Miss Bingley Requests Read online

  Charles shrugged and left. Caroline sent a sympathetic smile towards Mr Darcy. He glared at her, although she knew the ire was not for her but for the insupportable assembly and everyone else here. He stalked off and, sighing, she spotted Sir William approaching to claim his dances.

  The tedium was somewhat relieved when Charles passed by with Miss Bennet on his arm, and they stopped to converse with his sisters. For their brother’s sake, both Caroline and Louisa were civil and indeed, Miss Bennet was a pleasant surprise, for her voice was light and pleasant, and her conversation interesting.

  ‘It is so lovely to meet you both,’ she said. ‘Dare I hope that you will be remaining with your brother in the neighbourhood?’

  Caroline allowed herself a smile. ‘I will have that good fortune, as I will be keeping house for my brother.’

  ‘I, alas,’ Louisa said, with hardly a trace of sarcasm in her voice, ‘will depart later this year, for my husband’s estate in Kent.’

  ‘How very fortunate you are,’ Miss Bennet said to Louisa, ‘to be able to spend time in two such beautiful parts of England.’

  ‘Indeed,’ said Louisa. Caroline tried to find something to say about the beauty of Hertfordshire, but failed.

  ‘And your time in London,’ Miss Bennet said, ‘must be very exciting.’

  ‘Although,’ Charles quickly cut in, ‘we adore the country. The fresh air, the sunshine—so much beauty.’

  Seeing his eyes return to Miss Bennet’s face, Caroline said, ‘Indeed. Many are the attractions.’

  ‘Oh, I quite agree.’ Miss Bennet looked down for a moment, and a gentle blush coloured her cheeks. ‘I must confess I would not care to live in London all the time. I would prefer to have your discerning taste, and spend time in the country as well.’

  Mr Darcy walked past at this point, chin raised, a look of acute distaste on his haughty features. ‘Mr Darcy,’ Louisa said, with a meaningful look at her brother, ‘appears ready to depart.’

  ‘Oh, we cannot think of retiring at this early hour,’ Charles said, his eyes on Miss Bennet. ‘It would be very rude.’

  Miss Bennet favoured him with a shy smile.

  ‘But perhaps,’ Caroline said, ‘it would be viewed as a kindness if Mr Darcy is unwell.’

  Charles stared after his friend. ‘He was in the best of health earlier this afternoon.’

  ‘Perhaps,’ Caroline said, leaning forward so that she could speak softly, ‘he finds the country air unwholesome.’

  ‘What?’ Charles stared at her. ‘Darcy loves the country. Consider how he is at his happiest when he is at Pemberley.’

  ‘Then perhaps it is the air here,’ Caroline said, wishing, as she often did, that her brother was more adept at understanding the delicate art of conversation.

  ‘The air here is perfect.’ Charles, once again, gazed at Miss Bennet.

  ‘Then,’ Caroline said, impatiently, ‘it must be something particular to this part of the country that causes him distress.’

  ‘Oh,’ Miss Bennet said. ‘I cannot believe there is anything here that could distress anyone.’ She searched the room for Mr Darcy.

  Caroline followed her gaze, and saw that Darcy had sat down. Near him was one of the older ladies of Meryton, and every sinew in his body strained to move him away from her vicinity. She sat quite still, sending him puzzled looks from time to time, clearly not understanding the torment the poor man experienced in this place.

  ‘Is he perhaps very shy?’ Miss Bennet asked. ‘He is sitting near to Mrs Long, who is very agreeable. Perhaps if he made more of an effort to speak to people, he would be happier.’

  ‘Mr Darcy,’ Caroline informed her, ‘never speaks unless he is with his intimate acquaintances.’

  ‘Oh.’ Miss Bennet took a moment to think about this. It appeared to be difficult for her to comprehend. ‘If he is thus with people unknown to him, it must be difficult for him to form new acquaintances.’

  ‘You appear to have formed an erroneous impression of him,’ Caroline said. ‘With us he is remarkably agreeable.’

  Miss Bennet looked horrified. ‘It appears I have given offence.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Charles said, glaring at Caroline.

  ‘Please forgive me,’ Miss Bennet continued. ‘It is apparent that I am in the wrong, to judge a person I have so recently met.’

  Very nicely put, Caroline thought. Out loud, she said, ‘No offence given. We understand how that which is new can often be misunderstood, and first impressions can be misleading.’

  Charles smiled at her, and Caroline smiled at Miss Bennet, and Charles and Miss Bennet walked on, leaving both sisters agreeing that they’d been pleasantly surprised by her, and that she was a charming girl.

  As the evening grew late and her hopes rose that soon this punishment would come to an end, Caroline noticed that while the stares at her and her party did not grow fewer, those aimed at Mr Darcy showed, not awe, not respect, but a curious sort of disapproval and even anger. Needless to say, this did nothing to improve her opinion of the local people. She continued to speak to those who addressed her, uncaring what she said. At one point she heard the name ‘Bennet’ and listened long enough to hear a woman whose name she’d long forgotten tell her that Miss Mary Bennet was the most accomplished girl in the neighbourhood, and that a treat was in store the next time Miss Mary played the pianoforte, but she then returned her attention to trying to puzzle out why Mr Darcy was attracting so many sullen faces.

  It must be envy, she thought, for surely they are all too dull to understand and sympathise with the pain he is feeling at having to spend time in their company. When she had an opportunity to join him she stood at his side. ‘How like cattle they all are, would you not agree, Mr Darcy? They can move only in a herd, and stare without comprehension at their betters.’

  He smiled slightly at that, and a warmth grew in her chest. It encouraged her to place her hand on his sleeve. ‘Oh, how I wish you could now escort me from this room and from all the memories I will retain from this dreadful experience. Why, I am certain I will have dreadful nightmares in which farmyard animals ask me to join them in a dance.’

  He didn’t place his hand over hers, but neither did he move his arm away. ‘I am doing my best,’ he said, ‘to draw happiness from observing Charles’ pleasure, but am realising the limits of friendship.’

  ‘Charles is fortunate to have a man such as you to call his friend,’ Caroline said, anxious that Mr Darcy might refuse to associate with the Bingleys after this experience.

  ‘I am fortunate, also,’ he said, and his eyes met hers and held them for a moment.

  The assembly ended, at last, shortly after this conversation, and Caroline hardly noticed the discomforts of the carriage ride home, so filled was she with thoughts of how Mr Darcy felt fortunate not only to have Charles’ friendship, but also for the time he spent with Charles’ sister.

  Chapter Three

  The assembly, tedious though it had been, provided plenty of fodder for conversation the following day.

  ‘Truly,’ Louisa said as she scraped marmalade onto a piece of toast. ‘When I saw what they were wearing, I didn’t know if I was somehow transported to a ball from two years ago!’

  ‘If you could narrow it down to two years ago,’ Mr Darcy said, ‘you have a more discerning eye than I. I saw no fashion at all, from any year.’

  Caroline laughed. ‘Why, Mr Darcy, you surprise me. I had no idea you pay such close attention to fashion.’

  He turned to her, eyebrows raised. ‘If I didn’t know you better, Caroline, I would think you were offering me insult.’ He patted the neckcloth knot his valet had tied that morning, one that Caroline knew was the very latest rage in London. ‘Do I truly appear to have no fashion sense?’

  Caroline laughed even harder as he stood up, made a mock bow, and twirled his person about so she could appreciate the cut of his clothing from all angles. ‘Mr Darcy, that is a thought that could never be attached to you. Your attire is alwa
ys the height of fashion. No, I only meant that I was unaware that you pay such attention to women’s fashion.’

  ‘Bravo, Darcy,’ Bingley cried. ‘You show yourself very well, sir!’

  ‘And you are correct,’ Darcy said to Caroline, as he regained his place at the table. ‘I meant the clothes the gentlemen wore. I noticed nothing at all about any of the women. There was no beauty to be found among them.’ He turned to his friend. ‘With the exception, of course, of Miss Bennet. Although, she smiled too much.’

  ‘I must protest,’ Charles said. ‘While I freely accept I enjoyed Miss Bennet’s company more than anyone else’s, there were many pretty girls there, and they were all lively and very pleasant. And how is it possible for someone to smile too much? Darcy, did you not even trouble yourself to speak to some of the people there? I found them all to be very good company.’

  ‘Good company!’ Darcy pretended great surprise. ‘I saw not a single countenance that stirred me to any interest at all. Mercifully, they observed my lack of enjoyment, and so while I paid them no attention, they returned the compliment.’

  Charles began again to protest, but Caroline cut him off. ‘Mr Darcy, I could not agree with you more. While Jane Bennet is a very sweet girl, and I should be happy to know her better, there was no one else there with whom it was worth my time to speak. Now that we have done our duty and appeared at one of their assemblies, surely there is no need for us to do so again.’

  ‘I must protest again,’ said Charles, laughing. ‘Surely you cannot mean what you say.’ He turned to Mr Darcy who, despite his earlier show of good humour, was again scowling. ‘Darcy, if only you had made the effort, I am certain you would have enjoyed yourself at least as much as I.’

  ‘Made the effort?’ Darcy raised an incredulous brow. ‘I could have much better put an effort into reading a book to improve my mind, or ridden Nelson so at least I could have received some exercise.’

  ‘Dancing is superb exercise,’ Charles said, holding out his cup so Danvers could pour him more tea. ‘And my mind was much improved by the conversations I had. Did you know there is a dog breeder here who has won hunting awards for several of his puppies? Perhaps I should visit his kennel and see if there is a suitable dog for Flossie—’

  At this point Mr Darcy coughed loudly and Charles, remembering where he was, flushed a deep red and apologised to his sisters for speaking of a matter unsuitable for feminine ears. Caroline took a sip of tea. Unfortunately, she started to choke, and sputtered helplessly as Charles came around and helpfully pounded her back.

  When she could again breathe, she remembered something that had been niggling at her mind. Leaning close to Louisa, she said softly, ‘I am concerned that I have made a dreadful mistake in inviting Lady Amesbury and Mr Tryphon to Netherfield Park.’

  She had mentioned the invitation shortly before leaving London. Lady Amesbury’s response had been less than enthusiastic, but Caroline, once she was settled in to the new house, had decided to make the request formally, and so had written the invitation on her new stationery and sent it off. She missed her friend. Lady Amesbury was always amusing, and she showed Caroline a side of London, and indeed of life, that was until now unknown to her.

  She’d learned much already, and some of it required further thought. For example, since gaining entry into Lady Amesbury’s set, she’d begun to realise that sometimes people acted in ways that were not usually admired. And, when they did, sometimes the reaction from others was not disapproval, but a sort of respect, even envy. This surprised her. Surely, only proper behaviour should be valued? Lady Amesbury, though, was admirable in every way, and so her actions should be emulated by everyone, especially Caroline, who would be part of the fashionable set once she became wife to Mr Darcy.

  But enough thinking. It was too much like work.

  She’d mentioned in the invitation to Lady Amesbury that others among her new acquaintances would be most welcome, and had made special mention of Mr Tryphon. She’d not thought of him often since leaving town, but memories of his person entered her mind from time to time.

  Yesterday, a reply from Lady Amesbury had arrived, on beautifully embossed paper that was tinted pink and scented with orange and cinnamon, the lady’s personal perfume. It said that she and perhaps some other friends would be delighted to spend time at Netherfield Park, and that they would arrive three weeks hence.

  Now Louisa looked at her with a puzzled expression. ‘I thought you were delighted to renew the acquaintance.’ Caroline said nothing, and saw her sister’s face change as the realization dawned on her. ‘Oh, my. Can you imagine the lady, who has entertained the prince, speaking with Mrs Bennet?’

  Caroline groaned. ‘Louisa. I had rather hoped that you would console me and make me feel better.’

  ‘Feel better?’ Charles demanded. ‘Feel better about what? Caroline, are you ill?’

  ‘Not at all,’ Caroline said, more sharply than she’d intended. ‘I am merely thinking ahead to Lady Amesbury’s visit here. I do not think she will find any one here agreeable.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Charles said. ‘Look how wide and varied her acquaintances are in town. She will enjoy the opportunity to meet new friends.’

  ‘Lady Amesbury?’ Darcy leaned forward, his eyes dark, his brow lowered. ‘Is she to join us here?’

  ‘Why, yes,’ Caroline said, surprised at his tone of voice. ‘Did I not mention it to you? I am quite certain I did.’ She hadn’t, though. For some reason Mr Darcy seemed less than fond of the lady, even though, through Caroline’s friendship with her, he had met many of the most influential men in London.

  ‘You did not,’ he said, frowning.

  ‘It is of no matter,’ she said, paying attention to her tea cup as she stirred the already cool liquid remaining there. ‘Now that we have a country estate, it is only right that we entertain our friends.’

  Mr Darcy looked to Charles, but Caroline could not read what passed between them. ‘If I did not mention it,’ she said, ‘it was only to spare you any further distraction. You have seemed pained since we came here, and I didn’t want to add to your burden.’

  ‘Burden?’ Charles said to his friend. ‘Are you displeased by our coming here? Do you think I should not have taken this estate? I thought you seemed most pleased with it, but if—’

  ‘I am completely content,’ Mr Darcy said, glaring at Caroline. ‘The estate is perfect for you, Charles, and it gives me great pleasure that I could assist in any way your gaining a place in the country. But you must rely more on your own feelings. I can offer only my opinion.’

  ‘I do,’ said Charles. ‘But you have seen so much more of the world than I, and have had so many more experiences. After all, you have been master of Pemberley these many years. Your advice is invaluable.’

  ‘It appears,’ Caroline said, trying to keep the taste of acid out of her voice, ‘that everyone present is extremely happy. I am so glad. And the visit of my friend will only enhance my own happiness.’

  Charles looked surprised, but Mr Darcy said, his voice calm, ‘I cannot say that I approve of Lady Amesbury, neither do I enjoy many of her friends and their forms of entertainment. I will, of course, do all I can to ensure her happiness during her visit. You may find, though, that she will not find pleasure here, with the people she will meet, and in that, to my surprise, I find we have much in common.’

  ‘Darcy,’ Charles said, in a tone of reproach.

  ‘You know me,’ Mr Darcy said to him. ‘I abhor anything that is less than completely honest. I am not unhappy here, the shooting is excellent and the country hereabouts offers much in the way of riding and walks. And I am always happy when I spend time with you.’

  Caroline waited to see if he would mention his happiness when spending time with Charles’ sisters as well, with one in particular, but he did not so much as glance her way.

  ‘Thank you.’ Charles’ eyes were suspiciously moist, but he contented himself with shaking Mr Darcy’s hand.

&n
bsp; Caroline stood, giving up on any pretence of eating more, and went into the music room. A session of practice on the pianoforte was just what was needed to clear her head.

  That evening, after the cards had been put away and Mr Hurst had been supported by a footman as he made his way upstairs, Caroline sat in her boudoir and stared into the mirror as her maid unpinned and brushed her dark hair.

  What did Mr Darcy see when he gazed at her? The sister of his good friend? An intriguing woman? The future mistress of Pemberley? If not, what could she do to help him see his perfect future?

  Unfortunately, she could not devote all her time to this, as there were many demands on her time. The Meryton assembly did not supply an end to socialising. Calls had been made and had to be returned. And those calls in turn would have to be returned and there would never be an end to her having to be polite and pleasant to the insufferable people here.

  * * *

  ‘There will have to be cake,’ Caroline said with a sigh, surveying the smallest of the three sitting rooms she used for company. It held only one settee, six chairs, and three small tables. The fireplace was small, and tended to smoke and sputter, no matter how carefully the fire was laid.

  ‘Apple tart with powdered sugar?’ Louisa asked hopefully.

  ‘No, I think not.’ Turning to the footman calmly awaiting his orders, Caroline said, ‘Some of that lemon cake we had yesterday. And use the brown-and-green china set, not the blue Delft.’

  He nodded and left. Caroline sank into one of the two chairs that were padded. The other chairs were made of wood, with spindly curved legs and while each had a cushion, they were not very comfortable. Caroline had quickly discovered that this was the best room to use when she was visited by people she wished would not stay long. It was small and rather gloomy, especially since Caroline always decided not to light all the lamps, only those by the inner wall. The windows were set rather deeper than in other parts of the house, for the walls here were older and thus thicker than elsewhere. Charles had told Caroline that she was free to purchase new furniture and rearrange any part of the house she wished, but she had kept this room exactly as it was. Today, it would serve her purpose well.