Chapter Thirty-seven
“You are looking well tonight, Charles. Very distinguished.” Caroline felt starting the evening off with a compliment might calm her brother. People would start arriving for the ball soon.
“And you as well, Caroline. Although I have not seen you wearing soft pink in several years. In fact, you have not been dressing the same almost since we arrived in Hertfordshire. Are you trying to present a demurer appearance? It does not appear to be working.”
“Both Darcy and the viscount appear to be attracted to the country mushrooms, so I thought I would do better to try and fit in. I am at least welcomed into their inner circle; I cannot say the same for you brother. Only Darcy seems to enjoy your company.” Caroline tried not to cringe when she disparaged her new friends, but Charles seemed satisfied by her statement.
“Yes, I have noticed the Fitzwilliam brothers have been avoiding me…more than they have in the past. Richard never really liked me, but he tolerated me for Darcy’s sake.
Rosemont was always too high in the instep to want anything to do with a tradesman’s son, but he would condescend to speak occasionally.
I thought when I stopped flirting with Miss Bennet he would relent, but apparently not. ”
“I doubt that has anything to do with you, brother.”
The first guests were beginning to arrive, so Hurst and Louisa joined to form the receiving line with Charles and Caroline.
The Lucas family was the first to arrive, and John Smith met them just after they were greeted by their hosts.
The large man had a gentle smile on his face when he took Charlotte’s hand and placed it on his arm.
Sir William and Lady Lucas could not have looked prouder.
Her brothers also looked quite satisfied.
Next came the Longs and the Gouldings, the Robinsons and the Warings, and eventually the Bennets.
Mrs. Russell was just descending the stairs when Bennet spotted her.
He met her halfway up and escorted her the rest of the way down and into the ballroom.
Lizzy smiled at his devotion as Darcy came for her and led her in.
Theo had already led Jane Bennet in, and Richard greeted Miss Mary as they walked into the ballroom together.
Charles was wondering if he had missed Miss Darcy coming down the stairs while he was greeting his guests.
He was looking so forward to their dance this evening.
It would change his life, and hers. She was an impertinent miss, but it would not take him long to get her under control.
All his family was under his control. Hurst and Louisa depended on his money, so they did what they were told.
Caroline was as much of a social climber as he was, so he did not need to force her to compliance very often.
Lately, she just did not seem to be performing well.
Pretending to befriend the Miss Darcys was a fine idea though, so he left her to it.
He was surprised at her acting ability. No sniffs of disdain or sharp witty comments. She appeared to be…nice.
He was leading his sister onto the dance floor when he finally spotted her.
She was resplendent! Frank Lucas led her onto the floor behind John Smith and Miss Lucas.
Bennet and Mrs. Russell were directly behind the host and hostess as one of the engaged couples.
Charles tried not to gawp at his future wife who was dressed in the most exquisite deep blue silk ball gown, and wearing a diamond choker, earbobs, and bracelet over silk gloves.
He would have no trouble visiting the marriage bed with her!
She might not have the blond hair he preferred, but the rest of her was delectable.
‘Not long now.’ He nearly salivated at the thought.
~~~~~
Beth was dancing the third set with Colonel Fitzwilliam. It was a slower dance, so they had an opportunity to converse. “I really hope he doesn’t ruin my dress. I really like this one.”
“Unfortunately, he will likely rip the bodice. A pity. It is a beautiful gown.”
“The things we do for family.” Beth heaved a huge sigh. “William needs to see who his friend really is though. He needs to shake off the viper in puppy clothing.”
Richard tried hard not to guffaw at the image that statement induced. ‘Viper in puppy clothing!’ Ha! He would remember that one. “It should not take more than a moment for us to reach you, but are you prepared to defend yourself?”
“I was raised with a brother, colonel.” Beth looked at him like he was intellectually deficient.
“Oh, of course. Marie is quite able to inflict damage. I hope to introduce her to you soon.”
“I look forward to meeting her. Maybe at Christmas?”
Richard smiled and nodded. One more set and then the show would begin!
~~~~~
Charles Bingley was rich and handsome and quite a catch…
in his own mind. That the bulk of his money was tied up until he turned thirty, only the solicitors and he knew.
As far as anyone was aware, he held the purse strings.
Louisa’s dowry was released on her marriage.
Caroline’s dowry paid her quarterly allowance, but Charles made her think he paid it and could keep it from her if she did not comply with his demands.
He could not touch the principal on his inheritance unless he purchased an estate.
He had to pay the lease on Netherfield with his own quarterly allowance, and a rather large wager he won at Whites.
In his estimation, five hundred pounds a quarter was just not adequate.
He had to pay for the lease on the townhouse in London, and all the servants.
Then there were the horses and carriages, and the taxes on the horses.
His clothing and his gambling and brothel budget.
His club dues and all the rounds he bought to make friends and influence people.
Luckily, he did not have to pay for a box at the theater.
Darcy rarely used his and allowed Charles to use it when he wanted.
Living the lifestyle of a gentleman was expensive!
Miss Elizabeth Darcy’s dowry was said to be even more than his sister’s.
He nearly scrubbed his hands together in excitement! It was finally time for the supper set.
“Miss Darcy! You look stunning tonight! Are you ready for our dance?” Charles held his hand out and bowed slightly. The perfect gentleman.
“Of course, Mr. Bingley! I have been looking forward to it all evening.” Beth gave him a sweet smile.
Bingley led her to the middle of the dance floor and called an energetic country dance with much turning and reeling.
It would be so much easier to devise a fall.
About halfway through the first dance he contrived to trip, grab her bodice ripping downward, and then fall directly on top of her.
As he struggled to get up, he made sure her bosom was well exposed by ripping the bodice more.
He pretended to be confused and embarrassed for a moment and then struggled to his knee.
“I am so sorry! Miss Darcy, I have compromised you! Please marry me!”
Although Beth had thought she was prepared for exactly this outcome, it happened so fast she had been completely unable to defend herself.
Had he practiced this move before?! Was attacking young women something he did often?
That the back of her head had hit the floor did not help.
She was slightly stunned and did not even realize one of her breasts was exposed.
She heard Bingley say, ‘Marry me.’ As sense came back to her.
Richard threw his coat over her before she realized her chest was partially exposed and he helped her up.
“That will not be necessary, Mr. Bingley. Everyone saw you were simply clumsy and it was an accident.”
“But Miss Darcy, we all saw…you are exposed…you will be ruined if we do not marry!”
“I do not wish to marry you, sir. These fine people would not gossip about an accident.”
“But they will! Anyone would! You not only have yourself to think of, but your cousins! They will all share in your ruin!”
Richard said in a pleasant voice, “Calm yourself Bingley. We can discuss it tomorrow.”
“NO! I must do the gentlemanly thing! Miss Darcy must agree to marry me, now!”
Beth pulled Richard’s jacket more tightly around her and stood very straight. “I will not. I have no feelings for you, Mr. Bingley, as anything but my cousin’s friend. I have no need to marry at all, and you are the last man on earth I would attach myself to.”
Bingley saw red at the insult. He spent a great deal of time learning pugilism and fencing at Cambridge and continued the sports since then.
Being wiry and fast, he surprised even Richard as he lunged forward and grabbed Beth by the upper arm and dragged her towards him.
It was obvious his intention was to kiss her in front of all and sundry.
A dark-haired young man in travel clothing had entered the ballroom as everyone was crowding around something happening in the middle of the dancefloor.
He was not expected but had been allowed to enter once he explained who he was.
He heard a man’s voice say, “Miss Darcy.” And then a woman’s voice say, “You are the last man on earth I would attach myself to.” He lunged forward and grabbed the man as he gripped the woman and threw him to the floor.
“Don’t touch my sister you rogue!”
“Ethan!” Beth rushed forwards and hugged her brother with all her might. “What are you doing here? I am so happy to see you! What timing you have!”
William Darcy finally shook himself out of his shock and grabbed Bingley as he tried to stand. Richard grabbed his other side, and they both dragged him out of the room.
“Where are they taking him? He deserves a beating. Who was that man, Beth? Why are all you people standing around and allowing my sister to be accosted?!” The glare Ethan gave had people stepping back, except Mr. Bennet.
“You must be my nephew. You look so much like your father. I am Thomas Bennet. Let us retreat to the library for some conversation, while these good people go into supper.”
Caroline stepped forward and began directing everyone to the supper room. She was quite shaken by her brother’s behavior but not surprised. She now had damage control to do.
In the library
“Would you gents turn around please. I need to try and fix my appearance a bit.” Beth was dismayed to see how far the rip in her dress went, just now realizing her entire breast must have been exposed.
She tried tucking here and there but finally gave up and just slipped Richard’s jacket back on and buttoned it up.
While Ethan and Uncle Thomas had their backs turned, Bennet was trying to calm his nephew and make a jest out of the situation.
“We knew Bingley was going to try compromising your sister. Your cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy has been friends with him for years, and we decided he would not believe anything but the proof of his own eyes. It was your sister’s idea. ”
Ethan said blandly, “Of course it was. That man still needs a good beating though.”
“Agreed, but he will receive something he feels is worse. Expulsion from the ton. He is a social climber and a fortune hunter of the first order. Bingley will no longer be able to show his face in good society.”
“I’m still going to punch him in the nose.”
Beth turned and hugged her brother again. “I am so happy you are here! Why are you here? You told me not to sail in winter.”
“It is not winter yet, sister. I could not stand the thought of Christmas without you. The estate is doing well. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have things well in hand. I figured you’d be in trouble by now without me, so here I am.”
Beth punched him in the shoulder. “In trouble?! Since when am I ever trouble?”
Ethan simply gave her a sardonic look.
“Well, it was in service to family. You’ll like Will.
He’s so much like you! Or you are like him.
He’s a year older. You’ll like our cousins in law too, and all our Bennet cousins.
They’re all so different! And then there’s Gigi, Will’s little sister.
Our uncle is marrying Mamie! Did he tell you?
And John is marrying a local girl and will bring her back to Virginia with us! ”
“Wait. What?”
Just then they heard yelling coming from the study across the hall.
“Darcy, you know she must marry me! I ripped her dress and she was hanging out for everyone to see. Her cousins will be ruined with her, and you won’t want the Bennet girl.
Theo won’t be able to marry the blond chit.
” There was the sound of flesh hitting flesh and a loud “Ooofff.”
Bingley was laying on the floor trying to catch his breath when Ethan, Beth, and Mr. Bennet barged in.
“My sister will never marry a social climbing money grubber like you!” Ethan lunged for him, but Richard held him back.
Fitzwilliam Darcy could not have looked more serious and upset. “You must be my other cousin. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy. I am sorry we had to meet this way.”
“Will, I’m sorry you had to meet Ethan this way too. Mr. Bingley was heard planning this very scenario. We gave him the benefit of the doubt that he would not do so, but as you have seen…”
“So, he planned to compromise you? Who heard him planning this?”
“John. Bingley didn’t realize he was in the room. Caroline also warned us he was planning something, but she wasn’t sure what. She was afraid it would involve Gigi.”
William’s face turned so red it was almost purple. He breathed a few times to get some semblance of control. “Lock him in his room. We will deal with him in the morning. I am afraid what I would do to him before I get control of myself.”
‘I think I’m going to like this cousin.’ Ethan thought to himself. He grabbed Bingley by the collar and dragged him to his feet. “Lead the way.” Richard opened a servant’s door and led them through a dim corridor. Bingley was locked up tight for the night, and the twins were called to stand guard.