How, Caroline wondered, had she spent so much of her life without friends?
When Mr. Lindsay next visited Bingley House, it was clear that he knew of Miss Bingley’s engagement. He did his best not to look unhappy as he offered his congratulations and best wishes. Thus it was that Miss Bingley was spared the need to utilise Mrs. Annesley’s suggestion as to how to refuse a marriage proposal. She was relieved, as it seemed to be a rather awkward speech at best.
A message came from Lady Emmeline.
Dearest Caroline,
Such good news about your engagement to the son of the Earl and Countess of Matlock! I always knew you would triumph! Will you come to tea at Manchester House Tuesday next? Lady Beatrice and Lady Katherine will be in attendance as well.
Warmest wishes,
Lady Emmeline
Caroline showed the message to Jane.
“Will you go?”
“Absolutely not; I hope I have learnt better!”
Lady Emmeline,
I must decline your kind offer.
Caroline Bingley
Jane read it over. “No explanation given; good, that is perfect.”
The Earl and Countess were now frequent visitors at Bingley House. The Countess insisted on providing Caroline’s wedding clothes, and only Madame Lanchester would be good enough for Richard’s future bride.
Chapter Forty-Five
Mr. Stewart continued to pay Georgiana every attention; she did her best to discourage him, but she was too tender-hearted to be truly cold to a man she liked. She did notlovehim, but shelikedhim. She debated with herself constantly whether she liked him enough to marry him, but Mrs. Annesley’s words – repeated to her by Caroline – about the unfairness of marrying one man when one’s heart belonged to another kept her from committing to Mr. Stewart.
Her nights were restless. Lord Fane loved her, she loved him. Was it right to let George Wickham ruin her life – again? Was it right to let him ruin Lord Fane’s life? No, no, Lord Fane’s life would not be ruined; he would find someone else to love, someone better, someone who had not made such a very stupid mistake. But oh, how it would hurt to see him with someone else!
She grew pale, paler than ever, and she could only pick at her food. Her friends asked if she was ill, and she denied it, shaking her head and doing her best to smile.
Lord Fane came to Darcy House a few times with Agatha, and Georgiana did her best to ignore him, taking refuge in girlish chatter with Agatha and whoever else was present.
Finally, Georgiana could bear it no longer.
“I am going for a walk, Lizzy.”
“Shall I join you? It is a lovely day.”
“If you do not mind, Lizzy, I would – well, I should like to be alone for a time.”
“You cannot go alone, Georgiana!”
“I know that; I will take Mrs. Annesley.”
“Very well; but be careful!”
“I shall.”
But when the time came, Georgiana slipped out without her companion, no one any the wiser. Wearing a cape with a hood so that she would not be recognised, she walked to the end of the square and hailed a hackney, her heart pounding. The cabby stared at her for a long moment before asking, “All alone, missy?”
“I am meeting someone,” she replied, drawing her dignity around her like a cloak. She gave him the address of Westmoreland house and then sat far back, so that she could not be seen.
