Page 46 of Cousin Elizabeth
“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 longto 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 coatover 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!”
