The gentlemen had not long been reunited with the ladies when Darcy discreetly pulled Charles aside. In hushed tones he relayed what his cousin Henry had told him with regards to Montague's return; expressing his desire to go forth and call upon the gentleman directly regardless of the late hour.

"Indeed, indeed. Yes, go to him Darcy, what a mess! Do you think I should come along also? Wretched business cannot but feel responsible if Montague has come to harm in the pursuit of solving my affairs. Perhaps I too should..."

"No Charles, we do not wish to give speculation to Alfred. I believe it would be in our favour if you were to accompany your sister home. I shall ask Richard to take Alfred to Kings this evening. Keep him occupied while I make my enquiries with Montague. I am keen to understand his reasons behind his need to visit Scarborough. We must find out what he knows to ascertain what can be done. I fear there is far more than just Alfred wishing to see the inside of your coin purse. Call on me early tomorrow morning, for I am sure there will be much to discuss."

Nodding in agreement the friends parted ways, Darcy in the direction of Richard as Charles moved across the room to where his cousin now sat upon a burgundy sofa next to his sister. He paused a moment observing the pair. Caroline did not look herself. Sombre in such an ill styled gown, but more than that there was a shadow across her features which seemed to dull her usual vivacious character. Alfred was speaking to her, grossly intent, his person uncomfortably close when one knew his desire. His focus was purely Caroline, his eyes never once leaving her person. By reply Caroline merely smiled sedately by way of response, but Charles knew the action to be false. How could he have been so blind as not to notice his cousin's growing attraction to his sister. He could not fathom why Caroline had not come to him. It had irked him greatly upon hearing Alfred had set his cap most unwelcomely at his youngest sister, though it riled him greater that she had not seen fit to turn to her own brother for help. He could live to reach a hundred and he would still never understand the rationale of his sister's poor judgement. Lord how she infuriated him!

Sensing Charles approach Caroline looked up, her eyes momentarily softening. "Charles there you are, I do believe I am rather tired, would you be so kind as to escort me home?"

"My dear cousin why did you not say? If you are so desirous let us take our leave. I would be more than happy to escort you home."

"That is kind Alfred, but I believe Colonel Fitzwilliam is exceedingly keen for you to accompany him for another wager at the card tables."

"Is he indeed, well I am sure there is no such urgency that I cannot escort my dear cousin safely home before I participate in such an endeavour." He reached out, patting the back of her hand; "poor creature must be quite exhausted, Charles you pay such little attention to the needs of your sister."

Did his sister just grimace at such an overly familiar act? Charles temper began to take hold, how dare he imply that he was neglectful! "Now see here..."

"Yes, now see here!" cried Colonel Fitzwilliam, slapping his hand upon Charles's shoulder, cutting him off before his tongue got the best of him. "Come along Alfie boy, Kings waits for no man. Bingley will see his sister home and you can regale them with tales of your winnings over the breakfast table. I believe even my brother shall grace us with his presence and his purse strings are a great deal longer than mine. Come along man, I think Henry is keen to be off."

"And what of your fiancée?" asked Alfred motioning his head in the direction of the forgotten young who currently sat twisting a lace handkerchief by way of occupation.

"Oh, hells bells, Charles would you mind awfully chaperoning Miss Carmichael home alongside your sister?"

"Not at all," replied Charles. "Shall we be off?"


Caroline sensed her brother's restlessness the entire couch journey, but with Miss Carmichael present for much of the way, was unable to question it. His usual easy manner was not present meaning the three sat in a most awkward silence. Well, hell if she was expected to make small talk with Annabelle, she would rather converse with one of her sister Macaws for at least they talked sense.

Finally, alone she enquired if all was well though her brother merely nodded and fixated upon the quarter light. Rather vexed by such a reaction Caroline crossed her arms, huffing loudly and often by way of expressing her displeasure until they reached home.

Within the foyer Caroline began to remove her evening gloves and shawl, she really was exhausted this evening. Her back ached and her head felt weary. Lord how she wished Cedric would return soon. She would confide in no one, but she believed she missed him terribly. Turning to climb the stairs she was halted by her brother gently taking hold of her elbow.

"I am sorry Caro. I am just, well, it is all too much. I am just at such a loss, for I believe I have done all I can do to pacify our cousin. Yet I am now led to believe there is much more than money involved. Why did you not tell me he was recommending himself to you? Am I correct in my understanding that it is most unwanted?"

"Of course, it is unwanted Charles, but I can take care of our cousin. Do I not always take care of things? Think of it this way," she said with fake assurance, "I can help keep him entertained and distracted while you and your merry men folk plot his demise. Men always underestimate the talents of the fairer sex. I will fix this if I must."

"You would do well to remember your place Caroline. Why do you always think of yourself above that of others? Do you really think you can outsmart the man? Above Montague? Why even above Darcy? I understand now Caroline, even you must admit you are not the one in control of the situation. I must know what power cousin Alfred thinks he has over us."

"Oh, for goodness' sake Charles," Caroline spat her temper and exhaustion bubbling to the surface. "Perhaps you will not like what you uncover? Has such a thought ever occurred to you? There are matters far greater than your understanding. Ignorance is bliss, why are you suddenly so desirous to change the habit of a lifetime? Go to bed and let us talk no more of cousin Alfred! I am sick to the death of cousin Alfred."

"You are too cruel Caroline; I wish you would not cast down my person in such a dismissive manner. What are you referring to? Tell me what it is you think you know? Remember I am the head of this house."

"I am cruel because it is necessary!" She roared with no intention of telling Charles anything. "You do not possess the backbone to call yourself head of this family. You moan, you question, but you do not act! What have you done to deter our cousin? Nothing. For as always Charles, you rely on the actions of others to solve your problems. If it was not for me you would still be miserable running fathers' business. Just remember who kept on top of the numbers and dealt with those matters. It was I who helped you sell the business; it was I who made you the respectable man you are now. I gifted you that freedom. As always it is I who must keep this family safe and yet again it will fall to me to secure cousin Alfred when nothing else can be done!"

"It pains me to call you sister." He replied coldly. "Everything you have ever done has been solely orchestrated for your benefit. We sold the business, but it was you who wished it to be so. It is you who so desperately wishes the world to see us in such a manner. So removed from our fathers' achievements. I will admit I am not as astute as you, never can I claim to be as calculating and ruthless as my little sister; but then why would I wish such a thing? How tiring it must be Caroline to think oneself so superior, to feel such condensation. I am many things, but I am proud to be so far removed from your character. I know people think I am foolish, docile good-natured Charles; but when I look in the looking glass at least I can respect the man before me. I doubt you can say the same upon reflection."

She turned to head for the staircase. She knew her temper had gotten the better of her, but she could not quite bring herself to apologise. Why did Charles have to challenge her so? She was in no mood to explain her actions. Surprised by her retreat, instantly Charles felt a stab of guilt over the harshness of his words. After all he had learnt from the best.

Charles sighed running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I should have gone with Darcy to have it out with Montague this evening. There is a degree of truth in your words, I should not have let Darcy go alone to investigate matters prevalent to our family."

Caroline paused upon the stairs turning to look down at her brother as he stood, slumped and miserable upon the marble tiles of the foyer.

"What do you mean, where is Darcy?"

"Darcy went directly from the Matlock's to call upon Montague. He returned this evening; Darcy is keen to hear what news he brings immediately. Lord knows I should likely have gone too. Your words sting because they ring true."

"Whenever have you listened to me," Caroline said dismissively. Her stomach flipped; he was home. "Pay me no heed Charles, are you quite certain Montague has returned to London?"

"It would appear the Viscount of Scarsdale accompanied Mr Montague upon his return from Scarborough. Seems there was some scuffle up North and Montague came out the worse for it, though I do not know particulars. I am to go to Darcy House first thing."

"What do you mean by a scuffle?"

"Not entirely sure. I assume nothing serious, but the Viscount did send for the doctor. I should offer to pay the bill, seems the gentlemanly thing to do under the circumstances."

"Yes, I think that an excellent plan. Now if you will excuse me, I really must retire for the evening."

"Caro, I am sorry. You know how I dislike it when we quarrel. I did not mean what I said. It is the stress of it all. I wish people would not see fit to hide facts from my person as though I am unable to make a decision on my own."

"You are more than capable Charles. It is just fortunate you are so well liked that others wish to protect you. That is a rare thing. Now I suggest you also retire for the evening. I am sure everything will look brighter in the morning."

It took just shy of an hour before Caroline's barouche came to a halt opposite Montague's townhouse. Not far from the Matlock's, she assumed Darcy had likely come on foot or by Hackney, so the large black steed which stood at the base of the steps sent a tingle down her spine. Surely if the doctor had been called, he would be long gone by now. Instructing Simon to stay with the driver, she pulled her cloak tightly about her person and made her way to ring the doorbell.

She waited. It was well past midnight, but she needed to see him. Hoping he needed to see her too. She tried to rationalise her need to see him as purely wishing to know he was in good health but knew this was feeble. Her heart pounded in anticipation. No answer. She pulled the bell again.

Finally, she heard muffled footsteps. The door opened to reveal Miss Brown, slightly flustered and dark eyed.

"I have come to see Mr Montague, if you would tell him Miss Bingley is here."

"The master is indisposed," the girl replied coolly. "He is not to be disturbed."

"Oh, poppycock. He will see me." Caroline suddenly became aware of movement within. "I insist you tell the master I am here."

"Miss Bingley?" Came a voice from behind the door. "What in the heavens are you doing here?" Reluctantly Miss Brown pulled the door wide to reveal Darcy and an older gentleman Caroline did not recognise. "Get inside at once before someone sees you, what in heaven possessed you, is Charles with you?"

"No, I am alone," she replied feeling her cheeks warm under the scrutiny of Darcy's gaze. Suddenly she felt rather foolish. The image of Cedric throwing his arms about her person in sheer delight upon her arrival quickly faded upon meeting the gaze of the dour gentleman and a rather peeved Mr Darcy.

"Well Mr Darcy," the other spoke dryly. "I think I have had quite enough this evening." He narrowed his gaze to take in Caroline's most unexpected appearance. Tutting loudly at the impropriety of the situation, taking his gloves and hat he bent to retrieve the leather medical bag which Caroline had not noticed initially. Nodding to Darcy the doctor moved past Caroline to leave. "Do see to it that the gentleman is not disturbed. What the patient needs is rest and plenty of it. I have left my vials upon the dresser; see he takes them every four hours."

"I demand to know what has happened?" Caroline asked moving forward. "Why has Mr Montague to take vials every four hours." She looked up at Darcy, "please Darcy, what happened to Cedric?"

Darcy paused slightly taken aback. Never had he seen Caroline so sincere. Perhaps Anne had been correct in her observation that there was more between the pair than previously thought. Charles had dismissed such a claim, though it would appear he was wrong.

"You should not be here Miss Bingley. It is late and you are unchaperoned, what were you thinking."

"Clearly I was not, for I thought you would be long gone," she replied sharply.

For the first time in a long time Darcy almost felt the urge to laugh. His controlled demeanour would of course not allow it, yet the sensation had been most present. Caroline Bingley treating him with the common dismissal she served to all, he never thought he would live to see the day.

"He is resting. It would seem he was set upon during his outing in Scarborough, by whom I do not know. My cousin Henry escorted him back to London most fortunately for it would seem outside Kettering he became quite feverish. The doctor believes he has ruptured something internally due to several cracked ribs. The fear is sepsis. He has been drained and now we must wait."

Caroline's face paled. She knew little of such things but blood poisoning she knew to be serious indeed. She felt her eyes begin to burn.

"This is my fault. He told me it was not safe. I should never have agreed for him to go alone for we both knew what sort of people he was seeking out. I will never forgive myself if he has been hurt in the pursuit of helping me." She bit her lip; she would not cry.

"Who did he seek?" Darcy asked. "Caroline, do you know who did this?"

"Is not that obvious, it must be someone connected with my cousin. Why else would anyone hurt Cedric?"

"What is your relationship with Mr Montague? I am aware it was your intention to accompany him north. Miss Bingley you are being very unwise."

"That is none of your concern. Darcy do not be so ridiculously fastidious at such a time as this. We are friends. I... "She stammered struggling over the words, "Montague has insight into our family which others shall never be privy to. I will not discuss the matter more, not even with you."

"If you believe your cousin to be behind such behaviour then allow me to call the magistrate."

"No!" she yelled. "You will do no such thing. Enough harm has been done already. I will not allow you to jeopardise everything by seeking the magistrate. I can fix this."

"I do not understand. Miss Bingley a great wrong has taken place which you cannot resolve. We must seek out the appropriate legal action. I am surprised at you. Do you not wish your cousin to be removed from our society?"

"Please Darcy, how long have you known my brother and I? I am begging you to take no action, for the time being at least. Let me see Mr Montague for I am certain he will agree with my feelings. I am asking you simply to trust me."

"Miss Bingley, he is resting. He has been given a dose of laudanum; I doubt he will even notice your presence."

She tensed, images of her mother's drunken laudanum-soaked days still raw and disturbing. Why would Cedric need such an awful thing. "Darcy please let me see him, just for a moment. I promise I shall be quick."

"Miss Brown, will you escort Miss Bingley to your master. I will wait in the drawing room. Miss Bingley do make haste, for I shall escort you home."

If she had her way, she would have told Darcy to leave and had no interest in Miss Brown's assistance, but nodding in defeat she followed the young housekeeper. Moving along the corridor they passed the room in which Caroline had stayed previously, the very room in which Montague had held her tenderly until she had fallen asleep following that awful evening; the catalyst for all that followed.

Entering the dimly lit room, Caroline hesitated. She was not particularly good in such situations. She lacked the tender gene which so many women possessed to nurse others. She could smell the familiar sickly sweetness and observed a jar of fat leeches upon the dresser. Her stomach churned in revulsion.

They stood at the end of the bed. He appeared to be sleeping, his dark hair damp with sweat, his face pale around areas of dark bruising. Instinctively Miss Brown moved forward, taking the cloth from the basin on the bedside table she tenderly dabbed his brow. Moving his head gently from side to side, making soothing sounds by way of pacifying his groans, Miss Brown administered the loving care which Caroline feared she would never be able to provide.

Caroline looked on with a mix of awe and jealously. "I do not think you like me very much," Caroline finally spoke. "It is entirely acceptable if you do not, not many people do."

"It is not my place to have such an opinion," replied Miss Brown placing the basin upon the side. She stood to face the elegant woman so different to her in every way. Long had she become resolved to the fact that her master would never see her in the way she desired. She had seen the way he had looked upon Miss Bingley. He would never look at her in such a manner, no one could doubt his affection. Her dislike was irrelevant, for she would never willingly accept any woman as his equal.

"Mr Montague has been very good to me. My mother was the housekeeper before me, but due to ill health could not continue. I am young yet he believed I could carry on in the role. I have run his home these last three years." Her eyes narrowed. "No doubt you will have staff of your own when the time comes. His kindness towards my family I shall never forget."

Both women stared at each other across the room, immediately understanding the situation. Nothing more needed to be expressed.

"He is a good man," Caroline spoke softly, "I am not even sure if I am deserving of such a thing."

"That is his decision to make," Miss Brown sombrely replied, retreating to stand by the bedroom door.

Caroline moved to lightly sit upon the edge of the bed, reaching forward she tentatively took his hand. It was clammy but she felt it tighten around her own.

"Hello you," she spoke with affection, brushing his damp hair from his eyes. She paled seeing the severity of the bruising upon his handsome face. "You should not have sent me away."

Through his hazy opium cloud, he lazily opened his eyes, squeezing her hand tighter. "You have come."

"Of course I came to you fool," she smiled lifting his hand to kiss his knuckles. "I came as soon as I heard you had returned. And now I find you like this; Cedric what happened? What did they do to you. Is Alfred the cause?"

"Shhh... Do not fret darling, later. I am afraid the good doctor has left me quite exhausted."

She leaned forward, placing her forehead gently against his. "This is all my fault."

He chucked then winced at the acute pain which radiated up his left ribcage. "I shall not argue that point," he almost grinned a small flicker of light reaching his eyes.

"Oh, do not tease me at such a time Cedric. Darcy is below, he insists he escort me home."

"Oh, heaven forbid you keep Mr Darcy waiting," he jested moving his lips to brush against her cheek.

"I would rather stay with you, but truth be told I am a rather shocking nursemaid. If you promise to rest, I will come tomorrow."

"I am sure by then I shall be right as rain," he smiled weakly his head falling back upon the pillow closing his eyes. She kissed his forehead, gently moving his hand back under the warmth of the covers.

Slowly she moved to join Miss Brown, leaving his chamber in the direction of the drawing room. She paused, turning to the housekeeper.

"You will look after him. I am not the sort of woman to happily give way to others, but in this case, I believe you will be of much more assistance than I could ever be."

"You do yourself a discredit ma'am, your presence brought him joy. That is a comfort neither I nor the doctor can administer."

Darcy asked no questions. She had known he would not. For six years she had been so blinded by him. Between Darcy and Cedric there was no comparison. They sat opposite each other in companiable silence. Poor Simon downgraded to his seat next to the driver.

She felt wretched. Could she have prevented this if she had told Cedric that Alice Smyth was now Alice Peters and to be found in London. Maybe he would not have gone to Scarborough. Alice had been amongst the Bingley house staff for as long as Caroline could recall, but still she had not seen the woman this last week. She had tried to seek her out several times, but Mrs Cockburn was a difficult woman and Caroline had not wished to raise the curiosity of the old housekeeper. Their disdain for one another did not help matters.

Thanks to Simon she now possessed Alice's private address. Tomorrow morning, she would go early and call upon her in person. She had moved out of the maid's quarter almost ten years ago, marrying a blacksmith, though her mother had continued her employment which at the time had been an unusual decision. The attachment all made sense now.

She saw only two possible outcomes; either between Alice and Cedric something could be done; or she would need to do the unthinkable. She would not allow Alfred to expose her family name to ridicule. Seeing Cedric in such a state had burned a fire within her belly.

She placed her hand in Darcy's, stepping down from the carriage. She looked upon the house, Charles was likely asleep. She could only think of two outcomes; and for neither did she wish her brother present.

"Darcy, I must ask a favour of enormous magnitude. I asked you before to trust me and now I need you to do so without question." He looked at her in curiosity.

"There are truths that should remain buried in the past. Dreadful things that do not belong in our present. I need you to take Charles away from London. Instantly, tomorrow if it can be arranged. Take him anywhere he wishes to go but out of London and her sharp tongue. There are only two outcomes I can see to our situation and both of which would be best dealt with efficiently and quietly if Charles was not here present."

"Miss Bingley, I do not see how..."

"Darcy please. This is in the best interest of my brother. Either path will bring truths he will not understand. Both will cause outcomes that will only bring him pain. I am asking you to be his true friend. Just for a few weeks."

Darcy rubbed his face, deep in thought. If his sister believed this for the best, who was he to argue?

"Miss Bingley. There is but one place and one place alone where Charles wishes to go. You must know this to be Netherfield. If I was to suggest such a thing he would leave at this very moment."

"Then take him to Netherfield."

"You must know what that would mean."

"Perhaps we are all entitled to our little bit of happiness. Perhaps you and I were wrong."

"If this is what you want, I shall speak to him tomorrow."

She nodded moving up the steps, before the door she paused. "Darcy if you believe he loves her – truly loves her, and Miss Jane Bennett returns such sentiment wholeheartedly then you must fix what we broke. If you can secure his future happiness, then do what must be done."