Page 55 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Bingley nearly smiled.

Caroline did not. “You have changed.”

“Yes.”

“Because of her.”

“Partly.”

She looked wounded. Charles softened, but he did not retreat. “I love you, Caroline. I will always love you. But you do not get to decide whom I court, whom I marry, or what truths may be told to them.”

Her eyes glistened. “I thought you would be hurt.”

“I was hurt. By leaving.”

That struck home. Silence settled over the table.

At last Louisa said, “Caroline, we did deceive him.”

Caroline turned on her. “You agreed with me.”

“Yes.” Louisa’s voice was tired. “And I was wrong too.”

Mr. Hurst reached for more bread. Caroline looked from one sibling to the other and discovered, perhaps for the first time, that being the loudest advocate of a plan did not make her its victim when it failed.

She left the room.

Bingley exhaled.

Louisa said, “She will recover.”

“Will she?”

“She always does when there is a mirror nearby.”

Bingley laughed despite himself. That afternoon he went to Longbourn. Jane found him in the hall removing his gloves. “You look troubled.”

“I spoke to Caroline.” Jane’s expression remained gentle. “How did she take it?”

“Poorly.”

“I am sorry.”

Bingley stared at her. “Why?”

“Because you love your sister.”

He stepped closer. “Yes.”

“And because disagreeing with someone you love is painful even when necessary.”

Bingley’s throat moved. “You always understand everyone.”

Jane smiled. “No. I merely try.”

He took her hand. This time, when he looked at her, there was less uncertainty in him. “Jane.”

Her eyes lifted.