Matchmaking at Pemberley Read online

  “How did she react to being caught in a ruse?”

  “She shook it off as if it was of no account. Then she had the nerve to actually take a fall, but it was not my assistance she wanted. It was yours. Apparently, I was a poor substitute,” Ned snapped, and drained his glass again.

  Darcy eyed his friend curiously. Never before would he have said that Ned Grandby-Jones was jealous of any man, but something about the way he ranted was different. Daring to add fuel to Ned’s anger, Darcy voiced his thoughts.

  “You…you actually like her… and she wounded your pride.”

  Ned slammed his empty glass down with such force that he feared it would break as Darcy burst out laughing. The desire to hurl the piece at his friend’s head was intense, but he refrained, sinking into a chair in defeat. Darcy was right, he did like Miss Bingley and he knew exactly why. For years, he had wasted much of his time dallying with one woman or another, but never seriously. Many had chased his title and fortune, but not Caroline. He doubted that she really felt anything significant for Darcy, or if she had, it was now gone, leaving resentment for his happiness in its place. Being past the age when most women married, her choices would hardly be for love, or even congenial companionship. She would be stuck with a fortune hunter that would ignore her, or a doddering old man trying to recapture some semblance of youth. Miss Bingley needed a man that defied society, yet could freely walk in it. She needed him as much as he wanted her. Yes, she was beautiful… and yes… she was also a shrew, but he was tired of women that constantly agreed with him. Looking up to where Darcy stood watching with an amused grin, he flashed his regular devious smile.

  “So… how do I convince her that she belongs with me?”

  “Of that, you are on your own… just promise not to do anything to cause a scandal. My days of patching up that sort of thing are over.”

  “No promises.”

  ~THIRTEEN~

  For the next few weeks, little was seen of the residents of Pemberley as their guest recuperated. Fortunately, it was as Elizabeth had suspected, simply a bad sprain. But, this fact did little to alleviate the misery inflicted upon all.

  “Some time off your feet should set you to rights, but I must be firm in that. As we age, the healing process can be longer than anticipated,” the elderly doctor insisted after confirming the diagnosis.

  Of this advice, however mortifying in its realty, Miss Bingley had taken to the extreme. With a ball scheduled at the home of Lord Robert Brackleburn later that month, she would do nothing to prohibit being able to dance. If that met servants waiting on her constantly, so be it. Only late at night, when there was no one to see, did she dare walk about on both feet. The pain had stopped completely some days ago, but when others were present she played the invalid. Besides, the Darcy’s could afford to accommodate her, it was their fault that she had been hurt in the first place. Despite the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy being over four years past, Caroline blamed every unfortunate event in her life on this unhappy circumstance. If Darcy had married her, life would be different. Instead, she was the unwelcome guest in the home to which she should have been mistress. The knowledge of her position was not new, but the growing resentment was now a constant companion. Even Georgiana’s daily visits had become a bore. All the girl did was prattle about how handsome Robbie Brackleburn was or how fascinating she had found the architecture of Oakwood Hall. By now, Caroline knew every nook and cranny of the house owned by that horrible Viscount Adley and she never wanted to lay eyes upon him or his house again. What did it matter that beneath the rustic exterior every modern convenience had been installed? Or, that the furnishings of the more private rooms rivaled that of Pemberley? What did it matter at all when the master of the place was a complete ogre? How dare he simply abandon her after the hunt? And to think that she had almost considered him somewhat handsome? Her invalid status must be affecting her mind. Now, as she attempted to arrange a cushion under her ankle, the frustration only festered. Throwing the offending item across the room, she reached for the small bell on the table next to her chair and rang it furiously. But, instead of the mousey maid that usually came to her call, Elizabeth Darcy entered her chamber, wearing a countenance of complete exasperation.

  Just that morning, Elizabeth had found the appointed maid closeted in the housekeeper’s sitting room in tears over the assignment.

  “I don’t wish to seem ungrateful. Mrs. and Mr. Darcy are the best of employers, but Miss Bingley is so…so MEAN!”

  Mrs. Reynolds, fearing that the girl would give notice, had taken her concerns to Elizabeth. It was difficult to find proper servants nowadays. Most were wanting all sorts of accommodations, or stating what they would or would not do. However, Anna Reynolds had been housekeeper at Pemberley for nearly thirty years, and never had she encountered one as selfish as Miss Bingley. All of the staff dreaded her visits, and this one had gone on for months. Poor Mavis was done in.

  “I shall see to her. It is past time that her demands have ceased. No one will be answering her bell anymore after today. If she wants something, she will have to get it herself,” Elizabeth had informed the housekeeper after comforting the crying maid and slipping a sovereign into the girl’s apron pocket. It was more than she normally earned in a month, but well deserved.

  Pushing open the chamber door, only the back of Caroline’s coifed head was seen above the chair positioned before a small fire. Unaware that someone else had entered, she barked her demand.

  “My foot is cold. It will not heal this way. Why can’t you manage to make a proper fire? Are you too stupid to do that simple task?”

  “No, and neither are any of Pemberley’s staff. It is you who is unreasonable and selfish in the extreme, but that is nothing new. However, what is of interest is the fact that there is a gentleman below who has come to call upon you specifically.”

  Caroline’s eyes flashed with anger before turning to interest. Who would be coming to see her? Frantically, she filed through the list of persons to which she had been introduced during her stay, but no one stood out as having shown any particular interest.

  “As you can see, I am as yet indisposed. Please give whomever it is my apologies.”

  “You will have to do that yourself. From now on, no one will wait upon you beyond basic cleaning. All of your meals will also be taken below. It is high time that you began exercising that leg.”

  “What do you know. I should see the doctor again for a professional opinion.”

  “As you wish, but there is no way that you shall be able to attend the ball at Piper’s Bend unless you are well. And I refuse to allow Georgiana miss the event out of pity for you. It is rare that she is eager to be around so many strangers. You will be left here alone for the entire weekend.”

  Caroline made a very unladylike face, but it went unnoticed by Elizabeth as the chamber door opened once again. Instead of a servant, or Georgiana, Ned Grandby-Jones strode boldly into the chamber.

  “Good afternoon Miss Bingley, I see you are recuperating nicely,” he greeted with a smirk of satisfaction underlying the polite words.

  “Oh! You! This is highly inappropriate! Elizabeth! How can you allow him to traipse about so freely?”

  “Darcy is not home, and all the other manservants are attending to other duties. Viscount Adley had generously offered to assist you downstairs. Besides, it is he who has come to call. Do excuse me, I must see to a rather pressing household matter.”

  Caroline noticed the way Elizabeth stressed the intruder’s proper title, but it did little to ease her embarrassment. And, within seconds she was gone, leaving two unmarried persons unchaperoned in a lady’s bedchamber. Such things were simply not done. Was this the norm now at Pemberley? It was no wonder that her younger sister married to avoid scandal. While Caroline pondered this sudden lack of propriety, the man in question leaned against the open doorway, eyeing her curiously.

  “What? What is so amusing?”

  “Why you of course, who els
e? Now, unless you want every servant wagging their tongues about my presence, I suggest you allow me to assist you below. Do you need me to carry you?”

  “No!” Caroline snapped and slowly rose under her own power, but the rawness of her nerves made the movement unsteady and she was forced to take the proffered arm for support. Why was he here?

  *****

  Elizabeth chuckled to herself softly as she left Caroline’s chamber. It was highly irregular to allow Ned inside, but it was equally odd that he actually professed to like the snobby woman. When Darcy had shared this fact, she had stared at him in complete disbelief. In truth, they were well suited if one removed any requirement for mutual affection. The only problem remaining was convincing Caroline. Absently, Elizabeth wondered if the woman had ever even received a marriage proposal. Would she accept the title of Lady Adley if offered? It was a hope that could not be fulfilled soon enough. Just that morning, a letter arrived from Jane and Charles. They had welcomed a healthy son last week. Little Theodore Malcolm Bingley was thriving and they would journey to Pemberley in a few weeks’ time when the child was able to travel. While she was beyond pleased for Jane and Charles, it would mean that unless an offer of marriage was made and accepted, Caroline would return to Netherfield. The prospect was indeed gloomy as her overbearing need to control every aspect of Jane’s life would once again make her sister miserable. It may be time to do something a bit more drastic.

  ~FOURTEEN~

  Caroline kept silent until they had reached the small parlor used to receive morning guests. After carefully arranging her skirt to avoid wrinkles, she primly folded her hands, and took on the façade of polite interest.

  “So, what brings you to Pemberley today? Surely it is not simply to see me?”

  “What else could be more important? I had not heard word of your condition and wished to see for myself how you were fairing. I should hate to not be able to dance with you at the Brackleburn ball… you will be well enough to attend?”

  “I believe so, but dancing may not be on my agenda.”

  “If not dancing, then what? Another attempt to seduce Darcy away from Elizabeth? If so, you are wasting your time.”

  Caroline’s mouth dropped in shock before she recovered enough to order him out.

  “How dare you suggest that I would do such a thing?”

  “Oh, I do, I have seen my share of women like you. On the shelf and desperate… and if you do not lower your voice, I shall make a greater scene than you can imagine.”

  “Out! Get out! I have never been so insulted! Darcy will have you flayed for such remarks.”

  “I seriously doubt it. My guess is that he is quite tired of your antics as well.”

  By now, Caroline was past speech, sputtering every uncharitable epithet she knew in an attempt to draw one of the hundred of Pemberley’s servants to her aid, but strangely, no one seemed to hear her cries. It was not until she began to screech incoherently that Ned tossed her over his shoulder, knocking the wind from her lungs that she was again silent. Striding through the open doors to the rear garden, he smiled as he enjoyed the weight of Miss Bingley in his arms. Each time she attempted to resist or speak, he swatted her upturned bottom, ignoring the pounding of her fists on his back. Spying a small bench under an apple tree a far enough distance from the house to prevent being overheard, he quickened his steps and gently deposited his burden.

  “Well, now, if we have gotten that settled, I suggest we converse like rational persons.”

  “Nothing about your actions suggests any rationale… or sanity.”

  Ned only smiled, that was not the first time such had been said about him, but this time he was serious in his intentions. However, an offer of marriage so soon would be surely met with rejection. While she was the first woman who had sparked this level of interest, it was far too early to commit to a lifetime that could result in mutual misery.

  “Miss Bingley… Caroline… surely you see a level of agreeability with being able to speak without guile? Is it not a rare thing between two people?”

  Caroline did not respond, but her silence shouted agreement. It was tiring to constantly restrain her true feelings under a sugary mask.

  “So, you do agree? I too hate the false expectations of polite society. Perhaps our mutual opinion can allow for an alliance of sorts.”

  “An alliance? For what purpose?”

  “Our own entertainment.”

  “I don’t see…”

  “Oh, but you do. I hardly believe that Miss Darcy is one to enjoy poking fun at others… especially when they deserve it. Nor, can I imagine any unbridled conversation with Elizabeth. Your attempts to go after her husband are legendary, rendering that potential friendship an impossibility. You and I, however, share no such pretense.”

  “So, we are to be ‘friends’?”

  “Indeed… the best of friends.”

  Caroline eyed him with distrust, but the idea was compelling. Despite having grown up with siblings, with each marrying and growing their circle of acquaintances, there was nary a person with whom she could say there was a true friendship. Some sort of competition was always interfering. It would be a pleasant change to not have to constantly pretend, however unconventional the arrangement.

  “Perhaps a trial?”

  Ned smiled his smirky grin and nodded. A trial it would be... for them both.

  “Now, if that is settled, I suggest we return to the house before the servants gossip. Take my arm, the walk will do you good, I should not want you to get fat from all that lying about. Carrying you probably did permanent damage to my shoulder.”

  Caroline elbowed him sharply in the ribs, she clearly remembered the feel of solid muscle beneath her as she was carried out.

  “Perhaps it is you that has run to fat if a person of my petite stature is too great?” she retorted with a genuine smile.

  *****

  Elizabeth Darcy had overheard the conversation until Ned removed Caroline to the garden. But now, as they casually strolled in return, all appeared as it should. To any observer, the couple was courting in compliance with every propriety. Only the residents of Pemberley knew otherwise. Her screams had nearly rattled the windowpanes in volume and excuses had to be made to the contingent of footmen that had raced to her calls.

  “I believe Miss Bingley may have seen a rat. Perhaps a trap or two should be set to ease her fears.”

  Every man present nodded in agreement to their mistress’s suggestion, knowing full well that no rodent had penetrated Pemberley’s immaculate interior. The only rat currently in residence was Miss Bingley.

  ~FIFTEEN~

  Two weeks later….

  While Miss Bingley recuperated and formed a new alliance, Miss Darcy’s thoughts stayed fixed upon the person of Lord Robert Brackleburn. Although their families had been close friends for years, the connection had become somewhat distant when Robbie went off to study at Oxford. Agnes, keeping close to home, had tended their father until his recent death. Off the late Lord Brackleburn, it was a blessing to all that he had finally passed on. Since the death of his wife, the elderly man had been cantankerous at best, and downright tyrannical at worst. So, it was with great happiness after the appropriate period of mourning that the siblings had returned to society. It was an even greater happiness that the relationship between Robbie and herself had become something more than that of childhood playmates. Not a week passed since the hunting party at Oakwoods, that the Brackleburn’s were not visitors to Pemberley. Georgiana also gave a silent thanks to the presence of Elizabeth as she would make excuses to occupy Agnes, leaving her time alone with Robbie. It was not that Georgiana disliked the beautiful, but distant woman. On the contrary, Agnes had always indulged her childhood whims in the absence of a mother. It was only her overly pious nature that made long periods in her presence awkward. Georgiana often feared saying something that would be deemed inappropriate, resulting in silence, but when she was gone… well that was another matter. It seemed th
at with Robbie, she could discuss anything without censure or ridicule.

  Now, as she turned before the cheval in her chamber, Georgiana fantasized Robbie’s face when he saw her new gown. Never before had she looked forward to such a large gathering, but with him, already insisting upon the first three dances, she could forget all else. Running her hands over the shimmering gold fabric, it felt as if she were wearing silken cobwebs. It was far finer than anything she had ever worn. Twirling, so the skirt fanned about her limbs, she did not hear the soft knock on the door before Elizabeth entered. It was only when the audible gasp of shock escaped the lips of her brother’s wife that Georgiana ceased her play with a guilty blush to her cheeks.

  “Is it not the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? I cannot wait to wear it to Piper’s Bend.”

  “Ah yes, it is quite dazzling, but Georgiana, that is not a ballgown…”

  “What do you mean? Caroline said it is the latest Paris fashion. She has one similar, but in red.”

  “I am sure it is quite popular in Paris, but not in a respectable house… at least not in the public rooms. You are wearing a negligee. It is meant to be deceptive, but when seen in the proper light, it becomes transparent. From the doorway, I could clearly see all of your undergarments.”

  “But… but that cannot be so. Caroline would never do that to me,” she protested, but reality came crashing painfully as Darcy, wondering where Elizabeth was, now stood frowning in the open doorway.

  “Ahem… do excuse me, but Elizabeth is correct, and if I were not your brother… well…”

  His words faltered as a deep crimson crept into Georgiana’s face as she hastily grabbed a shawl and covered herself. Fortunately, Elizabeth directed him to leave and closed the door firmly. By now, the young woman had collapsed into tears as she sank onto her bed.