Matchmaking at Pemberley Page 10

  “What do you care? And why wouldn’t a younger man want me? My reputation has been without blemish. I am not in my dotage, nor am I without fortune.”

  “Your reputation? Now that is amusing. It must have been you that spilled all the old nonsense about Georgiana Darcy. What a cruel bitch you are Caroline Bingley.”

  “Some friend you turned out to be… I thought we understood one another.”

  “I never wanted to be just your friend Caroline.”

  “Well then what do you want?”

  “Marry me.”

  “No.”

  After that, it was a bit of a blur. Ned remembered shouting and dodging a porcelain object just before Agnes Brackleburn interrupted them and ordered him out. Now, as he sat facing Robbie and Agnes Brackleburn as well as Fitzwilliam Darcy, he wondered if he had gone too far. Draining the glass of Scotch before him, they waited for Elizabeth to join them. Fortunately for him, he only suffered a few minutes under their scrutiny before Mrs. Darcy arrived.

  “I needed to check on Georgiana, she is sleeping, but I fear she cried herself to sleep. Caroline is also unharmed, but, much to her displeasure, I have locked her in her chamber.” Placing the large iron key on a table, she took a seat by her husband’s side. It had taken more than a bit of convincing for the assembled crowd to believe that Ned and Caroline were to be married, but eventually they took to their beds believing that it was a fabulous romantic tale that would end well. However, all currently present in the library knew otherwise.

  “My deepest apologies to you all. I had hoped that this would have gone much quieter, but Miss Bingley does have a fiery temper,” Ned said after his second glass.

  “How dare you cause such a scene in my house!” Agnes snapped at him before turning her anger upon the Darcy’s

  “And to think that our families were at one time the best of friends. I must say, the type of person residing at Pemberley is much changed.”

  “Now Agnes, that is not fair.” Darcy replied calmly.

  “Fair? Is it fair that you would hide your sister’s disgrace from my brother? Is it fair that you harbor a woman that does nothing but draw attention to herself? It is appalling, that is what it is.”

  “My sister is completely innocent of any wrongdoing. We all know what George Wickham was. He took advantage whenever possible. I simply prevented disaster.”

  “Oh, he is a disaster, to be sure, and one that is now permanently connected to your family.”

  During this entire exchange, Robbie Brackleburn had been silent. After his encounter with Georgiana, he had headed straight for the solace of the library and proceeded to drink himself into oblivion. Unfortunately, he had never been one to consume a great amount of spirits and after the third glass had become violently sick. Now, sober, but with a splitting headache, he had taken his fill of his sister’s controlling behavior. While he did love Agnes and appreciated everything she had done during their father’s illness and demise, he was no longer a child to be dictated orders.

  “Shut up Agnes,” he interrupted quietly.

  “What? What did you say?”

  “I said shut up. You are no one to judge another’s character. I may have been young when it happened, but I distinctly remember another girl that wanted to run away to get married.”

  “You know nothing of the sort. You’re drunk Robbie.”

  “I know that father paid a handsome sum to have a curate reassigned from the Lambton parish to prevent his daughter marrying beneath herself. Don’t you remember Gideon Lawler? I believe you fancied yourself in love with him.”

  Agnes Brackleburn’s mouth opened to reply, but shut into a thin line as tears threatened to escape as the memory of the man she had loved was laid bare for all to see. After Gideon, there had never been another to take a place in her heart. Instead, she had giving her life to care for her dying father and help raise a younger brother. Now, her father was gone, and clearly Robbie no longer needed her. There was nothing for her anymore.

  “Please excuse my sister, I believe she is in need of her bed,” Robbie said, and like a chastised child, Agnes rose and left the room, closing the door softly behind. She did remember, but it was too late now. Going to her chamber, Agnes undressed and crawled into her bed. Despite the warming stones that had been placed, it was cold, as cold as her heart.

  Now alone with the Darcy’s, Robbie Brackleburn also rose. There was nothing more to say that could not wait for another day. Too much had happened that required contemplation.

  “I suggest we all retire. Perhaps some time apart is needed to provide clarity. For what it is worth, I do love Georgiana. I always have, but I am not sure that she is ready to marry anyone, not if the mere mention of Wickham still causes her such pain. I will not compete with another for my wife, even if he is only a memory.”

  ~TWENTY-FOUR~

  Early the next morning, before the rest of the overnight guests woke, the party from Pemberley turned their carriage towards home. This time however, Ned Grandby-Jones did not accompany the Darcys. Instead he begged the borrow of a horse and made his way back to Oakwood Hall, much to the satisfaction of Caroline Bingley. Having remained sequestered in her chamber the entire evening, she had no knowledge of what had been discussed below, or the fact that all were aware of her part in the present misery of Georgiana Darcy. Staring silently out the carriage window, Miss Darcy refused to meet the eyes of the person she knew to be responsible for revealing her secret. In reality, she did not harbor the slightest feelings for George Wickham, it was the embarrassment of the situation that caused her pain. She felt like such a fool for having trusted him, and for that reason alone, it had been difficult for her to trust any man save her brother. That was, until Robbie Brackleburn came out of mourning for his father and began to show her interest. But that was all ruined now. Perhaps she should content herself with the role of doting maiden aunt. There was no shame in that, but it did little to fill the aching hole where her heart should be.

  However, Miss Bingley did not feel an ounce of regret. In fact, she had forgotten completely about the entire thing. Her thoughts, bordering on rage, frantically tried to formulate an escape from her present predicament. By now, gossip would have spread far and wide. No doubt every self-righteous biddie that attended the previous evening’s ball was now busy writing their friends to tell of the scandal. And scandal it was, one far greater than any whispers about Georgiana Darcy or even Lydia Bennet. Crispin Edward Grandby-Jones, Viscount Adley, was well known as a complete scoundrel. For him to have been discovered in her bedchamber shouting words of devotion would set tongues wagging for months. It would take another scandal of monstrous proportions to let it fade, and fade it would, but never be completely gone. She was ruined. The only saving alternative was marriage to the man who had caused her downfall. For a moment, and only a brief one, Caroline idly toyed with the satisfaction of treating the entire affair as the world’s greatest love match. A fairy tale that would result in her gaining a title. Lady Adley did have a nice sound to it, and there was no denying that Ned was devilishly handsome. But no, this would not happen. Even though part of her wanted him desperately, she would not be forced into giving up her freedom and fortune simply to save face. The only solution was the simplest. As soon as arrangements could be made, she would remove herself to the continent. In France, or perhaps Italy, a woman her age could easily reinvent herself as a wealthy widow. A name change would be in order, but that was no matter. The only regret was leaving Charles behind. God knew he needed her to manage his household. Poor Jane was very sweet, but completely incapable of doing much more than smile and embroider. In her absence, Netherfield had probably gone to complete shambles.

  Elizabeth, having told Darcy to ride ahead without them, watched her companions closely. Her husband wanted to have time to privately write Charles Bingley and send the letter by rider. It would be devastating for Charles and Jane to learn of Caroline’s predicament through anyone but them. Now, wishing she had an
ally for support, Elizabeth wondered if Ned’s offer to marry Caroline would result in any form of happiness. Her own parents were a perfect example of a marriage gone stale. Whatever attraction they may have held for one another had long been replaced by the barest of toleration. Fortunately, Ned wanted to marry her, and badly enough to risk ruin. Not that it mattered for a man; he could easily weather the scandal. But for Caroline, it was entirely different, and for that, she had her pity. A woman’s reputation, once ruined, was nearly impossible to recover. At least there was hope for Georgiana. Elizabeth had always avoided any mention of George Wickham. The awkwardness of her own sister having married the man, and by force, did not bode for easy conversation. As a result, she had never learned Georgiana’s side of the story. Perhaps it was time to break the silence, if only to help the poor girl move forward. Sighing, Elizabeth leaned back an closed her eyes, resting her folded hands upon her growing abdomen, feeling a tiny flutter inside. Well, at least that was one positive thing. Hopefully everything would work out in the end, but the interim would be uncomfortable.

  Of all the ladies presently suffering from recent events, Agnes Brackleburn had no great hopes or even plans for her future. Mortified that her brother would dare bring up her father’s interference, she had not left her chamber. Since the death of her father, Agnes had lost a sense of purpose. With no husband or children to tend, what was left for her? Eventually, Robbie would marry. He had an obligation to pass on not only the family title, but their considerable estate. In hindsight, she should have kept her silence about Georgiana. Who was she to judge another? Yet, she had, and with disastrous results. How could she repair the damage? The only route was clear, she would swallow her pride and go to Pemberley to beg forgiveness from both Georgiana and Elizabeth Darcy.

  *****

  While the ladies contemplated their futures, Viscount Adley, having arrived home before the Darcy’s, closeted himself in his library. He must first write to Charles Bingley and formally request the hand of his sister. Afterwards, the notification of his own family was in order. It mattered not that Caroline had not actually consented to the marriage, in contrast, her last words were the most adamant of refusals. But they would marry, and he cared not that the means had been through embarrassment. All would be forgotten when the bride walked down the aisle and said her vows. However, all of that required planning. Although he was just a younger son, Ned was still the son of an Earl, and heir to an Earldom of his own, and marriages must be performed with all due pageantry. No simple ceremony at the Lambton village church would suffice. It would be an elaborate affair conducted in the chapel at Edlesmere, the family estate. But who would be willing to orchestrate the ordeal? With the passing of his mother some years ago, the only female members of the clan were the spouse and child of his elder brother. While Annabelle and Glenna were fine women, they would be strangers to Caroline. Perhaps he could convince Elizabeth Darcy to lend her hands? It was a great deal to ask, notwithstanding her present pregnancy, but there was no one else to whom he could turn. Agnes Brackleburn probably hated him, and who could blame her? He had brought shame and scandal upon her house, a situation that must be remedied as soon as possible. Taking up his pen, he carefully sharpened the tip as he pondered the right words. How did one casually request a man’s sister in marriage after compromising her?

  ~TWENTY-FIVE~

  Ten days later….

  Ned Granby-Jones did not receive the replies for which he hoped, yet his marriage to Caroline Bingley was indeed going to happen. The first banns had been read and plans were made for a small reception afterwards. Despite the long-standing family tradition, they would not be able to perform the ceremony at Edlesmere. A recent storm had battered the centuries old chapel, sending the roof crashing inwards. Unless he was prepared to wait some months… and he was not, another location was needed. His brother Samuel, the present Earl of Edlesmere, had offered the use of the great ballroom at the estate, but that somehow seemed intrusive. He had not lived in the family home for nearly a decade. To suddenly bring Caroline there amongst strangers was off putting, and as his benefactor Lord Adley was somewhere on the wrong side of eighty, he would not intrude upon him either. Instead, his family would make the journey to Oakwood Hall and bring the Edlesmere minister with them to officiate. It was with great relief that he accepted the Darcy’s offer of Pemberley and its small chapel as a substitute. Elizabeth had eagerly taken on the burden of the preparations.

  “I shall see to everything. You just worry about convincing the bride… and Charles.”

  Unfortunately, that small detail had yet to be settled. Since the hasty departure from Piper’s Bend, Caroline had refused to receive him. At first, he had called daily, expecting her to eventually calm down and be willing to discuss their eminent future rationally. In reality, they were very well suited, but if nothing else, Caroline Bingley was stubborn. It was a trait they shared, and he had been prepared to wait as long as it took, but that was before the arrival of Charles Bingley. Having heard that Caroline’s brother was of the good-natured sort, Ned had expected their meeting to be a pleasant one, but everything he had been told did not prepare him for the quiet anger that seethed from Mr. Bingley.

  They had met at Pemberley, neutral ground, with the Darcy’s to serve as intermediary. The Bingley’s, having arrived the evening before, sat drinking tea in Elizabeth Darcy’s small parlor when he was announced. To all observations, they were simply any other family having a jovial morning. It was only after introductions were made that Elizabeth rose, claiming a household errand that required her sister’s opinion, that the three men were left alone. It was then that the calm polite exterior of Charles Bingley exploded.

  “What in the hell have you done to my sister?” he demanded as all traces of pleasantness evaporated from his countenance.

  “Technically, nothing besides make an offer of marriage.”

  “Then why have tales of debauchery reached all the way to Hertfordshire? I had hardly an hour to digest the contents of your letter before the gossipmongers were at the door.”

  “Surely you exaggerate…”

  “You have not met my mother-in-law! By now, half of England believes that Caroline was assaulted. I had to tell an elaborate ruse to silence her.”

  Ned swallowed hard. Darcy had warned him. Mrs. Bennet was a force to be reckoned with when it came to gossip, especially if it concerned anyone even remotely connected to her. Fearing that scandal would taint her remaining unmarried daughters, Mrs. Bennet had demanded an explanation that would allow her to not only save face, but also boast, should it be to her liking.

  “Idle talk that is of no account. I presume you have spoken with Caroline herself?”

  “I have, but she refuses to say a word…. I am not a fool, I know that my sister is a conniving bitch. It is why you want to marry her that baffles me.”

  To this, Ned’s mouth actually dropped in surprise and looked at Darcy for confirmation, but received no assistance from that quarter. Darcy shrugged and drank his tea, content to keep his opinions silent.

  “It is simple. I love her… and I believe she cares for me, but is too stubborn to see it. I am well aware of her moody and selfish behavior. I also know that she starts vicious gossip for her own amusement. Caroline lies and manipulates, and spends far too much money that is not her own. But, despite her flaws, I still love her. I have much to offer; money, a home and a title, but most of all my own heart.”

  To this logic, both Bingley and Darcy could not argue against. They had each been fortunate enough to find love in their choice of wives… but without the other, negative attributes. Charles allowed a long moment of silence before he replied. It was only a pretense of consideration for the man across the table. In reality, he had made up his mind long before arriving at Pemberley. While he was aware of Viscount Adley’s less than spotless reputation, the relief that Caroline would no longer be his responsibility was overwhelming. Since her departure from Netherfield, it was as i
f a great breath of fresh air had pervaded his entire life. Before, he had believed that every happiness he could desire had been achieved in his marriage to Jane. But now, he realized just how much misery Caroline had caused his dear Jane, and she had borne it in silence. With Caroline gone, Jane had slowly revealed all the controlling interference that had taken place. It was no wonder that she had worried herself ill, perhaps even causing the loss of their first child. Now with young Theodore thriving and Jane in constant smiles, it was not to be tolerated. Never again would he permit such to happen. Even if Ned Grandby-Jones had not offered for Caroline, his sister would not live with him and Jane. The man before him had done him a great favor.

  “Well then, I offer my blessing. I only insist the wedding take place as soon as possible to quell the gossips. I suggest you go and tell her immediately. Ladies do like to prepare for such things.”

  After shaking hands to seal their agreement, Ned took the main stairs by twos in his haste to reach Caroline’s chamber. Having taken the liberty of obtaining a master key from Darcy, he did not think what to say until after he had let himself inside and locked the door. Caroline, thinking he was Charles returning to berate her further, did not stir from her dressing table until it was too late to prevent his entry.

  “Surely there is nothing more you have to say?” she snapped before realizing her mistake.

  “Oh, I have a great deal, but it can wait,” Ned replied with a calm that belied a strange flutter in his stomach. Now that he had been given what he desired, it was somehow tainted if Caroline did not agree. A surge of guilt threatened to overwhelm him for what he had done as a trace of tears, evidenced by the brightness of her eyes, threatened Caroline’s composure. He would never actually force her.