Page 52 of Twice Chosen

She stopped.

Darcy knew what she had thought.

He stood. "Caroline, I value you as Bingley's sister and as Georgiana's friend."

She went very still.

"But nothing more," he finished.

Caroline looked away.

The silence stretched.

At last she said, "I see."

"I am sorry."

She gave him a bitter glance. "No, you are not."

Darcy considered. "I am sorry to hurt you. I should have been clearer sooner."

That made her look back.

For a moment young Caroline looked less polished and more wounded. Darcy remembered that age had softened her eventually, though not until after she had spent years attempting to become exactly what society rewarded.

She left without replying.

Elizabeth found Darcy later standing alone near the terrace doors.

"That looked unpleasant," she said.

"It was."

"Caroline?"

He nodded.

Elizabeth touched his sleeve. "You were kinder than before."

"I was not kind to her by allowing ambiguity the first time."

Elizabeth smiled. "You have become very wise."

"Marriage improved me."

She grinned. "Your wife sounds remarkable."

"Insufferable."

"Poor man."

Darcy leaned slightly closer. "Frequently."

Elizabeth's smile softened.

They stood there a moment longer than strangers should.

Across the room Caroline saw.