Pemberley Ranch

know that as pretty as she is, she has no beaux in New Orleans? It’s because it’s written on her face that she can’t love anymore.”

“If you believe she dislikes you, why do you put up with her?”

“Because she’s my sister.” Jane stroked Beth’s hair. “If you came down sick, I would nurse you, you know that. Caroline’s sick, but in a different way. She’s sick in her heart, and we’re trying to help. Perhaps one day, Caroline will allow herself to love again.”

“You’re a better person than I am, Jane,” Beth said in awe.

Jane smiled. “No, I’m not. You’re special in your own way.”

They sat quietly for a moment. “Has Charles told you anything else about the war?”

“Some. What are you asking?”

“Has he told you about George Whitehead?”

“He told me Whitehead did some wicked things in the war, if that’s what you mean.”

Jane’s use of George’s last name told Beth that her sister was deeply angered by the man. “I’ve heard some things, too. I think we should tell Father.”

Jane glanced away. “Charles has tried to warn Father, but…” she shook her head, “he dismissed him. He thanked Charles for his concern but said that things were different now.” She turned to Beth, confusion written over her face. “I don’t understand.”

Neither did Beth, but before she could say so, the bedroom door opened to reveal a grim Charles with Caroline behind him. Miss Bingley once again wore an expression of supreme indifference.

“Beth, Caroline would like to say something to you.” He gestured for his sister to proceed.

A stone-faced Caroline stared at a point above Beth’s head. “I hope you will pardon my strong words earlier, Miss Bennet. If, by my honest account of the misfortunes that have befallen my family, you’ve taken offense, I am sorry.”

Charles was not happy about the halfhearted apology. “Caroline…”

Beth stood up, intending to end this disagreement. She was not fooled into thinking Caroline was in any way sincere. Her use of “Miss Bennet” rather than the more familiar “Miss Beth” was ample evidence of that. But that was neither here nor there. Caroline deserved her pity and forbearance, and she intended to make amends as best she could.

“Thank you, Miss Bingley. May I say how sorry I am about the hardships you have been forced to endure? I thank you for telling me, and I hope there are better days ahead.”

Caroline’s eyes flicked to hers, and Beth was shaken by the resentment she beheld there. For the first time in her life, Beth was truly hated by another person—not for who she was, but for what she was. She realized that Caroline Bingley would never forgive or forget; she would nurse this hatred for the rest of her days. It was a disconcerting experience for Beth, especially as in essence she had sworn to do the same.

Still, Caroline extended her hand, which Beth took gingerly. “Thank you. I trust we will get along just fine in the weeks we have left together.” Her smile was devoid of any warmth.

“I… I believe we shall.” Beth was shaken again. Never before had any apology she offered been so effectively dismissed. Matters were hopeless.

Caroline sighed. “It’s your usual time to retire, I believe.”

“It is. Good night, Miss Bingley.”

The lady nodded again and swept out of the room, Charles following in her wake, still unhappy. Jane kissed Beth good night and left for her own room.

Beth shook her head sadly as she prepared for bed. It was going to be a long month.

Darcy and Gaby stood outside the Baptist church until they finally spied their quarry. Gaby gave her brother’s hand a squeeze before waving at the two ladies approaching.

“Miss Caroline! I’m so glad you came today. There’s something I’d like to get your advice on.”

Miss Bingley, who heretofore had simply been walking to the meeting of the Musical Society with Miss Bennet and had been concentrating on following Charles’s unexpectedly harsh command to be polite to the woman, looked up in surprise. “Of course, Miss Darcy. How may I help you?”

Gaby threaded her arm through Caroline’s. “I, uhh, wanted to discuss my musical selection with you. I need your help to pick the right piece. Your taste is so fine; I know you can choose the proper one.”

Caroline looked between Darcy and the girl. Her desire to spend time with the handsome rancher was overcome by the combination of the appeal to her vanity and the opportunity to prove useful to Darcy’s sister, thereby impressing the man. “Certainly, Miss Darcy.”

Gaby practically dragged her into the church. “My music is inside.” Caroline looked back helplessly as the doors closed behind her.

Darcy’s thoughts changed from the reward Gaby was sure to demand for this piece of theater—perhaps a new saddle for her horse, Buckskin—to the half-confused, half-amused lady before him. Just as she began to follow the others, Darcy stopped her.

“Miss Bennet, may I have a moment of your time?”

Beth turned to him warily, an unfamiliar expression on her face. “Yes?”

Darcy removed his hat and steeled himself. “I’m sorry for the unease our meeting must give you. I’m very aware that my presence is a trial to you. But I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to apologize for my reprehensible behavior during our last meeting. I’m heartily ashamed of myself, and I offer no excuse. I don’t ask for your forgiveness—indeed, I don’t deserve it. This charade,” he waved his hand, “wouldn’t be necessary and I’d never presume to disturb you again if not for the sake of my sister and cousin. I beg you—do not end your friendship with them because of me.”

He watched with anxious eyes as Beth stood before him, blinking. She seemed astonished, but Darcy would not trust his observations. Too many times in their acquaintance had his instincts been very wrong about this girl.

“Mr. Darcy, I… I thank you. I would never throw off Miss Darcy or Miss Burroughs, even though we’ve had our… disagreements.”

“Then, may I tell them that you still welcome their company?”

“Oh, yes, indeed! I’m… I’m only surprised.”

“Surprised about what?”

She glanced away. “Surprised that you still think me a suitable companion for your sister and cousin, given my mistaken opinions about you.”

“Miss Bennet, I can think of few people I would entrust my sister to, other than you.” Beth blushed, and Darcy cursed himself for being too forward.

“I’ll accept your apology only if you’ll accept mine. I’ve been blind and ignorant about many things, especially about you—”

“Misled, I would say!”

Beth allowed a small smile. “Perhaps, but I thought myself to be a good judge of character. I now know I’m not. Thank you for teaching me that lesson. I shouldn’t have said the things I did.”

“I don’t think you need to apologize to me, but I’ll accept it, if that means you’ll remain friends with Gaby and Anne.”

She nodded. “You mentioned a charade. Do you mean that Miss Gaby wasn’t as interested in Miss Bingley’s company as she appeared?”

“No.” An embarrassed Darcy allowed himself a smile. “I figured you might be coming to the meeting together, and I had to find a way of speaking to you privately. This,” he gestured as before, “was Gaby’s idea.”

Beth giggled a bit, and then looked around. “Is Anne here? I didn’t see her with you.”

The rancher grew serious. “No. She was unsure of her reception. She’s afraid you wouldn’t want her company anymore.”

He saw Beth become distressed. “Oh, no! That’s not true. Please tell her she’s still my friend.”

“I will.”

Beth looked down. “I hope Miss Darcy still thinks kindly of me, as little as I deserve it.”

“She likes you very much.”