Matchmaking at Pemberley Read online

  *****

  If Caroline Bingley had known that her invitation to Pemberley was not a simple gesture of friendship, it would have not prevented her acceptance. Sleep escaped her as the carriage rolled over bumpy country roads, giving much time to contemplate recent events. Anywhere was better than Netherfield and the dull contingent of persons about Meryton. She was going to have as much fun as possible during her stay at Pemberley. Hopefully, it would last some months, or at least until after the arrival of Jane’s child. Even then, she might not return, but staying at Pemberley would allow time to plan her future without question. The more she thought about it, the greater appeal living abroad grew. Perhaps, if she were very convincing, Georgina Darcy would agree to accompany her. Although, she had access to the interest gained on her inheritance, it would be best to have someone to ease the burden of expenses. Georgiana would be perfect. What a grand time they would have!

  *****

  It was not necessary to travel through London to reach Pemberley from Netherfield. On the contrary, it delayed her arrival nearly half a day, but Caroline insisted, and the driver, too afraid to defy her demand, complied, spending those hours attempting to fit her new purchases in the already bursting carriage. He only hoped that Mr. Bingley would not question him about the trip. It was bad enough to trail after Miss Bingley to every dress shop and milliner’s in town, but it was embarrassing to stand waiting outside some of the less than respectable establishments. However, he valued his position, and could not deny that the extra money Miss Bingley placed in his hand to buy his discretion was unwanted. He only hoped that no one recognized him or the Bingley carriage. There would be no way to explain their presence.

  *****

  Caroline raised the carriage curtain a fraction of and inch, just enough to allow her to see the street before exiting the carriage. Madame Gerard’s was not in an ideal location, but then again, some of her services were not exactly within the law. It was not the first time she had entered the shop that catered to the needs of women who wanted to prevent ruin while having a bit of fun. Having gotten her name and address from one of her favorite dressmaker’s, Caroline was assured of the quality and reliability of the item she sought. In another time, she would have gladly borne the child of Fitzwilliam Darcy, but not now. Even if she was successful in seducing him, he would never put Elizabeth aside. She would be alone should any unplanned events later manifest. Besides, if he refused her, that did not mean that others would. Pemberley parties were known for their vast diversity of guests. Surely one, or possibly more would be up for a bit of after-hours entertainment. Entering the shop, she was surprised to find it rather well appointed. The main room was furnished in the manner of a respectable home. Small tables and comfortable chairs were arranged for conversation, yet none of the other ladies’ present seemed willing to speak. And ladies they were, of the five already seated, Caroline would wager that she had seen at least two at various functions. Rather than acknowledge the newcomer, they turned their faces into lacy fans and handkerchiefs. Not one to hide, Caroline marched up to a long desk where a plain woman wearing a nurse’s uniform sat writing in a ledger. Her thin hair was grey and twisted tightly under her coif. Large gnarled fingers gave evidence of years in manual labor. Caroline hoped that she did not have to feel those hands upon her person.

  “Sign here.” She directed and gestured to pen and ink.

  “I don’t have an appointment.”

  “That matters not, it doesn’t take long.”

  “But... I’m not here for…”

  Caroline’s voice trailed as more than one woman coughed behind her fan. Closing the ledger, the woman rose and bid her to follow down a narrow hallway. As they walked past rows of closed doors, Caroline could hear moans of pain through the thin frames. Stopping at one such entry, the nurse withdrew a key and unlocked the chamber. Inside were brown wrapped parcels, small enough to fit in a lady’s reticule. Taking one down from a shelf, it was proffered in Caroline’s direction, but before the package was released, she was met by a very serious stare.

  “I trust you know how to use our products? Lack of diligence can result in unfortunate accidents. Listen to their cries, you don’t want that to be you.”

  Caroline nodded solemnly and the parcel was immediately tucked out of sight in exchange for her carefully saved gold sovereigns. Places such as this did not have accounts. A smile nearly escaped as she contemplated her brother’s face if a bill requesting payment was sent to Netherfield. As it was, he would be furious when he saw how much she had spent at the dressmakers. At least they had the sense to label her more risqué selections as undergarments. The purchase of contraceptives was another matter entirely and not to be discovered. With her mission complete, Caroline returned to the carriage and bid the driver to make haste to her favorite restaurant. Shopping always made her hungry, and this particular purchase, ravenous. By this time tomorrow, she would be dining at Pemberley.

  ~FOUR~

  Two days later….

  Elizabeth Darcy stood between her husband and sister-in-law wearing what she hoped was a convincing smile as a woman who had made her miserable would now be welcomed into her home as a guest. Seeing through her attempts, Darcy gave a chuckle as he whispered in her ear.

  “It was your idea.”

  Lizzie sighed, she would do anything for Jane, but this would be a particular test of her patience. Fortunately, the small dinner party planned for the evening would allow for distraction. The thought of spending an entire evening attempting to entertain Caroline Bingley was enough to make her physically ill. All of the invitations had been accepted and there would be a pleasant mix of married couples as well as a number of single gentlemen of marriageable age. Even the mysterious Viscount Adley had sent a reply. Lizzie knew it was fanciful to think of Crispin Edward Grandby-Jones as mysterious, but since the knowledge of his return, Darcy had regaled her with tales of their schoolboy adventures. Now a grown man, she wondered if the mischievous nature remained.

  Darcy did not share his wife’s apprehension. While he did not care for Caroline’s catty remarks and air of superiority, he had gotten used to it during his long friendship with Charles. Now, he practically ignored her unless she pointed her venom in Elizabeth’s direction. It was partially this knowledge, and partially his own curiosity that had taken him the five miles to Oakwood Hall the previous morning. While he was aware of Elizabeth’s plan to find a husband for Caroline, he would warn those he considered friends. If a marriage was to happen, it would be without any deceit.

  Riding through the heavy forest that separated the house from the main road, Darcy had been amazed that the undergrowth of shrubbery had not encroached enough to make the drive impassible. To his knowledge, it had been nearly ten years since anyone had lived in the old house. More of a hunting lodge than stately home, Oakwood Hall was near in size to Longbourn. It housed only five main bedchambers and two receiving rooms, in addition to a modest dining hall and library. Comfortable and intensely masculine, it was more of a bachelor’s hideaway, yet Ned’s parents never considered building a larger house despite the near thousand acres that accompanied the property. In the cloud filled gloom, the house appeared the subject of a gothic novel. Only the bright lights shining through the freshly washed windows gave any sign of life. Dismounting, Darcy tethered his horse just as the front door opened.

  “Darcy? Fitzwilliam Darcy! I can’t believe it’s you. Rumor has it that a fairy princess had locked you away, forcing you into a life of domestic bliss.”

  Darcy smiled as he embraced his friend. “I am afraid its completely true. Happily under the spell of my Elizabeth, but I see you have not changed one bit. It’s good to have you back in Derbyshire, Ned.”

  Crispin Edward Grandby- Jones, Viscount Adley, but affectionately called “Ned” by his friends and better acquaintances, had changed a bit, but only for the better. At thirty-five, just the merest touch of grey now enhanced his raven black hair at the temples. Small lines abo
ut his mossy green eyes only added a devilish gleam when he smiled. Unshaven, and informally dressed without cravat or coat, he beckoned Darcy out of the damp to where a warm fire blazed. Only two chairs, flanking a small table, set with the remains of his breakfast, were free of dust sheets. The rest of the house appeared as if it were slumbering deeply.

  “Come, sit down. As you can see, my new staff has yet to arrive. Only Jameson came along. He fears I might starve or go naked if left unattended.”

  “He’s still alive? It must be out of sheer stubbornness.”

  Ned’s valet was of some undefined age, well past seventy, but he old man did his job to perfection, when permitted. The rest of his time was spent getting Ned out of trouble.

  “Yes, what would I do without the old watchdog?”

  “Indeed… I can recall more than one occasion in which he practically saved your life.”

  “More like my soul… one of the reasons I have come home.”

  “Oh? I had hoped you simply missed the place.”

  “Are you serious? Had I a home like Pemberley perhaps, but not this pile of sticks. I prefer warmer climes… and warmer women.”

  “Hmm… who are you hiding from now?”

  “Oh, don’t look at me like that! It was purely consensual. How was I to know that the old cat was married? Do you realize that in some parts of the world there is no penalty for shooting your wife’s lover? You always were my moral compass... anyways… there you are, and here I am… indefinitely.”

  To this Darcy laughed heartily. In comparison, his life was quite dull, but blissfully so.

  “I would like you to meet Elizabeth. In some ways, you are quite alike.”

  “Oh really? That IS interesting.”

  Darcy pulled a most ungentlemanly face, but continued. “I mean your blunt assessment of the world. Elizabeth just has a kinder way of phrasing things.”

  “Well, I do plan on coming to dinner tomorrow. Perhaps there will be time for me to tell her about a few of our escapades?”

  “As you like, but I should warn you. Elizabeth is up to a bit of matchmaking.”

  “You married one of those? Oh, Fitz... I am so disappointed. Is it wee Georgiana that you want to be rid of?”

  “Not exactly, and don’t even think about her. She is twenty now and a complete angel…not for the likes of you. Its Caroline Bingley. Do you remember her?”

  Ned pursed his lips as he allowed his mind to file through the throng of females he had encountered over the years before frowning as the recollection flooded back.

  “Charlie Bingley’s older sister? The beautiful bitchy one?”

  Darcy did not flinch at the accurate assessment, but nodded, “the same.”

  “Why is she at Pemberley? At one time I thought you might get stuck with her.”

  “Charles married Lizzie’s sister. Jane is a sweet woman, and entirely too kindhearted. Apparently, Caroline has been running roughshod all over her, much to the detriment of her health. She is expecting a baby…after losing two. Lizzie offered a stay at Pemberley as a reprieve, but wants to marry her off.”

  “I see… good plan, but I don’t know anyone fool enough to marry Caroline Bingley. Besides, she must be over thirty now. That does not leave many wanting, even with her money.”

  “I know…but I don’t want her staying at Pemberley forever.”

  “Well, I am not going to take her off your hands.”

  “I know, I just wanted to warn you… but it would not hurt to be civil… at least dance with her.”

  “Is this the same Darcy? What happened to the man that defined male wallflower? This Elizabeth truly has bewitched you.”

  “Indeed, she has,” Darcy agreed before changing the subject to more innocuous topics, and after an hour of horses and hunting, said his good-byes.

  “I shall see you tomorrow then. Come a bit early so I can introduce you to Elizabeth before the crowd arrives.”

  “Ooh…I may even take a bath first!”

  Now, as Darcy awaited Caroline’s arrival, he wondered if he had been right to warn Ned. The more thought he gave it, the more it seemed that Ned and Caroline Bingley were perfect for each other. Shaking the realization of his own matchmaking out of his mind, Darcy mimicked his wife and plastered a smile on his face and waved off the footman offering his assistance to their guest as she stepped from the carriage.

  “Welcome to Pemberley, Miss Bingley.”

  “Oh, when have we become so formal? I have always thought of Pemberley as a second home.” Caroline preened and turned her cheek upwards for a more familiar form of greeting.

  Despite his misgivings, Darcy bestowed a brotherly kiss upon her cheek as Georgiana rushed forward, leaving Elizabeth looking from a distance.

  “Yes, indeed. Welcome home Caroline,” Georgiana agreed sincerely and linked her arm inside the elder woman’s.

  It was only in passing, on their way inside that the current mistress of Pemberley was given the barest notice.

  “Good to see you again, Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth, smile on her face never wavering, nodded.

  “Welcome to Pemberley, Caroline. I am sure you and Georgiana have much to catch up on, perhaps a bit of rest from your journey before tea?”

  If Caroline had heard the greeting, it was not acknowledged as she practically dragged Georgiana inside the hall. Watching them leave, Darcy placed a reassuring hand on his wife’s shoulder.

  “Let them go. Hopefully, Georgiana can bear the brunt of incessant idle chatter better than we. How many unmarried men did you say were invited tomorrow?”

  “Seven”

  “That may not be enough to rid us of her.”

  Elizabeth only laughed and twined her fingers through Darcy’s. It was going to be a rough road ahead if they were to find anyone willing to marry Caroline, but Elizabeth was up for the challenge.

  ~FIVE~

  Early the next afternoon, Elizabeth observed the preparations for the evening gathering. The smaller dining hall had already been set for twenty and the carefully lettered place cards designated the seating. She hoped that it was not overtly obvious that unmarried persons were carefully matched according to age and status. In reality, Caroline Bingley was the only odd one out. Her age alone made things awkward as most of the single gentlemen were either much younger or significantly older. Marrying her off might present a greater challenge than first thought, but she had only just arrived. There would be many other social events at local homes, allowing for the meeting of new acquaintances. Lizzie never realized before just how small their circle of friends truly was. It was here, giving last minute instructions to Mrs. Reynolds that Darcy found his bride. As requested Ned Grandby-Jones had arrived early and now stood awaiting introduction.

  “Oh, there you are Elizabeth. I see that you and Mrs. Reynolds have everything well in hand. Beautiful as always.”

  “There is no other way at Pemberley, sir,” the housekeeper added with a smile before leaving to complete her duties.

  “And who do we have here? Viscount Adley I presume?” Elizabeth asked with unmasked curiosity. The gentleman beside her husband barely fit the description. Rake would be more apt, but she had been forewarned. His hair was overlong, and at least two days of beard growth showed on his angular face, but all it did was enhance his features. The man was devilishly handsome and stared boldly into her eyes as he grasped her hand, bending over it dramatically as he allowed his lips the briefest of touch.

  “Please, call me Ned.”

  “Enough of that! Besides, Lizzie won’t fall for your schemes,” Darcy insisted.

  “Indeed, I shall not, but I look forward to observing your wiles as they are worked on others,” Lizzie replied laughing. As first impressions went, she already liked this man, but he would not do for Georgina, and she would ensure that no opportunity was provided. Caroline however, was a different matter. Perhaps this man would match her sharp tongue?

  “Well, we shall not keep you. I just did not
want poor Ned not knowing anyone. Have you seen Georgiana? The last time he saw her she was only ten years old.”

  “I believe she and Miss Bingley are closeted away in her chamber. Something about alterations to a gown.”

  “Ah well, I suppose it shall have to wait until later. I should not want to interrupt such important work. Perhaps we will take a ride about Pemberley, so much has changed since Ned was last here. I should not want him to become lost,” Darcy mocked.

  Elizabeth shooed them away and resurveyed the table, taking the card bearing Viscount Adley and exchanging it with that of the respectable, but doddering Sir Gerald Rumley. At first, placing Caroline next to the ancient Sir Gerald had been quite spiteful. The dear old man often removed his teeth during dinner, allowing them to rest on his bread plate. Lizzie imagined Caroline’s attempt to have polite conversation with that distraction in plain view. However, after meeting Ned, she knew their exchanges would be far more entertaining.

  *****

  While Elizabeth was thus occupied, Georgiana twirled in front of her mirror, gasping over the generous gifts that Caroline had bestowed upon her, unaware of how her guest was covertly gathering information. Unfortunately, much of what Georgiana shared about the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth was unwelcome. They were blissfully happy. Her plan to seduce Darcy away from Elizabeth was not going to be easy.