Page 123 of Twice Chosen

Some people should not become different overnight.

Georgiana became the bridge between them.

Caroline loved Georgiana in her own possessive way. She had imagined herself one day becoming Georgiana's sister and had invested years in that hope. The new Georgiana, however, was becoming less willing to be managed.

The confrontation occurred at Pemberley during a winter visit.

Caroline had been speaking of Longbourn. Not cruelly enough to be openly challenged, but with the delicate contempt she had perfected.

"Of course Mrs. Bennet is very affectionate," she said, adjusting a bracelet. "One cannot doubt that. She simply possesses a rather public manner of demonstrating every private thought."

Elizabeth, across the room, continued reading.

Georgiana did not.

"No," she said.

Caroline stopped. "No?"

Georgiana flushed immediately but did not retreat. "Please do not speak of Elizabeth's mother that way."

Caroline stared.

The room went still.

Darcy stood in the doorway, unseen by Caroline.

Georgiana continued, "Mrs. Bennet is sometimes loud. Elizabeth knows that. But she loves her family, and I love Elizabeth."

Caroline's face tightened. "Of course."

"Then please do not make me choose between being polite to you and loyal to her."

Darcy nearly applauded.

Caroline looked wounded.

Georgiana immediately softened. "I love you too."

That was Georgiana.

Caroline looked away.

Months later she apologized to Elizabeth.

Poorly.

They were alone after tea when Caroline said, "I may have formed judgments before I possessed sufficient information."

Elizabeth looked up. "How unusual."

Caroline narrowed her eyes.

Elizabeth smiled.

To her own surprise, Caroline laughed.

"You are still impertinent."