“I should have been completely humiliated! Why would she do such a thing? I trusted her… believed she was my friend.”
Elizabeth sat beside the sobbing girl and patted her back until the sobs subsided. Georgiana was always far too trusting… and Caroline Bingley far too ready to use another for her own amusement.
“I don’t know… perhaps she is a bit jealous. You are considerably younger than her and have become a very beautiful woman. Plus, you have something that she will never possess… a kind heart. For some people, being cruel is the only happiness they have. It makes them feel superior when they have nothing else.”
“But, I have never done anything to make her hate me so.”
“It is not you she dislikes, it is herself. She deserves our pity, and perhaps some compassion, but not at the cost of our own happiness. Remember that.”
Georgiana nodded, but vowed not to ever again trust the woman she once considered a friend. Why did people pretend to care and then betray? Once alone, she removed the lovely dress…no… not a dress. It was too beautiful to destroy, but perhaps there might be an occasion in the future where it would be appropriate, and for the same person. Surely Robbie was not like Caroline… or that other man from so many years ago. It was still difficult to think of George Wickham and not feel a pain in her heart. So easily she had been fooled, and it had nearly cost her everything. Trusting any man besides her brother had been difficult, especially when they did not match her place in society. How she hated to be forced to consider money and position, but she wanted someone who loved her for herself and not what marriage would provide financially. Her brother had married for love, why couldn’t she?
~SIXTEEN~
It was not until the following evening that Georgiana discovered Caroline’s deceit, Ned Grandby-Jones sat across from Fitzwilliam Darcy as they shared a fine Irish whiskey in the library at Pemberley. A gentlemen’s evening alone, they had been abandoned by the ladies of the house when Elizabeth expressed a need to travel to London for some shopping.
“I think it will do Georgiana some good to be out and besides, we need to find her a gown for the ball at Piper’s Bend. It must be nearly three years since we have gone to an event of this magnitude. Everything she has is no longer appropriate for her age or far too small. In some ways, I see this as an unofficial coming out. We will of course, take Caroline with us.”
Darcy had immediately agreed. With his marriage to Elizabeth, and subsequent children, Georgiana had been somewhat forgotten. They had never hosted a formal reception to introduce her to society as she had never before seemed inclined to marry. However, all that was changing more rapidly than he cared to admit. His baby sister would be twenty-one soon. Time had flown by without a care. Now, as he sat facing Ned, Darcy pondered how to tell him about Caroline’s scheme to embarrass Georgiana. A smoldering rage filled him each time he thought of his sister possibly wearing such a scandalous thing in public. Nothing would have saved her reputation, even if Caroline’s involvement were made known. Somehow, that woman always managed to escape situations smelling like a rose, while others suffered. This had caused him to greatly regret introducing her to Ned, despite his own rakish reputation. Lately, all the man did was sing her praises, a more lovestruck fool never walked the earth. As of yet, Caroline was unaware that she had been found out. Georgiana had insisted that she not be told.
“It might send her running back to Netherfield, a situation that must be avoided for some weeks yet,” Georgiana had rationalized.
While Jane and young Theodore were thriving, with Charles doting on their every whim, it was too soon to inflict an angry Caroline upon their bliss. Despite Elizbeth’s advice, Georgiana still put the happiness of others before her own. Darcy attempted to smile as his friend prattled on like a schoolboy, but Ned had to be told.
“Can you believe that she insists upon calling me Crispin? I have always hated my name, but when she says it… I can’t explain it, its somehow seductive.”
“She would know quite a bit about that, to be sure.”
“What do you mean?” Ned was surprised by Darcy’s candor. It was no secret that Darcy did not care for Miss Bingley, especially when she had tried repeatedly to compromise him herself, and was ever ready with barely masked insults to Elizabeth, but suddenly, Ned felt the desire to defend her. Ever since they had agreed to be friends…no that was not right… conspirators was more accurate, Ned had only grown more attached. Although he had often been open to the point of bluntness with other women, he had never before cared what they thought. Women were something to be used for temporary entertainment and then forgotten. That had always been his mantra… until Miss Caroline Bingley. He not only cared what she thought, but also what others thought of her…too much so for his own comfort. So, it was with some possessiveness that he questioned Darcy’s assessment of her character.
“I am sure that she did not tell you of the ‘gift’ she made to Georgiana?”
“Why would she? What was it? Some sort of bauble?”
“No… it was a French negligee. Georgiana was given the impression that it was a ball gown.”
“Well, Georgiana does have an active imagination. Perhaps she was mistaken.”
“No… I saw it myself. She planned on wearing it to Piper’s Bend. It was quite transparent in the right light. Let me just say that I hope to never see my sister in her undergarments again.”
Ned sighed heavily and drained his glass, looking heavenward for assistance. On their last meeting, Caroline did mention a surprise she had planned for the ball… one that he would find greatly amusing. Was this it? To ruin Georgiana Darcy? What possible enjoyment could be had from being cruel to a girl that was more angel than human? He would have to address this with her immediately, but she had accompanied the other Darcy women to London. It constantly amazed him that Elizabeth had the capacity to tolerate such things with grace and kindness. The new Mrs. Darcy was a rare find indeed, but the likes of her were not for him. He preferred someone more misogynistic, even if she was a she-cat in velvet wrappings. Perhaps it was time to turn the tables on Miss Caroline Bingley. How would she react to being compromised herself? The idea of tricking her into marriage was oddly appealing. She would be angry… no, not angry… enraged, but she would marry him. Hopefully, it would not take long before she realized that they were perfectly suited. Smiling to himself as a plan formulated, he raised his empty glass to the still glowering Darcy.
“Not to worry my friend. I shall take care of the matter completely. And if all goes accordingly, Miss Bingley shall bother you no further. She will be entirely my problem.”
“What exactly are you up to?”
“Oh, I think I shall keep it to myself for now. Just be ready to once again play along when needed. The ball at Piper’s Bend may be far more eventful than ever.”
Darcy refilled both glasses and accepted Ned’s toast. While he had no idea what Ned was planning, if it meant being rid of Caroline, it was worth it. He only hoped it did not cause too much of a scene. Agnes Brackleburn was a stickler for social protocols. Untoward behaviors under her roof would not be received with any sort of humor and as Caroline was connected by Elizabeth’s sister’s marriage, it would reflect poorly upon everyone at Pemberley.
~SEVENTEEN~
While Darcy relaxed with the knowledge that the misery caused by his guest would soon end, and Ned plotted his next move, Elizabeth Darcy did everything she could to maintain a sense of calm in the presence of Caroline Bingley. It was only after she had left a comforted Georgiana that any strand of her pent-up anger was permitted to be exposed. The last time she had felt such a desire to physically harm another person was when Darcy’s Aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, had insisted she promise to never marry him. How dare Caroline sink to such measures to embarrass Georgiana? For what purpose? Her own amusement? Fighting the desire to enact her own revenge, Elizabeth had maintained a polite demeanor the entire carriage ride to London. Even when it had been made cle
ar that the deception had been discovered, her pleasant countenance did not waver, but Miss Bingley would never be permitted to hurt Georgiana again.
“Miss Bingley? Are you awake?” Elizabeth had called out after knocking on the woman’s chamber door that morning.
“Of course, I was just making a last adjustment to my hair. It was unfortunate that my own maid was unable to accompany me to Pemberley, she has such a way with my unruly curls.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth agreed, but secretly thought that hair was the least of Miss Bingley’s unruly traits.
“I fear that the gown you gave Georgiana is missing the foundation petticoat. If she is to wear it at all we must go to London and acquire a new one. You did say it came from Banderson’s?”
“Missing the petticoat! I patronize that establishment quite often. They pride themselves on having the latest fashions. I should like to have a word with the manager of that shop. That dress was quite dear to not have been complete.”
“Indeed, Georgiana and I are quite familiar with the place as well. Hopefully they can make her the required garment, or I fear we shall be in need of an entirely new gown.”
“So, then you are to be making the journey soon?”
“This morning… you are welcome to accompany us… unless you have some other engagement?”
Elizabeth was acutely aware that Ned Grandby-Jones had been a regular caller. Servants were wonderful creatures for providing information. Perhaps she and Georgiana would have a pleasant excursion after all.
“Nothing that cannot wait. I, myself have a bit of shopping to do.”
“Well then, you may make the complaint while we are there. I believe the carriage will be ready shortly after breakfast.”
Elizabeth had left Caroline to her own thoughts, fearing that she may unleash her true feelings. In the end, the journey was uneventful as Georgiana chattered away about the esteemed personage of Lord Robert Brackleburn the entire way.
“Do you think he will approve of my dress now? I mean…once it is repaired?”
Georgiana had promised to not reveal the true problem with the gown, but as usual, she was not a natural liar. The only secret she had ever managed to keep was that of her near scandal with George Wickham. Even now, some seven years past, the sound of his name rendered her silent. It was fortunate that Elizabeth’s own sister Lydia, now Mrs. Wickham, was not received at Pemberley. The awkwardness of the situation would have been unbearable.
“I am sure he will approve of you in any state… if he truly cares for you,” Elizabeth said.
“I do hope so. It is all so strange and wonderful that suddenly Robbie sees me as an adult.”
“Indeed, he does… if he has any sense, and if not… well then he is not worthy of you. But don’t be so hasty, you are young and there are a great many men out there who would simply adore you,” Caroline added, much to Georgiana’s dismay. She did not want any other, nor did she want to go out into the thick of society to be surrounded by strangers. How was one to tell who was sincere and who was not? It was terrifying enough to go to London without her brother, but Elizabeth’s strong presence calmed her fears. Besides, they were going to a place not frequented by men. It would be perfectly safe.
By late morning, the Darcy carriage finally reached their destination. It had been a rather bumpy ride, due to recent rains washing great holes in the roads. Mud now caked the wheels and spatters stretched fingers of filth nearly halfway up the doors. Rolling to a stop, the coachman alighted and rapped smartly on the carriage door.
“Madam, with your approval, I should like to have the carriage cleaned up before we make the return trip.”
“Of course, Mr. Davidson. We shall be some hours and can easily walk down the avenue to take some luncheon. Perhaps you might come for us around three? At the Cherry Blossom tea room? They have Miss Darcy’s favorite dessert.”
“Very good Madam,” the coachman replied as they were handed down carefully over the muck.
“Hmm, I did not plan on walking so far today.” Caroline fussed as she shook out her skirts. Feigning pain in her now healed foot would provide an opportunity to escape Elizabeth and Georgiana. She needed to return to Madame Gerard’s for a time, and did not want to be accompanied. The device that she had purchased some weeks ago had proved to be most uncomfortable. Despite not having an opportunity to test it, Caroline was positive that it would not work when needed. There had to be an alternative, especially if her “friendship” with Viscount Adley allowed for a bit of experimentation. So far, she had only permitted him to kiss her, calling it simply curiosity.
“I have always wondered what kissing a man with a beard feels like,” she had said provokingly the previous afternoon. Ned had appeared for an early tea in a state of dishabille. Unshaven, and without a neck cloth, it had presented a temptation not to be wasted. However, instead of the chaste brush of the lips, he had taken her mouth with considerable vigor. Not only had his rough beard scraped her cheek, the bruising of his kiss had left her breathless and wanting more. Hours afterwards, the feeling lingered, as if incomplete. But this was not something she dared share with anyone, especially Elizabeth or Georgiana Darcy. Now, as she contemplated her situation, no other solution presented.
“Oh Caroline! How careless of me. Of course, we can hire a carriage,” Elizabeth insisted.
“Please, not on my account. I should not want to disappoint Georgiana. Besides, the shop I need to visit is some distance away. They have a particular shade of ribbon that I had to order from Belgium. I shall simply hire a carriage and meet you both there later.”
“Are you sure? We would be happy to accompany you.”
“Nonsense… but as it is some miles, perhaps I should go now. I don’t want to keep anyone waiting to return to Pemberley. The roads can be quite dangerous when dark.”
Elizabeth sighed, but had to acknowledge the sensibility of the suggestion. However, something did not seem quite right. Hadn’t Caroline wanted to place a complaint about the scandalous gown? Pursing her lips in disbelief, she kept her opinions silent as Miss Bingley, with an agility that defied her claimed lameness, climbed into the nearest cab for hire and was gone.
“Well Georgiana, it is just we two. Shall we find you a proper ball gown? Or, do you want to see what can be done with this?”
Elizabeth held up the wrapped package that contained the beautiful negligee. If properly altered, it would make a stunning ball gown, but time was limited. If Georgiana were to make a grand debut in just a weeks’ time, they would need to leave London with dress in hand.
“I think I should prefer something entirely different, if it is not too much trouble.”
“Not at all, perhaps we might save this for a wedding trousseau.”
Georgiana only blushed in reply. Perhaps, if she were very lucky, an occasion for such an item would be in her near future.
*****
Having made her escape, Caroline rapped on the ceiling of the hired carriage and gave the driver new directions. Ignoring his raised eyebrows at the address, he did not dare voice an objection as the lady before him wore a face of fierce determination. Besides, it was not for him to say what a lady did behind closed doors. If, she was a lady at all. Many of his customers dressed finely, yet patronized the most disreputable establishments. However, their money was all the same, and he happily accepted the extra coin to wait outside while she conducted her business. It was only after she went inside that he wondered if she were there to prevent a problem, or be rid of one. Madame Gerard’s was hardly a secret for women who found themselves in trouble.
~EIGHTEEN~
Day of the ball arrived without further incident, and as Elizabeth helped Georgiana string the last pearls through her hair, she allowed for a sigh of relief. The gown now worn by the youngest Darcy could not be more perfect. It had been a true stroke of luck that one of the confections displayed in the window of Banderson’s had been an exact fit. Not only was it appropriate in style, but it also ma
tched Georgiana’s tastes and pale complexion. Of silver silk, the gown boasted a sea green underskirt. The puffed sleeves were adorned with nearly two inches of fine Irish lace with more about the hem and bodice. Now, with hair carefully curled so that three long tendrils draped over one shoulder, Miss Georgiana Darcy was positively ethereal. The other gown, more nightrail than actual dress, still lay in its brown paper parcel. The manager of Banderson’s had been shocked when Elizabeth had believed it had come from her establishment.
“Oh no, Mrs. Darcy. I assure you, we do not cater to that sort of person here. While we do offer an assortment of small clothes, they are to provide modesty, not the opposite.”
“My apologies, it was a gift. I must have mistaken the name of the shop.” Elizabeth had lied, but further wondered as to the continued deceptions made by Caroline. She and Georgiana had waited for Miss Bingley at the appointed tea room for some time after their own shopping was completed, but Caroline was over an hour late. As the afternoon waned, Elizabeth feared that they would not make it back to Pemberley until quite dark. Just as she was beginning to worry that something had befallen her guest, a breathless Miss Bingley entered the Cherry Blossom tea room with a fantastic tale to explain her absence.
“I will never trust a hired carriage again. The man must have been daft. I gave him explicit instructions to take me to Luckwith’s haberdashery, but the fool drove about for nearly an hour. By the time I realized he was lost we were miles away near the docks. Can you imagine my shock?”
“Perhaps we should notify a policeman?” Georgiana suggested with eyes wide.
“No… that will not be necessary, besides it will only take up more of our time,” Caroline replied and casually popped a remaining biscuit into her mouth as if finished with her tale.
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