By Charm or by Choice

by Shana Jefferis-Zimmerman

  Fitzwilliam had a few business appointments for the next day including meeting with his banker. His banker knew nothing about the one day investment scheme. Fitzwilliam contemplated telling the man that he’d been drawn into a ruse for giving money to a relation without their knowledge that it was a gift. He discarded the idea as too risky. What if his banker became angry at being included in such a falsehood? That evening he meant to go to his club, White’s, for some fencing and a drink.

  The following morning Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Caroline rode through Mayfair in the Darcy carriage to make their morning calls. They had a very full day planned.

  “Shall we call upon the Piedmonts, the Crenshaws, and the Davenports?”

  “Yes, I was planning on it. I am hoping Mrs. Piedmont is home as beholding her sitting room again will be so helpful. It is a lovely room.”

  The ladies were in luck as Mrs. Piedmont was home. She had just received Elizabeth’s letter acquainting her with the Darcys’ plans to arrive in London the day before. Elizabeth introduced Caroline and Mrs. Piedmont and she cordially welcomed all three into her sitting room. It was an elegant and cheerful room, done mostly in blues, yellows, and white, with gold accents. Elizabeth quickly confessed that she had wanted to introduce the two women because each had such a superior sense of fashion and home décor. And she shared with Caroline, so that Mrs. Piedmont could hear, what aspects of the sitting room she liked so well to include in her saloon. Mrs. Piedmont was most pleased and flattered! She spoke with them about where she had purchased several items in the room. Georgiana paid rapt attention throughout the conversation.

  They stayed for tea and after the proper half-an-hour departed and proceeded to leave calling cards at the Crenshaws and the Davenports who were both out. Elizabeth had confirmed in Mrs. Piedmont’s sitting room that her recollections from her prior visits were correct. Thus, her selections made whilst studying all the catalogues at Pemberley would achieve the desired object. So the three ladies made their way to Hepplewhite’s furniture shop. Mr. Hepplewhite was prepared for the appointment and Elizabeth had brought the catalogue and her measurements for several pieces for the saloon. The ladies looked at the samples of finishes and showed him what finishes were most similar to Mrs. Piedmont’s sitting room. Caroline suggested styles for the pieces they needed to order that were not in Mrs. Piedmont’s sitting room which she felt would still achieve the effect Elizabeth was looking for. Elizabeth liked everything Caroline suggested. She finalized her selections and placed her order. Mr. Hepplewhite insisted she keep the finish samples that were included in her order. He said it would make fabric selection much easier. Selecting home fashions was not so intimidating after all! Georgiana said that she was learning a great deal. They repeated this exercise at both Chippendale’s and Sheraton’s furniture makers. Next they went to several linen drapers to select fabric for the new settees, chairs, curtains, the divan, and several pillows, collecting more samples along the way. Caroline helped Elizabeth stay true to Mrs. Piedmont’s vision whilst also finding fabrics that complimented each other. Elizabeth wasn’t sure she would have been able to do that on her own. The orders were placed following Caroline’s recommendation of purchasing extra of each fabric in case more was needed later. Lastly they visited the Axminster carpet dealer for their appointment to commission two rugs. Caroline helped Elizabeth choose the patterns and the colors to be included. How did Caroline appear as though she did this every day? Although Elizabeth was nervous, she was pleased with the carpet designs and placed the order. The three returned home quite spent from their productive day.

  The next day opened a new scene. The ladies had a more leisurely day planned as they were still fatigued from their shopping the prior day. They enjoyed a late breakfast and discussed their plans. They had a few more calls to make and then meant to visit a new teahouse in Mayfair to discuss the upcoming ball being hosted by the Wentworths.

  Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Caroline soon found themselves seated at the best table at the new teahouse. They were thrilled with the view their seats afforded for watching people walk by on the promenade and their prospects of being seen. Several ladies stopped to greet them and all were told about their many appointments to help Elizabeth update the saloon at Pemberley and their upcoming meetings with Fitzwilliam’s broker to help Caroline look at suitable town homes in Mayfair. The speed with which such news could travel never ceased to amaze Elizabeth. Fitzwilliam had shared with her following their engagement that whilst London gossip could not be contained, it could be directed. She and Caroline had agreed that sharing a few well-placed confidences would assist Caroline with her season.

  “Now, Caroline, the Wentworth ball is a wonderful opportunity. I want to talk with you again about some new social mannerisms I want you to try. You may not know anybody at the ball other than Fitzwilliam and myself. This is not an evening for husband hunting. This is an evening for being yourself and practicing being kind and being interested in others. The ball is an opportunity to be seen around town, as was yesterday as well as today, whilst news of our doings travels its course.”

  “But Lord Brodrick will be there! I must meet him and engage him in conversation!”

  “No, you are absolutely not to meet Lord Brodrick. You are being tempted by the title, not by the man. I need you to trust me on this. Every single woman in the room will be observing Lord Brodrick. I want you to completely ignore him. An introduction is beyond your power to refuse, of course, but do not seek him out. Do not catch his eye. If half the rumours are believed to be true, the man is a complete rake. And don’t forget, I have met him. His only redeeming quality seemed to be his wealth! I did not judge him to be a gentleman looking for a wife, but rather, a man intent on seducing and compromising women. I do not trust him. Caroline, this is important. Do you trust me?”

  “Yes, of course I do. I suppose it will not hurt to try this new approach. But it seems contrariwise that to attract the gentlemen, I am to ignore them.”

  “I am sure it does. But you are not ignoring them; you are simply not hunting for a husband at this ball. So please do not fawn over everybody. Partiality for a woman arises in a man’s heart and Lord Brodrick did not seem to have one. No amount of flattery will cause a man to fall in love with you. It may help a man on who is already partial to you but unsure of your feelings. However, flattery will not inspire a preference where there is none. You should be looking for common interests, a suitable situation in London, enjoyable conversation, and of course independent means; not titles or vast country estates. Meeting a gentleman who likes to entertain would be a promising start! I want you to meet new people and engage in pleasant conversation. Answer questions honestly, even if you disagree. As long as it’s said kindly, disagreement can be interesting too. You don’t need to demonstrate you are a good match for each gentleman, allow the conversation to develop naturally. Investigate if a gentleman is a good match for you. And I want you to compliment the other ladies, within hearing of the gentlemen. Remember, you are thinking of settling here permanently. You don’t have enough friends and it’s always a good idea to meet new ones.”

  “All right. I shall agree to your plan. This is going to be a very interesting evening.”

  “Indeed! You have helped me through the most intimidating prospect of redecorating my late mother-in-law’s saloon. Can you trust me for one evening?”

  “I can and I do.”

  Georgiana noted that most of Elizabeth’s suggestions reflected what Elizabeth had told her about being out and attending balls. Of course Georgiana did not think she would be looking for a gentleman who likes to entertain!

  Elizabeth had been horrified to find out that Lord Brodrick had been invited to the Wentworth’s ball. The man was a scoundrel and had put her in a precarious situation from the moment she’d met him after her marriage to Mr. Darcy. It had been at Lady Matlock’s ball whilst she was still on her wedding trip. He stood too close to her and leered down the front of her gown. He had
touched her back and done more than simply hint they have an affair. He had said it outright! Fitzwilliam had seen her discomfort from a distance and rescued her by quickly returning to her side. He delivered a biting remark to Lord Brodrick. Lord Brodrick had simply sneered.

  Chapter 39

  Darcy House was receiving many callers during their first week in residence. Elizabeth had urged Georgiana to take the lead on receiving all callers. She thought it was good practise. She also had some calls SHE wanted to make including to Lady Jersey and Lady Cowper.

  “But the callers want to see you, Elizabeth! And they want to see Caroline as well, of course. There are no interesting stories circulating around town about me, thank goodness. You must both join me for tea when we have callers. I can still gain valuable experience, I daresay. Brother tells me we have a guest for dinner tonight. It’s Mr. Buckworth again! I like him, for he doesn’t make me nervous at all.”

  “Very well, after today I shall join you for morning calls. Let’s see if we can interest Caroline as well. But truly Georgiana, I think the number of people who make you nervous is becoming rather small! I shall speak to cook about tonight’s dinner and then I have two calls to make before Catherine and I are off to visit my Aunt Gardiner.”

  She added several additional dishes to the evening’s dinner as Mr. Buckworth could surely eat! He was an active man with an impressive figure and a robust appetite. He and Fitzwilliam had known each other for years. Mr. Buckworth was a London builder and had been quite successful. London was growing every year and homes could not be built fast enough. Fitzwilliam had invested in Mr. Buckworth’s business for years and done quite well. He also purchased some of Mr. Buckworth’s properties which he rented out to tenants. Fitzwilliam liked him, in part, because he built with quality materials using proper building techniques. If the buildings were properly maintained they would produce income for the estate for generations to come. Fitzwilliam also believed that diversifying his holdings outside of Derbyshire provided some stability to his income.

  Today was being spent at home by Georgiana and Caroline. Georgiana was reviewing the household accounts after receiving more instruction from Elizabeth on the income that was required to maintain both Pemberley House and the town house. Fitzwilliam had been right. Though equal, their sisters’ situations were not the same. Elizabeth had had to talk to Georgiana about a much larger income than had been necessary with her own sisters. And part of the household accounts dealt with the numerous servants who were employed to care for two houses. Elizabeth’s instruction to Mary and Kitty had used a much smaller household staff. Georgiana was eager to practice her new skills. And Caroline was reading La Belle Assemblée. Elizabeth went out to make her calls to the patronesses of Almack’s and then repaired to the house. Before departing for Cheapside, Elizabeth sorted through the household correspondence and recognized a letter from Richard which she read aloud.

  Pemberley House, October 10

  Dear Family and Friend,

  I have spent the week of your absence as a productive member of society. I have finally written to the War Office to update them on my situation and make inquiries regarding my men and my commission. We shall see what they say. I have also written to my parents in the hope that it will provide them relief in their worries about me.

  My walking and riding continue to progress, albeit still slowly. My medication doses are quite small now and I am nearly finished with my eight week schedule. I still have some pain which I am endeavoring to accept. I shall instruct Mrs. Sutton to send you an update at her earliest convenience. She says she is very satisfied with my progress.

  Mr. Smith and I have discussed all three estates that Fitzwilliam mentioned to me. We travelled yesterday to Cavendish near Over Haddon to take a tour. It was very interesting and Mr. Smith is a wealth of information. I enjoyed being out although my back and legs were expressing their disapproval to me by the time we returned to Pemberley.

  I hope you are enjoying the delights of London and progressing with your grand plans for the saloon. Remind Caroline to discard her affectations, she doesn’t need them. I shall write again soon.

  Yours, etc.,

  Richard

  All seemed to think this was good news from Richard and that he sounded quite hopeful. Caroline had huffed at the line about her affectations, but she understood his point. She was quite grateful for his concern. Caroline knew he had been exhausted and was recovering from injuries both seen and unseen. He had appeared much more vulnerable and approachable than the members of the ton that Caroline was accustomed to meeting. So he had become a friend and that is how she thought of him, not as a member of the Peerage, although he certainly was. But that was his point was it not? Everybody has vulnerability. For some it was just more obvious than for others. After the loss of two parents, Georgiana had been shy. Fitzwilliam was reserved and aloof. Richard was reminding her to set aside her preconceived notions about others. She was supposed to be making friends and looking for a suitable husband.

  Elizabeth soon departed to call upon her aunt Gardiner and while they sat and attended their tasks in the drawing-room, Georgiana and Caroline were interrupted by a footman delivering a note from Georgiana’s Aunt Fitzwilliam requesting her immediate presence at Matlock House. She wanted to confer with her niece about the vouchers for Almack’s. Georgiana bid Caroline goodbye and quickly departed for Matlock House in the barouche. Caroline was enjoying her solitude in the drawing-room when she heard an arrival in the foyer and moments later a Mr. John Buckworth was announced in the drawing room. The footman, who was not the same one that had delivered Georgiana’s note, immediately departed before either the gentleman or the lady could utter a word. How awkward!

  “You are apparently Mr. Buckworth,” said Caroline dryly, a small smile appearing as she rose from the settee.

  “Indeed, I am. You are Miss Bingley, I presume,” he replied amusedly.

  “Yes, sir, I am. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  He bowed and she curtsied with great politeness. He was an imposing man with a fine figure. His gaze was soft but direct. And he had an engaging manner and an easy smile. Caroline could easily see why he did not intimidate Georgiana in spite of his stature.

  “I apologize, Mr. Buckworth, as there seems to be some confusion with the staff as to who is currently at home. But as you are already here, won’t you be seated?”

  “I thank you, Miss Bingley, I would hate to intrude upon your privacy when the family is out.”

  “It is no intrusion, I assure you. I’ve been reading for some time and was just about to take tea. Would you care for some?”

  “Yes, thank you, that sounds quite agreeable.”

  Caroline rang for tea and requested that a footman be stationed in the hall. They spoke at length and very agreeably about how they had each met the Darcys, as well as their favorite entertainments in town. Caroline, having already heard Mr. Darcy speak of his friend, inquired about Mr. Buckworth’s building practise. He was flattered that she would ask such a question and talked with some animation of his current projects. Caroline thought him very amiable and well spoken. Mr. Buckworth thought Elizabeth’s friend was very pretty and had a caring nature about her he had not recollected Fitzwilliam mentioning in his prior description of the lady. They spoke long after the proper half-an-hour by mutual agreement as there was little use in Mr. Buckworth taking his leave just to return back to Darcy House for dinner a short time later. Caroline thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Darcy’s handsome friend and was looking forward to dinner!

  Elizabeth and Catherine had a wonderful visit with her aunt and nieces and nephews in their home in Gracechurch Street. The children had lost all their former shyness and met her in the foyer, with all talking excitedly over each other at once. Each child wanted to know if they had grown and none of them thought Elizabeth was any taller than her last visit! Everybody enjoyed meeting Catherine and watching her sleep. Elizabeth and her aunt had tea and spoke o
f family news most particularly the Bingley’s blessed event. Aunt Gardiner confessed she had been grievously worried for Jane and thought if she was asked to attend, she should arrange her visit to arrive at least a week early to ensure herself of being on time. But she thought her concerns would be most readily noticed by the Bingleys and cause them undue stress. That Elizabeth was able to arrive at Barrington before the births was a source of tremendous relief to her. The two ladies talked about when they would next be able to visit. Elizabeth mentioned that Mr. Buckworth was expected for dinner that very evening at Darcy House and Mrs. Gardiner conveyed her and her husband’s well wishes. After putting plans in place for their next visit, Elizabeth and Catherine departed and made their way home.

  The family sequentially arrived back at Darcy House. They were each surprised upon their entrance to drawing-room to hear the story of how Mr. Buckworth had mistakenly arrived early and been announced into the drawing-room which was occupied by only Miss Bingley. Caroline’s visible embarrassment grew with each retelling of the story. Observing her obvious discomfort, Fitzwilliam thanked Caroline for her graciousness and quick thinking.

  “I’ll have to see about that footman, later. It is good to see you again, John. We have a larger party on this trip, as you see, and are delighted that you could join us for dinner,” said Fitzwilliam. “I apologize I was not here to properly introduce the two of you.”

  “Think nothing of it, Fitzwilliam. Miss Bingley and I were quite capable of performing the office. I am delighted to be able to join your party for dinner, I assure you. Ladies, do not let Fitzwilliam and I converse solely about business as we may do that at another time. There is too much diverting news to discuss, even without Parliament being seated, which may be shared by us all!”

  Mr. Buckworth was quite right as a lively discussion ensued about Napoleon’s banishment to St. Helena and Lord Byron’s increasingly bizarre behavior towards his new wife, the former Miss Milbanke. Mr. Buckworth’s well informed mind and easy temperament were on display for all to see and enjoy. Elizabeth repeated her aunt’s greetings to Mr. Buckworth to which he pleasantly reciprocated. Caroline was surprised that they knew one another but the connection was easily explained. After dinner the gentlemen skipped the separation of the sexes and removed with the ladies into the music-room where all three ladies had an opportunity to exhibit. After much music, wine, and coffee, Mr. Buckworth wished them all a good evening and departed.