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Mr. Bingley was furious. Mr. Darcy had offered him little information and had apologized in such an arrogant manner that it scarcely felt like an apology—rather, a justification of his actions.

He should never have concealed Mr. Bennet's death from him, and although Mr. Bingley was not a spiteful man, it would take some time before he could forgive his friend.

Whenever he thought of his poor angel having to work to support her family, deep sorrow and resentment toward Mr. Darcy welled within him.

'I cannot remain here feeling helpless. I must act soon to aid her,'Mr. Bingley resolved, pacing restlessly about his study.

"Louisa, the butler told me that an express message arrived from Mr. Darcy.

Where is Charles?" Caroline asked her sister, who was quietly embroidering cushions in the drawing room.

"He is locked away in the study. I must warn you, he looked quite distressed," Louisa replied without raising her eyes.

She was focused on her embroidery and wished to avoid conflict with her brother.

"I care not if he is angry, upset, or anxious.

If Mr. Darcy has sent an express inviting us to Pemberley, we must go," Caroline declared.

Just then, she noticed Mr. Bingley leaving the study and asked him to join her in the drawing room.

"Caroline, whatever it is you wish to say, I beg you to be brief.

I have many pressing matters to attend to," he said, wearied.

"I was informed that an express arrived from Derbyshire, and I wished to know if all is well with Mr. Darcy and Georgiana," Caroline inquired gently, hoping to extract as much information as possible.

"Darcy has not mentioned any problems, so I assume all is well with both him and Georgiana.

I trust that answers your question, and now I must attend to my duties," Mr. Bingley replied curtly.

"Wait, Charles… I would also like to know if you intend to accompany us to the Millers' tomorrow.

" "No, I shall be occupied for the next several days.

Do not wait for me at dinner," he said, attempting again to leave.

"Charles, please—you cannot spare even a moment for your sisters?

" Caroline said, casting a glance at Louisa.

"What do you want, Caroline? Why not ask plainly so I can answer and return to my plans?

" he replied impatiently. "You are insufferable, Charles," Caroline muttered.

But as he moved to exit, she hastened to ask, "Did Mr. Darcy invite you to Pemberley?

I am eager to see dear Georgiana. It saddens me to think she must spend all day with Eliza Bennet.

" "No, Caroline. Darcy has not invited me, and were he to do so, I would decline.

" "Charles, you should not speak so harshly of your friend.

Mr. Darcy has always supported you, and you ought to be more grateful.

" "I prefer not to discuss this matter further.

" "Is this all because of that woman?" "Yes, Caroline.

Darcy had no right to withhold news of the Bennet family's tragedy from me.

After reading his letter, I am convinced you also knew of Mr. Bennet's death and chose not to tell me," Mr. Bingley said, looking sharply at his sisters.

Louisa remained silent, but Caroline responded defiantly, "And what would you have done if you had known?

Taken Jane Bennet as your companion? It matters little whether you learned now or months ago; there was nothing you could do.

" "I shall not waste any more time," said Mr. Bingley and left the room.

"Caroline, I think it would be best to leave Charles alone for a while," Louisa suggested.

"Louisa, I cannot allow Charles to ruin his life—and ours," Caroline retorted angrily.

"You worry too much. If Jane Bennet wished to ensnare our brother, she would have done everything possible to find him.

" "I suppose you are correct, Louisa. Indeed, poor, gentle Jane must be working herself to exhaustion like that impertinent Eliza.

" "Or perhaps she married some tradesman related to her uncle.

We cannot deny she is beautiful and would have no trouble finding a husband among merchants if she wished.

" "Indeed!" Louisa and Caroline continued to speculate on the fate of the Bennet sisters, exchanging a series of amusing guesses.

At least they took comfort in knowing their brother was safe from that family and would soon forget them all.

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