Jump to new as of January 9, 2000
Chapter 1
Never has a day passed in the six-month marriage of Fitzwilliam Darcy and the lovely Elizabeth Bennet Darcy that the former's rapturous laughter had not been heard through the halls of Pemberley. The servants became accustomed to the new disposition of their master and rejoiced in his overflowing bliss. He was absolutely besotted by his new bride and spent an singular amount of time in her company. He seemed to prefer her opinions to even those of his wisest and most trusted advisors and he cherished her spirited charisma. In his eyes his bride had no flaws and he endeavored to become livelier and this was easily accomplished by following his wife's lead. Georgiana was blossoming and displayed a surprising quick wit under Elizabeth's tutelage that was hidden by her reticence. Life was grand at Pemberley for Fitzwilliam Darcy. He was finally enjoying all of the privileges of a man of his age and station of life.
June came around and Elizabeth, being delighted by the beauty of the country and the fine weather began to entertain thoughts of a ball to let society know that Pemberley was restored to being the happy home it was noted for in the days of Fitzwilliam's parents. She planned to invite all of London, the Bingleys, the Matlock's, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Kitty and Mary could be Georgiana's company as she was not yet out. The young ladies would attend the ball as it was Georgiana's home and she should not be deprived of enjoyment. Elizabeth simply bubbled over with plans and ideas for its preparations. She had mastered the running of the household and all of the servants simply adored their kind and frolicsome mistress so she was assured of a great deal of support and cooperation. Even the servants looked forward to this ball.
Fitzwilliam was not quite ready to share his wife with the world but having witnessed Elizabeth's surprisingly magnificent debut into London Society, to deprive her the chance to further impress the world with her easy charm and understated elegance in her own home was not to be borne. He was sure anything she touched would be a huge success.
Mrs. Reynolds was dusting in the library and saw some books on elegant entertaining sitting on the floor. She smiled thinking of what an industrious and charming young lady the mistress was. It is such a pleasure serving her.
Elizabeth consulted Georgiana on all of her plans and ideas and the two of them often went into Lambton to see the new gowns and had even thought of ordering their gowns from Paris just for the big event.
The invitations having been sent and white soup being made, Pemberley was immaculate and the grounds manicured to perfection. The ball was to take place in a fortnight. The guests staying for an extended visit were beginning to arrive. A much-improved Kitty and a surprisingly congenial Mary arrived with the Bingleys. The Hursts and Caroline were not invited to arrive early but they did anyway.
"Why Eliza, it's been so long." Purred Caroline as she blew an air kiss at Elizabeth. "Life at Pemberley has done much for you I see." This was said with such an edge that could not be misunderstood. She continued, "Why you even look like you have put on a little weight since the spring. I guess you have much better cooks now. But Eliza dear, you must control yourself, you don't want your husband to take a mistress because you ruined your figure!" she snickered. She turned around to see if Luisa was as amused as she was but only saw Darcy towering over her looking at her icily.
Before Elizabeth could respond to the snide remarks, Darcy began, "Hello Miss Bingley. I trust you are well. I believe that there is some confusion, the ball is not for a fortnight. You are painfully prompt." He paused here noticing the shocked look on Elizabeth's face, "but no less welcome than in the past." He finished with a large grin, knowing she was never welcome so his seeming compliment was not a lie. It seems some of Lizzy's sportiveness had already rubbed off on her husband.
Elizabeth turning her laughter into a winning greeting began "Miss Bingley, welcome. It seems like just yesterday that we last met," out of the corner of her eye she saw Darcy smirk. He understood her meaning: it's been too short a time since they have endured her company. " It may take a few moments but I will have rooms prepared for you and the Hursts." Caroline's face soured at the mention of their early arrival but really didn't care. Her aim was to appear to be a good friend of the Darcy's in order to attract some of his rich friends. She regretted Darcy dearly for she was still in love with Pemberley and his fortune and she was still smarting under the insult of his choice. She would just relish distracting all of the attention from Elizabeth in her own home before the ton. She was sure that her presence will ensure that Elizabeth will pale by comparison standing next to her.
She moved on to coldly greet Georgiana for the child was of no more use to her and she ignored Elizabeth's sisters entirely.
The Hursts were greeted semi-warmly and Arthur apologized for the confusion. He looked down at Luisa as a warning to not indulge anymore of Caroline's schemes as he knew they were walking on thin ice with the Darcys and would be their guests for more than a fortnight. Luisa bobbed a pretty curtsy and gave a sincere smile to the Darcys.
The Bingleys finally stepped forward and were greeted with the utmost of warmth and welcome from Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Kitty and Mary.
The servants brought their bags up their rooms and they all prepared for tea.
Upon entering her rooms, Caroline noticed Charles and Jane were given the late Mrs. Darcy's rooms. Her rooms were the very next and they were tastefully arranged but she still could not be pleased for she found not one spot of orange or conspicuously large feathers.
"Well, now that the awkwardness is over I may relax and learn as much about Darcy's rich friends as possible. If only Charles associated with men of more means. A man of 5,000 a year and whose family earned it in trade will not do. Darcy is the only really affluent friend he has and I must exploit that. At the same time I will get my revenge on that insidious Elizabeth. This will be a fine ball indeed." As she was musing she wondered where Elizabeth slept if not in the late Mrs. Darcy's rooms.
"Uggh!" The thought of the Darcys sharing a bed chamber made her nauseous and she figured that this was exactly the low sort of behavior Elizabeth exhibited in order to snare Darcy in a moment of weakness. He would have surely asked for Caroline's hand if Elizabeth had not pushed her huge thorax and charms in his face. She became angry because she didn't think of seducing Darcy first but then thought she will have her revenge and probably a grander estate and husband as well.And if she did stoop to seduction to secure her man, she would definitely stop that right after she produced an heir!
Georgiana, Mary and Kitty were in Georgiana's rooms looking over some ribbons and lace and were pleasantly preoccupied wondering what young men will attend the ball. Even Mary looked forward to dancing and she asked the younger girls for ideas for her hair and dresses.
The Darcys, Bingleys and Hursts were each in their own rooms discussing Caroline. Elizabeth and Darcy vowed to tolerate her since they were so happy that she mattered not and had no power over their happiness so there was no need to be concerned with her usual behavior. She was simply a sour old gooseberry that they tolerated for Bingley's sake.
The Bingleys were very worried about her behavior and Charles especially knew and feared her venom, but was soothed by Jane who assured him that Lizzy could handle Caroline.
In the Hursts room, Arthur was scolding Luisa about listening to Caroline, "Had I saw the invitation I would not have allowed this. Luisa, you know what the marriage counselor said. To achieve true connubial felicity we must be like one person in thought and deed. That cannot happen with Caroline in the way."
"I really am sorry Arthur, I thought that things would be better if we married her off and her planned seemed a good one. I did it for us my love so she will no longer be in the way." Luisa cried, "But the marriage counselor told me that I should confide in you instead of Caroline, but if she were not here we would be alone to enjoy each other."
Arthur patted Luisa's shoulder, "It's alright. Maybe this plan will work and we will be free of her".
Caroline had plans for her stay at Pemberley but little did she know that all of its inhabitants had plans for her.
Chapter Two
Tea passed pleasantly for all parties excepting Caroline. As she scanned the room she noticed that Georgiana, Mary and Kitty had formed a little group and were talking animatedly amongst themselves. The Bingley's announced that Jane was with child and that is all everyone else could talk about. Caroline did not look forward to the event. She had no interest in children at all and was never very good with them. Everyone tried to include her in the discussion and her reluctance really wounded her brother.
After tea, Mary and Kitty asked if a tour of the house could be arranged since it was their first visit and Darcy thought that this was a great idea. Elizabeth however was exhausted but agreed to the scheme. She would still have time for a quick nap before dinner.
As the tour was commencing, Caroline threw out a few small barbs at Elizabeth's expense but they were ignored. Everyone admired the house and its arrangements. Mrs. Hurst was especially pleased with some alterations Elizabeth made to one of the rooms when Caroline mentioned to Mary and Kitty " I have been through every room in Pemberley and I assure you young ladies that there is nothing lacking. If there were, I doubt you would even notice for this style of home vastly differs from anything I saw in Hertfordshire. I am so very happy that Eliza made only insignificant alterations to Pemberley. The elegance and refinement have remained intact despite them."
Elizabeth perceiving the veiled insult replied "Why thank you Caroline. I am glad you agree with my taste. I find that splashes of blinding color and ostentatious trappings are just unnecessary when a place has true character and substance. It is fortunate that Pemberley is not an old dilapidated home with no charm to recommend itself when unadorned. I doubt that anyone could render it handsome if it lacked the fundamentals regardless of expense and effort. When I first saw Pemberley, I knew that almost everything was I would have arranged it."
Caroline stood with mouth agape for she meant no such compliment at all and she knew Elizabeth was not discussing houses. She was becoming quite vexed that Elizabeth continued to best her at the game she won so easily with other prey.
Mr. Hurst opened a door for Elizabeth to continue the tour and as she was passing he whispered a quiet yet energetic "Bravo!" and smiled. Elizabeth began to think that everyone had underestimated Arthur and she was pleased to notice some spirit in him.
Georgiana becoming nervous about the turn of the conversation pointed out her brother's portrait in the gallery and the empty space next to it. "This is where Elizabeth's portrait will be when it is finished in two days time. It is quite beautiful though my brother feels that it pales in comparison to the original."
Caroline started to make a comment about the so-called fine eyes of the portrait's subject but considered herself on shaky ground as it was. She could not continue to abuse Elizabeth so openly as she was a visitor in the lady's home and it was vital to her future to keep the Darcys on her list of influential friends if she was to set her cap at one of Darcy's associates. But how she hated that Elizabeth Darcy! Caroline was determined to flaunt her beauty and elegance in Darcy's face. How she will make Darcy regret his choice once he sees how desirable she is to other men of his station and above.
After the tour everyone changed and reassembled for dinner, which was exquisite. Darcy and Elizabeth wanted Kitty and Mary's first visit to be very special so they had cook prepare some of her most delectable dishes. Elizabeth found her appetite was wanting this evening and was puzzled as all of her favorite foods stood before her. In fact her supper was threatening a repeat appearance.
"I wager you are not used to such fine fare as this at Longbourne." Laughed Caroline.
"On the contrary, Mama insisted that her daughters would never work in a kitchen and we have a great cook so actually we have had most of these dishes before. But I do thank Mr. Darcy for making us feel so at home and welcome. Mary and I sincerely appreciate your kindness." Kitty showed a little of Elizabeth's spirit and quickness. Caroline was stumped for she was sure that the younger ladies were unrefined and would prove easier targets rather than Elizabeth herself. Darcy was proud of Kitty's gracious response and nodded his head at her in acknowledgement. He enjoyed watching these young ladies flourish under Jane and Elizabeth's influence. Kitty was proving to be very like Elizabeth in her sharp mind.
In an attempt to gain her point, Caroline continued nearly shouting across the room to Elizabeth, "And how are Mr. & Mrs. Wickham?" Darcy and Elizabeth both looked immediately at Georgiana who displayed perfect indifference.
"They are perfectly fine I assure you. They are in Newcastle at present and will be in town shortly, I will make certain to advise them of your concern." Darcy responded shortly, "in fact since you are so concerned for them, I will be sure to mention that you expect them to call on you as soon as they arrive." His jaw was tight but one look across the room at Elizabeth's bright shining eyes (which were concealing her amusement at Caroline's facial expression) brought a charming grin to his handsome features. As long as she loved him all was right and he would not lose his temper.
Caroline was not to be deterred. She knew enough of Darcy to know that he would eventually ignore her for he could never behave in an un-gentleman-like manner so she pressed.
"I only asked as I knew that he was once a great favorite among the Bennet ladies," she snickered at this and looked at Luisa to see a face austere with disapproval. Her snicker was silenced.
"Well of course he was a favorite of mine at one time," Elizabeth began shrugging innocently.
All eyes at the table turned to look at her in shock, awaiting what must be a most distastefully timed confession. "But that was due to lack of other brothers, and he was the only brother in-law I had. But thanks to Jane I now have a true favorite in Charles." Sighs and chuckles of relief could be heard and most of the party thought that a brilliant turn of conversation.
Once again, Caroline was silenced but she could not help the shade of green she was turning even though she tried to smile along with everyone else.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly with Caroline holding her tongue and Elizabeth thought she looked rather in pain but her forbearance was greatly appreciated by the entire party for they were all tired of her thorns.
The following morning the mistress of Pemberley failed to make it down to breakfast and Georgiana played the gracious hostess. Since Darcy had also not come down to breakfast, Caroline's odious mind assumed what to her would be the worst.
"Blech! Can they not control their animal urges when they have guests? If Darcy had married me he would never be tempted to behave in such a fashion. I would forbid him near me and he would not be allowed near my bedchamber let alone share one with me. So this is how the lower classes behave and now Darcy has been lured to that carnal world as well. What a loss. But he shall feel the indignity of his choice and I shall help him." She fumed over the obvious neglect on her hosts' parts and glared at the happy Jane and Bingley who continued to discuss baby names and the nursery at their new estate.
"I hate happy people," thought the grinch.
Mary and Kitty would have to bear the brunt of her ire this morning. "Miss Bennet, I hope that there is nothing wrong with your sister and brother or is this simply country indifference to decorum? It is most shocking to neglect one's guests."
Mary, not at all displeased at such a reference replied coolly "Elizabeth has not been well for several days and is exhausted. Mr. Darcy begged that she not be disturbed at all today. I am sure that those who truly care for her well being will occupy themselves and pray for her improved health. Besides, Miss Darcy is an exceptional hostess and her great attentiveness toward us is greatly appreciated."
"Why, yes, I agree you should pray for your sister's health. Your visit at Pemberley will be cut short if she were to remain ill. I would be sorry to leave if I were you. And Hertfordshire is such a long way off. Too bad you don't have a home in London to stop at night. But I guess a hired carriage would only get you half the way to London even." Caroline smiled as she thought of getting rid of these two little remembrances of Hertfordshire's inferior society, which Charles so ill advisedly subjected them to repeatedly.
"Do not dignify that with a response ladies." Arthur cut in. Not another word was said until breakfast was over, as Arthur was growing tired of being confined with Caroline.
After breakfast everyone excepting Caroline was taking a walk over Pemberley's grounds and speaking of babies and balls. They were having a good time when they saw that Doctor Perkins had been sent for and he drove like a madman onto Pemberley's grounds and jumped out of his conveyance.
A servant showed him to where Mrs. Darcy was resting. An hour later he and a smiling yet weary Darcy exited the Elizabeth and Darcy's chambers whispering.
Darcy assured all that Elizabeth would be well eventually and that she was even so improved as to wish a picnic by the lake for a light repast. Everyone was delighted by the idea and arrangements were made shortly.
When the picnic was prepared, Darcy gingerly lead Elizabeth down the large winding staircase of Pemberley by the arm with one hand around her waist. He held her like porcelain and the looks of love and happiness passing between the two made Luisa smile, Jane blush and Mary and Kitty sigh. The married ladies reacted because they knew that look carried the deepest of loves. The younger ladies thought the look very romantic and wondered if they would ever be as fortunate as their sisters. Georgiana had grown quite used to feeling an intruder when such loving gazes were exchanged that she turned her head and blushed as was her habit. She was very happy for her brother.
Caroline thought it vulgar and that he held her waist made it worse. She was convinced that this country lass held some evil power over the usually proper and reserved Darcy. Perhaps it was her large bosom that so enchanted him. At this, she glanced down and saw her slippers and wondered why she could see them. There was nothing to obstruct her view. At that moment, for the first time in her life she doubted her charms. She was always told she struck an elegant figure but compared to Elizabeth she seemed boyish. It seems that Elizabeth was quite voluptuous and Caroline began to think that this was what bewitched men beyond their senses.
The picnic was wonderful and Caroline's preoccupation with her wanting pectoral area kept her mind engaged and rendered her tongue cataplexic so she could inflict no harm. Once again all were grateful for her forbearance.
Elizabeth was leaning against a tree and facing Caroline and Caroline just stared at her torso for most of the outing.
"Yes, that is it. I know what I must do now, but how to do so without everyone noticing before the ball?" Caroline stuck upon a plan....
After the picnic Darcy asked if Elizabeth would like to rest before the evening meal and she declined.
"I am fine my love. Dr. Perkins says that all will be well in a few months.
Caroline was still obsessing over the thought that she may actually be lacking something physically and feigned tiredness and went to her rooms to rest and then change for dinner.
Everyone was scattered all over the house. Darcy Bingley and Hurst were in the exercise room practicing fencing and all of the ladies were in the parlor fawning over Jane's slightly protruding belly. Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with all of the excitement she felt at her own news but was cautious not to let anything slip until Darcy made the announcement later on.
Chapter Three
Dinner was a jovial occasion. The Darcy's love for one another and intense happiness was infectious and everyone present was overjoyed to know that there would be a Darcy heir as well as a little Bingley.
"Oh, Lizzy! This is just as it should be, we shall share yet another life change together. How happy I am for you sister." Jane gushed serenely. Charles was all laughter and smiles as he exchanged knowing glances with Darcy across the table. Georgiana, Mary and Kitty were as loquacious as anyone had ever seen them. "Just think, two new adorable babies for me to love!" Georgiana exclaimed.
The Hursts were very happy for their friends and family. Secretly, Louisa had a suspicion regarding expansion within her own family but she dared not speak of it without confirmation.
When the ladies adjourned to the music room while the men went to smoke congratulatory cigars and drink brandy, it finally dawned on Louisa that her sister had not been present for dinner and had not been seen since she retired for some rest. She was too preoccupied with all of the wonderful news and the expectation of having a like announcement to make shortly.
She mentioned Caroline's absence to the rest of the ladies and excused herself in order to seek her sister. Elizabeth was keenly ashamed to have not noticed Caroline's absence herself and begged to accompany Louisa for she felt she owed Caroline an apology for her unpardonable neglect.
After knocking on the door to Caroline's apartment three times with no response, the ladies entered and Louisa announced her presence. Before Elizabeth could announce her presence Caroline burst into the sitting room and spun around before the company and cooed "I have figured out Eliza's secret for bewitching sensible gentlemen out of their wits. Look and tell me if I am not the epitome of feminine excellence!"
She received no response for both ladies were shocked at what they heard and even more aghast at Caroline's altered appearance. The transformation was quite obvious and if Caroline had not been entirely serious in her expression both of the ladies may have burst into unrestrained laughter as if it was an adolescent joke being played before them.
Louisa's first reaction was mortification that Mrs. Darcy should hear such a speech about herself and her second feeling was deep regret and pity for her sister for her absurdity was on display and would not easily be forgiven nor forgotten.
Elizabeth was astonished to hear such a notion of herself and even more so at the contrivance the lady descended to in order to emulate the arts and allurements she was accused of employing for captivation.
Upon noticing that Louisa was not alone Caroline blanched outwardly but inwardly told herself "Have courage...perhaps Eliza will not even notice or for certain she will not comment."
"Why Eliza, I did not realize you came to visit as well. What a good joke. I am sure you realize I was teasing." She batted her eyes furiously to conceal the discomfort she was feeling. She believed the shock on Elizabeth's face was due to the comment alone.
There was a thirty-second pause before Elizabeth regained the ability to speak.
"Why, Miss Bingley, we, uh, missed your, uh company at dinner and I came to apologize for being remiss in my duties as hostess.... " her voice trailed off as her eyes were once again trailing down the ladies neck to her newly augmented bodice. Biting her bottom lip she colored and turned away. Normally she would seek the ridiculous in a situation and laugh at it. But she was truly embarrassed at the display before her. Quietly she excused herself and took her leave. She really did want to find the humor in this but her tender heart begged forgiveness for Caroline. She was obviously not well.
Louisa, feeling anxious about her sister's being allowed to stay at Pemberley after insulting the mistress so blatantly scolded "If our mother were alive she would be truly ashamed at what you have become Caroline. What! Did you expect no one to notice? Do you realize how vulgarly you have insulted the mistress of the roof you are now parading under? Did you expect flattery? You look ridiculous! And you think this will fill your cap with eligible, titled gentlemen? You are simply, without a doubt clueless!"
Caroline was incapable of accepting such censure from her sister. "YOU ARE JEALOUS!" she screeched loud enough for the company below to hear. "You know that I have always been beautiful while you are just tolerably pretty. I have always attracted gentlemen while you had to settle for that horrible lout downstairs. He's probably passed out already! You are afraid that I will now attract even your boorish, over-eating and drunkard husband!"
Resignedly, Louisa stated "I will not have any share in this scheme of yours. I will be heartily disappointed if you continue in this degrading manner. Good night sister."
Turning back before she exited the room she cautioned, "I believe you owe Mr. and Mrs. Darcy an explanation for what you have done to their pillows," and closed the door.
"Harumph...she's just jealous. I look alluring and enticing. I will debut my new attitude tomorrow." Thought Caroline as reshaped and adjusted her new bust. "I look very womanly indeed."
Later that night in their chamber Elizabeth related the happenings of the evening with her husband. Dimples appeared and betrayed the amusement he tried to hide as he listened to the details. Eventually, it became too much and his roaring laughter filled the hallways waking up half of the staff and his guests. Elizabeth smiled and admitted the scene was farcical yet she could not laugh at Caroline. She felt sincere compassion for someone so desperate and without true self worth. Desperate indeed.
The next morning Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Matlocks arrived. After greeting the company and settling into their rooms the colonel began to sneeze uncontrollably. He walked down the large staircase and the sneezes increased. The closer he got to the drawing room the more he sneezed. He opened the door and there sat the new Caroline Bingley.
Chapter 4
Caroline stood up and glided toward the Colonel ignoring the shocked expression he wore. The dear Colonel valiantly fought the urge to ask her what was changed about her when suddenly he was struck dumb by the sight of her torso. It was...obscene and obviously artificial.
Caroline saw this as an opportunity to test her new, ahem...secret weapon(s) on a man.
"Why Colonel Fitzwilliam, how delightful of you to join our little party'" she purred seductively (so she thought) as she arched her back.
"Good, ah, ah-choo! My Word! Pardon me Miss Bingley.. I am delighted to see... rather meet you again. I trust you are well," the Colonel blushed. "What can she possibly be about," he puzzled.
Caroline could see that the Colonel was disconcerted and believed this to be a sign of his overwhelming attraction. She moved closer and smiled, "I am very well as you can see. You my dear Colonel seem a bit flabbergasted." She whispered close to him with a giggle (reveling in what she thought was her success in captivating him).
Trying to change the direction their discourse was headed he employed humor.
"Actually Miss Bingley, I am. You see, I have always been extremely allergic to feathers and I see none in here so I am at a loss to account for the sudden sneezing..." The poor Colonel paused as the connection made in his mind forced his eyes to the place he struggled to ignore.
Knowing her secret was all but undressed she turned with her skirts sweeping (feathers flying in her wake) to leave the room. "Well there are none in here.... My sister will, uh be expecting me." She nervously began walking briskly from the room as the Colonel stared after her and began another bout with his allergies.
Once she closed the drawing room door behind her she raced up to her rooms not to be heard from again by the Pemberley party that day. Upon entering her room she unleashed the sobs she had been restraining. She flung herself onto the bed and as she did so more feathers escaped her dress and clung to her tear stained face as she cried herself into a fitful sleep murmuring, "Why, why do I do this to myself? What is wrong with me? Why didn't I heed Luisa!"
Below stairs the Darcy's and Bingley's informed the Matlocks of their excellent news. The day progressed gaily and the dinner conversation was a lively exchange of wit, affectionate dialogue, and even talk of baby names.
Caroline's absence was eventually noticed by all (for they were enjoying themselves immensely without any nastiness) and at Jane's mention of her concern, Lizzy and Luisa's eyes met. They remembered last night's events when Caroline was absent for the evening meal. They agreed with their eyes to let her be lest they endure an episode to rival the previous evening. They made her excuses while the Colonel stared at his plate.
He did not understand women at all and this strengthened his resolve to remain a confirmed bachelor. Women were the most beautiful, loving, soft... yet perplexing creatures. He was not sure he could endure the emotional turbulence a woman can inflict.
As he was thinking this Miss Kitty's light laughter caught his ear and he looked at her smiling prettily. She reminded him very much of Elizabeth (who was decidedly the perfect women in his mind) with perhaps a little less spirit and wit. As quickly as he confirmed his permanent bachelor status, he began to think he might have found reason not to secretly envy his cousin any longer. After all, it was his concern for Elizabeth's lack of fortune that deterred his paying her his addresses and what a prize he lost and regretted deeply. Perhaps he should not let that stand in the way of happiness like the Darcy's and Bingley's. Yes, Miss Kitty was becoming very pleasing and had much-improved in manner since he first met her six months ago at the Darcy's wedding. He smiled at the thought of having an Elizabeth (or similar model) of his own. And he was sure she adored red coats. Her mother had informed him of that fact rather loudly. Perhaps there is hope for the Colonel after all.
He had to tell the Darcys where the feathers in the drawing room originated and he expressed much sympathy for poor Miss Bingley for she must be a very troubled woman. Darcy clenched his teeth and told him to save his pity for a worthier recipient. For Caroline had beauty, fortune, and many other attractions yet her behavior displayed her lack of self-respect and disregard for others. Darcy was frankly tired of Caroline's antics and was even more put out that the majority of the barbs and schemes were directed expressly at his beautiful and precious wife.
Darcy's pride in the prospect of having an heir was obvious, as was his concern for Elizabeth and he will protect them both at any cost. His mother was as robust as his Lizzy once, but childbearing took its toll on her and hastened her departure from him and all that she held dear. He would not have Elizabeth endure any discomfort at any time but particularly so at this important juncture.
He knew his wife's lively disposition would suffer from the morning sickness but he was sensing that something was really disturbing her and he believed it to be Caroline. The frequent annoying comments were enough but to parody Elizabeth was not to be borne. Elizabeth may have tried to make light of Caroline's behavior the night before but Darcy believed she was troubled by it. If this was true Darcy would brook no oppositin and Caroline would be sent from Pemberley immediately.
Across the table Darcy watched his beautiful wife act as a perfect hostess and her lively manner was there but the customary gleam in her eyes was absent. Something was troubling her. Though he was proud of her performance and the fine meal she planned, she was distracted. When she bit her lip and wrinkled her brow as Lady Matlock complimented her on her excellent management of Pemberley it was confirmed. At that moment, his mind was made up. Mrs. Darcy will not endure discomfiture at Pemberley. His wife and child were all that mattered and he would have to discuss Caroline's departure with Charles. Jane was also with child and a row would cause both expecting ladies much distress.
After the meal the ladies stood to take their leave and Darcy excused himself to speak privately with Elizabeth for a moment. The other ladies adjourned to the music room where Georgiana would play for them and Darcy pulled Elizabeth into his library.
"My love, are you well. You performed wonderfully tonight but you lack your normal exuberance."
"Please don't worry Fitzwilliam. I am fine. I have just been thinking about Caroline and I think.." here she was interrupted by her husband. "That's it, she shall pack in leave at first light tomorrow. She will not disrupt the peace in my home," as he became more and more worked up Elizabeth placed a gentle finger against his mouth silencing him.
"Fitzwilliam, I don't want Caroline sent away. I have a plan to rid her of her silliness and she needs to be at our ball for this to occur. Please let me handle this.
Darcy softened. He knew that his Lizzy could manage anything and he believed in her.
"You assure me that you and the child will be well with her here?" he asked smiling into her sparkling eyes. He could never fail to grant her anything, even enduring Caroline's company and to him that was a great deal.
"I am positive, but thank you for trying to protect me, I mean us," With that she stood on her toes and granted him the softest of kisses on his lips. With big grins they parted. Darcy as at leisure to enjoy his guests and Elizabeth planned to handle Caroline in her own way.
In the music room she sat next to Luisa and enjoyed Georgiana's performance. As the ladies sipped tea Luisa and Elizabeth sat to themselves making many plans for the next two weeks.
The following morning, Caroline awoke with her face feeling tight. She made her way to the mirror and shrieked for her maid. Her maid Maria entered and stood in shock at the image of her mistress with feathers all over her face and the bodice of her dress sagging.
"Don't just stand there, help me, help me," Caroline screamed. Maria inched closer to Caroline and began to pluck the feathers from her face tentatively for she was not sure if Caroline had sprouted them or had done this deliberately (she liked them in her hair so why not her face). Either way, it was very strange.
After Caroline was cleaned up and harnessed her strength to face the world as if yesterday had not happened, she headed for the breakfast room. The party was pleased to see her torso deflated once again.
She greeted everyone excepting Kitty and Mary warmly and began to partake of the fine spread. Elizabeth had been giving orders to Mrs. Reynolds with her back turned.
When Elizabeth seated herself opposite Darcy his face betrayed unchecked amusement. "Oh, my clever wife there is never a dull moment with you present," Darcy sighed. He laughingly shook his head and ate his breakfast heartily while conversing with Colonel Fitzwillam.