Notes: Many thanks to my beta reader and co-author Sam. H.
PPP
It was early February, and Caroline had not had her menses since before that night with Sir Frederick and was afraid of being pregnant.
Louisa was not there to ask. Mr. Hurst's father had died in a carriage accident a few weeks earlier, and Mr. Hurst and Louisa left for his estate.
She was painfully aware she had been duped by Sir Frederick, and she would have to suffer the consequences for the rest of her life.
Her dreams of being accepted into the first circles of London had completely burned to ashes. Just the idea of seeing him or his sister in London filled her with fear. They were capable of anything, and her good name was under their power.
No one should find out about her pregnancy, or she would be ruined. The only viable solution was to go far away where no one knew her. After having the child, it should be given away to a good family.
She sighed. She knew that the news she had to deliver would not be easy for her brother to hear. Despite this, it was important for him to know everything. Louisa was currently pregnant and would not be able to come to her.
So, on a cold February morning, Caroline met with her brother behind closed doors, for a conversation which would irrevocably change their relationship.
After listening to Caroline, Charles Bingley was astonished by what his sister told him. To a lesser extent, he was surprised by Sir Frederick's behaviour. He said, "You are twenty-three, and you attended the best seminary in London! I cannot understand how you could allow him to take liberties with you!"
"Charles, I swear things were not as you think. Sir Frederick and Elinor tricked me!"
Bingley paced restlessly from one side of the room to the other. He had never been so angry in his entire life, or more disappointed in his sister. "Are you absolutely sure Caroline, that you are pregnant? Has Mr. Jones examined you?"
Caroline wrung her hands in her lap. "I do not know for sure. But I have not had my menses for almost three months, and I have been unwell in the mornings. I cannot ask the apothecary in Meryton to examine me! Nor do I want to see a doctor in London." With despair and tears, she added, "No one can find out that I am pregnant! I am desperate, Charles. I cannot have a child under these circumstances! Furthermore, I do not want to ruin my life as well as our parents' dreams."
Bingley took a deep breath to try to calm himself. "Unfortunately, that scoundrel is already married. I do not understand why you kept this all a secret for so long. At least I would have tried to force him to do the right thing and marry you."
"I am so sorry, Charles, but I was ashamed of myself. Elinor made it very clear Sir Frederick would not marry me. There was nothing you could do."
Bingley grimaced, "You are correct; it is very likely that he would not have agreed to marry you, but at least I would have done my duty in defending your honour." He sighed. "If you are pregnant, you should get married immediately. Perhaps some..."
Caroline interrupted him, "Charles, none of the wealthy gentlemen from the first circles would want to marry me under these circumstances."
"Caroline, few of the first circles were interested in marrying you before this catastrophe! But you have a dowry of 20,000 pounds, which I could increase to tempt the youngest son of a gentleman or a merchant."
"Please, Charles! I would rather go far away to have this child and give it up for adoption." She looked determinedly into his eyes and added, "Or prevent this child from being born."
Bingley looked at his sister in horror and exclaimed, "Caroline, you cannot have an abortion! It is illegal and very dangerous!"
"Then the only option is to go far away." She sighed, "Louisa is pregnant. We can tell our neighbours I went to visit her."
END – PART II