Page 2 of The Gilded Masquerade

Although born into old-guard, old-money Knickerbocker, New York aristocracy, Aunt Madeline was not entirely consumed by her entrenched status, nor so proper as not to occasionally attend a society gala hosted by nouveaux riche interlopers. Unlike others, Aunt had always treated her Bennet brother-in-law with the utmost respect despite his sudden status change from a humble, common Union soldier to an ingenious upstart, to a society outcast. Although she outwardly expressed rigid opinions about class distinctions, she was secretly pragmatic when it came to her now-grown children and her nieces’ futures. Old money and new could mix to progress in the ever-changing world, and no relation of hers would be left in poverty.

The carriage cleared the trees, stopping on a hill above a valley.

“Very good. Pemberley Hall. We have arrived,” Uncle said.

Her breath caught at the snow-laden magical splendor. Below them, a magnificent estate glowed gold against the crystalline white and the dark, starry sky like a welcoming beacon.

The manor, surrounded by torches and a line of regal carriages, was far more impressive than Chepstow villa in Newport, Rhode Island, or any mansion on Millionaire’s Row back home in New York.

Nervously, she smoothed her gloved hands down the folds of her gown’s overskirt, feeling the tiny bumps of seed pearls and crystals beneath her palms. The Worth-made silk gown was the latest fashion and everything she had ever dreamed. The magnificent pearl and diamond tiara and matching pearl choker were fourth-generation Gardiner heirlooms. Yes, she was eternally grateful to Uncle Edward and Aunt Madeline for agreeing to save the Bennets, even if the weight of duty lay solely upon her—the second eldest daughter’s—shoulders.

“It was very kind of Lady Anne Darcy to send a carriage with foot warmers,” she remarked.

“Indeed so! On these unfamiliar roadways, I would not risk an accident in this weather,” Uncle stated.

“How do you know Lady Anne Darcy, Aunt?”

“We were like sisters, yet rivals, in boarding school.”

“For the same suitor?”

“Oh no. Lady Anne’s marriage was arranged to a very respectable and kind gentleman.” Aunt’s eyes met Uncle’s. “I married my dear Mr. Gardiner for love. It was happenstance that my suitor should be of the right circle, with the right pedigree, to appease my father.”

“You were very fortunate that your match pleased both heart and heritage, Aunt, and I suppose your family owning an island didn’t hurt your intentions, Uncle.”

“Quite. As you will see tonight, Lizzy, it’s all about property of many sorts. Pemberley alone will draw a plethora of young women to parade before Lady Anne’s son.” He ran his spread thumb and index down the opposite sides of his whiskers. “Landed gentry of an estate this size is quite sought after, and unions with a well-endowed young woman will help keep it afloat in years of hardship.”

“Unions to wealthy American heiresses,” she defined.

“Precisely, unless of course, there is affection, then it’s a boon for all parties!”

“Otherwise, marriage is merely a calculated real estate transaction between two amenable investors,” she clarified. “Is he, the gentleman in question, at least handsome enough to gild the terms?”

“I suppose only a portrait will do the telling tonight!” her aunt declared. “The young Mr. Darcy’s mother was quite comely, so I assume he is as well. But that is negligible, since his position and income are certainly substantial enough to negate an offensive appearance.”

“When my search begins, I shall consider all aspects in forming a felicitous marriage. Intelligence should be second to that of status and wealth.” She grinned, eager to parrot the entire purpose for guardianship, finishing school, and this invitation. Pleasing her aunt was tantamount to success.

“Is that all? You have left out honorable, agreeable, good-humored, and charming,” Uncle Edward teased.

“Of course! And I should hope he is well-read and, at the very least, pleasing to the eye. One should never have to endure a lifetime of ghastly-looking children, too. Oh, the shame!”

Uncle laughed.

“As for charming? Never. For, I’m told, charm hides the worst predilections behind its gilded veneer.”

“Very astute, my dear,” Uncle said. “A young man with a smooth tongue is not to be trusted. He will say anything when fortune hunting. Perhaps you’ll secure a banker. They are not so smooth tongued.”

Taken aback, Aunt looked at her unexpected wisdom. “Perhaps true love can overlook homely misfortune in both a husband and children. Not every gentleman is as pleasing as Mr. Gardiner.” Aunt Madeline’s lips curled into a faint smile, offering the unusual compliment filled with warmth and sincerity. “Nevertheless, tonight is only a trial run, and the young Mr. Darcy has already been caught.”

“Caught by an American heiress?”

“No, dear, by his cousin. The marriage has been arranged since birth.”

“How unfortunate for him if she grew to be an unsuitable match,” she said.

Chapter II

A Grand Affair