Miss Bingley Requests

by Judy McCrosky

  * * *

  The closer they got to London, the higher Caroline’s spirits rose. The removal had actually gone very smoothly. There were three carriages in their procession, one for Louisa, Mr Hurst, and Caroline, one for the servants, and one for the luggage that needed to come along right away. The rest of the servants, other than those who would remain in Hertfordshire to attend to the house, would follow later, with the rest of the luggage.

  Mr Darcy had chosen to ride his horse rather than sit in the carriage on such a lovely day. Looking out of her window, Caroline could see the horse’s shoulder and, just behind it, Mr Darcy’s leg in its beautifully polished black riding boot. At first he’d ridden his horse hard, moving ahead with great speed and then returning, but for now he seemed content to let the animal walk at the carriage’s pace.

  ‘Mr Darcy,’ she called to him, leaning her head out of the window and looking up to see him, ‘can you see the city yet?’

  ‘I’m afraid not, Miss Bingley. It will be another hour or so before it will come into view.’

  ‘He is remarkably patient,’ Louisa said.

  Caroline pulled her head back inside, in part because leaning out and looking up always gave her a sore neck, but also to glare at Louisa. Louisa did not travel well. She always complained of a headache and sore bones from all the bouncing. Even this carriage, with its lush padded seats and the latest in springs and suspension, did not ease her journey. She also tended to become cranky when travelling, and while Mr Hurst could sometimes cheer her up, he was currently leaning back against the squabs, asleep with his mouth open. ‘There is no point,’ Louisa continued, ‘in expecting Mr Darcy’s response to change unless you wait longer than five minutes before repeating the question.’

  ‘That,’ Caroline said, ‘is unfair. It’s been at least half an hour since I last asked. And of course I know we are not close to the city yet, as not enough time has elapsed. I merely asked Mr Darcy so he could know that even if he is not with us in the carriage, we have not forgotten his presence.’

  Louisa rolled her eyes upwards, as if asking for patience. ‘Why, then, bother asking such an inane question, and even repeating it? I am certain he would rather be forgotten than have to deal with you, today.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Caroline asked. She was genuinely curious, but she was also trying not to allow Louisa’s foul mood to provoke her into a show of temper.

  ‘You haven’t noticed?’ Louisa said with a smirk. ‘He has been icily distant ever since we all breakfasted together this morning. I am surprised that you, who are such the expert observer of Mr Darcy, failed to see that he preferred to ride today because he had not the slightest interest in our company. When in company, after all, he might actually have to converse.’

  ‘Your cruelty is uncalled for,’ Caroline said sharply. ‘He is a vigorous man who needs a great deal of exercise.’

  ‘Oh, really? And what would you know of his vigour? Or that of any man?’

  Caroline sighed. She really did not want to argue with her sister. She knew that Louisa’s pique stemmed from an aching head and not from any personal animosity. She knew, also, that once arrived at the destination, Louisa would be extremely apologetic, so much so, in fact, that her beseeching pleas for forgiveness would become almost as irritating as her difficult temper during the journey. ‘Obviously, I do not have your expertise in many areas relating to men. But I do know, and this stems from my detailed observations of this one man in particular, that while he often presents a cool, unruffled image to the world, beneath that lies much strength, both of mind and of body, and deeply felt passions.’

  ‘Passions?’ Louisa was clearly enthralled. ‘Do tell.’

  Caroline smiled, happy to hear her sister speak without the sharp edge to her voice. ‘Have you never thought about how it is that two men of such seemingly different temperaments as Charles and Mr Darcy can be such close friends? Mr Darcy appears calm and controlled, never doing anything without having given it much thought. Charles on the other hand, almost never thinks ahead. His thoughts and interests change moment by moment. He is impulsive, and Mr Darcy appears to be the very opposite.’

  Louisa started nodding as Caroline spoke. ‘That is very well put. I understand completely. I am all agog, now, to learn why two such different men are friends.’

  ‘It is because beneath his calm exterior, Mr Darcy’s emotions are very strong indeed, but revealing them is something he believes would be ungentlemanly.’

  ‘Charles reveals them,’ Louisa said, the testy bite back in her voice.

  ‘Mr Darcy thinks that it is well and good for Charles, because he is a very different sort of person. Mr Darcy has a very definite idea of what it is to be a gentleman in his position, for a man like himself. But since both he and Charles are passionate men, they share a strong bond of friendship.’

  ‘And perhaps,’ Louisa said, ‘they are friends because they each have much to offer the other.’

  ‘Exactly. Charles helps Mr Darcy enjoy himself a little more, while I have observed definite improvements in Charles since their friendship began. Charles is much more polished now, and is learning about business matters.’

  ‘And to think before he makes major decisions.’

  ‘Which I wish,’ Caroline said with a sigh, ‘he had done before taking Netherfield Park.’ The two sisters smiled, fully at ease with each other and in accord for the first time that day. ‘He should have known,’ Caroline said, ‘that only a house in a more fashionable county would work out.’

  ‘In Derbyshire, for example?’ Louisa had a mischievous glint in her eyes.

  ‘Certainly,’ Caroline said with great dignity. ‘Derbyshire is very desirable.’ She held up a hand. ‘And before you say anything more, the fact that Pemberley is in that county only adds to its allure. An estate as grand as that can only add prestige to others in its area.’

  Mr Hurst snorted, and began to choke. He coughed and woke up, looking bewildered. He glanced about for a moment, seemingly uncertain as to where he was. ‘No wonder,’ he said, once comprehension showed on his countenance, ‘I was dreaming about being one of a pair of dice in a shaker, being rolled and thrown.’

  ‘Have you been very uncomfortable?’ Louisa asked, patting his cheek.

  ‘I am quite comfortable, my dear,’ he said, placing his hand over hers where it rested on his face. ‘You know me, never one to complain.’

  Caroline leaned her head back, and glanced out of the window. Mr Darcy was not in sight; he must again have galloped ahead. She closed her eyes for what seemed like only a moment, but when she opened them, the black horse once again moved alongside the window.

  Peering out, she smiled up at him. ‘I am so glad you are enjoying your ride.’

  He looked down. ‘I rode ahead only to ascertain how far we were from the point at which we will be able to first see the city.’

  A warm glow rose up inside her. ‘Why, Mr Darcy, that is uncommonly kind of you.’

  He shrugged. ‘It is uncommonly lovely today. The sun is shining, the foliage is very colourful for the time of year. And soon I shall be with my sister.’

  ‘I long to see her, as well. Such an accomplished young woman, I would almost find myself envious when in her presence, were she not such a loving, generous person.’

  He smiled at that, an open smile that made him suddenly look young and carefree. ‘She is a very special girl. I am glad that you appreciate her so, Miss Bingley.’

  The sun’s rays that he was so enjoying seemed suddenly to shine within her chest. You no longer think of fine eyes, she thought. She kept her mouth shut, though, for she did not want to break the mood. Surely, this is what love feels like. And Mr Tryphon’s letter? That is no more than a minor flirtation, too insubstantial to even think about. When we reach town, I shall burn his letter.

  When they reached town, somehow it stayed where it was, inside her jewel box.

  * * *

  It took a couple of days for Caroline t
o fully recover from the stress of the journey, but once she felt fully resettled into life in the city, she sent her card around to a few select friends. She was not surprised to find that Lady Amesbury was the first to respond.

  ‘Darling,’ Eleanor said, entering the sitting room at Mr Darcy’s house, which was where Charles and Caroline had chosen to stay. She held her arms out, and pulled Caroline into a hug. ‘Let me look at you.’ Taking both of Caroline’s hands, she stepped back. ‘You look marvellous. I am indeed happy to see you again!’

  ‘And I, you,’ Caroline said warmly. ‘You look wonderful.’ And indeed, Eleanor’s skin glowed and her eyes shone.

  ‘Country life obviously agrees with you,’ Eleanor said, sitting beside Caroline on a settee.

  ‘What nonsense you speak!’ Caroline felt suddenly carefree, as if she was as relaxed as a bird soaring high above the world. ‘Oh, Eleanor, I have missed you. The company in the country is very dull.’

  ‘I am glad to hear you say that,’ Eleanor said. ‘I have arranged a number of entertainments especially for you.’

  Caroline wondered for a moment how Eleanor had found the time to arrange even one entertainment, since she had only just learned of her return to town, but Eleanor was still speaking, outlining trips to the theatre, balls, a concert at which ‘the best violinist I have ever heard’ was to play.

  ‘It all sounds marvellous,’ Caroline said. ‘Oh! I know not how I could leave all of this life behind!’

  ‘I do not know either. Although, I confess the time we spent with you in the country was very pleasant.’

  ‘I suppose there was the odd moment when I was content, although I cannot think of one at present!’ Both women laughed merrily.

  ‘There is,’ Eleanor said, ‘someone else who has missed you very much. And Caroline,’ she held up a reproving finger, ‘you were not nearly as good a correspondent with him as you were with me.’

  Caroline was awkwardly silent. How could she explain that she thought of Mr Tryphon far more often than she should, and it was precisely because of this excess that she had to pretend she thought of him very little?

  She was saved from having to reply by the entry into the room of Georgiana Darcy. Eleanor leapt to her feet. ‘Why, who is this simply stunning young lady?’

  Georgiana looked to Caroline, unsure of how to respond to this effusive greeting. Caroline stood too and said, ‘Lady Amesbury, please permit me to introduce my very dear friend who is as a sister to me. Miss Darcy, Lady Amesbury.’

  The two made their curtseys to each other. Truly, the child had matured since she had last seen her. Georgiana was taller now but more than in height, she had grown in manners and poise. Her posture, always elegant, now befit a young lady of consequence.

  ‘Come,’ Eleanor said to Georgiana, pulling her to where they could sit side by side, ‘You must tell me all about you. I have, of course, heard much about you from your adoring brother, but his praise falls far short of the actuality.’

  Georgiana blushed, but allowed herself to be pulled away from Caroline into the more intimate area Eleanor had selected. Caroline was left to sit across from them, separated from their couch by a large table, but she did not mind. She was content to sit back and gaze upon two of the people who were most dear to her.

  Responding to Eleanor’s eloquently enthusiastic questions and frequent laughter, Georgiana blossomed, turning from a shy young woman to an eager speaker, anxious to share the details of her life that Eleanor clearly found so fascinating.

  ‘You must be very happy,’ Eleanor said, ‘to have more of a crowd in the house.’

  Georgiana nodded. ‘I am. My companion, Mrs Annesley, is very good company, but I am truly happiest when I am with my brother.’ Then, glancing at Caroline, she quickly added, ‘and our friends, of course, the Bingleys.’

  ‘It’s quite all right,’ Caroline said. ‘I understand that your brother has the premiere place in your heart.’

  ‘Of course he does,’ Eleanor said. ‘And he will, until you meet that certain someone.’

  Caroline knew that Mr Darcy would not approve of someone making that statement to his sister, but Georgiana merely blushed and looked down at where her hands were interlinked in her lap.

  ‘Ah! Innocence,’ Eleanor said with a fond look at Georgiana. Turning to Caroline, she added, ‘How rare it is.’ She picked up her cup of tea and drained it. ‘I am having a little soirée Friday week. I hope you will be one of the party.’

  Caroline nodded. ‘I’d be delighted.’

  ‘And you,’ Eleanor said to Georgiana. ‘It would make me very happy if you could be there, also. I would love to spend some time getting to know you better. I am certain we will be the best of friends.’

  Georgiana looked up, interest warring with fear on her countenance. ‘I am not certain—’

  ‘Regrettably,’ a masculine voice cut in, ‘Georgiana is yet too young to be out in society.’ Mr Darcy held out his hand to his sister, who took it and rose to her feet.

  ‘Such a pity,’ Eleanor said. She stood, also, and smiled at him. Something in that smile sent a frisson of cold up Caroline’s spine, although she could not imagine why. Sometimes, she reflected, there was a touch of the predator in Eleanor, but surely her friend knew that Mr Darcy was intended for her. Eleanor would never flirt with him. The smile must simply reflect Eleanor’s disappointment in not being able to spend more time with Georgiana.

  ‘Dearest,’ Eleanor said to Caroline, ‘I must be off. It is lovely beyond measure having you back in town.’ Caroline rose, and the two kissed each other’s cheeks. With a swirl of skirts and a faint hint of perfume lingering in the air, Eleanor departed.

  Caroline turned to see Mr Darcy looking with some concern at her. ‘I would not presume,’ he said, ‘to say anything unfavourable about any of your acquaintances. I would prefer, however, that Georgiana not be included in any of Lady Amesbury’s, er, entertainments.’

  Caroline gazed at him in surprise, then shifted to where Georgiana stood, looking down. ‘As you wish, of course,’ she said, unable to keep a touch of frostiness out of her voice. ‘I was not aware, however, that my friend is so objectionable to you.’ She caught his eye and stared full on at him, unflinching.

  ‘As you well know,’ he said, icily polite, ‘the friend of one’s friend may not be viewed with equal affection. I intended no offence.’

  ‘None taken,’ Caroline murmured automatically. Once they were married, would Mr Darcy take this autocratic attitude towards his wife as well as his sister?

  Mr Darcy bowed and led his sister out of the room, leaving Caroline to sink back into her seat and pour, with shaking hands, another cup of tea.

  * * *

  Charles was absent the next couple of days, tending to his business, and there had been no opportunity to speak to him, other than a quick explanation that they wished to keep him company while he was in town. This evening, however, all were quite at leisure, except Georgiana, who attended a concert with Mrs Annesley. It was time, Caroline knew, to discuss matters with her brother.

  She had received a short note from Jane, in response to the letter she’d sent upon leaving Hertfordshire. It had merely expressed regret at the loss of her friends, and the hope that they would soon be returning to Netherfield. Caroline had wondered if Mrs Bennet had been so flouting of convention as to convince Jane to write to Charles. She assumed that not even that horrible woman would suggest such a thing, but just in case, she had asked Mr Darcy to instruct his butler that all mail arriving at the house for either of the Bingleys be given to her.

  Charles took a chair by the fire, after he and Mr Darcy joined Caroline in the sitting room after dinner. Stretching out his legs, he held up his tumbler of brandy, enjoying the way the fire glinted gold in its depths. ‘It is very pleasant,’ he said, ‘to be here with my friends and family. I look forward, however, to returning to our country retreat.’

  Caroline and Mr Darcy looked at one another, any previous disagre
ements forgotten in the face of this shared challenge.

  ‘I am,’ Caroline said, ‘rather enjoying being here. The country is wet and dreary during the winter. Why do we not stay here, where our friends are and there are so many entertainments? I hear that Madame Irina Costanza will be performing at the opera hall next month.’

  Charles looked surprised. ‘I did not realise you are so fond of the opera.’

  Caroline smiled at him, and then looked meaningfully at Mr Darcy. ‘There are many things about me you do not realise, Charles. If a woman cannot maintain some mystery within her own family, she is in trouble, indeed.’ She forced a laugh.

  Mr Darcy took up his share of the responsibility. ‘Charles, we believe that it would not be in your best interests to return to Netherfield. We fear only disappointment awaits you there.’

  ‘What?’ Charles shot to his feet. ‘Whatever are you speaking of?’

  Caroline held out her hand to Charles and he took it, as if seeking a lifeline thrown to a drowning man.

  ‘You speak of Jane,’ he said, and a hint of anger began to grow in his voice. ‘I know you do not approve of her mother, but of Jane herself there can be no objection. She is the sweetest, gentlest, loveliest—’

  ‘She is all that,’ Mr Darcy said firmly. ‘And while her connections are regrettable, I would have no objection to your attachment—’

  Charles dropped Caroline’s hand and brightened at this, but Mr Darcy continued, ‘if I were convinced that her feelings for you were as strong as yours.’

  Charles gaped at him, then sank limply back into his chair. ‘I do not understand.’ He rubbed his hand over his face.

  ‘Charles,’ Caroline said gently. ‘You are a man of strong passions. You know this, I have heard you admit it.’

  He lowered his hand to uncover his eyes and stared at her.

  ‘And I well understand Jane’s many attractions. Who could know better than I, her dear friend? But I have seen in her an indifference rather than a strength of feelings. She regards the world with great calm, no doubt in an effort to protect herself from the upheavals caused by her mother and younger sisters. I am unsure if she is capable of returning your affections in the way that you deserve.’