Page 47 of The Shades of Pemberley

“Caroline, this obsession of yours to attach yourself to the highest man you can find is not sound, for you have made yourself miserable in the attempt. Would it not be better to search for a good man, one who will bring you fulfillment and make you happy? If you must sacrifice a little standing to attract such a man, I am certain it will lead to your greater contentment.”

“I do not wish to marry some country gentleman, to be forever barred from society in London.”

The reply was more than petulant, but Caroline did not concern herself with that. Charles did nothing more than grin at her tone.

“Who said anything about leaving London? There should be ample opportunity for you to recommend yourself to a man of some presence in society. At present, however, you are aiming too high, for no man of Darcy’s level will accept you.

Better, I should think, to aim a little lower and find happiness. ”

“Do you suppose that such is available to me?” complained Caroline.

“Is a connection to the Darcy of so little value in society? Why, I suspect many would jump at the chance to recommend themselves to a woman possessing such a connection.”

Caroline regarded her brother, uncertain about his meaning. “Are you referring to your fascination for Miss Bennet?”

“In part, perhaps,” said Charles with a shrug. “At the moment, I have no notion if I will offer for Miss Bennet, for I have only known her a short time. Yet even a connection to Darcy through my friendship with him cannot but help you in society.”

“Except that Mr. Darcy will wish to have nothing to do with me,” groused Caroline.

“Not at all. Darcy spoke to me about the situation and stated his willingness. While he will not offer bosom friendship, he does not oppose an acquaintance. That will help you in society even if I do not marry his sister.”

“Would Mr. Darcy do such a thing?” demanded Caroline.

If he would—perhaps more applicable to the situation, if Mrs. Darcy would—they were far better people than she would have thought.

Many would have disavowed any acquaintance with her for half of the misbehavior she had shown only the previous day.

Had Caroline been in Mrs. Darcy’s position, she would have had no qualms about doing so herself.

“Not only would he, but he told me himself that he will . It will, of course, depend on your good behavior, but I cannot imagine you are incapable of it. You made a good start yesterday when we returned from Longbourn.”

Caroline nodded, not paying her brother much heed to own the truth.

The notion that Mr. Darcy was so good as to forgive in such a spectacular fashion was no less than astonishing, a boon Caroline had not expected to receive as acquainted as she was with those of high society.

Then again, Caroline supposed it was perhaps apropos of the gentleman’s character, for regardless of his recent rise in prominence, he was not of that society, and she did not think he would disagree with her assessment.

For perhaps the first time, Caroline understood that in losing Mr. Darcy—not that he had ever been hers to lose—perhaps she had lost a good man rather than just a pathway to consequence and standing.

The notion was humbling, to say the least, for Caroline had not expected mercy from him or his wife.

The Darcys were, she suspected, excellent connections that she would do well to encourage.

If she were to do it, however, she would need to act with the correct reasons in mind.

Mr. Darcy had already apprehended that part of her motivation would be to associate with a family high in society and would expect a certain measure of that in their interactions.

Caroline could not help but suppose they would forever keep her at arm’s length if she betrayed such motivations openly.

To exploit the connection, she must not only disregard such things but also act to become as friendly with them as she could because they were estimable people worthy of her attention.

It was only right to meet people with that in mind, rather than with a focus only on what they could do for her.

Now that her eyes were open, Caroline had no choice but to acknowledge that she had acted as she had for misguided reasons.

Just because many in society acted that way did not make it right.

The ambitions she had espoused since entering society were perhaps not wrong, but it was now clear to her that she had best change her attitude.

If she did, she still might have the chance to find true happiness.

“Then you may tell Mr. Darcy that I accept,” said Caroline, turning her focus back on her brother.

Charles arched one eyebrow. “Shall you not tell him yourself?”

“Perhaps. Yet for the nonce, I suspect it is better coming from you.”

“Then I shall be your messenger.” Charles regarded her, the fondness in his gaze making Caroline feel warm in a way she had not for some time.

“For what it is worth, Caroline, I believe you have made the correct choice. You have been searching for something nearly impossible to obtain that will not make you happy. If you alter your perceptions, you will be the more contented for it.”

Though elements of her previous wishes remained, Caroline knew her brother was correct. For the first time in several years, she felt almost free.