Page 7 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“True, for what other purpose might uncles exist? I suspect you are correct. Gardiner suggested Bingley lease Netherfield through his brother-in-law Mr. Philips.”
The dance separated them for a short time, then Miss Elizabeth was at his side again.
“And how is it you are caught in the scheme? Is not London flooded by those returning from the country? I should think you have more invitations than you have evenings.”
Darcy did not agree and was agitated that anyone might know of his business dealings.
“I think you terrorized Maria with that glower, sir.” She glanced at her young friend. “Be not alarmed, sir, none but I know you are in business with them, and my uncle told me quite by accident. Your secret is safe, and I admire your understanding that trade is a necessity of any economy. One day, I hope to purchase one of those beautiful treasure boxes from Bingley Woodworks.”
“I thank you for your discretion. Yes, I do know your uncle quite well, Miss Elizabeth. I find the Gardiners to be amongst the best of company in Town.”
“We are very fond of them,” Miss Elizabeth said, before the girl Miss Elizabeth had called Maria stood next to him.
The shy girl would not look at him, making Darcy all the more relieved when Miss Elizabeth returned to converse.
“The only company I prefer above theirs is that of my cousin Richard, a colonel in the regiment. I hope he will soon be on home shores. And Bingley. Your aunt spent much of her youth in Lambton. My estate, Pemberley, is but five miles from Lambton in Derbyshire.”
“She has the fondest memories of Lambton. I admit that when I was told of a Mr. Darcy who allowed them to stay at Pemberley when they were unable to travel so far as the Lakes, I pictured you much older,” Miss Elizabeth said playfully.
“You pictured me a miser?”
“Given your accomplishments and being so welcoming of those in trade, unlike many of the higher circles, you cannot blame me. My aunt has often spoken of how dearly she loves the grounds surrounding Pemberley. Yes, I presumed with such an enlightened view, you must be quite far along in your dotage.”
“In that light, you made very reasonable presumptions and suppositions. Their visit brought me great pleasure. My sister and I often find our home filled with a silence many only know in their waning years. But the manor is vast, so there is some excuse with but the two of us. Your sister Mary knows of my acquaintance with your aunt and uncle?”
“She is aware you and Mr. Bingley are acquainted with them.”
“And she enjoys playing the pianoforte? My sister is like-minded.”
When the dance ended, he bowed and she curtseyed, one to the other.
“Music is the best place to start. When she knows you, she will employ her dry wit,” Elizabeth said while he guided her toward her sisters.
“And Miss Lucas? What are her interests?”
“You will not need to make much of an effort. Charlotte will have her questions prepared and begin an inquisition of you, Mr. Darcy.”
Her words were so unexpected that he found himself laughing when they joined Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, and Miss Lucas. Miss Mary’s amusement transformed her features, sharing a look with Miss Elizabeth while resting her hand on his offered arm.
“Lead the way, Prince Charming, for surely you are he. Did you tire of Sleeping Beauty already? It has been but a mere century, sir,” Mary said archly.
The laughter shared amongst their grouping drew the attention of all throughout the hall.
“I learnt too late she was rather a snore, Miss Mary. I am pleased to have found myself in a shire full of damsels who are, at least, awake,” Darcy said, gladdened by the gaining of her laugh in turn while they joined those already in line.
Chapter 3
Bingley Sets the Trap
In bidding goodnight to his younger sister, Bingley reiterated his expectation of her success in finding a husband during the coming Season in Town. Caroline glared, saying he did not comprehend how matters would be.
Seeing that Caroline was resolved to her scheme, Bingley waited in the sitting room adjoining Darcy’s assigned bedchamber. At first, the Hursts protested his request for them to join him. Bingley insisted, knowing Louisa also disliked confrontation. To his mind, his family needed to face the issue their sister had become.
Finding a man who would be discreet on behalf of Darcy’s reputation and of his sister’s had been imperative. Bingley was aware she would not deserve the consideration if she did attempt to compromise his friend, but he wished it, nonetheless. The answer presented itself in Darcy’s valet, Carpe. The man agreed to the scheme, assuring Bingley he would do what he could to preserve Caroline’s dignity.
While they waited, Bingley asked Louisa to tell him of Caroline’s interactions with those men who attempted to gain her notice. Bingley was incensed to learn of Caroline’s rejectionof every caller below that of a peer. He knew he was, in part, to blame because he had not checked his sister’s pretensions. But she was not a peer’s daughter, nor was she likely to marry into the higher circles, given that their money came from trade.
Bingley demanded to know if their youngest sister engaged in any other behaviors that would blacken his name. Only then did Louisa admit how their sister pocketed the money he had left to pay the servants to close up the house in Town. Louisa explained Caroline’s certainty that she would have them back in London in under two weeks, and their sister’s confidence that Bingley would give her the coin a second time if she claimed he had not. Declaring an intent to see the money returned, Bingley was appalled to learn his younger sister had spent it on new gowns meant to gain Darcy's attention.
