Page 1 of The Marriage Game
October 1814
Elizabeth was not surprised to find a letter from Jane in her morning post. The sisters corresponded with great frequency, and it was not unusual for Elizabeth to receive three or four letters each week from her elder sister at Netherfield. She set her teacup aside in favour of reading the letter.
Dear Lizzy,
This letter will be full of complaints, so if you wish to put it down immediately, I would not blame you!
You will recall that the Hursts moved to their estate in Suffolk when the elder Mr. Hurst had a bad fall and required his son’s assistance. I had hoped that Caroline would go with them, but alas, she preferred to stay at Netherfield. She says that she would have no luck at all finding a husband in Suffolk, so why should she go there?
I ask you, Lizzy, does she think the odds of her finding a husband are better in Meryton? It is utterly nonsensical! Charles hinted strongly that she should go with Louisa and Harold, but Caroline simply sailed out of the room, nose in the air, whenever the subject was broached.
So now the Hursts are gone and Caroline is still here. She is worse than ever, criticising everything I do, every meal I order, every gown I wear. You know Charles; he does not want to fight with his sister, but even he is losing his patience.
I need to get Caroline married, but who would take her? Even if there was someone suitable in Meryton – which there certainly is not! – she could only be of interest to someone in dire need of her fortune.
Just writing this out has made me feel better, Lizzy! Thank you for being my ever kind and loving sister.
Your devoted sister,
Jane
Poor Jane! Elizabeth had to suppress a shudder at the very thought of living with Caroline Bingley.
“Something wrong?” Her husband’s voice came from behind her, making her jump.
“William! You startled me!”
“My apologies.” He leaned down and kissed her thoroughly. “Is this an adequate apology, or shall I continue?”
Elizabeth laughed at him. “I would suggest continuing, but I know we both have a good deal to do today.”
He drew a chair up beside her. “What has you staring at that letter? I think you have read it three times.”
She handed it to him and watched in some surprise as his face broke into a wide grin. “Surely it is not funny, William!”
“Well, it is, rather, and you may shortly think so as well. I came to find you in order to show you my own letter.”
Dear Darcy,
I write to you in some despair. The Hursts are gone, which might be cause for some rejoicing, were it not for the fact that Caroline refused to go with them. Darcy, she makes Jane – and myself! – absolutely miserable here at Netherfield. She claims to be looking for a husband, but there is certainly no one here in Meryton who could possibly meet her exacting standards.
Darcy, you are clever; surely you have an idea of what I can do to get her married off, and soon!
Your despondent friend,
Bingley
Elizabeth tried to prevent a smile from making its way onto her face, but it was no use.
Her husband pounced. “See? It is funny!”
“It should not be. Our brother and sister are miserable, and here we are laughing at them.”
“Not at them; surely we are laughing at the situation, as well as the oddity of us both receiving letters the same day.”
“Fair enough. But what are we to do?” Elizabeth asked.
“Do? There is nothing we can do. Surely you are not considering inviting the chit to Pemberley?”
“Heavens, no! Her company is intolerable and, in any case, who would she meet here, out in the wilds of Derbyshire? But there must be something we can do.” She tapped her bottom lip with her quill, and then turned to her husband, eyes sparkling. “I have it!”
“I tremble to ask, but I must. What?”
“We are taking Georgiana to London in a few months for the Season. Why not suggest that the Bingleys leave Netherfield and open Bingley House? I can include Caroline in some of the entertainments I have planned for Georgiana; this will allow Caroline to meet more gentlemen than would otherwise be available to her. Surely she will attract the attention of someone, with her twenty thousand pounds!”
Mr. Darcy wrinkled his nose. “We would have to be in her company a good deal, Elizabeth.”
“I know, and that is unfortunate. But poor Jane should not have to be saddled with such a sister for the rest of her life!”
Mr. Darcy sighed. “Very well; but Georgiana must be asked if she is willing.”
“That is fair,” Elizabeth agreed.
***
Later that day, Elizabeth headed for the family drawing room, where Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana were conducting their daily lessons in preparation for Georgiana’s come-out in two months’ time.
Georgiana was quite shy, and dreaded the idea of participating in ton society. However, her aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, had promised to support her completely, so she had finally agreed. Mrs. Annesley had set up an entire program of instruction, including proper manners while dining, the intricacies of morning calls, the importance of introductions, rank and precedence, appropriate behaviour during balls, what to expect in a courtship, how to act during a presentation to the Queen, and so on.
Elizabeth had learnt some of this from her own experience and from her reading, but she was well aware of her deficiencies when it came to interacting with the ton. She listened in on Mrs. Annesley’s lectures and practice sessions whenever possible. She could hear Mrs. Annesley’s calm voice as she approached the doorway.
“…at dinner, you will remove your gloves and place them, along with your fan and handkerchief, if you have those items, on your lap. Your napkin then goes on your lap as well. I have seen some ladies place the napkin down first, and then lay the gloves, fan and handkerchief atop the napkin, but this seems to me nonsensical. The napkin is there to prevent your dress from being soiled; it may as well protect your gloves, too! But it is useful to glance around and see what other ladies are doing, and then copy them. Unless, of course, they are not the sort of ladies who would know the current mode.”
Georgiana was looking a little wild-eyed at this point, so Elizabeth thought an interruption would be welcome.
Indeed, the girl looked up with a glad smile upon hearing footsteps. “Elizabeth! Have you come to attend my lesson?”
“I shall sit in, certainly, as I do not want to be thought deficient while dining in elevated circles, but I had another reason for interrupting you. May I, Mrs. Annesley?”
“Of course, Mrs. Darcy. I rather think Miss Darcy would welcome the distraction.” Mrs. Annesley’s eyes twinkled.
“Read this, Georgiana.” Elizabeth handed Jane’s letter to Georgiana.
Georgiana’s eyes widened as she read it. “Poor Jane! I would absolutely hate living with Caroline Bingley!”
“As would I. But…well, I have an idea as to how to help Jane, but I will not implement my idea if you object.”
Georgiana looked confused. “I do not understand.”
“I thought to have Caroline invited to a number of the entertainments and events that will take place as part of your come-out.”
“And how will that help?”
“My hope is that Caroline will find someone to marry her, and thereby leave Charles and Jane in peace.”
“Oh! But we would be seeing a good deal of Caroline Bingley.” The girl’s face fell.
“Well, perhaps not a great deal, but certainly some. And if you absolutely hate this idea, then I will never mention it again. Your comfort is my primary concern.”
“If it helps your sister Jane, then I am willing. But Elizabeth, Miss Bingley has such dreadful manners! And the clothes she wears are so inappropriate! Who would marry her?”
“My hope is that she will learn from being in your company, Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley, your usual perfect manners have kept you from enquiring, but you must be made aware of what is happening here.” Elizabeth gave the letter to Mrs. Annesley to read.
The woman smiled at Elizabeth, but as she read the letter, her expression changed. “I understand your reasoning, Mrs. Darcy, but – well, if everything I have heard of Miss Bingley is true, her presence will not help Miss Darcy in her come-out.”
Elizabeth sighed. “I do not disagree with you, Mrs. Annesley. May we say that if Caroline makes too many mistakes, we will cut the connection?”
“Very well.” But Mrs. Annesley looked far from pleased as she handed Jane’s letter back to Elizabeth.
***
Dearest Jane,
I have an idea that might assist you. I am sure I have written about Georgiana’s anticipated come-out and subsequent presentation to Queen Charlotte. What if you, Charles and Caroline were to open Bingley House while we are in London? We would include Caroline in the various entertainments I have planned for Georgiana, allowing her to meet more eligible gentlemen than she might otherwise encounter.
Georgiana is willing, but I must add here that if Caroline’s behaviour is inappropriate, we will cut the connection immediately, so as not to interfere with Georgiana’s chances of making a good match. I am certain that you understand my concern.
Not only does this have the potential to find Caroline a husband, but you and I would be able to spend a good deal of time together in London!
What think you of my plan, dear sister?
Your own devoted,
Elizabeth
***
Dearest Elizabeth,
Oh, I knew I could count on you! How very clever you are! I showed Charles your letter and he almost wept for happiness! Yes, we will join you in London! I cannot wait to see you, dearest sister!
Your now hopeful,
Jane
***
Lizzy,
Jane tells me that they are going to London for the Season, and that you will be there as well for Miss Darcy’s come-out. Would this not be an excellent time for Kitty and Mary to stay with you at Darcy House? There is no one for them here in Meryton, and you would be doing your sisters a service if you would introduce them to rich young men!
I depend upon you, Lizzy!
Your loving,
Mama
Elizabeth shook her head over this letter and put it aside; she would answer it as soon as she had a minute.