November Twenty-Seventh by Kate Speck

Author:Kate Speck [Speck, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-07-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“What do you mean MY wedding?!” Caroline screeched. “I cannot possibly marry a man I have never met! I was born for greater things and I will never marry so low!”

Louisa was the first one to sober up that evening. “You ruined us, Caroline! What gives you the idea that you have a choice now? If only you had kept your mouth shut, this could have been all prevented. You prattled off the gossip to Mr. Darcy and offended him, and then Lord George found out everything you said about his mistress!”

“But I thought Eliza was his mistress!” Caroline shouted. “How was I to know that they looked so similar? And I am certain Wickham was telling the truth!! He sullied her but Mr. Darcy is lying!”

“You believed the words of a criminal who would have said anything to besmirch Mr. Bennet, who was responsible for purchasing his debts? That mercenary rogue, who was courting Mary King for her £10,000 and owed more than £1,000 to the merchants and officers? How simple are you to listen to such nonsense?” Bingley yelled. “You only heard what you wished to hear and you will pay for your stupidity, sister. Darcy wishes to take you to court for slander and I am certain Lord George feels the same and you would be found guilty and sent off to the colonies, Caroline! Either you marry this man I have chosen for you or be prepared to be penniless and begging for food!”

Caroline paled at the thought. “I would rather die than be poor. Tell me more about this man, Charles. Why can I not choose someone on my own?”

“Because no one else will have you, you twit. You are still demanding? I am of mind to have you transported.” Bingley scoffed. “He has 2,000 a year,” his sister smiled a little, “His name is Mr. Dalcy,” he saw her beam at the name. “Dalcy, D-A-L-C-Y, and he is four and forty,” he saw her begin to frown, “and is a tradesman.” Caroline appeared angry now.

“I refuse…” She was not allowed to continue.

“You will marry him in two days and I am already obtaining a special license. He will have full control over your dowry but he has been generous to provide a settlement, which I will be signing tomorrow.” Bingley saw his sister’s hopes raised a little and delivered the final blow. “He will settle £50 per annum and that is being kind. I would have asked for £25.”

Caroline immediately stood and threw a vase into the fireplace.

“Caroline!” Louisa screamed, “That was from Mr. Hurst’s mother and was worth a fortune, you stupid chit! Stop breaking my property! This, along with all of the other items you have broken, will need to come out of your allowance for the quarter. I know you were just given your allowance but already spent majority of it so you must pay up now. Now, Caroline! As soon as you are married off in two days, you will not have the funds to pay me back for all the trinkets you damaged.

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