Chapter Fourteen
It occurred to Jane that she, too, could host a tea party. “Caroline, I thought we might host a tea party. Lizzy’s was very nice, was it not?”
“It was, but I had understood you had no acquaintances in Town, Jane.”
“Well, my aunt and uncle…”
Caroline was unable to suppress her shudder.
Jane pretended not to notice. “But, in any case, Caroline, I thoughtyouhad friends here from school.”
“I do not know if they are in Town,” Caroline said, uncomfortably.
“Perhaps it is worth trying. And I shall not invite the Gardiners, as I know that would make you uncomfortable.”
Not half an hour later, Caroline was sitting at her writing desk, her quill motionless in her hand. Who should she invite? Lady Emmeline, who had been the self-appointed leader of Miss Gravely’s School for Young Ladies? Lady Emmeline was the daughter of the Duke of Manchester; her birth alone made her the leader of the other girls. She was tall, had blond ringlets, perfect skin, and was a talented harpist. She was perfect in every way, and her behaviour showed that she knew it. Everyone at school could do naught but agree with her opinion. It would be wonderful indeed if Lady Emmeline would come to Bingley House!
Lady Katherine was the daughter of the Marquess of Bute. She was short, brunette, and had very little musical or artistic talent. She was also quite dreadfully dull, with very little to say other than ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Lady Emmeline. But that had been enough to earn her a high place in the pecking order at Miss Gravely’s Seminary. Caroline had no desire at all to see Lady Katherine again, but she was the daughter of a Marquess, so she must be invited.
Lady Alicia was the daughter of the Earl of Lindsey. She had not a kind bone in her body, and nothing delighted her so much as teasing the younger girls to the point of tears. It had been a point of pride for Caroline that she herself had never cried in front of any of the other girls. Perhaps Lady Alicia would lower herself to come to tea. She would not be a pleasant guest, but it would be a social coup to have her come.
Lady Beatrice was the daughter of the Earl of Guilford. This title was a relatively new creation, so she was not considered to be as worthy an acquaintance as the other daughters of Earls, but nonetheless, she was known in Society.
There were others, of course, but they were nobodies – no titles and no fortunes. The nobodies would not be invited to Bingley House.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened her spine, dipped her quill into the ink, and began.
***
Much to Caroline’s surprise, she received acceptances from Lady Beatrice, Lady Katherine, and – heavens! – from Lady Emmeline herself! Only Lady Alicia had declined. Caroline was beside herself with excitement as she showed the messages to Jane.
But Jane frowned doubtfully. “Are these truly friends of yours, Caroline? I have never heard you mention them.”
“Of course they are friends, Jane! Why else would they accept my invitation to tea?” And particularly to a place as unknown as Bingley House, Caroline thought.
“Very well; I shall invite Elizabeth and Georgiana. We shall be a small, intimate gathering, perfect for rekindling friendships.”
***
When the appointed day arrived, Caroline dressed in her very best gown. She ignored the frowns of her maid and Jane’s raised eyebrows. She knew that her guests would be dressed in the first stare of fashion, and she was determined not to be outdone.
But she had miscalculated, and badly at that. Her former schoolmates were dressed exactly as Mrs. Annesley had specified; in colours that suited their hair and complexions, with very little jewelry. Their slippers were ordinary (unlike Caroline’s slippers, which glittered with paste diamonds) and their coiffures were simple chignons with ribbons (unlike Caroline’s bandeau and six ostrich feathers). Georgiana and Elizabeth were also dressed in gowns that were simple, but made of expensive materials and perfectly tailored to their figures.
Caroline wanted to sink into the carpet, but there was nothing to do but to pretend nothing was wrong as she performed the introductions.
Lady Emmeline opened the conversation. “Well, Miss Bingley, I have to say that your invitation was rather a surprise!”
“Was it, Lady Emmeline? But why? Were we not all great friends at school?” Caroline tried to keep the desperation out of her voice.
“I do not recall us being great friends. Do you, Katherine?”
Lady Katherine immediately supported her idol. “No, indeed, Emmeline. Beatrice, what about you?”
Lady Beatrice chimed in with, “No, of course not. Miss Bingley, I do not recall you havinganyfriends at school at all, now that I think on it. But we were certainly curious to see you, and perhaps learn why it is that you are in Town this Season.”
Caroline immediately retorted, “I do not recall any of you giving me so much as a friendly glance at school, now that you mention it!”
“You were not worthy of a friendly glance,” Lady Emmeline said. “Though you certainly were desperate for one!” Her tone was mocking.
