Pride and Premeditation (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1)(31)

Caroline was as in love with this young man as he was with her.

Lizzie felt like jumping up from her seat and shouting in victory. She’d known there was something Caroline was hiding. A secret beau, someone who, judging by the venue and the man’s state of dress, was no match for Caroline in wealth and social stature. Perhaps her brother opposed the relationship? Bingley seemed easygoing, but one never knew the lengths to which a person would go when inheritances and finances were at risk.

“Don’t worry, dear,” Mrs. Matthews said. “There will be more dances, more partners.”

“I’m sure of it,” Lizzie said, and realizing the resource she had at her disposal, she continued, “I was rather eager, I confess. It is my first dance at this particular assembly.”

“I gathered as much,” the woman continued. “I hadn’t seen you here before.”

“You attend often?”

“As often as I can. My youngest daughter,” she said, nodding at a pretty, petite brunette dancing merrily. “And my husband enjoys the company at the billiards table.”

“It seems like a rather lively group. But I wonder, since you are familiar with the company, perhaps you could satisfy my curiosity? The young lady dancing, in the pearl frock—are you acquainted?”

“I’m afraid not,” Mrs. Matthews responded. “Although she is a regular fixture at these balls. Her sister, who is married, often accompanies her. I haven’t seen her tonight, although I could arrange an introduction.”

“Oh, please don’t trouble yourself,” Lizzie said nervously. “I am simply curious, as I thought I saw her at another assembly last week. It would have been Friday night?”

“It likely wasn’t the same lady.” The matron cast her a knowing look and added, “That young lady is here every dress and fancy ball, as is her suitor. He asks her to dance twice, and if the evening is slow, three times. He then neglects to ask any other young lady to dance. A wedding should not be too far off.”

“I wish them much happiness,” Lizzie said, her thoughts racing. “And you’re certain they were here Friday? The entire evening?”

Mrs. Matthews gave her a strange look. “I’m sure of it. She wore an emerald gown that had all of the young ladies whispering, and they danced the final reel together.”

Lizzie gave her a weak smile. “She looks just like the young lady I saw last week. I must be mistaken.”

If Caroline was here the night Hurst was killed, it was highly unlikely that she had left the assembly and traveled halfway across town to slip into his locked house undetected (and in an emerald ball gown!), to wait for the opportunity to murder her brother-in-law. Perhaps her lover could have, motivated by freedom and fortune . . . but Lizzie felt doubt rise in her throat. The timing just didn’t match up, and Papa always said that the harder one had to reach, the more unlikely the circumstance.

She had to swallow the facts: perhaps Caroline hadn’t killed George Hurst.

The dance ended, and the room applauded. Lizzie was so preoccupied by her own thoughts that she didn’t immediately notice Caroline and her partner had wound up near to where she was sitting. There was no way for her to stand and retreat without attracting attention, so Lizzie turned her head to look off to the side of the room, hoping that she would pass notice. The master of ceremonies called out another dance, the instruments began to play, and out of the corner of her eye she saw dancers return once more to the floor. She let out a tiny sigh of relief and glanced back to the dance floor.

And straight into Caroline Bingley’s furious gaze.

“Miss Bennet,” Caroline said in a tone cold enough to produce ice in summer. “Take a turn about the room with me.”

She didn’t wait for Lizzie’s response before grabbing her arm and jerking her out of her seat, leaving behind a rather baffled Mrs. Matthews. Caroline’s hand was a sharp clamp on Lizzie as she propelled her through the crowded hall, through a door Lizzie hadn’t noticed before, leading out to a quieter room of cards and refreshments, and then through another door into a shadowy hall.

“You followed me!” Caroline accused.

“I beg your pardon, but I’m investigating,” Lizzie said, striving to remain calm.

“Investigate elsewhere.”

“I don’t mean to offend, but I must go where my questions lead.”

Two bright pink spots had flared upon Caroline’s ivory skin. “Your questions about George’s death led you to follow me here? My social life had nothing to do with his murder.”

But Lizzie needed to be certain that this secret suitor wasn’t the only thing Caroline was hiding. “Who is the young man?”

“None of your concern.”

“He’s handsome,” Lizzie said, although she’d not gotten a decent look at his face, only an impression of red hair and a plain jacket and waistcoat. “I hear he’s a frequent dance partner of yours.”

“Don’t be absurd.”

“Does Mrs. Hurst approve? And Mr. Bingley?”

“I don’t wish to marry Henry!” Caroline’s voice shook with emotion. “He’s an inappropriate match.”

Hurt flared in Lizzie, even though they weren’t discussing her. “Because he doesn’t possess a vast fortune?”