Prior to his marriage, Caroline had flattered Mr. Darcy on any subject at hand. She had agreed with nearly anything he said. She had praised his county and his homes. She had admired his sister, his letter writing, his dancing, his character, and his library. But he had not reciprocated in any manner. He was quite proficient in discouraging a woman from raised expectations from her own certain knowledge. She remembered his many compliments and assurances paid to Georgiana. He could be most encouraging when he chose it. But Caroline had wasted several years of her youth because she had ignored his disinterest in herself. The most intimate confidence he had shared with her had been about his meditations on the fine eyes found on the face of a beautiful woman. Another woman. That he was capable of feeling partiality and admiration was evident enough even then. She had willfully deceived herself into thinking he could be secured; contrary to all the evidence before her, because she wished it. When she considered her past recollections now, in light of the indications he might not even have been a suitable match for her and she might not have even been happy with him, she was grieved anew and rendered even more discouraged and spiritless.
Caroline knew not how to respond to Elizabeth’s overtures and preserve her own dignity. When they had first become acquainted, Caroline had maintained her superiority by conspiring with her sister to together ridicule the Bennet family, their relations, and the locals of Meryton. Their audience had been comprised of her familiar circle of society; Fitzwilliam, Charles, and Louisa’s husband Frederick. But she had no such allies or audience with her now and Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet was no longer so easily mocked. Elizabeth had obtained the object that Caroline herself had desired and now had every amenity that could be wished for at her disposal. She could claim equal, if not superior, intimacy as Caroline with everybody in the Bingley, Hurst, and Darcy families. Three of her four sisters were now married; one to Caroline’s own brother. Her vulgar mother, various relations in trade, and unfashionable neighbors were all agreeably situated several days’ travel away. Even her performance on the pianoforte had vastly improved since her marriage. That she now practised with much more dedication was quite obvious. But the availability of proper instruction and tutoring had truly elevated Elizabeth’s skills such that she could exhibit in any house in London without fear of embarrassment. Georgiana clearly adored her new sister-in-law; in fact the entire staff seemed to admire their new Mistress. For such a reversal in situation, to have lost every former advantage was a tremendous defeat to Caroline’s character. Elizabeth was supposed to be the imposter amongst all the wealth and grandeur of Pemberley and instead it was Caroline who now seemingly did not belong, as Pemberley was essentially a grand, yet isolated, farming estate. Caroline had to acknowledge that Elizabeth had given her one seemingly very good piece of advice and that was to be honest with herself. And the truth was, as distasteful as it was to own, that Caroline was unhappy.
Caroline settled into a daily routine, as best she could. She enjoyed a late breakfast and then she practised on the pianoforte after Georgiana concluded her own practise to make calls in the village. Elizabeth had invited her on several occasions for an early morning walk, but thus far she had demurred. She spent a portion of every day in the rose garden and the sculpture gallery. She never entered the library and did not entertain the idea of riding. Sometimes she and Georgiana would practise together in the music room in the afternoons with Caroline on the pianoforte and Georgiana on the harp. Occasionally the four of them would gather around the card table in the evenings after dinner.
One afternoon Elizabeth needed to pick up a parcel in Lambton and invited Caroline to go with her, suggesting it would be enlightening. Caroline assented to her invitation and they made their way to town in the carriage. Caroline was surprised that Elizabeth was picking up a new afternoon-dress that she had ordered in Lambton. They picked up the dress at the dressmaker’s shop, which Caroline had never before entered. Elizabeth thanked the dressmaker cordially after visiting with her for several minutes and they departed to return home.
“You would purchase a dress here?”
“Of course, Caroline! We help to support the town and it would be an insult if I purchased none of my things here.”
“And you are going to wear this dress?”
“Yes, indeed. What do you think of the dress I am wearing right now? It was made by the same dressmaker. Come with me to my dressing-room and I will try this new one on for you. It’s a lovely gown.”
Caroline had to own that it was not as bad as she had feared.
“But you can afford to buy any afternoon-dress you want! Why this one?”
“Because this one is from Lambton and I cannot afford to create any ill-will with the town. The estate and the town need each other; it is best to work at a cordial relationship. I happily buy the cobbler’s half boots here because the ones I brought from Hertfordshire cannot stand up to the rugged Derbyshire terrain. This is all part of living on a country estate.”
“Would you wear that dress in London?”
“No, I would not, not as Mrs. Darcy. But this dress will never be in London. It is best suited for life in the country and it cannot be talked of by the dressmaker or appreciated by the local townspeople unless it stays here in Derbyshire. As you well know, there is necessary shopping to be done at the best shops in Mayfair and being seen in the most fashionable areas that can only be accomplished in London. Most of THAT wardrobe remains at Darcy House and is worn there.”
Caroline acknowledged her point and looked thoughtful.
Elizabeth inquired of Caroline a few days later if she would accompany her on a visit to her sister, Mary, in Lambton.
“Mary, your middle sister who dresses like a governess, cannot sing or play the pianoforte, and is lately married?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, yes, the very one. Would you care to join me in paying a call? It may help me to make my point.”
Caroline agreed. Before they set out, Elizabeth gave her a thin folio that was rolled up as a scroll and tied with a pretty ribbon.
“What is this?”
“It’s your belated wedding gift for the newlyweds. Actually they just celebrated their first anniversary. It’s two concertos by Haydn.”
“But I did not buy these, you did!”
“Yes, but no one need know that. You did not know we would be calling upon them. You might not have even remembered that she had settled here. And do not worry, her playing is much improved. She will have no difficulty playing these pieces. And Haydn is one of her preferred composers.”
Caroline was silent. She had not remembered, although Jane and Charles had attended the wedding and recounted the Atkinses’ Parsonage House and future plans at length upon returning to Barrington. She had been too absorbed in her own life. She felt somewhat ashamed.
They set out in the carriage to call upon the Atkinses at Lambton Parsonage. Upon arrival, Caroline had to admit to herself the Parsonage looked as uniformly charming as a cottage could look. Pastor and Mrs. Atkins greeted them warmly and welcomed them in to tea. Mary performed the introductions between Caroline and her husband. Caroline saw the improvement in Mary immediately. Her hair, her gown, and her manner were all drastically superior from their last meeting in Hertfordshire. And above all else, Mary appeared quite content and greeted her warmly. Caroline presented her with the wedding gift and congratulated her on her first anniversary but she confessed that Elizabeth had assisted in the selection. Mary was very touched and after unrolling the sheets of music, conveyed her thanks. Mary offered to give Caroline a tour whilst Elizabeth and Louis visited in the drawing-room. Mary described the transformation the Parsonage had undergone and how many people had helped her and her husband set up housekeeping. She led Caroline through each room detailing the improvements. From the drawing-room, she took her into the dining-parlour. Caroline paid her compliments as she found the principle rooms to be very elegant. In the kitchen Mary introduced her to Missy. In the Parsonage bedchambe
r Caroline admired the furnishings as well as the wedding portrait hanging on the wall. Mary explained that her sister Kitty was studying drawing and had done the portrait as a wedding gift. Caroline complimented Kitty’s talent as an artist. In the nursery Mary introduced Caroline to little Thomas and his nursemaid, Missy’s older sister Emily. In the music-room Caroline admired the economy of the piano table to fit such a fine instrument into a home the size of the Parsonage. And Mary also showed Caroline the kitchen garden where she spent part of each day. Caroline, who had always thought the Bennet family quite ridiculous, was not sure which transformation was more pronounced, the Parsonage or Mary! Whilst this was not the life she sought for herself, she thought this a fine thing for Mary, who was known in Hertfordshire for her affinity to the church. To be settled in so near a vicinity to Elizabeth and nearby to Jane with an attentive husband, a son, a pleasant home, and a new wardrobe and more stylish toilette was a profound change in circumstance from the prior year. And it was largely due to the efforts of Elizabeth. It struck Caroline then that this is precisely what Elizabeth was trying to do for HER.
Caroline struggled to sleep that night as she wondered why Elizabeth Darcy would try to help her. Of course Elizabeth loved her sister and brother-in-law. Caroline being settled independently would help everybody, even the Hursts. Caroline could acknowledge that. But Elizabeth, or Charles for that matter, could have simply instructed their solicitors in London to accomplish the task. Instead Elizabeth was devoting time and energy to the purpose as well as disrupting her household and it seemed to be solely for Caroline’s own benefit. Caroline knew that she owed Elizabeth her gratitude. She should be grateful not merely for the assistance that was being offered but grateful that Elizabeth held no grudges respecting how the Bennet sisters had been treated early in their acquaintance.
The next morning Caroline rose early and found Elizabeth in the breakfast-room. She asked if she could join her on her early morning walk. Elizabeth appeared surprised but readily agreed. Little was said, but the walk was pleasant and it was a beautiful day.
Pemberley House, April 4
Dear Charles and Jane,
I have settled into living at Pemberley and am trying not to disrupt the household. I was angry at first but I am trying to look at this as an opportunity as Louisa has suggested. The Darcys have been very kind to me. I know I have treated you both badly and I am sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I pray your time away is to your benefit and Jane’s health remains strong.
Yours, etc.,
Caroline
∞∞∞
Pemberley House, April 5
Dear Papa,
I have undertaken a necessary project to assist your eldest daughter which would amuse you greatly if I were at liberty to explain. This project is ill-timed and shall likely occupy my time for at least six months and divert my attention from Kitty. I must ask for your assistance. I would like for you to continue with the dancing lessons using the same instructor as before, Mr. Timmons. With Mary’s absence I know this will require you to invite Mama to participate. Use any enticement necessary, but I need Kitty to see enough improvement to be considered an elegant dancer by next year. And I particularly need her to learn the quadrille and the waltz, which I comprehend, are new dances which are come from the Continent, but shall be of considerable importance in gaining her entrance to the right balls in London.
You once noted that improving a young lady’s performance in a ball-room should be the principle path to finding her a husband. I hope that I can persuade you, from my own experience, that there must also be a little conversation. Whilst Kitty will never be enticed into reading books, can you wield your influence to discuss the paper with her each day? She shall need to know such things as the difference between a Whig and a Tory and that Lock’s in St. James Street is the best place for a gentleman to buy a hat in London.
Can I rely on you to do this?
Yours, etc.,
Lizzy
The morrow Caroline asked Elizabeth to join her for tea in the saloon. After serving the tea and thanking the housekeeper, Caroline tried to begin sharing her thoughts whilst maintaining the remains of her fashionable facade.
“I have endeavored to listen to your counsel and I think you are right. I would not have enjoyed living here in a permanent capacity. I thank you for taking an interest in my welfare and I agree with you that I am most particularly suited to be in town.”
“That is a great beginning, Caroline. Have you considered which towns are most appealing to you?”
“I agree that London is the most promising option, for all the obvious reasons. I would not want to live there in the hot summer months, but that can easily be avoided with a seaside summer rental, or travelling to Bath, or visiting with friends in the country.”
“Caroline, you are to be commended. You are making progress. I can appreciate the effort you are putting forth. Do you think that Mayfair should be the only place we consider for now?”
“Mayfair or the immediate surrounding areas, I think would be most promising.”
“And regarding possible suiters?”
“I do not know exactly, but I would like a husband who needs and values my entertaining skills. I am good at it and enjoy it immensely. Beyond that, I would of course consider a gentleman of tolerable fortune and I would consider a Member of Parliament as you suggested. I think possibly even a businessman who was quite wealthy would be suitable. I am not interested in a clergyman or an attorney. And I think I’ve quite ruled out tenant farmers!”
It was the first joke Elizabeth had ever heard her utter and it took her quite by surprise. Once she observed Caroline laughing, she comprehended her jollity and joined in.
“But I think,” she continued with returning solemnity, “I think that the one shared trait I’ve observed from Fitzwilliam, Charles, and Pastor Atkins that appeals to me is how they all look at their wives with adoration.”
This WAS surprising. “Caroline, you are saying that you wish to marry for affection.”
There was a long pause. “I think I am.”
Longbourn, April 8
Dear Lizzy,
We are long past the point where I would question any requests from YOU, dear Daughter. So worry not. It shall be done. I do plan to barter stories with you later, however. I shall offer tales of your mother dancing and making merry with Mr. Timmons in exchange for hearing what you are about in your mysterious new scheme.
Yours, etc.,
Papa
Chapter 27
“Begging your pardon, Mrs. Darcy...”
Elizabeth looked up to find Thomas with his hat in his hand, standing in the doorway of the study. She had been updating some household ledgers and was using the study in Fitzwilliam’s absence. He had been called to Liverpool on unavoidable business and she was not sure of the date of his return. Fitzwilliam had shared with Elizabeth that he liked finding her in the study. It always came not only as a pleasant surprise but a distinct reminder of how different his life was now. His study had once been the loneliest room in his house he had confessed, other than his bedchamber. Now Elizabeth would spend time in both the study and his bedchamber when Fitzwilliam travelled in order to feel close to him in his absence. Elizabeth pulled herself out of her reverie.
“Yes Thomas, how are you today?”
“Fine ma’am. Thank you. I have received the tree saplings for planting and as we speak they are being transplanted into the locations you and Mr. Darcy selected near the mulberry grove. I can show you, if you like. And I should know more of how they are faring within three weeks, possibly less.”
“That is wonderful, Thomas! How is it you were able to find all of the varietals that we desired, so quickly?”
Thomas grinned, “My father ma’am. He has so many contacts from his years in service, he knew exactly to whom to write.”
“I will be sure to thank him the next time I am out that way on the estate. I don’t need to see the new trees yet, and
I would rather wait until Mr. Darcy is back and then you, and perhaps even your father, can show both of us your work at the same time. Thank you, Thomas.”
He hesitated, and Elizabeth looked back up from her ledgers.
“Was there something else?”
“I don’t mean to pry ma’am, but I noticed…”
Noting his discomfort, Elizabeth replied, “Won’t you come in and sit down, Thomas? Please tell me what is on your mind. You know you may always speak freely.”
He came in hesitantly and reluctantly sat down. He was a young man, now, but had worked on the estate beginning when he was a boy of eight years of age. He knew far more about the house and grounds than did Elizabeth herself.
“Well, ma’am, it’s just that I understood that your friend Miss Bingley was to stay at Pemberley for some time, many months in fact.”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“And she seems to enjoy the rose garden very much.”
“Do you think so?”
“Indeed, I do ma’am. She has spent part of every day since her arrival in the rose garden. I am quite certain I am in her way, with all my watering cans, gardening shears, and rose trimmings about!”
“Somehow, I am sure it is quite the reverse.” Elizabeth observed wryly. “Did you want me to keep her out of your way in the mornings, so you can get your work done?”
“No! That is to say no, ma’am. I was wondering if you had, begging your pardon, thought to put some seating in the rose garden. Miss Bingley cannot sit down anywhere; there is no place for tea service, no spot to curl up with a good book. I thought she would enjoy being able to spend some time in leisure in the rose garden, she seems to like it.”
By Charm or by Choice Page 19