Page 69

“The cakes,” Charlotte murmured.

Mrs Hurst regarded her calmly. “I had no wish to carry one around the drawing room. Your Mr Collins forced the plate into my hand.”

“He is not my Mr Collins.”

“Not yet,” Mr Hurst observed.

Charlotte ignored him. “What do you consume?”

“Animal blood is sufficient for ordinary survival.” Mr Darcy’s voice hardened, anticipating the question behind hers. “We also maintain supplies obtained from humans who give small quantities willingly. No one is killed to feed this household.”

Elizabeth studied each face. “Have you killed people?”

Mr Bingley’s hands tightened on his knees. Miss Bingley turned to Mr Darcy, but he did not evade.

“Yes.” His answer came without defence. “I have killed in war, in protection of others, and in carrying out sentences imposed under our law. I have never killed a human being to satisfy hunger.”

Mr Hurst moved from the sofa and walked to the mantelpiece. “Neither have I.”

“Nor I.” Mr Bingley’s voice lost its usual lightness. “I have never fed from anyone who did not consent.”

Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley offered the same assurance, each in her own manner. Mrs Hurst spoke quietly; Miss Bingley delivered the words as a rebuke against the possibility that Elizabeth might class her with a creature lacking standards.

Elizabeth’s heartbeat had become painfully loud. Five vampires occupied the room, and every one of them could possibly hear it. The knowledge placed her body on display in a way that clothing could not prevent.

“Can you hear my heart?”

“Yes.” Mr Darcy did not allow his eyes to move from her face.

“Can you smell my blood?”

His fingers closed around the arm of the chair. “Yes.”

The single word carried greater danger than every corpse in Calmet.

Charlotte shifted closer until her sleeve touched Elizabeth’s. “Can you force people to obey you?”

Mr Bingley glanced at Mr Darcy. Mr Hurst turned from the mantelpiece, and Miss Bingley’s expression grew guarded.

“We can influence the human mind,” Mr Darcy admitted. “Age and strength determine the degree of control. A master vampire can compel most humans for a limited period.”

“Have you compelled us?” Charlotte’s voice was steady, although she placed both feet firmly on the carpet.

“No one in this house has used compulsion against either of you or any member of the Bennet family.”

Miss Bingley settled back against the cushion. “Had I compelled you, Miss Lucas, you would not be wearing that ribbon in your bodice.”

Charlotte touched the ribbon. “I selected it because it discourages interference.”

Mr Hurst released a low sound which might have been laughter. Miss Bingley reconsidered Charlotte with reluctant respect.

Elizabeth refused to permit humour to soften the question. “Have you ever attempted to compel me?”

“No.” Mr Darcy leaned forward, bringing them closer. “I would not. In your case, it would also fail.”

“Why?”

“That answer belongs to another part of the explanation.”