“My, she does have you in a state today.” Hurst laughed before taking a sip. “Now, let me see if I can guess what has occurred.”
The man’s eyes roamed over Bingley’s countenance and then down over his person, making him uncomfortable. He downed another swallow, grimacing at the burn in the back of his throat.
“Miss Bennet has set down her terms, Caroline must go, but your loving sister will hear none of it.” Hurst laughed as Bingley flinched. “I am correct? Damn, I should have wagered on it.”
“Not quite. Miss Bennet has insisted Caroline not insult her family, specifically Miss Elizabeth, or she will not have me.” Bingley fell into the closest seat and studied his glass.
“Whoa-ho! Miss Bennet is saucier than she appears.” Hurst nodded his head. “She will have a peaceful home or she will remain at Longbourn. Cannot say as I blame her. Of course, with Miss Elizabeth marrying Darcy, she will often be with them. Pretty thing like that will be married, and well, in no time despite her lack of dowry.”
Hurst took another drink while Bingley stared at him once more. His thoughts returned to earlier. “I do not remember you favouring spirits when you were courting Louisa.”
“I did not. They made me sick when I was in university.” Hurst frowned as he swirled the liquid.
“Need I ask what changed?”
The men exchanged a glance. Both set down the glasses and leaned forward. Bingley took a deep breath. “Darcy suggested I come to you and Louisa for direction on how to control Caroline.”
Hurst laughed. “If I had any idea how to do that, I would not drink.”
“There must be a way!” Bingley pushed out of the chair, nearly upsetting it. “I will not allow my younger sister to come between me and the woman I love, or my friend.”
“What’s this?” Hurst stood. “Darcy?”
Bingley rubbed the back of his neck. “Darcy is prepared to take rooms in Meryton should Caroline continue to insult Miss Elizabeth.”
“Did you tell her?”
Bingley nodded.
“Well, man, what did she say?” Hurst stepped closer.
“That he was simply upset because he was required to spend time at Longbourn. She believes he will find her company superior when he returns.” Bingley spat out the words and moved toward the windows.
“Damn! She is more delusional than I thought possible.” Hurst kicked at the closest table causing the odds and ends upon it to rattle and topple.
“What is to be done?” Bingley heard the hint of desperation in his own tone. “I had hoped she would see the Bennets in a different light due to their future connection to Darcy, but now …” He threw up his hands in frustration.
“Until the register is signed, your sister will hold out hope that Darcy will change his mind and choose her.”
“How is that possible? Is she mad?” Bingley returned to his seat and took up his drink once more. The liquid had lost a touch of its burn and he enjoyed the warmth as it coated his stomach.
“At times I wish she were. There are places she could go in such a case.” Hurst shook his head. “No, she is sane when she wants to be.”
“Perhaps you and Louisa could take her to Suffolk.”
“No,” Hurst replied before Bingley finished speaking. “Mother will not allow her there. Caroline has insulted and alienated all the matrons in the area.”
“I did not know. I am sorry to hear it.” Bingley’s brow furrowed. “Darcy suggested I threaten to withhold her allowance or remove her from society.”
Hurst appeared studious. “Have you not done so before? I recall you having to replace all her parfums. The townhouse wreaked with the combined scents splattered over the wall. Louisa and I had to remove ourselves to the country until it dispersed.” He chuckled. “We quite enjoyed the time alone.”
Bingley nodded. “I did, but I did not stand by it. Darcy said she must know that I will do it.” He rubbed his chin. “I just have no idea how to do so when she only hears half of what I say!” He downed the remainder of his drink and stood to refill it.
“Did Darcy give you any idea?”
Bingley shook his head as he poured. “No. He just suggested I have you and Louisa behind me. It is all so easy for Darcy. He has a sweet sister who would never think to cause him any ill.”
A chuckle forced him to turn toward his sister’s husband. “What do you find humorous?”
“Oh nothing, I simply suspect Miss Darcy is nearing an age that will turn Darcy’s hair prematurely white.” Hurst took a drink. “Luckily for him, Miss Elizabeth will be able to assist him. With a sister like that youngest, she must have years of knowledge on how to gain the upper hand with a difficult sibling.”
Bingley froze in place as he stared at Hurst. “What did you say?”
Hurst continued to laugh. “I said Miss Elizabeth must have …” He sobered and met Bingley’s gaze. “But her sister is not like yours.”
“Miss Lydia is sillier, but I believe they have similar ambitions. Perhaps Miss Elizabeth would be able to give some insight.” He shook his head. “But how could I ask her? When could I ask her?”
“Louisa and Caroline were discussing hosting a dinner.” Hurst looked hopeful.
Bingley shook his head. “Caroline’s behaviour must be curbed immediately, before Darcy removes his things to Meryton and Jane has given up all hope on my ability to succeed.”
Hurst sat down and stared out the window. “Perhaps Louisa may be able to assist us.”
“Really? But she and Caroline have always been close.” Bingley returned to his seat. “Do you think she would?”
Hurst grunted. The corner of his mouth curled upward. “If she wants the mistress chamber in town refreshed to her specifications, she will do everything in her power to curb her sister’s tongue.”
With a sigh, Hurst pushed himself out of his seat and set his glass on the closest table. “If you will excuse me, I must find my wife.” He glanced at the floor, his eyes following Bingley’s tracks. “I suggest you prepare for dinner.”
“And have a maid clean up my mess?”
A grunt was his only answer before Hurst left, closing the door behind him. Bingley remained seated for a few minutes longer, contemplating his situation.
Jane wanted him to take charge of his sister. Would she frown upon his using Louisa to meet those ends? Did it matter what steps brought Caroline under thumb?
He shook his head. Caroline’s attitude was created by their parents. It would take more than just him to bring her to heel.
He tipped his glass, but found it empty. Bingley placed it upon the table by Hurst’s and stood. His gaze fell upon the floor and the trail of dirt leading back and forth about the room. With a sigh, he crossed the room once more and tugged the bell pull.
Not waiting for a response, he continued out the door. The housekeeper was approaching as he reached the back stairs.
“Forgive me, Mrs. Nichols. I fear I have been a bit of a clod today. I entered through the drawing room and then travelled from there to my study, leaving a trail wherever I went.” Bingley hung his head, suddenly feeling like an errant youth.
“I am already aware.” Mrs. Nichols pursed her lips as though she hid a smile.
“An extra day’s wage to whoever was forced to clean up after my foolishness.” Bingley waited for the housekeeper to nod her understanding, and then continued up the stairs to his room.
**********
Bingley was the last to enter the drawing room that evening. Caroline stood as he greeted Louisa and announced that dinner was ready. Hurst cleared his throat and raised his brow in Bingley’s direction.
“Caroline,” Bingley said in the sternest voice he could muster. “I have told Mrs. Nichols we will be delayed a few minutes longer.”
“Well, why would you do that?” Her eyes widened and a heartfelt smile lit her features. “Has Mr. Darcy returned from Longbourn? Will he be joining us? Has he had his fill of those Bennets?”
He was
certain surprise covered his countenance. “No.”
“Then why the delay?”
Though he was certain she would not show it, Bingley suspected her foot tapped out her irritation beneath her skirts. “I wish to speak with you.”
Caroline, patronizing smile in place, took his arm. “Which you may do while we eat.”
Bingley stood firm, resisting his sister’s tug upon his arm. “No. It is best that we speak here.”
He removed his sister’s hand from his arm and glanced toward the door to see that it was closed. “Sit, please.” He motioned toward an unsightly armchair that Caroline had demanded they purchase as she had seen its twin when they toured Chatsworth. No one liked it or used it as it was a most uncomfortable thing.
Frowning, she did as she was told.
Bingley found it difficult to keep the smile from his lips as he had won his first victory. He turned his back upon his sister and paced toward the hearth, composing himself, before turning back.
“I have made several attempts to explain your present situation, but you have failed to grasp my meaning.”
Caroline wiggled her fingers in the air as if she shooed an annoying insect away. “Whatever do you mean, Charles? My present situation? How you do go on!”
“Silence! I said that I wish to speak to you. I did not say I desired to hear from you.”
His sister’s jaw hung open, but she remained silent. Another victory, causing Bingley to stand taller. He grasped his hands behind his back and looked down at her as he rocked on his heels.
“For too many years you have been allowed to speak as you will without any consequences. That will now stop.”
“I …” Bingley raised a brow and glared at her, ending her sentence before it properly began.
“I have decided to ask Miss Bennet for a courtship and you will not interfere or speak ill of her family.”
Caroline crossed her arms before her, her eyes narrowing as she glared at him.
“As she is soon to be Darcy’s family, I had hoped you would be accepting of this, but I see by your attitude that you are displeased.” He took a step closer and leaned forward so that he held her gaze fully. “I care not for your thoughts on the subject. I do not want to know your opinion. I have heard it enough. I am the head of this family and you will treat me as such.”
He was surprised by Caroline’s silence, though the pure hatred pouring from her eyes more than compensated for it.
“If you are unable to carry out your role as hostess in my home until the time Miss Bennet agrees to become my wife, I shall send you to live with our aunts in Scarborough and Louisa will assume your duties.”
“Our spinster aunts? Martha and Lucinda? You would not dare!” Caroline shouted as she leapt from the seat.
“I would and have already written to make arrangements for your arrival at any time.” He stepped closer. “One wrong word, Caroline, and the coach will be called this instant.”
Caroline pushed past him. “Louisa! You cannot agree with this!”
“I do.” Louisa glanced toward her husband who tipped his head ever so slightly. “An alliance with the Bennets is an alliance with Mr. Darcy. You must see how this can only benefit us.”
“No! I was to marry Mr. Darcy, not that … that…”
“Careful, Caroline.” Bingley stepped up behind her. “Your maid has already been instructed to pack anything you do not use on a daily basis. Everything you own could be readied for departure before we finish eating our supper.”
She whirled about until they were nearly nose to nose. “You would not dare.”
Bingley steeled himself. He could not show any sign of weakness or she would sense it. “Do you want to take the risk?”
To his amazement, he saw a flicker of doubt in his sister’s eyes. She stepped back, her head held high. “Jane is a sweet girl. I have no issue with her.”
“I am pleased to hear it.” Bingley smiled. “And what say you of her sister, Miss Elizabeth?”
They held each other’s gaze, neither flinching nor stepping away. Finally Caroline responded. “She is spirited.”
“Just what Darcy requires to bring life back to his homes,” Hurst declared as he stepped forward. He patted Bingley’s shoulder. “Shall we go in to dinner?” He took Caroline’s arm. “Hate to see that delicious food become cold or dry due to our delay.”
Louisa stepped up beside Bingley and laid her hand upon his arm. As they followed her husband and sister from the room, she leaned her head toward his.
“It is a beginning.”
“Just.” He thought over the conversation. “I must say I am surprised she did not put up more of a fight.”
Louisa shrugged her shoulders. “She may have, had she not seen the trunks being carried into her dressing room.”
The siblings exchanged a glance and quickly looked away in an attempt to control their mirth.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Bingley stood by the drawing room door, his gaze as often focused on the hallway as it was on the inhabitants of the room. Most of their guests had arrived, but the Bennets were still absent. He was so distracted he did not hear Sir William Lucas approach.
“A fine night for a party, is it not, Mr. Bingley?”
Bingley startled, but smiled welcomingly at the gentleman. “Indeed. I must say I have never seen a December so warm.”
“Truly?” Sir William appeared perplexed but his smile quickly returned. “Ah, but you are from the north, are you not? I heard your sister mention Scarborough. Have you any family there still?”
Bingley glanced toward his sisters. Caroline wore a most displeased expression, while Louisa appeared quite contented, rather like a cat with a fresh bowl of cream. “Indeed we do. Two elderly aunts keep house there. My sister is contemplating visiting them.”
“Ah, how pleasant and agreeable. Many young people now have no desire to spend time with elderly relatives. They would rather attend balls and other gatherings. Your sister is to be commended.”
Bingley could not suppress his grin. “Yes, she is.” He surveyed the room and noticed Miss Lucas standing by her mother and Mrs. Long. “I understand congratulations are in order to you and your family, sir. Darcy tells me Mr. Collins is engaged to your eldest daughter.”
Though Bingley doubted it possible for the gentleman to gain in girth, Sir William’s chest seemed to swell with pride. “Yes, indeed. I thank you. Mr. Collins is a fine man; quite a catch for my Charlotte. He has returned to Kent to notify his benefactress and ready his home for its new mistress.”
The sound of the front door opening drew Bingley’s attention just as Sir William seemed about to expound upon his future son-in-law’s many qualities. He excused himself and hurried down the stairs as Darcy was helping Miss Elizabeth remove her pelisse. Miss Bennet was behind them, standing between her parents. He thought he saw Miss Mary just over their shoulders. All were removing their outerwear.
“I am so pleased you are arrived. I began to fear a problem of some sort.” He stopped when he noticed Darcy’s strained expression.
Miss Elizabeth took her fiancé’s arm and smiled. “I hope we have not caused any distress. It was decided quite suddenly that my youngest sisters would not be joining us this evening.”
“Oh.” Bingley glanced at his friend once more, but Darcy’s countenance had lightened as he looked at his betrothed. Instead he sought out Miss Bennet whose eyes remained downcast. “Well, I am simply pleased you have now arrived. Shall we?” he asked as he held out an arm.
There was a moment’s hesitation before Mrs. Bennet stepped forward and accepted his assistance. “You are all kindness, Mr. Bingley. I was worried that you would be distressed by our late arrival. Indeed, Mr. Bennet considered sending only Jane and Elizabeth with Mr. Darcy, but your friend assured us all would be well.”
Bingley looked at Darcy’s back as they ascended the stairs. “He was, of course, correct,” he replied, but he wondered what his friend was about.
&nbs
p; Darcy knew this evening would be a test of his resolve and Caroline’s behaviour. Given the opportunity for most of the Bennets to remain at Longbourn, why would he insist they attend?
“Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Bennet said softly. “Have I distressed you in some way?”
He startled as he turned his attention to the lady at his side. “No, madam, why would you think such a thing?”
She appeared almost like a young, inexperienced maiden. “You were frowning, sir. I would not want you to think poorly of me.”
Bingley smiled reassuringly. “Mrs. Bennet, I would never think so of you. I was distracted by my own thoughts for a moment. I apologize.”
“Here they are!” He heard Sir William declare as Darcy and Elizabeth entered the drawing room ahead of them. “The very couple we anxiously awaited.”
Bingley entered next with Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Bennet followed with a daughter on each arm.
“Bennet, I thought with Darcy’s assistance you might be able to hurry your ladies along this evening.” Sir William laughed as he clapped his friend on the shoulder. “But what is this? Where are Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia?”
“At home,” Mr. Bennet forced a smile. “We apologize for our delay, Miss Bingley. I do hope we have not disturbed your plans.” He bowed to his hostess who had approached Darcy and Elizabeth.
“No, not at all.” Caroline’s features were tight and she fingered a bit of ribbon at her waist as though engaging her fingers to keep them from other pursuits. Her gaze drifted toward Darcy repeatedly. “If you will excuse me, I shall speak to Mrs. Nichols to make the necessary changes.” She turned toward the other guests. “We will dine in a few minutes.”
She stepped quickly out of the room and Bingley released his breath, suddenly aware he had been holding it. The Bennets disbursed about the room greeting friends. Bingley took the opportunity to join Miss Bennet.
“I am pleased to see you this evening. You look lovely.” His cravat suddenly felt too tight and he wished he could run a finger along his shirt collar, but did not want to appear like an unseasoned youth.
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