Caroline Bingley: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Becton Read Free Book Online

university, he came home, showed an interest in engineering, and that was all that was required for Mr. Newton to take him under his wing. He learned quickly, and the two have been partners for some years now."
    How unfortunate, Caroline thought, though she could not decide whom she pitied more: Mr. Newton for having to put up with Mr. Rushton's wit or Mr. Rushton for having to contend with Mr. Newton's ramblings on inane subjects.
    "Now, let us forget this business with dear Mr. Rushton. Settle yourselves by the fire, and I shall bring the tea," her mother said as she arranged the cups on their saucers and lifted the silver teapot. As she turned to deliver the full cups to her guests, she said, "Caro, you will also be pleased to find another old friend in the neighborhood."
    "Shall I?" If this neighbor were anything like Mr. Rushton, she was certain she would take no pleasure in the hearing.
    "The Honorable Miss Lavinia Charlton--Mrs. Ralph Winton now that she has married--has been at Oak Park for several months." Mrs. Newton turned to Rosemary and explained, "Lavinia and Caroline have been friends since their days at the seminary."
    "Oh?" Caroline asked, ignoring Rosemary's part in the conversation as she scooted to the edge of her seat and leaned forward a bit. This was news of great consequence, for Lavinia was the only daughter of Lord Charlton, who held a large barony and retained great wealth and status in the county. "Lavinia is in Kendal?"
    "Indeed, and the whole county is well pleased to see her again. She has not returned since she was sent to London all those years ago." Mrs. Newton again turned to Rosemary. "After Lord Charlton's wife died, Lavinia was packed away to London to be educated, for her father was in no position to educate a female when he had two sons--Harold and William--for whom to account."
    Rosemary, whom to Caroline's eye was trying to impress her new mistress's mother by behaving so politely, set aside her teacup and saucer. "Yes, Mrs. Newton, that often seems to occur among those of rank. Young ladies become rather disposable objects."
    Caroline recalled how upset Lavinia had been over her removal from Oak Park, having been educated her whole life at home. "Come," Caroline said, "you must admit that if she had to be removed, it was at least to pleasing circumstances. She went to 'ladies' Eton' in Queen's Square, one of the most prestigious female seminaries in Town. I found it to be a first-rate seminary, and Lavinia soon came to share my opinion."
    To Rosemary, Mrs. Newton said, "Caroline's father always intended to send his daughters to London for an education, so he elected to send them to Queen's Square also, and that is how their friendship grew."
    Yes, Caroline's time in Queen's Square had been a great benefit to her, for she had finally been able to associate with Lavinia on the comparatively level footing the school provided.
    They had indeed become fast friends, but distance had separated them when, upon leaving the seminary, Caroline had begun traveling with Charles and Mr. Darcy, and Lavinia had eventually married Mr. Ralph Winton, an excessively wealthy London gentleman.
    They had exchanged a few polite letters over the intervening three years, and Caroline had been satisfied that their friendship was safe. She had not realized until just this moment how superficial the correspondence must have been, for she had not known her friend had returned to Kendal. Obviously, Lavinia had withheld some facts from her.
    Almost to herself, she said, "Lavinia said nothing of a return to Kendal in her letters."
    "Oh no?" Mrs. Newton asked as she joined the women by the fire with her cup and saucer balanced in her dimpled hand. "Mrs. Halstead--you recall her, do you not?--tells me that the Charlton household has been in quite an uproar. I imagine Lavinia has not had time to write of her current circumstances."
    Caroline's eyes widened. "What are her current circumstances?"
    "Oh my! You must not