Page 76 of Master of Himself

“I do, but—”

Darcy interrupted his friend. “No, Richard.”

“Why not?” he inquired, taken aback by Darcy’s insistent tone. “Is she already spoken for?”

Darcy thought Caroline was infinitely unsuited to such an exceptional man. “No, but you’ll not tie yourself to a spiteful harpy,” he said, then turned to his friend. “Sorry, Charles.”

Bingley sadly shook his head. “No apology is necessary.”

“We’ll find someone else for you.”

Revived by this suggestion, Charles raised his glass in salute. “I might be able to assist with that endeavour. Are you free to join me at the Wimpole assembly tomorrow night? It promises to be a grand affair,” he said in an encouraging tone.

Richard returned the salute “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said with the greatest gusto. “Will you be joining us, Darcy?”

Darcy thought better of it. “I plan to set off for Hertfordshire on Saturday morning, and ought to spend the evening with Georgiana.”

“My business affairs will probably be complete by tomorrow, so I’ll join you,” Charles said.

With their plans now firmly set, the men finished their drinks and joined the ladies in the drawing room.

Chapter 23

Friday 29 November

Facing the prospect of another dreary day in a stuffy business office, Charles fortified himself with a hearty breakfast.

“Isn’t this cozy? All of us are together at Grosvenor with nary a mushroom in sight,” Caroline said with a contented smile.

Annoyed by his sister’s snide remark, Charles refused to let it pass. “Do you hope to secure a gentleman with that attitude?”

“What do you mean, Charles?”

“You’ve already lost any hope of securing Darcy with your petty comments. How can you suppose that a proper gentleman would want anything to do with such a harpy?”

Caroline narrowed her eyes. “If Mr Darcy prefers to consort with rustics like Eliza Bennet, he may do so with my fondest wishes.”

Appalled by this affront, Charles glared at his sister. “No, Caroline! You shall not disparage Miss Elizabeth,” he said, to which Caroline sniffed in dismissal, then flinched when Henry pounded his fist on the table.

“If you would like to continue living under my roof, you will mind your tongue.”

“Oh, Henry, how can you be so provincial?” Caroline said in a dismissive tone.

Henry rose to hover over Caroline. “Unless you want to live with your aunt in Blackburn, I’ll have none of your caustic remarks.”

Caroline stared in disbelief. “What’s come over you, Henry?”

Charles couldn’t help taunting his sister. “I’m certain Aunt Beatrice would love to introduce you to her friends in Lancashire. Uncle Cecil has lots of wealthy connections, you know,” he said with a careless grin.

“Henry is only bluffing, Charles,” she said with a smug grin. “He wouldn’t dare separate me from Louisa.”

“Wouldn’t I? I can make the arrangements today, if you like,” Henry said, to which Caroline glared in defiance. “I have endured your venom for the last time. You will conduct yourself as a proper young lady, or I’ll order your trunks to be packed and send you off to Blackburn.”

Charles had never been prouder of his indolent brother-in-law.

“There’s no need for threats, Henry,” Louisa said in a soothing voice.

Henry stood his ground. “You’ll find me as good as my word, Louisa, I assure you. I’ve reached my limit.”