Matchmaking at Pemberley Read online

  “The first Viscount Adley made his fortune in breeding stock. So even though I have been rarely in residence, the horses have been well cared for. I have a staff of seven, in addition to a coachman.”

  “I must say, Oakwood horses have been a standing thing of envy for me, but you rarely want to part with any,” Darcy admitted as he stroked the nose of a particularly fine young colt. Leggy and skittish, the horse nipped at his fingers before returning to the security of its dam.

  “True enough, but perhaps I might be persuaded once my plans for expansion are complete. If I am to remain home for some time, it will keep me occupied in an honest manner.”

  “I shall not let you forget it.”

  “Indeed, I rely upon you to reign my more inappropriate behaviors…. Miss Bingley? What opinion have you of my home?”

  Ned had seen Caroline’s expression when his hounds had greeted the arrivals. He had also not missed the look of displeasure for the rustic state of the great hall. Oakwood was a masculine retreat at best, a moldering heap of refuse at worst, but it had a distinct charm. His mother had loved the place, but that was rare in a woman accustomed to modern conveniences. Now, he took amusement at placing the arrogant Miss Bingley in a position to tell lies.

  “I… I find it a most unusual place.”

  “Oh, come now, that is hardly an opinion.”

  “I believe I should need to see more before casting any true judgement.”

  “Do you hear that Darcy? I believe that Miss Bingley is requesting an invitation to stay.”

  “Pemberley is quite dull in comparison.”

  “That is NOT what I meant.”

  “Then, what exactly did you mean?”

  Caroline bit her lip in an attempt to restrain the biting retort that rested on her tongue. It was the timely arrival of a livered footman that saved her from further teasing.

  “Excuse me sir, but Mrs. Darcy requests your return. Others have begun to arrive.”

  “Tell her we shall be there shortly…. It appears Miss Bingley, that you are being given a reprieve. I look forward to continuing this conversation later.”

  Caroline did not reply, but turned on her heel and marched back to the house. Although, they had been gone only an hour, the transformation was impressive. Windows had been opened to allow the cool autumn air inside. The crispness only complimented the applewood fire that now burned brightly in the fireplace. From some unknown location, gold plate and silver, now laid upon a pristine linen cloth, had been found to turn the turtle table into a welcoming place to dine. Sideboards, flanking the table were laden with an array of hot and cold foods, ready for consumption by the most particular of appetites. Seeing the display, Ned voiced a challenge to Darcy, as he gave his appreciation to Elizabeth.

  “I may yet steal your Elizabeth away. Mrs. Darcy, you are a wonder,”

  “Find your own,”

  “Selfish…”

  “She does have two unmarried sisters.”

  “I may have to investigate that further, but in the meantime, I must make do with what is available… where is your charming sister.”

  “Don’t even think about it… besides, she is out on the veranda. I believe Robbie and Agnes Brackleburn have just arrived…that leaves you in sad second.”

  Not the least bit apologetic for his behavior, Ned turned to where Caroline stood outside the circle of friends, unaware of their banter. “Miss Bingley? Will you do me the honor of assisting in welcoming our guests?”

  Surprised by the request to act as hostess, Caroline took his proffered arm, despite her distaste. Sweeping ahead of Elizabeth, she lifted her chin in superiority and plastered a smile as Ned made introductions to each new arrival. Amused, Elizabeth only shrugged and gave last minute instructions to the serving staff. If Caroline Bingley wanted to show off, let her. Ned Grandby-Jones would not be fooled by her wiles. If anything, he was far more practiced in the game.

  ~ELEVEN~

  After enjoying the refreshments, the time for the hunt began. Leaving Elizabeth and Georgiana to their own devices, the rest of the contingent set out to ride the acres of woods and fields that comprised Oakwood. In total, there were only three women partaking in the sport, Caroline, in addition to Agnes Brackleburn, and the sturdy middle-aged wife of Sir Calvin Winterling. Lady Winterling, insisting upon being immediately addressed as Sophie, was a jolly and beautiful woman of clear Germanic stock. Riding astride in a pair of breeches, her mass of golden hair was stuffed up under a man’s cap, making her appear more like a young boy than woman of good breeding. Nudging her horse between Caroline and Agnes, Sophie Winterling placed a wager.

  “Well, ladies, it is just we three, but I for one, have no intention of riding in the rear. I say we give the men a run for their money. I shall bet ten pounds that I will be the first to the fox.”

  “I don’t know Sophie, I have seen you ride. There is none better,” Agnes argued.

  “I do love a chase, but you have the better horse.”

  “My Artemis is rather fine, but I have heard that Miss Bingley is quite the horsewoman as well, and she is riding one of Ned’s best. Perhaps we shall both lose?”

  Pleased with the compliment, Caroline eagerly agreed to the wager, but had no intentions of actually competing. As soon as the horn was sounded, she planned on going her own way. If all went according to plan, she would have Darcy to herself. It was a common truth that breeding women were often moody and not affectionate. Once Darcy tasted a bit of what she had to offer, he would be hers. With marriage no longer an option, she would settle for Elizabeth simply knowing that she was unable to hold his attentions.

  “Well, if one of us is to win, I suggest we join the gentlemen. The master of the hounds is ready to unleash and they appear quite eager.”

  “The rain has not washed away the scent. We shall have a grand hunt,” Sophie added and urged her horse to where the rest of the riders waited. No newcomer was going to beat her.

  *****

  Remaining towards the rear of the riders, Darcy and Ned were in no great hurry to join the flurry as the horn sounded. As host, Ned was not expected to take advantage of knowing the landscape for an easy win. Darcy, still a bit soured by his earlier conversation with Miss Bingley, was rather quiet as they watched the proceedings. Normally, Darcy enjoyed such festivities, but today, he simply wanted to return home to Pemberley and spend the day with Elizabeth and the children. Domesticity was certainly agreeing with him lately, the only thorn in his image of perfection was the sight of Caroline Bingley. While he had initially agreed with Elizabeth’s request to invite the woman to Pemberley and save Jane the misery of her company, it was a decision that he grew to regret more each day. Not only was she rude to his staff, but he had noticed small changes in Georgiana as well. Caroline’s influence on his impressionable sister was not positive. The sooner she left, the better, but Jane still had another few weeks before she had her baby. And, it would be cruel inflict Caroline on her immediately after. Sighing, he accepted the fact that the viper would be at Pemberley for some time.

  Seeing his friend’s pensive countenance, Ned’s brows knitted into a frown as his eyes traveled to where Darcy’s gaze rested. While he enjoyed baiting the vain Miss Bingley, he could not imagine having to politely tolerate her constant company. That woman always seemed to be scheming something… and today appeared to be no different. After the horn sounded, most of the riders eagerly took after the hounds. At first, Miss Bingley kept her horse apace with the rest before reining and deliberately falling behind. Looking about as if she had misplaced something, she suddenly urged her horse into a small copse of trees, allowing the hunt to leave her far behind.

  “Where do you suppose she’s going? That patch of trees is filled with briars. I always meant to burn them out, but never managed to have it done. Don’t want my animals getting snagged up in there... ruins their coats.”

  Darcy narrowed his eyes in distrust as he watched Caroline’s horse pick its way over the bramb
les that barred entry to the thicket. Angry over her careless treatment of the horse, he followed Ned towards Caroline. From their vantage point, obscured by trees, they were able to watch her unseen. Dismounting, she led her horse for a few steps into a small clearing before slapping it hard on the flank. Spooked by her assault, the poor beast immediately reared before running off in the opposite direction. It was only after the horse was well out of sight that Miss Caroline Bigley lay down in the grass with one leg outstretched. When appropriately posed, she let out a blood curdling cry of pain, followed by repeated calls for assistance. Pausing their mounts outside the ring of trees, both men were torn between mirth and disgusted outrage.

  “How strange… of the nearly twenty men in attendance, your name is the only one that escapes her lips,” Ned acknowledged wryly.

  “I should prefer it to be any other. That woman has a fine talent for causing disturbances to her own satisfaction.”

  “Well then… I propose we assist the lady…but most assuredly NOT to her satisfaction. Leave it to me… but you may want to observe from a distance.”

  Feeling relieved, and more than his share of amusement, Darcy nodded and followed his host into the thorny barrier between the open field and the apparently mortally wounded Miss Bingley. Her cries for help had only intensified and were now interspersed with moans of pain. It required great resolve to not laugh aloud at the dramatics, as Ned returned her calls without disclosing Darcy’s nearby presence.

  “Miss Bingley? Is that you? Have you been hurt?”

  “I… ah… yes. My horse must have taken fright by something. I seem to have fallen on my ankle. Wasn’t Darcy with you?”

  “He was, but his own mount was favoring a foreleg. I suggested he go back to Oakwood. I am afraid you are stuck with me as the others are far ahead by now.”

  Ned entered the clearing as Caroline, irritated that her ploy had not worked, now stood on two perfectly solid limbs. Dusting off stray grasses that clung to her skirt, she did not meet his eye as she contemplated her next course of action. Darcy had been right behind her when the horn had sounded. Unless she wanted to walk the entire way back, a distance of nearly two miles, hospitality, however distasteful would have to be accepted. However, instead of rushing to her side, Viscount Adley leaned against the shoulder of his horse, an amused expression on his face.

  “Miraculous recovery?”

  Miss Bingley shot him an irritated look as she flicked the last of the grass away and marched forward, clearly unhurt.

  “Apparently I was mistaken as to the level of my injury. It must have been the shock of the fall. I am usually of excellent health and do not break easily.”

  “That is wonderful news. I should hate for an actress of your ability to be unable to complete such entertaining scenes. Oh, don’t fret… I am the only one to have witnessed your attempt at deception.”

  Caroline’s mouth had opened with the intention of continuing her fabrication, but Ned only held up a gloved hand.

  “Don’t bother to make excuses. I shall not believe them, but I have to wonder to what end you hoped to achieve by trying to get Darcy alone. He is clearly besotted by his wife. You don’t stand a chance… and by the way, lying is a very unattractive habit.”

  “Oh! You are most certainly not any sort of gentleman!”

  “A well-known fact, Miss Bingley, but then… you are hardly demonstrating qualities of a lady, so I suggest, that if you are quite done with your machinations, we depart. I am growing rather hungry.”

  “How dare you! I would rather crawl back to Pemberley than accept any assistance from you.”

  “Suit yourself,” Ned replied with a laugh and swung himself into his saddle. He had every intention of leaving the selfish form of Miss Caroline Bingley behind. It was only when she saw his threat was not idle and attempted to follow that he paused. Moving quickly through the tall grasses, her riding boot, fitted with a small spur, caught fast on an exposed root, pitching her forward. The resulting fall, did far worse than wound her pride. Caroline’s left foot now lay twisted at an odd angle under her. A trickle of blood, mixed with real tears of pain, ran down her cheek as she wiped dirt and gravel from her face.

  “Christ’s teeth Caroline, you do have an ability to cause trouble. Now, don’t move while I examine you. If any bones are broken, it may make it worse.”

  Silenced from having the breath knocked from her, there was no immediate response, until he put his hands upon her.

  “N…n... no. Don’t touch me.”

  “Shut up…. I won’t molest you,” Ned snapped as he ran his hands down her lower limbs, stopping at the affected foot.

  “I don’t dare remove your boot. Your foot may swell dangerously, but you are in no condition to walk. Put your arms around my shoulders, so I can lift you up onto my horse.”

  Caroline only eyed him suspiciously, but knew that he spoke the truth. She needed a doctor, but the closeness of his person unnerved her. The faint spicy scent of his cologne tickled her nose as she allowed him to lift her up, taking the uncomfortable weight off her injury. Within minutes, she was seated before him, trying to keep her body from conforming to his as the horse slowly trotted home, but it was of no use. The jostling sent sharp pangs of pain shooting through her foot with each step. Seeing her discomfort, Ned wrapped an arm around her, cradling Caroline against his chest like a baby.

  “Just pretend I am Darcy,” he muttered and urged the horse faster. The sooner he saw the last of Caroline Bingley, the better.

  ~TWELVE~

  The hunting party was cut short by Caroline’s injury as she was cushioned carefully in the carriage back to Pemberley. Having refused the insistence of Elizabeth and Darcy that she not be moved, it was arranged for the doctor at Lambton to meet them once they returned. It was with no small amount of idle talk that the appearance of Miss Bingley riding in a most familiar manner with the master of Oakwood passed through the drawing rooms of local families, including that of Oakwood itself. Many speculated a lover’s tryst, especially when one of the party had quite the reputation for such behavior. Upon their arrival, Ned had stridden past his guests and deposited Miss Bingley unceremoniously on a settee before disappearing into his library. The shocked looks of disapproval mixed with shrugs of confusion had no answer as to the cause of the scene. Taking control, Elizabeth Darcy propelled her husband to follow their host as she attempted to put order to the chaos.

  “Everyone please, help yourself to the luncheon buffet while I see to my sister. Clearly, she has been hurt. Georgiana? If you would?”

  Elizabeth’s tone, in addition to her deliberate appellation of sister in regards to Caroline, gave no room for debate or contradiction. Soon, the small crowd followed Miss Darcy leaving the two women alone.

  “What happened?” Elizabeth asked gently as she eased Caroline’s boot off, exposing a slightly swelling appendage.

  “I fell. Shouldn’t we wait for the doctor?” she replied flatly.

  “It will take too long for anyone to get here. Besides, I am quite familiar with falls from horses. My sister Lydia is rather clumsy. Wiggle your toes.”

  Caroline did as bid, wincing slightly.

  “Now bend your ankle slowly, toes upwards.”

  Again, Miss Bingley complied, making a face, but no cries of pain elicited.

  “I don’t believe it is broken, but you will be bed bound for a few weeks at least. And no wearing of heeled shoes for even longer.”

  Caroline groaned at the prognosis and turned her face into an embroidered cushion. This was not how she planned to spend her days, but at least it would give her time to forget the feel of Ned Grandby-Jones and allow what gossip their appearance had caused to dissipate. Despite the solid wall between where she lay and the rest of the guests, Caroline knew that gossip had begun already, and it burned her ears. There were those, all to similar to herself, who would take advantage of any opportunity, however harmless, to cause a stir. Only this time, she would be on the receiving en
d.

  ******

  While Elizabeth examined Caroline’s injury, Darcy inquired as to how the events came to pass. Accepting a glass of Scotch as his friend swiftly downed his third, Darcy would have sworn that the man acted like one who had his advances spurned. What exactly had happened in that copse after he left? Having only remained long enough to hear Ned acknowledge his observation of her scheme, Darcy had ridden on after the hunt. So, it was with true surprise when he learned that Caroline had actually been hurt.

  “I don’t know how you tolerate that woman!”

  “Caroline can be rather difficult. I suppose I have simply gotten used to her.”

  “Impossible! One may as well get used to having a viper about. It is no wonder she is not married.”

  Darcy snorted a laugh. He remembered all to vividly how Miss Bingley had expected him to marry her… and he had actually considered it. But, that was before he met Elizabeth. His Lizzie shattered all the expectations he had for women of society. She refused to put on false wiles or flattery to gain attention, nor did she place a man’s finances ahead of true affection. However, Elizabeth was a rare exception to the norm, the Caroline Bingley’s of the world were far to common.