Miss Bingley Requests

by Judy McCrosky

  Mr Darcy’s brows were lowered, and he stared at her with an unblinking gaze, but at least he hadn’t said ‘certainly not’ again.

  ‘You, of course,’ she hurried on, ‘are invited as well, as you always are.’ She allowed a little flattery to seep into her tone, to show how impressive it was that he was always invited to every event hosted by Eleanor. As far as she could tell, he was the only man not within Eleanor’s most intimate circle of friends to be so honoured. ‘I understand that you have concerns about the nature of some of Eleanor’s entertainments, but she has assured me this will be a simple evening of music.’ And it would be, for Eleanor had, at Caroline’s urging, cancelled the jugglers and acrobats so there would be nothing Mr Darcy could object to. Caroline did wonder why Eleanor so badly wanted both Darcys in attendance, but had not had an opportunity to ask. ‘She simply wants to bring pleasure to all her guests, and she knows how much Miss Darcy loves music.’

  ‘Pleasure, indeed,’ he said, but the hard edge had gone out of his voice, and she thought she saw the corners of his lips quirk into the tiniest of smiles.

  ‘Eleanor heard Miss Darcy play the pianoforte,’ Caroline said, hoping to bring the deal to a close, ‘the last time she dined with us. She was very impressed, both with the quality of the music and the joy Miss Darcy brought to all who heard her. Can Eleanor not be permitted to bring equal joy to your sister?’

  Mr Darcy regarded her for a moment. ‘What you say is certainly plausible. What I cannot understand, however, is what motive Lady Amesbury has in wanting to secure Georgiana’s presence at her house.’

  ‘Motive?’ Caroline was flabbergasted. ‘What other motive can there be than to bring pleasure to the friend of her friend?’

  ‘I do not know,’ he replied, ‘and that is what makes me uneasy.’

  So close, Caroline thought. He was on the point of agreeing. What has made him pull back? Ideas for how to handle this newest obstruction swirled in her head. Selecting one, she forged ahead. ‘I do not understand, Mr Darcy, why you have this unreasonable concern about Lady Amesbury. She is my dearest friend.’ She allowed her eyes to grow shiny, by blinking furiously to build up tears. ‘If you doubt my dear friend, does that mean you also doubt me? After all, if I have chosen to become intimate with a person who is apparently so dangerous, so scheming, that you cannot permit your sister to set foot inside her home, then you must believe I am a very poor judge of character, indeed.’ The tear built up until it teetered at the edge of her lower eyelid. She let it rest there, and saw his gaze drawn to it.

  ‘I meant no—’ he began. ‘I intended only—’ He sighed, squared his shoulders and, placing his hands on his knees, stood up. ‘I mean no disrespect to either yourself or your friend. Georgiana will accompany us for some little time. I will bring her home once the musical portion of the evening is over.’ Giving her a small bow, he left the room leaving Caroline to sit alone, her eyes still damp, to savour her triumph.

  * * *

  The evening of Lady Amesbury’s ‘Tardy New Year’s Eve Party,’ as the invitation named it, Caroline dressed with unusual haste, surprising her maid. As soon as she was ready, she hurried downstairs to the waiting carriage. She had arranged to go to Mr Darcy’s home and proceed to Eleanor’s with them. Mr Hurst’s carriage would return here to convey Mr Hurst and Louisa.

  She wanted to be early. Not impolitely early, just early enough to have an excuse to go upstairs to where Georgiana would be getting ready. Georgiana was a lovely young woman and her maids, under the guidance of Mr Darcy’s taste, always clothed her beautifully, but Caroline wanted to ensure that her soon-to-be sister did not merely blend in among the many beautiful young women who would be present. No, she wanted Georgiana to shine like a red ruby or a green emerald among all the transparent diamonds who made up much of Eleanor’s guest list. Then, when Mr Darcy saw how much everyone admired his sister, and how gracious she could be even among such august company, he would no longer have any concerns about either his sister or his future wife being friends with Eleanor. Indeed, he’d probably encourage Georgiana’s attendance at future entertainments, for many of the people present this evening would be very useful acquaintances to have. Through Eleanor, Georgiana, and Charles, would meet many statesmen as well as people close to the royal family. The connection with Eleanor would aid Charles, as well, and once he and Georgiana were married, the Darcys and the Bingleys could well become regulars at court.

  What lovely couples they would make. Caroline settled herself in the carriage for the short ride to Mr Darcy’s house. She and Mr Darcy, both so tall, so dark. Charles and Georgiana, both blond, although Charles’ hair tended to appear reddish in a certain light, both of slighter builds than their siblings. Perhaps there could be a double wedding. All society would be agog for days, if not weeks, over an event such as that.

  Caroline arrived at the Darcy home, as she had planned, at just the right time. ‘The master has come down,’ the maid who greeted her at the door reported, ‘and he is in his study. Miss Georgiana is not yet down.’

  Caroline handed her coat to the footman and asked to be shown to Miss Darcy’s rooms. As an intimate of the family, no servant in this house would have denied this request, and the maid quickly took Caroline upstairs.

  Georgiana stood before her full-length mirror, and turned to Caroline without surprise when she knocked and entered. ‘You must tell me,’ she cried, ‘does this dress make me appear to be … young?’

  ‘You are young,’ Caroline said fondly, ‘but the dress makes you appear to be a beautiful young … lady.’

  And it did. The blue silk, sprigged with tiny flowers embroidered in grey, was perfect for Georgiana, bringing out the flush of youth in her perfect skin, heightening the dark blue of her eyes. The bodice was the perfect shape, rounded as it moved from neck to shoulder, with a small vee in the centre to produce just the suggestion of a décolletage.

  The gown flowed out over Georgiana’s hips, giving the suggestion of a slightly fuller figure than the girl had. Fine-boned and slim, Georgiana had not the current fashionable figure, which tended towards Caroline’s rounder curves, but she moved with such grace that no one would dare criticise.

  ‘That blue,’ Caroline said, ‘is brighter than any colour I’ve seen you wear before, but it suits you very well, my dear. Did you select this gown, or did your brother offer his suggestion?’

  Georgiana looked down shyly. ‘It was my own choice, Miss Bingley.’

  ‘You have chosen well.’ Caroline smiled, pleased. The girl obviously had a good instinct, one which would serve her well in the higher circles she’d soon move amongst. Her hairstyle, too, was the slightest bit daring, displaying her long neck and her small ears. In the lobe of each rested a single pearl.

  Georgiana picked up her long gloves, and turned to Caroline with an impish smile. ‘Well? Do I pass muster?’

  Caroline smiled, although she was surprised. ‘Why you should suppose I have come here to inspect you is beyond me! I would never interfere in something so important as one’s own selection of clothing.’

  Georgiana gave her a smile Caroline could not interpret, and led the way downstairs. Really, Caroline thought, she grows more like her brother every day. I will have to ensure that she remains feminine, with none of what is so present in characters such as Eliza Bennet.

  Mr Darcy appeared at his study door as they reached the front hall. He gave both of them a cursory glance and, as he showed little if any enthusiasm for the evening’s entertainment to begin, Caroline said brightly, ‘Is the carriage ready?’

  ‘Yes, madam,’ the footman said, and produced everyone’s coats and Mr Darcy’s hat.

  Caroline could not help but wonder why Mr Darcy did not swell with pride when he entered Eleanor’s house with the two ladies, one on each arm. Instead, he put on the cold, haughty look that Caroline remembered so well from Hertfordshire. But what had been amusing during an assembly in Meryton was not at all funny here. She tightened her gri
p on his arm and beamed widely enough, as she saw Eleanor approach, to make up for his dour expression.

  ‘Welcome, friends,’ Eleanor said warmly. If she saw anything amiss in Mr Darcy’s less-than-effusive greeting, she showed no sign.

  ‘My dear,’ she said, taking Georgiana’s hands in hers. ‘I am so happy to see you.’

  ‘Thank you, Lady Amesbury,’ Georgiana said shyly, curtseying.

  ‘I am very much looking forward,’ Eleanor continued, ‘to hearing your opinions of the musicians who will perform tonight. I knew when I heard you play that you have a discerning ear, and I suspect there is a discerning mind to go with it.’

  Mr Darcy sent Eleanor a sharp glance, as Georgiana blushed and looked down.

  ‘There is a little time before the concert will begin,’ Eleanor said. ‘Please.’ She swept her arm towards the room and the people gathered there, sitting or standing in little groups, conversing.

  Mr Darcy took his sister ahead into the large room, while Eleanor indicated, with a hand on Caroline’s arm, that she wished her friend to linger a moment.

  ‘She,’ Eleanor whispered, ‘is lovelier than I remember, and I recall being very impressed the last time I saw her.’

  Caroline saw with satisfaction that Georgiana, in her restrained gown, did indeed stand out among the crowd. Most women wore either pastel or dark colours, but even among the colourful crowd, it was Georgiana, with her excellent posture, who caught the eye.

  Speaking of catching the eye, she saw a familiar figure making his way over to the Darcys, apparently wishing for an introduction to Georgiana: Mr Tryphon. For a moment Caroline felt poised, like a bird extending its neck in preparation to take flight; held back by Eleanor, pulled by Mr Tryphon.

  She took a step closer, as he bowed to Mr Darcy and then turned glowing eyes on Georgiana. Mr Darcy made the introduction, and while Caroline could not hear what he said, she observed he seemed to have no reservations about this one of her friends, for his manner was easy, his features relaxed.

  Caroline only discovered she’d taken another step towards the little group when Eleanor’s hand, still on her arm, brought her to a standstill. She wouldn’t have progressed much further, for what she saw next froze her limbs into immobility. Mr Tryphon kissed Georgiana’s hand, bowing low as he did so, his gaze slanting up to her face, his eyes warm.

  ‘I am so glad,’ Eleanor said, seemingly unaware of Caroline’s shock, ‘that you were able to persuade Mr Darcy to bring his sister. She will meet ever so many people who will be of great benefit to her.’

  Caroline turned to her friend. ‘Indeed,’ she said faintly, before looking back at the little tableau. Mr Tryphon was standing upright again, conversing with Mr Darcy. Georgiana stood by the two men, Mr Darcy holding her arm protectively in his. Her eyes were fixed on Mr Tryphon. She smiled again as both men turned to her shorter form for a moment, and then Mr Tryphon bowed and left them. He headed towards Eleanor and Caroline, and the latter inhaled, her first air in some time, she suspected, although she had not been aware of holding her breath.

  Mr Tryphon beamed at Eleanor. ‘She accepted!’ he said. ‘The first two dances!’

  ‘I was sure she would,’ Eleanor said warmly. ‘For who indeed can resist you, Stephen?’

  Their gazes locked for a moment, and Caroline suddenly felt like a small child whose parents have just alluded to a world they alone share, a world that cannot be comprehended by a mere child. But then Stephen turned to her, seemingly noticing her for the first time.

  ‘Caroline! How lovely to see you.’ He raised her hand to his lips instead of bowing low over it, and his lips brushed her skin with only the briefest, lightest touch.

  ‘Mr Tryphon,’ she said, and curtseyed. Her calm, almost bored tone, did nothing, she was pleased to hear, to reveal the tumult of thoughts in her head. He had asked Georgiana for the first two dances? That meant Mr Darcy must have agreed to remain at the party after the concert was over. Earlier, Mr Darcy had adamantly refused to even consider delaying his sister’s departure from this house for a single moment after the last note of the concert had ceased to ring in the room. And, Mr Tryphon always danced with Caroline for the first two dances.

  Caroline stood in a daze as Eleanor and Mr Tryphon spoke. She knew not what they discussed, and if they attempted to include her in the conversation, she was unaware. Eventually, Eleanor took Caroline’s arm, and she came out of her daze to observe that Mr Tryphon had moved away and was once again in the Darcys’ company.

  ‘Come, my dear,’ Eleanor said. ‘The concert is about to begin, and I know you will wish for a good seat, so that you can observe all that is going on as well as hear it.’

  Although her friend’s tone was gentle, was that a malicious light in Eleanor’s eyes? But why would there be? Still, as Eleanor guided Caroline to a chair resting just behind where the Darcys and Mr Tryphon sat in the front row, Caroline couldn’t help but believe that, for some reason, Eleanor felt a sort of triumphant glee at Caroline’s expense.

  The concert began with Maestro Daniel Scott Allen, the pianist, playing a concerto, accompanied by a string quartet. At any other time, Caroline would have been ecstatic to have the opportunity to observe the technique of a musician of this level of expertise. Certainly Georgiana was not wasting the opportunity, for she leaned forward to better see his hands, not turning away even when Mr Tryphon pointed out particularly difficult passages or the fancy flourishes the pianist appeared to enjoy. Georgiana nodded in response to each comment, and when the man completed the concerto, she cast a beaming smile on Mr Tryphon as if he, and he alone, had made this musical experience possible for her.

  Caroline could not recall a single note, or even who the composer had been, for she’d been too intent on watching Mr Tryphon as he leaned towards Georgiana’s slight form. She’d been able to hear practically every word he’d whispered in her ear, and was glad that each comment had been focused solely on the music and the pianist. Why, then, did Georgiana glow as she smiled at him now? If anyone was to be thanked for her presence here, it should be Caroline, for without her efforts to convince Mr Darcy to bring his sister, both Darcys would even now be sitting at home, spending a dull evening together.

  Eleanor rose from where she sat on Mr Darcy’s other side, to thank the pianist and introduce Bettina Squires, the soprano, who came out to enthusiastic applause. Caroline automatically patted her palms together, her attention momentarily removed from those who sat in front of her. Eleanor was such a gracious hostess, and she thanked her guests very prettily. Caroline tried to catch her friend’s eye as she resumed her seat and the soprano prepared to sing, but Eleanor’s gaze rested fondly on Georgiana and Stephen. Caroline felt very small all of a sudden, as if she existed inside a tiny soap bubble, its fragile walls keeping her isolated from everyone else in the room. Even the soprano’s voice, a powerful one, appeared wispy and distant, so that Caroline could hardly hear the song.

  After an eternity, the concert ended. The chairs for the audience were removed, and the quartet began tuning their violins and other instruments in preparation for the dancing.

  ‘Was that not truly sublime?’ Eleanor asked.

  Caroline blinked, and discovered that she, and her chair, rested in solitary splendour in the middle of the room. She hastily stood so a footman could take the chair, and turned to her friend.

  ‘Which song was your favourite?’ Eleanor continued.

  Caroline made some reply but she knew not what she said, as she watched Mr Tryphon tuck Georgiana’s hand through his arm to lead her to their places for the dance.

  ‘I am surprised,’ Eleanor said, ‘to hear you say you preferred the lieder, for there was not one on the programme.’

  Caroline wrenched her eyes away from Mr Tryphon and gaped at her friend.

  ‘I had thought you better educated in music,’ Eleanor said, and now there was no mistaking the malice in her eyes.

  ‘Why,’ Caroline gasped, ‘would you speak so to me
? I can see no motivation other than a wish to make me appear foolish.’

  Eleanor smiled nastily, and opened her mouth to say something, but at that moment Mr Darcy appeared at Caroline’s side. Eleanor’s unpleasant expression vanished so quickly and completely that Caroline had to wonder if it truly had been on her friend’s face, and Eleanor gave a little laugh. ‘Forgive me,’ she said, taking Caroline’s hand, ‘my words were sharper than I intended, no doubt due to the fatigue that overwhelms me now, after all the effort of preparing for this evening’s entertainment.’ She swayed a little on her feet, looking to Mr Darcy, who placed a hand on her elbow to steady her.

  ‘Oh, thank you, sir,’ Eleanor said in a faint voice, and as he led her to a chair at the side of the room, she looked back at Caroline. ‘We will speak later,’ she said, her voice somehow stronger. ‘I long to have one of our intimate little chats, dear one.’

  Caroline stood, unable to move, until she saw Mr Darcy leave Eleanor after asking one of the servants to bring her something to drink. He then returned to Caroline. ‘May I have the honour of your hand for these two dances?’ he asked.

  Caroline let out a sobbing breath, and with it came all the fears and confusions she’d experienced since entering this house that evening. She let them fall away, imagining them flowing down her person and across the floor, to vanish in the shadows away from the lamps. Smiling at Mr Darcy, her spirits animated, she said, ‘I’d be delighted.’ Resting her gloved hand on his, she followed him to the end of the lines of men and women, taking her place across from him.

  As the dance progressed, Caroline was glad she knew the steps well enough that she didn’t need to concentrate on where her feet took her. Ignoring her feet meant she had almost enough concentration to keep both Mr Darcy and Mr Tryphon in view. Almost enough, though, meant that she quickly grew breathless and dizzy, as she turned her head in ways current fashion in dancing did not approve of at all. Mr Darcy, she thought, was looking at her with concern, so she flashed him a brilliant smile, and then, as she moved between him and the next gentleman in the line, she glanced over to where Georgiana and Mr Tryphon were. Georgiana, like all the women, was moving diagonally between gentlemen, while the men stood still, one arm outstretched, the hand ready to provide the pivot point for the turn the ladies would make in the next part of the dance. Georgiana, as always, moved gracefully, her head held elegantly atop her long neck. She’d passed Mr Tryphon and bestowed a smile on the gentleman beside him. Caroline had been introduced to that particular man, one who was well known for his fondness for the ladies and the ability of his wife to ignore his dalliances. He, jaded though he was, could not resist the innocent beauty of Georgiana’s smile, and as Caroline watched, his cheeks reddened and he smiled back without any sign of the usual hunger his eyes revealed when he looked at most women. Mr Tryphon, Caroline noted, had also seen the gentleman’s reaction to Georgiana, but instead of frowning, he looked almost proud, as if her smile somehow reflected well on him. Caroline was certain he had never looked so proud when he was with her, and so, as she made the turn and returned to the place across from Mr Darcy, she smiled even more brilliantly and said to him, ‘Your sister dances beautifully, Mr Darcy. I am surprised that you were willing to permit her to dance with a man you have known for such a brief time as Mr Tryphon.’