Page 23 of Reputation, an Easy Thing to Lose (Reputation Verse #1)

Chapter 22

Fun and Games

Pemberley, Derbys hire

17 June 1813

F our days had not made much of a difference in the moods of the guests at Pemberley, but at least the lovely activities kept everyone so well entertained that they did not display much open hostility towards Elizabeth. While it genuinely distressed her to know that Darcy’s extended family may never fully accept her position as Mrs. Darcy, she was sure that she would never truly have any reason to repine. Darcy loved her completely. Georgiana was the most wonderful sister, and they would be happy together once all of the interferences left them. Elizabeth was also taking extraordinary pleasure in watching Jane and Mary enjoy the company, particularly the company of the gentlemanly son of a mill owner from Yorkshire and a certain earl from the south. As long as Elizabeth’s sisters were safe from the scorn of society and Darcy loved her without reserve, she cared not what others said.

Over the last few evenings, Elizabeth had taken a particular joy in expressing many opinions not her own, especially related to politics, when conversing with one or the other of the earls. Even her staid husband had openly chuckled at her antics the prior evening. Elizabeth had been caught out when Lord Matlock heard her discussing the industrialization of the commons, playing the part of the Tory opposite to the staunch Whig ideals of Lord Nottingham. Earlier that day, she had discussed the exact same topic with Lord Matlock, only she had him convinced that she truly believed in Whig populist progressivism! When he heard his own words parroted by Elizabeth at his old friend and political rival, Lord Matlock was astonished. Even more so when the old bag actually listened to the young woman and conceded a point he himself had been trying to make for years! Lord Matlock nearly fell out of his chair with laughter and declared that all parliamentary debates were obviously useless. Instead, they should take turns speaking with witty, pretty, and intelligent women, because obviously that was where common ground could be rea ched.

Additionally, Elizabeth had taken a liking to the grand Lady Sefton. While Caroline often complained that her great -a unt by marriage was prickly and snobbish, Elizabeth found her to be a delightful conversationalist, and quick witted. In fact, Elizabeth believed that the distinguished lady held a similar disposition to herself, which may explain Caroline’s dislike of both.

Yes, overall, this party was not nearly as unpleasant as Elizabeth had feared it would be. She was perhaps a bit overtired of late, but she was finding rest difficult without Darcy’s comforting arms to surround her. The event was nearly half over and before anyone could blink an eye, most of the guests would be leaving for their own estates and Elizabeth would once again take her rightful place as mistress of Pembe rley.

This lovely afternoon, everyone was enjoying the many joys of the Pemberley gar dens.

Elizabeth and Georgiana had planned an easy afternoon of lawn games, garden tours and open carriage rides around the house grounds. Seating groups had been constructed near enough to the several games so that those who did not wish to play could enjoy watching the sport and speak to the other spectators. While Georgiana and Elizabeth battled Richard and Mary in lawn bowling, Darcy took up a seat under the large elm tree. He had just escorted Caroline, Lady Miranda, Lady Grace and Lady Fiona to the open Landau waiting to take guests on a tour of one of the more picturesque, and long, riding trails about the grounds. It would be over an hour before the horses made their way back to the formal gardens. Darcy had hoped to have Elizabeth and her sisters take the grounds tour with him, but he had been accosted by all four of his shadows the moment he mentioned a relaxing ride.

Bingley chuckled at the scene, but mostly at Jane’s shocked expression watching four ‘ladies’ each try to take Darcy’s arm. In the end, Bingley had forced Caroline to take his arm and leave Darcy alone. He then offered his other arm to Jane, and helped Darcy pile the women into the equipage. Just as all the ladies were situated, Bingley turned back to the game of lawn bowling and commented how well Georgiana was playing. When Darcy turned to observe the game, Bingley climbed in, closed the door, and called to the driver that they were ready to depart. Darcy did not even have to make an excuse as the carriage trotted off without him.

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Darcy wandered to the seating area under the elm, anticipating the distinct pleasure of watching his wife’s face flush a lovely shade of pink with the sporting exer cise.

After a few minutes, Bernard took one of the other seats under the elm tree. The young solicitor would have claimed he did not have much of a reason for drifting under that particular elm, but his eyes were more often than not pointed in the direction of Georgiana. Now, Darcy would all too soon admit that he was not the best at reading the moods of women. Nor had he ever been the type of man to consciously observe those acts and attitudes of others which feed the gossip mills, but only a blind fool would have missed the way his old friend looked at his sister. It was also clear to Darcy that Georgiana had not been in as high of spirits rece ntly.

Elizabeth had remarked to him during a rare moment of relative privacy that Bernard had been keeping a bit of distance from Georgiana during the house party, and they could no longer be found after dinner with their heads close, discussing some topic of mutual interest. In fact, as Darcy thought back over the last five days, he did not believe he had seen Bernard on the same side of the room as Georgiana since arriving at Pemberley. The only logical conclusion to Darcy was that the two had quarrelled over something and now were not speaking as freely with each o ther.

Whatever the reason for this new distance, it was making his baby sister unhappy, and Darcy was resolved to find some way to rectify the situation. A private audience with Bernard under the elm tree seemed like the perfect time to take matters into his own h ands.

“My sister looks well this afternoon, does she not, Ber nard?”

Bernard jumped nearly into the top branches at Darcy’s sudden and rather forced outburst. “I dare say she does, Darcy. Miss Darcy is quite the lovely young lady. You must be proud of her accomplishm ents.”

“I believe I would be proud of my sister if all she had ever accomplished was a sweet disposition and a genuine smile, but yes, her education is quite complete. I only hope that a man worthy of her shall see her true value som eday.”

At these words, Bernard bristled in side.

Ever since their arrival at Pemberley, Bernard had been distant and uneasy. Georgiana had dared to hope that, perhaps, here, amongst friends and family, he would be more relaxed than when dancing in full view of London society and that they may come to an understan ding.

Sadly, instead of moving towards an understanding, he had been distinctly avoiding her.

Darcy had very much hoped that he could have all three of his sisters currently under his charge well settled by the end of this house party. He had even entertained some musings about using the grand ball next week to announce all three betrothals and introduce Elizabeth to all of the Derbyshire gentry as his Mrs. Darcy. While he had positive knowledge that Bingley planned to propose to Jane before the ball, and it seemed that Bristol and Mary were often found discussing music or scriptures at the edges of the party, Bernard had not said one word about his intent ions.

Bernard Finch was terri fied.

Growing up the third son of the Earl of Nottingham, he had certainly lived much of his life in comfort and luxury, but it had always seemed transient. His older brothers never let him forget that he would have to make his own way in the world. Any stipend the estate could provide for him would not support a family, and he had never been particularly close to the viscount, so planning to live at the family estate was out of the question. His father had paid his way through school and supported him in his early days at the solicitor’s firm, but since purchasing his own London town home nearly two years ago, he had received only a token allow ance.

True, much of his season entertainments were funded by his family, and as a bachelor he was not expected to entertain, but he was still expected to at least dress the part. Silk shirts were terribly expensive. Knowing the cost of only enough silk to cover his thin upper torso, he did not even want to imagine the price of one of the fashionable dresses that ladies were expected to wear, sporting at least one layer of silk, and another of taffeta, plus lace trim and matching gloves. And the average lady of the ton purchased more than twenty such dresses every year!

If Bernard was honest and pragmatic about his situation, it really was not that dire. A successful London solicitor with personal accounts for members of the gentry could easily earn an income of over one thousand pounds per year. His house in town did not need to support tenant farms, or maintain the roads traversing his property. So, in terms of available money, this income was approximately equal to a well -p ositioned country gentleman. Plus, his mother’s will set aside a significant portion of her settlement for him. But one thousand pounds per year would not purchase them the lifestyle of the London ton , and he would not see any of his maternal inheritance until after her death, which he hoped was an exceptionally long time from the present. Bernard was proud of his profession, but it would not support the lifestyle Georgiana enj oyed.

Logically, he knew Georgiana did not care about his annual income. Logically, he also knew that Georgiana had a large dowry and would be able to purchase her own personal items and support several of the additional staff which would be required if he were to marry. He was fairly certain, because he worked at the firm which handled the Darcy personal accounts where the men enjoyed gossip as much as any scheming lady of the ton , that there were some restrictions on the principal amount of her dowry and that at least a portion was set up as an annuity. However, this really mattered little. Even if the whole sum was an annuity, the annual interest on thirty thousand pounds invested in the funds would bring at least one thousand and two hundred pounds, more than doubling his annual in come.

His head also told him that Darcy was a generous man who had little close family left, and who absolutely doted on his sweet baby sister. Darcy would forever purchase Georgiana whatever gifts she desired, would probably host them both and any children with which they would be blessed at Pemberley each summer for extended periods, and even supply them with an annual allowance, if needs be, to keep Georgiana and their children in the life to which she was accustomed. He would likely even pay for their sons to attend univer sity.

All of this would be perfectly normal for a couple in their situation, even expected amongst the upper set. Many of his friends who were younger sons had such an arrangement with their wife’s family. The only daughter of a wealthy family who enjoyed a close relationship to her oldest brother was a highly prized commodity with the younger sons. Often, in such a situation, it was more likely that the husband would become integrated into the wife’s family than the traditional arrangement. Bernard surmised that his potential brother - i n -l aw would actually be happy about adding a brother, especially when the alternative is losing his si ster.

But no matter how many times his head told him that marrying Georgiana was the most logical decision he could ever make, his heart was holding him back. He loved her so completely and would never forgive himself if she lost the opportunity to marry a great man and take her rightful position as the mistress of a grand house. With her noble lineage, beauty, accomplishments, and dowry, Georgiana could easily become a countess or even a duchess. Arriving at Pemberley after so long a time living alone in his London townhouse brought Bernard out of the fantasy world he had built during the season. It was obvious, from the elegance of Pemberley’s newly furnished guest wing to the extravagant sophistication of each formal dinner, that Georgiana was being raised to assume her place among the nobi lity.

How could he ever ask her to give up her rightful position in society because he was foolish enough to fall in love with her kind heart and passionate intellig ence?

And he suspected Darcy did not believe that the mere third son of an Earl was good enough for his baby si ster.

Turning back his conversation with Darcy, Bernard’s anger infused his retort. “I suppose that only a man with lands and a mansion to match Pemberley would truly be worthy of Miss Darcy? What is the price that will secure such a beautiful lady? No less than five thousand pounds per year, I expect. Well, we cannot all be Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, you know.”

This uncharacteristic outburst from his even -m annered friend caught Darcy off guard. He was now quite sure he knew what had kept Bernard and Georgiana apart, but he could not fathom how his friend had come to the conclusion that Darcy did not approve of the match. Not for the first time since his ill -f ated proposal to Elizabeth in Hunsford, Darcy was grateful that he had learned how to control his own temper. Additionally, eight months of blissful matrimony with a woman who was frank and open had taught Darcy that sometimes a situation called for clarity of speech, propriety be da mned.

“My friend, I believe that I shall count a man as worthy of my sister ONLY if he loves her truly and has managed to earn her love in return. Be he a duke, an under gardener, or even a solicitor. And do not be fooled, it is a much harder thing to find such a man than one who merely has an income of ￡5,000 per year. I have more than enough means to provide for Georgiana and any man she chooses as worthy of her affections. Though I must say, I do not believe someone owning a fine London townhouse with eight bedrooms and a valued position advising members of parliament constitutes a man in need of my sup port.”

Stunned silence followed Darcy’s all but explicit declaration that he would welcome Bernard as a brother. After another few minutes, Bristol joined Darcy and Bernard under the elm tree and Darcy called for a tray of lemonade. While some conversation did flow between the three relaxing gentlemen, the majority of their remaining time on the lawn was spent watching Elizabeth, Georgiana, Mary, and Richard play lawn bowling. Though, truthfully, none of the spectators took any notice of Ric hard.

Eventually, the games were packed away and the Landau returned from its grounds tour in time to see Darcy disappear into the manor house through the terrace doors with Elizabeth on his arm, laughing jovially at something she had just said. Four annoyed ladies and one content couple made their way back across the lawn to ascend the grand staircase and change for di nner.

Darcy was able to relay to Elizabeth his conversation with Bernard and she ensured that the dinner seating arrangement was adjusted so Bernard was seated right next to Georgiana. With any luck, they could finally come to an understanding, and perhaps even make a joyous announcement during the ball in a week’s time!

Georgiana was nervous as the end of dinner approached. As the hostess, it was her duty to signal the end of the meal and announce the entertainment for the evening. After not quite a sennight of performing the task, tonight was the first time that dessert would be served outside the dining room and the gentlemen and ladies would not be separating. This would require Georgiana to actually speak her invitation to adjourn to the drawing room instead of simply rising from her seat.

After the last of the meats had been cleared from the table, Georgiana looked to Elizabeth for support. Elizabeth’s warm smile and encouraging head nod signalled it was time. Rising delicately from her chair, Georgiana had to start twice before being able to make her voice h eard.

“This evening, we have planned some joint entertainment. For anyone inclined, we shall be having our dessert in the drawing room and a chess tournament. The winner shall earn a lovely prize to be sure, so there shall be lively competition. For anyone who does not wish to play chess, we have whist tables made up and Cook has made the most lovely fairy cakes. Please follow me to the drawing room.”

Without much thought, Georgiana turned her smile upon her dinner partner, Bernard Finch. Bernard was so entrenched by her smile that he rose from the table without sparing a look for anyone else and offered Georgiana his arm. Most of the adults paying even minimal attention to the interactions of the young people could see how lovely a couple they made.

Now, the whole party made their way to the drawing room. Many of the older adults decided not to join the tournament, but most took seats near the tables to watch the young people. Of course, some of the more prominent figures in the room took their place among the players. When Lady Sefton took her place opposite Lady Miranda, the young woman looked as if she would be sick.

“Do not worry so, my dear. If you should beat me, I will only delay your admittance to Almack’s next year by a few weeks. Hardly anyone comes during the little season an yway.”

The wicked glint in Lady Sefton’s eye told Darcy right away that she was merely teasing Lady Miranda, but then again, he was more than familiar with such teasing from a pair of fine eyes. The joke was completely lost on the young lady. Even though Lady Miranda was a well -p racticed chess player, she failed to see Lady Sefton’s bishop which took her queen within five moves, and the match deteriorated from t here.

As the host, Darcy decided he should not play, but encouraged everyone else to take a place. In an attempt to tease him in the same manner as Georgiana or Elizabeth, Lady Fiona laid her hand on Darcy’s forearm and said, “If you do not know how to play, I’m sure we could use one of the tables, and I can instruct you in the r ules.”

Darcy was quick to extricate himself from Lady Fiona’s grasp and replied with his cold mask firmly in place. “I am perfectly well versed in the rules of the game, Lady Fiona, but I believe it would be poor manners if I ignored my guests in order to win a tournament in which the prize is something that I already own.”

Before she could stop herself, Georgiana made a very unladylike snort and commented, “As if you would be the victor, dear brother, as Elizabeth has taken her place against Captain F inch.”

Caroline chose this moment to interject herself back into the spotlight of the party. She had been seething all day and trying desperately to remain calm in this house where an unseemly outburst would not be covered up by her own loyal servants. First thing this morning, from her bedchamber window, she had spied Darcy walking out into the rose garden with Elizabeth and Lady Sefton before breakfast, but she had not been able to dress fast enough to join them. Then, she had been unlucky in choosing a seat too quickly at luncheon and could scarcely see Darcy, who was sitting between Lady Grace and Lady Fiona. But the final straw had been that ridiculous ride around the gro unds.

How dare Cha rles!

She had successfully schemed such that the only available seat left in the Landau was directly across from her with a perfect viewing angle for her dangerously low -c ut décolletage. Then, her idiotic brother took off before Darcy could even so much as glance at her ample as sets.

Once she was back in the manor house, Caroline resolved to increase her offensive tactics, but she would have to tread carefully. These sorts of campaigns required precision and sharp attention to not squander any opportunity. Georgiana’s remarks gave Caroline the perfect ope ning.

“My dear Eliza, do many of the other Pemberley servants play chess? I would not think that such a game lends itself well to someone without the formal education only available to the finest of soc iety.”

Darcy and Georgiana bristled at the implication that Elizabeth should spend her evenings in the company of the servants or that she was uneducated merely because she did not attend some expensive finishing sc hool.

“Miss Bingley,” Darcy replied. “I’m not sure Elizabeth has ever played chess against the multitude of Pemberley’s staff who are educated in the game, but I believe my sister was referring to Elizabeth’s winning record against myself and Georgie from this past winter and spring. At last count, I believe Elizabeth was winning nearly fifty games to Georgiana’s eighteen and my dismal handful of wins.”

Unlike Caroline, Darcy had enjoyed a glorious day. After breakfast with Elizabeth and a handful of other guests who were early risers, he had spent a few hours in productive meetings with his steward. Lunch had been enjoyable, even with the constant attentions of Lady Grace and Lady Fiona. His talk with Bernard meant that there were no more barriers to a wonderful match for Georgiana. He had noticed a new addition to Jane Bennet’s left third finger. And the final crowing jewel to the day had been when Bristol had approached him before the dinner hour to ask permission to court Mary for the remainder of the house party, and if Darcy would do him the great honour of introducing Bristol to her uncle at their earliest conveni ence.

With three of their sisters nearly settled with respectful, thoughtful, and well -s ituated men, Darcy was feeling secure. Surely, if Jane, Georgiana, and Mary were all engaged or being formally courted by such men, Elizabeth would consent to announcing their own marriage soon. Perhaps even during the ball at the end of the next week. The stress of the situation was visibly wearing on his beautiful Elizabeth, and he was personally looking forward to demanding respect for his wife’s position from all the mercenary, gossiping ‘ladies’ who would not even look Elizabeth in the eye this past se ason.

“Well, then,” Caroline sneered, “I hope I shall have the pleasure of matching wits with Eliza before the tournament is over.”

The night turned out to be wonderful fun for everyone involved. Darcy served as the tournament master, declaring match winners and drawing up the next pairs until the twenty or so players were reduced to four. Even though chess was considered a game of strategy and therefore more suited to a man’s mind than a woman’s, the final four players were Caroline v. Lady Fiona and Lady Grace v. Elizabeth. Never underestimate the cunning and strategic dominance of ladies, especially those in the marriage mart.

Lady Fiona was a fierce competitor, but lost her king to Caroline at the end.

Lady Grace and Elizabeth played a strained game. Even though there was no possible way that Lady Grace could have been mistaken as to Elizabeth’s name, she repeatedly referred to her opponent as “Elinore” or “Emily” and once “Ashley.” In Lady Grace’s mind, it was a degradation to be playing opposite the paid companion—a servant for goodness sake—and the correct form of address to someone so wholly beneath herself was unneces sary.

Elizabeth was worried for Darcy’s reaction to the deliberate disrespect and thankfully recognized Lady Grace’s aggressive style of play nearly immediately. Even when the Lady was faced with an obviously losing board, she did not alter her attack style. She continued her fruitless campaign and aggressive stance even when Elizabeth moved in on Lady Grace’s queen. Truly believing that power and connections made one superior in life, it came as a shock to the ill -m annered lady when, first her queen was taken by a pawn, and then Elizabeth got within two moves of taking her king. By the time Lady Grace decided to perhaps pay more attention to the game than to her attempts to degrade Elizabeth, it was too late. Elizabeth had quite successfully cornered Lady Grace into a trap.

After a break for some coffee and more cake, the final match between Caroline and Elizabeth was set up at a table in the centre of the drawing room. Some of the guests had retired, but the majority of Pemberley’s inhabitants, including a larger number of upstairs servants than were strictly assigned to attend the drawing room, gathered to w atch.

The game lasted for nearly an hour. Both Caroline and Elizabeth lost many pieces during the battle. Neither opponent spoke much, either to each other or the spectators, but the late hour did nothing to dampen the energy in the room.

Ultimately, Caroline made a surprising play and sacrificed her rook to thrust her queen, hiding behind, into play. Elizabeth was almost taken off guard, but managed to stop the attack by sacrificing her own queen. Without her most valuable piece, Elizabeth was unable to ward off Caroline’s next attack, when she managed to sneak a pawn behind Elizabeth’s defences and trap the king. At nearly midnight, Caroline was declared the wi nner.

Elizabeth herself presented Caroline with the evening’s prize, a beautiful set of overlarge silk handkerchiefs finely embroidered with a scrolling P for Pemberley and the Darcy family c rest.

And with the evening’s entertainments ended, all of Pemberley’s inhabitants headed to their beds.

Caroline ascended the grand stairs towards Pemberley’s guest wing and made the decision to wait no longer. Looking upon her newly acquired handkerchiefs and taking them as a sign of her continued success, Caroline decided her new life would begin tomorrow. She pulled a long chain out of her pocket and looked down at the small but powerful object secreted away in the folds of her silk evening gown. Her maid had performed magnificently in procuring the item, and now nothing would stand in Caroline’s way to getting everything she dese rved.