Page 54 of The Briar Bargain
“I still cannot believe she tried to publicly disgrace Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley said, shaking his head. “Honestly, I must believe it, having seen it. She told me she disapproved of my admiration of Miss Bennet, but this is beyond anything.”
“This was not about your admiration,” Hurst said. “This was about hers. Caroline has expectations for her future. Miss Elizabeth threatens them.”
Both men turned to look at Darcy.
“I am Miss Elizabeth’s friend,” Darcy said stiffly. How often must he say it? “Nothing more.”
Bingley gave him a look so knowing it practically winked. “Darcy, please. You pulled her out of the river, held her in the cart, and carried her to her bedchamber. There was nothing to be done that you did not do yourself except tend to her in her chambers. Who do you think you are fooling?”
“No one,” Darcy said, barely repressing a sigh. “I helped her because she needed help.”
Hurst raised a brow. “Every time someone says something even remotely unkind about her, you step in like a dowager defending her family name.”
Darcy gave him a withering look. Bingley, however, leaned in, all interest and mischief. “He is not wrong. You have been on an unrelenting campaign of protection ever since she fell ill.”
Darcy did not answer immediately. He looked away. “The morning after she was finally able to leave her sickroom,” he said finally, “I found Miss Elizabeth outside, ready to walk back to Longbourn via the northern bridge. She was alone, and it had not even stopped raining.”
Both men fell silent.
“She would rather risk that journey,” Darcy said quietly, “than endure another moment in Miss Bingley’s house.” The image of Miss Elizabeth, still pale, walking slowly, deliberately, and all alone, had rooted itself inhis mind. The resentment it stirred was wholly out of proportion for a man claiming only friendship. “I promised Miss Elizabeth that if she stayed until it was safe for her to return to Longbourn, I would deal with your sister.”
Bingley swore under his breath.
Even Hurst set his glass down with a frown.
Darcy tamped down his temper. It did no good to indulge it. Action, not anger, would best serve Miss Elizabeth. “Regardless of personal feelings, something must be done. Miss Bingley’s behaviour today has crossed a line, and Hurst, your wife is not much better.”
“Agreed,” Bingley said, his voice hardening. “I will speak to Caroline again. She was warned. Now she will go to our family and reside in Yorkshire the moment the bridge is declared sound.”
Bingley’s tone was decided, and Darcy approved. His friend had chosen resolution over peace.
“If that is the way of it,” Hurst said, standing, “I shall be returning to London with Louisa. She is a better woman when not under Caroline’s influence, and frankly, I should like my wife back.”
“That does leave the question of who shall escort Caroline,” Bingley mused.
“She can take the cat,” Hurst added. “It may be the only living thing in this house that does not mind her.”
Bingley shook his head. “The cat does not like her either.”
Darcy snorted despite himself.
“Well, that is for you to manage, Bingley. A man must have his priorities,” Hurst said. “Mine is reclaiming my household.”
“And mine,” Bingley said, “is the same.”
“You will be left without a hostess,” Darcy warned.
“Not for long,” Bingley replied.
Darcy regarded his friend with surprise. He hoped that Bingley would not bend at the first tearful appeal. This new edge of quiet confidence beneath the affable charm suited him. And for all their sakes, he would need to hold firm.
“Good man.” Hurst downed the last of his brandy and for once, did not refill his glass immediately. “Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth have been managing the household beautifully anyway.”
They had indeed been assisting with the displaced tenants and their children, managing the upheaval with fortitude. Mrs. Nicholls now deferred more to the Miss Bennets than to Miss Bingley.
"Because they possess excellent characters," Darcy replied bluntly. “And the servants know it.”
"Louisa could do the same, if she ever decided she might like to emulate them. After a few months in Caroline’s sole company, she possesses only a collection of complaints and a remarkable ability to avoid anything that might soil her gloves."
