She stood watching his departing figure, her jaw twitching under the force in which she clenched her teeth. She stood for far too long. Long after the door had closed and the footsteps were no more. She knew she had stood far too long as not to raise the attention of the others present.
She dared not turn around, in fear of allowing the other ladies to witness the effect that such words had had upon her composure. The force in which she clenched her jaw had begun to radiate pain through her teeth, towards her ears, and down the vein of her neck. Her temples pulsed loudly from the pressure, bringing on the early warning of a headache.
Darcy still admired that God awful woman! How could he be so foolish? She was not aware of her nails, practically piercing the skin of her palm, as they dug into her flesh through the now balled fists which hung by her sides. He still admired Elizabeth Bennet. Never had he ever spoken in such high praise over a woman before. Not only did he continue to admire her, but he had defended her in front of his own sister and chastised herself in doing so.
"but THAT was only when I first saw her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance."
She replayed the words in her head once more. Upon there reflection, the effect was no better than when he had first uttered such a statement. She felt the effect of his meaning most severely. How long had she wished that he would direct even half such a sentiment towards her person? She felt the lump rise in her throat as her bottom lip dared to do the unthinkable.
"Caroline?" Louisa spoke softly, aware that her sister had not yet moved. She twisted her lace handkerchief nervously within her lap. She could positively feel the rage radiating from her sister. Although she did not agree with her sisters' tactics, for she had been ashamed by her open ridicule and malicious attempt to cast down Elizabeth, she felt pain knowing that her sister felt disappoint. Caroline had allowed her pettiness to control her actions, and in trying to point out the flaws of another in anger, had simply done harm to herself.
Louisa glanced at Georgiana, forcing a smile in an attempt to pacify the tension of the room. Seeing the shock upon the young girl's face, she tried to sound as bright as possible;
"I must say Mrs Annesley, how charming the weather has turned out, for this morning I did contemplate that it perchance might rain. I said, dear husband I do believe it shall rain, and would you know he shared such sentiment! For he replied indeed, for Mr Hurst was indeed also most uneasy that it looked like rain."
She smiled keenly at the woman, hoping to encourage any sort of reply, however no such remedy was forthcoming. The genteel, fair haired woman merely nodded in agreement; her gaze still fixated upon her younger sister across the room.
"Miss Darcy, what say you? Should we not make the most of this opportunity? Such fine blue skies I have never seen! Shall we take a walk? I do believe that we should, for I am certain with a sky so faultless that we can be in no danger of rainclouds. I said to Mr Hurst that in all certainty I did not believe it looked like rain. What jolly good luck that it would appear I..."
"Oh, do stop prattling on Louisa!" Caroline cried from across the room, turning finally to face the women opposite. "Do you really think any of us wish to be in your company a moment longer than is necessary as to endure a Tête-à-tête amongst the shrubberies with you? I would not even wish such an ordeal on the Miss Bennet's." All three sat silently upon the pale matching settees, not one daring to lift their gaze to meet that of Miss Bingley's. "Not one person here present gives two flying hoots to your observations on the weather. Nor are any of us interested in the even more absurd observations from your excuse of a husband! If I were you, I would keep such inane ramblings, between two of the most ridiculous people in all of England, to one's self."
The silence which followed the above outburst was deafening. Caroline stood, her eyes so dark they were void of all expression; her mouth set in an unpleasant thin line, so unlike that of her usually perfectly poised pout. Georgiana knew not what to do, she looked towards her companion, hoping to find some indication of what should be done to remedy the situation, but found no such comfort.
Louisa felt her cheeks burn but, after many years of practice, knew not to give her sister the ammunition which tears would present. Never before had her sister given her quite such a set down within the company of others. Never before had Caroline so carelessly shown her true colours and let her natural temper show in front of someone so important as Georgiana Darcy. Angry people are not always wise, it was likely a mistake her sister would forever live to regret.
Suddenly, as though hearing his sister's thoughts, Caroline quickly composed herself, contorting her mouth into a wide smile, her eyes still yet devoid of all feeling.
"Now then, shall we have more tea?" She called out brightly in a voice most forced. "My heaven's will you look at the time. Mrs Annesley, will you ring the bell and have a fresh tray brought at once. It is almost midday!" She turned towards Miss Darcy and gave one of her best, most dazzling smiles. "My how time flies when in the company of such dear friends. I cannot tell you how lovely it was to see Miss Eliza and hear news of her charming family. Tis such a shame that their family does not frequent ton more, for I am sure we would have enjoyed many an outing together this season."
Upon receiving no reply, she continued rather clumsily;
"My, how amusing to see dear Darcy in such a dilemma. You must think me something terrible my dear Miss Darcy, teasing your good brother as I do; but you see it was a game between your brother and I whilst in Hertfordshire. What laughs we had, though it would seem perhaps I should have known better than to share our little joke amongst others who could not see the fun behind such observations. For how could you all see the joke when it was but an intimacy which we shared?
I do believe I embarrassed your brother and for that I am sorry. I should not have brought up such unkind observations from his part, when out of context, and in the presence of those unconnected with the origin." She took her seat once more opposite Georgiana. "I must apologise if our little exchange caused any alarm, I assure you it was not meant, it is but a diversion which Darcy and I have come to partake."
She paused, awaiting some sort of reply from the young heiress. Heaven's this was excruciating. Bad enough simpering over the girl, who without her fortune and ancestral name, held very little merit; she was now reduced to try and recommend herself further by making light of her unchecked show of temper. Did the girl not know it was polite to at least pretend she agreed, or at least have some opinion, on the explanation thus provided for her own benefit? It took all of Caroline's remaining self-control not to roll her eyes to the heavens and simply shake the girl.
The longer Georgina took to reply, the more anxious Miss Bingley became. Surely this little exchange need not be mentioned to her brother. Caroline physically flinched at such a thought. Did not her reasoning behind his earlier outburst, being but from shame over his earlier disparaging remarks, neatly explain his retort? Caroline hoped that it did. In that one aspect, Caroline had told nothing but the truth, for indeed Darcy had said all that, she merely repeated it.
After what felt like an eternity, Miss Darcy turned to Mrs Hurst and said;
"My dear Mrs Hurst, upon consideration I do believe your earlier suggestion of a walk within the grounds to be a most excellent idea. I agree wholeheartedly that the weather is indeed fine. I myself was most convinced that the clouds would turn, but I am happy to be proved wrong in this case. There is a very pretty walk down towards the folly in the clearing, I would be most pleased if you would be so kind as to join me."
She stood up, holding her hand towards Louisa in a bid to show the lady as much friendly kindness as she was in possession of bestowing. Never before had Georgiana been in such a position where it was she who was offering protection to the feelings of another. Later, in the privacy of her chambers, she would reflect upon her conduct and feel quite proud of her resolve. Just as Louisa stood to join her, Caroline began;
"Oh, what a wonderful idea, a short walk will do the senses a world of good after such a long morning indoors. I must confess, I myself am very keen on walking. Is that not the case Louisa?"
Her sister did not know how best to respond, too hurt by her earlier remarks to play her usual supporting role to Caroline's theatrics. She was saved the trouble as Miss Darcy was quick to reply;
"How unfortunate it is then, Miss Bingley, that you yourself have said, but not a moment ago, that you have no intention of walking with any of us this morning." Georgiana took Mrs Hurst's arm protectively and linked it with her own. "I know Louisa and I shall miss your attendance, but I am sure we shall survive the loss of your company but this once. For who are we to attempt to persuade you otherwise."
The three ladies took their leave; and after a flurry of skirts from a most hurried departure, Caroline found herself in the common situation of being left on her own once more. She was no fool, the timid Miss Darcy had chosen a fine moment to show strength of character. If the girl did not desire her presence, she was in no humour to beg.
Finally, she let her jaw relax and the dreaded uncontrollable tremble of her bottom lip do as it wished. She only had herself to blame for such an outcome.