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Caroline stiffened in her chair. “The Gardiners who are related to the Bennet family?”
“Yes. Jane Bennet is staying with them.”
“Indeed?” She made a sour face. “Surely there is no obligation to call upon them, particularly since Miss Bennet has slighted me. It might be best to discontinue the acquaintance.”
Bingley sighed. His morning would have been a great deal pleasanter if he could have avoided this conversation.
“She has treated us rather shabbily,” Caroline drawled.
For a moment, Bingley’s heart sank as he experienced his usual compulsion to agree with her. She knew better than he did about such matters. He did not want to create a family row.
But what if Jane left London, and he never spoke with her? That would be insupportable.
“No,” he said, striving for his firmest voice. “There may have been some kind of misunderstanding between us and the Bennets. My visit gives me an opportunity to correct it.”
Caroline’s lips pursed in disapproval. “I do not think—”
Bingley could envision a long discussion spooling out before them and was suddenly weary of the entire process. Why must every part of my life be subject to my sister’s scrutiny and opinion? “I do not require your approval, Caroline,” he said sharply.
She blinked in surprise and then sighed dramatically. “In that event, I will be forced to accompany you.”
“I do not see the need—”
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Heavens, Charles! Jane Bennet is my friend as well. How would it appear if I sent you alone? I must assess for myself how she greets you. As your sister, it is my duty to protect you from fortune hunters.” She bit into the toast with a self-satisfied air.
Bingley ran both hands through his hair and refrained from observing that he had never invited her to perform such a “duty.” No doubt there were good and valid reasons why he should visit Gracechurch Street alone, but he could not conjure them up at the moment.
“I do not want you to accompany me” was not a sufficient reason to prohibit his sister from visiting mutual friends. Bingley sighed. “Very well. We will leave immediately after breakfast.”
Chapter Four
When Maggie hurried up the stairs to announce Mr. Bingley’s arrival, an electric thrill had coursed through Jane’s body. She had been on tenterhooks since she had awakened, wondering if Mr. Bingley would call. Her anxiety was heightened by the awareness that Aunt Gardiner would be from home all day and unable to assist with entertaining any visitors.
However, her heart sank at the sight of Miss Bingley sitting beside her brother in the drawing room. The other woman’s pinched expression amply demonstrated that she derived no pleasure from the visit, and she barely inclined her head when Jane entered the room. In contrast, Mr. Bingley stood immediately and bowed with so much vigor he nearly toppled sideways.
“M-Miss B-Bennet!” he stuttered, his eyes glued to her face. “Mood Gorning! Er, good morning!” He started forward and then stopped, apparently torn about whether to kiss her hand. “I trust you slept well—er, last night and other nights, of course…”
Jane curtsied. The evidence of his anxiety helped allay her nervousness. “Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley.”
Mr. Bingley rubbed his hands together and walked about the room, so full of energy that sitting appeared to be unthinkable. “The weather is quite fine. Far warmer than yesterday. A fine day for a walk!”
Jane’s heart leapt. Walking with Mr. Bingley might afford them an opportunity for private conversation.
“Psh, Charles,” Miss Bingley sn
orted. “It is much too cold.”
Mr. Bingley spoke to his sister through gritted teeth. “You are welcome to remain here and apply yourself to your needlework. But I will take a walk with Miss Bennet—if she is amenable.”
“That would be delightful,” Jane said.
“But you and Miss Bennet can hardly walk out unchaperoned,” Miss Bingley announced somewhat triumphantly.
Jane was determined not to lose this opportunity. “The maid can accompany us. She enjoys a walk and has joined me many times.” Without allowing Miss Bingley time to object, Jane hurried from the room to find Maggie, who was delighted at the news and immediately set about gathering winter clothes.
Very soon after Jane’s return, Maggie entered the drawing room carrying Jane’s pelisse as well as her own shawl.
Mr. Bingley nearly bounded to the door. “Very well! A walk will be most invigorating!”
