Elizabeth had not believed a word, but said nothing, other than to urge their haste home. Whatever strange mission had taken Caroline away that day was something that she was probably happier not knowing. Pushing the memory aside, she turned Georgiana before the mirror so she might admire the final effects of her appearance.
“Do you think Robbie will like it?”
“How could he do otherwise?”
“Oh Elizabeth… I think….no, I know…I am in love with him… and I think he reciprocates. Do you think my brother would approve?”
“Most definitely… Has he hinted in any way of a proposal?”
“Not exactly, but he did promise to show me all of the improvements made to Piper’s Bend since I was last there. ‘I seek your approval Miss Georgie’ he said. Do you think he wants me to consider being mistress of the place?”
Elizabeth smiled, and thought of her own first impressions of Pemberley… and that was after she had refused Darcy the first time.
“Perhaps, but we shall never know if we don’t hurry.”
*****
Caroline Bingley was also placing the last-minute touches to her appearance. However, rather than having the mystical appearance of a magical creature, her own gown defined a woman demanding to be noticed. Although yet unmarried, her age had allowed for more choice in color and the dress of choice was deep crimson velvet. As promised, Caroline did wear her own red version of Georgiana’s Paris negligee, but underneath the ball gown, where no one uninvited would see. Disappointed that her London journey had nearly been for naught, she smoothed the velvet over the sheer silk. Although her return to the secret clinic had not resulted in a new device, she was now in possession of a packet of French letters, thanks to a very understanding cab driver. It was amazing what a bit of money could buy. Perhaps a young English Lord was also within reach? While she greatly enjoyed Ned Grandby-Jones’ company, and he invoked in her feelings that she would like to explore further, a woman must still be practical. A mere Viscount was simply not acceptable when an Earl was available, especially when Ned’s inheritance was irregular and could be changed upon the whim of the current earl. Robbie Brackleburn was younger than she, but not by that much. Many marriages had greater age gaps. All she needed to do was give an impression of compromise and he would marry her. Poor Georgiana had plenty of time to find another.
*****
The party from Pemberley arrived two hours before the rest of the guests. As Piper’s Bend was some distance, they were to stay the night, in addition to a number of others, including Ned Granby-Jones. With Oakwood Hall only a mile from Pemberley, it was arranged for them to travel together. Despite being close friends with the Darcy’s, Ned found it difficult to hold mundane conversation as he could not keep his eyes from the form of Miss Caroline Bingley. Strangely aloof, Miss Bingley had refused to meet his eye, instead, her attention was entirely kept by Miss Darcy as she sang the praises of Piper’s Bend and its inhabitants. By Georgiana’s description, the Brackleburn family home was a cross between Valhalla and paradise. Having been there some years before, Ned rolled his eyes in tolerance. To an outsider, he supposed Piper’s Bend was rather imposing, but once accustomed to the frigid stone floors and medieval gargoyles that conspicuously occupied every corner, it was simply just another old house. He much preferred the oaken warmth of his own estate, but even Oakwood had felt cold lately without a person with which to share it. Fortunately, the drive was soon over and they were able to take some much-needed refreshment while Robbie Brackleburn offered his promised tour.
“I am sure that Darcy and Adley would rather skip the show in favor of some port?” Robbie offered the male members of the party to their great relief.
“Indeed, I should save myself for the dancing,” Darcy agreed.
“Well, you know where the library is. I shall have your ladies back before the rest of the guests arrive. Should you require anything, just ring the bell. I am sure that Agnes will be down to join you shortly.”
Leaving the two men, the group of ladies focused their attentions on Lord Robert Brackleburn as he led them outside. Although it was late autumn, an unusually warm spell had caused temperatures to be rather mild. The setting sun served as a perfect backdrop to the crenelated towers that set the corners of the former fortress. It was done in the traditional keep style, with the main living quarters in one corner of a large inner courtyard. The portcullis gate had long since been replaced with a more decorative barrier, enlarged to allow easy access for carriages. But the former moat remained, having been widened to accommodate an array of shrubbery that grew thickly along the trickle of water that flowed around the structure. On fair days, residents often took the foot path that accessed the moat as it provided an excellent walk surrounded by beauty and out of the wind.
“Lord Robert? If I may ask, how did your home come by such an unusual name?” Caroline queried as she flashed him what she believed to be her most enticing smile.
“Oh that, it is quite a tale. Miss Darcy knows it well, perhaps she will be willing to tell?”
Robbie Brackleburn had not let his hold on Georgiana’s arm lapse for a moment since arrival. Even now, he patted her gloved hand in encouragement. Pleased, Elizabeth could not restrain her approval.
“Yes, Georgiana, I have never heard the story, either.”
Blushing in the twilight, Georgiana gestured up to the tallest of the four towers. In anticipation of the night’s festivities, torches had been lit, their glow casting intertwining circles in the growing darkness.
“Robbie used to tell me the story to frighten me, but now I see it for the love story it truly is. As you know, Robbie’s mother was from Scotland. She came south upon her marriage but was always a bit homesick for her old home and wanted a bit of it as a reminder. This house, was once part of a number of landholdings bequeathed to Scottish Lords during the late 13th century, those who were loyal to Edward I. Some have called them traitors, others see it as a matter of survival. At any rate, one such man became the first Lord Brackleburn, his name was Alistair Burns, but it was changed to Allen Brackleburn to sound more English. He took possession of the fortress and brought his entire family and servants from Scotland, including a piper named Andrew MacCallum.
Andrew, a young man of twenty, with blazing russet hair and deep blue eyes, was completely enamored with the youngest daughter of Lord Brackleburn. While this would normally be frowned upon, but the old man had seven children who had married well and felt inclined to indulge his daughter Elaine. Giving his blessing to the union, a date for the wedding was set. Until then their courtship continued. Every night, just after sunset, Andrew would play his pipes to serenade Elaine, calling her out to the topmost tower. There, she would stand by his side until the last rays of the sun disappeared. However, on one such evening, the weather had been quite bad. Sleet had pelted the rooftops, making the stairs treacherous, yet nothing would keep Elaine from her love once the pipes began playing. Careless of her footsteps, she raced upwards and lost her footing just before reaching the landing. Andrew, seeing his future bride grasping wildly for the rail, reached out to save his love, but her fingers slipped and Elaine Brackleburn tumbled over the parapet into the moat. The storm had been preceded by days of heavy rain, turning the normally placid stream into a raging torrent that carried her away. Frantic, Andrew jumped in to attempt a rescue, but the current was too great and they both perished. Days later, the bodies washed up at a bend in the river in which the moat emptied. That is where the name comes from, the place where they found them. The house and estate have been called Piper’s Bend ever since.”
“How sad,” Elizabeth said.
“How morbid,” Caroline whispered, her voice only audibles to Elizabeth.
Winking at Georgiana, Robbie Brackleburn continued the story. “That is not what frightened poor Miss Darcy. It is said, that on the anniversary of their deaths, the sound of someone playing the bagpipes can be heard, but to my knowledge, no one at Piper’s Bend h
as played them since. In his grief old Allen Brackleburn forbid them in the house.”
“Have you ever heard them?” Caroline asked.
Robbie only smiled, refusing to answer. “It has become cold, perhaps we should go indoors before we too catch our death.”
Nodding in agreement, the story was soon forgotten as the tour continued. As promised, the rest of the fortress was equally medieval in décor, but a number of modern improvements made it quite comfortable. Pointing out various features, kept the attention of all present. Elizabeth took note of particular comforts that would do well at Pemberley, but perhaps of a more discreet nature.
“See here, we have a series of pipes that bring heated water into the bathing chambers. I admit, they are ugly, but wonderful to have in the freezing winters as they also provide a source of heat throughout.”
“I am sure your servants are quite pleased as well,” Caroline added with false sympathy. Never before had Elizabeth heard Miss Bingley display a care for another, especially a servant. Eyeing her curiously, she wondered what Caroline was up to.
“Indeed, there is no need to carry endless buckets of water to only have them grow cold by the time they arrive above stairs.”
“We don’t have such luxury at Pemberley,” Georgiana added.
“Perhaps not yet, but I am afraid that Piper’s Bend will never have many of the appointments found at Pemberley either, it would change the atmosphere of the place. Both houses are wonderful for their individuality and Piper’s must retain its history, even at the loss of human comfort.”
Eventually, the tour ended back in the main receiving hall. With less than an hour before the rest of the guests were to arrive, the ladies begged an opportunity to visit their chambers to freshen themselves before the ball. Bowing in aquiesance, Lord Robert Brackleburn gestured for a servant to show the women to their rooms and watched them ascend the stair, his eyes fixed on the retreating form of Miss Georgiana Darcy the entire time. Did she approve of his home? Would she love it as much as he? Would she be willing to become his bride? The unanswered questions in his heart required fortification if he were to keep his emotions in check for the rest of the evening. Turning his back on the now empty hall, a lovesick Robbie Brackleburn joined the gentlemen in the library. A stiff drink was in order.
~NINETEEN~
Alone in her appointed chamber, Caroline carefully inspected her surroundings. While it was quite rustic in some ways, the idea of being mistress of a veritable castle was compelling. Piper’s Bend would do just as well as would its master. Once they married, she would simply order any changes she wished. A woman had the right to make alterations to her own home. Even Pemberley needed a bit of improvement, but Elizabeth was probably to awed by the difference between it and Longbourn to notice. Touching the bed coverings, the feel of fine velvet over down filling pleased her, as did the small apparatus fixed into one wall of the dressing room. Turing in the handle that was affixed to the metal pipe, a splash of water spilled into the basin below… and it was warm! Such a simple thing, made life so much better. She would have to do a complete inventory later, but for now, time was pressing as she splashed water onto a soft cloth and dabbed at her face. Pinching some color into her cheeks, Caroline tucked a stray curl into her coiffure as a soft knock on the door was followed by a strange female voice calling her name. Thinking it a servant, she turned sharply at the interruption, but bit back the reprimand on her lips. It was not a servant, but Agnes Brackleburn.
“I trust you have found everything to meet your needs Miss Bingley?”
“Please, call me Caroline. And yes, your home is quite comfortable. I simply adore Medieval architecture.”
“Thank you. I fear that many are not so appreciative of its sense of history.”
“That is unfortunate, so many of the younger generation simply have no regard for such things and must be reminded of their importance. It is a discussion I often have with Miss Darcy.”
“Oh? Well, I suppose when one lives at Pemberley, there is not much that compares.”
“True, but she and your brother do make a lovely couple. I must say, Sir Robert is quite a change from her usual suitors.”
“I was not aware there were others, but Georgiana is quite an eligible young lady. There must be many men seeking her hand.”
“Indeed, but that has not been discussed since her unfortunate incident…I believe now, she is quite recovered.”
Caroline deliberately allowed her voice to trail off. If Agnes Brackleburn was not aware of George Wickham’s attempt to seduce Georgiana, it would be the perfect way to place suspicion upon her character. And, if she did, her motives would appear to be an attempt to keep the matter private.
“Incident? Was Miss Darcy ill?”
“Heavens no, but there was a near scandal involving some sort of servant attempting to take liberties. The steward’s son, I believe it was. Completely prevented of course, when one has enough money, anything can be achieved… surely being a close friend of the Darcy’s you knew of it?”
“Of course, but being so long ago, I had forgotten. Things like that are always best forgotten.”
A strange silence passed between the women as they eyed each other with a suspicious understanding before Agnes recovered her role as hostess.
“Well then, if there is nothing you require, I shall see you below. I must attend the receiving line, but perhaps we may converse later? Anyone who holds an interest in architecture should be shown our private collection of drawings. Some go back before William the Conqueror. I have been custodian of these treasures since my mother passed, but when Robbie marries the responsibility will go to his wife. I should like to see him choose someone worthy.”
“I look forward to that very much.”
******
Oblivious to the machinations of Caroline, Georgiana sat on the small bench before Elizabeth’s dressing table. Having not chosen to bring a maid, they made last minute adjustments to their appearances.
“You look a vision Georgiana, but I believe that this will be my last wearing of tight-fitting gowns for a while. With each child, my waistline seems to expand a bit faster.”
“Yet somehow you manage to regain your figure quickly, I hope to be as fortunate when I have children.”
“I am sure you shall, but first a husband must be acquired.”
Georgiana blushed deeply, but smiled as she thought of Robbie Brackleburn. Although custom required he open the ball leading a dance with his sister, the next three had been promised to her. Surely that meant something? Everyone would see them and take notice. Perhaps by this time the following year, the required husband would be hers.
******
With the ladies thus occupied, Agnes Brackleburn sought out the company of her brother. Indeed, she did remember whisperings of some sort of incident involving Georgiana so many years ago. It had to do with George Wickham. Thinking back, she recalled his face, handsome, yet arrogant. He was a true wastrel for all the opportunity he had been afforded. What had he done? Georgiana Darcy must have been no more than a child. Why could she not recall any further details? Frustration filled her mind, then realization struck a pain in her own heart as the cause for her loss of memory came hurtling back. Yes, there was some sort of patched up scandal, but she had been to occupied with her own feelings to give it much notice. Now, another face, equally handsome, but without an ounce of guile, and wearing a clerical collar filled her thoughts. In the naivety of her youth, she had hoped to someday marry the curate that had taken his training in nearby Lambton. However, a penniless future priest was not fit for the heiress of Piper’s Bend. Gideon Lawlor had been forbidden to her, just as Georgiana Darcy must be forbidden for her brother. Scandal, no matter how small, or how long ago, must never taint the family name. Finding Robbie amongst Darcy and Adley, she beckoned him to have a private word.
“What is it Agnes? Surely the matter cannot be so great to cause me to be rude to our guests?” Robbie asked with a tough
of exasperation.
“It is… or will be.”
“Explain yourself.”
“I have reason to believe that Georgiana Darcy is not as innocent as she seems.”
“You have got to be joking. Miss Darcy is of excellent character, as is her family.”
“So, it appears, but do you remember George Wickham?”
“Vaguely… the son of Darcy’s steward? What of him?”
“He is now married to Elizabeth Darcy’s sister…but he first made advances to Georgiana…ones that were reciprocated.”
“Now I know you have lost your senses. When exactly was this to have happened? Darcy would never have allowed it.”
“Some years ago, … when you were still at university.”
“I don’t believe you, but if there was, obviously nothing came of it. I would have known long before now.”
“I would not be so sure of that. Darcy would do anything to protect his sister… perhaps you should ask her.”
“I shall. But remember, I would also do anything for you, and that does not make either of us a bad person. Everyone makes mistakes Agnes, that doesn’t mean we suffer for it forever.”
Agnes did not reply, as the butler announced the arrival of the first carriages. She had suffered, suffered for over a decade, and not for anything she did, but for what she could not. It was a pain she would spare her brother.
~TWENTY~
Elizabeth and Darcy watched as the dancers took their places for the opening steps. As it was a rather vigorous set, they chose to wait until a more sedate selection to join. It had only been a month since Elizabeth had voiced her suspicions that she was carrying another child, but as it was now secure, all precautions were being taken. It was not that she had any previous issues to concern her state, but somehow this time things felt different.
“I cannot explain it, but something makes me rather apprehensive with this one.”
Matchmaking at Pemberley Page 8
