Chapter Three
“The knocker is out, and he has had a visitor,” Hayden said, watching as Darcy’s house faded from view. “Have you contacted him yet?”
“Not yet.”
“What are you waiting for! We have already lost time waiting for Darcy to return to town. Matlock will not remain on the continent forever; we cannot fail again. I will not allow that! When will you contact him?”
“Hayden! Calm yourself!” Francesca breathed rapidly. “Darcy cannot be worked upon like the brutes that you know. He must be finessed, or else all will be lost.” Lowering her voice, she spoke calmly. “Trust me, darling. I know what I am about. We will not fail.”
Hayden stared with cold eyes, then turned and spoke to the windowpane, “See that you do not.”
The next day, Bingley arrived with Fredrick Lancaster for their meeting with Darcy.
“Mr. Lancaster, welcome.”
“Mr. Darcy, please call me Lance. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
“Think nothing of it and call me Darcy.”
Frederick Lancaster had rather more presence than stature. Shorter than Darcy by nearly a head, Lancaster was fair, handsome, and impeccably dressed. He was quietly confident and impressive without trying to impress – and Darcy disliked him immediately.
Seated in Darcy’s study, a half hour later, crop rotation and estate management discussed, Darcy rubbed the back of his neck and tapped his finger on the arm of his chair; he was irritated. Lance was a man of sense and substance, and he would soon be in Elizabeth’s presence.
“With the changes you have suggested, I am hopeful that we may increase our income to 6,000 pounds per annum. Thank you for your advice and for your acquaintance.” Lance wanted to extend his acquaintance with Darcy; however, one just did not impose one’s self on great men like Darcy, that acquaintance was Darcy’s to further.
“Well, Darcy,” Bingley said, “we have imposed upon you long enough.”
“Not at all, it has been some time since I have had the pleasure of sensible conversation. If you have no other plans, please consider dining here this evening,” Darcy offered to both men, not yet able to let out of his sight the man whom Bingley saw as a potential match for Elizabeth.
“I am sorry, friend, but we dine tonight with Jane and Lizzy.” Raising for his chair, Bingley halted, “Say, why do you not dine with us? Lance here and his sister will be there, and Jane will be pleased to keep company with you again.”
“Thank you, I accept.” I will see Elizabeth! Not built for exuberance, yet Darcy wanted to leap up and run! A smile lit his face, and then he glanced at Lance. Here might be the man blessed to love Elizabeth. Darcy’s smile dropped. He closed his eyes, and a small groan slipped from his lips.
“Darcy, old man, are you well?” Bingley asked.
“Yes, yes, just matters of business,” Darcy dissembled, “nothing that an evening amid good company will not cure.”
When they left, Darcy paced. He was alive with excitement. He wanted to be with her now, yet, he dreaded the damage his heart would suffer when he left her presence.
“I should send around my apologies and stay far away,” he said, but even as he uttered the words, he knew that a force drew him to Elizabeth Bennet; and he was powerless to resist.
The drawing room of the Bingley home was as ostentatious as its designer, Caroline. Elizabeth looked about and surmised how fortunate for Jane that orange was not in fashion in drawing room décor. Elizabeth chuckled at the image of one of Caroline’s garish orange gowns made into tapestry.
“What delights you, sister?”
“I am simply delighted to see you, Jane. Are you excited about tonight?”
“I am more nervous than excited, Lizzy. Tis my first dinner party. I have gone over the menu, the seating arrangements, and the table displays. I would have asked Caroline for her advice, but she will not attend,” Jane flushed and looked away. “Lizzy, I do so want to make Charles proud.”
“Dearest Jane,” Elizabeth sat down and took her sister’s hands, “you have discussed with me the menu, and the spread is exquisite. Also, dearest, your gentle manners cannot fail to please, and I am certain that Bingley’s friends will be nothing but amiable.” Elizabeth cringed as she remembered the disagreeable Mr. Darcy. It was good that he would not attend; he could find fault with an angel! “Besides,” Elizabeth continued, “you will be the loveliest and kindest woman in the room. Thus, dearest, I do not believe that there will ever be a time when Charles is not proud of you. Indeed, you could trip the footman and cause him to spill soup in Caroline’s feathers, and Charles would find it delightful. No, wait, I would find that delightful!”
“Lizzy!” Jane gasped.
Elizabeth laughed, “Forgive me, Jane, but you take my meaning. You are wonderful, and Charles will always be proud of you.”
Jane smiled, “You are correct about Charles.”
“I knew it! He would find soup in Caroline’s hair diverting!”
“No! Lizzy! You silly goose! His friends will be amiable!” They both laughed as Jane swatted Elizabeth’s arm, already feeling relieved. “I am so glad you are here, Lizzy. Come, I will think no more on it. Tell me which gown you will wear?”
Mrs. Bennet had insisted that Elizabeth receive funds for new gowns, and her aunt and uncle Gardiner had gifted her the fabrics from their warehouse at a fraction of the cost, and Jane and Charles had covered the dressmaker’s fee. Initially, Elizabeth balked at such an expense; however, her aunt Gardiner explained that as it was Jane’s introduction into society, everything and everyone associated with her would be scrutinized. And with that, Elizabeth was persuaded and now possessed the beginnings of a formidable wardrobe.
“You know it will not matter what I wear for no one will see me with you in the room,” Elizabeth teased.
“Oh, Lizzy, you know very well that you are lovely and that the modiste could not stop mentioning what a pleasure it was to dress, ‘such an exquisite figure,’” Jane mimicked in a thick French accent. “Besides, perhaps you might catch the eye of Charles’s guest,” Jane said with a raised brow.
“Will it be my impertinence or my poor piano display that wins him, do you think?” Elizabeth laughed.
Later that day, Charles returned home from Darcy’s to find Caroline occupying the drawing room. “Caroline, I thought you would be at Louisa’s by now,” Charles frowned.
“Louisa and Hurst are so boring. They have nothing to entertain but a quiet family dinner, and since you have insisted upon entertaining all and sundry, I have no other choice but to take a tray in my room, for I refuse to lower this family’s standards by eating with the likes of the Lancasters.” Caroline raised her chin, “Why his family’s estate is a hovel, and his sister is loathsome.”
That was true (except for his sister) when Caroline first met the Lancasters when she was very young. Now, they had raised their consequence considerably; however, it was beneficial to Bingley’s scheme to allow her to continue in the dark.
Charles ran his fingers through his hair. He wanted a pleasant evening for Jane and his guests, and for that, he needed Caroline gone. He also knew that once Caroline realized that Darcy would attend, she would have to be dragged from the house and thrown into the moving carriage, and then she still might leap out and return! He had to find a way to be rid of her.
“Caroline, I will not have you offending my guests by staying in your rooms. You are not ill, and I will not dissemble for you, so our guests will know that you have snubbed them. Therefore, dear sister, you may either dine with the Hurst, or you will dine with us. If you choose to dine here, you will be civil and pleasant all evening. Which do you choose?”
“Do not be tiresome. I will not dine with Louisa, and you cannot make me behave civilly nor pleasantly, so, I will dine in my chambers,” Caroline answered as she lifted her chin. She did not like this new Charles. Since defying his family and friend and marrying “hi
s angel,” he had become assertive. Not always, she could still make him do her bidding, but she hated having to work harder to accomplish it.
“Very well. I will speak with my steward, and your allowance will be reduced to the sum father left you. You will not overspend, no more new gowns or feathers at your whim. You will not accompany Jane nor me to the theater, and if you overspend just one quarter, I will have it deducted from the next, and I do not care if you end up with nothing for the remainder of the year.”
Caroline narrowed her eyes. “You would not dare,” she hissed, drawing herself up to her full height.
Employing a tactic he borrowed from Darcy, Charles sauntered to Caroline, maintaining eye contact. When they were face to face, he said, “Try me.” Caroline’s eyes widened and then squinted as she leveled her most intimidating stare at him. A stare that promised a painful reprisal should he not yield to her wants, a stare that she had perfected, a stare that she broke under the intensity of Bingley’s gaze. Bingley watched as Caroline’s expression underwent copious changes before settling into resignation.
Turning, he called, “When shall I have the carriage brought round?”
“In a half hour,” Caroline said as she tossed her head.
“Excellent.”
Darcy arrived home from his club and took the steps two at a time. The door was immediately opened by Johns, his longtime butler who had transferred from Pemberley to be closer to his daughter when Darcy’s London butler became a pensioner.
“Good afternoon, Johns,” Darcy clipped.
“Good afternoon, sir. I trust it has been a pleasant day.”
“Indeed. Have you anything important to discuss, Johns?”
“No, sir,” Johns cleared his throat. “However, there was a visitor this morning,” Johns continued, paying an inordinate amount of attention to removing phantom lint from Darcy’s cloak.
Darcy swiveled, “Who?”
Johns cleared his throat again, “Mrs. Francesca Waters, sir,” Johns responded as he stacked Darcy’s beaver with the deliberateness assigned to fine china.
Darcy tensed, still gazing intently at Johns who now seemed to find the buckle on his shoes fascinating. “When?”
“An hour ago, sir,” Johns answered now fixing his gaze on the wall just beyond Darcy’s head. “She left her card. I placed it in your study, sir.”
Darcy nodded and turned to his study. When he entered, he eyed the card sitting obtrusively on top of his papers. What can she want? He did not need this diversion; his life was complicated enough. Darcy expelled his breath and sat. He stared off at a distance and tapped the card upon the desk. He would not return her call, but he would see her when next she came. Whatever it is you are up to Francesca, let us get it over with.
That evening Darcy dressed meticulously for Bingley’s dinner. He changed his coat three times before settling upon a snuggly fitted blue waistcoat, black breeches, and a crisp white shirt. Darcy knew he was handsome; however, it had never matter overmuch to him – until tonight. Tonight, he wanted Elizabeth to be moved by him a fraction as much as she affected him.
Finally satisfied with his appearance, Darcy hurried down the steps and leapt into the carriage. He wanted to be there when Elizabeth met Lance. His heart pounded at the thought of Elizabeth exhibiting attraction, smiling at any man other than himself. He wanted her eyes upon him; he wanted to fill her mind and know that she desired him as much as he desired her. He knew it was an unfair wish, seeing that he could not offer for her, but wish it he did. He also knew it would be agony to watch her with another, but he had to know.
Darcy tapped the carriage roof; it rocked forward, followed closely by another.
Francesca inhaled sharply as she watched Darcy, dressed exquisitely in evening wear, nearly run to his carriage. She had always found him physically appealing, and age had served only to increase his allure; however, what really concerned her was the eagerness that he displayed – an eagerness that he could not hide even beneath his well-honed mask of aloofness.
“Eager to attend a social event, Fitzwilliam? That can only mean one thing.” Francesca felt a chill creep up her spine, “Who is she, Fitzwilliam?” she asked into the night.
Caroline delayed leaving out of pique. She was outraged that she was banished from her home only to have it invaded by the low-class Lancasters! It was bad enough that Charles had married poverty-stricken Jane and that she had brought her hoyden sister with her, now, the Lancasters were set to taint her home. Caroline huffed and barked orders at her maid.
“If you are not able to perform the simplest of duties, I will have you sent away without a character. Now do it again! Twist and then tuck!
“Yes, ma’am,” Amelie spoke.
“Goodness, it is as if I am being invaded by the simple-minded.”
Finally, after three attempts, Caroline was satisfied. “It is passable. I suppose it is as good as a ninny like you can accomplish.” Amelie lowered her head.
Caroline looked in the mirror, turning her head from side to side, then she paused and looked at Amelie, “Why are you still here? Leave!”
“Yes, ma’am,” Amelie scurried away.
“Wait, make certain the carriage has been brought around.”
Darcy leapt from the carriage as soon as it halted. Bounding up the stairs, the door was opened by Bingley’s butler, Rogers.
“Good evening, Mr. Darcy, a pleasure to see you.”
As Darcy handed over his outerwear, Caroline picked up her reticule and descended regally down the stairs.
“Good evening, Rogers, I…,” Darcy began.
“Mr. Darcy! What a pleasant surprise!” Caroline rushed down the stairs and stood so close to Darcy that he could feel her breath. She latched on to Darcy’s arm like ivy on a trellis. “Come, let us wait in the drawing room while Charles is summoned. I am certain that he will be thrilled that you have come.”
“Miss Bingley, there is no need,” Darcy spoke firmly as he removed his arm from Caroline’s gripped, “Bingley is expecting me, and I would not wish to keep you from your destination. Have a pleasant evening,” Darcy turned to follow Rogers.
“You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy; I have no other destination,” Caroline batted her eyes, forgetting that she wore her pelisse, out-of-doors gloves, and carried her reticule.
“Surely you were away for the evening. You are dressed for the out of doors, and the carriage is waiting.”
Looking down at her out-of-doors attire, Caroline flushed. “I, I, I was only going for a stroll before dining. It is so refreshing to take the evening air,” Caroline stammered, forgetting the carriage that awaited.
“Then, I shall not keep you.” Darcy bowed, turned – and then lost his ability to breathe. Elizabeth descended the stairs more beautiful than he had ever seen her.
Elizabeth wore a blue satin dress with a square neckline inlaid with lace, tapered at the waist and falling softly around her delicate curves. Her chestnut curls were piled high upon her head with ringlets cascading down her back. Darcy was struck dumb while every nerve in his body roared to life. “She is so lovely.” Over the months he had attempted to minimize his feelings, but now there was no denying it; he was lost, smitten, snared – caught in a web from which he dreaded release. He never knew that longing could be so intense. It was anguish, and it was ecstasy.
Elizabeth smiled as she descended the stairs. She glanced up at the sound of voices and froze. Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth halted. “What is he doing here? Surely, he is not come to dine with the Lancasters? And he is staring again. If you detest me so much, Mr. Darcy, why have you come? Insufferable man!
Caroline Bingley stared at Darcy with her fists clenched. It seemed as if Darcy had not blinked since Elizabeth descended the stairs. “What do you see in that hoyden that makes you stare in that stupid manner? Caroline looked finally from Darcy to Elizabeth, and her eyes bulged while her mouth dropped open. This cannot be! Caroline had convinced hersel
f that Elizabeth’s lack of fashion kept her from being truly handsome, and thus she, with her silks and feathers would always outshine her. “How dare she? She thought as she devoured the dress that highlighted Elizabeth’s chestnut curls and beautifully draped Elizabeth’s form. I will not stand for this! It must be my brother’s money that brought such a dress! How dare he threaten my allowance and spend my money on that hoyden – and how dare she capture Mr. Darcy’s attention so!”
All three stood captive to their musings with the butler flicking questioning glances between them. Meanwhile, Jane and Bingley entered the foyer. “Darcy! Good of you to come…” Charles’s voice trailed off, and he frowned at the strangely frozen trio. Darcy appeared mesmerized, Elizabeth miffed, and Caroline mad. “Why are you all standing in such a manner in the foyer? And Caroline, why have you not left for the Hursts?” Charles asked.
Like actors on cue, all three came alive at once.
“Bingley, Mrs. Bingley, thank you for inviting me,” Darcy said.
“Charles, do not be droll, you are quite aware that we dine with guests tonight,” Caroline stated.
“I am headed to the drawing room,” Elizabeth answered.
Men of Consequence Page 3