The Three Colonels Read Online Free Page B

literature, and her curiosity was inflamed. A few discussions with Caroline showed that, while King David was writing of his love of God, it could also be shown that the Psalms spoke of the universality of love—including that between a man and a woman. It was as if a light had been lit inside of Mary. She began devouring any book of poetry in her father’s or brothers’ libraries. Caroline enjoyed poetry as well and introduced Mary to some of Shakespeare’s more risqué sonnets, to the girl’s embarrassed delight. This had an odd impact on Mary; she began to spend more time on her appearance and seemed to be more attentive during the other ladies’ discussions of fashion.
    Caroline had never before had a friend like Mary. Most of her acquaintances were people of fashion, cultivated not because of common interest and pleasant conversation but for the value of their connections. In Mary, a girl who could bring her nothing, Caroline had a protégée in whose company she found contentment. There was no need of performance. Mary was care and ease.
    In the aftermath of the debacle at Almack’s, Louisa offered what consolation she could, but it was Mary who saved Caroline, and in a most considerate manner. She simply left Caroline’s Bible open by her bedside, a particular passage of the gospels indicated by an orange feather.
    When Caroline found what Mary had done, she gasped; it was the story of Christ and the adulteress. Is this how Mary sees me? she had thought. Caroline held her temper, recalling how she taught Mary to see all of the possibilities of scripture. It was time for the teacher to learn.
    Forcing herself to read and reread the familiar lines, she finally saw to what Mary had been alluding. Caroline had sinned, and her pride had made her cruel. However, the ton ’s actions were just as extreme and hateful as the village elders’ in the scripture passage. “ Let he who is without sin cast the first stone ,” said Christ, but He also said, “ Your sins are forgiven—go and sin no more .” For the first time, Caroline had hope. She could be forgiven by those she hurt—as long as she stopped hurting them.
    It was the beginning of the new Caroline Bingley, and she owed it all to Mary Bennet.
    ***
    Abigail had seen to a messenger at the door and returned with a small package. “Miss Bingley, a box has been delivered from Sir John.”
    Caroline opened it and found inside a beautiful string of pearls with a cameo of carnelian shell, but no note. The profile was definitely her own.
    â€œOh, Caroline!” cried Louisa. “How lovely! It is a shame it does not complement the comb in your hair.”
    Never removing her eyes from the cameo, Caroline said to Abigail, “Remove the comb.”
    â€œBut, Miss Bingley, your hair is done! If I remove the comb, you will be late.”
    â€œAm I speaking Italian, you foolish girl?” Caroline snapped. “Remove it! Redo my hair! Do you think I shall attend this ball without wearing my intended’s gift?”
    â€œCaroline…” said Mary in a quiet, reproachful tone.
    Caroline colored. Mary was the only person in the world who could speak to her so without fear of a quarrel.
    â€œAbigail, it is my wish to honor Sir John. Exchange my comb for another—please.”
    Abigail, muttering apologies, got to work, but Caroline did not attend. She had put on the pearls, and she saw how the cameo rested just above her bosom. It was lovely, slightly risqué, and definitely became her.
    â€œBeautiful,” breathed Louisa.
    Not for the first time, Caroline began feeling odd flutterings in her stomach. She had no idea what it signified.
    ***
    It was a hard thing indeed to admit that one’s life was built around a lie, but there was nothing for it. Caroline had no choice but to realize that, while she had developed many admirers and acquaintances among the ton , she had few