With her nose wrinkled in distaste, she took a final sip from the floral teacup before placing it loudly back upon its matching saucer. The tea was barely even lukewarm; and with no intention of drinking the rest of the now rather vile liquid, she simply thrust out her hand. Just as intended, the sudden sight of the delicate bone china hovering vicariously in mid-air caused the maid to jump forward with great haste. Caroline smirked with satisfaction. It took all in her power not to laugh at the maids such pathetic, all be it predictable, reaction.
"Really Agatha," Caroline scolded, though secretly pleased by the obvious fear displayed upon the maids shocked expression. "You really must learn to be more observant in your attendance. For how much longer was I expected to be burdened with an unwanted teacup before you realised your duty to relieve me of such a tiresome thing? I mean really, how is one meant to paint with but only one hand?"
Agatha opened her mouth as though ready to respond, however made no further attempt to speak in her defence. She had been forewarned by Mrs Reynolds that Miss Bingley would be a difficult house guest to please. Never had truer words been spoken. Agatha had no intention in sparring with Miss Bingley; for the maid was sure this would be an exercise most unwise.
The lady was entirely impossible. Nothing, absolutely nothing, seemed to please the ebony haired young lady. She found fault in all things, even those actions for which she gave her own direct and detailed instruction. It was going to be a very long fortnight in her role as lady's maid to such a woman.
The maid turned and placed the delicate cup and saucer back upon the silver tray. Agatha had given Mrs Reynolds her word that she would do all on her power to endure Miss Bingley. At the time such a promise had puzzled Agatha exceedingly. Never had the housekeeper spoken with such negativity towards a guest of Pemberley. Agatha could not believe an acquaintance of the master could be quite so distasteful. Yet, upon their first meeting Miss Bingley did not disappoint. She was indeed just as colourful and unfavourable a character as the housekeepers description. How such a lady could be part of the master's intimate social circle the young maid could not quite understand. That she be the brother of the cheerful Mr Bingley, was even harder to comprehend.
Though rather stiff and far too grand, the master of Pemberley was fair and kind to all his staff and tenants. He displayed good sense and steady character which in turn was met with loyalty and trust. He was handsome to be sure, but far too aloof and haughty for any of the female staff to fancy themselves a favourite in the eyes of their master. As for the young Miss Darcy, well she was simply an angel adored by all the staff. For such paragons of virtue to be associated with one so clearly unworthy of such an intimacy was indeed a mystery.
Upon Mrs Reynolds announcement that the master had invited a small party to visit Pemberley, the staff had been all excitement. It was so rare for the Darcy's to have houseguests. Perhaps there would be a garden party or picnic? Perhaps sever card parties or, could they even hope, a ball? Would there be gentleman? How many ladies? Would there be special lady amongst the party? All these questions and more were discussed in a flurry of excited chatter.
Many of the staff, the young female staff especially, spent a great deal of time contemplating and romanticising the master of Pemberley and the ladies of his acquaintance. It had been with a solemn shake of the head that Mrs Reynolds had dissipated the staff's excitement by confirming that she already knew the intended guest list. A party of only four were to be expected, to include the Bingley's and Hurst's. For those who could recall Miss Bingley from her previous stay, the news no longer held quite the same enthusiasm.
"Agatha, could you please have someone attend to the canopy? Can you not see the sun is at its highest reach? I cannot be exposed to such a brightness. And for heaven's sake girl, do have someone bring a fresh tray, for I cannot abide cold tea."
Through muffled apology the maid lifted the offending tea tray from the small walnut table and headed towards the house. On her approach she found the butler, Mr Hendricks, and two maids watching with much curiosity.
"Miss Bingley desires the fabric canopy to be once again moved Mr Hendricks. Katy, can you please take this tray and have the kitchen send one a fresh. Make sure to have the water piping hot, the woman will not be able to complain about it being cold if her tongue is on fire."
"Agatha," warned Mr Hendricks in a stern tone but with a twinkle in his eye, "that is quite enough. Mary, will you fetch James. I shall need you both to assist with the repositioning of the shade."
The maid nodded and hurried off to find the butler's man. Casting Agatha a sympathetic smile, and a nod of the head to follow; Mr Hendricks turned to walk from the house, heading across the lawn in the direction of the formidable Miss Bingley. It was going to be a very long day.
Upon the completion of a rather average breakfast, Caroline announced she felt an over whelming desire to be outdoors. The news was met by silence from her sister and brother-in-law. In an attempt to capture their attention further, she had continued with much gusto, proclaiming she had an inherent need to paint the beauty of the grounds of Pemberley. Her sister had merely agreed that such a scheme sounded pleasant, while Mr Hurst, quite unmoved by such news, continued to read his paper uninterrupted. It was only when Caroline began listing the items, she required her sister to go and obtain on her behalf at once; that Mr Hurst put his paper down.
"I am afraid, my dear Caroline, that you will need to take solace in your own good company for what appears to be a most enjoyable activity. I am afraid Louisa and I are otherwise engaged for much of the day."
"We are?" Louisa asked, somewhat shocked by her husband's sudden participation in the conversation.
"Oh, do not be like that my dear. I know it gives you no pleasure being separated from you sister, but duty must. You know I promised to call on, oh what was his name. The gentleman I told you of whom Darcy introduced me to from the club. It would not do if I were to go alone."
Understanding the look implied across his face, Louisa smiled at the sheer cleverness of her husband.
"Of course, you are quite correct. There is nothing else for it, with you I must go if that is what you wish of me. Oh, Caroline I am sorry. Perhaps I can join you tomorrow? It would appear I am all forgetfulness."
With that Mr Hurst rose from the table and offered his arm to his wife. "We really must be off if we are to make good time."
Tucking herself against his large person, Louisa left the breakfast room alongside her husband, leaving Caroline rather livid at being so neglectfully excluded.
"There my dear," whispered Mr Hurst once confident that they could no longer be over heard. "Did I not promise to keep the wolf from your door." He patted his wife's hand affectionately, rather pleased by the outcome of his most gallant rescue. "Now, off you pop and dress for a day in the saddle. If you wore the blue bonnet of which I am most fond, I believe it shall be a most enjoyable day for everyone. You and I shall pass a pleasant afternoon enjoying the sights and sounds of Derbyshire. And if you are good, I shall even treat you to high tea at some little shop in Lambton before our return."
Caroline rolled her eyes heavenwards. How many servants did it take to simply move a fabric shade to the correct location? She stood, tapping her slipper impatiently against the soft grass underfoot. She had moved to the left of her chosen spot to allow the butler and his staff to undertake the operation, however she grew tired of waiting. Who could have known that it would take quite this long to place the item in a position which suited her purpose?
"I have already expressed myself repeatedly Mr Hendricks, the shade really must be moved further east. No, no, no! That will not do, your other East!"
Upon her sister's selfish abandonment in favour of spending the day in the company of her husband; Caroline had been left no other choice but to focus all her energy into her intended plan. With the gentleman absent, and no Georgiana for company, the house felt rather oppressive. One could never truly relax when in the home of another; especially when that home, though impressive, had a great many number of flaws. For example, the décor in the morning room was simply all wrong. Why anyone would use a cerise trim on the furnishings within such a room baffled Caroline completely. Oh, it was a situation that could be easily rectified, but until the moment Caroline was in a position of authority over the running of Pemberley, she could bare to sit in the awful pink room a moment longer.
Yes, the great outdoors was where she intended to spend her day. She wished to be soaking in the splendour of the grounds that were Pemberley. And what better use of her time than to capture such beauty in watercolour. She had dressed immediately for such an activity, adorning herself with a striking walking dress of dark moss green and matching bonnet. Such a shade of green matched the darkness of her hair quite perfectly, of this she was certain.
Collecting a sketchbook and small carry box of paints, she headed outside into the warmth of the day, her lady's maid following behind her as instructed.
It did not take Caroline long until she found the perfect spot to inspire her artistic talents. Upon the edge of the lower terrace lawn, just above the HA-HA and ornate shrubbery, was the perfect location in which to paint the serpentine lake in the distance. The spot was made even more perfect, for it gave full view of the driveway. There was no way Mr Darcy, or her brother, could return from their visit with Miss Bennet without her knowing of their presence.
At first, she had simply asked the maid to bring a blanket, for she took great delight in sitting within nature just as nature intended; unobstructed and surrounded by foliage.
"To be at one with nature is truly one of the life's greatest pleasures," Caroline had recited as Agatha placed the blanket across the lawn. "For I am never happier then when I am left content in my own quiet reflection amongst the great outdoors."
Once finally settled upon the blanket; her sketchbook open, her paints laid out, and the fabric of her dress positioned just so as to give the illusion that she was floating upon a sea of green: did Miss Bingley look truly content. For Agatha, such a sight brought much relief; it was a sight however which would not last long. For no sooner had the look of satisfaction settled itself upon Miss Bingley's features, but it was gone, replaced by a frown and petted lip.
"Do you not think this ground is abnormally hard? I must confess I have never sat upon a lawn quite so uncomfortable. Agatha will you return to the house post haste and bring me a cushion? Or perhaps better yet several?"
Agatha returned to the house immediately, and with the aid of Mary, brought several cushions just as instructed. Both girls spent considerable time arranging the cushions until Miss Bingley, once more, deemed herself satisfied. Casting a small smile in the direction of her friend, Mary returned to the house.
Once again Miss Bingley opened her sketchbook. Blending paint together, she hovered the brush above the still blank page.
"No, this will not do. Never have I found myself in such an awkward position. I am afraid Agatha these cushions will not do. I believe the ground is far too sloped. I know I shall not paint my best when enduring such a difficulty. I think it would be best if you go and bring Mr Hendricks to see me directly."
And so, began the flurry of activity which was to follow. Multiple staff, the butler included, were sent back and forth across the lawn towards the house to bring all manner of furniture and items in order to satisfy Miss Bingley's need. One by one the staff brought items from the house including an ornate rug from the small gallery; a writing desk from the morning room, a number of chairs until one was deemed fit, a walnut end table, a circular side table, an easel, a chaise longue and finally a white cotton shade canopy was erected.
It was this very shade canopy which Mr Hendricks and his staff were repositioning yet again for the umpteenth time. Mr Hendricks could see the frustration building in the expressions of his staff, though he was confident in their skills that none would be overcome with emotion. It was going to be an excessively long fortnight with such a demanding house guest present.
"Really Hendricks, one would think I was asking a task most impossible" Caroline scolded as she watched the metal pins being hammered into their final position. "Now that looks much better. Now nothing, absolutely nothing can interfere with the thing I wish to do most. For nothing brings me more pleasure than being alone with only my watercolours for companions."
Dismissing the staff, she took her seat once more and faced the fresh blank canvas newly positioned on the easel; her empty sketchbook long forgotten. She began to mix various shades of green upon her palette when suddenly she stopped. She could hear a carriage. She looked along the drive and smiled for she could now see a carriage. She was quite certain it was Darcy.
"Agatha it would appear my attendance will shortly be desired by dear Mr Darcy. Alas, I believe I am never to find a moment to myself in which to simply paint. It is unfortunate, but sadly my presence is desired elsewhere. Would you have Mr Hendricks arrange for the few items here present to be returned to their original location within the house? Perhaps if you would be so kind as to take note, we can replicate our happy little setup once again tomorrow."
Caroline left the maid, alongside her still blank canvas, and headed towards the house. She slowed her pace, veering left in order to reach the main entrance in perfect unison with the arrival of the carriage. She pinched her cheeks firmly to create a warmth to her complexion, as though bright with the flush of exercise.
The carriage door opened just as she approached, with Darcy alighting first in all his glory before offering his hand to aid his sister.
"My you have returned, and so soon. I am lucky I did not decide to walk further for I would have never guessed you would be home so soon. One could never tire of walking within the grounds of Pemberley. One could be quite content to forever walk in such a happy place."
She smiled widely towards Darcy, but upon seeing the look across her brother's face, her smile quickly faded. With his jaw set firm, his expression was most serious. He looked nothing like the jolly, juvenile brother of her acquaintance.
"Whatever is the matter Charles? You are not unwell?"
"Perhaps we should all go inside," Darcy spoke, moving between the siblings.
"You may go, I shall follow directly. There is a matter most urgent I wish to discuss with my sister."
"A matter most urgent," laughed Caroline nervously. The severity in the tone of her brother's voice made her feel most on edge. Such a change in his demeanour she found most unsettling. "Heaven's Charles, who has died to make you quite so serious," she laughed aloud to mask her growing discomfort.
"I am glad you find the situation so amusing my dear Caro. Pray, please do tell me when you intended to share with me that Miss Bennet had recently been in London."
The colour quickly drained from Caroline's cheeks as she did all in her power to compose a neutral expression. "I was not aware Miss Eliza Bennet had been in London. Of course, if I had known such a thing, I would of course have shared..."
"I am not talking of Miss Elizabeth Bennet as you full well know," yelled Charles forcefully. Taking Georgiana by the arm, Darcy quickly manoeuvred his sister out from the reach of Charles's temper. Never had he seen his friend so angry. "You know damn well I am referring to the presence of Miss Jane Bennet! Do not play the fool with me Caroline for I am in no mood for your nonsense. Tell me at once what you know or, dear god, I shall make you suffer for making a fool out of me."
Her eyes widened in alarm. Caroline looked in the direction of Darcy hoping to gain support, only to find his person disappearing into the house alongside his sister. Her mouth felt dry. Never had she seen her brother so fierce, so full of displeasure. For the first time she felt fearful of her brother's reaction.
"Now Charles do calm yourself. It is but a misunderstanding. Give me a moment for I will explain."