Page 182 of Near Pemberley

He looked back at Caroline. “What you know concerns the honour of a young lady and the happiness of an innocent family.”

She shrugged. “They are nothing to me.”

“Miss Bingley, if you ever want to be in my and my family’s company, I suggest you rethink that statement. I have just told you that I am marrying into that family.”

The room became perfectly still.

“I have devoted every effort these past weeks to preserving Miss Lydia’s reputation. Should that confidence be broken…”

He paused.

“… should I learn that a single word has found its way into society from this house…”

His gaze rested first upon Caroline, then upon Bingley.

“… you will find yourself excluded, not only from my acquaintance, but from that of my wife, my sister, and every member of my family and friends.”

There was no heat in his voice. Only certainty.

Caroline lowered her eyes. “You have my word.”

“I sincerely hope I may rely upon it. Is there anyone else who knows?”

She shook her head.

His expression softened only slightly. “I should regret being disappointed.”

He turned once more to Bingley. “There is one final matter.”

Bingley listened intently.

“After tomorrow, Miss Bennet will become my sister.”

He allowed the words to settle.

“I once presumed to direct your happiness. I shall never do so again.”

Bingley’s expression became grave.

“If your feelings remain unchanged and you mean to do something about it, you will be welcome in her company.” Darcy smiled faintly. “If they do not, then let us restrict our acquaintance to the club, and speak of this no more. I am sorry it has come to this, but my loyalty to my new family must come first.”

Bingley looked at him for a long moment.

“Mr. Darcy, you are not suggesting that Charles pursue Miss Bennet?” Caroline stood.

“We should have never interfered,” Darcy said.

“But…”

“Caroline, cease. You have done enough.”

“You cannot marry that girl. They have nothing. They are nothing.” She exclaimed.

“They will be Darcy’s relations, Sister.”

“Oh, I cannot stand this. You are both mad. I wish we never had gone to Hertfordshire!” She turned and stormed out of the room.

Bingley looked back at Darcy. “I apologise for her. You know perfectly well what my answer is.”