Page 80 of The Engagement at Longbourn

CHAPTER THIRTY

Miss Bingley Apologizes Badly

Caroline Bingley’s apology to Jane occurred because Louisa locked her in the morning room.

Not literally.

But nearly.

“You are going to speak to her,” Louisa said.

Caroline stared at her sister. “I have been perfectly civil.”

“Civil is what one is to an acquaintance one dislikes. You lied to the woman Charles intends to marry.”

“I made an error.”

“You made several paragraphs.”

Caroline’s eyes flashed.

Louisa did not retreat. Mr. Hurst sat by the fire reading a sporting paper.

Without looking up, he said, “Apologize. Weddings are tiresome enough without family wars.”

Caroline glared at him.

He turned a page. Jane arrived at Netherfield that afternoon to discuss final wedding arrangements with Mrs. Nicholls. Caroline intercepted her in the morning room. “Miss Bennet.”

Jane smiled politely. “Miss Bingley.”

Caroline closed the door.

Jane’s expression changed slightly. “I owe you an apology.”

Jane waited.

Caroline had rehearsed a speech involving misunderstandings, concern for her brother, and the unfortunate haste of her letter. Under Jane’s calm gaze, every excuse sounded exactly like an excuse.

“I lied to you,” she said finally.

Jane’s eyebrows rose.

Caroline looked toward the window. “I wrote that Mr. Darcy was in London when he was not. I wrote as though Charles intended to remain there when I did not know his intention. I encouraged you to believe his affections were directed elsewhere.”

“Yes.”

Caroline looked back. “I believed the connection unsuitable.”

Jane’s face remained serene.

“I was wrong,” Caroline forced out.

Jane said nothing.

Caroline’s discomfort grew. “Well?”

“Well what?”