Particular Intentions

by L. L. Diamond

  Particular Intentions

  By L.L. Diamond

  Published by L.L. Diamond and White Soup Press

  Copyright ©2016 LL Diamond

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or distributed by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed and online reviews without the express written consent of the author. The characters portrayed in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover and internal design © 2016 L.L. Diamond

  Cover design by L.L. Diamond/Diamondback Covers

  Cover Art: Pea Blossoms - Edward Poynter (1890) and Wivenhoe Park, Essex - John Constable (1816)

  Source: Wikimedia Commons.

  ISBN-10: 0996789138

  ISBN-13: 9780996789134

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LLDiamond

  Twitter: @LLDiamond2

  Blog: http://lldiamondwrites.com/

  Austen Variations: http://austenvariations.com/

  Other works by L.L. Diamond include:

  Rain and Retribution

  A Matter of Chance

  An Unwavering Trust

  The Earl’s Conquest

  To those who have helped me with my writing since I began, whether it was with one book or all of them—Lisa, Kristi, Debra Anne, Suzan, and Janet.

  I can never thank you enough for your time, knowledge, opinions, and friendship! Thanks, ladies!

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Table of Contents

  “Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised or a little mistaken.” – Jane Austen (Emma)

  Chapter 1

  October 17th 1811

  Another day of dreary clouds! Fitzwilliam Darcy stared at the overcast sky from the window of Netherfield’s study and exhaled so the glass before him misted. The last few days of sport had been enjoyable. The weather had been cool yet pleasant, the sun peeking through the clouds overhead. What a blessed respite from London and his worries it had been!

  A voice yelled, and he started at the sound breaking the quiet, drawing his attention to a carriage pulling before the house. Rather than disturb his friend Bingley, who was working at the ornate mahogany desk behind him, he paused. They expected the arrival of Bingley’s sister Louisa and her husband, Reginald that afternoon; however, the Hursts numbered only two and a distinct third shadow could be discerned through the windows.

  A knot formed in his gut. They would not have brought Miss Bingley, would they?

  The step was placed before the door, which was swift to be opened, allowing the Hursts to exit. As they had never before laid eyes upon Netherfield, the couple looked the length of the building and around themselves at the grounds while Miss Bingley stepped from the equipage and halted to scan the façade of the large home. Her scorn for the property was evident as her expression appeared as though the house were made of the foulest dung imaginable.

  He stiffened. Bingley would have to be informed at some point. Better to be done with it now than allow him to be surprised later. “Bingley? Did you perchance invite your youngest sister?”

  His friend’s head shot up from assessing the ledgers before him with his brow drawn low. “Caroline? I would never! I invited you to partake of some shooting and to be of aid to me as I attempt to learn the management of this estate. The last thing I would do is request my sister join us. Besides, Caroline is well aware she is unwelcome at Netherfield.” He peered down to his book and then back. “Why do you ask?”

  “I inquired because Mr. and Mrs. Hurst have just arrived with Miss Bingley in tow.”

  Bingley jumped to his feet, dashed to the window, and glared at the equipage. One would think the carriage had wronged him somehow by his fearsome countenance. “How dare she insinuate herself! And Louisa! I expressly told her Caroline was not to come!” His frown followed his sisters as they climbed the front steps. “I can guarantee Caroline has concocted some travesty in order to play on Louisa’s sympathy, else she would not have journeyed in Hurst’s carriage!”

  Indeed, it was the scenario that made the most sense. Hurst did not relish Miss Bingley’s company, which made his agreement to transport her all the more curious. No, something dire must have occurred which prevented Miss Bingley’s remaining in London.

  Charles Bingley strode with haste through the study door and to the front hall where his sisters and brother were removing their hats and gloves. “What is the meaning of this, Caroline? You were told not to come, and yet, here you stand! Did you not understand my explicit instructions?”

  Miss Bingley’s eyes widened, and she began to blink rapidly. “I did not believe you meant it. I never thought you could be so cruel! How you could exclude me, your sister, from such a momentous time in your life? I...”

  Bingley stepped forward with a furious scowl upon his usually cheerful visage. “Did I mean it when I informed you I would arrange your own establishment?”

  His sister’s face blanched. Bingley clenched his fists at his sides. “Did I mean it when I banished you from my home?”

  “But, Charles—”

  “Did I mean it when I set up a monthly allowance with specific instructions that you should never exceed those funds?” Her mouth began to open. “Did I?”

  “Well, yes. But—”

  “No! You brought this upon yourself, and I will give you no quarter!” Bingley turned to the butler, who stood nearby. “Mr. Reeves, we will require the carriage to be brought back around. Miss Bingley, her maid, her companion, and her trunk shall be returned to London with all due haste.”

  Mrs. Hurst motioned to the butler. “Mr. Reeves, wait a moment on that command.” When she faced her brother, her hands were in front of her, her palms facing Bingley. “Caroline cannot return to town without a maid or a companion to accompany her.”

  “And where are her maid and her companion if they are not here?” He peered back and forth between his sisters. The elder, Mrs. Louisa Hurst shrank and took a step back, but the younger stared at her fingernails as though studying them, perhaps a bit pale, but not at all disturbed by her brother’s ire.

  “Oh, I do not remember the entirety of the discussion. Hazel found another position with the wife of a tradesman.”

  The last word was uttered with such dripping distaste that Bingley rolled his eyes. “You are the daughter of a tradesman.”

  Miss Bingley’s lips twisted into a scornful expression. “As for Mrs. Rowley, her sister offered her a place to live so she would no longer be required to seek employment.” Miss Bingley spoke in an off-hand fashion, as though the loss of a companion and a maid were commonplace.

  Darcy bit th
e inside of his lip to keep himself from laughing. Bingley had been required to replace his sister’s servants twice since he formed her establishment the year prior. He could not be surprised at the constancy of her bad behaviour, could he?

  “Who else has left? Has the cook resigned her post? I warn you, sister, you will be preparing your own meals if I cannot find a replacement!”

  “I have been nothing but kind and generous to that woman you hired—not that she would find employment in a home belonging to a member of the ton—”

  “She was not hired to give dinner parties.”

  “Of course she was not! I have not the space to entertain! You ensured my spinsterhood when you chose such a small house!”

  Mrs. Hurst placed a hand on her younger sister’s arm. “Charles, we cannot send her back without a maid or a companion. We must first find someone suitable for the position, or at the very least, locate a female servant to accompany her on her return. Besides, it is late. The sun will set before she can reach London.”

  The butler still hovered nearby, having never departed due to Mrs. Hurst’s earlier request.

  “Mr. Reeves, we will not be requiring that carriage until we sort out the matter of a maid or a companion for Miss Bingley.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  Bingley pivoted so he faced the Hursts. “I should put you in the carriage with Caroline and return you all to London directly! You knew she was not invited, yet you brought her regardless of my wishes.”

  “We were supposed to leave her without a maid and a companion?” Mrs. Hurst’s voice was appalled.

  “She would have a housemaid and the cook. You should have conveyed the news of her companion and maid without bringing her with you. Her reputation would have survived the time required to find replacements.”

  His head whipped to Miss Bingley. “I shall not continue finding servants for you to abuse. If you persist, you shall be cooking your own food, fixing your own hair, and keeping yourself company!”

  Miss Bingley gasped. “But Charles!”

  “Do not test me on this, Caroline! Your character has become well-known, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find servants willing to take a position in your home.”

  An uncharacteristic growl emanated from Bingley as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Louisa, the unfortunate fact is I require a hostess, so you shall remain. Most of the men of the neighbourhood have called, and I informed Sir William Lucas I would have guests this evening. Caroline shall have to return to town as soon as arrangements can be made.

  “Mrs. Nicholls, would you have the furthest room at the end of the west wing made up for Miss Bingley, and please place Mr. and Mrs. Hurst along that same corridor.”

  Darcy pressed his lips together. Thank goodness! Miss Bingley would be on the opposite end of the house from him!

  The elderly housekeeper gave a swift nod. “Yes, sir.”

  He pointed towards the Hursts. “You will be responsible for Caroline. You brought her—against my wishes—and you will see to it she behaves herself.”

  “Now, Bingley—” began Hurst.

  “Hurst, you were well aware she was not to come. You also knew the reason. I informed you a year ago when I formed her establishment that I would brook no dissension from either of you.” He pointed an insistent finger in Miss Bingley’s direction. “As you make your bed, so you must lie upon it.” Bingley pivoted and took a step toward the study.

  Miss Bingley made to follow. “But Charles! You have prevented me from obtaining invitations to the biggest events London has to offer. How am I to find a husband when you hinder me so?”

  He swivelled back around to face her. “You would have secured a husband long ago, had you not decided to set your cap for my friend. I told you repeatedly that your machinations would not yield the desired result, but you heeded none of my warnings. You are well aware as to why I took the actions I did. If you have forgotten, I can always remind you should you require—”

  Miss Bingley’s eyes widened and darted between the servants and her brother. “No! That will not be necessary!”

  “Good! I will be in my study.” Bingley began to stride away, and with one last look at Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, Darcy followed.

  When the door was closed behind them, Bingley poured them both a glass of port. “I apologise, Darcy. If I had any idea that she would arrive unannounced as she has, I would have warned you.”

  Darcy cradled his glass in his hand as he met the apologetic gaze of his friend. “Over the past year, you have taken great pains to control her behaviour. I admire the fortitude you have displayed in the endeavour. We both know she can try the patience of Job.”

  “I had to do something. We were fortunate I noticed her missing that day.”

  Darcy took a large gulp of his drink. “I am thankful you noticed as well. I am still at a loss as to how your sister gained access to the mistress’ suite. Mrs. Reynolds usually keeps those rooms locked up tighter than the Tower of London.”

  A chuckle escaped his friend’s lips. “I believe she had her entire contingent of maids in the room after I removed Caroline, cleaning and scouring every nook and cranny. Did she burn the bed linens?”

  “No.” He shook his head and laughed. “She did have them laundered and the room aired for a few days. The room was pronounced clean when Mrs. Reynolds could no longer smell any traces of Miss Bingley’s perfume.”

  “I would never force you to wed her. I hope you know.”

  Bingley’s expression was earnest, and Darcy gave a nod. “I appreciate you saying as much, but I would never offer, even should she find her way into my rooms without a stitch of clothing upon her body.” Lord, what a nightmare that would be! An involuntary shudder racked his body.

  A small distinct gagging sound came from Bingley’s throat, and he washed it down with a large swig of port. “What of this assembly tonight? You know how contemptuous Caroline is of country society. She will be insufferable. She and Louisa will overdress and pass judgement on every individual present without so much as a word of sensible conversation. I do not wish to offend the whole of Meryton with their company.”

  “Why not have Miss Bingley stay behind? She was not to come in the first place, so why allow her any amusement at all while she remains?”

  “To be honest, I do not trust her here alone. She might see it as a perfect opportunity to rifle through your rooms. If she is at the assembly, we know where she is and what she is doing.”

  “I hate to admit it, but you have a valid point.” He glanced through the windows for a moment. “You know, Miss Bingley’s attendance might not be such a hardship.” Bingley’s jaw dropped. “There is always the possibility we might make the acquaintance of a potential suitor for her.”

  A loud, derisive laugh erupted from her beleaguered brother. “I should be so fortunate!” He set down his glass and exhaled a long breath. “I shall warn the footmen and servants. They can ensure she does not step foot in the east wing of the house, but have your valet search your chambers prior to entering—and lock your door. I would not be shocked to find that Caroline lied in regards to her maid and companion.”

  “Clarke will likely have a cot set up in the dressing room by the time I ready myself for the assembly. After Pemberley, he guards my chambers with a vigilance typically reserved for my wardrobe.”

  “Your staff does not want her as their mistress. I cannot say I blame them, either.” Bingley walked around the desk and took a seat. “Before I go up to dress, I shall pen a letter to Caroline’s cook. I require the precise situation. I must plan my sister’s return to London as soon as may be.”

  With a crooked grin, Bingley glanced from his quill. “I assume you will be your usual charming self at the assembly?”

  Darcy set his glass upon the tray. “I attend tonight for no other reason than to be of aid to you. I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers."

  “They would not be strangers if you spoke to them.”
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  “You are the one who will maintain this lease until you purchase your own estate, be it Netherfield or another estate in a different county, so it is you who must make the acquaintance of your neighbours—not I.”

  “I would not be so fastidious as you are for a kingdom, Darcy.”

  Bingley’s long-time joke brought a small smile to his lips. “I should go dress. Will we depart on time if Miss Bingley is late?”

  His friend grinned. “Of course, and while we enjoy ourselves, the carriage will return for her and the Hursts since I wager Louisa will be just as tardy.”

  Darcy rose and strode to the door.

  “Darcy?”

  With a start, he turned and raised his eyebrows.

  “Though I am unaware the reason, I know you did not wish to leave Georgiana. I thank you for coming, for your assistance, and for not departing the moment Caroline strolled through the door.”

  His hand rested on the knob as he gave a grin. “Do not thank me just yet. If Miss Bingley is too insufferable, I might just leave at first light on the morrow.”

  As he exited the room, an amused bark came from the study. Departing for London was tempting, but he had made a promise to a friend, one he intended to fulfil whether he was required to dance with the unwed ladies of Meryton or not.

  Darcy stood straight and stiff as he followed Bingley through the throng of the assembly. The locals all stared; the mothers licked their chops, no doubt waiting to sink their teeth into his bank accounts or Pemberley. Had the rumours of his income made the rounds so soon? Upon his entrance to a function, someone inevitably made mention of his wealth within his earshot, yet the gauche and too loud whisper of ten thousand pounds had yet to reach his ears.

  Upon their arrival, an eager fellow by the name of Sir William Lucas greeted them and introduced them to a selection of the more prominent landowners until they reached a gaggle of women Sir William introduced as the Bennets. Mr. Bennet, whom Bingley had made the acquaintance of the week prior, was absent, though his friend failed to notice.

  Bingley’s expression was happy as he was presented to each of the daughters in succession, but Darcy’s gaze was arrested by the mother’s appraising eye as she scanned Bingley’s attire followed by his own.