Page 30

The shrill tones of Miss Bingley carried through Netherfield, making Fitzwilliam wince.

She always used harsh or ear-piercing tones when dealing with servants.

They pained his ears, and he was not even in the same room.

Why did she insist upon such behaviour? After all, people responded more favourably to being spoken to in a genial manner instead of her incivility, not to mention that Bingley had been forced to increase the wages for several of the maids as well as Mrs. Nichols out of his own coffers because of her cruelty.

If matters continued as they were, Miss Bingley would have a detrimental impact on Bingley’s savings as well as his household.

“I shall be forced to give them all more money if Caroline continues,” Bingley said in a growl.

“Then why do you not put a stop to it?” By God, he would pay just to relieve himself of the cacophony!

His friend set down his pen with a firm hand. “What do I know of planning a ball? I know she must eventually go to Scarborough, but Louisa has said she and Hurst will depart with her. I would have no hostess.”

Fitzwilliam thrummed his fingers against the arm of the chair.

“I am certain Mrs. Nichols is capable enough to plan the event. We could also ask Mr. Bennet if his daughters could be of aid if necessary. Due to the relations between her and her mother, I believe Miss Elizabeth likely has little experience with planning balls, but I am certain Miss Bennet has been taught.”

Bingley had been present for one of Mrs. Bennet’s fits.

Mr. Collins had gone upstairs to rest before dinner, and Miss Bennet had relinquished some control over her mother’s mood.

Their housekeeper had arrived soon with some of Mrs. Bennet’s tea, but not soon enough to prevent Bingley from having witnessed Mrs. Bennet’s favourite candlestick flying at her husband’s head.

Without delay, Bingley sprang from his chair and rang the bell. His butler responded within moments and, at the behest of the master, hastened away to fetch the housekeeper, who entered through the servants’ entrance a few moments later.

“I shall not mince words with you, Mrs. Nichols. The problems my sister’s behaviour causes within the household has become intolerable, and I need to send her to Scarborough to live with my aunt.

Should I do so, would you be able to complete the preparations for the ball or would you require someone to help you?

” This was an enormous leap for Bingley.

He rarely stood up to his sisters, but Miss Bingley’s ire had only increased since Fitzwilliam’s engagement.

Why she believed she would ever marry him was a mystery.

He had never said or done anything to give her hope.

The woman stepped forward. “I have planned many balls in this house, sir. If you send Miss Bingley away, I am capable of completing the planning, and if you will forgive my candour, I shall prepare an elegant event without some of the useless expense your sister has insisted upon.”

“Then I wish for you to take charge and do as you have indicated,” said Bingley, clasping his hands in front of him.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I need to send my sister upstairs to pack.” He made to turn and quit the room, but pivoted back at the last minute.

“Oh, and she will not require any of the maids to assist her. She can help her abigail for once.” The gleeful expression upon Bingley’s face was comical.

He was always happy, but he had obviously had enough of his sister’s behaviour.

Darcy followed as Bingley strode to the ballroom where his sister stood, explaining her expectations as though she was queen of the castle. “Caroline, I have had enough. ”

Miss Bingley gave a slight lift of her chin. “I do not understand what you mean. These maids are incompetent, as is the housekeeper. I am simply ensuring they follow my directions.”

Fitzwilliam had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing at the silent scoffs of the maids behind Miss Bingley.

“None of them are incompetent,” said Bingley. “But you are treating them abhorrently, and I have been forced to increase the wages of most of them to compensate for the abuse you have inflicted upon them.”

“Why that is ridiculous—”

“No, Caroline! Just so you are aware, their increased wages will come from your own funds. I have also spoken to Mrs. Nichols. She will be finishing the preparations for the ball without you.”

“ I am capable of planning—”

“That may be, but you will be returning to Scarborough. You depart at first light. I suggest you go to your bedchamber and begin packing.”

“That is what the maids are for!”

Bingley leaned into his sister’s face. “I do not care. For once, I shall spare them your vitriol. You will not screech at any more of the servants here, and you are confined to your bedchamber until your departure. Your meals will be brought to you. Your maid will also not be required to assist you in packing. And do not believe you will leave your belongings behind to buy new. Whatever you leave will be given to the poor, and I shall not purchase any fabric or pay any dressmaker to make you new gowns. My aunt can buy gowns off the ragman if you are in need of clothing, but the funds will be from your fortune—not mine.”

Miss Bingley gasped with wide eyes. “You would not dare!”

“I desire peace in this house, and it has become obvious I shall not have it unless you are gone. I am also certain Darcy would prefer if you also ceased in your diatribe against his betrothed. She has done naught to you and does not deserve—”

“She is beneath us! She is beneath him! Mr. Darcy requires a lady of fashion! One with more of a fortune. Do you know that she has nothing?”

Bingley opened his mouth as though meaning to speak.

“Brother, Miss Bennet is quite pretty, but she would accept you for the sake of her family and your wealth. She does not love you. I do not know what Mr. Darcy is thinking of, connecting himself to such a family. The Bennets are hardly suitable. You will be laughed out of London with a match like Jane Bennet.”

Bingley scoffed. “You know not what you speak. You have ignored magical matters your entire life, and now, you give precedence to those who do not deserve the honour. Jane Bennet is highly suitable. You would not understand the prominence of her family because you failed to listen at Samhain nor did you wish to spend the equinox here.” He scowled and leaned into his sister’s face.

“Now, since you cannot be pleasant, you will be sent to my aunt in Scarborough. Do you understand?”

Miss Bingley opened her mouth to speak, but Fitzwilliam laughed.

“Even in non-magical circles, the Bennet ladies are above you because their father is a gentleman. Whether he has five thousand a year or not is irrelevant. He has land, which your brother does not.” How many times had he and Bingley ridiculed Miss Bingley’s insults and spoken of this very fact?

“In magical circles—”

“Her family’s lineage can be traced to Merlin and Niniane.

The Bennet family has boasted of the purest magic in England for centuries.

They are skilled mages but prefer to remain in the country and keep to themselves.

They do not seek additional power or to be revered, but that does not make them less.

If anything, those traits make them more honourable than most. ”

Miss Bingley’s face had contorted while he spoke. As soon as he stopped, she clenched her hands into fists at her sides.

“She is nothing. Her ancestors mean nothing. She is but an ignorant country girl who is not worthy of being Mrs. Darcy.”

“And that is why you will be departing at first light,” said Bingley. “Just know, I shall be penning a letter to be sent ahead of you by express. Aunt will be told of your opinion, and I must warn you, she will not take kindly to your opinion of the Bennets.”

Bingley’s sister gave an odd cackle. “As if she knows of them!”

“Most people who are still part of the magical world know of the Bennets,” said Bingley.

“Only those who refuse to learn the history deem them unworthy of notice. In fact, Aunt wrote of her excitement at me courting Mr. Bennet’s eldest daughter.

She recognises what you refuse to acknowledge: that the Bennets are not the nobodies you believe them to be.

Now, off to your bedchamber. I shall have a tray sent to your rooms. I shall not see you again until I send you off in the morning. ”

Miss Bingley stamped her foot with a shriek and marched from the room. No sooner had she gone, than one of the maids giggled then clapped a palm over her mouth.

“Forgive me.”

“You need not beg forgiveness,” said Bingley. “I can understand your relief and likely excitement at the prospect of my sister’s leaving. For now, seek out Mrs. Nichols. She will be completing the preparations for the ball.”

The maids both curtseyed. “Yes, sir.” They did not tarry after but hurried from the room.

Bingley groaned and rubbed his neck. “Well, that is done. I should be relieved, but I am certain she will attempt to cause more trouble before she leaves. ”

Fitzwilliam could not argue. Miss Bingley would never go quietly. He would ensure his valet knew to take every precaution until that lady departed.

Before he could comment on what had occurred, the door opened, and Mrs. Hurst burst through. “Charles, Caroline just told me you have ordered her to go to Scarborough. If you insist upon this, you should know Hurst and I intend to accompany her.”