Edward’s eyebrow rose in disbelief. “Do you mean to say, Aunt, that you wished for a reconciliation with Darcy?”

“Marriage is forever. I cannot change what’s been done. Although I vehemently disagree with Darcy’s choice, I’ve come to realize that my objections are also keeping me from Georgiana. In order for my niece to have a successful Season, Georgiana needs the weight of her connections. Darcy’s position gives Georgiana impetus, but Matlock and Lindale’s names lend credence to her consequence.” His aunt’s words didn’t sit well with Edward, but he couldn’t identify what it was about the image of his cousin’s Society Come Out that bothered him most. It was certainly not Georgiana’s appearance; his cousin’s beauty would awe even the most hardened heart. Possibly, that was it: He couldn’t picture Georgiana in another man’s embrace. “The De Bourgh connection shall strengthen my niece’s suit.”

“So, for Georgiana’s sake, you’ll swallow your distress regarding Darcy’s marriage?” he said incredulously.

“Darcy has thrice sent correspondence offering an appeasement. Admittedly, I’ve ignored his olive branch, but Christmastide seemed a time for forgiveness.”

Edward certainly didn’t believe her reasons, but he knew from experience that his aunt believed what she said. Therefore, Lady Catherine’s frankness penetrated his reserve. “You are an intelligent woman,Your Ladyship, so I’ll forego the customary warning.You’re aware of Darcy’s nature. My cousin will never tolerate your condemnation of his wife or his guests.”

Surprised, he watched as Lady Catherine swallowed her temptation to criticize. “I am appalled by the people with whom Darcy surrounds himself, but I can tolerate his acquaintances without considering them my intimates.”

“I pray you can, Aunt.” Her sincerity rang of possibilities. “It’s comforting to think that you’ve considered Georgiana’s future, but you should also make room for Mrs. Darcy’s role in your life.You must maintain no delusions of Elizabeth ever being replaced in Darcy’s estimation. The man loves his wife, very much in the manner that the late Mr. Darcy loved Lady Anne.You must accept it, or Darcy will limit your access to Georgiana.” He hoped she didn’t practice some sort of chicanery.

Their conversation at an end, Edward prepared to leave her; however, Lady Catherine reached out to stay him. “Tell me what has transpired with Mrs. Darcy.”

“I don’t understand, Aunt.”

Lady Catherine sighed deeply in exasperation. “As you said, Colonel, I’m far from lacking my wits. I have overheard bits and pieces of information. Why has Mrs. Darcy not given her husband an heir?”

Edward’s suspicions returned. “If you mean to insinuate that Mrs. Darcy hasn’t presented my cousin with his first child because of her low connections, I’ll warn you of the danger of doing so. Darcy will bring his ire to your doorstep, Ma’am.”

“That wouldn’t stop me, Edward,” she declared. “I’ve faced a man’s dudgeon before. Give me the facts, and I’ll decide my actions.”

Edward growled. “I will not be a part of your venomous ways, Your Ladyship. A moment ago, you spoke of harmony. You cannot have it both ways, Aunt.”

“You make the assumption that I mean Mrs. Darcy harm. I never said I would openly criticize the chit. I simply said that Darcy’s ire wouldn’t deter me. Would you prefer that I ask Mrs. Darcy’s witless mother?”

Edward felt his cheeks flush. “Mrs. Darcy hasn’t carried to term previously,” he said through gritted teeth. “But the lady’s with child. Darcy hopes the pleasure of seeing her family for Christmastide will give Mrs. Darcy comfort. He’s surrounded his wife with those who love her.”

“Except for uninvited guests,” she observed.

“That’s more than half of those in attendance,” Edward responded. “Darcy isn’t likely to be happy with the alteration in his plans.”

“I suppose that means me.”

Dismay tightened Edward’s jaw. “Your presence will truly be a Christmastide surprise,Your Ladyship.”



Caroline Bingley tarried at the morning table. Her brother and Winkler sought the billiard room, while Jane and Kitty planned to assist Mrs. Reynolds with the Christmastide decorations.Along with her fiancé, Mary Bennet, to whom Caroline had barely spoken, had come and gone. Mrs. Bennet had taken her breakfast in her room, as had Lady Catherine. Caroline would have liked to converse with the latter, but was thankful not to encounter the former.

Caroline hated being in this situation again. At four and twenty, she was close to being on the shelf, and she wondered if this would be her existence: the uninvited guest at a house party her brother attended. Her parents had always thought her the pretty one, the one who would easily win a husband. Instead, Louisa had won Mr. Hurst’s attention within six months of making her Come Out. Soon, Caroline thought, she’d be expected to chaperone the younger people in attendance. Eventually, Charles’s growing brood would be referring to her as Aunt Caroline. She didn’t think that she could bear it. Tending to her own child had once been her girlish dream, but dealing with other people’s children would prove tiresome. For a split second, she considered burying her face in her hands and having a good cry, but the sound of approaching footsteps shoved Caroline’s shoulders back and her chin upward. She would let no one know her frustration.

“Miss Bingley, I didn’t expect to find you here. I went out to have a look at the grounds. Even coated in an icy glaze, Mr. Darcy’s home is quite impressive. I’d thought you had joined your family.”

“I did, Mr. Manneville.” Caroline gestured to a place setting across from hers. “But they had others with whom to converse, and I preferred my own company.”

Manneville’s step faltered. “I apologize, Miss Bingley. If I’m disturbing your solitude, I’ll take my meal in my room.”

“Of course not, Mr. Manneville.” Caroline motioned him forward. “The festive days often make me maudlin. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“Is it not peculiar that such a joyous celebration can leave many to question the values they find in their lives? We miss those who’ve gone before, and we reevaluate the choices that we’ve made.” He allowed a footman to choose his breakfast meats.

“You’ve captured my thoughts, Mr. Manneville. I was missing my dear mother and bemoaning my choice of coming to Pemberley rather than joining my older sister Mrs. Hurst and her husband in Devon.”

Manneville raised a brow. “Well, I, for one, am appreciative of your presence at Pemberley.”

Caroline blushed. She couldn’t remember the last time a man openly flirted with her. “When you took to the frozen grounds, did you not risk the chill’s return?” she taunted.

“It was the coffee, Miss Bingley.” Manneville looked her over with an assessing eye. “It warms a man properly.”

“Can a person find a proper cup of tea in America, Mr. Manneville?” she asked, her lashes lowered.

He laughed lightly and leaned back casually in his chair. “I imagine it possible. Afternoon tea is still quite popular in Charleston’s finest homes, and if that doesn’t please you, I understand Boston Harbor still reeks of the brew.”

The soft roll of his words enticed her. “Would you tell me something of your home, Mr. Manneville?”

“With pleasure.” He smiled easily. “Now what would a beautiful woman wish to know?” He dragged out the words in a teasing manner.

“How large?” Caroline interrupted. “How large is the city?”