Page 4 of Idle Gossip

Mr. Darcy’s opinion is of no consequence whatsoever. She had told herself that numerous times since the assembly.

Now, if only she could believe it.

Chapter Two

Charlotte watched Elizabeth stride away. Frowning, she contemplated the situation.

She is a fool. She and Jane. How could they not see the opportunity before them? Charlotte had been as blind once, and it had cost her everything.

I must do something. But what? Shaking her head, Charlotte resolved to enjoy the evening and consider the issue tomorrow.

The remainder of the night went well. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst remained fixed on the settee for most of the evening. Charlotte was privileged to witness the one departure the former made. Miss Bingley had wandered to where Mr. Darcy stood watching Eliza speak with Jane and Mr. Bingley.

Curious, Charlotte had drifted to where she could hear their conversation.

Miss Bingley had professed to know Mr. Darcy’s thoughts. The gentleman had expressed his doubts. She had coyly responded that he must be thinking how detestable it was to spend evenings in such a manner.

Mr. Darcy’s reply had caused Charlotte to smother a gasp.

“I was meditating on the pleasure a pair of fine eyes can bring.”

Miss Bingley had clearly thought he meant her, only to be disappointed to hear Eliza’s name when she pressed him.

It was confirmation of everything Charlotte had supposed. Mr. Darcy’s slip had likely been unintentional. The regret on his face as Miss Bingley said, “I am all astonishment” told Charlotte he had not meant to speak his mind so freely.

Late into the evening, after all the guests had gone, and she was alone in her chamber, Charlotte sat at her dressing table considering all that had occurred that evening.

I cannot let this stand. Elizabeth was a fool to let one misspoken insult destroy a potential future. And Jane? She had Mr. Bingley enthralled. It would be simple work to secure him, yet she seemed content to have banal conversation and grant him placid smiles.

Frustration bubbled within her. One good turn, she thought as she stood and began pacing. An idea occurred to her. It was reckless, foolish, and entirely interfering.

But it might work. Charlotte stopped pacing. I need more candles. She moved to her writing desk and retrieved three tapers. Candles were expensive, but this was worth the cost. The tapers were placed in a candelabra and lit, illuminating her writing desk.

Charlotte sat and placed a clean sheet of paper before her. Having a knight for a father came with some benefit. She had enjoyed one ill-fated season in town before her parents had resolved that the expense was too great. During that time, she had made plenty of new acquaintances. None could be called a friend, but each was useful in their own way. One in particular could be of benefit.

Lady Isabel Carlisle was her most-connected friend. She was married to a baronet and moved in the first circles. Charlotte could see Lydia Bennet being very similar when she reached thirty years of age.

In short, Lady Carlisle’s lively disposition made her a favorite at parties and entertainments. Her penchant for gossip made her a fixture in drawing rooms. She could be counted on to know the best gossip—and the most accurate. Charlotte had suggested once that she start her own column in the paper.

Yes, she will do nicely.

She dipped her quill into the inkpot and began to write.

Dear Lady Carlisle,

How do you do, my dear friend? I enjoyed your last letter, and I am very sorry I have not replied as quickly as I would like. There has been a great upheaval in our neighborhood, and it has kept me busy since Michaelmas.

Have you heard of Mr. Charles Bingley? He is from the North, or so I understand. His fortune comes from trade, but he associates with the first circles. Mr. Bingley has lately leased Netherfield Park, the largest estate in our little community, and brings with him his sisters, Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst, his brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, and his particular friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

He has taken great interest in a local beauty, Miss Jane Bennet. My friend is a genteel, shy sort of lady, and I wish to ascertain the character of her suitor before their relationship progresses any further. Many are already speculating about upcoming nuptials, though their acquaintance is very new. I believe they will be engaged before Christmas if things continue to progress.

Of more interest to me is Mr. Darcy. He made quite the impression on our little community. I can only describe it as memorable. There must be something in the air here in Hertfordshire, for Mr. Darcy appears interested in Miss Bennet’s younger sister, Elizabeth. I believe I have mentioned her to you in the past.

It seems unfathomable that a man of Mr. Darcy’s station would consider my friend. He is a gentleman and she is a gentleman’s daughter, so in that, they are equal. He is a stoic gentleman, but his interest in my friend cannot be mistook.

Pray, write to me of what you know as soon as may be. There is no one else I can trust to give me accurate information.

All the best,