Page 11 of Reputation, an Easy Thing to Lose (Reputation Verse #1)

Chapter 10

Determination

Wilton Row, Belgravia, Lo ndon

1 April 1813

“I have heard that she is very beautiful and with the best of manners, but her father’s estate was not able to provide large doweries for all four sisters. It was kindly of Mr. Darcy to support the eldest sister through the loss of the father.”

Caroline barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes at Lady Elizabeth Shrewsbury, the Countess of Shrewsbury, in the middle of her sister’s morning parlour. Lady Shrewsbury was the biggest gossip of the whole ton . She had to keep tongues wagging about someone else, or the conversation was likely to turn to how the last five Earls of Shrewsbury had failed to produce a male heir, which resulted in the loss of three baronies, a marquessate, and a dukedom. At least there had always been a cousin or nephew of close enough relation to take the earldom at each failed progeny. Lady Elizabeth herself, the current Countess of Shrewsbury, was still childless after more than twenty years of marriage, and barring some kind of divine intervention, the earldom would again go to the Earl’s sister’s son. Caroline understood why this made the lady so very nervous, but she envied her position. Lady Shrewsbury was able to enjoy her status as a highly placed person in society without having to face death or, worse, the loss of her slim figure, in childb irth.

Today’s tea party for the ladies newly returned to town was a much -n eeded reprieve from the monotonous winter season in London. Caroline had been stuck indoors for much of the last few months, gazing out her parlour window, silently mocking her fellow city dwellers, the rich and the poor who had no proper country estate in which to escape London’s sleet and smog. She was resolved: she would not be amongst them for much longer. However, her entire winter social schedule had been an absolute w aste.

Darcy and Georgiana had spent the entirety of the winter months in Derbyshire without one trip to town or invitation for the Bingleys to Pemberley. Usually, Darcy would invite Bingley and her brother - i n -l aw , Hurst, for a country hunt in early November. The year before last was an exception, due to Bingley taking the Netherfield lease. But this past November there had not even been an apologetic letter telling Bingley why the Darcys were indisposed to host their friends. It was absolutely madde ning.

London had been no better. There was no true upper -l evel society anywhere to be seen. Only second sons and recently ascended tradesmen, like Bingley himself, could be found in the dance halls and theatres of town. Even many of the elderly dowagers, with whom Caroline and Louisa were friendly, had taken their winters at their son’s estates instead of staying in Lo ndon.

Finally, le bon ton had started to reappear in London and Louisa had quickly put together tea with several countesses, a viscountess, and other wealthy, but untitled, ladies. It would have been perfect if the talk had not centred almost entirely on the subject of the Darcys and their new, gently bred ser vant.

“But dear Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, I have been led to believe that you are actually well acquainted with the lady. Pray, tell us what she is truly like.”

Thankfully, Louisa Hurst interjected before Caroline had to come up with a response. “Oh, my, Lady Shrewsbury, I would not say that we are well acquainted with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, but we do have a passing connection. While Miss Elizabeth, who is the second daughter of five, is homely in her looks, she is not really refined in her style. Her older sister, Miss Jane Bennet is the true beauty of the family. Why, my sister and I once saw Miss Elizabeth after walking a distance of more than three miles through the morning roads after a large rainstorm. She arrived with petticoats and boots absolutely caked in mud.” Louisa tittered behind her teacup while the assembled ladies all sported various shocked l ooks.

“And what of the widowed sister? Is it true that the Misses Bennets are related to the wife of Mr. Darcy’s late steward?” Another countess piped up with questions about the Bennet fa mily.

Caroline had to suppress another eyeroll and a huff. As if being forced to dance all winter with second sons studying at London University to become a barrister or clergyman was not dreadful enough, Caroline had to spread the ridiculous lie about Lydia Bennet being married to Lt. Wickham to save her brother’s and Darcy’s investment with the uncle from Cheapside. Caroline did not believe for one minute that there had been a wedding ceremony, no matter how many marriage licenses the Bennets put forward. It was revolting to have to repeat the little harlot’s name in public and hope that the useless persons abandoned in London for the winter would repeat the gossip to their more important family members. She was sick from her bright red hair to her perfectly proportioned toes with being complimentary of the Bennets generally, and compassionate toward Lydia specific ally.

Again, Louisa answered in a perfectly neutral and disaffected tone. “I am quite unsure of the full connection, but I believe that Miss Elizabeth’s youngest sister did marry the godson of Mr. Darcy’s father, or something like that. We did meet him once or twice when he was serving as a Lieutenant in the _____ shire militia last fall.”

“Her youngest sister?” An older lady from nearer the pianoforte spoke up. Caroline looked over her tea for the first time and noticed that Lady Sefton, the most prominent patroness of Almack’s Assembly Rooms, and Hurst’s great aunt, had joined the conversa tion.

“Yes, my lady,” Caroline simpered. “I am quite sure that Miss Lydia, that is, Mrs. Wickham, is Miss Elizabeth’s youngest sister. She could not have been much older than sixteen when she married, and I believe the Bennets are anticipating she will be delivered this spring of a baby, if it has not already occu rred.”

Several ladies around the room mumbled, “ Oh my,” and “ Well ,” behind teacups and fans at learning that this new companion to Georgiana Darcy had a sixteen - y ear -o ld younger sister with a baby.

Lady Shrewsbury, who could always be counted on to get the juicy heart of any gossip, opened the door for which Caroline had been waiting. “Why ever was a younger sister married at sixteen if she had older sisters still at home?”

“It is of course not my place to speak ill of the dead.” Caroline paused for a sip of tea and to make sure she had the attention of every lady in the room. “But Lt. Wickham and Mrs. Wickham eloped from the militia’s summer encampment. Her father was not present to give away his daughter, so their marriage was a bit defective at the beginning, though now I am sure it does not really matter. As to why the older Miss Bennets were not yet married, well, as Lady Shrewsbury said earlier, they have little fortune and not many accomplishments. They did not even have a governess growin g up.”

Another round of soft exclamations prompted Caroline to quickly hide her smile behind her fan.

Louisa brought the conversation back to mild compliments towards the Bennet sisters. Their purpose, after all, was to help their brother and his investment by keeping out harmful, pernicious gossip. “I am truly quite astounded that Mr. Darcy brought Miss Elizabeth into his house as companion to Miss Darcy, however she is kind and lively. Also, I am sure he regards her as no competition compared to his sister, which is important in a social companion. As long as she helps Miss Darcy feel comfortable in society, I shall not worry for her dresses being out of se ason.”

Caroline stood up to refill several teacups and was very satisfied with the way the ladies were speaking of the Bennets, and Elizabeth specific ally.

Caroline smile and mused to herself, “ At least that little chit is now so low as to be unmarriageable by any man of land or wealth. She may be part of Darcy’s household, but she is forever now beyond the reach of any gentleman of consequence. ” Caroline nearly laughed while pouring Lady Sefton another cup, which caused the older lady to give her a searching look. Too amused with her own thoughts, Caroline just continued with her internal monologue. “ It is unlikely Elizabeth has even spent any time in Darcy’s company. She has likely been more in the company of the kitchen maids than Georgiana and Darcy this past winter. She probably has her rooms in the servant’s wing! ”

Silent thoughts aside, Caroline was still upset with the situation regarding the Bennets. Another worry for Caroline had been Bingley’s frequent visits to Cheapside. He went to keep an eye on Edward Gardiner and his investments. Darcy felt the oversight was necessary, so she was resigned to the visits, but it was worrisome that Jane was within easy reach of her dim -w itted , rich brother. She would have to review the guest lists for the upcoming dinner party at Hurst’s townhouse after Covent Garden’s Shakespeare theatre opening night. There were bound to be a few titled young ladies in attend ance.

Caroline was startled out of her thoughts by another question from Lady Sefton. “Miss Bingley, do you know when the Darcys will be coming back to town?”

This was another sore spot for Caroline. “No, my lady, unfortunately I have not yet heard back from Miss Darcy regarding their travel plans for the se ason.”

If only she did know when the Darcys were coming back to town. Caroline had sent several personal invitations to Darcy House for various dinners and teas, but none had yet been answered. Unfortunately, for the sake of civility and proprietary, the invitations had to include Elizabeth. But as soon as Caroline was formally engaged to Darcy, Elizabeth would be dismissed. Perhaps she could convince him to marry by special license within a few weeks. Then she could take her place as mistress of his home before the end of the season. She would even be able to welcome everyone to Pemberley for the summer house party which she was determined to help Georgiana plan as hostess, instead of being relegated to the guest wing yet a gain.

With the discussion of the Darcys fully extinguished, Caroline allowed Louisa to steer the conversation to other topics while Caroline retreated again into her thou ghts.

The only question in her mind was how best to ensure her marriage to Darcy took place. It would be much too forward and a horrible breach of propriety to speak openly to Darcy about what was holding him back. Caroline suspected that it was a mixture of caring for Georgiana and his belief that she would be there once he was ready. If indeed that was the case, she must remedy both situations. She would not only orchestrate meetings between eligible young men for Georgiana, but also spend some time flirting with those men herself. If Darcy no longer feared for his sister but instead feared losing Caroline, he may make his move.

And if sisterly stability or jealousy would not induce action, she would have to orchestrate a different kind of situation. Darcy had always come to Bingley’s house for dinner at least once a week during the season in the past. There was no reason to lessen the frequency of those invitations. Also, now that Georgiana was out, perhaps there would be dinners at Darcy House that included both genders. Either house’s library would be a fine location for a liaison. As long as a well -t imed maid came to find them. Honour would induce Darcy to church, of that Caroline was sure.

Rosings Park, Kent

1 April 1813

Anne de Bourgh sat quietly in the music room of her grand estate of Rosings, reading the newest gothic novel from Mrs. Radcliff. Her mother would never approve, but she did not monitor the purchases Anne made from the bookseller in town. Since Richard had left abruptly in September, there had been little in the way of excitement at Rosings. The Bennet family situation had lost its interest after learning of the marriage license. Deficient though it had been, at least there had been an attempt by the couple to wed. That both father and son - i n -l aw had died over such a silly dispute was unfortunate, but not worthy of more fuss. In addition, Darcy had made a substantial investment with the Bennets’ uncle, and Lady Catherine would not want any of the Darcy holdings to suffer from such tragic connect ions.

Suddenly, but not so unexpectedly, a loud crash came from the direction of Lady Catherine’s study. Once a sennight or so, the grand lady would become enraged at something or the other and throw one of the porcelain Chinese vases at the wall. Now that Lady Catherine’s eyesight was beginning to fade, and she could not tell the difference, the steward had taken to purchasing cheap fakes to place in the mistress’s study for exactly this exercise. Anne sighed then put her book on the side table, preparing for a rant on whatever had her mother furious with the pottery t oday.

She did not have to wait long.

“Hobbs! We must leave for London immediately. Get the carriage ready and send me Mrs. Baker. Anne and I must be packed at once!”

Anne merely looked up to her mother’s loud entrance to the music room.

“Anne! There you are. Come, you must get up now. We are going to London.” Once Lady Catherine stopped in front of Anne, her daughter could see the large vein in the side of her mother’s temple, which would bulge during a particularly energetic session of ceramic hurling. In fact, often when Lady Catherine got this overexcited, she would manage to break something of actual value during the rampage. Since everything in Rosings actually belonged to Anne, and not her mother, Lady Catherine’s nasty habit of destroying the de Bourgh family china was a serious annoyance to the young mistress. One day, the daughter would be able to stand up to her fierce mother, but that day was most likely to be the day she laid her mother to rest in the de Bourgh mauso leum.

Anne sighed. “Yes, Mother. I heard you telling the staff. Might I ask why we are removing to London in such a h urry?”

Lady Catherine never stopped pacing as she responded. “I have received a letter from Darcy. Neither he nor Georgiana are coming for Easter in two weeks. They are staying in London to obtain Georgiana’s new wardrobe. Apparently, an appointment with some French modiste is much too important to reschedule, despite his familial obligations to your late fa ther!”

“Mo ther…”

“And do not get me started on the shirking of his duty to you! I have given that boy plenty of time to make his addresses to you directly, but, really dear, you are not getting you nger.”

“I know how time works, Mother.” Anne pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Do not take that tone with me, young lady! Darcy must honour your particular engagement.” Lady Catherine stopped for a moment to open the sideboard and get a small glass of sherry. “I have tried to make the arrangements easy for him since my own dear sister is not here to help guide him in matters of a marriage, but really, he must be the one to run the engagement announcement. I cannot ru n it.”

“Please tell me you did not send The Times a notice of our engagement!” Though Anne did not really fear London society, she did not want to be publicly ji lted.

“They would not take it! I tried to have the announcement run, but the editor wrote back and said it is their practice to accept notices from the groom or the guardian of the bride. Either my brother or Darcy will have to run the announcement, which is why I sent it to Darcy in my last letter.” Pulling several pages of paper out of her pocket, Lady Catherine started to wave around what appeared to be the letter from Darcy, which started this whole diatribe. “Look here! Look on page two, where he dishonours you and me and his own mother, my dear sister, who did wish to have our houses and fortunes joined with your marriage. From your cradles we planned it! Look for your self!”

Lady Catherine threw the pages at Anne, and Anne was obliged to lunge forward from her chair to grab the letter. After pursuing the pages, she found what was most likely to have caused her mother such out rage.

Aunt, I must be firm here. I will never run the announcement you enclosed in your last letter, and I must insist that you do not run such an announcement. As I have told you in the past, I will never become engaged to my cousin. The overly wordy announcement that details the particularity of our cradle made arrangement must therefore be discarded. I will marry only a lady of my own choosing, rather than bow to the unrealistic expectations from my family. Though I was only 12 at the time of her death, I do not remember my mother ever saying a marriage with Anne was her particular wish. She may have believed that if our temperaments and inclinations were in the direction to make our union a happy one, she would have welcomed Anne as her daughter - i n -l aw . But Lady Anne would never have wanted her children to have anything less than a fulfilling marriage. In addition to my mother’s ambivalence to such a union, my father was outright hostile to the idea in the last years of his life. Father told me that I was not bound to my cousin, either by contract or honour, and he wished me to make a happy marriage instead of a marriage of m oney.

Anne was elated to hear, once and for all, that she would not be required to marry her dour cousin Darcy. But her elation was short lived. Lady Catherine had other i deas.

“How DARE he make a fool out of my Anne while he gallivants around with that little low -b orn harlot?” Lady Catherine bellowed to no one in particular, even though she was not two feet from her daughter. Anne tried to suppress a smile at this. It seemed her mother was not as blind to the romantic leanings of her cousin as everyone tho ught.

Anne had been certain Darcy had affection for Elizabeth last spring when they were both visiting Kent. She had hoped he might ask for her hand during one of their morning walks through the Rosings grounds, which would have put an end to her mother’s ridiculous marriage schemes. But alas, there had been no such understanding, and now Elizabeth’s family was tainted with the elopement and pregnancy of the youngest sister. Surely, Anne’s haughty, disdainful, self -r ighteous cousin would never degrade himself with such a wife.

While Anne was musing on the Bennets, her mother continued to rail at the tapestries. A final declaration from Lady Catherine brought Anne back to the room.

“I shall now know how to act! You and I are going to London for the season. I wonder how quickly I can terminate the lease on our townhouse? They are tradesmen, rich off of the barbaric east China trade route. Do you know that the son of my current tenant has actually been to China? Now, going to India with the East India Trading Company and staying within the British society of Bombay is one thing, but traveling to China with such savages, that is just barbaric! I would have cancelled their contract right then and there, but they have always paid on time, and it can be hard to find such diligent tenants. Oh, never mind, we shall stay with my brother for the se ason.”

“Oh, that is lovely, I have wanted to see my Fitzwilliam cou sins…”

The end of Lady Catherine’s walking stick thundered on the floor in a motion Anne knew was meant to silence her. “And I will carry my point with the Earl. He will surely be in support of your match and shall make sure that Darcy sees reason. A few well -p laced words with my good friends will have your engagement all over town with or without an announcement. You will be seen at all the premier society events looking positively regal, to let him know what he would be giving up, were he to jilt you.”

This time, Anne did not try to interject any thoughts. This was not a conversa tion.

“Once Darcy sees that he must either marry you or make his family look ridiculous, he will likely purchase a special license. We shall have a fantastic wedding to cap the season at St Margaret’s Church, with a reception at Matlock House in St. James Square. It will be as your father and I were wed. We shall have to order your gown right away if it is to be ready before June. What was the name of that modiste Georgiana was going to? Mme. Devro or something? Your Aunt Matlock will know. Do not worry about the arrangements, dear. I shall talk to the staff at Matlock house and the bishop of St Margaret’s once we arrive in London. All will be r eady.”

With that declaration, Lady Catherine swept out of the room with as much force as she had swept into it, leaving a bewildered Anne in her wake. Perhaps now would be a good time to retire to her room with a headache. That should delay their departure to London by at least a fortnight. Her mother was solicitous of Anne’s fragile health, if not of any of Anne’s other des ires.