Matchmaking at Pemberley Read online

  Matchmaking at Pemberley

  Carrie Mollenkopf

  Additional titles by Carrie Mollenkopf

  The Redemption of Caroline Bingley

  The Vocation of Mary Bennet

  The Soulmate of Kitty Bennet

  The Stubborn Pride of Lydia Bennet

  Lizzie’s Choice

  Elizabeth of Pemberley

  The Supernatural

  The Transformation of Georgiana Darcy

  In the Shadows of Pemberley

  Mary of Longbourn Series

  Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Heiress

  Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Tutor

  Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier

  Mary Bennet and the Substitute Vicar

  ~ONE~

  Pemberley, 1820

  Elizabeth Bennet Darcy folded the letter and carefully placed it with the rest of her correspondence. The temptation to crumple it in a ball and toss it into the smoldering fire that warmed her sitting room had been intense. It was only the fact that the letter had come from Jane that Lizzie had restrained her anger, and the possibility of needing to share its contents with Darcy. In the five years since their double wedding, Elizabeth and Jane had kept regular contact despite the distance between their homes. Both Bennet sisters had married very well, much to the envy of many a mama with high aspirations for their daughters. But the financial security provided by the unions was secondary in achievement. The rarity of each having achieved a love match was only rivaled by the happiness each continued to experience with their husbands. However, while Elizabeth had the added blessing of two children, Jane had yet to experience the joy of motherhood despite three previous pregnancies. Lizzie’s sister had borne each loss with a renewed hope for the future that served as a poor mask for her misery. Only now, as Jane was expecting yet again, did it appear that her wish would see fruition. Having lost the other babies early on, it was nothing short of a miracle that Jane was due to deliver in just a few weeks. Her letter had provided details of how active the child was inside as well as Jane’s continued good health. It was only the presence of Caroline Bingley, the unmarried spinster sister of Jane’s husband Charles, that now threatened an otherwise perfect ending.

  It is a known truth, that with marriage comes the addition of extended family members. One’s husband’s family now is blended with that of the bride. Occasional conflict is to be expected, but when the in-laws include persons such as Caroline Bingley, the problems can turn into an unbearable situation. Jane was never one to complain about anything. Since Elizabeth could remember, her elder sister refused to think ill of anyone, despite how disagreeable they truly were. Elizabeth had long suspected that all was not as it should be for Jane. Her letters, once cheerful with the joys only to be had by a newlywed, now bore undertones of sadness, but without naming a specific cause. Lizzie was loathe to interfere. So, it was indeed strange that this letter, dated only two days ago, held such a level of desperation that Jane had pleaded for her sister’s help. Caroline Bingley was slowly destroying Jane’s happiness. Caroline needed to be removed from Netherfield, at least until after Jane had her child, but preferably forever. The simplest solution would result in the most misery for Elizabeth, but it was a burden she would gladly take up if it meant Jane’s happiness. Elizabeth would invite Caroline to Pemberley, and if luck was to be had, find her a husband. Convincing Darcy of her plan might not be so easy.

  Fitzwilliam Darcy, although best of friends with Charles Bingley, barely tolerated the presence of his sister Caroline. An arrogant woman, Caroline had thought to marry Darcy herself. She believed that fortune and a beautiful face was enough to entice the Master of Pemberley. But, she had been wrong. Darcy wanted a woman without false pretenses, one who was without guile, and most importantly, one he could love and love him in return. He did not believe that Caroline Bingley loved anyone besides herself. On more than one occasion prior to their marriage, Caroline had made disparaging remarks about Elizabeth, citing her appearance and claims of impropriety. So, when his wife suggested that they offer the hospitality of Pemberley to the conniving she-devil, he wondered if Lizzie had taken leave of her senses.

  “You cannot be serious!”

  “But I am. Read Jane’s letter.”

  Elizabeth passed the folded sheets across the table to where her husband sat staring in disbelief. He had nearly choked on his soup at the prospect, but after scanning the contents, he had to agree. Not only had Caroline changed all of Jane’s décor for the nursery, she had even insisted upon naming the child. How was such interference to be tolerated? He could not imagine such behavior from his own sister. Georgiana was the epitome of a doting aunt, intensely caring, but never overstepping Elizabeth’s place as mother or mistress of Pemberley. But, Georgiana was not Caroline. Like Jane Bingley, Georgiana sought only to please others, often at the cost of her own happiness.

  “That woman has some nerve. Charles should have tossed her out years ago.”

  “He won’t… she is still his sister.”

  “Jane is his wife! I would never place you second… not to anyone!”

  “I know dear… but Jane is not one to complain. Charles may not even realize that she is unhappy.”

  Darcy sighed, but agreed. In his youth, Charles Bingley was often easily swayed by the opinions of others. While this had improved since he met and married Jane, the power of Caroline to manipulate her younger brother remained. Elizabeth’s solution was practical, and temporary. Caroline would not stay at Pemberley forever. Nodding his acceptance, he did voice one suggestion.

  “I propose you have Georgiana send the invitation. Caroline might not accept if it comes from you. She may believe you have ulterior motives.”

  “I do…but you are right, and I will need your assistance further. How many unmarried men do you know? Surely there is someone willing to marry her.”

  “I know quite a few, but I consider them friends… and would like to continue to do so. A marriage to Caroline would surely end any lifelong friendship.”

  “So, choose people you cannot abide. Just make sure they are comparatively wealthy and handsome. A title would not hurt either.”

  “Now that is something to consider. I will do my best, but it may be an impossible task.”

  Elizabeth laughed in acknowledgement, but her mind reflected the seriousness of the situation. Caroline could not return to Netherfield, and if she needed to play matchmaker, so be it. Only after Georgiana agreed to the invitation did Lizzie realize that she was turning into her mother. At nearly twenty-one years of age, it was time that Georgiana seriously considered her future. Perhaps some of the gentlemen Darcy introduced would be suitable? They had been remiss in their duty to her, distracted by their own happiness. Was this how her mother felt, especially with the added distress of an entailed property? The realization sent a shudder through her as she tried to rationalize her thoughts. Unfortunately, there was no other obvious course of action.

  ~TWO~

  Caroline Bingley supervised the last of her trunks being packed as she waved the invitation to Pemberley in another attempt to demonstrate her importance. It had been somewhat of a surprise, as her previous encounters with Darcy and Elizabeth had been barely civil. Perhaps Georgiana was not the timid mouse anymore…or was she tired of having the ill-bred Elizabeth Bennet as a sister? In reality, it mattered not the reason. She would go to Pemberley and stay as long as she could manage. Netherfield had become quite the bore. With Jane’s current state, the entire household catered to her every whim, completely forgetting that she had been hostess long before Charles married. Not that they entertained anymore.

  “Its too much for Jane at the moment. She needs rest and quiet,
not crowds of people milling about, making demands on her,” Charles had snapped the previous week when she had casually suggested a small dinner party.

  “I could manage it all. Jane need not even leave her chamber.”

  “No. And I won’t have you upsetting her. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. What made you think redecorating the nursery was acceptable? That is Jane’s domain, not yours, and besides it was a great waste of money. Perhaps a visit to Louisa is what you need. She entertains more frequently.”

  Caroline had wrinkled her nose. Was it her fault that Jane’s taste was rather bland? Was it her fault that Jane could not manage to carry a child? Surely not! How dare he chastise how she spent money? Her younger sister did indeed host more parties, but as her husband was some fifteen years her elder, they were filled with portly men that smoked and drank heavily, while all the women did was brag about their children and complain about their expanding waistlines. There was never anyone present that was remotely stimulating. It was nearly as bad as spending every other weekend at Longbourn. The last time they went, Caroline had considered packing her ears with cotton wadding to drown out Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice. The woman’s own daughters often winced occasionally when she spoke. Desperation had even once drove her to seek Kitty Bennet as a potential ally, but the young woman was too much like her sister Elizabeth and shunned her attempts. Besides, the constant interference by Mrs. Bennet to find husbands for her remaining impoverished daughters was unbearable. Now when invitations to Longbourn presented, Caroline made excuses. In comparison, Louisa’s dull life was paradise. For a week, she delayed in writing to her sister. It was not that Louisa would refuse her, or that Charles would actually insist she leave. On the contrary, at Louisa’s every doddering old widower in the county would be called into attendance. It seemed that everyone was determined to marry her off. At one time, she would have enjoyed the attention, but now, entering into her early thirties, it was not so much fun. Sometimes she contemplated moving to the continent and purchasing a Mediterranean villa. There she could do as she pleased, without the censure of English society. Plenty of women had affairs...casting the men aside when they tired of them. Why couldn’t she? Then the letter from Georgiana came. Such a sweet girl. No doubt Elizabeth was trying to marry her off to anyone who would take her. Well that would simply not do. She would accept the invitation and advise Georgiana in these matters. And while she was there, show Darcy what he was missing. But first, a bit of London shopping was in order. Rumors of a new line of French gowns had reached even the rustic regions of Netherfield. Quite scandalous they were said to be… nothing could be more perfect.

  *****

  Georgiana Darcy had been surprised by Lizzie’s request, but complied, and eagerly so. Caroline Bingley had always been kind to her. Having grown up without a mother, Miss Bingley had often served as a substitute for delicate matters not suitable for a brother. It had been Caroline that had taken her shopping when she needed undergarments more appropriate to a young lady than child. It was also Caroline who had explained how children were made. Georgiana could not have imagined such a conversation with Fitzwilliam. Although he was the best of brothers, he was not a mother or a sister. Since his marriage, Elizabeth had filled that role, but after the birth of their children, less time was available for private chats, and Lizzie’s first loyalty was to Darcy. Georgiana needed someone to share her secrets, but keep them from her brother. After she turned eighteen, the pressure to marry had become less than subtle. Elizabeth’s pregnancies provided the only respite, but it had been nearly a year since Aurelia had been born, and young Fitz was almost four. With an army of nannies, the Darcys had begun to entertain more frequently. Each time brought one or two eligible young men. It almost felt like she was at a fancy restaurant, choosing from an array of deserts. Unfortunately, her reluctance to dance or converse idly about unfamiliar subjects often resulted in silence… a silence that sent them running. Not one of the men introduced had demonstrated a shared love of music, and that was a must in anyone she would consider for marriage. It was almost more important than love, for love often waned, but true interests remained. All they seemed to love was the sound of their own voices… and her money. Having money was sometimes more of a curse than a blessing. People only pretended to care for you so they could get their hands on it. Any man who was her legal husband would gain control of her fortune. Why must she marry at all?

  ~THREE~

  As Elizabeth Darcy awaited the invasion of her home, she wondered for a moment if it had been a mistake. Caroline Bingley was nothing but trouble. Even her acceptance of the invitation had included a list of demands subtly worded as polite compliments.

  “I do hope the chamber with the rose patterned velvet furnishings is available, and please tell Mrs. Reynolds that I always appreciated the small delicacies she left for me each evening, I cannot wait to express my thanks to her in person.”

  Lizzie rolled her eyes when she read the letter. Caroline was as manipulative as always. She highly doubted that Caroline cared a whit about the Pemberley housekeeper, but only wanted to ensure her own comfort. The acceptance had been addressed to her, but an additional letter, sealed and bearing Georgiana’s name had been included. Curious, but unwilling to ask, Lizzie wondered what it contained. No doubt more carefully crafted words of false affection. It had been some years since Georgiana had been in regular company with Caroline. Although now a young woman and no longer a child, Georgiana was still very susceptible to persuasion. She would have to keep a close eye on them both, but that may prove difficult as the number of engagements that filled the Darcy calendar had increased, as well as the number of guests. Every week for the next six months was spent either entertaining at Pemberley or a nearby estate. After requesting the specified room to be made ready, Elizabeth joined her husband as he sat reading the latest London newspapers. A thin curl of smoke wafted up from the pipe he had recently taken up smoking, sending a faint woodsy odor about he room. Finding it rather pleasant, she took a seat nearby and sorted through the pile of invitations delivered just that morning.

  “Seven balls and a dozen dinner parties, not counting teas and other social gatherings.” Lizzie mused aloud as she scanned the corresponding guest list for their own casual gathering on Sunday.

  “Is that all? I though all ladies enjoyed all such entertainments,” Darcy replied without taking his eyes from the paper.

  “Well, perhaps some, but I was never one for hunting. We have an invitation to Oakwood Hall for a fox hunt at the end of the month. Somehow chasing a fox all over the place only to see it shredded to pieces is not my idea of amusement.”

  “It is the chase and the companionship, not the actual hunt. Did you say Oakwood Hall? I had no idea that ol’ Adley was back in the area. I haven’t seen him in forever, we were once close friends.”

  “Then why bother the poor fox at all? I suppose you would like to go?”

  “I never really considered that, but you need not attend if it distresses you. It will probably be rather messy.”

  Lizzie grimaced, that was one trait she shared with Georgiana. Neither could bear to see innocents tortured. The same could not be said for Miss Caroline Bingley. That woman seemed to revel in that sort of thing. Some men found it attractive she supposed. Perhaps this “Adley” was one such gentleman.

  “Is he married?”

  “Oh heavens no. Ned is a confirmed bachelor. He generally stays on the move, wandering about the continent, squandering his inheritance and tarnishing the family name, It is only recently that he has bothered at all to consider his future. His brother, Samuel is now Earl of Edlesmere, but a distant uncle declared Ned his heir some years back, hence the title. The only requirement being that he leave the old man alone until he died. Apparently, Lord Adley found a kindred spirit in Ned, but not one that could be tolerated with regularity.” Darcy added, but paused when he saw a smile of interest cross her features.

  “I see where this is going, but Elizabet
h, if Crispin Edward Grandby-Jones is the same man I remember, he is not one I would ever consider for any woman, even Caroline Bingley. All the same, I should like to see him again. I think you and he would get along famously. He’s quite the charmer, but very refreshingly blunt in his speech and manners.”

  Elizabeth nodded, and took out a fresh sheet of paper to write an acceptance. They most definitely were going to Oakwood Hall, blood sports or not. She would also include the mysterious Viscount Adley to her own party. It would provide opportunity to see his suitability herself before being forced to endure the cries of a dying animal. If he was as Darcy said, she might remain at Pemberley and let him enjoy his masculine pursuits alone.

  *****

  Georgiana also anticipated the arrival of Caroline, but with drastically different feelings. Wandering about the chamber allocated to their impending guest, Georgiana absently fussed with the arrangement of flowers on the mantlepiece. Just that morning, she had gone into the rose garden to select the blooms. Unfortunately, this late in the season there had been little to choose from and she had settled upon an assortment of wildflowers. In truth, Georgiana preferred the irregular display, it defined a sense of freedom that she did not possess, but perhaps that would change when Caroline arrived. As an older person, now considered past the age when most women married, she would be an excellent chaperone. Georgiana bristled at the word. Why did she need someone to constantly watch over her, it wasn’t as if she were in the habit of causing trouble? All she wanted was someone who shared her love of quiet entertainments, such as were appropriate for any young lady. The letter she received had been filled with endearments and promises of teaching her a new piece of music as well as a surprise that she would not name. Having a confidant would be so much fun. In recent weeks, it had seemed that her pianoforte was her only friend, but it never shared anything in return. Practicing had taken her mind off the strangers that visited Pemberley and insisted upon hearing her play. To be truthful, they were only being polite, but it was terrible to have so many eyes upon her. When Caroline came, the center of attention would be shared, for the beautiful Miss Bingley always said the right thing at the perfect moment. Perhaps she would be willing to help her be less afraid. Lizzie tried, but she was naturally outgoing, and as a married woman it did not matter so much what others thought anymore. Her reputation was secure. Ever since that horrible George Wickham lied to her, she was cautious. If one could not tell when some one so familiar lied, how could it be done with a stranger? Loneliness was a very high price to pay for safety.