by Sue Barr
Quickly and without a lot of fanfare, Darcy introduced the Duke to Charles. For some odd reason he didn’t introduce the Duke’s brother, Lord Nathan, and Charles behaved as though they were acquainted already. She found it quite confusing. When Darcy turned to reference the Hurst’s and Caroline, the Duke nodded at them politely.
“Good evening.”
Caroline heard the frosty tone the Duke of Adborough used. He didn’t even tell Darcy they’d been introduced once before. Louisa had not made a favorable impression that evening at the theatre, but there wasn’t much she could do about that now. As grandmamma would say – that horse left the barn already.
“Shall we proceed to the dining room? My cook, Mrs. Pike has outdone herself today.”
“If I remember correctly,” the Duke teased in a familiar way. “I tried to entice your cook away from you. I’m most envious of you, Darcy.”
She was struck how at ease Darcy seemed with him. A gentle reminder of what a noble heritage Darcy came from.
“I’m very humbled by the fidelity my staff bestow me on a daily basis. Most of them have been at Pemberley since I was a child. I’d become bereft if any of them left.”
“That is true. Your Mrs. Reynolds is a treasure. She keeps this house running like a well-oiled carriage.”
She gave a start at the mention of Mrs. Reynolds, the woman she would have replaced without one thought or remorse. Another reminder of her arrogance, thinking she could usurp Darcy’s long time servants if she’d been mistress of Pemberley. How blind she’d been to so many things with regard to Darcy, Georgiana and Pemberley and the realization settled about her shoulders like an itchy shawl.
There wasn’t much time to ponder these truths as they proceeded to the dining room without further delay. Darcy took his place at the head of the table, with the Duke on his right, Georgiana on his left with Charles and then Louisa seated next. Much to Caroline’s consternation she was seated between Mr. Hurst and Lord Nathan. Beneath the table she fidgeted with her gloves, not knowing what to say or do. The last time she’d been in Lord Nathan’s company, he’d held her hand, given her a most intense look and spent an inordinate amount of time watching her at the opera. At least that was her impression as every time she’d sent a covert glance in his direction, he’d been watching their box.
“You are a long way from London, Miss Bingley.”
Lost in her thoughts, she gave a small start when Lord Nathan addressed her.
“As are you, Lord Nathan.”
To calm her nerves, she removed her gloves and laid them across her lap. Mr. Hurst picked up his linen napkin and tucked it into his cravat. Oh dear, she’d forgotten what a messy eater he could be and hoped none would spatter its way onto her new dress.
“Do you have any hobbies, Miss Bingley?”
“I play the pianoforte and stitch embroidery.”
“How industrious.”
She snapped her attention to him more closely. Although his countenance was serene, she caught a glint of mischief in his surprisingly grey eyes. She picked up her napkin and settled it on her lap, ever mindful to make sure a majority of the cloth covered her skirt nearest to Mr. Hurst.
“And what other activities do you pursue in your spare time?” His questions continued.
“Well, I...There is much to do in Town.” She cast about trying frantically to think of what she did to fill her spare time. “I visit with friends and shop—”
“All very interesting, and London is diverting, but what do you do?”
“Do?”
“Yes. Do. Such as visit the infirm, or take baskets of food to those in need. What do you do?”
Flummoxed, she sat in total silence for what felt like forever. Whatever did she do with her time? Surely she could come up with one good deed and when was that footman going to arrive with her soup?
“I spend a lot of time writing correspondence. I have a great many friends I stay in touch with from my school years.”
She stopped herself from crossing her fingers as she stated an outright lie. If truth be told, she rarely wrote because she had very few friends to correspond with. She had a beautiful escritoire with a stack of personalized stationary and a full ink pot. In contrast, when Miss Elizabeth Bennet stayed at Netherfield to care for Jane, she’d written four letters that she knew of, maybe more in those few short days.
“Did you enjoy the remainder of the play, Miss Bingley?”
“Yes, very much.” She grasped at the new conversational straw Lord Nathan provided. “And you?”
“The play was acceptable, but I found my attention diverted.”
Her mouth went dry at his flirtatious tone.
“I’m not sure what would have diverted your attention, Lord Nathan. I found the play riveting.” She picked up her water glass and quenched her pesky dry mouth.
“Then you must have found humor in Bertrand’s entrance.”
“Who is Bertrand?”
She tried in vain to remember to whom he referred. The knowing smile Lord Nathan bestowed on her caused her stomach do a traitorous flip.
“Bertrand was the main character and as he declared his love to Rosamund, he tripped on a cushion and fell into her lap.”
Surely he jested. No such thing happened, but then again, she’d spent the better part of the play casting furtive glances toward his private box, only to find his gaze fixed firmly on her. It was one of the main reasons she’d been assured he would place a social call in the days following.
“I may have been concerned about my sister during that portion of the play. She has not been feeling well of late.” She paused as a footman finally placed a bowl of soup in front of her. Once the footman was out of ear-shot, Lord Nathan resumed their conversation.
“Are you pleased about your brother’s upcoming nuptials?”
“Yes. Charles is very happy.”
“And you? Do you support his choice of bride?”
She paused, her brow furrowing. Lord Nathan showed uncommon concern about whom Charles married. Did he not approve of Charles marrying someone of such low consequence and by proxy, disapprove of Darcy’s choice as well? There was a time she’d have danced with glee that someone of nobility and rank saw the disparity between the two families, but that was before her eyes were opened as to why Charles and Darcy released their hearts to the Bennet sisters.
The rolling anger she’d experience earlier threatened to raise its ugly head again. Although she may have not been happy with Charles’ choice at first, she’d come to the realization that Jane made her brother exquisitely happy and he, her. It really was no one else’s business who arrived at the altar beside him.
“Miss Jane Bennet is a lovely girl and I am proud to call her sister.” The minute she said the words, she knew without a doubt she meant them. “She is uncommonly genteel and Charles is ecstatic at the thought of their future lives together.”
She cut off further attempts at conversation by picking up her spoon and eating. She couldn’t be certain, but she thought she heard him murmur, ‘Well done’.
Chapter 7
“I say Darcy, I just found out your vicar is the brother of His Grace, the Duke of Adborough.”
“Yes, he is.”
Charles and Darcy were the last of the gentlemen to leave the dining room after enjoying a glass of port and some gentleman-like conversation. Or as Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, liked to tease, ‘What horse am I going to ride, buy or bet on’. He appreciated his sister’s capricious sense of humor, which had not been much in evidence of late, and dared not tell her she was very close to the truth in her assessment.
The Duke, his brother and Mr. Hurst had already gone on ahead to the drawing room when Charles pulled him aside with the knowledge of who Mr. Kerr truly was.
“That’s all? You have nothing more to say? Why did you keep this from me?”
“I’m sorry, Bingley. I should have told you. Given the propensity of our future mother-in-law to morph into a sycophant wh
en in the presence of wealth or title, I determined to keep Mr. Kerr’s familial relations quiet.”
“Yes, yes. Quite.” Charles nodded in understanding. “Still, you should have told me.”
Darcy felt a momentary twinge of guilt. He’d made it an extremely bad habit of underestimating this young man. First he’d kept Miss Jane Bennet’s visit to London a secret and very nearly ruined their chance and his for happiness, and now he’d dithered in making Charles aware of Mr. Kerr’s austere connections. Elizabeth was right. He did have a tendency to project a selfish disdain toward others and he was not used to sharing all of his thoughts and opinions.
“I promise from now on I shall be as clear as a crystal ball with you. Nothing will be hidden. You are a man I trust implicitly and can only ask that you forgive me.”
Charles acquiesced with a slight nod. “You know I can’t stay mad at you. Besides, Jane would never forgive me if I held a grudge. She finds the good in everybody, my sweet angel.”
“I must give you one caution. Your sister, Caroline, has been known to... impress herself among those who will not appreciate her efforts.” He gazed keenly into his young friend’s eyes, trying to ascertain whether Charles caught his meaning. He’d spoken with him before of how he’d caught her sneaking between the guest and family wing on their last visit in August. Although nothing untoward happened, he’d made sure to lock his bedroom door after that. He had no desire to be trapped in a loveless marriage. If he’d wanted that, he would have married his cousin, Anne.
“I know exactly what you mean. As you know, I have tried to steer Caroline toward gentleman who would appreciate our background and close connection with trade. This discussion may be moot anyway.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It seems my sisters have already been introduced to His Grace in London.”
“I find that hard to believe. What connection would they have with regard to them?”
Charles sighed out, “My brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst is an acquaintance of the Marquis of Dorchester. He attended Cambridge with him. Mr. Hurst and my sisters were part of a larger party that attended the theatre where they were introduced to the Duke and his brother, Lord Nathan. According to Louisa, Lord Nathan flirted with Caroline.”
Darcy stayed silent for a few minutes, processing what Charles revealed.
“She has no knowledge that he is my vicar?”
“From what Mr. Hurst told me this very evening, they have no knowledge of his position at all.”
“Hmm.... This puts us in a very interesting position,” Darcy finally stated, a hint of humour coloring his tone.
“How’s that?”
“Elizabeth is always encouraging me to find levity in certain situations. I have a sudden desire to stay back and see how all this plays out between your sister and Lord Nathan.”
“Darcy, that is somewhat cruel.” Charles choked back a laugh. “However, I will stand with you and keep my peace. My sister has much to learn of human behavior and what, in life, should be held in esteem.”
“However, we are in accord that Mrs. Bennet shall be kept unaware?”
“Oh yes. Very much in accord.”
Both men shook hands then proceeded to the drawing room where everyone awaited their arrival.
~~~ooo0ooo~~~
Caroline sat on a small couch, fingers laced tightly together to keep her from fidgeting. Ever since she was a child, when faced with turmoil she would pull threads, shred ribbons, anything to quell her anxiety. She didn’t need to pull all the lovely golden ribbons woven through her deep green dress.
The men were still enjoying their port after Louisa, Georgiana and herself repaired to the drawing room. She had to give much credit to Georgiana. As the only Darcy female in attendance, the burden of hostess fell upon her young shoulders. Although a bit too reticent to proclaim tonight’s festivities a grand success, the young woman made sure everybody had tea and was engaged in conversation.
Under normal circumstances, men would generally tarry anywhere from half an hour to an hour with their port, but tonight the door to the drawing room opened after only a quarter of an hour had chimed. She assumed Darcy may have hurried them along so his shy sister wouldn’t be left on her own for too long.
She braced herself for the appearance of the Duke, as he would take precedence in returning and knew his brother would immediately follow. With great will power she trained her line of sight beyond the annoying Lord Nathan, with expectation of seeing Darcy and then Charles, but only Mr. Hurst came through the door.
Her agitation grew to a fever pitch. Where was Charles? He was her anchor. Without his calming presence she felt as though she were bobbing about the surface of the water and Lord Nathan a hurricane force wind about to descend.
From the corner of her eye she saw Lord Nathan move toward her. In desperation she called out. “Georgiana, would you play something for us?” When Georgiana consented with a graceful nod of her head, Caroline almost leapt to her feet and met her at the pianoforte.
Georgiana, brow furrowing, took her seat. Caroline realized the young girl wondered why she was being so attentive. A pinch of conscience made her ashamed of her past behavior and she smiled down at the young woman.
“Let me turn the pages for you.” She stoically refused to ascertain where Lord Nathan had taken his rather large body. “Then you don’t have to worry about losing your place.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley.”
With great determination, she kept her focus on Georgiana and her playing. Even so, it didn’t take long before the music transported her mind and calmed her heart. All too soon Georgiana finished the piece. She looked up at Caroline and gave her a shy smile.
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. Would you like to play something as well?”
Caroline noted Charles and Darcy come into the drawing room. Charles surged ahead of Darcy, exclaiming, “Yes, please do, Caro. I haven’t heard you play a full piece in ages.”
She knew by the twinkle in his eye he was referring to last week where he’d caught her banging the keys in anger.
“I’d love to. Do you have any requests?” Out of habit, she looked toward the fireplace where Darcy stood with the Duke. Odd how she still deferred to him, even when she knew he held no regard for her, if he ever had at all.
“Do you know Mozart?” The dulcet tones of Lord Nathan made her stomach quiver. He was standing not more than three feet from her.
She nodded and took her seat.
“Do you need any sheet music, Miss Bingley?” Georgiana asked.
“No thank you, Miss Georgiana. I’ll play a piece I’m familiar with.”
Lord Nathan escorted Georgiana back to her seat while she settled at the pianoforte, cleared her mind and began to play Eine Klein Nachtmusik. As her fingers flew over the keyboard, she heard the music exactly as she had the first time she attended a concert with her father in Edinburgh. In her mind violins and cellos kept perfect harmony, transporting the music to unheard of heights.
To think, Caro, Mozart t’was but a boy when he wrote this music. Can you believe he started writin’ when he was a wee lad, three years of age? There’s nothin’ you can’t do if you set your mind to it.
Her father’s rough northern accent held awe at what was achievable and she’d never forgotten that night. It changed her whole life and from that moment, music became her passion.
When she finished to polite applause and took a seat in a nearby chair, Louisa took to the pianoforte and played and sang a popular piece. She didn’t have a strong voice, but it was enjoyable.
From her vantage point across the room, Caroline watched as Lord Nathan conversed with Georgiana. He bent his head in conversation with her, his broad shoulders turned slightly toward her. He intrigued her greatly, this man of mystery. He was exceedingly handsome, to be sure, but other than that she knew nothing about him. Not a whisper of where he’d been for the past three years.
Georgiana’s eyes lit up and she smiled at
something he said. Obviously he was a kind soul, to spend time with Darcy’s shy young sister. Not many people, herself included, thought to include her in their conversations. They mostly spoke to her, not with her.
That nugget of understanding dropped heavy in her heart. All those times she’d enquired after the health of his sister, or of what endeavor she may be engaged with, she truly hadn’t cared what his response would be. All of it had been a pitiful attempt to squeeze his attention back to her.
She recalled in August, when Miss Bennet had come to Pemberley with her Aunt and Uncle, she’d spent much of the evening quietly conversing with Georgiana. Caroline had particularly noticed a protective air about Miss Bennet, as though she’d been shielding the young girl from her.
Sadly, she and Louisa had not once spoken with Georgiana. All they’d done was ridicule Miss Bennet and her family. She looked down at her clasped hands, resting on her lap. Her grandmamma would have been so disappointed.
Georgiana’s soft laugh brought her attention back to her and Lord Nathan. She longed to have him give her the same undivided attention. Evidently sensing her study of him, he shifted his gaze toward her. Quickly she looked down, but almost against her will, she raised her eyes and found him watching her intently. She couldn’t look away, although her mind and senses urged her to. As if he knew her thoughts, like words being displayed on parchment, his mouth quirked at one corner and he inclined his head.
Her face flamed and prickles of heat threatened to turn her cheeks an unbecoming pink. As a precautionary measure, she snapped open her fan. The gold pomander on her wrist swayed with each flick of her wrist, setting off a pleasant aroma of her favorite rose water. She allowed the familiar scent to soothe her. It wouldn’t do for Lord Nathan to know he discomposed her.
Nathan listened with half an ear as Miss Georgiana chattered about the upcoming ball. In no way would he reveal to the shy young girl that his attention was fully riveted on the lovely Miss Caroline Bingley. As usual she wore a gown that was both bold, yet understated. Her modiste, evidently a virtuoso with needle and thread, pieced the emerald silk in such a way that the material, and the woman beneath, captured his interest.
