Page 73 of Second Chances
Beth peeked at her watch, anxious for the party to be over, not so much to escape from Caroline’s presence, but so that she could find out from Jane just what Mrs. Bingley was holding back.
If Jane knew.
Jane stayed and chatted with them a few more minutes before their mother began to drag her away to make rounds thanking their guests again. There was only about an hour left to the party and a few friends already had had to leave.
Their departure left Beth standing awkwardly with Mrs. Bingley. As much as she tried to inconspicuously draw out more information from the woman, she had no luck. Realizing she would get no further clues as to what Caroline’s motives were, she stuck around a few minutes longer, making small talk about the wedding while strategizing who it might be safe to talk to next; it had been a small reprieve knowing that Caro wouldn’t approach her again while she was in the company of Mrs. Bingley.
Surreptitiously scanning the living room, Beth spotted Char and Mrs. Lucas sitting in the far corner eating and chatting.
Perfect.
Beth thanked Mrs. Bingley for coming and excused herself with the wish to get something to eat. Even though his stomach wasn’t the slightest bit hungry, the anxiety of the moment keeping her on edge, she filled a small plate with the mini-sandwiches and made her way quickly over to Char and her mom, taking note of Caro talking with Irene and one of her mother’s close friends.
“Beth, I haven’t seen you around in a while,” exclaimed Mrs. Lucas as Beth took a seat next to Char on the settee.
“I know, I’ve been so busy with work events; it’s just been crazy,” Beth replied with an apologetic smile, taking a bite of one of the sandwiches on her plate.
Looking up from her plate, Beth caught Caro watching her intently. She sent her a half-hearted smile, trying her best to diffuse any suspicion. Right now, she had the upper hand and as much as she wanted to punch Caro in the face for what she did to Darcy, Beth tried to keep herself focused on the long-term plan. What that was, she wasn’t quite sure of, but she had a feeling Jane would be able shed to some light on the topic. All that was left after that was to talk to Darcy.
The thought brought his gorgeous face to the front of her mind, but not the flesh and bones version of it, the charcoal version that was hanging in Caro’s bedroom, directly across from her bed with his sultry eyes staring out at her; Beth almost vomited up the few bites of the cucumber sandwich that she had eaten. Forcibly swallowing, she pushed him to the back of her mind and immersed herself in the conversation around her.
It wasn’t much longer until Mrs. Lucas wanted to head home, so Char and she said their goodbyes, promising to catch up another day. Shutting the front door behind them, Beth realized how sparse the remaining guests were; those that were left seemed to be saying their farewells also. Beth graciously handed out the favors to the last of her mom’s friends as they departed, congratulating her on a beautiful party. All that remained were she, Jane, their mom, Caro, and Mrs. Bingley.
Beth watched with dismay as Mrs. Bingley gave Caro an unaffectionate hug before warmly turning to Jane and Irene to say her goodbyes.
Well, there goes my last refuge.
At last, all who remained were the party planners and the bride herself.
“I’m sure you’ve had a long day, Jane,” Irene began, taking charge of the situation, “why don’t you and I gather the gifts and head out. I think Beth and Caro can take care of the clean-up here.”
“I’ll help you with the gifts. Jane, do you want any of these teacups? I can gather them for you to take home,” Beth offered.
“Sure, I can take them.”
“Ok, I’ll just throw the flowers, unless anyone wants to keep any, and then box them up.”
When no one requested to keep the flowers, Beth quickly gathered her decorations, trying to do as much clean up before her mom and sister departed, leaving her alone with Caroline. When she returned to the foyer, all the gifts were gone and Jane and Irene were saying their goodbyes.
“I’m sure you’re exhausted, but you’re always welcome to stay and open your gifts here, Jane,” Caro offered.
“Thank you, but I’m just craving a nice warm shower and changing into something relaxing,” Jane admitted, “but thank you for taking me out earlier and helping me with Charles’ ring! I think I’ve decided which one I’m going to go with.”
“Wonderful,” Caro responded, with her smile that, to Beth, just never seemed quite sincere.
Beth hugged her sibling and her mother, shutting the front door behind them.
“I’ll just grab the rest of the decor, if you want to toss the food and then we should be done!” Beth exclaimed, perhaps a little too cheerfully to Caro, trying to dart past her quickly before Caro tried to ensnare her in conversation.
“Beth, could I talk to you for a minute?”
Shit.
She’d been waiting for the ball to drop all afternoon. Well, now, here it comes.
“Of course,” Beth said.
“Is everything ok, Beth? You seemed a bit off today.” Caro’s eyes bored into hers, unrelenting in their quest for what was really going on.
