Page 13 of Reputation, an Easy Thing to Lose (Reputation Verse #1)

Chapter 12

The Best of Intentions

Gracechurch Street, Cheapside, Lo ndon

25 April 1813

“A unt, do you think that we have done the right thing with tonight’s entertainment?”

“How do you mean, Jane dear?”

Jane Bennet fiddled with the ribbon on her evening gown as she stood in the doorway to Madeline Gardiner’s dressing room, watching the maid finish her aunt’s coiffure. “I know that Uncle has been opposed to us making introductions for Lizzy to suitors. I do not know why, but I am sure that he must know something that I have not considered. Do you believe we are right to move forward with these p lans?”

Madeline’s maid tapped her shoulder, indicating that she was done with the lady’s hair. “You may retire, Taylor. I will require some help after dinner, but please take some time to rest now.” Madeline waited until her maid left before speaking again to Jane. “My dear, men are not equipped to deal with marriage. My husband is the best of men, and I do love him, but he can provide no reasonable explanation for his resistance other than his belief that Lizzy is not desirous of a hus band.”

“But Lizzy has always said that only the deepest love would move her to matrimony. Is it right to thrust men into her acquaintance with expectat ions?”

Picking up Jane’s hands to still them from mussing her dress, Madeline sighed. “I know my dear. And we both know your sister can be quite stubborn at times. I have not broached the subject with her directly, but I suspect that these past six months, living as a gently bred servant, might have changed Lizzy. She gave up so much when she left with the Darcys. Perhaps she might now see the value in marriage to a moderately wealthy man, with a home of her own and a return to polite society. I cannot say exactly what her reaction will be, but we owe her the opportunity to choose that life over the life of a ser vant.”

“I know you worry for her situation, but Charles has promised that he will care for my sisters after we are wed. Lizzy need not marry to return to genti lity.”

“Are you having second thoughts about this path? It was your plan origin ally.”

Jane considered the question. In truth, Jane Bennet was feeling guilty. It was a silly thing for which to feel guilty, and she was sure Elizabeth would tease her to no end if her sister knew, but it could not be helped. Last September, when Elizabeth had told them that she was taking a position with the Darcys, Jane and Madeline had protested to no avail. Elizabeth would not be moved. She had said that it was best for everyone, and that Jane must stay in London so she may find a good husband. Now it seems her sister might have known that Bingley would be coming to call. He had come the very day that Elizabeth had agreed to be Georgiana’s compa nion.

Three days later brought another visit from Bingley. After nearly two weeks of regular of visits, he asked Jane if she would step out with him for a stroll through the nearby church gardens. It had been one of those vividly bright fall days with enough warmth from the shining sun to make the everyone forget that the winter was nearly upon them. He had led her to a bench on the south side of the abbey overlooking the peaceful courtyard where two apple trees miraculously grew in the middle of London. Then, he had professed his love and promised Jane that if she would marry him, he would take care of her entire family for as long as any of them should live.

Since that day, Jane and Bingley had shared many more walks about the quiet church yard. They talked of his sister’s constant scheming, which he hated. She spoke of how her mother’s expectations had always felt like a burden and that since her father’s passing, she had been blaming her reserved nature for the Bennet family’s demise. He told her how he longed to make a quiet life in the country and forget the London elite. She told him that sounded wonderful. He told her that her mother and all her sisters, including Lydia and her child, would be welcome in his home. That he would do everything in his power to make her family whole and happy again. If her younger sisters never married, they could live with the Bingleys for all their days. At this, she had only joyful t ears.

Two weeks ago, a letter had arrived for Jane from Elizabeth. This particular letter had outlined the Darcys’ plans for traveling to London and Georgiana’s debut. Elizabeth wrote of appointments to visit Mme. Devy’s Bond Street shop and all the planned activities surrounding Georgiana’s official court presentation. She gave certain days when she would be able to come visit. and a list of invitations that were being extended by Georgiana for Jane and Mary to come to Darcy House. There was even a night that Darcy was allowing Elizabeth to use his theatre box for her relations. The Gardiners, Jane, and Mary were to join Elizabeth for a showing of Romeo and Juliet the first week of June. The box could hold a total of nine persons, but it was unclear from Elizabeth’s letter if the other four available seats would be occupied. Perhaps they would see Bingley there and could invite him to join them.

And there was the basis of all Jane’s guilt. Elizabeth had surrendered her status to preserve Jane’s. While Jane was entertaining the suit of a wealthy man whom she genuinely loved, Elizabeth had taken a position as a paid companion so that the Gardiners could take in Jane and Mary long enough to observe their father’s full mourning period. Long enough to make them marriageable. Now, Elizabeth was creating respectable opportunities for Jane and Mary to be seen in soc iety.

Even though Elizabeth would be dancing with eligible men at every major society event this coming season, the chances of her meeting someone who would consider marrying a gentil servant were nearly none. The men at the events Elizabeth would be attending were looking for a wife with at least a twenty -t housand pound dowry, and preferably a title. If she were to ever have a chance at marriage, she would need to meet men with fewer expectations and more h eart.

Tonight was the night that Jane was going to finally put her plan to secure Elizabeth a good husband into practice. Jane and Madeline had carefully considered all the men of their acquaintance for those suitable to introduce to Elizabeth. Once she had mustered the courage to ask Bingley, he too had supplied a list of men he thought would welcome meeting the lovely and intelligent Elizabeth. So, three men of trade and two recently ascended gentlemen were coming to dinner tonight, as well as several of their mothers and sis ters.

The only slightly unwelcome guests for the night were Darcy and Georgiana. Not that anyone in the Gardiner house was at all unhappy to see the Darcys, but Jane hoped that Elizabeth would not spend the entire night attending to Georgiana instead of speaking with the eligible men brought in to specifically seek her attention. The Darcys’ inclusion in the party was somewhat of a surprise, since the invitation had been insisted upon by Ed ward.

Madeline had been nearly at the end of her patience, trying to explain why they should not invite Elizabeth’s employers to the party. Never in all their years of marriage had Edward ever looked at the guest list for a dinner party, let alone insist on particular invitations. But he would not be moved. The Darcys were investors in his business, they were good friends to Bingley, and they were Elizabeth’s employer. He insisted that failing to issue them an invitation would be atrocious man ners.

Jane had penned the invitation and given it to Georgiana when Elizabeth and Georgiana had called at the Gardiners a few days ago. Both Madeline and Jane had been sure that the Darcys would decline, given the late notice of the invitation and that none of their station would be in attendance. So, when Georgiana accepted immediately upon receiving the invitation, both ladies were shocked. Even more so when Darcy sent over a confirming reply with his warm regards for anticipation of the eve ning.

“No, Aunt, I am still sure that we should introduce Lizzy to men who might marry her. I am just worried about Uncle’s reaction to the situation. I wish I had been able to talk to Lizzy before this evening without Miss Darcy ar ound.”

Madeline sighed. “You are right about that, dear. It would have been better not to surprise your sister with attentions from men, but I hope she will be practical about this. In any case, there is no real time now. Perhaps you might take Lizzy into the dining room to help with the floral arrangements if they arrive early, but we must now make the best of the eve ning.”

“Of course, Aunt. That is a good idea.”

Jane and Madeline were descending the final stairs just as the door was opened to the first guests. Thankfully, it was the Darcy p arty.

“Lizzy! I am so glad to see you!” Jane rushed to her sister and enveloped her in a hug before the housekeeper could even take her s hawl.

Elizabeth chuckled and patted her sister on the back. “I am always glad to see you too, Jane, but we were here just a few days ago for tea.” Pulling back, Elizabeth looked at Jane’s face. There was something in her expression that Elizabeth could not p lace.

Madeline and Edward stepped forward to greet the Darcy siblings. “Mr. Darcy. Miss Darcy. We are so happy to have you tonight. I hope you will not mind that Jane and I were still working on the flower arrangements and final touches to di nner.”

Darcy bowed to his hosts. “Of course, we understand. Please, continue with your preparat ions.”

“Oh yes! Maybe I can be of some help. I like arranging flowers more than most other tasks. Do you have need of me?” Georgiana’s eyes s hone.

“Miss Darcy, that is a kind offer. Perhaps you might join me in the parlour while Lizzy helps Jane in the dining room.” Madeline sent Jane a pointed look, which Elizabeth did not miss.

Elizabeth accompanied Jane into the dining room to finish placing the various vases filled with flowers upon the table and to light the candles about the room. Feeling the weight of the silence, Elizabeth waited until Jane was ready to s peak.

Finally, Jane took the opportunity to speak. “Lizzy, I’m so glad you have been able to come this evening. I believe that it will be a wonderful opportunity to make new fri ends.”

“Of course, I shall always have time for my family, Jane,” Elizabeth replied, without looking up from her flame. “The Darcys may have a busy social schedule, but all are agreed that making time for one’s close friends is much better than sitting through a dinner party given by mere acquaintances who only want the wealthiest guests gracing their t able.”

“I am glad to hear it. We were actually surprised that the Darcys decided to accompany you tonight. Surely, they will not find equals amongst tonight’s gu ests.”

Elizabeth looked up at this remark. “Whatever do you mean, Jane? Mr. Bingley will be here, and he is Will… eh… Mr. Darcy’s closest friend. Also, I believe Mr. Darcy said he is friendly with Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Tannerbaugh.” Elizabeth turned back to her task quickly, to cover her faux pas. “They were all at Cambridge together, were they not?”

Jane looked at the back of her sister’s head with a furrowed brow. Did she really hear her sister nearly call Darcy by his Christian name? And a shortened version of it at that? Perhaps it was nothing. Elizabeth was on such intimate terms with Georgiana, and they certainly seemed to be as close as two unrelated women could be. Maybe Elizabeth was used to hearing Georgiana address him informally, or maybe Darcy was less formal in his home than Jane would have imagined. But, perhaps there was something else going on between her sister and her handsome employer. Jane decided not to press that issue tonight with a house full of guests set to arrive any moment, but she stored it away to discuss with Madeline and Bin gley.

Jane continued with her plan. “Yes, of course, Mr. Darcy is friendly with several of the guests tonight, but I do hope that you will be able to relinquish your post as companion for the night and take the time to make an impression upon the young men in attend ance.”

Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to furrow her brow. “Why ever would I need to make an impression upon the guests? Are they not Uncle’s business associates and potential new investors brought by Mr. Bin gley?”

“No, Lizzy.” Jane flushed. “While perhaps they are also those things, each young man has been invited tonight with the specific purpose of meeting you.”

“But, what interest can they have in me?” Elizabeth flushed, beginning to suspect her sister’s purpose. “You do not mean to bring me suitors, do you Jane? When did you turn into Mamma? Please tell me that Uncle’s guests have not been so bluntly spoken to as to expect my attentions tonight!” Elizabeth was near a panic. Darcy would not be happy with this expectation for the evening, and the last thing she needed was for her protective and slightly jealous husband to betray their affection in mixed com pany.

Jane could see the worry on her sister’s face but could not fathom from where it came. Elizabeth had always been the one of them that was able to laugh in the face of their mother’s schemes and continue as if nothing was amiss. Panic was not an emotion Jane was used to seeing in Elizabeth’s expressive eyes. “Calm yourself, Lizzy. Of course, no such suggestion has been made to the gentlemen. That would be highly inappropriate. But each has been chosen specifically for his suitability for you.” Jane decided a little equivocating was in order. “And Mary, of co urse.”

“And what of their suitability for you, dear Jane?” This question was to go unanswered as the front door knocker was clearly heard before Jane could find her v oice.

Back in the parlour, the whole party began to assemble. Instead of allowing Jane to steer her towards the gentlemen who had arrived with Bingley, Elizabeth made her way directly to Edward and Darcy. They were sitting in a conveniently secluded section of the room.

“Uncle, I have yet to greet you properly. It is good to see you again. Have you been having an enjoyable talk with my husband?” Elizabeth kept her voice low, since the possibility of being overheard was great, but speaking the truth with one of the few people who knew their situation eased her worry considerably. Uncle Edward was her guardian, and he would protect her publicly, even when Darcy could not.

“Yes, my dear. William and I have been having a nice chat. Did you and Jane have any time to catch up before the guests arrived?” Edward had been trying to gently dissuade Jane and Madeline from their matchmaking schemes, but it was hard to do without giving away too much.

“Yes, Uncle, we had a most enlightening talk just now.” Before Elizabeth could continue, Jane, Bingley, and a Mr. Andrew Tannerbaugh came to greet their host and be introd uced.

“Darcy, old man, how amazing to find you here! It has been an age since we last met. I am sure it’s been three years if it’s been a day. How are you?” Tannerbaugh came straight up to shake Darcy’s hand and get a better look at Jane’s beautiful sister. Bingley had spoken in the carriage of his courtship of the eldest Miss Bennet, but also mentioned that two of her younger sisters would be in attendance tonight. Jane was certainly beautiful in a classic and serene sort of way. But Tannerbaugh enjoyed a livelier disposition, and he was interested in the description Bingley had given of a young woman of wit and hu mour.

“Tannerbaugh, I was not about to miss this evening once Bingley mentioned your inclusion in the invitations.” Darcy smiled genuinely at his old friend from university. Tannerbaugh was a man close to Bingley’s disposition and had always been able to lift Darcy’s mood. However, if Darcy had been able to hear the thoughts running through the younger man’s head, he likely would not have made the introductions so readily. “I am well, very well indeed. Let me introduce you to our host for the evening and a good friend of mine, Mr. Edward Gardiner. Edward, this is Andrew Tannerbaugh. He, Charles, and I were at Cambridge toge ther.”

After the men bowed and shook hands, Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “Also allow me to introduce one of Edward’s nieces, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Elizabeth is also a good friend to my family and currently a member of my household as companion to my sister.” Darcy delivered the introduction, which had been carefully crafted and practiced over the last several weeks, for the first time. It was still a bit awkward, but no one suspected it was a lie.

This was the opening Tannerbaugh had been waiting for. “Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He bowed low over Elizabeth’s hand and ghosted a kiss over her knuc kles.

Elizabeth withdrew her hand as soon as politely possible. “Thank you, Mr. Tannerbaugh. I understand that you are a long -t ime acquaintance of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. I would not want to burden your reminiscing. I believe that I shall provide some entertainment while we wait for dinner to be annou nced.”

With that, Elizabeth curtsied and quickly retreated to the pianoforte. She played softly while the remainder of the guests filtered into the parlour, effectively ensuring that there would be no more introductions before the dinner call. Jane was mildly annoyed at her sister’s uncharacteristic retreat, but she reasoned that Elizabeth was uncomfortable being introduced to eligible young men with expectations. Perhaps she would become more accustomed to the idea during dinner. Jane had carefully chosen the seating so that Elizabeth was placed between Tannerbaugh and one of Edward’s business associates, Mr. Carter. A third young man, Mr. Slaughter, who was a respectable London barrister, was seated directly across from her sister. Elizabeth would have the opportunity to converse with as many of the eligible men in attendance as poss ible.

So, it was quite a surprise when Jane looked down the table and saw Elizabeth sitting directly between Darcy and Edward! Jane was sure that she had placed Georgiana in that seat, thinking that the ever -p rotective Darcy would not want his baby sister, newly out in society, to be sitting near young men not of his intimate acquaintance. But clear as day, Elizabeth was sitting in a seat so far removed from any of the eligible guests that she would not be able to even hear their conversations, let alone participate in them. In Elizabeth’s intended seat resided Mary, and in the seat originally designated for Mary sat Georgiana, across from her brother and next to the sister of Mr. Ca rter.

Elizabeth chanced a look down the table and met her sister’s annoyed glare. She knew that Jane had put in a lot of effort to this party, but Elizabeth was in no mood to entertain suitors. After Jane revealed her intentions for the evening, Elizabeth had switched the place cards for herself, Mary and Georgiana. Catching a glimpse of Jane’s countenance for himself, Edward chuckled at his nieces’ respective sche ming.

At least not all of Jane’s effort would be wasted. Mary would get the chance intended for Elizabeth. Their younger sister had changed dramatically in the last few months. No longer subjected to their mother’s constant references to Mary’s plainness, the most conservative Bennet sister had found her own beauty. It also helped that Madeline was gently teaching Mary about dressing her hair in conservative but appealing fashions. Their aunt had also taken Mary shopping and found several styles that suited Mary but were more flattering than those she had sewn herself. All in all, the “plain” Bennet sister was not looking so plain in the glittering candlel ight.

Dinner progressed slowly but with lively conversation all around the table. Mary found a fellow music lover in the kind Mr. Slaughter; Georgiana and Miss Elaine Carter spoke of the activities surrounding their formal debuts, both of which would be taking place in early May. Elizabeth, Darcy, and Edward had a lovely talk about all kinds of to pics.

The only conversation which was stilted was between Madeline, Jane, and Bingley at the opposite end of the table from Edward, Elizabeth, and D arcy.

The former three kept an eagle eye on the conversation of the latter, especially on the interaction between Elizabeth and Darcy. None could say that they crossed any lines of propriety, but their friendly banter and frequent mild laughter was a sign that the two were comfortable in each other’s presence. Jane began to worry about the implications of Elizabeth’s earlier slip in the dining room, while Bingley mused that he had never seen Darcy so at ease during a dinner party with persons unknown. Madeline worried about another scandal for the Bennet sisters. At least Edward was continuously involved with their conversation and could observe them from a close vantage point. Madeline resolved to ask her husband about his impression of their relationship that evening after all the guests had gone.

When the last of the plates were cleared away, Madeline invited the ladies to the parlour for tea while Edward invited the men to stay for brandy and cigars. With the ladies departed, most of the men gathered closer to Edward’s end of the table and spoke at length of the imports business. Darcy especially was fascinated with the tradesmen in attendance who had been to China or India during their early years working for their fathers or the East India Trading Co. It was a long time after the last of the cigar butts were extinguished before Bingley could introduce the idea of re -j oining the la dies.

As the men filed out of the dining room, Bingley held Darcy back. “Darcy, you must not monopolize the male conversation in the parlour. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner have put a lot of thought into this night, and you are getting in the way of the introduct ions.”

Darcy was taken aback. He thought the night had gone on swimmingly so far and was contemplating a few new investments with the tradesmen to which he had been introduced. “What introductions are you talking about? I have already been introduced to each of the men here tonight and cannot see how my conversation with them has hindered the eve ning.”

“Surely you know why these eligible men have been invited to dinner?” A blank stare was all that answered Bingley. “They are here to meet Miss Lizzy and Miss Mary, not to talk business with a potential investor. Your sister will not need a companion forever, and then what do you expect Miss Lizzy t o do?”

“You cannot be serious. What does Edward have to say about all this?” Darcy’s panic and anger battled for dominance. His first impulse was to storm into the parlour, grab his wife, and leave immedia tely.

“Jane confided that her uncle is not at all concerned with Miss Lizzy’s prospects. In fact, she feels he is oddly opposed to making introductions for her.” Darcy let out some of the tension in his shoulders at this. Of course, Edward would not be supporting schemes to marry off his wife to someone else. “But nevertheless, both Jane and Miss Lizzy are now over twenty -o ne and can make their own choices about whom to marry. I have assured Jane that any or all of her sisters are most welcome to live with us forever, but would you not rather Miss Lizzy be happy with a home of her own?”

“I can assure you, Charles, I spend a great deal of time considering Elizabeth’s happiness and marital felicity every day.” Darcy rushed out of the room without even noticing his mistake in speaking about Elizabeth in such a familiar tone.

But Bingley not iced.