Read Caroline Bingley: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for Free Online

House.
    When the coach stopped before the main entrance, Mr. Newton exited and assisted the ladies to the ground, and for a moment, they all looked at the edifice before them.
    Caroline was forced to admit, if only to herself, the beauty of the house despite the fact that it held no connection with an ancient family and was, unfortunately, newly built. No sprawling additions or wings of different architectural styles cluttered the building's facade. Newton House was of unified theme with little adornment. Large windows lined the exterior in perfect symmetry, and the double door placed precisely at its center was now opened in invitation. And though it was not of the imposing scale of Pemberley, it was one of the largest homes of the neighborhood and was well situated on a comfortable acreage.
    In all, Newton House would make as a serviceable a prison as any home in the countryside.
    Still, Caroline could not help but wonder how long she would be confined within its walls. When would her banishment come to an end? How would she rectify matters with her brother and return to his society? She must conceive of a method for doing so soon, for though this home was pleasing to the eye, it was yet her jail.
    Mrs. Newton was the first to speak. "Well, as you see, it is still standing, and you have at long last arrived. I am ever so pleased at the prospect of a house full of guests." She took Caroline's arm. "Now, do come in."
    "Yes, indeed, you are most welcome," Mr. Newton said as he offered Rosemary his arm and escorted her up the stairs.
    Caroline shook her head at Mr. Newton's undue attention to a servant and listened with displeasure as he made a great pretense of pointing out every feature of the house as they entered the foyer.
    "You see, my dear Mrs. Pickersgill, I built Newton House myself."
    "Did you, Mr. Newton?" Rosemary asked as she untied her cloak and bonnet and handed them to the maid who was awaiting them in the entryway. She looked about her with apparent interest, her eyes finally alighting on the towering ceiling, which had been painted to represent the sky. "It is lovely, and I must say how much I admire your high ceilings. Their ornamentation is quite pleasing."
    "The painting was Mrs. Newton's idea," Mr. Newton said with a smile, obviously pleased that someone had noticed his wife's addition to the design. "I am far too practically minded to have thought of something as artistic as that. You see, high ceilings can make a room difficult to heat, but with proper hearth placement and design, it can be done quite effectively. Only come along and allow me to show you...."
    They disappeared down the hallway, leaving Mr. Newton's voice in a trail behind him as he no doubt gave Rosemary an account and view of every room on the first floor, including the servant's quarters. The woman would likely be required to hear minute details of each chamber from the dining room to the music room.
    "Come, Caro," Mrs. Newton said upon shedding her outerwear, "I have ordered some refreshments to be laid out in the sitting room, and your belongings will be placed in your chambers momentarily. Then you may spend the rest of the day in recovery from your journey."
    Caroline felt true joy at the prospect of a proper buffet after often having to endure food of poor quality in the posting inns over the past six days, and she followed her mother eagerly in the direction Mr. Newton and Rosemary had walked.
    "Mr. Newton," Mrs. Newton called toward the back of the house, "do stop explaining the nuances of engineering to our friend and allow her to join us in the sitting room for a cup of tea."
    Mr. Newton's face emerged from around the corner. "I do become quite carried away, do I not, my dear? We shall join you at this moment."
    He disappeared briefly and then reemerged with Rosemary in tow.
    Mrs. Newton shook her head. "You must excuse my dear Mr. Newton," she said to Rosemary. "He forgets that not all people are as interested in brick and