Lord Edward’s expression did not change, as he turned a page in his book. “I am aware.” he responded quietly.
Mary glanced back. “My mother and sister would not repeatedly stomp past the doorway if you did not walk near me, or decide to read next to me.” she pressed, hoping her plain speech would alert him to the danger that his presence had raised in being near Mary.
“I do not mind it,” the infuriating man stated, “I must confess that it is somewhat refreshing.”
“You will not find it refreshing, my lord, when my mother places certain expectations upon your presence in the same room as I.” Mary declared sharply.
He still did not lift his eyes away from his book. “I am aware.” he stated again.
Mary opened her mouth to retort, but considered his words, and then her own. “I refused an offer of marriage from the man who will inherit this estate when my father passes, my lord. I do not do well with expectations being foisted upon me.”
That caused him to set his book down in his lap for the first time. His dark eyes met hers. “I have no intention of forcing my expectations upon you, Miss Mary.”
“Then when what are you doing?” she asked, curious despite her refusal to participate in whatever this was.
He smiled. “I am merely enjoying your company until you wish to discuss something more.”
With those final words, he picked up his book, and Mary quickly copied him, in case her mama or sister walked past again. However she could not focus on her book, and instead replayed his words within his head.
After a few minutes, she could not help but glance back up at him.
Chapter Twenty-One
It was mere days before Miss Eliza and Mr. Darcy’s little….event. Ever since the incident had occurred in her sister’s townhouse, Louisa had been avoiding her like the plague and treating her like a child when they did interact. At first, when they returned from London, their interactions had been allocated to all of the meal times, excepting luncheon--of which, Louisa was suspiciously absent. Caroline supposed that she was visiting her new acquaintances, the Bennet chits.
As Caroline was alone in the dining room, she allowed herself the thrill of tossing her head back in a rather unladylike manner. She did not care what Louisa did. She was merely amused that after being lectured by Louisa for having the audacity to care that the backwards chit had compromised her brother’s dearest friend, Louisa was apparently rushing over to curry her favour. Caroline did not mind, in fact she understood. It appeared that her newfound loyalty to Hurst had disintegrated by the time they had arrived from London, as nothing had changed. Hurst was still a drunken lout who slept all day, and Louisa still avoided him like the plague by banging on the piano for the entire morning. She would allow Louisa her tantrum, allow her to see the error of her ways, and when she was able to admit to Caroline that she was wrong and apologise, perhaps Caroline would forgive her.
Caroline scoffed to herself. She would forgive Louisa. Louisa was her sister, and although it was her fault that she had married a drunken lout who had not been able to keep from the bottle for more than a fortnight, Caroline would need her. After Mr. Darcy came to his senses and left this horrid place, Caroline would need Louisa’s support in comforting both Mr. Darcy and dearest Georgiana.
She had already begun to lay the groundwork, as the Earl and Countess of Matlock had arrived, and were most impressed by her comportment and manner. Lady Adelaide had been an absolute delight, especially in allowing Caroline to entertain her. Louisa would be upset that she missed out on becoming the intimate friend of a countess, but that was exactly what she deserved for abandoning her for the Bennet chits.
Mr. Darcy was already impressed, she was sure of it, especially as Miss Eliza barely said two words altogether, and certainly not to Mr. Darcy.
Caroline realised she looked forward to the coming days. All would be well, and so she closed her eyes and imagined her first ball as the mistress of Pemberley.
The days would pass quickly, and she would soon have all that she dreamed of.
***
“Caroline?”
Caroline opened her eyes, and all of a sudden she was not alone in the dining room, awaiting the delightful presence of the Matlocks or of Mr. Darcy. She was in the parlour. It was midday, and she was about to have a cup of tea. Yet Louisa stood before her.
“Caroline?” Louisa repeated.
Caroline blinked for a moment, focusing on Louisa’s bare wrist and index finger--both body parts were bare. She frowned.
“Where is Mother’s bracelet and ring?” she queried.
Louisa stepped back, and settled in the chair across from her. “Caroline, do not be obtuse. I have already informed you that Charles wished for Mother’s jewellry as a gift for Miss Bennet.”
Before Caroline could challenge her sister, Louisa held up a hand. Caroline paused, wondering if she did not have to wait long for Louisa to come back to the fold, as it were. After Louisa had married Mr. Hurst and had gone away to Seville, it had not taken long for Caroline to realize that Louisa was very lonely--from the sheer volume of letters sent. Louisa had never been one for letter writing, a trait that had annoyed their parents while they were both at school. Perhaps she had broken down sooner than Caroline thought.
It truly was too bad that Louisa had not married someone more steadfast, she thought as she forced herself to listen to Louisa’s speech.
“Caroline, I wished to inform you of our plans for after Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth’s wedding.” Louisa informed her sister, her eyes glancing over Caroline’s relaxed form. She could not believe that Caroline was not a tight ball of nerves, had she not seen it with her very eyes.
Caroline responded to Louisa’s statement with an odd look. “Whose plans?” she repeated slowly, as though she had misheard Louisa. “I thought we were going back to the townhouse. I am sure Charles will be persuaded to give up---”
Louisa heaved a sigh, and Caroline shot her a nasty look for interrupting her.
“Do not give me that look, Caroline!” Louisa stated firmly. “You know that Charles is engaged to Jane Bennet, and he is not giving up Netherfield just yet. I am speaking of myself and Mr. Hurst. After the wedding, we shall be leaving the next morning to return to Seville. Mr. Hurst wishes to take a break from his business, and so we shall spend the New Year at home, and will not return to London until the fall at the soonest. I would like it if you would write to me.” she offered, as Caroline offered her no reaction to her announcement.
A few moments passed, and Caroline awaited another speech. Louisa remained steadfast in her gaze and Caroline was forced to consider her words.
“Were you….entirely serious?” she hesitantly queried. “Nearly a year with that drunk---”
At her words, Louisa abruptly stood and marched out of the room, without pause.
Caroline scoffed at the empty room. If Louisa expected her to apologise for stating the truth, she was going to have to come up with a better lie. Honestly, how else was she supposed to react?
Glancing at the try before her, she chose a particularly beautifully decorated biscuit, delicately nibbling on the end. She closed her eyes.
It was sheer bliss.
***
“Miss Bingley.”
Caroline smiled broadly, as she lightly arched her back. She was having the most delicious dream. A ball was to be given, and as the mistress of Pemberley, she was to arrange it.
Of course, all of her detractors had expected that it should be an utter failure. She was a new bride, barely married a month, which had been hardly enough time to arrange the servants as she liked them. Of course she had taken in her dearest Fitzwilliam’s opinion, but as she expected, he had given her leave to do as she wished. Mrs. Reynolds, the insufferable housekeeper, had not been the first to go, as she was needed to train in the newest housekeeper, but it had been a very difficult decision for Caroline to keep her on. She had not wished to discuss the firing with Fitzwilliam, as she did not wish to up
set him. Clearly he had not spent a lot of time at Pemberley, as it had not taken her very long to find fault in the quality of the woman’s work.
And so, with her servants arranged just as she liked them, she then began the preparations for the ball. Of course, acquaintances from London had been invited--her friends, as well as her detractors--which allowed her a short amount of leeway, but the timing would still be tight. Unfortunately she could not order new drapes or repaint, but there was always Christmas.
Oh how she had plans for the ballroom.
Of course the walls would have to be repain-----.
“Miss Bingley!” the voice was more insistent, as well as louder.
Caroline stared at the figure before her, with bleary eyes. She blinked some more, to focus.
“Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed abruptly, as she made sure to brush any wrinkles out of her gown that had been formed. She glanced around the room. She had not meant to fall asleep inside Netherfield’s library, as she had been waiting for Charles to enter the room. Unfortunately, he spent a great deal of time with the Bennet harlots and harlots in training, and so she was forced to wait for him.
Of course, she was not regretting Charles’ decision nor Louisa’s abandonment of her, otherwise, she would have never gotten Mr. Darcy on his own.
Perhaps that was what he had been waiting for! Her thoughts grew wild with speculation. Ultimately, she was glad that Mr. Darcy had proved himself the gentleman she had always known him to be, but of course, he was still a man. Obviously he had decided to wait until the house was nearly empty of its occupants, before approaching her.
Perhaps that was why the Matlocks had also taken to visiting the Bennet chits! Her heart soared with happiness, as she considered the lengths that the Matlocks were willing to go for their family.
The family that she would soon be apart of.
Caroline smooth her countenance into a pleasing visage.
“How may I help you, Mr. Darcy?” she simpered sweetly.
Oh, how she longed for the day that she might call him Fitzwilliam!
His gaze was serious, but it always was. She considered that to make his figure even more more distinguished, especially among what passed for gentlemen in this godforsaken country town.
“I have a matter that I need to discuss with you, and I had hoped to do so in private, so that I might spare you any embarrassment.”
Caroline gave a loud, ringing laugh. “Merciful heavens, Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed brightly. “Whatever are you speaking of?” She leaned forward, immensely interested in his answer.
He took a step back.
“I am speaking of the letter you wrote to my sister, informing her of my engagement to Miss Elizabeth.”
It was rather lucky, that Caroline had survived several years in London, and so her face showed no change at his words.
“I do not appreciate you overstepping your place, regarding my sister, Miss Bingley. In that respect, I am obliged to inform you that if you ever insert yourself into one of my private affairs again, especially involving my sister, then our acquaintance will not be renewed.”
His words were harsh, and cutting.
Caroline instantly felt sorry for the poor man! Any other gentleman would have surely been driven to Bedlam if he had been falsely accused as Mr. Darcy had! She was instantly glad that his fortune would not suffer, despite the price that was to be paid in backing out of the engagement. Even if the initial cost had to come out of her dowry, she would have been astonished if she had felt the expense.
She gifted Mr. Darcy with a beaming smile.
“Of course, sir.” she soothed instantly, “I completely understand your mind, and we are in total agreement.”
Mr. Darcy stared at her for a moment, and looked as if he wished to say something, but instead excused himself.
Caroline watched him leave, her eyes bright with happiness. He truly was a gentleman. She had not known her charms were quite so alluring, but she was glad for Mr. Darcy’s discretion and honour.
It would not be long now.
***
Unfortunately, before she could enjoy the delights of her future, she had to endure the likes of the those upstarts, the Bennets, sullying her home. When Charles had informed her that she was to entertain those horrid Bennet chits for dinner and entertainment, she had never been so mortified. Had her dearest Georgiana not been at the table, just a few seats down, as well as the Matlocks with their heir and charming second son, she would have given Charles and Louisa a piece of her mind instantly!
And Louisa had often scolded her for her lack of control! She would have to remind Louisa of it later today. Surely she would not go rushing down to the hovel the Bennets called an estate today! She would need help to corral the servants and plan the dinner. Even though she knew the Bennets were inferior, she would show them what superiority, what a lady could produce at a moment’s notice.
And so instead, she had merely smiled sweetly at her brother, even though she wished to strangle him with his own cravat, and informed him that she would be delighted to prepare his little gathering.
That should satisfy.
However, she truly did need to speak about Charles finding another estate to lease, and quite soon! She did not wish for the Bennets to become more uppity than they already were. It was already quite the inconvenience to begin with. Surely they would get ideas again, as they had directly after the Netherfield ball. Perhaps an estate near Pemberley would be best, although she would have to send inquiries out into Derbyshire again. Her last inquiry had proven to be a disappointment, as it had only revealed a few cottages for sale.
***
Despite the lack of forewarning she had received, Caroline had directed the almost incompetent servants into providing a decent dinner. She only trusted their cook, as she had been with their family since Caroline was a small child, and understood exactly what Caroline wished. She was like her Mother and Grandmother Caroline, in that manner.
Satisfied that the evening had gotten an amazing start with dinner, Caroline settled in the foremost seat, to watch and listen to her dearest Georgiana play for the assembled party. Unfortunately, Miss Mary Bennet insisted on turning the pages for Georgiana, before Caroline herself could offer. All was well, however. Miss Mary Bennet was actually the least offensive of the Bennet sisters, and so she could tolerate her presence quite well. It was Miss Eliza, the scheming Miss Bennet, and the wild Lydia Bennet that she knew she had to be careful of. And of course, the lady herself--Mrs. Bennet. She had done quite well for her daughters, although she would soon see that the foundation was no stronger than a stack of cards.
Caroline allowed herself a smile. The wind would soon blow, and then Mrs. Bennet would see what she and her gaggle of fortune hunters were left with.
“Will you play, Mary?” Caroline sat up a bit straighter, as she heard the soft tones of her delightful Georgiana. She felt a little bit put out, as she wished to hear Georgiana play, and not mousy Miss Mary Bennet, but she could not complain overmuch. She would soon get to hear Georgiana play as often as she wished, at Pemberley, and Lord Edward had moved closer to her, in order to hear the playing. She wished she could apologise for the abrupt change in players.
Unfortunately, as Miss Mary played, several people of the party began to take note and moved closer. If it had been only the Matlocks who had noticed, Caroline would have rejoiced. However, Miss Mary had cleverly manipulated the room by playing a sprightly jig, gaining the most attention in its universal appeal. Georgiana, she was glad to say, had much more refined taste.
Of course, the first to remark upon the change in players was the odious Mrs. Bennet. She could not quite help herself, in her excitement. What was even worse was that she insisted on having Lord Edward remark upon Mary Bennet’s playing. As if he cared two figs! Thankfully the viscount did not seem to be offended by the rather forward, harridan of a woman. He merely offered a brief comment, perhaps hoping that she would be satisfied by the attentions
of a peer, and returned to his own company. Caroline found that she enjoyed the company of Lord Edward, as he reminded her very much of Mr. Darcy. She wondered when she might meet the lady he was courting, that his brother, the ever so charming Colonel Fitzwilliam, had teased him about earlier that day.
Even worse was the presence of Miss Eliza! She had been speaking to Charles and her sister earlier, but Caroline had been unable to overhear any of their conversation, as she had been most distracted by the youngest Bennet chits behaving like overexcited schoolgirls. She had to satisfy herself with the fact that Mr. Darcy was on the other side of the room, away from Miss Eliza, and that they had very little interaction throughout the evening.
Watching her sister play, and Georgiana turn the pages for her, seemed to please Miss Eliza. Caroline felt her ire rise. As though she, a barely respectable country squire’s daughter should be happy to see her sister being served by a Darcy!
Consequence of Jealousy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 24
