“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 intonsociety. 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 theton. 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 agreatdeal, 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?”
