Page 46

W ith Caroline gone, Netherfield was at peace. Mr. Bingley wrestled with a certain amount of guilt – was he really happy because his sister was absent? Was he an inadequate brother in some way?

It was Harold Hurst who set his mind at rest. “I have seen you doing a good deal of thinking, Charles,” he observed over a glass of brandy one night. “And I suspect you are second-guessing your decision to have Caroline out of the house.”

“I had not known you to be so perspicacious,” Mr. Bingley replied.

Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy traded glances. Mr. Hurst then continued, “You are now wondering if you were somehow at fault as her brother.”

“How the deuce –“

Mr. Hurst chuckled. “I have known you a good long time, Charles. I tell you this straight – the only thing you did wrong was to believe that she was a better sister and a better person than she really was.”

Mr. Darcy added, “A different sister would have produced a very different result entirely.”

“But perhaps a better brother would have produced a different result as well,” Charles said, forehead wrinkled.

“No; a stricter brother would have simply come to the conclusion that she was not fit to live with a good deal sooner. That is the only difference I can imagine.”

“And a kinder brother?”

“Does not exist on this earth,” Mr. Darcy vowed. “Charles, you have been a saint throughout; do not chide yourself on any point.”

“Too much of a saint, if anything,” Mr. Hurst grumbled. “Caused no end of trouble with me and Louisa,”

“Could you not do something with your wife, man?” Darcy asked, emboldened by the brandy. “She did not help the situation, you know.”

“Louisa is afraid of Caroline, always has been,” Mr. Hurst answered, staring at his now-empty brandy glass.

“And now?”

“Become an exemplary wife!” Mr. Hurst proclaimed. “Was that not a fine dinner she ordered tonight, Darcy?”

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy rushed to assure Mr. Hurst that his wife’s meals were first-rate, far superior to Miss Bingley’s over-Frenchified choices.

***

Dear Louisa,

You must tell me what is happening at Netherfield! I have heard nothing from you, which worries me greatly. Has Charles relented? Might I return soon? For it is extremely dull here, and I do not know how much longer I can bear it.

You are my sister; I require you to plead my case to Charles!

Your hopeful sister,

Caroline

Louisa considered this letter for a long minute; then she ripped it up and threw it in the fire.

***

Meanwhile, in the drawing room, the two ladies of the house did their best to converse. “I am certain you miss your sister, Mrs. Hurst,” Georgiana began.

“I thought I would, but no, I do not.”

“That is surprising,” Georgiana said, wondering if she should have introduced the topic at all.

“You see, Caroline always was a stronger personality,” Mrs. Hurst continued. “Stronger than mine, stronger than Charles’. We did not have the ability to stand up to her, even when we knew she was behaving improperly.”

“Did you know about the letter she sent to Miss Bennet?”

“The one saying that Charles was to marry you? Yes, I am sorry to say. I tried to dissuade her from sending it, but there was no use. I think it likely that I owe you an apology, Miss Darcy.”

“Oh, no, for I knew nothing of it.”

“Well, happily it went no further than Longbourn, but had Miss Bennet chosen to do so, she could have made a good deal of trouble with that letter.”

“I do not think Miss Bennet has it in her to make trouble!”

“I quite agree with you. She is a sweet, soft creature, and doubtless that is what attracts Charles.”

“Would you object to having her as a sister? I apologise if that is too personal a question, Mrs. Hurst; you need not reply.”

“I am happy to answer you. No, I would not object at all. I imagine she would be very easy to live with.”

“I am certain you are right.”

“And you, Miss Darcy? Do you wish for Miss Elizabeth as a sister?”

“Very much! I cannot imagine a better one.”

“Will your brother marry her when six months of mourning have passed?”

“I very much hope so.”

“Will Miss Lydia be home by then, do you think? I cannot imagine what keeps her away so long when her family needs her.”

“I understand that Miss Lydia was uncommonly close to her mother and cannot bear to be at Longbourn without her.”

“That is what I heard,” Mrs. Hurst agreed. “Still, it seems odd.”

Georgiana could not say that it was Lydia’s absence that was delaying an engagement between her brother and Miss Elizabeth; instead, she asked Mrs. Hurst to play a duet with her.

***

Dear Aunt,

I am having a very good time here in Meryton.

I am using Christian names with Elizabeth’s sisters, and they are all quite amiable.

Elizabeth is everything wonderful! She is lively and intelligent.

She and Brother argue about books, but they are not real arguments.

They both enjoy those discussions a good deal.

Elizabeth and I play duets together, and I play with Mary as well.

Mary is a very interesting young lady. I am told she used to be very religious, but of late she has decided that it is best if everyone speaks the truth even if it is not socially correct. I suppose being truthful is a Christian philosophy, so perhaps she is still religious.

Kitty has wonderful artistic skills; she made a sketch of me and then presented me with it. I think she rather flattered me in it, and I told her so, but she protests that it is a true likeness.

Jane is the eldest – perhaps I should have started with her.

She is a true beauty, Aunt. If she were to have a Season, she would have suitors a-plenty, despite her lack of fortune.

She is also serene and kind, and I do not wonder that Mr. Bingley admires her!

I do not think she would do for Brother, though, as she is not fond of books, nor of the outdoors.

And then, of course, there is Lydia; Brother says you are familiar with the situation, so I may share my thoughts with you.

Elizabeth has told Brother that she cannot marry him if her reputation would interfere with my marriage chances.

I appreciate that thoughtfulness, I truly do, but I cannot see my own brother made unhappy.

How unreasonable is it that we must choose between their happiness and my own possible future happiness? It is not reasonable at all.

Have you any advice for us, Aunt? For I know you to be quite wise in these matters.

Miss Bingley, who has been rather a thorn in everyone’s side, has been banished from Netherfield and sent to some relative up north.

Perhaps it is rude to say this, but Netherfield is a far better place without her.

You see that I am affected by Mary, as I am telling a simple truth even if it is not strictly polite to do so!

Your always loving great-niece,

Georgiana

***

Dear Georgiana,

I am happy to know that you are having an enjoyable time in Meryton. Your description of the Bennet sisters made me smile; it sounds as though they are very interesting individuals.

Miss Elizabeth is quite right; it would not do at all for her to become Mrs. Darcy when there is very likely going to be a stain on her reputation. I give her credit for understanding that. It is not just you who would be affected, Georgiana; your uncle and I would be made to feel it as well.

Until that girl is found, Miss Elizabeth Bennet cannot become Mrs. Darcy. I hope everyone involved understands that!

Your loving and very wise,

Aunt Eleanor