Desperate Hearts: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Read online

  “You must be fatigued after your journey, Caroline. Why don’t I have the maid show you to your chamber so you can refresh yourself while I ring for tea and coffee? But first let me introduce you to our little party. My brother’s wife Gwendolyn” – at which the pretty blonde-haired lady nodded her head at Caroline – “and Gwendolyn’s sister Pamela” – this time the less-pretty but still elegant brunette acknowledged her. The two gentlemen had arisen when the three entered the room, and Deirdre made the last introductions. “This is Mr. Arthur Brandon, a friend of my brother’s, and Mr. Walter Danbury, Gwendolyn’s brother. Miss Caroline Bingley, a dear friend of mine from seminary.” Caroline dropped a curtsy as the two gentlemen bowed and then remained standing.

  “Enchantée,” Caroline smiled as she was introduced, and then she turned to Deirdre. “Yes, if you would not mind I should very much like to refresh myself and change from my traveling clothes before I feel prepared to be in company.” Deirdre rang for a maid to show Caroline to her rooms and directed the girl to bring up some hot water, and then to show Caroline’s maid to her own quarters in the servants’ section. “If there is anything at all that you need, just ring and Eloise will be happy to be of service.” Deirdre nodded towards the young maid.

  “Thank you. I shall return directly.” Caroline smiled again at her hostess and then followed the maid to her rooms, where she found her own maid unpacking her mistress’ trunks.

  After Caroline had departed the sitting room, Deirdre rang for refreshments and then she and her brother took seats – he on the sofa between his wife and her sister, and she on a soft chair adjacent to the tea table. Once she was seated, the two gentlemen regained their seats, and Gwendolyn asked about Caroline, who, she noted, seemed quite the fashionable lady.

  “We became friends in seminary because we both despised the same girls!” Deirdre laughed. “Caroline is possessed of quite a biting wit, although she always displayed more fashion than form, and presented herself as above herself. Her family’s fortune was made in trade, and I believe her brother inherited the family business and is still in trade.”

  “It is certainly most generous of you to befriend her, Deirdre. Has she any acceptable connections?” Walter Danbury enquired. “And what of her share of the fortune?”

  Deirdre responded that Caroline claimed a dowry of about twenty thousand pounds as well as an indeterminate legacy. As to her connections … “I do not think so, although her brother claims a close friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. I believe you are also acquainted with that gentleman, Paul?” She asked, turning to her brother.

  “Indeed I am, dear sister,” Paul responded. “We met often at sporting events – or perhaps I should say we competed at these events, as Darcy is a Cambridge man.” Paul finished with a somewhat derisive laugh. “But he is good company, and we used to share an occasional drink at our club in town.”

  “He was pointed out to me at White’s some years ago, and I still see him there from time to time,” Arthur Brandon said. “He is reputed to be an excellent businessman of unblemished honesty and integrity – as well as being a first-class snob who neither acknowledges nor talks to anyone not within his close circle of acquaintance,” Arthur shrugged.

  “More reserved than snobbish in my experience” Paul replied. “If there is a reason why you wish to meet him, I can certainly introduce you the next time we are all three in town.”

  “No particular reason, although I thank you. You never know when it might be useful to have the acquaintance of one of England’s wealthiest gentlemen,” Arthur laughed, setting off a round of knowing laughter amongst all the men in the room.

  By this time Caroline had washed off the dust of the road and changed out of her travelling clothes, and re-entered the sitting room. The gentlemen politely rose just as the maid was rolling in the serving cart transporting a beautiful Sèvres coffee and tea service.

  “Rather unpatriotic I suppose, but I confess that I simply love the design,” Deirdre remarked as Caroline settled on one end of a small settee next to Deirdre’s chair. “What a shame that French goods have been embargoed,” she observed sadly. “This set belonged to my grandmother, so I cannot be accused of siding with the enemy!” Deirdre laughed.

  “It is a lovely set” Caroline observed. “Strong with one sugar, please.” Each of the other guests stated their preferences, and Deirdre prepared and then passed their cups and saucers to the maid, who delivered each one to the guest who claimed it. The maid then passed around a plate of gingerbread biscuits, followed by a plate of small iced cakes.

  When each guest had been served, Walter enquired of Deirdre: “What entertainments do you have planned for this evening, Miss Deirdre? Something lively, I hope, else we shall all be bored and retire early!” He smiled at his hostess.

  “Deirdre has a theatre piece scheduled for tonight, Danbury. Something light and amusing, as I understand” Paul responded.

  “Yes, brother – a few scenes from Shakespeare’s more amusing plays, starting with A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Deirdre told him. “We brought a troupe of stage players from town, and if any of you would care to join in the play-acting the performers have offered to find a role for you.”

  “Brilliant!” said Arthur, who was invited to the weekend at his own request, as he had been nursing a tendre for Deirdre for some time. He addressed his next comment directly to his hostess. “Perhaps when they get to Romeo and Juliet you and I can take on the starring roles.”

  Deirdre, who also had a very high regard for Arthur, blushed. “As you know, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, not a light-hearted comedy, sir! But we shall see which plays the troupe has chosen and act accordingly.” Deirdre smiled and the rest of the party politely tittered at her bon mot.

  The rest of the afternoon passed in pleasant conversation. Finally the maid came in to clear the dishes, and everyone retired to their respective chambers to rest before dressing for dinner.

  As the dinner hour approached, Walter chanced upon Caroline as she exited her rooms, and escorted her downstairs into the dining room, where they continued their conversation about plays and operas they had seen when last they were in town. It amused them both that their tastes in entertainment should be so similar, and they found a great deal to discuss at dinner, where they were seated next to each other. Walter discovered, to his pleasure, that the Bingley family had recently acquired a sizeable estate in Hertfordshire of which Caroline was mistress for her brother, a bachelor. So she is not simply a tradesman’s daughter, she is a gentleman’s sister, Walter mused.

  Following a delicious meal, the ladies filed out of the dining room to enjoy their coffee and tea in the drawing room, where they awaited the gentlemen. They were joined by the gentlemen shortly, and almost immediately Deirdre stood up, clapped her hands, and announced that the evening’s entertainment was about to begin in the larger parlour. Gentlemen rose to offer their arms to the ladies, with Walter again escorting Caroline, and taking a seat next to her. It seemed only natural for the tallest man in the group to be drawn to the tallest lady, and she to him.

  As soon as everyone was seated, a screen was drawn back by two footmen, revealing the players, and the scene began. Caroline did not even notice what scene it was – she was distracted by the actress who portrayed Titania. Unless she was very much mistaken, the actress was none other than – could it be? – Miss Elizabeth Bennet! Caroline could barely keep her countenance much less take her eyes off the actress! What was Eliza Bennet doing in a troupe of thespians? She could barely wait to get home to Netherfield to tell her family – and Mr. Darcy! – about this!

  Some time later – she could not say exactly when as she had not been attentive to the scene – the members of the audience applauded and Caroline joined in, presuming the performance was at an end. It was, however, only the end of the scene; after a few minutes to change costume and re-set the scenery, the players appeared again, with Elizabeth Bennet this time acting the role
of Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Once again, Caroline could barely take her eyes off the actress and missed out on the performance, applauding politely when the rest of the guests did so. After two more vignettes, the scheduled performance drew to a close, and the performers took their bows.

  At this point, Deirdre rose from her seat and asked if anyone would care to enact a scene with the troupe. As there were no takers, Deirdre invited her guests to meet the performers. Caroline practically leapt out of her seat and made a beeline for Elizabeth Bennet.

  Addressing her as informally as usual, Caroline remarked at how surprised yet delighted she was to see Miss Eliza here in Surrey in a theatre performance. “I did not know you were a thespian among your other talents, Miss Eliza” she commented snidely. The actress regarded Caroline with surprise and some distaste. “I believe you have me confused with someone else, Madam. My name is Bridget Colley, and I do not recall ever playing a character named Eliza.”

  Upon closer inspection, Caroline noted that the actress was a shade taller and slimmer than Elizabeth Bennet. Still, except on very close examination, she could easily pass for Miss Eliza Bennet.

  And a plan began to form in Caroline’s mind …

  Thirteen: Later that evening at Rington …

  As soon as she could arrange it and still be polite, Caroline pled fatigue from her lengthy journey and retired to her bedchamber. Upon reaching the room, she went immediately to the small escritoire that had been placed near the window, withdrew pen, paper, and ink, and began to compose a letter to someone she had never met but knew only by reputation: Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy’s widowed aunt and mistress of Rosings Park in Kent.

  Your most gracious and honourable Ladyship,

  Please forgive my presumption in writing to you directly. Although we have never been introduced, we do share a common acquaintance in Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, of Pemberley. Mr. Darcy is currently a guest in my brother’s house in Hertfordshire.

  It has come to the notice of many people, including myself, that Mr. Darcy has been showing favour to a local girl, Miss Eliza Bennet, and that their attachment appears to be increasing. I understand from my brother Charles that Mr. Darcy has been betrothed to your daughter Anne these many years; clearly it is of utmost importance to separate Mr. Darcy from Miss Bennet before she damages his good name by luring him into an even more inappropriate state of affairs. I believe we share an interest in separating Mr. Darcy from this unworthy girl, as she has no connections, no fortune, no consequence whatsoever – by all measures, a most unsuitable attachment – nor does her sister, who has likewise been pursuing my brother. My sister and I have attempted several times to separate them while attempting to separate our brother Charles from her equally fortune-hunting elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet, without success. It appears that you have also attempted to bring Mr. Darcy to his senses regarding your daughter, also without success so far.

  I believe I have discovered the means to separate both gentlemen from the Bennet sisters, but I will need some assistance and so I ask for an audience with you to present my idea. I am currently at a friend’s country house in Surrey and can make my way to Rosings Park before departing for Hertfordshire.

  Please advise by return if this is agreeable to you so I can make all arrangements in good time to arrive in Kent early Sunday afternoon.

  Yours etc.

  Miss Caroline Bingley

  Caroline addressed and sealed the letter, and handed it off to a footman to arrange for an express rider to deliver it to Lady Catherine.

  Fourteen: Saturday morning at Rington

  “Where and when is your next performance scheduled, Mr. Melvin? Will you be returning to London today?” Caroline Bingley asked one of the members of the acting troupe.

  “Indeed, we are not engaged again until next month, Miss Bingley. The troupe and I had planned to spend the intervening period in rehearsals for a new short play that we will perform at a birthday celebration for the Earl of ----- and his friends.” Roger Melvin was walking in the garden with Bridget and another young lady from the troupe when Miss Bingley caught up with them. “We do not often enjoy a great deal of free time as our schedule is normally very heavily booked. And we do not often find ourselves in so pretty a location, so Miss Colley and Miss Dole and I thought to take a little fresh air before we travel into the local village to catch the post to London.”

  Caroline turned to Bridget. “Miss Colley, there is a matter I would speak with you about. I may be able to arrange an engagement for your troupe, or at least some members of it. I believe there is a bench around the next corner if you would accompany me.” Bridget, after a quick glance at Roger, replied “Certainly” and followed Caroline to the bench. Caroline sat down and Bridget joined her.

  “What can I do for you, Miss Bingley? I do need to prepare for our departure this afternoon. You said something about a potential engagement?” Bridget asked.

  “Miss Colley, I have connections in society who are casting a small private theatre production. I believe you are just right for the starring role, but I do not have the final say. The audition would need to take place straight away. Are you available to travel to Kent tomorrow morning before returning to town? After our business in Kent is concluded I can take you to London on my way back to Hertfordshire in my personal carriage. Are you interested?” Caroline asked with a forced smile at Bridget.

  To say the least, Bridget was interested and wished to know more details, although she was not anxious to travel to Kent, especially with the prickly Miss Bingley. “Yes, I believe that would be quite suitable if you are sure we will be back in town by tomorrow evening. And of course I must be accompanied by my husband Mr. Moretti. He is the troupe’s manager and makes all the booking arrangements. I will go speak with him directly. Can you give me any more details about the engagement you have in mind?”

  “We will discuss it when we reach Kent, where we will meet with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I have undertaken to help her set up a surprise performance for a family member of hers and I believe you will fit the part perfectly” Caroline assured her.

  “Now there is nothing illegal or immoral involved here, is there? I know that some in society consider actors and especially actresses to be of somewhat loose morals …” Bridget felt herself leaning slightly away from Caroline as she said this.

  Caroline smiled again. “Oh no, nothing like that I assure you. Only acting a role in a dramatic piece. It would be of short duration and you would be well compensated. We may be able to employ your husband as well, but we shall leave that up to Lady Catherine. And I have no doubt you will be home in town after our interview well before Sunday evening as I am intending to reach Hertfordshire, and my brother’s estate, by that time. Now what do you say?”

  A funny feeling nagged at Bridget, but as she could not identify any specific objection she agreed to at least speak with the Lady and see what she had in mind. She could always refuse the job. And anyway her husband would be there in case of any unforeseen problems. “Yes, that will suit quite well.”

  “Then we leave at first light tomorrow morning” Caroline said as she rose to return to the manor house. “I shall ask Miss Hetherington to arrange an early light breakfast and afterwards we will be off.”

  “Very good, ma’am” Bridget said with a curtsy, as Caroline turned to go. Bridget waited a few moments and then walked through the garden in search of Mr. Melvin to let him know that she would not be traveling to town with him and Miss Dole.

  As Caroline was approaching the house, she noticed a servant accepting an express letter from a horseman. The footman waved the letter at Caroline, and started walking towards her. “Miss Bingley, an express has just arrived for you,” he said as he handed her the letter. She took it as he bowed to her and then returned into the house. Caroline walked in the opposite direction toward a small sculpture garden and sat on a stone bench carved with cherubs, then broke the wax seal and opened t
he single-page letter. The contents were exactly what she was hoping for, and to be frank, what she fully expected.

  Written in a tight, crabbed hand was the following:

  Miss Bingley,

  I was quite surprised to receive your express earlier this evening, and at the intelligence it contained. My daughter Anne and I will be at home on Sunday and will await your arrival after church. I trust you have something of value to impart to us.

  Lady Catherine de Bourgh

  Rosings Park, Kent

  Yes, I may indeed have a job for you, Bridget, Caroline smiled to herself.

  Fifteen: A short time later

  “Deirdre, I hope you will forgive me. This has been such a delightful visit but I am afraid I must cut it short. Just now I received a letter and must attend to some unexpected business.” Caroline clutched the letter from Lady Catherine in her hand.

  “Stanley mentioned to me that you had received an express. I trust it is not bad news?” Deirdre hated when her parties broke up before she planned them to. “Is there anything that Paul or I can do?”