Page 47

“Miss Bingley,” he began, his voice cool and measured despite the anger simmering beneath, “I…”

He was interrupted by the entrance of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who strode into the drawing room with his characteristic easy confidence, immediately sensing the tension in the atmosphere.

“I appear to have missed something of interest,” the colonel observed, glancing from Darcy’s rigid posture to Caroline’s flushed countenance. “I trust it was not news of national importance.”

“Merely a discussion about the benefits of diverse acquaintance, Colonel,” Elizabeth supplied smoothly. “Miss Bingley was expressing her views on suitable companions for young ladies entering society.”

“Ah,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with apparent understanding.

“A topic on which I imagine there are as many opinions as there are members of society. For my part, I have always found that character reveals itself most clearly in how one treats those one considers inferiors. A lesson military life teaches rather effectively.”

The subtle rebuke in his words was not lost on Caroline, whose colour deepened noticeably. Bingley seized the opportunity to change the subject entirely, enquiring whether the colonel had enjoyed his morning ride and found the countryside to his liking.

As conversation shifted to safer topics, Darcy remained standing protectively near Georgiana, his irritation with Caroline Bingley having reached a peak that demanded expression, if not in this moment, then certainly at the first appropriate opportunity.

His sister’s glance communicated both gratitude for his support and reassurance that she was untroubled by Caroline’s criticisms. Still, the implication that Elizabeth’s sister was unsuitable company for Georgiana – and by extension, that the Bennet family remained beneath the Darcys despite their connection through marriage – was an insult he would not allow to pass unremarked.

The drawing room at Netherfield was silent save for the gentle ticking of the ornate French clock upon the mantelpiece.

The dinner hour approached, though the party had not yet fully assembled.

Darcy stood near the window, observing the scudding clouds in the darkening sky, his posture rigid with lingering displeasure from the afternoon’s conversation.

Elizabeth was upstairs with Georgiana, both of them changing for dinner, leaving Darcy momentarily alone with Caroline Bingley, who hovered near the pianoforte with the air of someone preparing to approach a particularly intimidating adversary.

The quiet rustle of silk announced Caroline’s approach before her reflection appeared in the window glass beside his own. Darcy did not turn, maintaining his contemplation of the gardens with deliberate focus.

“I trust Miss Darcy has recovered from our rather spirited discussion this afternoon? I would be most distressed if anything I said caused her discomfort,” Caroline said, in that syrupy-sweet tone he had come to despise.

Darcy turned then, his expression schooled into the perfect mask of aristocratic reserve that had once been his habitual countenance in society. “My sister is quite well, thank you.”

“I am relieved to hear it,” Caroline continued, apparently undeterred by his brevity.

“I have always felt such a particular concern for dear Georgiana’s welfare.

Her position demands special consideration, does it not?

One wishes to see her surrounded only by those who can contribute to her understanding. ”

Darcy remained silent, his gaze steady and unflinching as Caroline attempted to justify her earlier behaviour.

“You must know, Mr. Darcy, that my comments this afternoon stemmed entirely from my deep regard for your sister’s best interests,” she pressed on, her smile growing somewhat fixed under his continued scrutiny.

“The transition to society can be so challenging for a young lady of sensibility and refinement. One would not wish to see her influenced by those who might... well, who might not fully appreciate the particular expectations placed upon a young lady of her station.”

“And you consider yourself qualified to determine who might provide such appropriate influence?” Darcy asked, his voice carrying a chill that would have warned anyone with greater perception than Caroline Bingley.

“I merely observe that certain companions might not offer the sophistication and understanding that Miss Darcy requires,” Caroline replied, her confidence visibly returning as she warmed to her theme.

“Miss Catherine Bennet, while undoubtedly a pleasant young lady, has not had the advantages that would make her truly suitable as an intimate friend for Miss Darcy. Her background, her education, her family’s position in society; all must be considered when evaluating such associations. ”

“Her family’s position?” Darcy echoed, his eyebrows rising fractionally. “You refer, I presume, to the family of my wife, Mrs. Darcy?”

Caroline faltered momentarily, belatedly recognising the dangerous territory into which she had ventured. “I – that is to say – one must acknowledge certain differences in circumstance and connections, even while respecting the bonds of matrimony.”

“Indeed,” Darcy said, his voice dropping to a register that in him indicated a controlled fury far more intimidating than another man's shout might have been.

“And based on these considerations of circumstance and connections, you have determined that the sister of Mrs. Darcy is not a suitable companion for Miss Darcy?”

“I merely suggested that there might be more advantageous connections for Miss Darcy to cultivate,” Caroline attempted to clarify, paling slightly under his glare.

“How extraordinary,” Darcy remarked, his tone growing colder. “I confess myself fascinated by the notion that my sister ought to consider herself above association with my wife’s family. Perhaps you might elaborate on the logic that leads to such a remarkable conclusion?”

Caroline attempted a little laugh. “Mr. Darcy, I fear you misunderstand…”

“On the contrary, Miss Bingley, I believe I understand perfectly,” Darcy interrupted sharply.

“You suggest that while I might marry into the Bennet family, my sister should maintain a more... discriminating approach to her acquaintance. Am I to understand that you believe I have lowered myself through my choice of wife, but wish to spare Georgiana a similar degradation?”

“No! That is not at all… I would never suggest… Mrs. Darcy is, of course, most exceptional,” Caroline stammered, her composure utterly deserting her.

“Exceptional indeed,” Darcy agreed with dangerous mildness.

“As is her sister Catherine, who has demonstrated remarkable improvement in both accomplishment and character this past year. I find it curious that you, who have known her but slightly and after considerable absence, feel qualified to assess her suitability as my sister’s companion, when both Mrs. Darcy and I have observed her development closely and with approval. ”

Elizabeth entered the drawing room at that moment, pausing at the threshold as she registered the scene: Caroline Bingley’s uncharacteristic discomposure and Darcy’s expression the haughty, implacable countenance of a man secure in his position and utterly unmoved by the opinions of those he considered beneath his notice.

“I would not for the world express any sentiment that might distress you or Mrs. Darcy,” Caroline protested weakly, catching sight of Elizabeth’s entrance with visible alarm.

“Then perhaps,” Darcy suggested with glacial politeness, “you might consider refraining from commentary on who constitutes appropriate companionship for my sister, particularly when such commentary implies criticism of my wife’s family.”

Elizabeth moved forward, her expression betraying nothing of the satisfaction she undoubtedly felt at witnessing Caroline’s discomfiture. “I trust I am not interrupting anything of importance?”

“Not at all, Mrs. Darcy,” Darcy replied, his features softening visibly as he turned toward his wife. “Miss Bingley and I were discussing the nature of suitable connections. A topic on which I find my views have undergone considerable revision this past year.”

“A most fascinating subject,” Elizabeth agreed, her eyes bright with suppressed amusement as she took in Caroline’s flushed countenance. “And one on which opinions can differ so dramatically, depending on one’s perspective.”

“Indeed,” Caroline managed, rallying her composure with visible effort. “Though I fear Mr. Darcy may have mistaken my meaning entirely. I have nothing but the highest regard for your family, Mrs. Darcy.”

“How gratifying,” Elizabeth replied serenely. “I am certain my sister Kitty will be most pleased to hear it when she joins us tomorrow for luncheon. Georgiana has particularly requested her company for the afternoon’s music practice.”

Caroline’s smile froze, her momentary recovery faltering at this news. “Miss Catherine is to visit tomorrow? How... delightful.”

“At my invitation,” Darcy confirmed, the implicit challenge in his tone daring Caroline to express any further reservation.

The timely entrance of Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam spared Caroline the necessity of response. She retreated to the far side of the room, ostensibly to examine a floral arrangement that had suddenly become of consuming interest.

“Have we missed something amusing?” Colonel Fitzwilliam inquired, his keen eyes noting Caroline’s obvious discomfort and the subtle undercurrent of satisfaction in his cousin’s bearing.

“Merely a clarification of principles,” Elizabeth explained with perfect composure. “Mr. Darcy was expressing his views on family loyalty with particular eloquence.”

“A subject on which my cousin has always held strong opinions,” the colonel observed, glancing curiously toward Caroline’s rigid back. “Though I have observed certain evolutions in his perspective of late.”

“Growth is the privilege of a rational mind,” Darcy replied, the severity of his expression softening as the Hursts and Georgiana entered the room, signalling the imminent commencement of dinner.

As the party arranged themselves to proceed to the dining room, Elizabeth found herself momentarily alone with her husband, their position by the window affording a brief interval of privacy.

“I assume Miss Bingley received the set-down she so richly deserved?” she inquired softly, her eyes twinkling with barely suppressed mirth.

“I merely impressed upon her the impropriety of suggesting that your sister might be unsuitable company for Georgiana,” Darcy replied, though the slight quirk at the corner of his mouth betrayed his satisfaction.

“From her expression, I gather your impression was made with characteristic thoroughness,” Elizabeth observed. “Poor Miss Bingley. She appears utterly at a loss for how to recover her position.”

“Let her recover it through genuine respect for all members of our family,” Darcy said firmly. “I will not have Georgiana made uncomfortable in pursuit of some misguided notion of advantageous connections, nor will I permit slights against your family to pass unremarked.”

Elizabeth’s expression softened, genuine gratitude replacing her amusement. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam. Your defence means more than I can express.”

“It is nothing less than you, and all your family, deserve,” Darcy replied simply. “And significantly less than Miss Bingley deserved, had we not been constrained by the demands of basic civility.”

“The constraints of civility can sometimes be remarkably effective,” Elizabeth noted as they moved to join the others. “I believe Miss Bingley has been more thoroughly chastened by your cold disapproval than she would have been by any passionate outburst.”

Indeed, throughout dinner Caroline maintained an unusual quietude, contributing to conversation only when directly addressed and avoiding any topic that might remotely touch upon suitable companions or social connections.

Her usual attempts to engage Darcy’s particular attention were conspicuously absent, replaced by a careful deference that bordered on timidity.

Georgiana, by contrast, appeared to have shed some of her customary reserve, discussing her plans for music practice with Kitty the following day with genuine enthusiasm, encouraged by Elizabeth’s warm interest and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s good-humoured questions about her progress.

Darcy observed this transformation with quiet satisfaction, his earlier irritation gradually giving way to appreciation for his sister’s growing confidence and his wife’s gentle guidance.

If the price of their happiness was occasionally being required to put Caroline Bingley in her place, it was one he would gladly pay, again and again, without hesitation or regret.