“I did not want to change a single thing in here,” Georgiana continued, “because I have kept it the same way it was on the day our parents died.”
“Oh.” Guilt roiled in her stomach. “I apologise. I had no idea.”
“Why would you? I am not in the habit of sharing something so personal with even my closest friends. I kept the portraits the same too, for I used to talk to them,” Georgiana said, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I had no one else to talk to and I... They were the only family I had left, you see. Apart from Fitzwilliam, but even he could not be here constantly. He had only just left Cambridge, and he often had business in London which required his presence.”
Caroline turned to look at the portraits. Now she saw what she had not been able to before—the expressions, which she had interpreted as intimidating and rather suspicious, now looked merely inquisitive, even protective. “They must have been somewhat of a comfort to you. Hardly a replacement for a brother in the flesh, though.”
“Unfortunately, that comfort came with a price. They remind me every day that the weight of expectation is a heavy burden.” A muscle jumped in her jaw. “That is why I—I do not want you to think that I don’t—”
If this conversation had taken place a few weeks ago, Caroline might have interrupted here. Now, she stayed quiet, allowing Georgiana time to sort her own thoughts out.
“I do want you,” Miss Darcy murmured, coming closer. “I hope you understand that I am likewise attracted to you. I am telling you this so that you understand that if we pursue this affair to both of our pleasurable ends, it should not be any more than that.”
Caroline frowned. “Whatever do you mean? What else could there be?”
Georgiana smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nothing, my dear friend. As long as we are on the same page, then we may continue. As long as you are eager to do so, and that we shall remain friends afterwards, for I have so few that each and every one is dear to me. You especially have become dearer to me these past weeks.”
Caroline had the feeling she was missing something large here, though she failed to see exactly what. She probably ought to press a little more, but the idea of a full-blown physical affair being dangled before her made it difficult to concentrate on anything else. “I am eager indeed. And I cannot imagine that we would not be friends, Georgie, whatever should happen. The very notion is preposterous.”
“Very well.” Miss Darcy took off her gloves. “Would you like another harp lesson to pass the time before dinner?”
Caroline agreed and showed off the scales which she had been practicing the day before. “That is most impressive,” Georgiana said, raising an eyebrow. “Another lesson or two and perhaps you will be able to accompany me on the pianoforte. Perhaps we will be able to create a few pretty harmonies together. What say you, Miss Bingley?”
The smirk left Caroline in no doubt that Georgiana intended two entirely different meanings by the phrase, which caused her fingers to be clumsy over the next few notes. Stillsmirking, Georgiana approached and bent over, her mouth close to Caroline’s ear.
“In order to play an instrument well,” she murmured, sending shivers down Caroline’s spine, “one must listen to one’s own desires, as well as the instrument’s desires, and find a way to bring them together.”
“Is that so?” Caroline managed, proud of how calm her voice sounded despite her heart racing. She risked a glance downwards at Georgiana’s bosom and immediately wished she hadn’t. All memory of what she was supposed to be playing flew out of her head. “You shall have to teach me all that you know.”
“I would be delighted to have such an eager pupil.” Instead of moving away, Georgiana lowered her head and nipped at the sensitive spot on Caroline’s neck again, leaving her shaking and helpless. “There,” she murmured, smiling wickedly as she retreated a few inches, just enough for Caroline to read the hunger written on the lines of her face. “That is revenge for those hours which you spent torturing me with that which you knew I ought not allow myself to indulge in.”
“Consider me thoroughly revenged, in that case. If you felt then even half of what I feel right now, then it is a wonder you did not give in much sooner.” Caroline sighed, leaning her head against Georgiana’s shoulder. “You quite undo me, Miss Darcy.”
“Well, I...” Georgiana swallowed, then dropped a kiss against Caroline’s cheek. “That is good, for I quite like you undone, Miss Bingley.”
“Perhaps we could”—Caroline turned her head, pressing a kiss to the soft skin within reach, hearing Georgiana’s breath hitch in a most interesting way—“see what else may be... unbuttoned?”
Whatever Miss Darcy might have said in reply was lost to the sound of footsteps in the hallway. They sprang apart just as Mrs Reynolds entered with a tea tray, and Caroline did her best to look angelic, like someone who was succeeding at playing a harp, not one who was doing her utmost to seduce—and being seduced by—the mistress of the house. Given the strange glance the housekeeper gave her, she probably wasn’t succeeding at doing either. They were not doing a very good job of pretending to be merely friends, but surely, Mrs Reynolds would not interpret anything she saw as untoward. After all, who would think that two proper young ladies, both well brought up, each having status and fortune, would do such a thing with each other?
No, Caroline decided, as Georgiana poured the tea and Mrs Reynolds left the room without a backwards glance,our new affair is surely cloaked beyond all possible recognition.
