Anne leaned back unsteadily against the support of the settee, as the full force of Caroline's words hit her just as they were intended. Practically engaged?
She looked across at the young raven-haired beauty. Dressed in folds of golden yellow, radiant in the afternoon sunlight, she sat smiling, full of self-satisfaction. Anne could only stare at the girl in disbelief.
Caroline held Anne's gaze; her well-practised, perfect wide grin fixed tightly in place. How deliciously delightful, she thought as she watched what little colour there was in Anne's pale complexion drain entirely from her face. How swift and accurate Richard was in his choice of ammunition. That Anne should take such a farcical declaration so clearly to heart, and so easily, only confirmed Richard's earlier concerns. Caroline was quite certain Anne did indeed have feelings towards the eligible Viscount.
Although it damned her to admit it, Caroline was rather thankful for Richards interference into his cousin's affairs, and her own for that matter. She knew Lord Colville had a soft spot for Miss de Bourgh, but she had never considered Anne as potential competition within the marriage mart of ton society. Who would? Yes, she was rich to be sure, but that alone could not recommend someone so quite frankly plain and past her prime when compared to the radiance of youth and beauty. Why this was almost too easy. Where was the sport?
As Caroline continued to meet the soft amber eyes of her opponent, suddenly she felt not quite as confident as she had but moments ago. Something had changed within Anne's typical subdued countenance. Caroline shifted her weight in her seat, growing uncomfortable under Anne's now unblinking stare. There was something new in her person, something Caroline had never expected from someone so meek and mild as Anne. There was an odd look, which could only be described as determination, across the usually placid expression of Miss de Bourgh. A look which Caroline had never before witnessed. The warmth of her eyes had lost all their honey coloured appeal, leaving a glassy coldness in their wake, while her jaw clenched most unpleasantly.
In that moment Caroline felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Perhaps she had been too quick in believing herself victorious. In an attempt to regain control of the situation she broke the descended silence thus:
"Oh, my dear Anne, do say you are happy by such news! Though you seem shocked? I must apologise for startling you so; for I was so certain my Edward would have confided in you. Perhaps I have been mistaken in my understanding of how close a friendship the two of you seem to share.
I would not have dreamed of breaking my dear Edwards promise of secrecy, if I had known he had not chosen to confide his inner most happiness with you; his most dear intimate acquaintance. Men are such enigmas, are they not, when it comes to matters of the heart. Do you not agree Miss de Bourgh?"
For the first time in Anne's life she felt a wave of emotion most foreign to her take hold within her person. It began in the very depth of her being, entirely overwhelming the unpleasant sensations in her stomach until she barely recognised the growing discomfort. It radiated through her body, creeping up her spine and tingled its way along her tightly clenched jaw. She hated Caroline Bingley. She categorically hated the smug faced, upstart of a young woman. Never in Anne's life had she ever truly hated anyone; not even her Mother! But, in this moment, it took all of her restraint not to forcibly remove Caroline Bingley from her home with immediate and permanent effect. Was such a ridiculous scenario to be believed? Surely not!
"Miss Bingley," Anne began slowly, taking a great deal of care in her choice of words. "I must admit I am all astonishment. You are correct, my dear Edward did indeed neglect to inform me of such a happy prospect. Why he never even mentions your name when we are so often alone together. He is quite the enigma indeed; for I should have believed him entirely indifferent to your rather obvious charms. Pray when did such a happy understanding take place?"
Anne watched as Caroline's dark eyes grew wide. She faltered; she had not expected Anne's temperament to rise to such a challenge. Anne de Bourgh dared to engage her in a battle of female wits? Though Caroline was well practised in the art of conversational war, an area where her sharp mind and sharper tongue excelled; she was not prepared for such an outcome with the usually dull Anne de Bourgh. She had thought Anne would simply thank her for sharing her confidence and then she would be on her way; free to enjoy the rest of her day and the satisfaction of a job well done. Caroline had not believed it possible that the rather stolid female would be capable of anything more. How delightfully surprising.
She took a slow sip from her teacup. Richard had better keep his end of their agreement. She was not risking her position and potential future security for nothing; and there was no telling just how much of an influence Anne had over the Darcy's good opinion. The truth of the proposal may have been but fabrication for the present, but this did not mean that the outcome would not in fact end very much to her satisfaction.
Upon their first introduction at the Royal Academy, Caroline had been most taken with the handsome Viscount. She had known him by reputation of course, though had never before met him out in company. Who would have known the dull Miss de Bourgh, and her limited connections amongst London society, would end up being so fruitful? She was certain he had not failed to notice her handsome face, her stature and elegant figure; for he was most agreeable when in her company, almost charming. He had been most attentive when they had been in Epsom Spa in preparation for the Derby. Why he had even commented on the shade of one of her now favourite gowns. It had been quite a vexation when he had left so abruptly. It had quite spoiled her trip entirely.
She looked Anne up and down. No, in comparison there was no real competition, Anne simply lacked the air and simple elegance which Caroline possessed so well. It loathed her to admit it, but for someone of her age she was borderline handsome. And in truth what was she? On her way to six and twenty? She must have been deluded to think a man such as Lord Edward Colville would take such an old spinster for a wife.
Fully confident in the strength of her own talents and allurements, Caroline had assumed that given more time in each other's company, she would have been more than capable of securing the eligible Lord Colville as her own. Oh, he was not so handsome as her beloved Darcy; yet even he with all his many excellent qualities, even dear Darcy he did not possess a title. Nor was Darcy an easy man. At least Lord Colville possessed an easy open temperament and conversational skills. Add to that the inducement of Viscountess, and he was a very handsome prospect indeed.
Men were always in need of a little persuasion when it came to the understanding of marriage; and Lord Colville was entirely the sort of man Caroline had every intention of securing. If Colonel Fitzwilliam wished to help her in such an endeavour, then all the better. If Anne and her sizeable fortune was to be his intended prize, so be it. It really mattered to her not.
All season Caroline had heard the idiotic gossip which had eagerly speculated over a forth coming announcement between the Viscount and 'the charming' Miss Anne de Bourgh. Why did everyone think Anne so charming? She was old, she was rather plain, and she wasn't even titled, just a granddaughter of an Earl.
It was about time a new player entered into the discussion. It was not Caroline's fault if the naive Miss de Bourgh had not secured her man in time. The season would soon be drawing to a close. There was no way Caroline would allow such an opportunity of securing such a man, with such a title, to pass her by.
"Why in Epsom of course," cooed Caroline in reply to Anne's previous question. Her brain was quickly calculating all the details which she could use to her best advantage. Thankfully Anne had remained in London during the Epsom Derby, there was no way possible for her to know any of the coming and goings during their time away. Caroline had made sure she was in Lord Colville's company as often as possible. How clever she had been in orchestrating her family's sudden departure for the races.
"Dear Edward practically begged me to accompany him to the race; but alas I could not commit to such an open display of our attachment. Could you imagine the gossip if I had accompanied him as one of his private party? How fortunate it was indeed when Mr Hurst announced he too intended to visit the races. There could be no harm if I was to attend with family, dear Edward and I could be together without scrutiny. Oh Anne, if you had seen the joy in his expression when he first saw me at the evening assembly in Epsom. I do believe no other man has ever looked upon me with such affection."
"I am surprised you take such care with regards to idle ton gossip. I would not of thought someone who knows the sharp tongue of narrow-minded society to yield so much power to affect one's actions. I myself care not for the approval of others. A trait I believe Lord Colville and I share." Anne took a sip from her now cold tea. "Am I to assume that he made his attentions towards you known while at Epsom? Perhaps that would explain it." She sat back watching Caroline's dark brows raise in curiosity.
"Explain it?"
"Why his sudden departure of course. It must have been something incredibly important to take Lord Colville away from his much beloved race horse. Before the race had even started no less, back to London he went and from what I have heard post haste. I assume he returned to make arrangements?" Anne looked at Caroline and gave her the sweetest most innocent smile she could muster. "Why that would explain why I have hardly seen him since his return. He must be quite overcome organising matters, before a formal announcement I mean. You will forgive me, Miss Bingley, for I have little experience in such matters. I believe I shall be of no use to you."
Caroline tried to read the expression across Anne's now rather cool demure, but it was useless. What luck, Anne had basically offered the most perfect of explanations. Was it so easy that she now believed him to have returned to London to make arrangements for their forthcoming betrothal? She almost laughed. For a moment she had expected Anne to at least challenge her, insult her even. Perhaps she had been right about Miss Anne de Bourgh's character all along, the woman had no backbone, let alone a bite.
"You have found us out, my dear Anne. Edward could not wait a moment more. He returned to London directly. But, my dear Anne, you must promise to keep the matter entirely secret until the announcement is made. I dare not go against the wishes of my dear Edward. Promise me that I can rely on your goodness to share in my private joy."
"Why Caroline, of course you can" replied Anne, suppressing her growing anger at the ridiculous, spiteful girl in front of her. She continued to smile, what would her mother do in such a situation? Her mother would take control, and that is exactly what Anne intended to do.
"As I said, I have not seen sight nor sound of Lord Colville in well over a week. I had wondered if there was something amiss, but it would seem now it all makes perfect sense. I am sure the two of you have had much to discuss. I assume you and Lord Colville have spent much time together over the last few days planning little details? I am sure you have rarely been apart from one another's company."
Caroline simply nodded, there was something in the tone of Anne's voice which she did not like.
"And pray, just between us," continued Anne, rising from her seat; "when is the happy announcement likely to take place? I wish to know, for I intend to be the first to offer my most sincerest of congratulations."
"Why, err... at our ball of course." Caroline replied rising to stand so that she towered above the short stature of her rival. "Why yes, naturally at the ball."
Anne felt her temper rising, but did all in her power to keep it hidden from view. She would not give Caroline Bingley the satisfaction. What on earth was going on? Clearly the girl had no idea with regards to Edwards true actions and whereabouts. Anne knew full well Edward had not left the Fraser's residence, nor Lord Fraser's bedside, since his return to London. What the devil was Caroline Bingley trying to do, this whole display was an utter farce!
Anne was more than aware of Caroline's blatant and rather embarrassing flirtation with Edward, she practically commandeered the poor man, but he had shown her no preference. Could any of this ridiculous situation be true? Anne was most certain it could not. Why the devil was she doing this? Surely Caroline must know that such a blatant lie would be found out? What was she to gain by telling Anne such a story?
Anne knew there was only one way in which she would understand the answer to such a question. She must speak to Edward, and now.
Anne crossed to the armchair in order to retrieve her pretty pink bonnet. "Well then now that I understand you, and we are within each other confidence; as I said previously Miss Bingley, I really do need to be on my way. I was just about to head to a prior engagement before your rather unexpected, and dare I say illuminating arrival. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to your ball at Hart's tomorrow evening. I am sure it shall be one of the seasons greatest triumphs."
"Oh indeed, Miss de Bourgh, it shall be a great triumph indeed."