Pride Prejudice and Perplexity

A Visit to Pemberley

Chapter Sixteen – A Visit to Pemberley

Julia was eager that they should return Georgiana's call, for she wished, very much, to see her younger sister again; and she was also desirous of seeing her brother and his estate, about which she had heard so much. Bingley accompanied the ladies, in the hope of some sport, but was disappointed to discover, upon their arrival at Pemberley, that neither Mr Darcy, nor Colonel Fitzwilliam, were inclined to relinquish the company of the ladies.

“Mr Darcy, allow me to introduce my friend, Julia Harrison,” said Elizabeth. Julia curtsied, keeping her eyes fixed to the floor.

“A pleasure,” said Mr Darcy, bowing somewhat awkwardly. But since he was never particularly at ease when meeting strangers, and on account of Julia's striking beauty, the suspicions of Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Bingley were not in the least bit aroused.

They were barely seated, following the greetings, when the butler entered to announce a “Mr Hurst, Mrs Hurst, Miss Bingley and Captain Russell.”

As they returned to their feet to greet the new arrivals, Elizabeth, though alarmed, consoled herself that at least they had arrived first, thus sparing Julia and Mr Darcy the trial of performing their introduction under Caroline Bingley's critical and inquisitive eye. Julia was excessively shy and bashful at being introduced to the newcomers, and Elizabeth saw that Miss Bingley's interest and curiosity were already awakened.

Georgiana was exceedingly shocked at the entrance of the Macclesfield party – for Elizabeth had not yet had the opportunity of informing her of their arrival, and in particular, that of Captain Russell, in the neighbourhood – she blushed deeply and knew not where to look. Captain Russell attempted, with some perseverance, to engage her eye, but she would not look in his direction. Elizabeth stood beside her and unobtrusively took her arm to offer support. “Captain Russell,” she said, “are you fond of fishing?”

“Why, yes, Miss Bennet, it is a noble sport, and I enjoy it when the opportunity presents itself. Alas, my cousin's estate at Macclesfield is without river or pond, so I am presently denied the pleasure.”

“Then you are fortunate, indeed, sir, to be visiting Pemberley; for it is noted, is it not, Mr Darcy,” she said looking pointedly in his direction, “for its fine fishing?”

Immediately alive to her intention, Mr Darcy said, “It would be my pleasure, Captain, to lend you rod and tackle, and show you the most promising spots.”

The Captain was in no way eager to abandon the ladies for fish, most especially since he had only just attained his object of gaining the society of Miss Darcy – and then there was this ravishing new beauty, Miss Harrison, whom he wished to become better acquainted with – and to ascertain her degree of wealth. “Thank you, Mr Darcy, that is most generous; however, I would not dare risk giving offence so many lovely ladies – who might be persuaded that I prefer sport to their charming company.”

“You are far too gallant, sir,” said Elizabeth. “I give you permission on behalf of all the ladies – for I do you the justice of presuming that you were complimenting us all – to go off and enjoy your sport. I am certain that we will neither be offended, nor suffer, unduly.”

Caroline Bingley looked sharply at Elizabeth, for her speech bordered on insolence; but while she was searching for a sharp rejoinder, she was stunned and perplexed to hear Mr Darcy say in a commanding voice, “I am quite determined to show you my delightful river, sir.”

There was something in his tone that alerted Captain Russell to the possibility that his host knew more than he had previously supposed, and after politely excusing himself, he followed Mr Darcy from the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam showed not the least interest in joining the fishing expedition and Mr Hurst, recalling the fine cakes and other delicacies he had enjoyed at Pemberley on previous visits, preferred to eat and drink, than to fish. Only Bingley was eager to join the other two gentlemen at their sport; but before he could give utterance to his desire, Jane whispered that it would be most impolite of him to abandon his sisters, whom he had not seen for many months.

After the two gentlemen had left the room, Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst looked at each other in puzzlement and alarm; for evidently, Mr Darcy was in possession of intelligence to the disadvantage of their companion, of which they, themselves, were entirely ignorant; and they wished not to be tainted by association, in the eyes of their host. Miss Bennet, it seemed, was also privy to the information, and Caroline conjectured as to whether she was in fact its source – perhaps she had unjustly maligned Captain Russell. But why?

Bingley broke the awkward silence. “Allow me to say how delighted I am to see you, my dear sisters – and, of course, you too, Hurst – but I must say, that it is somewhat of a surprise, for I was under the impression that you all remained in town.” Turning to his wife, he demanded, “Why did you not tell me, Jane, that my sisters and brother-in-law were in the neighbourhood?”

“I would have informed you immediately, my dear, had I received a letter, conveying the information – but I did not,” replied Jane.

“I cannot believe it!” exclaimed Caroline, in an accusing tone. “Surely you received my letter, informing you that we were invited to stay at Macclesfield?”

“I can assure you that I have received not a single letter from you since we arrived at Ashbourne,” replied Jane earnestly.

“I am astonished!” cried Miss Bingley, throwing her hands up dramatically.

Elizabeth shook her head at Caroline's blatant lie. “I am not surprised, Jane, and neither should you be; for do you not recall, the winter before last, when you were in town, staying with our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, how you wrote twice to Miss Bingley, informing her that you were in town – and that when eventually you went to call upon her, she had received neither letter? Clearly, the postal system, though generally considered excellent, cannot always be relied upon.”

Caroline knew not how to respond; and ignoring Elizabeth entirely, she began speaking of her delight that she and Louisa would very soon have the opportunity of seeing their brother's charming estate; and how delightful it was to see them all again; and how fortuitous it was that they were all staying within so easy a distance, etc., etc.

Jane felt obliged to say that it would be her pleasure to have them dine at Ashbourne; and Caroline appeared delighted. “I understand,” she said, “that the estate of our dear cousin, Captain Radford, is in the vicinity. What a wonderful family occasion it would make, Jane, if you were to invite him, also, to dine.”

Jane simply smiled, for she was well aware that he would most certainly decline the invitation if he knew who were to be the other guests.

“It is so delightful,” said Caroline, turning towards Elizabeth with a supercilious smile, “to have so respectable and distinguished a gentleman in one's family – a person whom one can truly be proud of; for there are those, I believe, who are not so fortunate as to wish to remind the world of some of their connections.”

Elizabeth was incensed at this vicious attack, clearly designed to bring a recollection of Lydia's disgrace to the consciousness of the company; but she was saved the intended embarrassment by the unexpected return of Mr Darcy.

In response to the questioning glances of some of the company, he said, “Oh, I have handed Captain Russell over to the care of my gamekeeper, for I did not wish to be so impolite, as to abandon my other guests.”

Caroline Bingley, taking this to be a compliment to herself, smiled with pleasure; however, Elizabeth suspected that while his speedy return was very likely on account of Miss Bingley, it was prompted not by his desire to enjoy her society; but, rather, by his anxiety at what she might say to Julia.

Mr Darcy was relieved to observe that Julia did not look particularly distressed, and concluded that she had been spared Miss Bingley's attentions thus far. Miss Bingley had, in fact, purposely awaited his return, before commencing her attack on Miss Harrison – who was of course, merely the proxy of her true object – Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Turning to Julia, she said, “It is a great pleasure, Miss Harrison, to meet the special friend of Miss Bennet; although I am surprised not to recognise you from amongst the many of her acquaintances whom I had the pleasure of meeting upon my two visits to Hertfordshire.”

Julia blushed deeply, but Elizabeth quickly drew the attention of the party upon herself, saying, “That is hardly surprising, Miss Bingley; for it was a most circumscribed pleasure, indeed. As I recall, you evinced not the smallest desire of becoming better acquainted with our local Hertfordshire society.”

“I fear your recollection is faulty, Miss Bennet,” said Caroline with a condescending smile.

“Yes, very probably it is; for just before you were speaking of your cousin, Captain Radford, as being a most respectable and distinguished gentleman. Yet my, evidently faulty, recollection of your opinions of the Captain, which you did not scruple to conceal, either in Hertfordshire or in town, is quite the opposite.”

Mr Darcy failed to suppress a snort, and Jane and Bingley could not help but smile.

Caroline wisely chose to give up that particular skirmish, and turned back to her principal campaign. “When I meet someone new, Miss Harrison, I always like to enquire of their background – who are their parents, and so on.”

Before the rest of the party were able to observe the terror that this question struck in its object, Elizabeth said. “You astound me, Miss Bingley! You are the very last person whom I would expect to ask such a question.”

“Why? Whatever do you mean?” asked Caroline guardedly.

Elizabeth was surprised that her remark was not enough to silence Caroline. “I am aware that there are those, who see nothing vulgar in demanding of a lady or a gentleman that they prove their pedigree by reciting who was their father, and their father's father, and so on. I must say that I find the practice disagreeable; and prefer to judge a person by their own manners and behaviour, rather than by who was their great-grandfather. I must say that I am greatly surprised to learn that you are an adherent of this boorish custom, Miss Bingley. However, let me assure you, that if we were all to recite the rank of our forebears, my friend, Miss Harrison, would acquit herself as well as any lady or gentleman in this room. How many generations are you intending to regress in your own recitation?”

This had the desired effect of silencing Caroline; and though her own attack was more malicious than she had intended, Elizabeth felt satisfied that Caroline Bingley would never again ask Julia that particular question – certainly not in her presence. Julia was, none-the-less, greatly discomposed after her fright, and would find great difficulty engaging in conversation, particularly with Caroline; who, Elizabeth observed, was looking at Julia thoughtfully, doubtless seeking some other avenue of attack, which could not be turned back upon herself.

“Miss Darcy,” said Elizabeth, “my friend has expressed an interest in seeing your magnificent instrument, and hearing you play it.”

“And if you would leave the doors to the music room open, my dear, we may all share the pleasure,” said Mr Darcy to Georgiana; eager to support Elizabeth's clever suggestion that would remove Julia from the immediate threat of further attacks from Miss Bingley.

The sound of Georgiana's delightful performance could soon be heard from the adjoining room, and Miss Bingley, denied any further opportunity of attacking Miss Bennet's friend, by her deft manoeuvre, took advantage of Georgiana's absence by putting herself forward, and assuming the role of hostess – one which she evidently still held hopes might one day be hers. While she was presiding over the table, pouring tea and offering cakes to the other guests, Mr Darcy seated himself beside Elizabeth, and said softly, “Miss Bennet, I cannot thank you enough, for your robust defence of Miss Harrison; you were masterful.”

“It was my pleasure, Mr Darcy; I must say, I rather enjoyed the sport.”

Mr Darcy smiled. “And thank you for your quick thinking, regarding Captain Russell. Though I wished to remove him from the house, from the very moment he entered the room, I was unable to think of a suitable pretext for achieving it. I had briefly considered offering to show him my duelling pistols,” he said with a smile. “I left him in no doubt that he is no longer welcome at Pemberley – or at Grosvenor Square.”

“Poor Georgiana suffered a great fright at seeing him; but I believe she is now recovered,” replied Elizabeth.

“Do you think it likely that he will visit Ashbourne, with Bingley's sisters?”

“Probably; but you need not fear for Julia, for if he does visit, I shall inform him at the earliest moment that she has no money. I shall also give him to understand that I am aware of all that transpired between himself and Miss Darcy in town, and that I do not consider his presence in the company of young ladies, such as my friend, as desirable. If he does visit Ashbourne, then his first visit shall most certainly be his last.”

“Thank you, Miss Bennet, you are the perfect older sister – of which both of my sisters have been in want, their whole life long,” he said, fixing her with a most affectionate gaze, which left her in little doubt that a third Darcy was also in desire of her.

Elizabeth blushed at the intensity of his look, but remained silent.

Caroline Bingley was constantly looking in Mr Darcy's direction, in the hope of a smile of approval, or some sign of appreciation of the service she rendered him in ministering to his guests; and, perhaps, just a hint of recognition at how well she performed her office – and what a fine mistress of Pemberley she would make. But instead, she was dismayed to observe that he never once looked in her direction – and that his attention was totally engrossed in that artful Miss Bennet; and upon witnessing the unmistakably ardent gaze that he now bestowed upon her unworthy rival, she relinquished her teapot, and came to seat herself on the sofa, on the other side of Mr Darcy.

The company was listening attentively, to the beauty of the music. When it was finished, Miss Bingley was gushing, and eager in her praise. “Mr Darcy, I can scarce believe how vastly improved is your sister, Georgiana, since last I heard her – when, I might add, she was already a great adept at the pianoforte. Whenever I hear her play, I am always jealous, for though she is younger than myself, her performance is unquestionably superior. Is it not true, Louisa? Have you not heard me speak so?” she asked, looking towards her older sister for confirmation, which was readily given.

“But that last piece, which she just now performed, was utterly exquisite, and several notches of accomplishment beyond anything I have heard from her heretofore,” continued Miss Bingley fawningly. “Your sister is truly the most accomplished young lady I have ever encountered. It is sad, is it not, that all young ladies are not so accomplished as dear Georgiana – but of course that would be quite impossible. Most regrettably, there is many a young lady whom one encounters these days, who is entirely without accomplishment at all – save for a poorly netted purse or suchlike.

“Pray tell, Miss Bennet, has your friend, Miss Harrison, attained any great success in the pursuit of accomplishments?” she asked, leaning forward, with a smug smile that betrayed the eager expectation of an answer in the negative.

“I shall leave that for you to judge, Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth cryptically, with just the hint of a smile upon her face.

“I beg your pardon?” demanded Caroline. “How, precisely, do you propose that I form a judgement on the matter?”

Elizabeth said nothing, but Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had stood himself by the doorway to the music room, that he might better admire the performance, answered her, “You have already passed judgement on the matter, Miss Bingley, for that last piece, which you praised with such unrestrained enthusiasm, was performed not by Miss Darcy, but by Miss Harrison.”

“Oh?” was all Miss Bingley could find to say at this remarkable piece of news; and she could hardly be insensible to the smiles on the faces of many of the party, who, having previously heard Julia play, had been in little doubt, all the way through Miss Bingley's remarkable rant, of which lady had lastly performed upon the pianoforte.

Elizabeth hoped that Miss Bingley would judge it prudent to stay well away from any mention of her special friend; and, indeed, her voice was not heard for an unusually long period of time.

Turning to Elizabeth, Mr Darcy said, “I find myself obliged to stay in Derby for the next several days, to discharge my duties of magistrate at the summer assizes; however, rest assured, that I shall return in time to honour your sister's dinner invitation on Saturday.”

Elizabeth smiled at Mr Darcy, who looked at her fondly; but she greatly regretted his making mention of the dinner at Ashbourne; for she was well aware that Caroline was listening intently to his every word. She only hoped that she would make no mention of the matter until the opportunity presented itself to speak privately with Jane. Sadly, her hopes were disappointed; and doubtless Caroline felt not the slightest doubt that it was Jane's intention to invite both herself and the Hursts.

“Good heavens, Jane, why have you not yet told us of the dinner party?” scolded Caroline.

Jane blushed, and Elizabeth realised that her sister would be too embarrassed to publicly rebuff Caroline with what was, after all, a contrived excuse.

“It is most unfortunate,” said Elizabeth, “that the letter you wrote my sister, advising her that you would soon be in the district, was lost.”

“Why? What possible bearing could that have upon the matter?” demanded Caroline, leaning forward to glare at Elizabeth on the other side of Mr Darcy.

“It is to be the first dinner party given at Ashbourne; and, as you may imagine, all the myriad arrangements, required for setting up so considerable a household, are not yet complete. It is, perhaps, a little premature for such an event; but Mr Bingley and my sister are naturally anxious to return some of the generous hospitality they have been so fortunate to receive at Pemberley. You will appreciate that at this early stage, with a limited amount of plate, and without the full complement of serving and kitchen staff yet engaged, a large dinner is not possible.”

Caroline looked at Elizabeth suspiciously. “Seven persons, is hardly enough for it to be called a dinner party at all. Surely it must be possible to accommodate a few more?”

“Why, Miss Bingley, I agree with you entirely – and in fact I raised that exact same objection with my sister – did I not, Jane?”

“Indeed, you did,” confirmed Jane, more than happy to pass the thread of the conversation back to her sister, whose skill at engaging with her cunning sister-in-law, she was unable to equal.

“And I carried my point,” added Elizabeth. “It was agreed that a party of nine might just be accommodated; which is why it is so very unfortunate that your letter went missing; for had we known you were to be in the district, you most certainly would have received an invitation. But as it was, Mr Bingley's cousin, Captain Radford, and Miss Barclay were invited; and being a great deal less forward than ourselves at Ashbourne, in their own endeavours at bringing together the establishment at Hartington, they were delighted to accept.”

“I see,” said Miss Bingley, sceptically, as she continued to glare at Elizabeth; believing not a word of it.

“But we shall be delighted to have you dine with us on the following Tuesday,” said Jane quickly. “Indeed, it has been my intention to invite you since the moment you arrived here, today.”

“Then you will invite our cousin, Captain Radford, and Miss Barclay, of course,” said Caroline. “It is only unfortunate that you are unable to accommodate a larger party and that our dear friends from Pemberley cannot be invited, also.”

“We shall bear it, as best we can,” said Mr Darcy, struggling to suppress a smile; for along with his sister and cousin, he considered Miss Bingley's company a pleasure he could forgo with a good deal of complaisance.

But the Pemberley party were of little account; for it now seemed that the artful Miss Bennet presently held Mr Darcy in her power. Caroline yet hoped to remedy the situation at some future time, when she discovered some means or other of discrediting her rival. For the moment, however, the object of her hopes was Captain Radford; and she was determined to press the advantage of their relationship.

“It will be delightful, will it not, Louisa, to have an intimate family meal – we are both in such admiration of our new-found cousin. But that will make ten at the table. Can you accommodate ten persons?”

“I think there is something amiss with your arithmetic, Miss Bingley; and before you send out the invitation cards, you may wish to inform my sister of whom, exactly, you are intending to invite on her behalf.” Elizabeth was astounded at Caroline's impertinence in taking it upon herself to decide who should be invited to Jane's dinner party.

“There is nothing wanting with my arithmetic,” she said coldly. “You are four at Ashbourne, two more from Hartington makes six, and four from Macclesfield makes ten.”

“I am quite certain that my sister wishes to invite only three from Macclesfield, is that not correct Jane?”

“Yes, just yourself, Caroline, together with Louisa and Mr Hurst,” Jane said quickly.

Miss Bingley could be in not the slightest doubt that there was some objection to Captain Russell. She suspected that he must have given offence to Miss Bennet in London; most likely he had rebuffed her attentions – and who could blame him – and she had taken her revenge upon that charming gentleman by blackening his name. However, judging from their host's earlier behaviour, in all but escorting Captain Russell from the room, it was evident that Mr Darcy, at least, accepted Miss Bennet's account of events, so she dared not challenge her on the matter in front of him.

“Oh well, if nine is all you can manage, Jane, then it shall just be us three,” said Caroline unnecessarily.

Elizabeth and Jane were in no doubt that the actual number would be seven, for Captain Radford, and Victoria would most certainly decline the invitation.