Chapter 9 #2
She nibbled at the dry toast on her breakfast tray, then sat at her vanity brushing out her hair. Darcy had kept his distance since she’d given him the handkerchiefs. She supposed he didn’t wish to encourage her. She almost laughed at the absurdity of it.
Her courses were due in a few days. If all went well, then she would have time. If not, then she must seduce Darcy as soon as possible.
He was too disciplined to fall for her wiles. She should have realised that sooner. She would have to resort to spirits. Enough to make him pliant, but not so much as to take away from the act.
She would have one chance.
As for Wickham and Jane… A plan must be devised, and soon. She was to meet Wickham in the woods before dinner, and he expected her to have a scheme in place.
Jane had been immune to Wickham’s advances. She didn’t cut him as Eliza did, but neither did she speak to him. Just gave a little curtsey and went on her way. All the Bennets had refused introductions to him.
Perhaps Caroline’s approach was all wrong. Jane was too saintly to be seduced, especially given her engagement to Charles. But Lydia…that child was ungovernable.
If Wickham seduced her, then blackmailed her father to buy Wickham’s silence… That would cover his gaming debts. It would give her time, at least—time to locate him another heiress.
Her friend Emma, from Mrs. Buttercup’s school, had been sent to live with a maiden aunt after a scandal.
The men of the ton considered her unmarriageable—but her dowry was fifteen thousand.
That might suffice for Wickham. And if Emma wouldn’t have him, another woman in her circumstances surely would.
Caroline wished she’d thought of this sooner. Once she dealt with Wickham, she could focus all her attention on Darcy.
By noon, Caroline felt well enough to leave her bedroom. Her brother found her in the parlour after spending the morning shooting. He asked, “Would Friday next suit for an engagement ball? I’d like to make the announcement as soon as possible.”
Caroline gritted her teeth. As his hostess, scheduling social events fell under her purview. But obviously he wouldn’t defer to her in this circumstance.
So she played the charming sister and confirmed that their calendar was free. It would leave her barely enough time to plan the event. But Caroline had to appear thrilled by the engagement. She couldn’t afford to let any suspicion fall on her.
Charles went outside to speak to the head gardener. Seeing them standing next to the hedge, Caroline got an idea. She invited Louisa for a stroll.
As they stepped out onto the stone path, Louisa spoke.
“I hope you’ve accustomed yourself to our brother’s engagement.
I know it’s not what you wanted, but Jane is a lovely young woman.
One day, he’ll be master of Longbourn. It’s not Pemberley, to be sure, but he’ll be landed gentry.
It’s what our grandfather hoped for him. ”
“Yes, you’re right on all counts. As much as I like Georgiana, she’s still a child. That hope was unrealistic.”
The words were bitter on her tongue, but she couldn’t speak freely. Not even to her sister. Ire rose in her breast, that Wickham had reduced her to this.
One day, after this was over, she would make him pay.
Surreptitiously, as they descended a little hill, she noted that the gardener had gone on his way. Charles was heading towards them, in the direction of the house, walking alone on the other side of the hedge.
As they approached his position, the ground levelled. He was now out of sight, but his footfalls were audible. Caroline put her plan into action.
“My only concern,” she said, then broke off. “No, I shouldn’t think it. But twice now, I’ve seen Jane encounter Mr. Wickham in Meryton. And even though they didn’t speak, he looked at her intensely. And there was longing in her expression. As if something was between them.”
On the other side of the hedge, her brother’s footsteps faltered. Suppressing a smile, she continued. “I can’t escape the feeling that the two know each other—that they have a past together.” She waved her hand. “Oh, it’s probably my silly imagination.”
“Not entirely,” Louisa said. “I’ve observed the way Wickham looks at her. But she’s a beauty. Many men look at her that way.”
“That’s true. I’m worrying about nothing.”
Her brother’s footsteps started up again, and he quickly passed them. But she had, she was sure, planted a seed of doubt in his mind.
Later, whilst the household dressed for dinner, Caroline sneaked outside. She found Wickham pacing like a caged tiger. “Is it true?” he asked in lieu of a greeting. “In Meryton they say your brother is engaged to Jane Bennet.”
“It’s true.”
He swore violently.
“Don’t despair,” she said. “We’re throwing an engagement ball next week. It’s the perfect opportunity to put my new plan into motion. It may be too late to win Jane’s heart, but there are other ways to reach your goal.”
His brows arched. “I’m listening.”
She explained her scheme. He nodded, and together they figured out the details.
“This had better work,” he warned her. “Or you and I will soon be standing before an altar.”
“It will work,” she said with more confidence than she felt. It had to. She wouldn’t let Wickham ruin her life.