Page 12 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I am not so good a friend as you are to me, and I henceforth intend to do better. It seems to be the day we will both address what we have too long delayed. I intend to disabuse Lady Catherine of her notion that I will marry Anne. This marks a new beginning for us.”
“You are full of surprises, Darce. You danced with four ladies, onetwice, and you are to tackle the situation with youraunt. What do you think was in the punch last night at the assembly?”
Bingley’s eyes widened when Darcy’s laughter filled the parlor. His demand that Darcy account for his joviality was cut short when the chaos coming down the staircase became too strident to ignore.
Darcy pulled out his flask of scotch, took a swig, and handed it to Bingley. The unexpected gesture caused Bingley to laugh before he drew a long swallow.
Caroline swept into the room with Louisa in her wake. “I cannot imagine what you find humorous this morning, Charles. You are evicting us from our house.”
“As all you have done is complain since I leased Netherfield, I must surmise you are pleased to depart, Caroline. But note, you will not be welcomed into my house in Town. Your rooms are being packed, and your belongings will be sent to you once my solicitor knows your new address.”
“I have not complained,” Louisa whined.
“You chose to stand aside, knowing our sister intended to compromise Darcy. You were also complicit in her crimes when you did not tell me she diverted the money to pay wages of those who faithfully serve us.” Bingley’s eyes shifted from his older sister to his younger. “I have informed you again and again that no circumstances would induce Darcy to marry you, Caroline. Even if you had caught him unaware with your drugged tea, and if you had found yourself with child for having done so, he would not have married you. Nor would I have allowed him to.”
“Of course, we would marry. Mr. Darcy is too honorable to ignore the mother of his child.”
“You are mistaken. Further, Darcy wants me to know happiness. I wish the same for him. And know this. If I receive a bill, expecting me to continue funding your lifestyle, I will publicly cut ties. The tea and cup are secured if Darcychooses to press charges. Hurst, you and Louisa were Caroline’s accomplices in last night’s fiasco. I expect to be reimbursed for the misappropriated wagesandthe liquor Hurst has consumed this last year.” Bingley raised a hand to silence their protests. “Unlessyou adhere to my every stipulation.”
“Charles, stop posturing. I must stay, for you would have no hostess. With you both and a young lady in residence, it would tarnish her reputation and yours.” Caroline dismissed his warnings.
With such provocation, Bingley was not surprised when Darcy interrupted. “An angel of mercy provided our solution on that score, my friend. And, if you will forgive my intruding on your family matters, I must ask one question so I will know how to act.”
“Of course.”
“Did you, Miss Bingley, just hint at an intent to start rumors about my sister which would tarnish her reputation?” All traces of pleasantness had gone from Darcy’s tone of address.
“I speak to the feeble-minded of Meryton, none of whom know my brother or Miss Darcy’s characters,” Caroline said, affecting an affront at Darcy’s question.
“In the same manner that you spread word of my wealth when I enter a room? We heard your satisfaction over your efforts to make others gossip about me at the assembly so I would be discomfited,” said Darcy.
Bingley furrowed his brows when Caroline turned her glare from their sister to look at Darcy in a coquettish manner.
“You were neither subtle nor quiet,” Bingley said, his impassive stare moving between his sisters.
“Now, Miss Bingley, letmebe rightly understood. I will send a letter to my aunt, the Countess of Matlock, this very day. In it, I will include what has transpired here,” Darcy said.
“It would mean the ruin of my brother,” Caroline countered, her dismissive tone confirmation that she believed Darcy would take no such measures.
“It will be you three who will feel the effects of our anger. I have written my solicitor to make your dowry available to you, Caroline. You can set up an establishment as you choose, in whatever way you see fit. Furthermore, I will have verified the progress at Hurst’s estate within the week. The three of you will have whatever sort of future you might make for yourselves without reference to me.”
“Brother, please do not do this. I promise we will be the best of sisters to you in the future,” Louisa said.
“Sisters that exceed their household budgets and allowances with regularity? Sisters who believetheycan choose my wife? Who care nothing for my preferences while sending me the bills to such excess? I do not need nor want such sisters under my roof. Do not step into my businesses, approach me in Town, or appear on the steps of any estate I visit, lease, or purchase. This is a private agreement to sever all ties until I believe you are truly remorseful and have shown significant improvement in your character. Should I make it known to the public is solely dependent on your actions. And now, there should be nothing more to say.”
“Please, Charles, you must allow us to stay. Please, Mr. Darcy. Do not send the letter to your aunt,” begged Louisa as Caroline said, “I would never cause Miss Darcy any distress. You misunderstood me.”
“I expect your trunks to be, even now, loaded on Hurst’s carriage. You have thirty minutes to eat this final meal under my roof, then the three of you will depart. If you do not, you will be trespassing. Though I have, in every way, been brother to you all the years of my life, I wonder now when you stopped beingsisters to me.” When he gained his feet to exit the breakfast room, Darcy stood with him.
Darcy Takes Matters in Hand
“Mr. Darcy, I never intended to—”
“You attempted to manipulate me as you do your brother. Do not feign surprise, madam. You made yourself a lady of ill repute last night,” Darcy said icily.
Miss Bingley’s expression altered into rage, then despair at hearing the bold truths. She paled, her teacup slipping through her shaking fingers and shattering on the floor.
The Hursts were also aghast, knowing that if all became known, they would partake in any disgrace their younger sister had brought upon herself.
