As the current mistress of Pemberley, Georgiana had met with Jackson to discuss the seating arrangements for that night’s supper and had requested only one change. She wanted Miss Elizabeth to sit on the same side of the table as Caroline Bingley. In that way, when her brother spoke to Elizabeth, Caroline would be unable to hear her responses, and if things went as Georgiana hoped they would, her role as mistress of Pemberley would be short-lived, as her brother would soon be marrying Elizabeth Bennet.
As soon as Caroline entered the dining room, she saw how it would be. Caroline was seated to Miss Darcy’s right, next to her brother-in-law, and diagonally across from Miss de Bourgh. With Mr. Gardiner sitting opposite to her, she was completely boxed in. While at the other end of the table sat Mr. Darcy, and to his left, Eliza Bennet. She was sure Miss de Bourgh was responsible for the seating arrangement. It had been just the previous day when Caroline had declared Mr. Darcy’s cousin to be a fool, but now she knew that she was anything but. Once Caroline learned that it was Miss de Bourgh who had suggested Elizabeth’s visit to Pemberley, she remembered what Mr. Darcy had said when he came to the Bingley townhouse: “I would ask that the date for our departure be moved up at the request of my cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh.” That whole stupid conversation about yellow frocks, favorite flowers, and Elizabeth’s disagreement with Mr. Darcy concerning bathing resorts, was part of an act to disguise her efforts on Miss Elizabeth’s behalf.
Caroline had no doubt Miss Elizabeth and Miss de Bourgh were in collusion, and that the plot had been hatched when the two women became fast friends during Elizabeth’s visit to Kent. It was only after Mr. Darcy’s return from his visit with Lady Catherine that Caroline was told Miss de Bourgh was to accompany them to Derbyshire, a place she had not visited for two years because of her supposed ill health. But the success of their plan was thwarted when she had agreed to the sudden change in their departure date.
Caroline did not understand why Mr. Darcy’s cousin would encourage such a match. There was nothing to recommend Miss Elizabeth. She was considered to be a beauty only because she lived in a backwater village and moved in a society of the meanest sort. If she attended the grand balls in London, she would not have merited so much as a passing glance from anyone in polished society. And her clothes! How many times had she seen that yellow frock when they were in Hertfordshire? And her complexion! At least her sister had the good sense to protect her skin from the sun, but apparently Miss Elizabeth thought that being brown complemented “her fine eyes,” when all it did was make her look as if she worked out of doors.
In addition to the more obvious drawbacks to such a match, there was the matter of her inferior birth and lack of connections. The daughter of a gentleman farmer to be the mistress of Pemberley. Impossible! Or did Miss Elizabeth think her association with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner would provide her with an introduction into London society? Equally ridiculous. The Gardiners could have the finest china and crystal in all of London, but what did it matter if the only people to dine at their London home were shopkeepers and merchants?
Mr. Darcy was completely innocent in all of this and would have been offended if he knew what the two women had got up to. She was sure he would be outraged if he had discovered that his sister had been drawn into their intrigue by appealing to her love of drama, which was so evident at Hulston Hall when Georgiana had gone up into the attic in search of ghosts. Her brother would not have approved of that either, but Anne had found it to be a lark.
“Miss Bingley, I think you and my wife may have something in common,” Mr. Gardiner said after a prolonged silence by his dining partner. “Mrs. Gardiner’s grandfather was born in Edinburgh, and I understand from your brother you too have some Scots blood in you. Have you ever visited Scotland?”
“No, I have not, and it is my intention to keep it that way. My grandfather moved to Durham when he was still a young man, and the Bingley connection to Scotland is so remote, I am surprised my brother mentioned it at all.”
“I know the Scots have a reputation for being a bit rough at the edges,” Mr. Gardiner said with a laugh, “but we all owe a debt of gratitude to some Scotsman. They are men of science and industry and medicine. If London is ever to be lit by gas, it will be because of Mr. William Murdoch. Have you not seen the public lighting at Pall Mall?”
“Of course, I have. But as you say, Mr. Gardiner, the Scots are men of science and industry and are not gentlemen.”
Fearing that his attempt to engage the lady in conversation had only served to annoy her, he thought it best to change the subject. “I understand your oldest brother is to be knighted, Miss Bingley.”
“Yes, I hope this will be the first of many honors for George.”
“May I add my congratulations to your brother being so honored,” Anne said, “but before we leave the topic of Scotsmen, since we are at Pemberley, we might add Robert Adam’s name to the list of sons of Scotland to whom we are indebted, as he designed all the public rooms here in the manor house. Mr. Darcy would know more about that than I do because he had actually met the man when he was a child.”
“Miss de Bourgh, the statement regarding Scotsmen not being gentlemen was not meant to be universally applied,” Caroline said. “There are always exceptions, and I cannot think of one more thing to say about Scotland or its inhabitants.”
Mr. Darcy had heard nothing of their discussion because he had been otherwise engaged in a conversation with Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Hurst. Without embarrassment, Mrs. Hurst had shared the story of how she had got lost in the maze during her visit to Pemberley the previous summer. “I probably should not tell that story as it makes me look foolish, but I did so enjoy it.”
Instead of being ridiculed for her inability to navigate the maze, Elizabeth complimented her on her desire to find humor in an awkward situation.
“I am glad you think so, Miss Elizabeth. Caroline was quite upset with me, especially when I got lost a second time. But Mr. Darcy assured me that it was a complicated design, and he did not know of anyone who had not got lost at one time or another. It is just one of the many pleasures to be found at Pemberley.”
Darcy smiled at the compliment. Mrs. Hurst’s relaxed attitude and pleasant conversation served to confirm what Darcy had already suspected. Mrs. Hurst was a follower, and unfortunately the leader was her sister, who seemed to find little joy in anything except carving up perceived rivals.
“Miss Elizabeth, Mrs. Hurst has expressed her opinion of Pemberley, but I was wondering if you had any comment to add.”
“I do not think I do, Mr. Darcy. I am ill equipped to describe your own Garden of Eden. I have never been to a manor house that was so happily situated with its incredible views of the Peak and the gardens and the lake. You once said to me that your thoughts are clearest when you are at Pemberley, and I can well believe it. Who could think anything but happy thoughts when in the midst of such beauty?”
“I agree wholeheartedly with that statement, but such beauty should be shared. Would you agree, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, I would agree.”
Darcy smiled at her answer. He took it to mean that she would be receptive to another offer of marriage. Could it be interpreted in any other way?
After the pudding was served, Jackson asked his master if he intended for the gentlemen to withdraw to the study. Darcy decided that leaving the women alone for even a short period of time was not a good idea, and he told Jackson they would all adjourn to the music room and asked that coffee be served immediately.
Caroline was relieved when supper finally ended. Now, they would go into the music room where she would outshine everyone else. There was no doubt she was the most talented musician, and that included Miss Darcy, and her skills would be further enhanced because she would be playing on a pianoforte that was as fine an instrument as she had ever seen. But once she was mistress of Pemberley, she would have the piano moved to the other end of the room to allow for more intimate entertainments.
“Miss Bingley, perhaps you will favor us with a tune?” Mr. Darcy asked almost as soon as they had entered the room.
“Will, if I may make a suggestion?” Georgiana said. “Miss Bingley is such an accomplished musician that if she plays first we shall all pale in comparison. Perhaps, Miss Elizabeth could entertain us with a ballad, and Mrs. Hurst might accompany her.”
Anne and Georgiana had anticipated that Miss Bingley would sit as close to Will as possible and would remain there until forced to move. If she was asked to perform later in the evening, she would have to get up, allowing Will and Elizabeth more time to engage in conversation.
Darcy was convinced his sister’s request had nothing to do with musical proficiency, but he acceded without trying to puzzle it out. After the two ladies had completed their first piece, Caroline made no comment on the performance, but used the break to compliment Mr. Darcy on the design of the music room.
“Your cousin shared with us that Robert Adam was the designer of the public rooms at Pemberley. I cannot think of anyone else who brings such a light touch to his work. It is the perfect design for this room—so peaceful, so serene.”
“Will, you could not hear our conversation, but we were discussing our debt to Scotsmen and Mr. Adam’s name was mentioned,” Georgiana explained.
“Absolutely, we owe them a debt. Watt’s steam engine is being used at a coal mine in the Derwent Valley not twenty miles from here. The man’s a genius. Granted, Scotland can be a rough country. I can speak to that personally as our cousin married into the Hamilton family, and last year Georgie and I went to her wedding near Stirling. That was quite an experience. We ventured out on our own for a few hours, dipping our toe into the Highlands, so to speak, but it was worth it as we were surrounded by incredibly beautiful scenery.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Caroline said, “I mentioned earlier to Mr. Gardiner that my grandfather was born in Scotland. I think it would be a very easy thing to convince me to go there for a visit.”
Georgiana just looked away, but Mr. Gardiner was now completely confused. At supper, he had the distinct impression that when he had mentioned the Bingley connection to Scotland, it was not appreciated by Miss Bingley. He must have been wrong and made no comment. Instead he said, “When I think of Scotland, I think of salmon, Mr. Darcy.”
“I have not forgotten, Mr. Gardiner. I have arranged for Wilkins, the man who is responsible for stocking the ponds, to take you and Mr. Hurst to the finest fishing spot on the property. If you do not catch anything tomorrow with Wilkins as your guide, you will have no one to blame, sir, but yourself.”
“Mr. Darcy, it is my intention to fill my creel to overflowing.”
Mr. Hurst just grunted. He was not sure why he was being included in this fishing adventure as he had not been fishing since leaving Oxford. He must have said something to Darcy at Hulston Hall when he was in his cups.
As soon as Louisa and Elizabeth rejoined the party, Charles kept his promise to Darcy and suggested that everyone visit the Peak the following day on horseback.
“Charles, do not be so tiresome,” Caroline said. “You know I do not ride nor does Louisa.”
“Yes, of course, I know that, but others do. So I was thinking that, for those who do not ride, I shall take them into the District by carriage on well-traveled roads.”
“Just because you race curricles, does not qualify you to drive a carriage,” Caroline said, continuing her protest.
“Good grief, Caroline! Must everything be so complicated? Mercer is an old hand at driving a team of horses, and he will be beside me. You may choose to remain at Pemberley, but I believe Miss de Bourgh, Mrs. Gardiner, and Louisa would like to do this.”
Even though the last thing Darcy wanted was for Miss Bingley to go riding, he still had responsibilities as host, and as such, courtesy demanded he extend the invitation to all of his company.
“Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, before you decide whether or not to venture out with your brother, you should know we have a horse named Sugar, who is as gentle an animal as was ever born. Even the most timid riders are comfortable when seated upon her.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but neither Louisa nor I have ridden since we were children and…,” Caroline said, fumbling for an excuse.
“May I add, Miss Bingley,” Darcy continued, “that this particular mare was not named Sugar because of her color, but because of her disposition, and since we will be riding a narrow trail, we will be going at a snail’s pace?”
“Sir, I wish I could reward your persistence, but I do not choose to ride.” She had no intention of getting on any horse no matter what color, no matter how sweet her disposition, not even for Mr. Darcy.
Darcy had now fulfilled his duties, and he turned to Miss Elizabeth to make her the same offer after her aunt had declined.
“Since my Aunt Gardiner does not ride, Mr. Darcy, I think it only proper to accept Mr. Bingley’s invitation to ride with him in the carriage. In any event, I am not a very good rider, and I would only delay the party.” Unlike Caroline, Lizzy had no fear of horses. It was just that she had never mastered riding sidesaddle.
“Miss Elizabeth, it would be impossible to delay the party,” Charles insisted. “You will be going clippity clop, clippity clop, and no faster. The trail will not allow it, which is why I shall not be going. I cannot stand riding at that pace. No matter how splendid the views, I have no patience for it.”
Lizzy was about to repeat her decision to remain with her aunt, when she looked at Anne and Georgiana. Their looks said it all. What was she thinking? This was her opportunity to spend some time with Will free of Miss Bingley’s interference. Anne decided that the situation called for a dramatic intervention.
“If Miss Elizabeth does not choose to ride, then I shall be very brave and ride Sugar.”
Now all eyes were on Anne, who had not been on a horse in ten years because of her fear that she would have a coughing fit that would cause her great embarrassment.
Lizzy understood what Anne was doing, and was so moved by her efforts, that she took her hand in hers and said, “Mr. Darcy, I would very much enjoy riding to the Peak tomorrow, and since only one person can ride Sugar, I am afraid I must usurp your position, Miss de Bourgh.”
Georgiana let out an audible sigh, which was the final proof Caroline needed to confirm that she too was a part of the cabal. If that was the way it was going to be, she would fight fire with fire.
“Miss Elizabeth, I understand that the militia has removed from Meryton to Brighton. It must be a great loss to the neighborhood and your family.”
The only surprise in Caroline’s comment was that it took her so long to make it.
“Fortunately, we were prepared for such an event, Miss Bingley. Knowing how these regiments are constantly on the move, we made the most of their limited time with us. But shortly before leaving for Derbyshire, I learned that an acting troupe will be visiting the village, along with the usual accompanying entertainers. That news lifted our spirits considerably.”
“Oh, an acting troupe!” Georgiana exclaimed. “Every year, at midsummer, a troupe comes into Lambton, and how I do love the jesters because they make all the children squeal with delight. Did such a thing occur during your childhood, Mrs. Gardiner? I understand your earliest years were spent in Lambton.”
“Yes, indeed. And I can remember all of the village children running out to greet them as soon as they heard the sound of the horns announcing their arrival. I must confess to following the men around who walked on stilts. Along with the other children, my brother and I would tease them in the hopes that they would fall. How awful we were.”
“One year, when I was in Bath,” Anne said, “there was a procession of entertainers, and the ones I could not take my eyes off of were the jugglers. How ever did they keep all of those objects in the air at the same time?”
“And you, Miss Elizabeth? Do you have preference among the entertainers?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Oh, if I had to choose only one, I would have to pick the acrobats. It always amazed me how they could twist and turn themselves into so many different positions and so quickly. One minute this way, and the next, quite another, and just when you thought there was no other way they could further contort their bodies, they somehow managed it.”
The room went quiet, but Mr. Gardiner, who did not understand the true meaning behind the exchange, broke the silence by asking Mr. Darcy for his preference.
“Oh, I think it must be the man who stabs himself with a knife. Of course, as adults, we all know that it is done with a collapsible knife, but it all seemed quite real while I was watching it. But enough about traveling shows. Miss Bingley, will you please honor us with one of your pieces, and since we all have a busy schedule tomorrow, I think it would be the perfect end to the evening.”
Once Caroline returned to her room, she could barely contain her anger. She pulled off her earrings and threw them onto the dressing table. Louisa reminded her sister that the Darcy maid was in the room and that “pitchers have ears.”
“You are dismissed,” Caroline said to the maid. “I will ring when you are needed.”
The young woman was barely out of the room when Caroline resumed her tantrum. “Do you see what is happening, Louisa? Miss de Bourgh is determined to have that no-account Meryton nobody marry her cousin. The whole thing was planned while Miss Elizabeth was in Kent.”
“Caroline, I know you are so much smarter than I am, but Miss de Bourgh had never met Miss Elizabeth before she went to visit Mrs. Collins. Why would Miss de Bourgh be so eager for her cousin to marry someone she had only just met?”
“Obviously, this is a form of entertainment for her. What else is there to do in that big house with only her mother for company? But it will not work. You saw how disappointed Mr. Darcy was when I told him I would not ride tomorrow, and you and I have discussed how Mr. Darcy could hardly disguise his dislike of Miss Elizabeth when they were together in Hertfordshire. I will allow that he is doing a better job of concealing his true feelings at present, but that is to be expected since she is his guest. Even so, there is an undercurrent of resentment on his part that she is here at all.”
When Caroline was in such a mood, Louisa knew it was best to say as little as possible, but the truth was, Louisa did not agree with anything Caroline had said. The supposed plot sounded preposterous, and as for Mr. Darcy’s dislike of Miss Elizabeth, that was not what she had seen at all.
For her part, the evening had stirred memories that were both sweet and painful as she recalled the early days of her courtship with Mr. Hurst. They had passed notes in secret and had exchanged looks and talked in generalities only they understood, and it had been such an exciting time in her life. And because it had happened to her, she recognized it in others. She was less sure of the depth of Miss Elizabeth’s regard for Mr. Darcy, but as for the master of Pemberley, he had totally failed in his attempt to hide his love for the nobody from Meryton.