Page 105 of Compromise & Consequence
“Jane,” the colonel interjected and Bingley felt a flash of angerat his use of her given name. “I do not mean to embarrass you, but Lord Blake asked for your remaining set. Mr. Bingley approached before I could relay his acceptance.”
“Oh, dear.” Miss Bennet flushed ever so prettily and looked a bit flustered. She turned soulful eyes toward him. “Mr. Bingley, please forgive my lapse in memory, but the colonel is correct. Lord Blake did ask me to save a set for him. I must decline dancing the sixth with you.”
By this time, the first set had finished and strangely enough, all the guests were filtering out of the ballroom, spilling into the anteroom and small sitting area which then led to the hallway and main staircase. Bingley thought he heard Darcy spit out Caroline’s name before sharing a glance with the colonel.
“Take the servant’s corridor,” the colonel said, his eyes scanning the near-empty room. “You can access the hall much quicker.”
What in the world? Why would Darcy need to leave the ballroom so quickly? The colonel took Miss Bennet’s hand and said, “I should go and ensure that he does not outright kill her.”
“I am sure he will always behave the gentleman, but I know you wish to lend support.”
“You will be well?”
Some sort of secretive communication passed between the two of them, sparking an odd indignation in Bingley’s chest. He was not used to being ignored. Women always adored his manners and congenial attitude, and at one time Miss Bennet had hung onto his every word. His angel nodded and smiled at the colonel who raised her right hand to his lips and kissed it fully on the back. Her cheeks colored at the upstart’s attention and her smile grew, making her look even more beautiful, if that were possible. As soon as the colonel left her side, Charlesattempted to take her hand in his, but she clasped them in front of her body and watched him, her face strangely shuttered.
“I have missed you, so much, Miss Bennet. Allow me to tell you how passionately I love you.”
“Please, stop. You should not make such declarations to me.”
“But you loved me too. I know you did. It was in your every expression, your body language. You held me in great esteem.”
“I did hold you in great regard, Mr. Bingley. You were everything a young man ought to be upon first acquaintance.”
“Then why? Why do you rebuff my attention?”
“You left, Mr. Bingley.”
“That is all? I left?”
“Love is not just for pleasant afternoons and dinner parties. Love is standing with that person in times of hardship. To never lose faith regardless of what comes your way. Your friendship was a delightful sandcastle, but when the waves of gossip and malice lapped at the foundation, it crumbled to nothing. Your desire to move upward in society was more important than keeping me and my family safe from rumors and innuendo. You removed to London because you thought Mr. Darcy had abandoned my cousin. You did not choose me. You chose thebeau monde. Having made that choice, I wish you much happiness. Excuse me. I must attend my cousin.”
She pivoted and left him there, his mouth agape and his heart torn to shreds. What had he done? He cast a frantic gaze about, worried others might have seen her give him the cut directly, but most of the guests were still gathered near the door and archways, striving to see out into the hall and foyer. Whatever could be happening? About to cross the abandoned dance floor, he paused when the guests started to return and huddled about in small groups, talking with great animation. He scoured thecrowd, searching for Darcy, his wife, and then, his heart began to sink even further, his sister. What had she done now?
Lord Blake broke from his group and approached him, standing alone.
“Bingley, may I have a private word with you?”
Without waiting for his affirmation, Blake ushered him through the door which led to the card room. Gathered about were several lords and gentlemen, the smoke of cigars encircling their heads. Lord Blake took him to a corner and indicated he should take a seat. Almost immediately, a footman approached and handed them each a glass of brandy.
“You have my attention, Lord Blake,” Charles said,and the sixth set which should have rightfully been mine, he added in his thoughts.
“I feel it only gentlemanly to advise you that your sister has made the largest social gaffe of her life and if you were smart you would take her out of London, post haste.”
“We have barely arrived! What has she done?”
Lord Blake then told him what had occurred and with whom. The longer he spoke, the more ill Charles felt. Caroline and her venomous tongue! Why could she not leave Darcy alone? Had he not told her he loved his wife and wanted nothing to do with her? Why did she persist in chasing after him?
He shook his head. His sister was so obtuse at times. He would have to send her to Aunt Cora’s, there was no other choice before him. He mused for a minute. That would be a nice change and after he convinced Miss Bennet to accept his hand, they would enjoy a lovely marriage with no sniping at the dinner table, or temper tantrums that saw the destruction of vases and figurines, and maybe they would be able to retain the services of their maids and footmen for longer than three months. He andJane would have an idyllic life together.
“Did you hear what I said, Bingley?”
“What?” He broke out of his pleasant reverie. “Oh yes, yes, I did. I shall have to send Caroline home. She has quite ruined our evening.”
“She has ruined more than that, she is a social pariah.”
“Hmmm…yes, I can see that. I shall have to send her away and release her dowry. I cannot have her ruin my chance at a happy marriage.”
“You have someone in mind?”
