by Wendi Sotis
“Thank you, Hanna. I will join the others in the music room for a while.”
As they turned to head back towards the stairs, Mrs. Younge asked, “Miss Darcy, would it be inconvenient if I retired instead of accompanying you?”
Georgiana furrowed her brow. “I am sorry you are still feeling poorly, Mrs. Younge. Certainly, you may retire. Please rest well.”
After she watched Mrs. Younge turn the corner of the corridor, Georgiana said, “I am worried about Mrs. Younge. Although I see no sign of her cold lingering, she has not fully recovered her health since Ramsgate.”
Elizabeth nodded. Mrs. Younge’s heartbreak over Mr. Wickham is much deeper than I had thought possible.
~%~
“Georgiana should prefer to spend time with me, not those Bennets!” Caroline declared. “This is intolerable!”
“After your last scheme failed, I did warn you—” Mrs. Hurst began, but Caroline’s severe expression told her she should not continue along that vein. “Perhaps you should feign interest in pursuits that Miss Darcy enjoys?”
“Really, Louisa, where have you been these past two years? I do that already, at every turn! Although her taste in clothing is deplorable, I have gone shopping with her. I have complimented her drawings. I have praised her painted screens and netted purses to the moon and back again. I have admired her embroidery as if it should be displayed among the crown jewels. And of course, though we both know that I play better than she does, I have applauded her demonstrations on the harp and pianoforte as if she were a master! How much more interest should I feign, Louisa?”
Mrs. Hurst rolled her eyes during the last of her sister’s tirade, but remained quiet. Your acting abilities are not very convincing. Almost anyone could see through your poor performance.
Unfortunately, Caroline must have read her expression. Her tone was harsh when she misinterpreted its meaning and asked, “Louisa, are you implying that my playing is not superior to Georgiana’s?”
Mrs. Hurst attempted to appear calm. “I said nothing of the sort, Sister.”
Caroline stamped her foot. “But I saw that... you think she is the better musician!”
“I was only—” Mrs. Hurst stopped speaking at the click of the door latch. The look Caroline threw her way told her their discussion was not at an end.
Georgiana and Elizabeth entered the room laughing.
Closing her eyes, Mrs. Hurst thought, This will only incite Caroline’s ire further. She will follow me to my dressing room when we retire for the evening, and I will be doomed to listen to her rant! Becoming more closely connected to the Darcys is not worth all this effort.
She was tempted to say what was on her mind later when alone with her sister, but she knew her honesty would only result in a two-hour rant instead of one. Although it was true that Caroline had originally come up with the idea of her marrying Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Hurst had encouraged her. After seeing how their brother’s friendship with the gentleman had brought their family respect and had opened doors which even her husband’s position in society could not, how could she have done less? Now and then, Mrs. Hurst had planted seeds within Caroline’s thoughts and let them take root before tending them with gentle nudges here and there—such as the idea of befriending Miss Darcy—allowing Caroline to think these notions were hers alone. She had felt that whether or not Caroline could manage to attract Darcy, it could not hurt their standing in society to have Miss Darcy counted among their acquaintance.
Now it was long past time for Caroline to move on... time for her to vie for another gentleman’s attention.
Several weeks earlier, before they had left London, Mrs. Hurst had suggested that her sister begin to consider gentlemen other than Mr. Darcy as potential suitors. In response, Caroline had become enraged and ceased to listen to Louisa’s advice. Caroline had then begun to invent schemes of her own, such as befriending the Bennets. Her plans had become obvious and crass, and the results were disastrous.
Over the past few days, Darcy’s disgust with Caroline had become clear to Mrs. Hurst. She had tried to explain it to her younger sister, but she would not listen. Caroline was too arrogant to admit defeat and too single-minded to give up the chase once begun.
Mrs. Hurst looked up at the newcomers and pasted a polite smile across her lips.
Thinking back on their encounters with a friendlier attitude, Mrs. Hurst realized Elizabeth was not half as bad as she originally had thought.
Caroline is correct; she is quite different from the ladies of the ton, but perhaps that is exactly what attracts Mr. Darcy.
If so, it did not matter whether Darcy had come with them to Netherfield or if their brother had leased Netherfield at all—Caroline would never have enticed him towards marriage and neither would anyone else they knew within the ton.
Acting friendly towards the leading contender for the position of Mrs. Darcy cannot harm our social standing. Mayhap if Mr. Darcy enters into courtship with her while living under Caroline’s roof, my sister will give him up. Then when Mr. Hurst has had his fill of hunting for fowl, the three of us can return to London. There I will begin my own hunt anew—for a gentleman Caroline can actually catch!
Mrs. Hurst decided her best course of action would be to look for subtle ways to help Mr. Darcy’s interest in Elizabeth move along more quickly.
~
“Miss Eliza, would you care to take a turn about the room?” Caroline arranged her features to display her best polite smile.
Georgiana asked, “May I join you?”
Caroline tried her best to bury her frustration, for she wished to walk only with Elizabeth to show Mr. Darcy that she had the superior carriage of the two. Glancing at Georgiana, she realized she must have allowed her irritation to show. The young lady was taken aback, almost frightened. Caroline schooled her features. “Of course you are welcome to join us, dearest Georgiana.”
Whilst the grouping passed Darcy, Caroline turned her head slightly so she could watch him out of the corner of her eye. There! He looked up from his book and watched them cross the room. Caroline allowed him to observe them for one turn about the room before speaking. As they approached him again, she fluttered her lashes and asked, “Will you join us, Mr. Darcy?”
She prepared herself for his answer as the trio passed behind his chair, for if he accepted and rose, she would need to move quickly to take his arm and allow Georgiana and Elizabeth to walk behind them—definitely not in front of them where he could ogle Elizabeth!
“No, thank you. My joining you would surely spoil your plans,” Darcy said. “I would not dream of doing so.”
Caroline giggled. “Whatever could you mean, sir?”
Darcy stared at Caroline for a full ten seconds, and her heart raced. Normally, she would be happy to hold his attention for such a length of time, but now there was something about the look in his eye that made her uncomfortable. He answered, “After your extreme fatigue following our lengthy stroll this morning, I can only imagine that you suggested another walk because the three of you have something to discuss in confidence. I would not wish to interfere with such a scheme.”
Caroline watched in horror as he met Elizabeth’s gaze with amusement twinkling in his eyes. Georgiana giggled.
A private jest between the three of them? This is insupportable! I must remind them all that his little chit of a sister and I are the best of friends.
Caroline tugged on the arms of her walking partners, urging them to continue their stroll. “Georgiana, do you remember during our outing in London last summer, after we were shopping at Madame Lorraine’s? When we came out of the shop, we met with Miss Buchannan. Do you recall what happened when she crossed the street?” Laughing heartily, Caroline did not notice Georgiana’s horrified expression. “She stepped in a rut and fell!”
Once Caroline’s laughter petered out, she noticed that everyone in the room was staring at her as if she had grown a third arm. “What is wrong... have I some dust on my gown?” She flicked at
her skirts with her fingertips.
Bingley declared with disbelief, “Sister, I will remind you that Miss Buchannan suffered a severe injury to her leg that day!”
Elizabeth exclaimed, “The poor lady!”
“Yes,” said Darcy, glaring at Caroline. “It was a very serious break.”
“Oh,” Caroline waved her hand as if to dismiss their comments. “It was how she looked afterward that was amusing. She was covered from head to toe in mud... and the horses had been there before her!” She chortled. “Besides, she has since healed completely.”
Mrs. Hurst joined in, “But it took nearly a year for Miss Buchannan to heal well enough to walk without assistance.”
Caroline answered in a defensive tone of voice, “If any of you had attended school with the lady as had I, you would have found it amusing as well. Miss Buchannan has always been haughty and snobbish... and with such new money, she simply has no right; always bantering on about her father’s rise in status due to his inheritance. They had not a penny before her uncle died—before that, her father was only a clergyman!”
Complete silence was her only answer.
They are such a tiresome group this evening! Pressing her lips into a thin line, she huffed. Best move on to another subject. “Dearest Georgiana, I have enjoyed listening to you practice the piece you brought with you from Matlock, and I do believe you are more than ready to perform it for us. Will you, please? You are so very accomplished; it is always such a—”
Mrs. Hurst interrupted, “I am sorry, but could we refrain from music this evening? I find I have a terrible headache.”
Caroline’s jaw dropped open, but she successfully stifled a gasp. How could she forsake my cause?
“Of course, Mrs. Hurst. I am sorry to hear you are feeling poorly,” Georgiana replied.
“Oh, it is nothing really, but I do think quiet conversation would be better.” Louisa touched her temple.
“Yes, of course, Louisa,” Bingley replied. “We will have no music this evening.”
“Shall we open the card table, then?” Mr. Hurst suggested.
“I am sorry, but I should not join you. I have already remained longer than I intended and should return to my sister. Good night.” Elizabeth curtsied.
The gentlemen stood and wished her a good night.
Bingley stated, “I do hope Miss Bennet will feel well enough to join us tomorrow evening.”
“I will inform her of your good wishes, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth headed towards the door.
“Lizzy,” Georgiana called after her, “will you wait, please? I think I should retire, as well.”
“Yes, the hour is growing late. I will accompany you. Good evening.” And with that, Darcy bowed to those remaining in the room and escorted his sister from the room.
After the door closed behind them, Mr. Hurst immediately announced, “You have a talent for knowing exactly what to say in order to clear a room, Caroline.” He turned to Mrs. Hurst. “My dear, since there will be no cards this evening, I think we should retire, as well. Good night, Brother... Sister.” He helped his wife rise from the sofa, and the two took their leave.
Caroline stood in the middle of the room, her mouth hanging open in amazement. Everyone had abandoned her!
Bingley drank the remainder of his brandy down quickly and offered his arm to his sister. “I will escort you to your chamber, Caroline.”
Chapter 17
October 18, 1811
The glowing light of sunrise barely reached into the entry hall as Darcy came to the bottom of the staircase. He would ride before breaking his fast this morning, guaranteeing his outing he would not be waylaid by Caroline.
The butler entered the foyer just as Darcy stepped down from the staircase. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy.” Benson walked over to the table along the wall and extinguished the candles as they were no longer needed.
“Good morning.” Noticing the letter on the silver tray that sat near the candelabra, Darcy approached the table. “Has the post arrived this early, Benson? I am expecting something rather important from my steward.”
“No, sir, I have not yet sent the boy to the village for the post.”
Darcy furrowed his brow. “Then where did that letter come from?”
The butler shook his head. “It is uncommonly peculiar, sir. For the past few days, letters seem to appear from nowhere. When I lit the candles an hour ago, that was not here.”
“Hmm,” Darcy grunted.
“At this point, most of the maids refuse to linger in the foyer long enough even to dust!”
“Why is that?”
“It seems the local workers are a bit superstitious, saying there is some sort of magic afoot, sir.” He hesitated as Darcy chuckled. “Do you need anything else, Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy replied, “No... no, Benson, thank you. If anyone is looking for me, I shall return in about an hour.” He turned and walked towards the door.
Benson bowed. “Very good, sir.”
~%~
Agnes opened Jane’s bedchamber door and allowed the caller into the room.
Elizabeth stood from her chair next to the bed, and Jane looked up from her tray full of food.
“Good morning, Georgiana.” Elizabeth smiled brightly. “Jane is looking much better this morning, is she not?”
“Good morning!” Georgiana replied. “Oh yes, Jane, you do seem much improved. I am so glad to see you are taking a meal, as well.”
“It seems Mr. Bingley’s cook has sent enough for all of us! Would you like some?” Jane asked.
Georgiana answered, “No, I thank you. I am to meet my brother downstairs, but I will return after breaking my fast. Perhaps we can read more of the story we began yesterday?”
Jane nodded. “I would like that.”
Georgiana stood. “Are you coming down, Lizzy?”
“Yes, do go, Lizzy, please? I know how difficult it is for you to spend all your time in one room.”
“Only for a little while, Jane, and then I will return with Georgiana.”
The pair found Darcy in the hallway, looking as if he had been waiting for them. After exchanging greetings, he stepped forward and offered an arm to each lady.
As the trio reached the ground floor, Elizabeth felt he was keeping a close watch on her expression as he said, “You seem to have prolific correspondents, Miss Elizabeth. I understand there is another letter for you.” He pointed to the table. “It is strange, though... Benson said the post had not come, and yet you have a new letter.”
“Thank you.” After taking the letter from the tray, Elizabeth was unable to meet his eye and busied herself with pretending to have difficulty finding her pocket.
“From whence did the letter come, Miss Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth stiffened at his accusing tone of voice and straightened her back. “Is it odd that anyone should know of my being at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth chuckled uneasily. “Or are you accusing me of receiving letters outlining a nefarious plot—perhaps a scheme to pilfer the recipe for white soup from Mr. Bingley’s cook?”
Georgiana’s wide-eyed expression displayed her discomfort with the conversation. She looked back and forth between her companions. “I am sure Fitzwilliam meant no such thing, Lizzy.”
Darcy did not look away from Elizabeth for several moments, but then he blinked and his expression softened. “Shall we proceed to the breakfast room?”
~%~
The conversation with Darcy had unsettled Elizabeth’s stomach, but she forced down some tea and toast so that nobody would suspect anything was amiss. She left the breakfast room as soon as she finished her meal and hurried to her chamber to look at the new drawing before joining Jane.
She and Darcy were dancing at Netherfield! The way he looked at her set her heart to beating in such a way that she had to sit down. He has become so combative lately. His temperament varies so greatly that, at times, I am not at all certain of his true character. The moment I catch a glimpse of the wonderful
man I had been falling in love with at Ramsgate, he withdraws and acts suspicious of me. Which one is the real Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Knowing Georgiana was in the middle of her meal when she left, she reasoned the younger girl would not visit with Jane until later. After knocking softly, Elizabeth entered Jane’s room through the connecting door.
Upon dismissing Agnes and watching her leave, Jane asked, “Lizzy, what is the matter? You look upset.”
“Oh, Jane, I am unsettled. I have received another drawing this morning, before the post came. I do not know exactly what Mr. Darcy suspects, but he seems... distrustful of me.” Elizabeth wrung her hands.
“Perhaps you have misunderstood him, dear.” Jane raised her eyebrows. “Will you show me the picture you received this morning?”
Elizabeth removed the drawings she had received at Netherfield from the pocket of her skirt and unfolded the one on top to ensure it was the correct one before handing it to Jane. “His reaction was so strong that I was afraid to leave them in my chamber.” She chuckled.
A slow smile spread across Jane’s lips as she looked at the sketch and then at her sister.
“Oh, please, Jane, do not look at me like that. Mr. Darcy is becoming more belligerent towards me every day. I do not know why the gypsies must torture me so with these pictures.”
“I have not heard tell of a ball at Netherfield, have you?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, neither Mr. Bingley nor anyone else has mentioned it, though I do not believe Miss Bingley would take kindly to the suggestion. She does not seem to like the neighbourhood.”
“There is no indication of when this will take place. Perhaps Mr. Bingley has not yet planned it.”
Hearing a knock upon the door, Elizabeth took the drawing from Jane, filed it away in her pocket, and crossed the room to answer it. Expecting Georgiana, she was quite surprised when, about halfway to the door, she heard her mother cry out, “Jane?”
Elizabeth opened the door. “Mama?”
“Ah, there you are, Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet looked past her second eldest to see Jane lying in bed. She rushed across the room. “Jane! Oh, my poor, sweet Jane!”
