CAROLINE

by Sue Barr

  “Mind? Good heavens, no. Why would I mind?” Mrs. Bennet bustled into the room and looked for a place to sit. She eyed the empty space beside Caroline on the small couch and made a point of moving to a chair opposite her. Obviously Mrs. Bennet had not forgiven her previous conduct toward Jane last year. She couldn’t speak for Louisa, but she had much work to do on her own.

  “Mrs. Bennet,” she addressed the lady directly. “Are you looking forward to the ball tomorrow night?”

  At first she thought she’d receive no reply, but after a few long seconds Mrs. Bennet replied, although her manner was stiff and formal.

  “I am looking forward to the ball. So many dignified people shall be attending, as well as those not so dignified, I’m sure.” She cast her eyes upon Caroline at the last statement. Mrs. Bennet was not known for her subtlety and this had not changed in a year. “I’m sure there will be plenty of young men for my girls to dance with.”

  “I’m sure there will be.”

  “Oh yes. The Duke of Adborough looks to be a fine young man. He would partner up quite nicely with Kitty.” She glanced at Katherine as she spoke. “Sit up straight, Kitty. You’ll never attract a gentleman if you slouch so.”

  “Yes, mama,” came the dutiful reply.

  And so it began. Mrs. Bennet vacillated between rhapsodizing about the guests, the house, the grounds to chastising her daughters, or rather daughter as she seemed to ignore Mary, of coughing too much, or eating too much cake. Her one woman monologue came to an abrupt end when her sister-in-law, Mrs. Gardiner, entered the room.

  Caroline noted Elizabeth give her aunt a small roll of her eyes when she entered and with one, “Good afternoon, Fanny. I see you are in fine form today,” Mrs. Bennet ceased speaking almost completely.

  That Mrs. Bennet was a trifle bit in awe of her brother’s wife made Caroline more inclined to know her better.

  Mrs. Gardiner seated herself next to Jane and turned to face Georgiana.

  “I must concur with my sister-in-law; you do have a lovely estate. I took a walk through the glass enclosure your brother was constructing when we were here last August. What a delight. Your gardener took time out of his busy schedule to show me around. I’m amazed at the number of vegetables and fruits your cook has access to over the winter months.”

  “Darcy spoke of it when it was being constructed, but I’ve never seen it. Hopefully I can before we all leave.” Caroline felt a pang when she spoke the words. After her time here at Pemberley, she had no clue where she’d live. Netherfield Park, Grosvenor Street or some hovel she rented out until she found suitable lodgings.

  “There is time now, before we have to dress for dinner, if you’d like me to take you there.” Georgiana offered.

  “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

  A few minutes later both women strolled along the path that wound through the arboretum beside the glass enclosure, bundled up in warm coats and gloves. The younger girl practically sparkled as she talked about the different species of trees and growing conditions, praising her brother for his foresight in planning for future generations. Caroline felt deep regret that she’d never taken the time to really know Darcy’s sister.

  “We have much in common, Georgiana. We both want the very best for our brothers.”

  “You are always so poised and confident, Miss Bingley. I didn’t think we had anything in common.”

  “Stuff and nonsense. Remember, we are but four years apart in age and have our love of music as a sisterly bond.”

  “I feel as though we could be good friends.” Impulsively, Georgiana looped her arm through Caroline’s. “Elizabeth already feels like a sister to me and who couldn’t love Jane. You shall become one of my dear friends in time. I just know it.”

  “I would like to think that.” They passed by a towering oak, its leaves tenaciously clinging to outstretched branches. “What else captures your interest?”

  “I love to paint watercolors. Do you like to paint?”

  “I like to paint, but nothing I ever do resembles what I sought to capture. Charles once stated my peonies on canvas looked like our dog had walked through a most colorful mud puddle. I must satisfy my creative outlet with embroidery and the pianoforte.”

  Georgiana laughed at her descriptions and the rest of their walk was spent in lively conversation. When relaxed, Darcy’s sister surprised her with her wit and vivacity. It was too bad she was such a shy soul when faced with large groups of people. There had to be a way to bring this young woman out of her shell. She resolved to think of a way to do that without encroaching upon their budding friendship.

  “What do you do when your home is not being invaded by family and friends?”

  “I like to visit our tenants. What with Christmas fast approaching and the cold weather setting in, some families struggle. With the help of Mr. Kerr, we created a list and shall take baskets of food and small gifts for the children.”

  “Wouldn’t your steward take care of those things?”

  “No.” Georgiana looked surprised by her question. “They are not his tenants, but ours. It is our responsibility to ensure the safe keeping of our tenants. Now that Fitz is marrying Elizabeth, the duty will fall upon her.” She lifted her shoulder in a graceful shrug. “It’s what we do.”

  The next afternoon, Caroline exited the modiste shop, extremely satisfied with the work of Mrs. Braxton and her girls. Not only had they completed the embroidered dress, but also the coordinating spencer and Lucy would attend tomorrow for the rest of her purchase. She felt a small regret that after the wedding she would not be within easy access of Mrs. Braxton’s establishment, for her eye to detail was impressive.

  She glanced up and down the busy street and seeing their coachman, signaled him. He jumped down from the coach and was about to lower the step so she and Lucy could enter, when a familiar voice stopped her.

  “A lovely day for a drive, don’t you agree, Miss Bingley?”

  She turned to face Lord Nathan, a lopsided smile turning up one corner of his firm mouth. A jaunty beaver hat sat upon his unruly curls and he looked exceedingly handsome in his dark overcoat that did nothing to hide his broad expanse of shoulders. Steele grey eyes sparkled with untold mischief and she imagined his nanny must have seen that look many times as he grew up with two older brothers.

  Lucy bobbed a quick curtsy and Caroline murmured, “Lord Nathan,” along with a polite nod. “I’m sure it would, if I had the time. As it is, we must return to Pemberley and prepare for tonight’s ball.”

  “That’s exactly what I wish to speak with you about.”

  “The ball?”

  “Yes, the ball, among other things. Would you allow me to drive you back to Pemberley so we may speak further?”

  “I cannot be alone with you, Lord Nathan,” she raised a hand to her throat in dismay. “How would Lucy get back to Pemberley?”

  “Come now, Miss Bingley. Where is that scrap of a girl who was forever being banished to the tower because she had ‘high spirits’? In London, young ladies go for drives with young men all the time without a chaperone.”

  “They do, but that is during fine weather, when the top is down and all can see the couple are not engaged in anything risqué. And we, sir, are not in London.”

  “Quite true.” He paused as if in deep thought. “I propose that your driver and ladies maid follow. Although the top stays up so we don’t freeze from the wind, I will never let my carriage out of their sight. Can you agree with that?”

  She paused for a few moments, at war with herself. Lord Nathan made her heart trip along a little faster, but she had a plan for her life and it didn’t involve marrying a vicar and being squirreled away in Derbyshire. Her goal, ever since her first class at Mrs. Rombough’s School for Elegant Young Ladies, had been to secure a toe hold in the ton. Being distracted by a handsome scoundrel, such as Lord Nathan, didn’t fit into her equation.

  Yet, after their encounter at the chapel the other day, she felt a keen affini
ty with him. It was as though she’d met someone who understood her better than even her siblings. Giving in to what she equated with temptation, she nodded assent.

  “Excellent.” He offered his arm to Caroline and Lucy headed to the other carriage. When Lord Nathan lifted her into the curricle, she felt the tense and flex of his muscles and her breath caught in her throat at his familiarity. Hopefully no one of consequence witnessed his brazen behavior. Within minutes, he’d tucked the lower half of her body with a warm woolen blanket and moved around to his side of the carriage.

  Before Lord Nathan climbed into the carriage, an elderly lady stopped him on the street.

  “Mr. Kerr. I’m so glad I saw you today.”

  “Miss Braithwaite.” He politely tipped his hat at her. “How is your sister doing?”

  “She’s doing poorly, however the broth you and Miss Darcy brought by the other day helped so much. If only she could keep down anything with meat.”

  “My housekeeper’s broth is the best she could have right now, after prayer. Mrs. Crenshaw said she’d make some soft bread for your aunt to dip in the broth. She also thought she might like a bit of cheese as well. May I bring them by tomorrow?”

  “Oh, God bless you, Mr. Kerr. You’re welcome anytime.”

  “God bless you too, Miss Braithwaite, until tomorrow.”

  With that he climbed into the curricle and with a snap of his wrists, the horses began a quick pace through the town toward Pemberley.

  “I’m glad you agreed to join me. I’m off to Pemberley to pick up my brother.”

  “Doesn’t he have his own carriage and horse?”

  “Yes, but sometimes it’s easier for if I pick him up in a non-descript carriage. People tend to gawk at the ducal crest.”

  “I suppose they would. The highest ranking noble in this part of Derbyshire is Darcy’s uncle, The Earl of Matlock.”

  “Quite, although there will be more crested carriages on these roads later today as more guests arrive for the ball.”

  There was a time when the mention of so many titled persons in attendance would have caused her much stress alongside intense satisfaction, but now that didn’t even merit a raised eyebrow.

  “I’m so looking forward to the ball. Charles, or course, is looking for any reason to hold Jane in his arms and I have it on good authority that Darcy has asked the orchestra to play the waltz.”

  “Then, I shall have to make sure you mark my name next to the waltz.”

  “I...” Surprised by his flirtatious suggestion, she fumbled to answer. “That is... yes. Thank you.”

  “You may wish to hold on to that thank you. You have no idea if I can waltz or not.”

  In spite of herself, she giggled like a schoolgirl. Of what she’d seen of Lord Nathan’s physique and how he carried himself, she had no doubt he would waltz with perfection.

  “Laugh if you must, Miss Bingley, but I have been away from the ballrooms of London for nigh unto four years and the waltz only made its debut this past Season. I may well tread on your toes and ruin your slippers.”

  “Then I suggest you practice in your room tonight,” came her pert reply. She determined to find Georgiana and ask if she knew how to perform the scandalous dance. If not, the two of them would be very busy in the music room this afternoon.

  They drove on and spoke of generalities, of the weather, of the upcoming wedding but sooner than expected, Lord Nathan brought the conversation around to what he still obviously believed was her misguided determination to marry someone of the ton. For all his frustrating qualities, and there were more than she cared to number, he challenged her to think and their debate became lively.

  “Miss Bingley, life is like climbing a mountain. We all start at the bottom and our goal is to reach the top. You’ve been attempting to reach the summit by every means possible – except by climbing. You will not achieve a sense of accomplishment until you decide to put on sturdy boots and begin to walk.”

  “What’s wrong with trying other means? There are many who have sought to better themselves through marriage, and believe me, there are many of the nobility who have married beneath them because they squandered their family fortunes away. I find it ironic that a Peer can marry beneath them and somehow it’s swept under the rug, but if a person like me, who comes from ‘trade’, endeavors to create a better life for their family, we are looked upon as nothing better than rats attempting to crawl out from the gutter. The hypocrisy frustrates me. No, it more than frustrates me, it enrages me at times.”

  “Bravo. Your eyes are wide open, so I challenge you. Why do you want to marry a Peer? Will their title love you? If you have a title, but not the respect of your husband, what have you accomplished?”

  “So many questions, and why do you care?”

  “It’s rare for the ton to marry outside their circle.”

  “You make it sound like I’m never going to succeed in securing a successful marriage.”

  “I didn’t say that. I desire you look at the summit of your mountain with clear eyes. I want you to strive for things that bring you joy.

  “What would bring me exceedingly great joy is for you to cease this conversation.”

  “Now where’s the fun in that?”

  “You’ve only known me a scant few weeks and know nothing of my dreams and goals.”

  “Ah, but that is where you are wrong. I came from the place you are in.”

  She twisted in her seat to face him, her mouth opening and closing without a sound coming out. How preposterous, and she stated as much.

  “How preposterous. You have never come from the place I am. You are the son of a Peer. Doors are opened wide to you in London, if you so wished. Even when your reputation lay in tatters about you, invitations still poured into your house. Please stop me if I’m wrong.”

  “Oh no, Miss Bingley, you are not wrong. My statement was in reference to my soul. No amount of parties, or drink, or fast women cured the darkness which festered deep within my soul. Only Christ took all that away and threw it as far as the East is from the West. Can you declare such a peace in your life?”

  She turned back to face the road, grateful that Pemberley was fast approaching. Lord Nathan not only made her think, but question where her life was heading. She had no answers for him because she didn’t know. She’d fought long and hard to attain her goals, which had been ripped from her grasp, and she no longer knew what peace was.

  They pulled to the front of the house and as he took her hand to help her down from the carriage, he said softly, “I pray for you, Miss Bingley. I pray you give God a chance to bring peace into your life.”

  She released his hand and hurried into the house, belatedly realizing she’d not even said a proper thank you or good bye.

  Elsewhere at Pemberley...

  “Brother, may I ask you something before you leave on your wedding trip?”

  “Of course you may.”

  Fitz watched as Georgiana approached him, seated at his desk in the study. Although she still had a layer of shyness surrounding her, he’d caught glimpses of the fun loving girl she’d been before that fateful day at Ramsgate. Watching her interact with the other ladies was like watching a beautiful butterfly slowly emerge from its protective cocoon. Next year would be her first Season in London and he no longer feared how she would fare. His little sister was growing up.

  She settled into the chair facing his desk and smoothed down her skirts before raising her gaze to his. At times she looked so much like their mother it hurt his heart, although she had the hazel eyes of the Darcy family, not the startling blue of the Matlock clan.

  “What did you wish to ask, poppet?” He asked, using his favorite name for her.

  “As you know, since Mrs. Annesley has gone on to care for her mother, I’m without a companion and I am not keen on departing Pemberley to stay with Aunt and Uncle Matlock.”

  “There are not many options, Georgiana, other than Aunt Catherine – and we all know you do not want t
o stay there.”

  “No. Aunt Catherine places too many frivolous strictures on my activities. She doesn’t allow me out of the nursery until the afternoon has almost passed. I think she’s forgotten that I am almost ten and eight.”

  “I agree. Then what did you have in mind? It had better be good. I won’t allow you to ramble about the grounds unescorted, even if Pemberley is the safest place for you.”

  “I’ve thought about this a lot and over the past week I’ve become close to one of the ladies in attendance. Their nature has changed and I’m pleased to call her friend. If she’s willing, I’d like to invite her to stay while you and Elizabeth are away.” Georgiana’s eyes were bright with excitement.

  “Who did you have in mind?”

  “Miss Caroline Bingley.”

  Darcy never thought his sister would ever surprise him again, but she had. He leaned back in the chair, steepled his fingers together and tapped his bottom lip, deep in thought. Although he’d never have believed it possible, Miss Bingley had shown a remarkable change of character. So much so even his darling Elizabeth commented upon it.

  “I’ll think on it, Georgiana and let you know after we’ve had tea this afternoon.”

  “Thank you, Fitz!” She jumped up from the chair, hurried around the desk to throw her arms around his neck. Her spontaneous hug shocked him and unbidden tears sprang to his eyes. Since Ramsgate she’d eschewed any form of familial intimacy and if Caroline Bingley could bring his little sister safely out of her shell, he’d be forever in her debt. He had much to think upon.

  Chapter 11

  From an archway, Nathan surveyed the ballroom, searching for Miss Bingley’s face. The room slowly filled with guests and soon the cacophony of voices rose in tandem with the heat of many bodies. His brother joined him and they stood together, nodding politely at those who wished them well.

  “I see you are much distracted.” Max murmured quietly. “Could it be you wait for a certain red haired beauty to arrive?”

  “There is not much I can hide from you, is there?”