Men of Consequence

by Francine Rainey

However, they all spoke at once, and Charles and Jane looked at them wide-eyed. “Come, come, let us wait for our remaining guests in a more appropriate place, say the drawing room? If they find us here in this manner, they will think they have entered Bedlam!” Charles chuckled.

  Allowing his guest to precede him, Charles grabbed Caroline’s arm as she tried to step quickly to Darcy’s side.

  “Caroline, a word,” his smile vanished.

  Glancing at Mr. Darcy who had stepped toward Elizabeth, Caroline huffed and pouted, “Charles! We cannot neglect our guest! Who will act as a proper hostess?” she stated as she turned to continue into the drawing room.

  Charles tightened his hold upon her arm. “Caroline, Jane is a proper hostess. Do not show such disrespect.”

  “Charles, do not be odious,” Caroline tried to shrug away, but Charles held firmly.

  “Why are you not at the Hursts? Hmm? I know what you are about, and I warn you that since you have decided to dine with our guests, the rules are the same; you will be civil, or I leave only the allowance father provided. Am I clear?”

  Caroline lifted her chin, “Charles, I know how to behave.” You had much better check that impertinent sister of yours, Caroline thought.

  “See that you do,” Charles said.

  The conversation was stilted as they waited for the arrival of the Lancasters. Charles was frustrated with Caroline and concerned for his wife. Jane, hoping to make a good impression, was busy arranging to include Caroline at the table. Caroline fumed over the effect Elizabeth had on Darcy. Elizabeth was frustrated that the insufferable man was back to his disapproving stare. And Darcy, well, Darcy was undone, the slave of the powerful emotion of admiration and desire that caused his heart to beat wildly and his tongue to swell. Even his eyes would not obey his command and turn away from Elizabeth for more than a moment. He knew he was behaving like a simpleton, but it could not be helped. The months of separation, the struggle to replace her in his thoughts was for nothing. This feeling – it was exquisite, sublime, and he needed it. Unconsciously, he drew to her side.

  It was a relief for the Bingleys when Rogers announced the arrival of the Lancasters.

  Chapter Four

  “Lance and Miss Lancaster! Welcome to our home!” Bingley made the introductions and Darcy watched the sparkle in Lance’s eye as he greeted both Elizabeth and Caroline. From initial impressions, both were lovely women, and Darcy hoped that Lance would prefer Caroline’s dowry to Miss Elizabeth’s wit and beauty.

  Miss Alice Lancaster was a slight, attractive young woman of nine and teen with auburn hair and hazel eyes. She was as bold as Caroline but as friendly and sensible as her brother. However, when Darcy bowed over her hand, the sensible Miss Lancaster was nearly overcome by a swoon. Never had she seen a man as handsome and confident as Mr. Darcy. She decided to see if she could attract his attention. However, refusing to play the coquette, she watched him to determine her strategy. He was aloof, and his face was pinched as Miss Bingley buzzed about him. Alice nearly giggled wondering if Mr. Darcy wished he could swat her as one did a pest! It was easy to see what Miss Bingley was about and equally easy to see that she was failing – miserably. After she gained control of her urge to giggle, Alice observed that Mr. Darcy’s eyes kept shifting to the place where Mrs. Bingley and Miss Bennet sat. Hmm. It was a development she would need to watch.

  When dinner was announced, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley took their places at the table. Mr. Lancaster was seated to Jane’s right and Darcy to her left. Elizabeth was seated next to Mr. Lancaster with Miss Lancaster seated across from her and next to Mr. Darcy. Caroline was seated on Bingley’s right and next to Miss Lancaster. Caroline huffed. She would have to talk over the insignificant Miss Lancaster to speak with Darcy.

  “Miss Bennet, I hear you are from a family of five daughters,” Lance said.

  “Yes, Mr. Lancaster. And a lively household it is!”

  “If I may be so bold, are all your sisters as beautiful as you and Mrs. Bingley?”

  Darcy’s head snapped up.

  Elizabeth laughed. “Beauty can only be judged by the beholder, Mr. Lancaster, but I will say that in my opinion, few people are as beautiful as Mrs. Bingley. And while I cannot speak of myself, I believe that all my sisters are charming in their own way.”

  “You are modest, Miss Bennet,” Darcy heard himself speaking but could barely recognize his own voice. “I have had the pleasure of meeting all the Bennet sisters, and they are indeed all lovely.” Darcy paused briefly, “Miss Bennet especially,” he added softly, his vivid blue gaze locked upon Elizabeth who sat with mouth slightly ajar.

  “There, I am satisfied that all the Bennet ladies are beautiful. Perhaps I will tell all my comrades to rush to Hertfordshire for only three Bennet sisters remain,” Lance spoke solemnly, and only the twinkle in his eye gave away his tease.

  Elizabeth laughed, “Ah, Mr. Lancaster, but you have not seen for yourself! Should you dispatch all your fellows on the strength of Mr. Darcy’s word? For I should warn you that Mr. Darcy is all politeness and may spout opinions not really his own.” Elizabeth raised a brow as she looked at Darcy, remembering his words at the Meryton assembly and his dislike for her younger siblings.

  “But Miss Bennet, Darcy has agreed with you. No, I must accept that Darcy speaks the truth.”

  “So, you are persuaded because there appears to be accord in our opinions, Mr. Lancaster?” Elizabeth was alight with energy and mischievousness, making her face uncommonly beautiful.

  Lance stared, then blinked, and returned her smile. “Yes. Two or three witnesses will establish a thing as truth.”

  “Indeed,” Elizabeth smiled. But there was one particular in which Mr. Darcy’s little speech diverged from her own. She had not mention herself, and she knew well what Mr. Darcy thought of her. Elizabeth turned that happy smile upon Darcy; he inhaled sharply. Shall I expose your deceit, Mr. Darcy? No, I will not be impolite at my sister’s table. I shall toy with you instead. Elizabeth assessed Darcy with a raised brow.

  “I will not challenge Mr. Darcy’s opinion for ‘Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them.2’ Take, for example, a work of art, what may be tempting for one may only be tolerable for another. Is that not so, Mr. Darcy?”

  Darcy coughed then reached for his glass and drank deeply. “Indeed, Miss Bennet, but one may initially underestimate a masterpiece, even disparage it – only to come to treasure it through better understanding and closer evaluation. Is that not so, Miss Bennet?” Darcy allowed his intense blue gaze to roam Elizabeth’s face.

  “Indeed.” Elizabeth flushed and grabbed her glass with a shaky hand.

  Down the table, Caroline’s jaw dropped as she glanced between them. She could feel the heat rising within in her as she observed Darcy’s inability to keep his eyes from Elizabeth. Caroline turned back to Elizabeth and stared with narrowed eyes and harsh breathing.

  “It must have been wonderful growing up with so many sisters. I have only two brothers, and though I love them dearly, I have always wanted a sister,” Alice Lancaster spoke.

  “Yes, I adore my sisters, especially Jane. We are all very different, though Jane is by far the sweetest.”

  “And you, Miss Bennet?” Lance asked.

  “Me?”

  “Yes, if Mrs. Bingley takes the title of sweetest, what title do you wear, Miss Bennet?

  Elizabeth chuckled. “Aye. I suppose it is a fitting question since I fancy myself a studier of character that I should know my own.” She placed a finger on her chin and looked upward. “Hmm, my father would say I am the son he never had.”

  “Indeed, you a son,” Lance exclaimed perusing her lovely face. “And why is that, Miss Bennet?”

  Before Elizabeth could respond, Caroline saw her moment. “Perhaps it is because she climbs trees and scampers about the countryside quite alone, her petticoats drenched in mud and… ouch!” Caroline’s head snapped around, and she glared
at her brother who had decidedly kicked.

  “Are you well, Caroline?” Jane asked, one hand spread out upon her chest.

  “Yes,” Caroline frowned at her brother, “quite well, just a slight pinch from my…my…uh… my shoe rose.” She cleared her throat, “As I was saying,” she smiled stiffly, “Miss Bennet has quite the, ah, fortitude. She walked three miles in the mud just to nurse her sister who had a cold. Perhaps it is because she is blessed,” Caroline flicked a glance at Charles, “to be so… robust and not at all delicate as fashionable females that she is considered akin to the son Mrs. Bennet neglected to bare. I daresay being so robust is an asset within that quaint country community.” Caroline tilted her head and smiled brightly at Elizabeth. Nothing but hoydens all of them, she thought.

  Elizabeth, who had listened with her glass suspended, shook her head as if to clear it. There were at least six insults to herself, her family, and her community in that succinct discourse that Caroline had delivered with a smile. Elizabeth chuckled. Caroline was a master.

  “So, you walk in the mud, Miss Bennet?” Lance asked.

  “Lizzy is loyal to all she loves. I am sure I owe my rapid recovery to her attentiveness,” Jane answered.

  “Jane would have you think that I am all that is noble, but the truth is far more scandalous. Would it shock you to know that not only do I ramble for miles along the countryside, I occasionally sing as I do and imagine my song joined with the birds, although I am confident that they are the superior choristers.

  “I would disagree,” Darcy piped in abruptly. Now it was official; his voice had joined the mutiny with his treacherous cheeks that grinned at her like a schoolboy, his lurching legs that propelled him close to her, and his treasonous heart that refused to resume its normal rhythm whenever Elizabeth was near. “I have had the privilege of listening to you sing with the birds as your accompaniment, and rarely have I heard anything more pleasant,” Darcy smiled, his eyes holding her gaze.

  Elizabeth blinked rapidly. “I, um, thank you, Mr. Darcy. You are too kind.” Elizabeth took a sip from her glass.

  “Not at all.”

  Caroline’s nostrils flared as she watched the exchange. Beneath the table, she clenched her fist so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.

  “What other interests do you hold Miss Bennet? I must know as I have not yet been sufficiently scandalized by countryside roams and bird songs. However, I think I may be diverted if you speak of your tree climbing exploits!”

  Elizabeth chuckled, “You must allow me some mystery, Mr. Lancaster,” Elizabeth said, and Lance smiled.

  “Tell me of your home in Gloucester, Mr. Lancaster. Do you have woods worthy of roaming?” Elizabeth asked. Lance smiled, and a lively discussion between Lance, Elizabeth, and Jane ensued.

  While the trio talked, Miss Lancaster turned to Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I understand the winters in the north are frightfully cold, is that so?”

  “Yes,” he clipped; his eyes focused upon Elizabeth as she smiled at Lance.

  “Miss Lancaster,” Caroline said quickly, “tell me of your little home in Gloucester, is it?”

  “My family’s estate is in Gloucester, yes. I think it the most perfect place in the world, especially in spring, perfect for drawing.” Alice smiled and turned back to Darcy.

  “Miss Lancaster,” Caroline called quickly again, “I have heard that you have a talent for drawing. You must tell me all about it.”

  “Thank you, Miss Bingley. I enjoy drawing. I draw mostly what I observe in nature with an occasional portrait or two,” Alice smiled and turned back to Darcy.

  “Mr. Darcy…,” Alice began.

  Caroline touched her arm, “Miss Lancaster.” Alice closed her eyes and then turned to Caroline.

  Caroline smiled. “I am sure your drawings are perfectly acceptable; however, no one can be truly proficient without access to a master. I had the benefit of the most sought-after piano masters. However, being so costly, it is a luxury not everyone can enjoy. Such a pity,” Caroline tilted her head and pasted on a sweet smile.

  “Miss Bingley, are you familiar with the works of Sir Thomas Quarters?” Caroline nodded. “He was my master.” Caroline inhaled, and her eyes bulged. Bingley, who had been listening, coughed to cover his laughter. Louisa and Caroline had been rejected by Sir Thomas because of their minimal talent. Caroline reached for her glass, and Alice shook her head and turned to Darcy.

  “Mr. Darcy, have you any siblings, sir?” Darcy turned his intense blue gaze upon Alice and her shoulders instinctively raised, and she smiled widely.

  “Yes, I have one sister who is more than ten years my junior,” he said, then he slid his eyes back to Elizabeth. Alice sighed and dropped her shoulders and her smile.

  “Dear Georgiana,” Caroline intruded again, “how I adore her. I long to see her again. It has been much too long. Yes, I had not seen her since last summer when we spent such a delightful time at Pemberley,” she said, looking Alice in the eye.

  Alice blew a soft sigh. It was evident that Caroline was annoying in part because she had her sights set pointlessly upon Darcy, but Alice’s real frustration stemmed from the recognition that her interest would have no greater chance of success than Caroline’s. It was clear that Mr. Darcy only had eyes for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Further, it seemed that Miss Elizabeth was utterly unaware of Darcy’s interest and seemed to hold him in some disdain. Alice shook her head. Unfathomable, but vastly interesting.

  After dinner, the party decided to forego the separation of the sexes. As they arose to exit, Caroline stepped in front of Miss Lancaster and nearly pushed her to the floor to claim Darcy’s arm.

  “Caroline!” Bingley called a little louder than he intended. “Do me the honor,” he lifted his arm toward her.

  Caroline frowned, “Charles, escort your wife.”

  Charles gave her a hard look then nodded for her to take his arm. Caroline stared at her brother, then smiled sweetly for a fraction of a second, accepted the outstretched arm, dropped her smile, and rolled her eyes.

  “Miss Lancaster,” Mr. Darcy said, his eyes upon her. Alice’s breath caught in her chest. She accepted his arm, and for one moment, her heart leapt with hope. Then, just as quickly as before, Mr. Darcy slid his eyes from her to the object of his desire. Alice sighed as she watched a nerve pulse in his neck and his spine stiffen. Following his gaze, she saw Elizabeth beaming at Lance. Elizabeth radiated joy and was quite pretty. Alice could see how men found her appealing, but there was also something refreshing about her. She was witty, confident, and kind. It was not unlike her brother; she had always thought him remarkable too. Alice looked at Lance smiling at Elizabeth. She glanced sideways at Darcy who was attempting not to look at Elizabeth but failing miserably. She covered her smile with her hand.

  Lance escorted Jane and Elizabeth. As the trio walked to the drawing room, Darcy rubbed the back of his neck and scowled as he watched Lance and Elizabeth flirt. As he walked behind them, Darcy noticed Elizabeth’s chestnut curls and the sway of her hips. She was lithe, slim but supple, and though he was painfully aware of his physical attraction to her, Darcy knew it was much deeper than that. He was in awe of her intellect, impressed by her goodness and dazzled by her wit, even the way she had turned his insult back on him at the table was magnificent. She was rare. He would likely never find her equal and never feel this way about another. Darcy glimpsed his future, dull and grey, and it felt like a blade twisting in his heart.

  In the drawing room, Jane and Elizabeth settled on the settee, and Lance pulled a chair close to Elizabeth. Darcy settled Alice in a chair close to the group then stood at the mantle with Bingley, his gaze constantly shifting to Elizabeth. Caroline watched, her eyes squinting and jaw clenching. Not only did she not have the opportunity to converse with Darcy during dinner, but now, Darcy seemed intent upon staring at Eliza and scowling at Lancaster. He had not looked at her since their meeting in the foyer.

  Caroline kn
ew that everyone thought she wanted Darcy for his wealth and status only. That was a major consideration, but Caroline also wanted the man. Tall and handsome, he was powerful, self-possessed, and he had immaculate taste: only the best for Mr. Darcy. He was a prize worth winning, and she wanted that intense blue stare upon her, and along with it – all the eyes of the ton!

  “Mr. Darcy, allow me to refresh your cup,” Caroline interrupted the quiet conversations.

  “Thank you, Miss Bingley, but I am satisfied.”

  “It is no problem. I know just how you prefer it,” Caroline batted her eyes.

  “Caroline,” Bingley’s eyes flashed at her, “Darcy is fine, and should he require something more, Jane will attend him. Please, just enjoy the evening.”

  Caroline huffed and turned away. She cast about for other ways to gain his attention, her eyes lingering upon Elizabeth and Alice. “Miss Lancaster,” she spoke, “I hear you are a great proficient on the pianoforte, please play for us,” Caroline smiled sweetly.

  “Yes, I love to hear my sister play,” Lance said. “And you, Miss Bennet, do you play or sing?”

  “Yes, to both Mr. Lancaster. However, I am passable at best and would bow to the superior playing of your sister and Miss Bingley, should they honor us with a performance.”

  “Will you, Miss Bingley, delight us with a performance?” Lance asked.

  Caroline looked down demurely and twisted her hands theatrically, “Well, I will only if Miss Lancaster and Miss Eliza agree as well,” she answered, her voice just above a whisper.

  Elizabeth suppressed a laugh at Caroline’s antics. “Well, Miss Lancaster, it seems our fate is sealed,” Elizabeth said.

  Alice nodded, not at all shy to exhibit. “Will you turn the pages, Brother, as you used to?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Though not as accomplished as Miss Bingley, Miss Lancaster’s performance was lovely, and she received appreciative applause.