Page 13 of Attempted Compromises
With a final glance at the study door, Caroline straightened, a cold glint in her eye. Yes, she would be Mrs. Darcy, and she would enjoy the luxury, status, and power that title afforded her. She would not accept any other outcome. Whatever Darcy mightthink now, he would soon see that there was no woman better suited to his life and his ambitions than herself.
She, Caroline Bingley, would be the next Mrs. Darcy, and no one—not her brother, not Georgiana, and certainly not Darcy’s own misguided ideals—would stand in her way.
∞∞∞
Darcy adjusted the cuffs of his coat, straightening the fine fabric one last time before stepping quietly into Andrew’s room. A soft glow from the small candle on the nightstand illuminated the child’s gentle face, his pale features peaceful in sleep. Darcy leaned down, brushing a tender kiss to his forehead, and felt a surge of gratitude at his son’s steady breathing.
Leaning over, he pressed a tender kiss to Andrew's forehead. "Sleep well, little one," he whispered.
The nurse, Rebecca, stood nearby, her eyes watchful yet soft. She offered a reassuring smile as Darcy straightened, casting a last look over Andrew.
“Don’t worry, sir,” she said softly, her heavy brogue apparent even in a whisper. “I’ll keep a careful eye on him. Enjoy your evening.”
Darcy nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Rebecca. His health seems better here, but we can't be too careful."
"Indeed, sir," she replied. "The country air does him good."
Darcy felt a pang of reluctance as he left the room. With one last glance at Andrew, Darcy quietly left the room and made his way down the corridor to Georgiana's chambers. He found his sister seated comfortably by the fire, a book open on her lap. Across from her sat Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s new companion, whose warmth and intelligence had quickly earned Darcy’s trust— along with the credentials he had meticulously verified. She looked up from her knitting as he entered, giving him a polite nod.
"Fitzwilliam!" Georgiana exclaimed. She set aside her book and rose to greet him. “Are you leaving for the assembly now?”
“Indeed,” he replied, returning her smile. “I wished to say goodnight. I trust you’re enjoying Mrs. Annesley’s company?”
Georgiana’s eyes brightened as she glanced at her companion. “Very much. Mrs. Annesley is helping me with my studies, and she’s promised to read with me.”
Darcy gave Mrs. Annesley an approving nod, gratitude in his gaze. “Thank you, Mrs. Annesley.”
“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Darcy,” she replied warmly. “Miss Darcy is a most diligent student.”
“Soon you will be accompanying me to these events instead of simply bidding me farewell,” he said with a smile.
She shrank back. “Not so very soon?”
“Of course not. You are to stay my baby sister until you are fifty years old,” he replied with mock gravity.
Georgiana giggled, and he kissed her on the top of her forehead. Returning to her place by the fire, she gave him a small wave as he exited the room.
Having complete his farewells, Darcy descended to the front hall, arriving promptly at the appointed time. Bingley waited by the door, dressed in evening attire, hands folded behind his back. He paced the hall with a slightly bemused expression. “Ah, Darcy," he greeted him with a chuckle. "Punctual as always."
"Is Miss Bingley not joining us?" Darcy inquired, glancing around.
Bingley rolled his eyes, casting a glance up the grand staircase. “Still dressing, I’m afraid,” he muttered, exasperation clear in his voice. “I’ve already been waiting thirty minutes. You’d think it was her own ball, the way she’s carrying on.”
They both stood in silence, a faint tension settling as the clock ticked on. Finally, a rustling at the top of the stairs. Darcy looked up, and his eyes widened involuntarily as Caroline appeared, making her grand entrance with a theatrical flair that was impossible to ignore.
Her gown was an overwhelming sight—a garish concoction of deep green silk, draped with lace and studded with clusters of beads that caught the light at every angle. But the pièce de résistance was the cloud of feathers adorned her sleeves and hem, and a particularly large one perched jauntily in her hair, bobbing with every step. The entire effect bordered on the absurd.
Bingley pressed his lips together, clearly struggling to keep a straight face. He cast a sideways glance at Darcy, whose expression remained carefully neutral, though a slight tightening around his eyes betrayed him.
Caroline descended the stairs with her head held high, her gaze fixed on Darcy. "Brother, Mr. Darcy," Caroline greeted them, her voice dripping with affected sweetness. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long."
"Not at all." Darcy offered a slight bow. "We have ample time."
She smiled broadly, stepping forward to link her arm through Darcy's with a familiarity that caught him off guard. "You are too kind," she purred. "It's so endearing to see you as a loving father and brother. Family is everything, is it not?"
He looked at her in astonishment but she continued speaking, her voice dripping with admiration. “I saw you pass my room to say goodnight to both Andrew and dear Georgiana. Such devotion. Any woman would be privileged to be a part of your family.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly, offering a polite smile while concealing his discomfort at her overly familiar touch on his arm.
