Scandalous (The Miss Caroline Bingley Remix)
Miss Caroline Bingley was, under most circumstances, the soul of discretion -- and further, etiquette; yet within such an event as a lengthy visit with her only brother, at the house that was practically her familial estate, she could be excused if, on occasion, her behavior perhaps ventured outside the strictest codes.
Such was the case tonight. She had excused herself from the company of her brother and his friend a few minutes before, but on coming to her room, had discovered she had forgotten her gloves in the parlour with them. This was a mere trifle, and could easily be put aside till the morning or later. On reflection, however, it would be much easier simply to return to the room that evening; her brother and Mr. Darcy surely would not mind.
It would normally be the case that Miss Bingley would not think twice upon hearing low, hushed voices as she prepared to enter a room. She was well-bred, not some common girl who listened at doors; either one must make one's presence immediately known, or one should exit as quietly as one came. Miss Bingley had these intentions in mind, indeed, as she opened the door and heard the low tones of her brother's voice. She was, in fact, turning to shut the door once more and leave when she became aware of his words.
Mr. Bingley was finishing a longer speech, as he said, "I shall not see you or myself ruined over so easily-veiled a crime."
This quite unexpected utterance froze Miss Bingley to the spot, and she could not resist leaning in closer, ear to the crack in the doorway, to hear more clearly Mr. Darcy's rejoinder.
"Are we to actually take wives, then? Wives who will keep their silence in turn for our wealth, connections, and offspring? Intolerable."
Miss Bingley could not see the two men, but Mr. Darcy's voice was deepened, in a tone she had never heard in mixed company.
"I do not think it should be so intolerable, Mr. Darcy. It shall keep our moral characters unblemished in the eyes of society," Mr. Bingley said, in a voice gentle and affectionate, "and keep our limbs out of shackles."
Mr. Darcy's reply was much quieter still, and Miss Bingley strained to hear his words.
"Agreed. We shall have to spend what time we have wisely, then."
Her brother gave an affirmative reply, after which Miss Bingley could hear no conversation for several minutes. She made up her mind to, as dangerous as the action might be, glance into the parlour, and discover what was happening. Upon taking this course, she was quite surprised to find, there in the armchair in the parlour, her brother and Mr. Darcy locked in intimate embrace.
Miss Bingley turned away from the door with a quick movement, hurrying back to her rooms, her gloves forgotten. This was astonishing! Her brother and Mr. Darcy, making love to each other? It was unnatural! And how selfish, too!
Yet both of them, still, she reminded herself upon reaching her destination, had mentioned an intention to marry. Pemberley needed a mistress as much as it ever did. What had Mr. Darcy mentioned? A silence, in return for all the advantages entailed in being the wife of such a gentlemen. It must be allowed to be a fair bargain. Miss Bingley must only change her terms of approach.
"Fine eyes, indeed!" she said to herself in satisfaction, before preparing for sleep.