Page 53 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Darcy gave his agreement, then sipped his brandy. Looking down into the glass, he saw the color of Miss Elizabeth’sirises. The illusion of the liquid expanding as the glass was raised reminded him of her eyes widening while they danced. He felt a warm sensation in his chest when the rim of the glass touched his lips. He knew it was possible to drown in this amber, the same as he felt compelled to drown himself in her eyes.
“Perfect. You have found anotherangel,” Miss Bingley said with a dismissive motion of her hand.
“I will not countenance any further remarks toward those of Hertfordshire,” Bingley said. “It is done without cause, and you are cruel without provocation, Caroline.”
“Nor will I subject my sister to such lies or cutting remarks about those who live here when they have done naught but welcome you. I shall remove with Ana to the inn tomorrow.” Darcy set his drink on the table and then walked toward the door.
“I have spoken in haste. I am only tired, Darcy.” Miss Bingley jumped to her feet.
“I know you speak this way of any lady whom I converse with. I will tolerate it no longer,” Darcy said, his tone even. “I will not subject my sister to such ridicule anymore. It may be asking too much, for I hear little else from you, Miss Bingley.”
Miss Bingley gasped, and Darcy was satisfied she understood. He bid his friend goodnight, then left the room.
Bingley Gives His Sister Fair Warning
“Caroline, sit.” Bingley was gratified that she complied without protest. “It is past time you accept that Darcy will never consider you. You will never hold a position in his life beyond that of being a friend’s sister. My sister.”
“I have just come to understand so, Charles,” Caroline admitted, her eyes pooling with tears.
“But can youacceptit?”
“What do you care? You have warned me against pinning my hopes on him these many years.”
“I care”—Bingley took his sister’s hand, kneeling beside the chair she had collapsed into—“because you are my sister and I love you. I have only known a protective love for you, though I am uncertain you have loved me a single day of your life.”
“You are my brother. Of course, I love you.”
Bingley assessed his sister to determine if even she believed the words she spoke. In the end, however, it mattered little. He loved her and wanted to believe he, at least, had her respect. One day, he hoped she might love him in return.
“Then show me. Show Louisa you value her as your older sister, that you are happy for her and the life she has chosen, which has elevated her to the landed gentry. And also because she is happy. Show me you do not seek reasons to be angry with me every day. Be our sister, for we have ever been brother and sister to you. Show us it matters to you that we love you.” Bingley handed her his handkerchief.
“I will try.”
“You will have to do more than try, or you will find yourself unwelcome to either of our homes. I will not allow you to abuse my wife as you have abused me. Further, Darcy is not the reason you are here. Be solicitous of my friend and his sister, but you aremysister and have offered to be my hostess. I now take steps to fulfill our father's dying wish. I am learning estate management from Darcy because I intend to be a good master when I purchase one.”
“I am certain you shall be, Charles. I, however, have created a bit of a quandary in proclaiming to my friends that Darcy would offer for me. My failure has made me too much ofa fool to find a husband from amongst the circles in London,” Caroline said, shamefaced.
“Wish Darcy every success in the quest to find a lady who will love him, as I one day hope to be loved by my wife. It is time you give others the happiness they hope you find.”
Bingley held his hand out when he stood. Once she gave him her own, he kissed it and escorted her up the stairs. In their family wing, they heard Louisa laughing in the rooms she occupied with her husband.
“He loves her?” Caroline asked, expressing every sign of surprise.
“Would I allow him to marry our sweet sister if I did not believe so? And he does not drink so much or often as you accuse him. He uses the ruse to ignore your cutting remarks because I asked him to temperhisanger toward you.”
“Ever my protector. I will apologize to our sister and brother-in-law tomorrow.” Caroline rested her hand on the door to her rooms.
“A great place to start.” Bingley kissed her cheek.
“Start,” Caroline whispered.
Hearing the courtesy of apologizing to her maid for making her wait before his sister shut her door, Bingley found satisfaction.Thatwas the Caroline he so dearly loved.
Miss Darcy Sees Her Wish Realized
Gratified to see his sister sitting already in the breakfast room and at the table, Darcy bent to kiss her cheek.
“Why are you surprised, Brother? I am nervous. I know I said I wished for the opportunity to make a friend, but this? Tobe invited to visit her home for the whole day? That I did not expect.” Georgiana looked at him over her teacup.
