Page 47 of Second Chances (Passion and Perseverance #2)

“Yes, well, they must not know about proper art,” Mrs. Bingley huffed. “I just don’t see why she can’t stick to more traditional subjects. Nudity is only a cheap trick for attention.”

“So, you don’t approve of her exhibition that she’s hosting next weekend?”

Beth’s eyes wandered for a brief moment back into the living room. There, she noticed Caro in a group conversation with Jane, yet simultaneously watching her intently with narrow, speculative eyes.

“No, no. I thought her coming back was to mend things between us, but I was wrong; it was, unfortunately, a little more financially motivated than that,” Mrs. Bingley responded with a hint of resentment, before suddenly realizing her company and deflecting the conversation by asking Mrs. Bennet about Lydia.

Well, that’s interesting information. Would Jane know more?

Jane had told her that Charles was struggling with issues between his parents and sister; maybe he had told her.

The problem was that Jane would never gossip about private family issues, even to Beth, unless she knew the real reason that Beth was asking, and that would mean telling her that her future sister-in-law and bridesmaid was a crazy, stalker bitch.

Would Jane be able to handle that? Would she be ok?

There was no way Beth could go through with a restraining order now, before Jane’s wedding; she also knew that she couldn’t keep from Jane who her tormentor was, as much as she wanted to spare her the awkwardness.

What do you say? ‘Hey sis, by the way, the crazy person stalking and threatening me is your new sister-in-law. Good luck with that’?

UGH!

What if she kept it from her until after the wedding at least?

No, you know Jane is going to ask you what you’ve done about the woman harassing you, if you’ve gone to the police. True, but I could lie .

No, she couldn’t lie to Jane. Plus, not that it would change how she felt about Charles, but for Jane’s safety, she should know that Caro is the ex; the CB threatened her, too, after all.

God, what do I do?

She needed to talk to Darcy, first, before she told Jane anything; they needed to come up with a plan. Hopefully, once Jane knew who the ex-girlfriend was, she would be able to help Beth figure out the real reason why Caro was back.

Beth stood by the mothers, superficially involved in the conversation, while letting her mind run through the possible implications of what she had just learned. A few minutes later, they were joined by Jane, who graciously thanked them all again for such a wonderful surprise.

“I really had no idea,” she gushed. “Caro did an excellent job with her ruse. Thank you so much, mom, Beth.”

I bet she did.

“I’m so happy you were surprised,” Beth replied, hugging her sister. “It was so hard not to say something to you about it. I hope you’re having a good time. We tried to keep it as low-key as possible.”

“No, it’s perfect. Thank you!!”

“Also, we decided to leave it up to you if you want to open some of your gifts, or if you would rather just mingle and then open them later.”

“Oh, ok,” Jane said, biting her lip as she thought about her options.

“I’m sure your guests would love it if you opened your presents,” Irene interjected her opinion.

“I’m also sure that your guests would love to spend time actually talking to you, too, so, you do what you want, Jane,” Beth added in, giving her mother a glare.

“Ok, yeah maybe I will just do that and open the gifts later. I feel like it’s boring to sit and watch someone open presents.”

“See, Louise, even Jane can be troublesome, too” Mrs. Bennet grumbled, giving Mrs. Bingley an empathetic glance, enjoying their solidarity over disobedient daughters .

“Mom, I think this is what everyone would rather. It does get boring to just sit and watch; I’d hate for any of your friends to get bored,” Beth chastised.

“Ok, fine,” Irene huffed. “Have you seen all of your guests, Jane?”

“Yes, I think I’ve managed to chat with everyone,” Jane replied with a smile. “They are all raving about the food and the house. Caroline really found a wonderful place.”

“Yes, well, it was given to her so I don’t think she had much of a choice,” Mrs. Bingley retorted.

Well, that’s even more interesting.

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.

Beth stared right back, unwilling to back down, to show any signs of weakness in front of this woman who was nothing more than a bully.

Well, two could play at her game.

“Of course!” Beth replied with a false enthusiasm. “I was just really stressed this morning, running late and all, and then, well, personal issues.”

“Fighting with your man again?” Caro immediately jumped on the bait, barely able to conceal her smile at the supposition.

“Yeah, just over something small and stupid but it had me all worked up,” Beth continued, teasing her with tidbits of information, gathering up the remaining decor while Caro followed her around, “but, everything is fine.”

“Are you sure? Why don’t you talk to me about it; maybe I can help,” Caro offered falsely.

“It’s really fine. I just need a long shower and, oh, I think that is everything that I brought for the party,” Beth exclaimed, walking closer to the front door with all of her stuff.

“I’m just great, don’t worry. I’ll touch base this week about your show and just make sure every detail is arranged. Thanks for all your help today!”

With that, Beth turned, opening the front door, and walked outside to the black car waiting for her, not giving Caro a moment to interject or question her further without chasing her awkwardly onto the sidewalk.

“Have a good night!” Beth yelled to Caro from the curb as she climbed into the car.

She still thinks that she’s one step ahead of me. Boy, does that CB have another thing coming.