By Charm or by Choice

by Shana Jefferis-Zimmerman

  Later that evening, Elizabeth confided to her husband, “I’ll add Mr. Stewart’s name to the list.”

  “What list?”

  “The list I’ve already started of who Georgiana’s male acquaintances are.”

  “You’ve already started this list?”

  “Yes, of course! Kitty will have one, too, once we bring her to London. It will make it easier for me to keep all the names straight. I already have one for Caroline, as well.”

  “I am looking forward to Richard’s return. I have much to tell him!” he laughed.

  Chapter 44

  The next day, everybody met for breakfast to plan their day. The ladies wanted to do a little shopping, go to Gunter’s in Berkeley Square, and pay a few calls. Fitzwilliam acknowledged he had some prior business to attend to and would rather stay at Darcy House. They would see each other again at dinner.

  But Fitzwilliam did have news to share. He had completed his inquiry with Mr. Pendergast on renting out Stafford Manor or any home like it. Fitzwilliam learned that Stafford Manor could be rented out furnished from one thousand to twelve hundred pounds a year and possibly more. Any tenant under consideration should have an annual income of three thousand pounds or three times the annual rental amount to be able to comfortably pay the rent and afford the costs of living in town. For a shorter term furnished rental, Caroline should be able to charge four hundred pounds per month in season but must also continue paying the staff directly. Still, it would be a much higher monthly premium for the property. Caroline thanked him for his information and said it was very helpful.

  The ladies set out to complete their shopping which was quickly finished. Then they walked to Gunter’s and tried to decide what to order. Georgiana selected an elderflower ice, Caroline asked for a lemon ice, and Elizabeth jokingly complained that they must be out of Mr. Collins flavored ice cream! She would have to settle for raspberry. After receiving their orders, the ladies spied Mrs. Barton and Miss Barton entering the confectionary. Greetings and pleasantries were exchanged and the Barton ladies were asked to join the three sisters-in-law. The ladies all ate their sweets at Gunter’s and had an animated conversation about the latest local gossip. Elizabeth, Caroline, and Georgiana then said their farewells and continued on to make their morning calls. After leaving their calling cards they walked by Hyde Park. It was further than she had intended to walk, but Caroline thought she could manage. They relaxed on a bench in the park for some time and then repaired to Darcy House. They were surprised to find upon entering Darcy House that Fitzwilliam was escorting Mr. Buckworth to the front door. Upon their entrance, the gentlemen immediately bowed. Mr. Buckworth tried and failed to avoid looking nervously at Caroline.

  “My dear, you are home early. Did not you go to Gunter’s?” asked Fitzwilliam.

  “Indeed we did! Mrs. and Miss Barton were both there and joined our party. And then we went to Hyde Park as well. Your business meeting must have lasted much longer than you anticipated,” she laughed, “which surprises me not at all. John, won’t you join us for dinner?”

  “Well, I—“ he looked at Fitzwilliam and then Caroline again, “yes, I’d be delighted. Thank you Elizabeth.”

  “Wonderful. Let’s go to the drawing-room then. I will join all of you once I talk to cook.” Elizabeth turned to leave them.

  “Elizabeth, can I do it?” Georgiana cut in.

  “You want to adjust the menu for dinner?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Yes, I know I can do it!”

  “Well thank you, Georgiana. I appreciate it.” She smiled.

  “Then I suppose I shall join everybody in the drawing-room.” And she led the way.

  Once they were seated there was an awkward silence. At last Caroline remarked that Georgiana seemed to grow up a little more each day. That broke the ice. Mr. Buckworth asked if Hyde Park had been crowded on their walk. And Elizabeth commented on the wide selection of sweets at Gunter’s. When Georgiana returned she asked if anybody would like an aperitif and rang for a servant. Dinner was delicious and certainly enough food for five instead of four. Dinner was followed by some tea in the drawing-room and then Mr. Buckworth said an early goodnight. He thanked Elizabeth for the impromptu invitation and said he hoped they would all see one another again soon.

  That night after kissing Catherine goodnight, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam withdrew to retire in her bedchamber. Elizabeth did not mince her words.

  “So what was that awkward business about you and John having a meeting?”

  “Yes, I wish he had been able to make his departure before you returned home.”

  “So you were meeting about Caroline?”

  “Yes, was it that obvious?”

  “Yes, to me it was!” she cried.

  “Is he on her list? He is quite smitten. He came to ask if he could call upon her and to ask me my advice.”

  “You’re giving courting advice? I can’t wait to hear this.”

  “I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours! He thought he should ask for permission. She is staying here under my protection.”

  “Yes, but she is 25 years old and independently wealthy. He should be asking HER.”

  “I agree. He was asking me as a courtesy and I told him he had our consent. After all, we have been authorized to speak on behalf of Charles in his absence. But, I told John it was most appropriate to ask Caroline.”

  “And what advice does he seek?”

  “He wanted to know if we thought she was interested in marriage.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Yes! it’s fair to say you have extensive experience in THAT arena! You have watched her try to ensnare you for how many years? You probably do have some sound advice to give!”

  “I am glad this is so amusing to you. Elizabeth, he is my friend and a business partner. As you know, we own a lot of property together. I thought Caroline would meet some random gentleman and I would merely have to confirm his suitability and that he wasn’t another Lord Brodrick. Now I have two people to take care of.”

  “Mr. Darcy, my dear, as usual, you take too much upon yourself. John and Caroline are full grown. If he wants to call upon her and she is agreeable, as I daresay she will be, there is no one to take care of. She must be chaperoned, I grant you. But this is the marriage mart. They must sort through their feelings and make the best decisions they can. If it will make you feel less like a grand arbiter, you can be his confidant and I will be hers.”

  “So you think she will be agreeable to the idea of his calling? He is in trade.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Are you gathering intelligence for YOUR side? Yes, I think she will be agreeable to it. She has spoken highly of him and he is handsome and with a very good income. He waited upon her for over an hour when he arrived too early for dinner. They danced the supper set at the Wentworth’s ball. They conversed very well together when we toured the two houses. A footman was nearby, but I left them to themselves when John gave her his opinions of the two houses afterward. They spoke at length in the drawing-room. I admit this evening was a bit awkward, but now I understand why. What still seems strange to me is that John would be so unsure whether she is open to his calling. Asking for a courtship is a much bigger commitment.”

  “Your use of the gossiping ladies of the ton was too effectual. When John heard that Caroline was your particular friend and looking to be settled independently, he assumed she was a blue-stocking. You are a very intelligent woman, my dear. And we don’t attempt to hide that fact, so it’s well known around town. All of this combined with her age and her independent means. He just assumed she wasn’t interested in marriage. But then some of the questions she started asking about whether the house was large enough for a family and whether it could be rented out if her circumstances changed made him rethink his assumptions.”

  “I see. That seems quite rational, to be sure. I cannot find fault in others for having mistaken presumptions about a new acquaintance! I am a great proficient.”

  Chapter 45
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  Richard arrived at Darcy House looking much healthier than how they had left him at Pemberley. He did still move slowly and his posture was still somewhat stiff, but there was marked improvement. He appeared very happy to see Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. They explained that Georgiana and Caroline were out walking with Mr. Buckworth. Fitzwilliam told Richard the news of Mr. Buckworth asking to formally call upon Caroline. Richard was taken aback and asked if she seemed happy. Elizabeth said that she thought she was.

  “He has asked for our permission, but he has not asked HER yet. I expect him to do so any day now. And I assume she will consent to his calling upon her here.”

  “Is this something of a disappointment for you, cousin?” Fitzwilliam asked.

  “I am surprised, but I am happy for her. If he has won her regard, then it is for the best. I’ve had much time on my hands and I confess I thought of her often. I thought of all of you often in your absence. But ample leisure time and fond memories are not a basis for a courtship. And my life has been too tumultuous these last few months to make such an important decision so quickly. To be honest, I thought there would be more time for such considerations with her. But Caroline has spent years waiting to be courted. If she cares for him, it is not fair to ask her to wait any longer. I WILL NOT ask that of her.”

  Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were rarely BOTH surprised by hidden feelings of a romantic nature, but in this case, both were caught off guard.

  “Richard, I did not know. I might have been able to say something in your favor to slow their progress…”

  “And there would be no justice in that. I’ve met John Buckworth. He is a fine man. If fate has put them in one another’s path when both are of a mind to marry then it is a happy ending. And that is everything I could hope for her.”

  The three discussed whether Richard would be more comfortable staying with his parents. He thought he might be a distraction for Caroline and Mr. Buckworth so he determined to go to Matlock House for a few days. Upon their return, both Georgiana and Caroline were happy to hear that Richard was returned to London and preparing for his interview with the War Office.

  The Darcys dispatched an invitation to Mr. Buckworth for a formal dinner again before the end of the week. The invitation included an afternoon which was to be spent outdoors at Hyde Park with a carriage. Upon their arrival at the park, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were accompanied by Mrs. Parker, who was carrying Catherine. They put down a blanket so they could play with the baby. Georgiana wanted to walk about and invited Mrs. Annesley and Caroline to accompany her. Mr. Buckworth admitted he wanted to tour another section of the park and set out at a brisk pace. After they were walking for some time, Caroline became more tired than her two companions and sought respite on a nearby bench. She promised the other two ladies she would head back to the carriage once she was rested, so Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley continued upon their promenade. Caroline was enjoying the solitude and her reverie.

  “Miss Bingley, I know this may come at an inopportune time, but might I join you? I have a question I would like to ask,” Mr. Buckworth stood before her.

  “I am quite at my leisure today, Mr. Buckworth. Please be seated. What would you like to know?”

  He sat down next to her on the bench. “I have been blessed to spend some time of late in your pleasant company and I am very grateful. I feel that I have come to know you better and I enjoy spending time with you. I would like to know how you feel about spending time with me and if I may ask for the privilege of calling upon you more formally at Darcy House.”

  Caroline drew in her breath and paused for the briefest of moments. She smiled and replied, “I would like that very much Mr. Buckworth. I certainly enjoy spending time with you, as well.”

  He looked very pleased and said, “Would you mind calling me John when we are alone together?”

  “I would be my pleasure, but only if you call me Caroline.”

  “I accept. Would you like to take a walk with me, Caroline?”

  “Yes, that sounds lovely.”

  They stood and he offered her his arm for support. When she touched him Caroline felt warm all over.

  They walked back towards the carriage in a leisurely manner. Caroline’s head was full of what had just happened. But she must defer examination of her feelings and opinions to her solitary hours when she was alone. She strove to direct her attention back to the conversation taking place and they talked more about his current projects and where his family lived. Caroline was also curious about where his office was located. John offered to take her on a tour of his office the next day if they could entice Georgiana to accompany them or find another chaperone. Caroline gratefully accepted his invitation as she was wishing to be able to spend more time in his company.

  The afternoon was spent in pleasant conversation and when they eventually rejoined the others, everybody proclaimed that it had been the perfect day to spend at the park.

  As they rode back to Darcy House, Elizabeth told them that knowing of their mutual preference for game birds, she had ordered several for dinner. Everybody was delighted to hear that duck, pheasant, and grouse were all included on the evening’s menu. The dinner hour began with sherry in the drawing-room. The first course included Elizabeth’s initial attempt at serving turtle soup and was accompanied by salmon and beef with pastry, ham, and stewed mushrooms. The second course included the game birds, savoury stuffing, potatoes, and asparagus with sauces. The dessert course included cheeses, ices, nuts, and fruit. Everybody gave their compliments. The gentlemen shared a glass of port and quickly rejoined the ladies back in the drawing-room. After their farewells that evening, Caroline confided to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth that Mr. Buckworth had asked for the privilege of calling upon her and she had consented.

  “I just wanted to make sure you were aware he had asked and are comfortable with this. I apologize for pilfering some of your staff, for I will need a chaperone.”

  “That is not a problem at all. Think nothing of it. May I ask you a favor though?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “May Georgiana be your chaperone on occasion? I understand it might be embarrassing; I just want her to see a formal London call, what it looks like, how a lady should conduct herself. She missed our non-existent courtship and this is one of my last opportunities to prepare her before her coming out next year.”

  “Yes, of course. I don’t think it will be awkward because she already knows John and appears quite comfortable in his presence. I was planning to ask her to join us to-morrow for a visit to John’s office in Upper Wimpole.”

  “Thank you Caroline. I really do appreciate it.”

  The three spent some time discussing Mr. Buckworth’s personal and financial situation. Fitzwilliam was very informative. He was an only son. He had never been married. He drank moderately but was not known to gamble. He was a well-known builder. His clients were all from the upper classes. His clients were either looking to build homes of their own around London or, like Fitzwilliam, were interested in building homes to lease to others for rental income. Fitzwilliam said his income was about six thousand pounds a year, but did fluctuate depending on economic conditions. He believed Mr. Buckworth carried no debt and most of his investments were tied up in his business and property that he owned with Fitzwilliam and other investors.

  Caroline spent some time that evening trying to define her sentiments towards Mr. Buckworth. That anybody would say it was an eligible match, she could well believe. Her family’s fortune had been accumulated by trade; he was still actively involved in trade. She had a large dowry; he had a large income. Their ages worked well together and both wished to reside in London. But she wanted to understand her views on the man, not the match. She could easily admit she thought him very handsome. He had a fine figure and a pleasing countenance. And for a man who worked with tradesmen and skilled workers in his business, Mr. Buckworth had very genteel and gentle manners. He was very gallant and attentive towards her and had a ready enj
oyment of conversation. He also had a lively sense of humour! And she had listened to his discussions with Fitzwilliam about their projects. His intelligence and knowledge could not be doubted. That he had further ambitions for his business was apparent enough. But he exhibited none of those indelicate pretentions, common amongst their set, which Caroline herself had employed rather unsuccessfully, that betrayed an aspiration to be seen as a member of the gentry. Caroline confessed to herself that she felt very at ease in his presence. She had spoken honestly with Mr. Buckworth at the park, she DID enjoy spending time with him.

  The next morning in the breakfast-room before the others had come down for breakfast; Elizabeth and Caroline were having their tea, toast, and eggs.

  “Elizabeth, may I ask, what did you mean yesterday about your ‘non-existent courtship’ with Mr. Darcy?” Caroline asked.

  Elizabeth paused and put her fork down. “That is not an easy question to answer, Caroline.”

  She took a sip of her tea and gathered her thoughts.

  “Can you keep this in the strictest confidence?”

  “Of course, you have my utmost assurance of complete discretion.”

  “Very well. On the night of the Meryton Assembly when you and I first became acquainted, Fitzwilliam and I had a very different sort of introduction. I overheard him insulting me to your brother in the ball-room, before he and I had even been made known to one another. I was of course, rather offended by his rude comments! You are, I believe, familiar with some of our discourse at Netherfield when Jane was ill. Then I was told several malicious falsehoods by Wickham which I easily believed. Your censure of Wickham at the Netherfield Ball was deserved. However, it was ill-founded, formed upon a prejudicial view of his lineage. I can assure you, Wickham did not lie to me because he is the son of a steward. He lied to me because he is liar and the most unprincipled man I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. Unbeknownst to me, by this time in our acquaintance, Fitzwilliam had come to feel a certain regard for me, for which he was ill-prepared to acknowledge or address. He had spent his entire adult life endeavoring not to give any woman cause for raised expectations about him and ensuring that no ambitious woman ever compromised him. He did not know HOW to properly show his partiality. He thought I was expecting, even seeking out, his addresses, which I was not. What is also not commonly known is that after your departure from Hertfordshire, when he and I both were in Kent over Easter, he proposed to me, to my very great surprise. I rejected his proposal of course. I had no interest in his regard and by that time, I was convinced that he found me intolerable. Can you imagine? He is in love with me and I think he utterly despises me! Well, he wrote me an explanatory letter which exposed Wickham’s many lies. Upon my return to Longbourn, I had much time to study his letter, recollect all of our previous interactions, and reconsider my impressions and sentiments. Then we unexpectedly crossed paths in Derbyshire, when I was travelling with my Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. You saw me at Pemberley with Georgiana whilst Fitzwilliam and I were trying to sort out our many misunderstandings. But Georgiana saw nothing that could be called a proper courtship. Charles and Fitzwilliam returned to Netherfield without Georgiana. And shortly thereafter two proposals were made and happily accepted.”