"How dare you," Charles said to Caroline after their guests had left. She just rolled her eyes, which infuriated him. Louisa had gathered Mr. Hurst and tried to leave unnoticed.

"Take her with you Louisa," Charles said, turning from Caroline in disappointment. .

"I did it for your own good," Caroline spat.

"My own good? Or your own good? Because I was happy to stay a tradesman. I'd be equally happy in the gentry," Charles said, whipping around to face Caroline.

"You don't know how the world works," Caroline said.

"No? Then who grew our fortune to be able to buy an estate? Who doubled your dowry?"

"You don't know the treatment we've received."

"I was sent to a much too fancy school too, Caroline. Alone, I might add. And yet I don't scorn people for not being enough. I'm not like you!"

"No, but the things you do and the people you marry reflect on me,"

"The things you do reflect on me!" Charles said in a booming voice, standing over her again, "do you know how embarrassing it is to have you around my friends? Or new neighbors? Poor Darcy never feels safe here. I don't even want to think what Jane and her family are talking of now!"

"Jane, is it?" Caroline seethed

"Yes, Jane is it, provided she'll still have me, despite my deplorable connection!" Charles shouted. Caroline started as though she'd been slapped. Louisa and Mr. Hurst stood shocked into silence near the door. "Leave with the Hursts," Charles continued in a threatening voice, "I don't want to see you here again. Unless Jane allows it, so you had best pray she does accept me. If she does not, it will be because of you. I will never speak to you again if that happens."

Caroline could only hold her head high, with a stubborn nod. However, the effect was lost due to her downcast eyes and trembling mouth. She flipped around and left with the Hursts.

Charles stood in his empty, silent house and seethed. Under his anger was dread. What did Jane think of him now? Could she stomach being attached to a harpy like his sister? These dark thoughts were little known to Charles and he wished he could go to Jane to discuss the topic of herself with him. She always knew what to ask, and what to say.

With a sign, he grabbed his coat and trudged out the door to his next best option: Darcy.

OOXXOOXoXXx

Jane stood outside her uncle's warehouse after her uncle had arrived. He had no knowledge of her being outside. Neither did her Aunt. Or Lizzy

You are such a fool

Jane shook her head and began to pace. Maybe she was right. Her mothers infamous nerves began to make sense, with flutterings and palpitations. Jane felt downright ill as she paced.

But then she heard a horse, and saw Mr. Bingley come around the corner. He looked like he'd had a sleepless night. He rubbed at one eye with a scowl on his face. She didn't know he could make that face.

When he opened his eyes he looked up at her uncle's warehouse, down to the street line, and locked eyes with her. Surprise and astonishment lit his face as he threw himself off his horse at her feet.

"Jane, you must accept my apology on Carolines behalf. I dread to think what she said to you!" he said, pulling her into his arms. Then he immediately burned scarlet and released all but one hand.

"It's alright," Jane laughed softly. "I couldn't possibly hold it against you. You are too dear for that." The relief on Charles' face was great.

"I was so worried," he admitted, looking at their linked hands.

"I thought you might be," Jane smiled, "that's why I came." Charles held her hand tight and released a contented sigh.

"If anyone is too dear, it's you. How can you know just what I need?"

"I suppose we know each other very well now," she said.

"I think we'll have much more time to know each other," Charles smiled, "but now I must see you're uncle. Are you free later this afternoon?" Jane felt a jolt rush through her. Unable to speak, she only nodded. Charles smirked and tweaked her ear before walking into the warehouse.