Courtships & Corruption

by Cinnamon Worth

  “But if we let Netherfield go, what will become of them?”

  Caroline looked at him, the confusion in her face evident.

  “The servants. These are people we speak of, not simply objects we no longer find useful.”

  Carefully peeling away the bits of shell, she replied, “Did you not just say that there is a shortage of domestic staff in Meryton? Should this be the case, I see no reason to fear that they will be unable to find other positions.”

  At the thought of firing his staff, Bingley lost his appetite. He pushed his plate away. “We did not hire domestic staff, Caroline. The majority of those who came to work for us had previously worked in shops, factories, or farming. Mrs. Butler was training them and helping them acquire new skills.”

  “Well, that certainly explains a lot.” She took a sip of tea. It was still too hot. “All the better, then. We are not letting a scarce commodity go. Should we return, God forbid, they will be easily replaced.”

  “But do you not see that in letting them go, you will be taking away not only their livelihood but also their chance to obtain the skills to pursue a new path in life?”

  Caroline rolled her eyes. He was so excited over something so trivial. At least he was showing some new emotion. She had begun to think he was no more than a depressing lump. “Charles, you speak as if running our household is a matter of charity. If it is suddenly your duty to provide jobs to all those in need, why not do so in an estate up in Derbyshire? Surely you can find needy people just as easily there. And at least in Derbyshire, we might actually enjoy the setting ourselves.”

  Bingley said nothing, but he knew the real reason his heart raced at the thought of letting the servants go. He could not stomach the idea of never returning to Netherfield. In his mind, he still envisioned being at the estate with its beautiful fields and woods. More importantly, he could not ignore his continued hope of a life with Jane by his side. She would be happy living only a few miles from the home she had grown up in. Meryton was all that Jane had ever known, and this made the area special to him. He did not need to save the world or make every place he visited better. But Jane’s home — Meryton — he could not help but want to make her community better. He sighed. Caroline wanted him to forget Jane. He could not tell her the truth. “If we wish to find another party to assume our lease, the property will be more attractive if we keep the staff in place so the estate remains fully operational. I will consider your recommendation. We can discuss it again in a week.”

  Caroline looked indignant. “The management of the household in my responsibility…”

  “I said we will discuss it later,” Bingley said with a firmness that surprised his sister into silence.

  While Bingley struggled to accept the future he was told would serve him best, Darcy was struggling to accept his current reality. This was surprising, for his current reality was not new or unique. He had readily accepted it before. In fact, Darcy’s life in London now was exactly the same as it had been when he’d stayed in town before leaving for Hertfordshire. But he felt as though a blindfold had been removed, and he could now see what it was his world had always been missing. He had suffered through social engagements, focused his efforts on improving Bingley’s spirits, visited museums and plays with Georgiana, and spent time with his cousin, but nothing could take his mind off the witty, impertinent woman he was trying to escape.

  Failing to find an adequate distraction in his native surroundings, he ventured to an area of town he would normally avoid at all costs. This section of town was known to serve the dregs of society who Darcy viewed with pity and distain. Everything needed to engage in any imaginable vices could be found here. But among these streets lay a small and unique bookshop, and it was here Darcy was destined. The bookshop specialized in titles one might not readily find in other shops. Works by the Marquis de Sade, Rabelais, and Payne Knight graced the shelves. Occasionally, the shop would take in trade another rare title, which was not considered controversial. It was for this reason alone Darcy had ventured so far from home.

  Because of the business surrounding it, the store had operated completely unnoticed for years. Regardless of the nature of the writings sold at the shop, this establishment seemed a paragon of virtue compared to its neighbors. Besides, nearly all of the local residents were illiterate, and many who ventured into the region were no better off. They could not know that the books sold here were any different from the one found on the Sunday pulpit. But slowly the shop became noticed because of those who frequented it. This shop attracted customers who possessed means that were greater than average and the wealthy represented an opportunity.

  Darcy had taken a hired coach for this excursion hoping it would aid him in avoiding attention. Arrival in any sort of coach, however, signified wealth. Upon exiting the carriage, Darcy found himself surrounded by women of ill-repute, men offering exotic herbs and elixirs, and pick pockets. He kept his head down and his wits about him.

  Darcy glanced up for a mere moment and saw the face of a woman he would never forget. Mrs. Younge stood a few feet away. He had not known what had become of her after she left his employment. He was not surprised she had moved to London, but he could not deny he was disturbed by the revelation. His mood darkened and he turned back to the carriage. He could not stomach remaining so near the woman who had aided George Wickham in doing so much harm to Georgiana. As the coach pulled away, he watched Mrs. Younge unlock a door to a building and go inside.

  ∞∞∞

  In Meryton, the Gardiners had arrived one week prior to enjoy the holidays with family. During their stay, Mrs. Gardiner could not help but note the somber mood that followed her sweet niece, Jane. It was no secret as to the cause. Even before reaching Longbourn, Mrs. Gardiner had been informed of her niece’s plight in letters from Elizabeth and from Jane herself. Jane had categorized it as an error on her own part. She lamented her foolish folly of imagining a very amiable man in love with her simply because his good nature led him to pay her some attention. Lizzy’s letters suggested that the man did indeed love Jane, but he had been steered away from her by those who surrounded him. After arriving in Hertfordshire, Mrs. Gardiner concluded the truth likely lay somewhere in the middle, but regardless of the truth, what mattered was that Jane needed a change in scenery and she was in a position to provide such an escape. With some excitement, Jane agreed to go with her aunt and uncle to London, and no sooner had they left than Lizzy felt the pain of her sister’s absence.

  Mr. Wickham, who had previously been ever so attentive and entertaining, had discovered the charms of Miss King’s newfound fortune. Lizzy had always been aware that the gentleman would need to secure a woman of means. She had cautiously shielded her heart against this eventual parting of ways, but her indifference toward his affection or lack thereof did not mean she did not miss his company.

  “Lizzy, if you find it boring here without the company of Mr. Wickham, you know that Mr. Collins has returned and is staying at Lucas Lodge until the wedding. If I recall, you two had quite the bond for a time,” Lydia offered with a smirk.

  Lizzy rolled her eyes. The idea of going to Lucas Lodge had never seemed so disappointing. Two months earlier, even Mr. Collins’ presence would not have deterred her from visiting with Charlotte. Yet now, Charlotte was leaving Hertfordshire for good, and Lizzy discovered the camaraderie they had once shared had been replaced with polite small talk. Charlotte had come to Longbourn yesterday to say goodbye. Charlotte had said she understood her friend’s discomfort at her reasons for marrying but hoped that with time they could once again regain what now appeared lost. She had even managed to secure a promise from Lizzy to write and to join Sir Lucas and her sister on a visit to Hunsford in March. The visit had been painful. Lizzy decided she most certainly would not be suffering through another such visit today. If she did, who knew what other promises she might make? Lizzy picked up a well-worn book. She had read this volume several times before. Today, she would again take comfort i
n passing the time with this old friend.

  Chapter 19

  “Ah. There you are, Darcy,” Richard said in his standard jovial manner. “I have come to discuss our annual trip to Rosings. It is scheduled for next month if I am not mistaken.”

  Darcy knew the true purpose of his cousin’s visit. He had asked Fitzwilliam to stop by to see if he could find out why Georgiana seemed distressed. But in all probability, they would also be discussing their annual trip. They were scheduled to visit Lady Catherine, and the time was closing in on them like a noose tightening around one’s neck. “Yes, I suppose we should review the details.”

  Georgiana arose from the couch. “I was just leaving to practice. I will be in the music room should you need me.” After walking out of the room, she closed the doors providing the two men with privacy.

  Richard rose from the couch and the two men crossed the room. Darcy settled in behind a desk and his cousin sat opposite him. “Well, before we discuss our upcoming outing, I can tell you are anxious to hear what has been eating away at Georgiana. I will not hold you in suspense. She is worried about you.”

  Darcy looked at his cousin with a critical gaze. “Me? Whatever for?”

  “It seems you have been rather glum,” Richard said. A brief reflection caused him to realize he should qualify his statement. “More so than is usual, that is.”

  Darcy’s face scrunched up. “You have pointed out that we will be going to visit Aunt Catherine which is enough to dampen any man’s spirits.” Darcy withdrew some paper from a drawer. There was much to be done before their departure. He would compile a list of supplies and send someone to the store to collect them.

  “I did suggest this hypothesis to Georgiana, but she says you have changed since your visit to Hertfordshire. Did anything happen while you were there?”

  “Perhaps it was an encounter with Wickham that has put me out of sorts,” Darcy offered dipping his quill in the inkwell.

  “Oh, I see. Georgiana had it in her head that your sulking had something to do with a young lady, but your explanation makes perfect sense. And I now understand why you have been reluctant to share this news with her.” Richard paused. “I suppose that is why you do not want her to travel with me to Meryton when I go to inspect the militia.”

  Georgiana had been asking if she and her brother could make the overnight trip with Fitzwilliam. She had said she wanted to visit a few of the sights her brother had mentioned in his letters but Darcy had refused her request. Darcy paused, ever so briefly when Richard had mentioned a young lady. But he recovered. “Yes. Quite true.”

  “I will inform her that your refusal had nothing to do with the possibility of an encounter with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” The name had been spoken so unexpectedly, Darcy failed to completely hide his shock and his quill fell from his grasp.

  “Who?” he asked. Unfortunately, this pathetic attempt to throw off suspicion had the exact opposite effect. Observing Darcy’s reaction to a simple name, Richard now understood why Miss Darcy had believed her brother in love.

  “Oh, you know. The lady you asked to dance at the Netherfield ball. Surely you recall. En route to the ball last week, Bingley told us the story. You cannot forget our utter amazement.” Richard leaned forward, studying the man opposite him very closely.

  Darcy looked back down at his paper and retrieved his quill. “Right. Of course. You must understand, it has been many months since I myself have been to Meryton. It is easy to forget a name.” He diligently listed the items he needed.

  Richard leaned back in his chair as if he did not have a care in the world. “Well, I am glad Georgiana was mistaken on that score. While I am visiting Meryton, I hoped Colonel Forster might arrange for an introduction. I am curious to meet the damsel capable of eliciting an invitation for a dance from my cousin. If she is as alluring as I expect, I might need to extend my visit.”

  “Richard, you cannot be serious. Why would you even seek an introduction? Her interests are in reading and walking, things which hold no interest for you. She has no money. You have always said you will marry with wealth in mind. Surely, you would never want her.” The list was completely forgotten as large blobs of black ink overflowed on the page. The panic in Darcy’s voice was obvious.

  “You seem to remember a surprising number of details about a woman whose name had escaped you,” Richard said with a sneer. Darcy’s feelings toward the woman were abundantly clear. “Some may claim you have an impenetrable mask hiding all of your emotions, but should they only know where to look they would find you are just so easy to read.” Richard started to laugh. “Stop looking so stricken. I have no intention of meeting the lady until you introduce us. You will have no competition from me. I just needed to confirm Georgiana’s suspicions.”

  Richard’s words relaxed Darcy somewhat, but he was still upset to have his emotions toyed with, his personal thoughts dragged out and examined, and his heart reminded of that which it could not have. “If you are implying I am in pursuit of Miss Elizabeth, you are mistaken.”

  “I should hope so. If you thought hiding away in London acting like a child who has lost his favorite toy was pursuing a lady, I would be very disappointed. Could she have anything to do with your odd request to keep your involvement in aiding The Ashburys quiet? It is as if you want her to forget you existed. Or are you avoiding the woman because you hope to forget she exists?”

  “You presume too much and tread in territory that is not within your domain, Richard.” The tone was sufficient to prevent the conversation from proceeding further. But this did not mean it was forgotten. As far as Colonel Fitzwilliam was concerned, it was merely postponed.

  ∞∞∞

  Several months had passed since Jane had gone to London and Charlotte had married Mr. Collins. Elizabeth had diligently maintained her correspondence with both women, but this alone could not stave off her deep feelings of loneliness.

  Lizzy was spending more of her time at the bookshop, which led her to notice a woman about her age who was working there. “Please let me know if there is anything you need help with,” the woman said one morning when Elizabeth entered the shop.

  “The older gentleman who normally works here had placed an ordered for me...” Elizabeth began.

  “Yes, you must be Miss Bennet.” The woman paused then added, “My name is Katherine Carter. My grandfather, the man you normally see here, owns this shop. He speaks of you often. Let me go get your book.”

  When two women soon became friends, Lizzy learned that it was Miss Carter’s grandfather’s failing health and loss of hearing that had prompted Katherine to become active in the family business. “Unfortunately,” Katherine had once told her, “my grandfather has a work ethic to rival Sisyphus, and as soon as I began to help in the shop, he shifted his efforts to other business aspects.”

  Elizabeth had often wondered how her small town had been able to support any book shop. Katherine told her the “other business aspects” to which she had referring involved cultivated relationships with several avid book collectors in the region and bring a selection of volumes to their homes Between his charms, his exceptional service, and his robust list of clients, Mr. Carter had been able to maintain his store and purchase a donkey cart and donkey to expand his territory. Katherine’s own father had taken over the role of traveling to various clients — that is, until recently when he had become bedridden by illness. Now, with her grandfather again assuming these journeys, Katherine was petrified. To pacify her, he promised he would only travel on obscure back roads and would never go farther than two and a half hours away from Meryton. If Katherine had known that his travels often occurred at night, she would be horrified. But Mr. Carter had always been a risk-taker, and now believing he was living on borrowed time, he had grown ever more fearless.

  Elizabeth loved listening to Katherine tell tales of her life, and she discovered that Katherine was nearly as well read as she. While they held different stations in life, they found they shared much
in common. Both had been taught by their fathers, they shared similar interests in literature, and they could spend hours in lively discussions.

  Still, when the time had arrived to fulfill her promise to visit Charlotte, Lizzy was very glad to get away from Meryton. Katherine’s work prevented her from being an adequate distraction, and Lizzy had found that without Jane, she struggled to maintain her sanity when surrounded by her younger sisters. Lizzy was looking forward to her journey not just because it would provide her with a distraction and would take her away from Longbourn. She longed to spend time with Charlotte and Jane. Time had helped in restoring much of Elizabeth’s good opinion of Charlotte, and the party with whom she was traveling would be stopping at London before continuing onto Hunsford by mail coach. This arrangement would provide Lizzy with the opportunity to see Jane briefly.

  Once they arrived in London, Lizzy went to the Gardiners’ residence. She had tried all day to corner Jane, but it was not until the sisters were preparing for bed that she was able to monopolize her sister’s time. The joy both felt at their reunion would make it difficult for either to sleep, so Lizzy would feel no guilt in keeping her sister awake. As they began their toilettes, the conversation quickly turned to the man who had occupied Jane’s every moment despite her insistence that he was merely a passing fancy soon to be forgotten.