Page 78 of Master of Netherfield
“When she appeared at the door, Simmons sent for me, and we asked the lady to wait in the parlour while we sent for you and Mr Bingley. In just five minutes she asked to be shown to a room and asked for Miss Darcy. She’s rung for tea every twenty minutes. The lady does not like to wait.”
Darcy shook his head. “Mrs Hobbes, you have followed my instructions as given–uninvited guests are not allowed to move in. Mr Bingley is my friend, but I find his relations tiresome. This sister was particularlynotinvited to Netherfield. For the time she is here–however short that might be–she is not to be permitted extra service from the maids, nothing special from the kitchen and while she may take her meals in her room, she is not to expect breakfast after ten in the morning. Mrs Annesley will keep Georgiana some distance from Miss Bingley and that is my particular wish as well.”
Mrs Hobbes was very concerned with the woman’s character now and nodded slowly with each of Mr Darcy’s instructions.
“Shall I put her in the green room, sir? That bedroom is away from the family rooms.”
“Yes. And tell Simmons that a footman is to be outside my bedroom at all hours with ample candles. If Miss Bingley wanders the halls at night, I do not want her entering the wrong bedroom...”
With her eyes wide in wonderment, Mrs Hobbs could only nod once at Mr Darcy’s last order before she left for the kitchen to send for two young men from the nearby farms who worked extra hours as footmen in the house when needed. Darcy watched her speak to Simmons for a moment and then hurry down the hall. The voices coming from the parlour were growing louder as he turned and made his way to his library.
**++**
Caroline Bingley paced angrily in the morning parlour–it was after the noon hour and why anyone would show a guest to the morning parlour in the afternoon was a mystery. Obviously, Mr Darcy’s household required the hand of a cultured, knowledgeable lady of fashion. Perhaps she would have her chance to capture Darcy’s attentions now.
“The sister can be shipped off to school or left here when we return to the great house in the north...”
The door opened and Caroline turned. “Finally, I will not wait another...”
When she saw her brother standing there, her courage fled. The letter she carried in her pursewould infuriate him.
**++**
Chapter 31.Caroline’s Interview
“I see you have come to call Caroline,” Charles said. “From all your comments on proper manners that I have endured over many years, I find it hard to believe that well-mannered guests transport their entire wardrobe with them when they visit for tea.”
“Charles, you are so...”
“I insist on knowing the reason for your appearance here in Hertfordshire.”
“Must a sister have a reason to come see her brother?” she answered with a feigned sweetness that no longer fooled Charles. He walked across the room to sit in a comfortable chair, he did not know how long it would take but Caroline would eventually tell all.
“I was bored in London and Mr Hurst finally confessed your location. Why would you not tell me you were with Mr Darcy? I have told you I wish to know him better.”
Caroline moved to the windows, but Charles did not follow, and he remained silent.
“The country here is very wild; the natives are savages living in their forests and farms.” Caroline motioned about the room and asked, “Is the entire manor decorated in this sparse fashion?”
When Charles did not answer, Caroline moved to the chair opposite from him and sat down with a great sigh. “Mr Hargrove did not make me an offer and Mr Hurst was a bore, so I decided to follow you–how long do we stay with Mr Darcy? Is Miss Darcy here as well?”
Charles waited patiently and Caroline stood once again to pace in the room. “Say something Charles! Or do I have to be the only one with a worthy speech every time?”
“Did you bring any letters Caroline? Possibly a note from Mr Hurst?”
“No,” she lied. “I just departed London on my own.”
“Left my house in London with all your belongings? Without a word to Louisa or Mr Hurst?”
“Why would I bother to tell them? They are happy together and wanted to be shed of me.” Now Caroline sat and pretended to cry though her brother was not affected.
“I find myself in a most difficult situation Caroline,” Charles informed her. “I must go and impose upon a friend for a room for an errant sister. I shall only ask for lodgings for a short time before we return to London. At my house, I shall visit with my sister and brother Hurst, and we shalldecide how to proceed. If you are unable to live with them in harmony while I am conducting business...”
“Charles, you are not in trade any longer!”
“...and if you are unable to marry, I shall make arrangements for your care. An apartment or room in a reputable home will be found for you.”
“A ROOM!” she screeched. “I am not an old maiden aunt to be gotten rid of in rented room! I am not...”
