice."

? "Not at all, Mr. Darcy," said Miss Elizabeth, putting a hand on his arm, which he caught in one of his own. "Your estate needs you, so you must return. If I am not mistaken, I believe you would be there even now but for your agreement to assist my father and your friend."

? Darcy smiled and nodded. "You are correct. When the season ends in June I make for Pemberley at once, though it is not unheard of for me to visit friends or travel to other locations. At the very least, I would check on the property to ensure that all is well. Georgiana and I have not been at Pemberley since just after the New Year; it is unusual for me to go so long without returning."

? "Then you put aside much to be of use to my father and your friend."

? "Do not make it any more of a virtue than necessary, Miss Elizabeth," replied Darcy, feeling a bottomless swell of affection for this woman well up in his heart. "It has been no trouble to pass on whatever experience I possess, and managing an estate is something I enjoy.

? "Besides, I benefited much from my association with your family."

? Miss Elizabeth understood to what he referred, if her soft smile was any indication. "As have I from your presence here."

? Darcy nodded, pleased to hear her say it. "I promise I shall return at the first opportunity, for I have no desire to be away from Hertfordshire for the moment."

? "We shall welcome you back with open arms," assured she.

? "Oh?" asked Darcy with a mildness he did not feel. "My welcome is the same as any other welcome from anyone who spends time away from the neighborhood."

? Miss Elizabeth considered this, a slight smile curving her lips. "Perhaps you are more welcome."

? "‘Perhaps?'" echoed Darcy.

? "It depends," replied Miss Elizabeth, appearing flippant.

? "On what, particularly?"

? "On what you mean to do thereafter, Mr. Darcy. As a woman, I cannot control a man's actions, nor can I initiate anything; I have only the right of refusal, especially since I am now of age. For me to have the right to miss you more than any other man who departs from Meryton for a time, I must have a reason to do so."

? "And friendship is not reason enough?" asked Darcy, enjoying their banter.

? "Perhaps," said Miss Elizabeth, grinning at her use of the word again. "You should know, Mr. Darcy, that I am not the most patient woman. If you leave me without reason to hope for more, I may not be inclined to wait. There are, other eligible men."

? "Such as?"

? "Mr. Lucas, for example," said Elizabeth. "I have it on good authority that he finds me quite agreeable."

? Darcy felt the laughter bubble up in his chest, and he released it with a shake of his head. "I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth, but I shall call your bluff. Mr. Lucas has paid you no attention that I can discern, reserving most of his notice for Miss Caroline. Tell me, do you suppose they will announce a connection between them soon?"

? "I cannot say. Let me only state that I am perhaps a little more hopeful for Mr. Lucas's sake than I was before."

? "Oh?" asked Darcy, intrigued at her reference. "Has something altered matters between them?"

? Miss Elizabeth shook her head. "Let us leave that subject for the nonce, Mr. Darcy. Mayhap when you return there will be more to report on that score."

? a glance at Miss Caroline showed Darcy that her attention was elsewhere, which was perhaps fortunate as his scrutiny would have informed her of the subject of their discussion. Darcy turned back to Miss Elizabeth.

? "You have already taken me to task once concerning that lady's character."

? "Not taken you to task," retorted Miss Elizabeth. "Rather, I enlightened you to the error of your perceptions."

? Darcy shook his head. "I suppose you must be correct. Very well. I shall attempt to think better of Miss Caroline, and I shall not press for details concerning your mysterious comments. When I return, I hope you will be more forthcoming, for I find myself curious."

? Miss Elizabeth made no reply; she did nothing more than smile at him.

? "As for your other comment," said Darcy, "it sounded like a demand for a proposal."

? "Not a demand, sir. More consider it a caution. Unless, of course, you believe I am incapable of attracting any other man's attention."

? "Perish the thought, Miss Elizabeth," murmured Darcy. "As it happens, I may say that I shall not allow this situation betwixt us to persist for long. If you will allow it, I would like to take this up again when I have dealt with the situation at Pemberley."

? "I shall await that day with bated breath."

? With a smile, Darcy changed the subject, and they spent their remaining precious time speaking of matters of little consequence, though any conversation with Miss Elizabeth could be nothing less than interesting. That the rest of the company allowed them these moments without interruption did not escape Darcy's attention, provoking a rush of gratitude.

? As they rose to depart, Georgiana approached, her eyes searching his. "As you said nothing of my situation, might I assume you will allow me to stay with the Bennets while you are away?"

? "Bennet and I already discussed it," said Darcy with a nod for his sister. "I suspected you would have little interest in accompanying me to Pemberley only to return in a week or two, so yes, you may stay if you wish."

? "I am sorry, but I must protest this."

? The siblings turned to look at Miss Caroline, who stepped close to them. The woman fixed them with a pointed look for a moment, then surprised Darcy by winking at his sister.

? "Though we understood that your sister was enjoying her time with the Bennet ladies, Louisa and I have been most desolate without her company. Would you not consent to stay with us for a few days, Georgiana?"

? "We should like that very much," said Miss Bingley, smiling at them both.

? Darcy looked to Georgiana, and while his sister might have met such a request with reluctance a short time before, she nodded her agreement. "Yes, I am eager to accept."

? "Perhaps the Bennet sisters could join us too?" suggested Miss Caroline. "Then we may make a party of it. That will, of course, entail banishing my brother to Longbourn for a night so that we may have a ladies' only party."

? Bingley laughed at his sister's suggestion. "If you must banish me, at least I will have a friend to keep me company. What say you, Bennet?"

? "Bingley," replied Bennet with a grin, "you will discover after you marry that suggestions such as this are not suggestions. You may wish to agree at once and save yourself the bother of your sisters showing you who is the true power at Netherfield."

? They all laughed at Mr. Bennet's quip, and it was settled. Darcy appreciated the closeness of the ladies, knowing his sister would be in excellent hands while he was away. This apparent departure of Miss Caroline's from her usual behavior intrigued him, but when he looked at Miss Elizabeth, she did nothing more than shake her head, her eyes dancing with merriment. The engagement with the ladies at Longbourn planned for two days hence, the Netherfield party left soon thereafter, reluctance in every part of Darcy's heart.

? The following morning, he rose early as was his custom and prepared for an immediate departure. As Hertfordshire was four hours north of London, it would take him less than three days to travel the distance. It was Darcy's hope that he would make it in two if he traveled late into the evening—which was possible because of the season—and stopped only when necessary to water or change the horses.

? "When do you suppose you will return?" asked Bingley as he walked Darcy to his carriage, having appeared when Darcy was finishing his breakfast.

? "I have little desire to be away an instant longer than I must," replied Darcy. "It will take at least a week to investigate and decide what must be done and perhaps longer. The moment I feel the matter on the path to being settled, I shall return to Hertfordshire."

? "Yes, I can imagine it of you, my friend," laughed Bingley. "You appear most eager, much like I am, to own the truth. Though you are leaving me without guidance, I am determined to make you proud."

? "Should anything of concern arise," replied Darcy, "you may apply to Bennet, for I am certain he will be happy to help. If he is uncertain, do not hesitate to approach the gentlemen of the district; neighbors support each other in times of uncertainty."

? "I shall do that, Darcy," replied Bingley. "Please accept my wishes for your swift and safe journey."

? Darcy nodded, clasping his friend's hand, then stepped into his coach and gave the order to depart.