Having removed his hat and gloves, Charles handed them to the butler before turning decidedly in the direction of the library.
"Charles, where are you going? We shall have tea and refreshments in the eastern parlour. Darcy always has refreshment upon returning from an engagement. I am sure you will feel in much better spirits after a restorative cup of tea."
She walked across the foyer, the green silks of her skirt swishing in time with each step. She was most anxious to see the damage an hour in the company of Miss Eliza Bennet had inflicted upon the gentleman she most admired. For her brother to fall prey to her artfulness was forgivable, he was after all rather spineless upon examination; however, Darcy was another matter entirely.
Surely Darcy had more wit about him than to simply be undone by the face of a pretty woman. Fines eyes or not, surely, he had not lost all sense of proprietary; not to mention decorum and good sense. Upon reaching the arch of the corridor she turned. Her brother was not following her.
"Come along Charles, this way. Do make haste, for I find myself quite parched. I do not wish to keep Darcy waiting."
"Oh, of that I am most certain, though I doubt the sentiment is shared nor welcomed."
She almost swallowed her tongue in surprise.
"I think not Caroline. I have no intention of joining you for tea. If anything, I am rather desirous of an afternoon devoid of all company."
"You think not? Oh, do not be so foolish. Come along."
"I will not come along. I am not some pet pooch forever at your beck and call. Caroline do not tell me what I shall and shall not do.
I have no intention of joining you, Darcy or anyone else for that matter, for bloody tea!"
"You will do what is expected of you."
"For once I shall do exactly what I please."
Baffled by yet another uncharacteristic outburst, she all but lost her patience.
"You are not still sulking over the eldest Miss Bennet," Caroline exclaimed, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "Oh, for heaven's sake Charles, be reasonable. I thought we had exhausted this subject? Do not tell me this childish rather cantankerous mood, is but over such a trifling matter."
"A trifling matter," he all but laughed, throwing his arms wide. "Do not dare tell me I am being childish. I am exceedingly surprised you of all people can accuse another of such a trait. I told you Caroline, I need time to process what has occurred. You cannot be so unfeeling, so naïve, to assume that all is suddenly well. I need time to think."
"Think!" She cried, a hint of hysteria ringing in her voice. "What in heavens can one have to think further on the matter?"
A flurry of anger resonated within her chest as she considered an outcome that would be most unwelcome. Surely her brother did not still have intentions towards Jane? Had not her quick removal of their presence from Hertfordshire put an end to such a risk of formal courtship? She could not have her brother continue to think of that simpering blonde-haired Bennet!
Had she not practically just told him the girl did not even wish to see him? Lie or not, surely her brother was not so weak as to pursue a woman when persuaded she cared for him not. A union between the two would not do. She had worked far too hard, for far too long, to see her brother the wife of a mere country nobody.
For the entire London season, she had done all in her power to introduce him to a miriage of suitable woman. Why, even mousey Anne de Bourgh would have been a vast improvement; for why not kill two birds with one stone? She had exhausted herself, orchestrating several attempts to turn his head, but to no avail. Surely her brother just needed some encouragement? It was not as though he had not fallen for an angelic faced beauty before. Yet, for some obscure reason, Jane Bennet appeared difficult to forget. Caroline was truly reaching the end of her tether.
There was no way she would ever call that woman sister. To be forever bound to that woman was out of the question; and by that woman of course her self-centred, jealous nature meant Elizabeth. Of course, Jane's situation in life was not exactly a desirous march, yet Jane's only true fault was being a penniless nobody with rather vulgar relations. Her brother simply had to marry a woman of higher social standing if he was to be in anyway useful to her own aspirations.
Changing tact, she replied in what she hoped a calm soothing tone;
"Charles there is nothing more to think of. Do not torture yourself further brother. Let all thoughts of Miss Jane Bennet be forgot. She does not care for you. Her decided avoidance to renew your acquaintance can only be final confirmation that the matter must now and forever more be closed. Do not make a further fool of yourself than has already been made of you by that family."
She smiled at him reassuringly, yet still he made no move to follow her. The calm facade, she could muster no longer, losing her temper she all but spat;
"No one can respect a man who goes out of his way to be pitied. A man so without character, without pride; I am embarrassed to own you as my brother. This whole act is growing rather tiresome. If mother or father could only but see you now, they..."
"Be careful Caroline, do not test my patience. For one day you shall say something which I shall not be able to cast aside so easily. I have no intention of listening to another of your hateful rants, so you may calm yourself. For once in your life, I must beg of you to simply hold your tongue. I told you before I shall need time to process my own thoughts. I would be very much obliged if you would, although a foreign concept, be gracious enough to allow me that small solace."
"So, you intend to deny myself and our hosts of your company so that you may wallow in your own self-pity? How shall I explain your absence without making you appear ridiculous?"
"For once in your life Caro, you need say simply nothing. For once I believe, if you are able, you can do everyone here present the most joyous curtesy of remaining silent. I have paper work I really must attend to before Mr Montague's arrival."
"Mr Montague!" Caroline cried. "You invited him here? To Pemberley? A mere law man, and you brought him to this house?"
"Darcy is more than aware of his invitation, for whom do you think extended it? It is not my place to invite one man into another gentleman's home, the idea was all Darcy's. In fact, it is he who has secured the whole exchange. Mr Montague's council is becoming much sought after, I am afraid without the influence of Darcy, I do not believe he would have accepted my case. Why else do you think we have been invited to Pemberley?"
Caroline felt like she had been hit in the stomach. In truth she believed her invitation to Pemberley had been purely secured by the desire of the host for it to be so. She had, with great pleasure, assumed that Darcy indeed wished for her company. She had seen it as a sign, that he felt the desire to have her once more within his familiar setting. To hear that business was the reason behind her return to Pemberley wounded not only her pride, but also her heart.
"Then why am I here? Why remove myself and our sister from the final engagements of the season, if only business was intended?"
Charles shrugged his shoulders, unaware of the meaning behind the question. "Darcy wished for his sister to return to Pemberley before the end of the season, and in bringing you all with me, it allowed this to happen most smoothly. It seemed all but logical to extend the invitation once I knew my own intentions; why should Miss Darcy not benefit from the company of suitable chaperones during the journey? I am sure we discussed this. It was always my intention to come to Pemberley in order to meet Mr Montague. He has been this last fortnight at Matlock. The Earl speaks of the fellow very highly, bit of a force to be reckoned with when it comes to property law. Why else do you think he was given so much attention upon his invitation to our ball at Hart's?
Darcy had business with his steward and asked if Montague would be so kind as to take a meeting with both of us present before his return to London. Everything has been arranged most conveniently, in true Darcy efficiency."
"So, I am purely here in the role as chaperone?"
"Louisa agreed it would be a very pleasant way to spend the fortnight. She thought it would allow time for Miss Darcy to settle once more at home before being left to her own devices. To be honest I feel for the poor girl, no sisters or mother for companionship. It must get rather lonesome out in the country so far from those of her own acquaintance. Darcy has never been one for socialising. I believe Louisa shares my sympathies."
"It would appear you and Louisa share a great deal without my knowledge."
"Perhaps Caro, it is simply nice to speak to one's sibling as an equal. A novel idea, I grant you, but a pleasant one never the less."
"Is this some sort of attempt at humour? For I find the whole situation most vexing. I have missed the final engagements of the season in order to act as nurse maid."
"Now who is being childish?"
She stared at him; a deep-set scowl etched her dark features. She was not even going to dignify that remark with a response. How dare he twist her own words to suit his purpose.
"I see how it is to be. I am in no mood to be humoured. To be forever the unwanted youngest child, oh, I know my lot in life. You and Louisa have your little club, see if I care."
Charles sighed; he really was in no mood for Caroline's theatrics. It would do the girl good to realise she was not pivotal to the events of the world. He had enough on his mind as it was, regardless of the situation concerning Miss Bennet. Surely Caroline knew he had greater things to worry about? At least Louisa, thankfully, shared his concerns.
He often wondered how dear Louisa managed so much in Caro's company without throttling her sister. He bowed his head towards her, indicating the exchange was over, ready to depart to the library. Sometimes with Caroline it was simply easier to walk away.
"Oh yes go, go and find solace in the pretence of doing something worthwhile. Do as men are able and hide behind the mask of suitable employment, but I know it is but a farce, an excuse to brood. There can be nothing so urgent that must require the skills of Mr Montague which can cast aside the rules of etiquette. To simply ignore one's host in the pursuit of one's own interests is most shocking."
"Oh, Lord Caro, do stop going on about having tea! There are much bigger issues afoot! I am sure Darcy cares not for my presence over midmorning cake and buttered bread! Must you be so blinded by what you wish truth that you cannot understand the seriousness of the matter?"
She scoffed, for she knew what he was referring to. Her brother had been on edge this last month since the arrival of the letter. Why, she knew not, for surely the contents were ludicrous.
"You are not still concerned over cousin Alfred's fabrications? Charles, he is merely an opportunist. I am sure Mr Rodger's will have the matter dealt with, both privately and effectively. There really is no need to bring outside council such as Montague into our family's concerns. Father always trusted Mr Rodger's council, if it was good enough for him, it should be good enough for you."
"It is not that simple Caroline and you know it. You must admit the claims cannot go ignored. Be sure Alfred is seeking council as we speak, for why else bring his intentions to our notice? I am expecting legal action and I am preparing myself for such a battle. Even Darcy finds the matter of great concern. You are far superior in mind than you lay claim to be, even you must know the risks."
"Why should I, when I believe it to be utter balderdash. Perhaps if you behaved more determined, simply told Alfred that such an idea was out of the question he would simply let it be. Offer him money, for surely that is all he is after. There is nothing a financial settlement between the two of you cannot resolve, privately."
"It is money agreements that could be the very root of this issue! How can even you not see that? Caroline, he is claiming that his father's money is the very foundation of our wealth and prosperity. He implies that it was his father who loaned our father the capital to expand his business, and in doing so his father possessed equal shares. If such a case proved correct, we could lose everything. We do not have the capital freestanding to settle such a claim to which he is implying his due. We would need to sell our London home and withdraw all our investments even to produce half such a sum as settlement."
"Just because a man claims something as fact, does not mean it is true."
"He says he has the paper work to prove such a transaction occurred between brothers, what other proof do you need before you will face that there could be some element of truth? I can only hope Mr Montague will agree to take our case."
"He is but a boy. Surely, if you must insist on bringing this matter to someone outside of our usual financial council, then go to someone with more years of experience. Mr Montague can be but only the same age as you Charles! What professional advice can he be expected to offer compared to that of another? Surely Darcy has a law man in which we can be assured the utmost discretion?"
"It is Mr Montague whom Darcy recommends. Caroline the matter will only remain private until Alfred officially brings the claim to court, as seems his desire. I am doing all I can to prepare for such an occurrence. I do not know the weight of such a claim. I was never aware of father borrowing or entering into any financial agreements with our uncle. But yes, I am taking the matter as serious, and it is about time you did too."
"I will do no such thing, for it is only when we believe an idea that we grant it power. Let him say what he wishes, make claims that we know to be false. The moment you allow him to know you have acknowledged his falsehoods, is the moment you grant him power over us."
"He already has power in his ability to bring a lawsuit against us, it cannot simply be ignored because we do not wish it to be true."
"To be the subject of such gossip is unacceptable. Do you realise the impact this will have? To be but fodder for ton gossips?"
"Then it is fortunate that the season is near an end and we can take leave of London for the seclusion for the country. Perhaps it is best if we were to stay at Netherfield."
"Netherfield! You cannot be serious. I simply refuse."
"I shall insist upon it. I can see no benefit of our presence in town if the matter becomes public knowledge. I, just as much as you, have no desire to be fodder for gossip and speculation. The house is paid until next spring and right now I cannot justify purchasing another let. Netherfield is easy distance from London, it will be most convenient."
"Oh, I am sure you will find it very convenient!"
He looked at her sharply. In truth, if he lost everything his desire to secure Miss Jane Bennet would be but that, a desire. If Alfred, as his letter of intent suggested, planned to legally obtain more than half of their property and wealth as his own, they would lose a great deal. He would be in no position to marry, for he would likely lose their home and much of his disposable income. It was an outcome he could not yet comprehend.
"Regardless of what you think, it is this family, our name and our place in society which is my only focus. I have no intentions of giving in to these allegations and intend to fight our cousin in order to obtain the truth and an outcome in our favour."
"For once in your life Charles, I do hope you are right. I will not lose what we have achieved due to the word of some relation."
"Let us hope this all this turns out to be just that, his word against our own. Mr Montague is due to arrive the morrow. If you will excuse me, I really must go and prepare ahead of his visit. Make my excuses to Darcy, though I am sure he understands the importance of my absence."
He turned and walked towards the library leaving Caroline no other choice but to enter the morning room on her own. She stomped her foot in irritation. Surely if they just ignored their cousin the matter would go away? They had not even seen the man in over fifteen years, what claim to their wealth could he really possess? Surely his father would have acted during his lifetime to reclaim any money that was his dues?
She paused outside the door of the morning room. What would Darcy think if such a lawsuit became public knowledge? She was certain he would not abandon her brother, she believed in the bonds of their friendship. Yet, how would it affect her standing in his eyes? She paused before opening the door, in order to pinch her cheeks and smooth the fabric of her skirts. Fixing a bright smile across her face, she opened the door and entered the room only to be met by silence.
The tea service sat, untouched upon the table, there was no sign of Darcy or his sister. Scowling, she sat heavily down upon the settee shoving a small piece of cake into her mouth is a most undignified fashion. The day had most certainly not gone to plan.
