Matchmaking at Pemberley Page 4

  “Stephen Rumley, of Glensmere Abbey.”

  “Sir Stephen Rumley?

  Chuckling softly, he shook his head, “No, you are thinking of my grandfather, Sir Gerald Rumley. I am sure you have seen him… an old fellow, rather bent over with age?”

  “Oh yes, he’s a charmer, your grandfather.”

  “Now it is my turn to apologize. Anyone who calls Grandfather charming has probably been the recipient of one of his pinches.”

  “I am pleased to report that he did not make any such attempt.”

  “Then perhaps you would be willing to dance with another Rumley… myself to be exact.”

  “Delighted.”

  Caroline took his arm and spent the next hour engaged in excellent conversation and repeated dances. It was only when Ned Grandby-Jones insisted upon a turn that the now pleasant evening returned to the misery of dinner.

  “Hello, Rumley. Might I have a dance with Miss Bingley? It would not do for you to consume her attentions all evening, what would your wife think?”

  Caroline nearly gasped in anger, but held her tongue as fire flashed in her eyes, allowing Ned to propel her away.

  “Just keep smiling…” he whispered as they took the first steps.

  “What a snake. Not once did he mention a wife.”

  “Oh yes, and five children. Matilde hardly ever leaves the house anymore.”

  Caroline gritted her teeth and finished the set, regaining what was left of her composure. Wasn’t there a man present that was of value? Looking across the ballroom, she saw Darcy in the arms of his wife. Oh yes, there was, but he was also taken.

  *****

  In contrast to her guest, Georgiana spent an evening of complete bliss. Not only was she engaged in conversation about her favorite subject, Robbie had shown her a new duet.

  “It just takes some practice, that is all. I fear that in recent years, I have been remiss in my duties as music master.”

  “Oh, not at all. You must have had many responsibilities, first your studies, and then your father…”

  “Not so many that ignoring my princess is justified. But now that things have settled down, I look forward to spending more time at Pemberley.”

  Georgiana blushed at the compliment, but had been secretly glad that it had been some time since they had been close. It would be horrible if Robbie knew about her near scandal with George Wickham. Knowing that Agnes Brackleburn was aware was bad enough. Agnes was always a stickler for propriety, even the slightest taint of scandal would earn her censure. Even though Robbie Brackleburn had inherited an earldom in addition to his academic studies, the influence of his sister was considerable. A young lady must pass muster with Agnes if she was to be deemed worthy. Aside from Wickham, Robbie was the only person that Georgiana had ever imagined as a husband.

  “You have always been welcome here.”

  “And you at Piper’s Bend. I trust that we shall see you and the rest of the Darcys for our ball. As our first event since coming out of mourning, it would be incomplete without you.”

  Georgina blushed again, and nodded. Thinking of the new dress that Caroline had given her, she wondered what Robbie’s reaction would be when he saw it. It was only the interruption of Caroline herself that broke the daydream. Seeking a bit of safety where she could still observe the room, playing would offer Caroline an outlet for her frustrations.

  “You must allow me a turn at your pianoforte and join the dancing.”

  “If you don’t mind? You are much more accomplished at the faster pieces,” Georgiana insisted.

  “Not at all… now off with you both.”

  Georgiana did as suggested, smiling up at her escort. If for just a short time, she would enjoy herself completely. For some reason, a strange feeling that her happiness was only temporary nagged at the back of her mind. Something was sure to ruin it eventually, but today was not that day.

  ~EIGHT~

  For the next week, Georgiana Darcy walked about as if in a lovely dream as her guest sulked. Only Darcy and Elizabeth found each woman’s behavior amusing. Discussing the progress over breakfast, they were alone as the two in question dressed for their outing to Oakwood Hall. With a day of hunting planned, riding habits and boots were in order. Elizabeth, with a distaste for the killing that accompanied, chose an attractive day dress and would remain behind to serve as hostess for Viscount Adley.

  “If I did not know better, I would say that Ned rather likes Caroline, even if he does not admit it,” Darcy acknowledged between bites of toast and jam.

  “Well that is at least a start. He’s not one to be misled by her schemes.”

  “Indeed, I rather think he has tried many of them himself. My sister is another matter. I do approve of Robbie Brackleburn, even if his sister is a bit overbearing.”

  “She just seems sad. Perhaps Agnes is equally lonely. At her age, not many would make an offer, despite her beauty and wealth. Besides, I always got the impression that her heart is elsewhere.”

  “There were rumors at one time about a local curate, but old Lord Brackleburn would never have consented and Agnes is not one to defy her father… but perhaps now that he is gone she might find some happiness.”

  “I don’t know. From my experience, women who spend their lives in service to elderly family members often wind up very bitter. It is a concern I have for my own unmarried sisters. Kitty will probably marry eventually, but Mary… well that presents a challenge. Either way, whomever is last will suffer greatly caring for mother.”

  Darcy only nodded, and drained his tea. While he was sympathetic, he had his doubts that a match existed for Mary Bennet. Stubborn and awkward, it would take a miracle. They had their hands full already.

  “Perhaps I should see what is keeping Georgiana and Caroline. We don’t want to be late for the first horn, and I insist they eat something before we go. I have seen all too many ladies pretend small appetites only to swoon from hunger later.”

  “We are right here… and I am famished,” Georgiana announced as she entered the morning room. Caroline, following behind, did not concur as she looked at the buffet of breakfast items. Having only packed one riding habit, it had been an assault to her pride that morning when she had discovered that it had become rather snug. Acknowledging that her amount of exercise had been lacking, did little to assuage her feelings. Now, with stomach rumbling, it would be difficult to refuse nourishment, but the idea of eating heartily in front of strangers was appalling. Fingering the deep pocket of the skirt, Caroline estimated that it could conceal a small snack if needed. Following Georgiana, she filled a small plate, but ate little, wrapping a buttered roll in a cloth for later. The action, although covert, did not go unobserved by Elizabeth. Her own queasy stomach would not allow for regular consumption, but the reasons were not due to vanity. Lizzie suspected she was carrying another child. Smiling in amusement, she hoped to confirm her belief soon. Darcy was a completely different person around his children. The strict adherence to propriety had often gained her husband a reputation for being rather standoffish, but nothing could be further from the truth. Refusing to have their newborns so far away, he had ordered a nearby chamber repurposed, often dismissing the night nanny when cries were heard, preferring to soothe the child himself. It was a most welcome aspect of Darcy that Elizabeth hoped was hidden in every man. Would the man Georgiana married have such affection for his children? She sincerely hoped so. Noticing her silence, Darcy prodded her gently.

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  “Oh… I was just thinking about Ned’s house. As he does not yet have a permanent housekeeper, I have volunteered my assistance with interviews. While all of you are out chasing poor defenseless creatures, I shall be selecting appropriate staff for Oakwood.”

  “I thought this was a social outing? Do your acquaintances often solicit your assistance in domestic matters?” Caroline interjected.

  “It is, but Viscount Adley is an old friend of Darcy’s and as you will be gone some h
ours, it will give me an opportunity to explore Oakwood. The place has always held an appeal that I cannot explain. It is something out of a Grimm’s tale.”

  “You won’t be joining in the hunt?

  “Oh heavens no. I cannot abide blood sports.”

  Georgiana’s face lit up. While she had hoped for an opportunity to see Robbie Brackleburn again, she had secretly dreaded the prospect of hunting. The cries of the fox often echoed in her ears long after they ceased. The last time, she had night terrors for days.

  “I would be happy to help… I am familiar with the house…”

  Georgiana’s voice trailed as Caroline cast a fleeting look of censure in her direction, before changing her opinion. Since the dinner party, Caroline realized that Georgiana’s youth and beauty was now competition, and she did not care for it one bit. The child had grown into an attractive woman.

  “I forget, Georgie, you are too tenderhearted for this sort of entertainment. I am sure that there will be other ladies to provide companionship.”

  “I should greatly appreciate your help. A London agency has sent down temporary staff, but no one permanent has been chosen.”

  Rising as if to signal the time, Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth. “Well, if that is settled, I suggest we depart. Last night’s rain will have made the roads muddy and may delay our arrival.”

  *****

  The weather had indeed made a considerable mess. Georgina, relieved to not be riding, sat next to Elizabeth as the carriage bumped along. Caroline, quite pleased with the decision, rode a spirited mare alongside Darcy, attempting to draw him into conversation beyond that which was acceptable.

  “It is too bad that poor Eliza is not a rider. I do wonder how you manage at times. Don’t you recall the pleasant rides we often took before dull domesticity overtook your life?”

  Caroline attempted what she hoped was lighthearted banter, but it had the opposite effect. The constant attempts made to maneuverer her horse next to Darcy’s had been overtly obvious, as had her hand when it lingered far too long on his arm. He had only been doing what was expected of any gentleman, offering his assistance in mounting her horse, but Miss Bingley’s attentions were irritating. And she would be only “Miss Bingley” from now on. Using her Christian name was far too familiar, despite the long friendship he shared with her brother Charles. Elizabeth was right, Caroline needed a husband, but not just anyone. She needed someone to curb her tendency to interfere with the happiness of others to her own satisfaction. Urging his horse, a distance away, Darcy replied to her queries.

  “On the contrary, Elizabeth is an excellent rider, but I believe that she harbors a secret that may prevent much strenuous activity for some time. As for domesticity, I have always preferred the peace and tranquility of Pemberley to any London season. I now find my children to be the greatest of entertainments.”

  Made sullen by his polite correction, Caroline altered her tactics. “So… Eliza is yet again with child? My congratulations. I must give her credit for doing her duty at the expense of her figure.”

  This further false attempt at congeniality only flared a smoldering anger that Darcy did his best to quell. Caroline… no… Miss Bingley, was aware of Elizabeth’s distaste for being called Eliza, but to further insult her person was not to be tolerated. How dare this guest in his home speak in such a way?

  “I find that pregnancy is one of the most beautiful states a woman can possess. Perhaps only one who has not the good fortune to experience such may only see it as a sacrifice or duty.”

  Darcy immediately felt remorse for his attack on Miss Bingley’s spinster status, but not enough to apologize. Instead, he urged his horse near the coachman and changed the subject to the state of the roads, leaving Miss Bingley to her own counsel. However, instead of being recalcitrant, Caroline smiled to herself as she appraised his form from behind. This was progressing exactly as she hoped. All that was needed was a more private opportunity to prove to Darcy that she could provide something his wife could not.

  ~NINE~

  The rest of the distance to Oakwood Hall was spent in silence. Only the dripping of the previous night’s rain could be heard above the crunch of the carriage wheels as the driver did his best to avoid the puddles that threatened to mire his passengers. Staring straight ahead, Darcy only wavered when the stone wall that served as a perimeter to the estate came into view. Some decades older than Pemberley, and far less maintained, Oakwood Hall appeared to be carved out of the woods itself. Lacking a formal lawn or gardens, the former hunting lodge was hewn of heavy beams and rough-cut stone reaching at odd angles for four stories over a sweeping veranda. Studying the structure, Caroline imagined a family of trolls residing inside and smothered a snort of derision when she recalled the present owner. Ned Grandby-Jones, Viscount Adley was more the devil incarnate than troll, and she decided the place suited him.

  “No wonder he’s not married. No sane woman would ever live here. It probably reeks of dog,” she muttered, under her breath, but the unkind words had been overheard.

  This time, Darcy chose to keep his opinions to himself, considering Adley to be the luckiest of men. Dismounting, he ignored Caroline and helped Elizabeth from the carriage. Having only seen the outside of the house, she was visibly curious when their host greeted the arrivals, accompanied by two bloodhounds that bounded past, stopping only to sniff the boots of the newcomers. Immediately, Elizabeth put out a hand for their inspection, receiving a wet slobbering tongue in return before bestowing an affectionate pat on each dog’s head. Seeing her smile, Ned sought her opinion.

  “Welcome to Oakwood... please ignore Ra and Osiris, they are a bit excited. So, Mrs. Darcy… Miss Darcy…does it meet with your approval? You are early, but that is a welcome thing, for I fear that I am all thumbs in the direction of servants save for my valet.”

  Ned had noticed the additional person of Miss Bingley, but did not choose to acknowledge her presence. Still seated atop her horse, she was forced to accept the hand of the Pemberley coachman to dismount. Brushing imaginary debris from her habit in an attempt to appear aloof and unconcerned by the slight, Caroline waited to be welcomed, but it was futile as the dogs circled her in curiosity. Elizabeth Darcy and Ned Grandby-Jones were in deep conversation about the bizarre architecture of Oakwood, while Darcy and Georgiana nodded in mute compliance as they entered the main hall.

  Inside, the dark woodwork continued. A cavernous single room opened off a small vestibule. One wall was dominated by a fireplace of river rock large enough to roast an entire boar. Flanking the fire, oak paneling was broken by deep recesses providing comfortable seating arrangements for private conversations and a wide stair wrapped around the remaining wall, leading upwards to a gallery lined with closed doors. It was medieval in the most basic elements, but what caught everyone’s eye was the massive central table. Round, with twenty ornate carved chairs, bespoke an era when knights and chivalry were the norm.

  “I had forgotten about the table. It has always reminded me of a great tortoise,” Darcy said with a laugh, pointing to the octagonal markings that designated each person’s place. On his previous visit, he had entered through a side door, avoiding the grandness of the main chamber.

  “I fear that I have been a terrible host. Nothing is prepared, but the agency servants await your expert direction and my kitchens and cellars are fully stocked.”

  “Will the other guests be bringing their wives as well?”

  “Stanton and Landerville always bring their spouses, but other than yourselves, and of course Agnes Brackleburn, I fear it is a rather masculine event. We shall have perhaps twenty persons total.”

  “I believe an acceptable luncheon can be managed. Just leave it to me and Georgiana.”

  “I hope your husband realizes what he has in you… if you ever lose interest in old Darcy, my door is always open.”

  Elizabeth laughed and shooed them away. “I fear that my heart is not so fickle. Now off with you both, surely the hounds ne
ed something?”

  Eager to abandon domestic tedium, Adley finally addressed the lady who stood slightly apart from the rest. “Miss Bingley, the choice lies before you. Remain with the ladies in domestic misery, or join us to tend the hounds.

  Having heard the disparaging remarks about dogs, Darcy was surprised when Caroline smiled sweetly and lied, but then, he was well aware of her ability to twist any situation to her advantage.

  “I have always had a great love of animals. Perhaps a tour of the stables might be included?”

  Nodding in acquiescence to her wish, Ned directed Elizabeth and Georgiana to the servant’s hall before turning on his heel, forgetting Caroline once again.

  “Darcy, I simply must have your opinion on my new stallion. He is quite spirited.”

  Elizabeth watched as the men exited the house, Caroline Bingley following behind, and breathed a sigh of relief. While she pitied Caroline’s need to constantly be the center of attention, it would have been unbearable to suffer the next few hours as Oakwood’s new staff was decided. Caroline would have contradicted every decision made, resulting in misery. Turning to Georgiana, Elizabeth noticed an amused smile on her face as if the young woman was daydreaming.

  “Georgiana? What is so entertaining?”

  “Oh, I was just thinking how funny it is to see Neddy ignore Caroline. I suppose it is cruel of me, but for some reason I think he really likes her.”

  “Hmm... well he has an odd way of demonstrating it, but then again, he is a bit unusual himself. We shall see, but for now, I suggest we consult the housekeeper and cook for the refreshments and spend the rest of the time they are gone exploring. This place is fabulous!”

  ~TEN~

  Even though she trailed behind the conversation, Caroline was pleased that she had been able to escape that dreadful house. Not only had she been entirely too correct about the dogs, a deep underlying odor of damp also permeated the dwelling. Elizabeth and Georgina could have the place to themselves. The idea of spending hours in their company was dreadful. At first, it had been amusing to play mentor to Georgiana, but the girl was simply unable to be anything but what she was… a naïve child. All thoughts of Miss Darcy as a future companion in her schemes dwindled with each passing day. Georgiana would always live under the shadow of her brother or someone else. Caroline wanted a person to share her disdain for those who were not of her class, and poke a bit of fun at the same time. Georgiana Darcy was not that person, she had no fire within. Let her stay with Eliza in that rotting pile, playing housekeeper. Wrinkling her nose, she imagined smell of decay clinging to her clothes and hair, preferring the earthy aroma of horses as they entered the stables. In contrast to the house, Oakwood boasted some of the finest horses in the region, rivaling that of Pemberley. As fitting to such a reputation, the accommodations for the beasts were immaculate.