Upon realising it was Darcy himself opening the door, Caroline hesitated to allow her young companion to alight from the carriage first. This allowed herself a much-desired inconspicuous moment of privacy to pinch her cheeks and bite her bottom lip firmly. She emerged a moment later; her complexion bright and flushed, with a smile so well perfected she knew it made her appearance most becoming. No longer naive to the ways of the world, she could finally appreciate her mothers pain-staking overseeing of her former education. Alongside music, drawing, languages and dance; her mother had been most insistent that her girls undertake ritualistic daily practise in front a mirror. A vast range of poses were practised, the main goal being to fabricate a smile of perfect 'true artful femininity'." An advantageous tool that would outshine any other lady their mother had said with much authority. Louisa had not been quite so skilled in the task, causing their mother to often lose her temper. Poor Louisa, she was far too quick to show all manner of emotions across her girlish complexion, and was far too inclined to fits of the giggles. Her sister could never quite satisfy their mothers expectations; but Caroline, well she had known exactly how to make her mother proud.
From under dark lashes, her head tilted slightly to one side, she beamed at Darcy as he stood shaking hands with the gentleman; asking all the common pleasantries expected after so long a journey.
"And do you not intend to ask how I fair Mr Darcy?" She let her voice drop to create a rich rounded tone. Men preferred woman with a warm voice, this was simply fact. It was an advantage she possessed over many simpering shrill voiced ladies of a higher octave, her own sister being one of them. "Though I am sure you can tell," she continued with a smile directed at the gentleman. "Never has a journey been more enjoyable, for who could find fault with a travelling companion as sweet as our dear Georgiana."
He stood looking down at her from his great height, his shoulders broad and his posture incredibly straight. Oh, how attractive his figure was, both in stature and breeding. That a man as glorious as Darcy would befriend a man, well how to express it, as simple headed as her older brother was quite a mystery. Yet, she would not question such an alliance, only thank her lucky stars that Charles could lay claim to finally being of some positive use. Her brother had met Darcy whilst attending University, though little good it did her brother in terms of good sense and wisdom. At the time she could not quite fathom why Charles had simply not taken a grand tour. Yet, the connections and friendships her brother had made during the time of his studies had indeed been exceedingly fruitful. It was who you knew after all, which truly placed you amongst society; and with Charles easy happy manners he seemed fortunate to acquire friends where ever he went.
"Miss Bingley what a pleasure it is to have you once more at Pemberley. I am sure you are all keen to take some light refreshment after such a trip If you would but all follow me into the house, I shall have Mrs Reynolds show you to your rooms. I thought perhaps with the day being so fine we could take a walk to the Old Mill along the top vista path. Georgie, I am sure you will enjoy such a plan, there are wildflowers in bloom aplenty."
"I think that a most excellent idea," Charles cried with enthusiasm. "Nothing more enjoyable than a walk to stretch ones legs after being so long in the saddle."
"Mr Darcy is all good ideas," cooed Caroline in response. "There are some things in which we can always depend." As she reached the front of the house she looked back over her shoulder towards Darcy. Catching his gaze, she remarked: "There is nothing I enjoy more than the outdoors; it does wonders for the brightness of ones complexion."
Upon entering the grand foyer, Caroline took a deep breath, marvelling at the splendour all around her. Oh, to be mistress of such a house. She should never tire of coming home to such a place. How Darcy could bear to leave it she did not know. Darcy House in London was very fashionable, an exceedingly good address on the correct side of the street, yet it was still no estate in the country. Yet the draw of London society and its entertainments were indeed too much to pass up when everyone worth knowing descended upon town.
She was more than aware that there were only a mere few weeks left of the current season. This was the month when the social calendar was at its most ambitious. She would likely miss some of the best balls of the season. Yet, the chance to see Pemberley again was too much an opportunity to waste. She had not seen the house in but almost two years. The busy parties and lavish engagements of ton were nothing when the only man in attendance worth impressing happened to be in Derbyshire. Lord Colville had merely been a small seasonal distraction. A distraction which, if her ambitions had been successful, would have been fruitful indeed. But alas, it was not to be. In truth she had hoped her attention to the Viscount would have spurred Darcy into some jealous retaliation of his own. Sadly, this had not been the case. She had scolded herself for being so foolish to believe that it could. Darcy was a paragon of self-control.
"Ah Mrs Reynolds, how wonderful to see you again." She smiled at the older lady, her cheeks almost aching from the strain. Upstart bloody woman.
She could tell from her cold demeanour that the housekeeper had not quite forgiven her for her sharp remarks upon her last stay. How was she to know Darcy treated the woman as though some sort of family pet? Caroline had never seen him so docile and agreeable as he was with that shrew of a woman. Caroline had merely treated her with the same disdain as she treated all her own hired help. They were paid to do a service; this did not mean she had to converse with them.
It had been the late spring of 1810 when Caroline had first arrived at Pemberley. It was usual for Darcy to spend Easter with his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings Park, but due to some unknown reason, his aunt had declined the need for his presence. At a loss from his usual schedule, he had invited Charles, the newly wed Hurst's, and Miss Bingley to spend a short stay at Pemberley before the start of the social season. Of course, Caroline could hardly believe her luck. Upon hearing that Darcy's younger sister would also be at home she had made it her mission to befriend the girl. Every moment she could not be in the company of the brother, she would be cosy with the sister. For everyone knew the influence a sister could have over a brother, it would be a most advantageous friendship.
Although only less than four years her junior, Georgiana had the appeared so young, so niave. Overall she had found the girl to be rather dull infact. Caroline could not help but pity her. All the best connections and wealth, yet none of the elegance or strong personality in which to put such privileges to good use. All the girl seemed inclined to do was stay within her music room playing the pianoforte or some other newly acquired instrument.
It had been during one of these tiresome afternoons, turning the sheet music for Georgiana and being as sweet and friendly as she could muster, that she had crossed the line with the afore mentioned Mrs Reynolds. Upon feeling the presence of someone enter the music room, Caroline had turned her head only to realise the housekeepers presence. She had turned back and ignored her, assuming the woman would simply leave once she realised the room was thus occupied. Yet, to her horror, she actually came closer to observe her young mistress as she fumbled her way through a particular tricky passage on the harp.
Caroline had taken most affront when the woman had enquired to Georgiana directly how she liked the new Harp in her possession, commenting that her skill would vastly improve with practice and that she should not be too disheartened by a few missed notes. Caroline had lost her temper at what she deemed a condescending remark, and in her fury cut the housekeeper down to size. How dare she address her betters in such a tone. She had continued to berate the woman with passion, while Georgiana simply looked on horrified, until a roar from the doorway signalled the arrival of Mr Darcy.
To Carolines utter dismay, he had scolded her! He told her, rather curtly, to hold her tongue and with profuse apologies, whisked the housekeeper and Georgiana from the room leaving Caroline alone and fuming. How was she to know that the siblings had some unusual attachment towards the woman, looking upon her as some sort of surrogate mother? The exchange had never been spoken of again.
The housekeeper looked upon Miss Bingley as she stood before her in a travelling dress of brilliant, burnt orange. Her hat was adorned with a cluster of rich brown grouse feathers which matched her rich dark cloak perfectly. With her warm creamy skin, dark eyes and ebony hair she looked every inch the society beauty. But that was where the beauty stopped; for Mrs Reynolds could see the girl clearly possessed no such beauty within her core. She had indeed not forgiven her for her previous sharp tongue, nor her general attitude towards the house staff of Pemberley. She could only hope that when the time came, her master would have sense to marry a woman of good heart as well as good looks.
"Miss Bingley," the house keeper replied stiffly. "It is an honour to receive you and your family again at Pemberley. Anything you should need, please do not but hesitate to ask. Alice, will you show Miss Bingley and the Hurst's to their chambers?"
Caroline followed her brother-in-law and sister as they ascended the grand staircase. As she took her leave she could hear the warmth return to the housekeepers voice as she conversed between herself, her master and her brother. She sighed. Yes, it appeared Charles easily made friends wherever he should go.
After an hour's refreshment the whole party set out towards the Old Mill. The sun was high, but not too hot to be unpleasant. Much to her delight her brother had offered his arm to Georgiana, who with the smallest of blushes, had accepted. As her sister was only too happily attached to her husband, this left Caroline in the position she desired most. Darcy offered his arm, and she gladly accepted. Due to his great height, this meant she could more than comfortably place her hand on his arm without feeling the need to stoop or bend her knees excessively. She was more than certain they cut a very fine pair.
Darcy did not say much, a fact she told herself she was more than content with. Far too many men spoke such a great deal of nonsense. She was simply happy to be near him, so close to his person, basking in his full attention.
After a few moments of silence, she grew restless. She made an attempt at small talk. She commented on the fine weather; asked if he thought this summer better than the last and if he was looking forward to the start of game season. His replies were short and to the point, 'indeed, no, naturally'. They fell silent once more. She gripped his arm possessively, lack of conversation or not, she told herself she was content. Darcy was simply a man of few words. This was surely a trait to be admired? Not enough people could truly appreciate silence as much as she could. They continued in this silent manner for what felt like eternity. Growing bored she let her focus settle upon her sister as she babbled away happily to her great lump of a husband not too far ahead. She sighed loudly, perhaps silence was indeed overrated. unable to hold her tongue a moment longer she proceeded to praise Darcys beautiful home and enthused over the grounds in which they now walked. She even went as far to enquire after the health and well-being of his wider family. She had been half hoping to hear some news of Richard, or indeed his cousin Anne, but none was forthcoming. Eventually she fell silent again. It would seem conversation would never be one of Mr Darcy's forthcoming character traits.But did a man so powerful and distinguished really need to bore himself with the everyday pleasantries expected from others? She tried to convince herself that he did not.
She looked upon her sister as she spoke away, her face free and expressive; while her husband simply nodded in response. How her sister could be quite so besotted with a man with such a dour personality as Reginald Hurst she did not know. Caroline would never wish to tie herself to a man so dull. She then watched her brother; he was just as animated as his sister. He spoke to Georgiana, his arms waving manically as he told her some anecdote or another. The girl listened with a bemused smile, occasionally asking him for more detail and laughing at his reply.
Upon reaching the clearing by the Old Mill, the couples broke apart, with the gentleman inspecting the old turn wheel by the steam while the ladies gathered wildflowers. Well in truth, it was Georgiana who was most keen to collect the wild blooms, Caroline simply stood leaning against a tree, pointing in this direction or that. Louisa would then follow Caroline's instructions and scurry about on the hunt for some usual flower to add to the girl's collection. Honestly to think this was her elder sister.
"Georgie," Darcy called as he strode towards their little gathering. Caroline instantly sprang away from the tree trying her best to look fully engaged in helping his sister in her floral collecting.
Nodding to Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst he took Georgiana gently by the elbow and led her slightly off, his head bent as he spoke something to her. Caroline stood stock still, straining her ears with all her might to try and hear what was being said. Sadly, she could make out nothing. This annoyed her immeasurably.
They continued in this way for another half an hour before wrapping the flowers within a sheet of muslin ready to be taken back to the house and sorted. Once more they set out in their three little couples, Mr Bingley gallantly carrying the fabric pile of picked blooms. Again, Darcy was quiet. He seemed distracted, even more than usual. There was only so much idle, one sided conversation Caroline could muster with such little encouragement, so she too fell silent. She listened to the conversations of her sister and brother to help pass the time, nearing the house to her relief in but a short while. She found walking considerably dull. She was only half listening to her brother as he chatted away aimlessly with Georgiana, when suddenly Charles cried out:
"Darcy, you did not tell me she was here! My how wonderful. Would you mind terribly if I were to join you both tomorrow? I wish to pay my respects and call upon our dear friend. My, it must be but what? I do not know, but it has been many months at least since I have had the great pleasure of Miss Bennet's company."
Upon hearing the name Caroline's whole body stiffened. Darcy looked down avoiding her gaze rather sheepishly.
"What do you mean Charles?"
"Did you not hear Caro? Miss Bennet is staying with relations at the Inn at Lambton. Darcy is due to call on them tomorrow morning."
"Oh, Jane is indeed a sweet girl. It will be nice to see her again after such a long absence," Louisa replied quite jolily. "It seems like such an age since we were in Hertfordshire."
"Oh, no Louisa, you are quite mistaken; for it is not Miss Jane Bennet who is present but her sister Miss Elizabeth."
"Miss Elizabeth! How delightful," replied Caroline coldly, dropping Darcy's arm and moving forward at an increased pace towards the entrance of the house. She had quite reached her fill of walking for the day.
