Page 14 of To Win Her Affections

“Marginally!” laughed Elizabeth. “Georgiana will also be present, as will her companion, a woman I have never met.”

“Yet Georgiana, though a delightful girl, is not the sort to take another to task for her behavior,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

“No, I cannot suppose she is,” agreed Elizabeth.

“I hope you will not blame me for my complaisance,” said Mr. Gardiner, sitting back and looking self-satisfied. “Fishing is a pleasant, tranquil pastime—I shall enjoy myself in Mr. Darcy’s company, I should think.”

“Not at all, Husband,” said Mrs. Gardiner, smiling at him with open affection. “But you must excuse Lizzy and me, for we must don our armor and take up our swords for the conflict ahead.”

Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “I have no doubt of your abilities, Madeleine. I am certain you and Lizzy shall prevail on the field of battle. Do not batter Miss Bingley’s pride too much, for I understand that Mr. Bingley is a good sort.”

“He is, Uncle,” said Elizabeth. “I cannot think of anyone who would not esteem Mr. Bingley upon making his acquaintance.”

“Then I think there is nothing more to be said. It is about time for us to depart.”

A few moments later, they were in the carriage on the road to Pemberley. Though Elizabeth had not expected to return to the estate so soon, she anticipated the visit with pleasure. Enduring Miss Bingley, however, would take all her fortitude.

Chapter IV

Furious did not even begin to describe Caroline Bingley’s state as she waited in Pemberley’s sitting-room for the arrival of the detestable Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Had anger produced light, Caroline thought she would glow brighter than the sun overhead. Knowing there was nothing she could do to prevent that woman from fouling the very stones of Pemberley did not make her temper any better. She had already crossed to the window twice before catching herself and returning to her chair; she would not be discovered watching for Miss Eliza Bennet like some anxious supplicant.

Mr. Darcy would propose to Caroline while she was at Pemberley—no other option was acceptable. For three years, she had dreamed and schemed to become the mistress of the estate, and she was not about to allow a countrified strumpet such as Miss Eliza Bennet to disrupt her plans. The question was how she could go about discrediting her rival, though the notion of Miss Eliza rivaling Caroline in anything of substance was absurd.

For a time, she had considered the possibility of claiming Georgiana’s support, but the moment Mr. Darcy had announced the visit, Georgiana had descended into paeans to Miss Eliza’s virtues. It had turned Caroline’s stomach—Georgiana must be naïve if she believed even half of what she said of the upstart. No, it was clear Georgiana would be no help.

The trick, she was certain, was to ensure that Mr. Darcy saw the contrast between Caroline and Miss Eliza. Once reminded of Caroline’s superiority, this fascination for her fine eyes must give way to more sober considerations. Miss Eliza could give him nothing—she was nothing. All she would bring him was an improper family, country manners, and a lifetime of regret. Once Mr. Darcy saw that, there could be no question of who was the better choice.

When word came of the carriage’s approach, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, and even Charles left the room to greet them at the entrance, further fanning the fires of Caroline’s fury. That was when Hurst offered his opinion.

“Caroline, Louisa,” said he, his countenance uncharacteristically firm, “it would be best if you reined in your temper.”

“I have no intention of making a scene,” said Louisa.

Caroline did not bother to abuse her sister for treachery. Though they were thick as thieves, Caroline had never considered Louisa anything other than a support. She was far too quiet to be a true conspirator.

“You were never my concern, Louisa,” said Hurst, his gaze falling on Caroline and never wavering. “You are content to follow where your sister leads, but I have never doubted your discretion. Caroline, however, I suspect, is considering actions that will do none of us any credit.”

“I have no notion of your meaning,” said Caroline, proud of the way she kept her temper in check.

“And I am certain you understand me, Caroline,” replied Hurst.

Caroline glared at him, but he remained unmoved.

“Let me remind you,” said he, “that we are guests. Miss Bennet and her relations will also be guests. It is not for us to decide who is welcome at Pemberley—the only one with that authority is Darcy. You would do well to remember that, for an invitation may be rescinded whenever Darcy chooses.”

Her displeasure did not deter Hurst in the slightest.

“Keep a civil tongue, Caroline,” repeated he. “I enjoy Darcy’s company and would prefer to keep our engagement rather than cut it short.”

“I know how to behave,” growled Caroline.

“Yes, you do. Sometimes, however, your anger makes you unwise. Remember this, Caroline—the Gardiners are to stay only a few days by all accounts. Our invitation is for three weeks. If you endure Miss Bennet’s presence for a few days, you will still have the balance of our stay to weave your webs after she is gone.”

It was a thought Caroline had not entertained in her anger, and she dwelt on it for several moments. Though the prospect was appealing, somehow it did not give her the comfort she might have expected. Caroline did not wish to confess that her designs could be threatened by a woman like Miss Eliza, but something told her that her victory would not be so easy as she supposed.

Voices in the corridor and the tread of feet upon the tiles alerted Caroline to the arrival of the intruders. Determined to meet the stratagems of the interloper with her own measure of fortitude, Caroline straightened her shoulders, ignoring Hurst’s final warning glare. She was Caroline Bingley, and she would not give way to the upstart.

THE MOMENT ELIZABETH alighted from the carriage, Georgiana stepped forward, impatient to greet them.