Chapter 36
Elizabeth looked about the exquisite suite in Darcy House that Georgiana had led her to. “I hope you find it favourable.”
She grasped Georgiana’s hands. “It is absolutely lovely.” And it certainly was. The walls were a delicate pale blue with cream accents. The furniture—a grand four-poster bed, a dressing table against the opposite wall, and a cushioned chair—was polished mahogany. It was perhaps more beautiful than the chamber she had had at Matlock House, where Jane remained with the countess, readying for her royal presentation and the rest of the Season’s busy schedule of events.
“We chose this suite specifically for you,” said Georgiana. “That window overlooks the back garden. You shall see greenery, even during winter.”
“We?” she asked.
“Yes, Brother and I. As your father and mine are friends of long-standing, it is inconceivable we would have you anywhere but the family wing.”
“What a thoughtful gesture. Thank you.”
“We have assigned Jessica as your lady’s maid.” She clasped her hands together in front of her. “I have yearned for a sister!”
“We are good friends, but not true sisters, sweetling.” Elizabeth noticed Georgiana’s eyes grow large. “Did I say something remiss?”
“No,” she replied with a large smile. “Sweetling is Brother’s endearment for me. It pleases me you are both of a like mind. Tea is at half past the hour. I shall see you then.”
The door closed as the second Bennet daughter voiced her query. “I am of a like mind with Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, am I?” she said to no one.
Elizabeth wondered at the thought, having yet to meet her friend’s exemplary brother.
In the Queen’s drawing room at St James’s Place, the Lord Chamberlain twice struck his sceptre upon the floor. “Lady Matlock introducing Miss Jane Lily Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
Queen Charlotte smiled at her friend and her young protégée. Earlier, at a private tea, Lady Matlock had spent her fifteen minutes lauding her young lady’s character. She had said nothing of the young lady’s accomplishments nor her beauty, a signal the girl’s prospects required Her Majesty’s approbation.
Miss Bennet moved flawlessly across the chamber floor, everything right and proper save for one thing: a veil had been included in her court dress. Struck by the oddity of the fashion choice, the Queen turned to Lady Matlock. “What can we do to induce Miss Bennet to favour us with a smile?”
The countess clearly understood her unspoken command and whispered in the girl’s ear. Miss Bennet looked down towards the floor as Lady Matlock removed the hat and veil. Then the young lady looked up.
Queen Charlotte blinked. Had Lady Matlock intentionally withheld the effect the young lady’s beauty would have on the court? I believe she would, wretched friend.
Miss Bennet’s allure was supernatural. It was not her golden hair, piled high in a perfect coiffure that defied gravity. Nor was it her eyes, bright blue like the sea on a sunny day. No, it was her face’s perfect ivory colour, accented by two slightly discoloured lines—scars, apparently—that emphasised her beauty. She was an empyrean painting, a masterpiece vouchsafed to this mortal world by Il Divino.
Dispensing with protocol, she approached the exquisite creature and voiced her approbation in her native German. “Such a future you shall have, my dear child!”
Then she reverently cupped the young woman’s face and kissed her forehead. “Ethereal, my dear. You are ethereal.”
Jane sat across from Lady Matlock in the carriage; her court dress prohibited anyone to sit in close proximity within the confines of the vehicle. Her thoughts were of the Queen and her surprising declaration.
“Jane?”
Her reverie broken, she focused upon Lady Matlock, who was gazing fondly at her.
“Do you understand what happened today?”
Jane shrugged. “Her Majesty has made me the enemy of every young lady seeking a husband and the target of every rake seeking a conquest.” She turned back to the window.
Lady Matlock leant forwards and grasped her hand in both of hers. “It is disappointing to hear you speak with such bitterness. You have protection. Lord Matlock has seen to your safety, has he not?”
“He has. I am very grateful.”
The carriage wheels rolled in rhythm with the clopping of horse’s hooves. Lady Matlock again squeezed her hand. Jane looked up.
“You are an accomplished woman. A worthy woman. A beautiful woman.”
Jane tried not to shake her head; she failed.
“Why can you not believe it? Accept who you are and what you offer?” Lady Matlock’s voice grew softer. “The marks that tormented you are no longer prominent on the outside, but perhaps they were not the cause of your disbelief. Mayhap you should consider the scars that lie within?”
Jane pressed her lips together. There was much truth in what the countess said. Since childhood, so much had been made of her outward beauty that losing it had led her to forget what truly mattered. Although her face was healed, her soul remained in pain. She did not want to think of what she had lost, all those years ago.
“I shall leave you with your thoughts.” Lady Matlock sat back.
Jane turned back to the window. I was determined to come to town, to enjoy society and friendships that I felt had been denied me. But what has the Season given me? What have I gained? The envy of others. The Queen’s approbation. Notoriety. She pulled at her gloves with every frustrating thought. What have I lost? She could think of only one very precious thing. And by my own hand. My own words.
“John,” she whispered.
Edward Gardiner read the card in his hand.
Mr Charles Bingley, Scarborough
“Show him in, please.”
A few moments later, a young man bobbed into the room; energy burst from his person.
Gardiner hesitated. “Mr…Bingley? Of Bingley Carriage Works in…?”
“My father,” interrupted the young man. “He died last month. I am in town to look after the family interests.”
“My condolences, sir.” Gardiner gestured to two chairs and moments later, drinks in hand, their conversation resumed. “What brings you to my door, Mr Bingley?”
“I have been reviewing my father’s investments with our solicitors. His funds under your purview are the largest in that arena.”
“Your father and I had a much-valued, long-term partnership. We corresponded little, but he was a steadfast investor.”
Mr Bingley nodded several times. “Yes, and that is why I am here. I would like to have the funds made available for withdrawal.” The young man sat back and crossed his legs.
“Forgive me for my curiosity. May I ask why?”
“My father dreamt that I would become a landed gentleman. Thus, I plan to purchase an estate to honour his wishes.”
Much as he wished to persuade him otherwise, Gardiner did not. Although the young man was impulsive and uninformed, it was not his responsibility to correct such an errant course.
“Of course. We would never withhold that which rightfully belonged to someone else. I keep most of my paperwork here.” Gardiner went to his desk and pulled out a document. Pointing to the bottom, he said, “Please read and sign this cessation of partnership.”
Mr Bingley’s surprise showed. “Well, umm, excellent.” He handed the signed paper back to Gardiner. “When can you ready the funds?”
Such youthful impatience!Gardiner looked to the ceiling. “Would two weeks be sufficient, sir?”
“Might I enquire about that time limit?”
Gardiner nodded. “Your father’s investment exclusivity was singular as he pioneered our early strategies. Your sizeable withdrawal will make several waiting investors very happy.”
“You do not begrudge me our termination?”
Gardiner chuckled. “Young man, you have allowed me additional profits. New investors shall not come aboard under your father’s lucrative terms.” At the young man’s bewildered look, he asked, “Did not your solicitors explain the merits of the annual returns?”
“They did, but my sister seeks to sell out of our roots in trade.”
Gardiner smiled. A puppy led by what was probably a grasping unmarried sister seeking to wed well above her roots. My thanks to social climbing viragoes.
“I am happy to have assisted you in moving closer to her desires, Mr Bingley. Shall we?” He gestured to the door and followed the young man out.
“Brother, you are late!” cried Georgiana.
The tall man entering the room slowed his step as he looked between the two ladies. Elizabeth noticed his height, his dark hair, the wrinkle in his brow, and the slight press of his lips. Knowing all that his sister had spent hours relating of him, she supposed he was suppressing his mirth. Rather handsomely, too, she thought.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Darcy,” he replied formally as he bowed. “If you would see to the introductions?”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, may I present my brother, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, to you? Brother, I am pleased to make my friend known to your acquaintance.”
“Your father is Mr Thomas Bennet of Longbourn, I believe?” he asked in a deep voice.
“He is, sir.”
Mr Darcy nodded and continued staring at her. Thankfully Georgiana’s high spirits assuaged the awkwardness of the moment.
“We shall have so much fun these next weeks. Lizzy loves to play duets!”
“With my sister Mary,” Elizabeth added.
“And now me!” replied Georgiana.
“Of course, sweetling,” Elizabeth and Mr Darcy replied in unison. She felt her cheeks reddening even before she saw his surprised expression shift to a small smile.
At that point, further discourse was prevented as dinner was announced. Elizabeth was certain Mr Darcy felt her hand shaking as she laid it on his arm to be led into dinner. If he smiles at me again, I know I shall swoon!