"Yes. She... touched me. That is to say, she touched my..."
Charles Bingley had just taken a drink of his brandy, and now he began to sputter and choke.
Darcy's brow furrowed. He should have waited until his friend had swallowed.
He waited while Charles coughed. The brandy must have burned his throat. The man's face had turned red, and his expression suggested considerable discomfort.
Darcy stood, poured a glass of water, and handed it to his friend.
Charles took a large swallow. It seemed to help. He drank again and then set the glass down.
When he could again speak, Charles asked, "Darcy, Caroline touched you?"
"Yes. She even applied pressure."
Darcy's face reddened to his cheekbones, as did his friend's.
Charles jumped to his feet and walked away.
Darcy watched him pace the room in disbelief.
At last, he returned and stood over his friend.
"Darcy, I have no words. I do not know what to say or how to apologize to you."
"Charles, you need not apologize. It is her trespass, not yours. I simply wished you to know, lest she attempt something more serious. I believe she wishes to avenge herself upon me for marrying another."
Mr. Bingley stood staring into the fire for a long while. At last, he spoke.
"Yes, that does seem like something Caroline would do. She has been certain of you all these years. Louisa warned her. I warned her. But she would not listen. She was convinced she could make you fall in love with her, or at least capture your attention with her beauty, her dowry, and her accomplishments."
Charles shook his head pessimistically. "But she could not, and now she is face to face with reality. I agree. She may seek to avenge herself."
"I only hope she does not attempt to compromise me during this visit. The Beaumonts arrive tomorrow, and the memorial will be held the following day. Perhaps Elizabeth and I should return to London directly after the memorial."
Darcy took a sip of his brandy. "You may come and visit at Pemberley in the summer, and we can hunt, fish, and catch up then."
A faint smile touched his lips. "Without Caroline."
Mr. Bingley was silent for a moment, considering Darcy's plan.
"I think that is best, Darcy. For all I know, she may be planning to crawl into your bed. If she loses her virtue, she will be on my hands forever."
Darcy's eyes widened. "She will not lose her virtue to me, Charles. I can assure you of that."
"We all know you are a deep sleeper, Darcy. It is possible she could lose her virtue before you were fully aware of what was happening."
Darcy stared at him. "I had not considered that, Charles, but I suppose it is possible. As it is, I sleep with Elizabeth, so your sister would find an empty bed. I locked the doors last night."
"But you forget that the housekeeper has a set of keys. Caroline could enter your bedchamber."
"You are right, of course. I had not thought of that. I shall have Reeves set up a cot in my bedchamber. I would allow him to sleep in the bed, but I am certain you do not wish to marry your sister to my valet."
"No, indeed not. Yes, keep the doors locked and install your valet in your bedchamber. You need only endure two more nights, and then you will be free of us."
"When can you come to visit me, Charles? Are you free next July?"
"I am. I shall come and visit you at Pemberley, since we have lost the opportunity to do so this year."
