Caroline watched from her upper floor bedroom window, as the carriage departed early from Pemberley the very next morning for Lambton. She scowled at such a sight; the hour was most unfashionable. She tapped her foot against the dark stained floorboard as the metallic taste of blood inked its way across her tongue. She had bitten the inside of her cheek raw in her agitation.
"Do you not think it would have been wise, and indeed proper, if we too had made up one of the party?" Louisa called from across the room; turning her head repeatedly to admire her neatly set rows of golden curls in the vanity mirror.
Caroline sighed loudly. She was in no mood to talk to her sister. Louisa was always at her most animated and in need of conversation during the early hours of the day. Louisa either did not hear her sister, or simply ignored such an overused response and continued:
"I dare say we too should have been included in such a scheme. It is shocking is it not, to be quite so overlooked? For Darcy to outright say during supper that there was to be no room in the carriage was quite the oversight. For I am sure we could have simply taken a second carriage, it is most disappointing. For I too would have liked, very much, to have accompanied Charles to pay our respects to Miss Bennet and her relations.
You know my dear, I do believe she is with her uncle from Cheapside! Can you even imagine? Why Mr Darcy feels such an urgent need to appeal to the good opinion of such a man I do not know. However, that being said, I do not see why we should miss out when our own brother is off saying his merry hellos. It does not sit well with me I can assure you. Especially when Miss Darcy has no previous claim to an acquaintance with the lady. Oh, and to leave quite so early without a word of warning! Poor Agatha has only just finished my hair."
"Oh, for goodness sake, do hush Louisa," Caroline snapped. She had not slept well, which had in no way improved her dark mood. Her sister's ridiculous ramblings were only adding to her increased irk. Indeed, she often believed she possessed two of the silliest siblings in all of England. She turned her dark eyes sharply upon her sister, her mouth downturned in a most disapproving fashion. "Honestly sister, you must learn when to hold your tongue. Do you really believe that you, or indeed I, should stoop quite so low as to pay particular attention to that woman? Need I remind you Louisa that it is she, and her very family, which hold the power to ruin our own future happiness."19;
"Whatever do you mean Caro?"
Oh, to be burdened with such a simpleton for a sister! She turned her gaze upon the maid who stood by the dressing table, her eyes cast to the floor.
"Oh, for heaven's sake Louisa!" Caroline hissed at her. "You must know I am referring to Charles's fascination with Miss Jane Bennet. I had hoped such a distraction had long been laid to rest, yet it would appear we are not quite so fortunate. You cannot be so naive as to not consider a renewal of our acquaintance with one sister, to not raise the hopes and aspirations of the other. We are not out of the woods yet. You know Charles is considering placing an offer on that house, and I am certain his singular reason for such a foolish notion is that his head is still full of that simpering girl. I will be damned before I see my brother as master of Netherfield. He is destined for much greater things.
Are we not worthy of a better situation than that of a mere country seat in Hertfordshire; surrounded by a social circle of insufferable nobodies? The name Bingley deserves better than to be thus forever linked to such an odious backward part of the country. You may have married the first gentleman to pay you any interest, and settled with your lot in life; but do not expect the same of me. I have not worked this hard to come away with nothing; I deserve more, nay I demand it. No female of such little importance is going to ruin what has been years in the making."
"But Jane Bennet is a sweet girl," her sister replied meekly, not quite understanding the woman to which her sister really referred to.
Caroline took her sisters newly vacated seat in front of the vanity, allowing the maid to begin the task of untying her dark locks from their evening plait. Louisa stood by the bedroom door uncertain if she should now leave. Her sister had not dismissed her in so many words, but nor did she feel longer welcome. In hindsight she would have been better to dress in her own rooms rather than seek her sister's company. It was going to be a rather long day if her sister remained in such a temper.
Caroline crossed her arms and scowled at her reflection in the looking glass. She would be damned before she spoke aloud of her disappointment. She was furious at Darcy: fleeing at first opportunity to seek out Miss Elizabeth Bennet. For Caroline knew such a timely departure could mean but one thing. Fine eyes or not; how could he act so out of character over such a woman? It was humiliating to witness. For such a man to neglect his duties as host, abandoning his guests in pursuit of that particular female's company; oh, such a woman could not be trusted. And even worse, a woman so beneath his notice in every possible way! Yet run to Eliza Bennet he did, his sister and her own brother in-toe.
"Oh, for heaven's sake Agatha! Do stop faffing about so. Honestly, is it so difficult to fulfil the role in which you have been placed? That you should be considered adequate to fulfil the role of lady's maid is utterly ludicrous. But of course, I have been assigned such a clumsy girl for a maid. I am sure Mrs Reynolds took great delight in such a scheme."
She pulled her long dark braid from the trembling hands of the young girl and began to undo it herself. "Am I to be perpetually surrounded by the incompetent and the absurd?"
"Now Caro, be reasonable, I do not understand where all this has come from," soothed Louisa. She gave the young maid a small smile as way of apology. Her sisters temper was a companion she had long learned to endure. "I shall leave you to dress, for I am sure Mr Hurst has long been wondering where I have got to."
"I am sure Mr Hurst has wondered no such thing, but do take comfort from what little ideas you can fathom."
Louisa turned and left the room, heading along the corridor towards the central stair case. There were moments when she was almost certain that she did not like her sister very much. Upon entering the breakfast room Louisa felt a wash of relief upon seeing Mr Hurst positioned at the table, several empty plates and the morning paper before him.
"Ah, there you are my dear," he spoke upon hearing the familiar sound of her light footsteps entering the room. He did not bother to look from his paper. "For a moment I thought it was only I who remained. The others left in such a hurry, were already on their way out when I joined them. Off to meet that Miss Burnett. Though I know not why it was needed with such haste at such an hour. I have never seen Darcy quite so agitated as he was this morning over his coffee.
I will never understand the desire to rush when breaking ones fast; it leaves you with the most terrible indigestion, I can assure you. Puts one on the wrong footing for the entire day ahead." Finally, he glanced across at his wife atop the pages of the Chronicle. Upon seeing her pale face and worried expression, he folded his paper and laid it on the table.
"My dear whatever is the matter?"
"It is nothing, well not quite nothing. It is merely my sister. You know how she can be."
"Indeed, I do," he replied. Rolling his eyes heavenward, he fought the urge to reopen his paper. "And pray what has my delightful sister-in-law found at fault this morning? Perhaps the bed was too comfortable, or the song of the morning sparrow too gay for her liking?"
"Do not joke Reginald. I am afraid she is most displeased with regards to our brother paying a call upon Miss Bennet."
"What has Miss Bennet got to do with anything? I thought they were off to see a Mrs Burnett and her uncles newly redesigned garden?"
"Oh, Reginald really. How you tease me when you know full well that is not the case. Sometimes I do believe you take great delight in adding to my woes."
He rose from the table and crossed to the side board. Taking a plate, he filled it high with drop scones, raspberry jam and some odd little meat pastries which he had found to be quite delightful. Louisa was just about to scold him for no doubt his third plate of over indulgence, when he placed the plate in front of her. Leaning down, he placed both hands on her shoulders and kissed her affectionately on the forehead.
"Do not fret over your sister my dear. I shall keep the wolf from your door. You are too soft with her. I have said it once and I shall say it again, that girl needs a firm hand." He squeezed her shoulders gently before once again taking his seat. "Now eat those little crimped pastry delights while they are still warm. I would have another, though I fear I should not, for I have already had several." And with that he disappeared once more behind his paper.
Elizabeth loved absurdities, and this was indeed the most absurd moment in all her twenty years. Before her stood a sweet young thing as shy as a babe; the typically formidable Mr Darcy with a look so earnest Elizabeth could not fathom his train of thought; and the man whom had left her sweet sister with a heart quite broken.
What an odd spectacle they must be to those who took a moment to observe their awkward introduction. She had not expected them to arrive quite so soon. Nor had she ever imagined they would arrive so early! She never would have guessed her introduction to the young Miss Darcy would take place in the social parlour of the Lambton Inn, in front of all present to witness. Nor did she expect Mr Darcy to be quite so attentive toward her aunt and uncle.
From the not-so-subtle whispers it seemed many were indeed surprised to find Mr Darcy present; and even more were curious to know the name of the handsome dark-haired beauty whom had clearly captured his attention.
"My brother has told me much about you. I do hope you shall call upon us at Pemberley when it is most convenient to you. I know my brother would like such a visit very much. Miss Bingley and the Hurst's are also our guests, and I am sure both are eager to make your acquaintance once more. Your aunt and uncle are most welcome too."
"We would be delighted. I hear you are quite fond of music?"
"Oh indeed," smiled the girl rather shyly. "Though I must confess, you cannot believe my brothers praise too sincerely. He is after all rather biased."
"Nonsense," replied Elizabeth with a reassuring smile. "I do not think your brother is one to exaggerate." She glanced at him from the corner of her eye as he and Mr Bingley conversed with her aunt and uncle. How curious, she thought, that he should happily engage with the very relations which he once found so distasteful. Was this the same Mr Darcy she had known in Kent?
"Though I must admit, it is not only your brother who I have heard praise your musical talents. Your cousin Miss de Bourgh would appear just as enamoured with your skills at the pianoforte."
"You know Anne?" Georgiana asked brightly. "My dear cousin is too kind. She was very good to me while she stayed with us in London. She purchased ever so much sheet music for me."
"Miss de Bourgh was staying with you in London?" Elizabeth asked her curiosity piqued. Perhaps after her refusal Mr Darcy had conceded to his aunts wishes. The two, when observed together at Rosings, had appeared more compatible than she had previously imagined. One could not trust Mr Collins and Wickham for their descriptions of a lady's character. Despite their unbecoming picture of the lady, Elizabeth had liked her very much.
"Only for a short while. You see my cousin was having her own home in Grosvenor Square remodelled entirely. She had everything redone so it was quite impossible that she could use the residence during such upheaval. Anne has always been very kind to me, she let me choose some of the furniture and fabrics. Though I am quite certain our taste is not so similar." Suddenly her eyes grew wide and she fell silent.
"Forgive me," she apologised nervously. "Perhaps I have said too much. When I am nervous I sometimes do not know of what I speak. You must forgive me. I am not in the practice of conversing with those outwith my own intimate circle of acquaintances. I am never quite sure what I should and should not to say."
Elizabeth could not help herself; she threw her head back and laughed at such an honest remark. Upon hearing her laugh, Darcy turned his head to watch his sister as she conversed with Elizabeth. Such a sight filled him with such a strength of feeling, it took all his will power to return his attention back to the Gardiner's.
"My dear, do not fret where I am concerned. You may say whatever you wish to me. I shall not judge you. If you only promise to bestow the same courtesy upon me. I fear I too often say far too much, and none of it very clever."
"Oh, I do not believe that can be so. My brother speaks so highly of you and he is never one to exaggerate. You said so yourself."
"There! Is that not proof alone that I do not say all that is clever and correct? I, myself alone, have given cause to my own undoing."
The two continued to converse for several minutes, her aunt Gardiner joining the pair after escaping the gentleman when conversation turned to fishing. With smiles all round the moment came when it was time to depart. It was at this moment Bingley stepped forward to address Elizabeth directly.
"We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield," he cried out rather abruptly.
"Yes, I believe that to be so," Elizabeth replied somewhat startled by his rather precise observation.
"Yes, and may I ask are all your family well?"
"Yes they are quite well."
"Your mother and father?"
"Yes," she nodded her brow quirked.
"Wonderful, capital. So, everyone is quite well?"
"Bingley, I really do believe we must be off. We have taken up more than enough of Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and Miss Bennet's time. Mr Gardiner I shall expect you as agreed tomorrow. I myself have not yet fished the lake this summer. I am sure it will be exceedingly fruitful. I have been assured the lake is abundantly stocked." Darcy tipped his hat to the gentleman, before offering his arm to his sister in order to accompany her back to their awaiting carriage. He looked upon Elizabeth, perhaps a moment too long, for her dark brown eyes found his. She held his gaze almost defiantly, a small bemused smile playing upon her lips. He turned, breaking all contact, and headed towards the door. If only he could think of something appropriate to say to her before he went. Something candid in order to gauge if she still thought of him as she had those months before in Kent.
He felt, yet again, discomposed when in her presence. It was not a sensation he was used to. No other woman made his heart thunder in his chest, or the blood pound in his ears; yet this was the effect Elizabeth Bennet had on his person whenever she was near. They had almost made it to the safety of the exit when Charles yet again began his absurd line of enquiries.
"So, your mother and father are quite well? Well, that is capital. Simply capital. And your sisters they are all well?"
"Yes," Elizabeth laughed. "Sir I assure you everyone is quite well." She watched his expression with growing curiosity. He clearly wished to enquire after her sister, yet perhaps seemed unwilling to do so in present company. Taking matters into her own hands Elizabeth continued:
"All my sisters are quite well. Lydia is currently visiting Brighton and Mary has finally convinced papa to allow her to teach Sunday school."
Bingley nodded, an overzealous smile across his face, though his eyes clearly expressed his desire to know more.
"Of course, my elder sister Jane has only recently returned from a stay in London. I am surprised you and she did not happen to cross paths during her visit? She was in London for quite some duration. I am certain Miss Bingley had the pleasure of dear Jane's company at least twice."
"Bingley, we really must be going," Darcy called out sharply before striding from the front door into the cool of the summer morning. He did not hesitate until he found himself once again seated within the safety of his carriage. Georgiana looked across at her brother from her seat opposite, rather bemused by the exchange she had just witnessed. A moment later Mr Bingley took his seat and the horses began to pull away.
Darcy observed his friend who appeared quite deep in thought. He could clearly witness the warm flush of anger as it creeped across Charles' fair skin from his neck to the tips of his now rather pink ears. At that moment Bingley turned as if to address Darcy directly. His mouth opened but no sound came out. Darcy raised his eyebrows at him challengingly, casting his eye towards Georgiana. This was enough to dissuade Bingley from attempting anything further. Not quite trusting his emotions, he turned to look out the window for the rest of the short journey back to Pemberley. He had every intention to speak with Caroline privately at the very next opportunity.