48. Chapter 45: Reap the whilrwind

Ch 45: They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.*

"What do you suppose Mr. Jacobson said when he rode out to Longbourn today with Papa?" Lizzy wondered aloud as Jane finished her hair.

"I am trying not to think about it," Jane confessed, smoothing out her pale blue gown. "Despite all the fuss Miss Caroline made, I think our gowns came out wonderfully. There are no traces of smoke at all!"

"Kitty's clever fingers have not hurt either. I am truly astonished at what she can do with nary a yard of ribbon and lace!" Lizzy rose and twirled in her ivory gown. "I hardly recognize this dress!"

"It is good that she was so well able to incorporate these black ribbons into all of our gowns lest we be accused of not recognizing Mr. Collins' passing." Jane brushed her fingers on the small black bows.

"I suppose you are correct Jane. It is perfectly horrid of me to be glad he was not a closer cousin so we are not expected to do more than this? After what he did, I can barely tolerate the thought of mourning him at all!"*

"I do not think you horrid at all. Given what has happened… but then are you not fond of saying that you only wish to think on the past as it gives you pleasure? I think it wise to take your own advice now." Jane shook her head trying to clear the uncomfortable memories away. "Oh dear, one of the pins has fallen out of your hair with all that twirling. You must sit down now and allow me to repair it."

Lizzy obeyed meekly. "I am sorry to have mussed it. You have done such a lovely job with my hair. You have always been able to tame these unruly curls of mine. Thank so much!"

"Until Mattie returns from London and our other maid recovers fully from her burns, I suppose you shall have to make do with me, so it is a good thing you are satisfied!" Jane laughed with a sad smile as she patted the final pin into place.

"Oh, Jane," Lizzy sighed, her shoulders sagging. "I am so tired of the smell of smoke and the stain of soot. My eyes are crossing, going over books and plans. I have stared at walls and floors until my mind feels numb! Truly, I cannot believe how much it is going to take to restore our home. We have not even begun to work on selecting paints and wall coverings and fabrics yet. My mind reels at the thought."

"Perhaps Mama will be able to return soon. She does so love to decorate, I am sure she would be delighted to make those selections herself. " Jane sat down beside her, laying a comforting arm over her shoulders. "You have borne the brunt of the efforts, Lizzy. I so admire your strength for us all. I know it is difficult on you."

"Well, you and Kitty and Mary have been keeping up with our obligations to visit and tend our neighbors and tenants, which has been no small thing these last few days. I appreciate that more than I can say, for I feel I am better suited for the tasks I have been tending. I suppose the saving grace of it all is that it does provide an excellent excuse for Mr. Darcy and me to be together, even if it is under Papa's watchful eye." Lizzy laughed softly. I do not think he expected our courtship to be so closely chaperoned! But he has borne up under it well.

"He has been a good friend to us."

"As have Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley. With so many tenants in need, I know you have not seen what your colonel has been doing, but I assure you, he has been of great use to Papa and Mr. Darcy. He is a good man, Jane. I am most happy for you."

Jane blushed, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Lizzy. I do not think I could be happy if you disapproved." She glanced at the door. "I admire his strength, you know. He is so self assured, he always seems to know what to do, and does not hesitate to do it. He makes me feel so secure."

"That is as it should be. You are his angel after all." Lizzy pushed herself off the bed. "Come, it is time for us to be downstairs. It would not do to have people waiting upon us."

"No, it would not. I fear Miss Caroline is in enough of a temper as it is. I would prefer to do nothing more to agitate her."

"You are all that is good and sweet, and I cannot imagine you doing anything to disquiet anyone. So do not take that burden upon yourself!" Lizzy held the door open for her sister. "I cannot believe how upset Miss Caroline became when she discovered Mr. Darcy had no room in his carriage for her," she shook her head as she made her way down the stairs. "I cannot imagine why she thought he would escort her."

"I believe they have been of long acquaintance," Jane suggested, pausing at the landing. "Perhaps she believed that meaningful."

"I am certain he disabused her of that notion rather quickly. I believe he is still unhappy about her behavior when she visited Pemberley with her brother." It would not do to gossip about Miss Caroline's behavior there, but I know that Mr. Darcy has not forgotten her abominable treatment of Mr. Bradley. Every time he hears her voice, he remembers her unkindness.

"In spite of all of that unpleasantness, I do hope she can enjoy herself tonight. It would benefit us all for her to be in a better humor." Jane rolled her eyes, hoping no one saw her.

"Perhaps Mr. Jacobson will ask her to dance the first set. He is the only man she has been introduced to that does not have a partner for that set already." Lizzy smiled as they reached the bottom steps. Darcy and Fitzwilliam were waiting for them.

Fitzwilliam was the first to meet them, immediately offering his arm to Jane. "You look lovely, my angel," he whispered. She blushed brightly and smiled, squeezing his arm discreetly.

Darcy smiled broadly as he waited for the other couple to move out of his way. "I am most pleased you accepted the offer of my carriage tonight." He tucked Lizzy's hand in the crook of his arm.

"Who am I to turn down the opportunity to ride in a most superior vehicle." Her eyes twinkled as she smiled.

"I shall not allow your teasing to dissuade me this evening, Miss Elizabeth. You will be forced to hear me extol your many virtues, even though your cat does not share our company."

She laughed gaily, warming the depth of his soul. Together they entered the drawing room where more of their party waited. Mary stood near the fireplace with Pierce at her side. Louisa and Bingley sat on the,settee talking quietly. Caroline stood behind them, obviously trying to have her share in the conversation.

"But Charles!" Caroline insisted, exasperated, "I do not understand why Miss Kitty must ride in our carriage. Can she not ride in her father's? I thought only her sister, her uncle and Mr. Pierce were using it. There will be plenty of room for her there. I do not want my gown to wrinkle."

"I care not two whits for your gown, Caroline," Bingley grumbled. "Louisa wishes to ride with Miss Kitty, and so it shall be."

"Louisa! How can you? I dare say you shall only be separated from your friend for a short while at most. Can you do without her company for the sake of my gown for even that long?"

Turning to her sister, archly Louisa replied, "No, I cannot. Besides, Charles is desirous of her company as well." She glared briefly at Charles. You will take your share in this, brother. I will not feel Caroline's wrath alone.

Caroline's eyes grew wide as she hissed, "Do not tell me you are forming an attachment to that…that…"

"You would do well to stop there, Caroline. That is no business of yours, and I will not hear our friend spoken of in such language." Bingley rose to stare at her eye to eye. Do not force me to make a scene in front of everyone here, for I will do it.

"What do you mean it is none of my business? Of course it is my business!" Caroline began to stamp her foot, but stopped when she realized how much attention it would call to their conversation.

"Would you care to explain yourself?"

"Do I not have some say in whom I am to be related? Can you not see how much of my future connections and good standing is dependent…"

"Can you see how little I care for such things? I make my decisions with no concern to affairs so wholly unconnected with me." A sudden light came into his eyes. "Ah, Miss Kitty, we have been anxiously waiting for you." He hurried to greet her.

Caroline leaned down to her sister. "You must talk some sense into him, Louisa. You do not want Mr. Hurst to reconsider his engagement to you over our brother's low connections!"

"Low connections? A gentleman's daughter is hardly a lower connection than a tradesman's daughter! Or have you forgotten that is what we are!" Louisa spat in hushed tones, springing to her feet. "Do not profess to speak for someone you do not even know! You made the same accusations to Miss Mary, and you were just as wrong then as you are now." Her eyes narrowed as her voice dropped even lower, "Perhaps it is time that you understood the ramifications of living with the effects of your siblings' wrong choices. We have certainly been doing it long enough!" With a swish of her skirts, she stomped over to Kitty and Bingley.

"Oh Louisa!" Kitty rushed to soothe her friend. "Your brother has just told me ,about your sister's upset and I have a most propitious solution." She giggled girlishly. "I will ride in my father's carriage."

"No! I cannot agree. I do not wish…"

"We all will!" Kitty grinned gleefully. "I shall ask Uncle Gardiner if he still wishes to ride his horse to town. He was already considering doing so in order to spend the night with Uncle Philips and speak with Mr. Jacobson in the morning before he leaves for London. If so, it would leave just five of us. We can snug up a bit…"

"And Caroline can have our carriage to herself," Bingley finished with a conspiratorial wink at Kitty.

Louisa clapped her hands to her mouth and squealed. Kitty nodded and excused herself to find her uncle.

A quarter of an hour later, the carriages pulled up in front of Netherfield, along with Mr. Gardiner's horse. It took only moments to load the vehicles, the Bennet carriage with its five passengers taking the longest. From his vantage point in Darcy's carriage, Fitzwilliam laughed heartily as he watched Caroline board the Bingley carriage alone.

"Whatever could have possessed Kitty to change our travel arrangements?" Jane wondered, with a meaningful look at Fitzwilliam.

He lifted his hands in surrender. "I had nothing to do with it. Ask Darcy, he will vouch for me!"

Only if he was not also part of the scheme. Jane looked at the gentlemen archly.

"She has been in high dudgeon all afternoon." Lizzy flicked at her skirts. "I can only assume that our sister had no desire to be in close confines with so much unpleasantness, even for the duration of a carriage ride. Obviously, they preferred to squash up rather than endure…" Lizzy caught Jane's eyes, "Do not look at me so, Jane. You cannot tell me you have not thought that very thing!"

"I certainly have," Fitzwilliam declared, nudging Darcy on his left. Darcy made no response.

"It does not suit you to be so uncharitable!" Jane looked severely at both of them.

"Your goodness is only matched by your beauty." Lizzy grasped her arm warmly.

"Hear! Hear!" Fitzwilliam quickly agreed, grinning at Jane's blush.

The carriages pulled up to the assembly rooms in the midst of a number of other carriages and horses. Darcy and Fitzwilliam carefully handed Lizzy and Jane out of the carriage and escorted them through the traffic and into the building. Pierce and Bingley performed the same service for the occupants of the Bennet carriage. Caroline was mortified when she had to wait for the driver to hand her out of her vehicle, and then walked in quite alone.

The assembly rooms were brightly lit and bustling with people. The scent of burning candles mixing with an array of perfumes gave a heady atmosphere throughout. Sir William stood at the door,warmly greeting each one as they entered.

"Good evening, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth!" He bowed to them, handing the customary numbers to the ladies. "Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy, you are very welcome indeed. I am so glad you have chosen to join in our modest festivities once more." The ladies curtsied and the gentlemen bowed and continued on their way. "Why, Mr. Pierce and Mr. Bingley! How good it is to see you again. Miss Bingley, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, you all look very well tonight. Your uncles arrived just a few moments ago with their friend Mr. Jacobson. They are over in the far corner of the room, there." He gestured toward the gentlemen in question. They returned his greeting and moved on.

Caroline stepped into the room and shook out her gown. Scanning the room, she fought the sneer that lifted her lip. To think I am forced to keep such company! What a boorish group. The men are at least two years out of fashion and the ladies—ahh! But I see a few who are more stylishly dressed. They must be recently from London too. That lady's jewels suggest she is of some consequence. I shall try to make her acquaintance. She turned to Sir William, and was surprised by the sudden coldness with which he regarded her.

"Miss Caroline," he finally acknowledged, his eyes only lighting upon her for a moment before moving on to the person behind her.

She stood, stunned at his lack of greeting, noting how enthusiastically he received the group entering behind her. With a huff, she flipped her skirts and walked on.

At the far side of the room, Gardiner and Phillips greeted their nieces.

"Mr. Jacobson, have you been introduced to our younger nieces, Miss Mary Bennet and Miss Kitty Bennet?" Philips said warmly.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies." Jacobson bowed a little awkwardly, giving the impression of a gangly youth.

"Miss Bingley, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Pierce," Phillips finished his introductions just as two more arrived to join their party. "Ah yes, the Miss Lucases! Miss Lucas and Miss Maria Lucas." The ladies curtsied politely. "This is Mr. Jacobson. He is a distant cousin to my brother Bennet."

"I am pleased to meet you. Are you related to Sir William Lucas by any chance?" Jacobson asked politely.

"Indeed we are, sir.", Charlotte nodded, "He is our father."

"I would have thought so even without knowing the sir name. There is a very strong family resemblance across your cheekbones. Did you not notice that, sir?" Jacobson looked at Gardiner who appeared quite startled. "Ah, yes, well, your father seems a very amiable gentleman. Clearly he is in his element here."

"That is quite true, sir." Charlotte nodded with a sidelong glance at her sister. Maria shrugged, bewildered.

The musicians played a few introductory chords to garner the crowd's attention. Sir William stepped to the center of the room and called a number for the lady who was to lead the set.

"Oh dear!" Charlotte exclaimed. "That is my number." She blushed hotly.

"What is wrong, dear?" Kitty exclaimed.

"I have no partner yet! We have only just arrived…" She looked down at the floor. How humiliating! I pleaded with him not to give me a number for just this reason! I have no desire to lead a set. I am happy enough on the occasions I have a partner.

Jacobson stepped forward and extended his hand toward her. "Then allow me to be your partner, Miss Lucas, for I have no one for this dance either."

"Thank you, sir," she stammered. She took the gentleman's hand and he led her to the top of the set. I wonder if he can dance,

"Come, Miss Kitty," Bingley offered her his hand and the couple left for the dance floor.

Gardiner led Louisa out, followed by Mary and Pierce. Soon they saw Jane, Lizzy and their partners on the dance floor as well.

Fitzwilliam elbowed Bingley, "See there," they both glanced toward Caroline, "she's feeling the effects of her behavior toward all of us, just as I promised. And we all have been perfect gentlemen. I must say, giving her the carriage to herself was a stroke of genius. Was that your idea, or did you have some assistance?"

Leaning across to whisper, Bingley replied, "That was Miss Kitty's idea, as much as I would like to take credit for it." I never thought I would meet a woman who could stand up to my sister and yet be such an agreeable companion.

"Well good on her!" Fitzwilliam clapped Bingley's back firmly. "A woman who can strategize like that, you must not allow to slip through your fingers."

"I have no intention of doing so!" Bingley grinned and turned back to his partner. The music began and the couples began their merry march across the floor.

Caroline stalked along the edges of the room, her face flushed with anger. How dare they abandon me like this! Not to dance the first set? I have never been so neglected in my life! It is truly insupportable that Charles would choose that country chit over me! She looked around at the unfamiliar faces, realizing that she had not been introduced to any of them. Sir William approached, and she sighed in relief. "Sir, I did not have an opportunity to properly greet you," she curtsied deeply.

"Miss Caroline," he nodded coolly and tried to move around her.

She took a quick step to stop him. "You have quite a…a…a cozy assembly hall here in Meryton, sir."

"We find it adequate, though I am sure it is nothing to those in London," he replied archly, once again attempting to sidestep her.

Caroline cut him off. "Sir, I am quite new here, and find that I am… am…quite without introductions." She blushed furiously. How dare he force me to be so blunt! How can he be unaware of my pitiful state when he offers the service so readily to others?

"I quite understand, madam. Come, I have been negligent in my duties." I suppose I cannot neglect them any longer. He offered her his arm and guided her toward the other side of the room. "Here are Mr. and Mrs. Long, very fine citizens of our fair city."

Caroline curtsied, her teeth tightly clenched. Her jaw became even more fixed, her teeth aching, as Sir Lucas introduced her to every married gentleman and tradesman, and as many of their wives as possible. At the end of the first set, he left her with no further prospects for a partner than she had had before.

As the couples left the floor, she spied Mr. Jacobson and Charlotte walking toward Lizzy and Jane. She quickly made her way toward them. "Miss Bennet! Miss Elizabeth!" she gushed.

Lizzy's spine stiffened as she approached. "Miss Caroline, it seems you have arrived with your gown quite intact." Although it appears your dignity does not appear to be in such good order. She smiled thinly.

"Yes I have. Thank you," Caroline flipped her fan open with no little irritation.

Jane shot her sister a sharp look, then smiled at Caroline. "Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Caroline? This is your first assembly in Meryton, is it not?"

"Yes it is. It is a very quaint gathering, to be sure. I must admit though," she glanced at Charlotte and Jacobson. "I find that I am poorly acquainted with the company here," she dropped her voice, "which has left me with no partner for the previous set, or the next." She fluttered her fan near her face with another glance toward Jacobson.

He stiffened, standing more upright and emphasizing his gangly figure. A flush crept up from under his neck cloth and he pulled at his cravat.

With a warm expression in her eyes, Charlotte looked up at him, "There is my sister! Did you not promise her the next set? She is so apt to get lost in the crowd. Let us go to her now so that you do not miss the opening movement."

"Ah yes! Thank you so much, Miss Lucas, I was quite concerned about being unable to finding her!" Jacobson said with relief. Offering Charlotte his arm, they disappeared into the milling crowd.

Lizzy's eyes twinkled and she saw Pierce and Fitzwilliam approaching. "Did not Sir William make introductions for you? That is his appointed task as Master of Ceremonies and he does it so very well. Perhaps you should let him know you are in want of introductions. I am certain he would be delighted to be of service to you."

Caroline stood open-mouthed, looking for a reply. "I was hoping that perhaps…"

"Excuse me, our partners are here to claim us for the next set. Perhaps we can speak more later." Lizzy smiled brilliantly. Fitzwilliam nodded at Jane and then led Lizzy out to the dance floor.

"Miss Bennet?" Pierce offered her his arm and they were off to the crowded floor as well. Taking their positions, he noticed her tense expression. "You appear distracted, Miss Bennet. Are you well?"

"Forgive me, sir." She shook her head sharply. "I was merely considering Miss Caroline. I confess I feel a bit uneasy. She is, after all, a stranger to Meryton, and it is quite an uncomfortable thing to have no introductions to your company. I wonder if we are not being truly unkind."

The music began and they hurried to assume their correct positions. "I can understand why you would see it so, Miss Bennet. It does you credit to consider her feelings so assiduously. But as your sister and I discussed before the assembly, I am entirely convinced that this is the kindest thing we can do for her."

"I am afraid I do not understand you, sir. How can this possibly be a kindness to her when it makes her so deeply unhappy?" Jane glanced over her shoulder to see Caroline wandering despondently toward Mrs. Long and her eldest daughter.

"You recall Billy Thompson, do you not?" Jane nodded. "Once the relief that he was not to face the magistrate and the gallows wore off, the lad was in no way pleased with the requirement that he pay back double what he had stolen. Why did you not relieve him from all requirements of restitution? Why did you require that he pay you back at all?"

"Because if he faced no consequences for his misdeeds, then he would have nothing to convince him he did not want to continue in his unlawful ways." Jane's brow creased in thought. "It was far kinder than allowing him to face the hangman because he continued in his folly."

"So then, did you do him a kindness or not?"

"I would have to say we were acting in his best interests, so yes, it was a kindness."

"Despite the fact he was unhappy in the midst of it? How often did you hear him complaining to Mr. Clay?" They laughed softly as they glided through an intricate turn. Glancing over his shoulder to see Caroline speaking with Mrs. Long, Pierce became serious once again. "I do not believe that anyone has ever shown her that her behaviors are hurtful to others. It is full late for her to learn such a lesson, but it is only right that she have that opportunity. It is the same kindness you offered that young boy, though she would certainly not recognize it as that yet."

Jane considered his words. "I would like to believe that if she understood how hurtful she has been, she might change her ways." But I am not holding my breath. She has gone unchecked for far too long, much longer than Lydia has. I fear it might be too late for her to have a change of heart.

"Then we must help her, and I believe this is the best way to do so. We are in no way being cruel to her, we are just allowing her to see that her company is unpleasant and none of us feel compelled to go out of our way for her any longer. She is unhappy to be sure, but will come to no physical harm. I am convinced that this is the most generous thing we can do for her."

Perhaps it is as Lizzy tells me, I am far too tender-hearted. Mr. Pierce makes a strong case for a firmer kind of treatment. "I can see why my sister admires you so." Jane smiled warmly at her partner.

Across the room, Caroline attempted a conversation with Mrs. Long. For several minutes, they struggled to find a topic of mutual interest. Finally Caroline asked, "Were you acquainted with the Carvers, madam? I believe they had the lease on Netherfield Park just prior to my brother."

"Why yes, I did know the Miss Carvers. Did you make their acquaintance as well?" Mrs. Long asked, serving herself a glass of punch. Why does it not surprise me that she would be friendly with those ill-bred girls.

"I did, while they were in London just recently. Miss Martha Carver became a particular friend of mine." Caroline licked her lips, a smile creeping over her face for the first time that evening.

"Really?" Mrs. Long's eyes widened. She glanced at her daughter. "I would not allow Edith nor her younger sisters to associate with young women such as that!"

Caroline looked startled. "I do not profess to understand what you mean."

"If you are their particular friend, then surely you have been made aware of Miss Carver's shocking behavior while in Brighton." Mrs. Long flipped open her fan and began flicking it furiously. Even you cannot overlook something so egregious .

"Miss Martha Carver told me that Miss Lydia Bennet seems to have been involved in the unseemly affair. To my understanding, it was she who was most at fault for it all," Caroline whispered, flicking her fan open decisively. A thin smile spread across her face. Now the Bennets will have their due!

"Do not tell me you have been duped into believing such drivel?" Mrs. Long barked. She laughed hoarsely, looking at her daughter who began laughing as well. "I would not have taken you for such a fool." The Good Lord forgive me for that lie!

Caroline stared at her, aghast, sputtering. "Duped? I do not take your meaning, madam. I have spoken directly with Miss Martha…"

"Miss Caroline," Edith Long said, a hand drifting to perch on her hip, "I would have thought that all young ladies of breeding would know that an attempted elopement…"

"Such as the one Mr. Carver was so fortunate to have foiled," Mrs. Long interrupted with a nod at her daughter, "is ultimately the responsibility of the young lady. To blame her friend…"

"If she indeed had anything to do with the affair…"

"Which I highly doubt, to be most honest with you," Mrs. Long nodded at her daughter again. "To blame another for her own indiscretion shows a complete lack of virtue in a young woman. After all, is the woman not the moral guidance of the home? To engage in such a foolhardy scheme and remain utterly unrepentant over it, such a young woman can hardly expect to see a man of worth ever interested in her again." She flipped her fan rapidly.

"But madam, Miss Martha told me…" Caroline stammered, her face growing hot. No, no, no! Have you not heard anything I have said? The Bennets are at fault!

"How much do you know of your dear friend, Miss Martha? For I can tell you, she was not well liked here, despite what she may have told you. She was a high-spirited young thing, always trying to evade her brother's watch. She behaved well enough when he was looking, but the moment she was away from him—oh!" Mrs. Long's fan fluttered faster. "Such disrespect toward her elders! And her manners were unspeakable as well. She flirted with all the officers. I am sure she influenced the other young girls with her …"

"We all tried to rein her in," Edith interrupted. "But she was so willful and unmannerly! Like an unbroken filly, my brother once said. And she would always blame someone else if there was trouble. So it is hardly surprising that they would be trying to put the blame on dear Miss Lydia for their transgressions They did the same thing while they were here in Meryton. Her brother tried to blame Miss Lydia for his sisters' wild behavior. But I think it was the Miss Carvers who dragged the poor girl along just to have someone to blame. "

"You do not know her, of course, but Miss Lydia is such a dear sweet girl. You know she left Brighton to go to London to nurse her sick mother? She is such a dear child. Lively, and perhaps a bit high spirited herself, but a lovely child nonetheless. So much like her dear sisters." Mrs. Long glanced across the dance floor to Jane who danced with Darcy. "They are the picture of everything a young lady should be, are they not?"

Caroline scowled darkly. "Miss Martha told me that Miss Lydia was thrown out of Colonel Forster's home, and that is why she was in London," she argued with a jealous glance at Louisa turning about the floor with Mr. Philips.

"Posh and piffle! I refuse to believe such a horrid tale from a girl who was known to take liberties with the truth." Mrs. Long's expression became very serious as she turned to stare directly into Caroline's eyes. "However, I have heard some very interesting stories about you ."

"Why yes, Miss Caroline," Edith added with a saccharine smile. "I have heard so much that I fear I have hardly been able to sketch your character at all. I truly do not know what to make of your encounter with Lord Clark's young daughter…"

Charles stood near the refreshment tables, two plates in hand. His eyes were fixed on Kitty, who stood a small distance away, waiting for his return. Caroline stomped across his path, effectively blocking his view.

"Charles!" she snarled furiously, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Caroline! You surprised me. I did not expect you. Do you care for something to eat?" He offered her a plate.

She snatched it from him and began hungrily attacking the offerings. "I have had enough of this horrid place and these horrible people. I wish to go home now." She stamped her slipper-clad food so hard she winced.

Charles took her now empty plate. I am surprise she did not come to me sooner. "That is very interesting, Caroline. I am sorry you have not found this gathering to your liking. But I can hardly understand why you are telling me this."

"Come now, Charles. I have had entirely enough of this little game Mr. Bradley has put you up to. You have made your point." Stop playing games with me and do what I tell you to do!

Charles' brow knit in perplexity "I have no idea what you are talking about, Caroline. What point do you believe I am trying to make?"

She huffed in exasperation and rolled her eyes. "You think me rude to your guests and unfit for company. So you are making sure no one will attend me." He stared at her, shocked. "I have most certainly had enough. You have made your point. I will be polite to your Bennets. Now, call Louisa and let us leave this abominable place!" There I have said it, enough now!

"While I am glad to hear of your new found resolve to treat my guests with the courtesy they deserve, I still do not understand why you insist on telling me of your desire to leave. I am having a perfectly delightful evening, and I know Louisa is as well. We have no desire to leave before the last dance." He returned the empty plate to the table and selected another one for himself.

"But I do not wish to remain here. Take me home this instant…or…or…"

"What exactly shall you do, Caroline? Fall down screaming as you did as a child? In company such as this? Really? That is quite enough, do you think not? My carriage is at your disposal for the whole evening. If you wish to leave, all you need do is tell the doorman to have my carriage fetched. He will see to it, and you may ride back to Netherfield directly. You have no need to involve me in the process." He shrugged and turned to walk away.

"But I do not wish to be alone!" she exclaimed.

Turning over his shoulder, "And I do not wish to be with you. Go home if you wish, but I will remain here." He made his way to Kitty's side.

"Your sister has just fled from the room, Mr. Bingley," Kitty remarked mildly.

"It seems she wishes to take her leave now."

"So I heard." She took the plate Charles offered her. Their fingers met beneath the plate and lingered a moment. "I know this is hard for you, but it is good to see you stand your ground. I think you will be pleased that you did so."

"You are correct, Miss Kitty. Already I am in much better spirits, despite the difficulty that I am currently experiencing. You have counseled me quite effectively on this matter, and you have both my gratitude and Louisa's." He gazed deeply into her eyes, a wide smile brightening his face.

Kitty's rosebud lips pursed into a little pout. "I had hoped to have something more than your gratitude alone sir." Her eyes glittered teasingly.

He tickled the back of her hand under the plate, sending shivers down the back of her neck. "Oh but you do, Miss Kitty. Be quite certain of that. You do."

The musicians played the first chords of the last dance of the evening and couples filled the dance floor. The Netherfield ladies all returned to their original partners and were lined up side by side. Lizzy smiled at Darcy, who stood several steps in front of her. To her left stood Charlotte, a warm glow in her eyes. She leaned toward her friend, saying, "You look well pleased tonight."

"It has been a most agreeable evening. I do not believe I have ever spent an assembly without want of a partner before. Even for the first dance, for which I was not previously engaged! I must thank your uncle for introducing Mr. Jacobson." Charlotte glanced over at her partner and smiled slightly.

"He has been an agreeable partner?" Dropping her voice very low, Lizzy continued, "Do you not find him rather…odd?"

Charlotte laughed softly. Matching her voice to Lizzy's, she answered, "He is not your typical sort of man, to be certain. But he is agreeable enough."

On the other side of the room, Fitzwilliam elbowed Darcy. "I never thought I would see the day that you would dance every dance in an evening! What has become of you?"

Darcy smiled patiently at his cousin. "Not tonight, Richard. You will not agitate me this evening. Go attend to your angel and leave me to mine." The music began and couples stepped toward one another. He gazed deeply into Elizabeth's eyes. "Have I told you how lovely you look this evening?"

"I believe you have, sir." She smiled as their fingertips touched.

"Then let me just say, my opinion has not changed at all. I believe I am with the loveliest woman here."

"Ahh, but sir, now I know you are deceiving me, for it is widely acknowledged that my sister…"

Darcy stepped very close to her to turn shoulder to shoulder in the dance. "Lizzy, stop," he whispered firmly. "I have heard you joke this way far too many times."

"I am afraid I do not understand you," she whispered back, swallowing a lump in her throat.

"Bradley has often said that from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Each time you tease me that way, I hear you telling me that someone has wounded you in comparing you to your sister." He took her hands again and squeezed them warmly. Tears glistened in her eyes and he knew he was right. "I can only imagine it was your mother, well-meaning though she may have been." She blinked hard to keep tears from falling. "You have tried to rise above your hurt by allowing your natural humor to salve the wound."

They separated for a moment, standing back to back. Quickly she dabbed at her eyes with the back of her hand. At the next measure, they moved close once more. "How do you presume to read my mind this way, sir?" Her voice was strained, but teasing.

"Have you forgotten, Richard is my cousin? His open disposition and pleasing ways have long been favored by my family. Lacking your good humor, I have never dealt with it so charmingly." Their eyes met as they shared an understanding. She nodded with a small, sad smile.

At the next measure, they joined hands to sashay down the room, ,then separated and rejoined at the other side. Catching her hands once more, he said, "So then hear me and believe me when I say you are the loveliest creature in this room. I have eyes for no other."

Pressing her lips together, a tear slipped down her cheek. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy."

As he wiped the tear from her cheek, he rewarded her with a brilliant smile. The final notes of the dance faded away. With a contented sigh, he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her off to find her sisters for the journey to Netherfield.

*Hosea 8:7

** Regency Mourning Customs- .