Bingley's Deception

  Bingley’s Deception

  A Pride and Prejudice Variation

  Tiffany Ward

  Dedication:

  To my family who is patient when dinner is a little late as I am writing my thoughts and storylines.

  Description:

  Caroline and Darcy became good friends. Realising that Darcy is falling for Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Caroline publicly claims she is engaged to Darcy. When Darcy meets Lizzy to propose she slaps him. Caroline has plainly labelled Elizabeth a homewrecker. Her family throws her out of their house. Her family is ruined with her. Will Darcy be able to save her? Will Charles support his friend or his sister? Read to determine if Darcy will be able to marry the woman he loves, or forced to make a home with his friend’s sister who destroyed his dreams. Will the Bennet family remain ruined?

  This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to persons alive or dead is unintentional.

  ** This novel contains scenes that are not recommended for younger readers. These scenes include marital relations by a loving couple. **

  Copyright © Tiffany Ward, 2019

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Printed in the United States of America

  First Printing, 2019

  This is a work of fiction based off the characters created by Jane Austen. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Contents

  Bingley’s Deception

  Introduction:

  Chapter One: Netherfield Park

  Chapter Two: Tea with the Locals

  Chapter Three: The Bookstore

  Chapter Four: Longbourn

  Chapter Five: The Assembly

  Chapter Six: Oakham Mount

  Chapter Seven: The Carriage Ride

  Chapter Eight: Caroline’s Fate

  Chapter Nine: Family Support?

  Chapter Ten: Netherfield Owners Revealed

  Chapter Eleven: Meryton

  Chapter Twelve: Shopping for a Trousseau

  Chapter Thirteen: A Royal Summons

  Chapter Fourteen: Royal Intervention

  Chapter Fifteen: Wedding Night

  Chapter Sixteen: Return to Society

  Chapter Seventeen: Dealing with Anne

  Chapter Eighteen: Heading North

  Chapter Nineteen: Prince Edward takes on Meryton

  Chapter Twenty: Religious Retribution

  Epilogue

  Bibliography

  Introduction:

  “Darcy, I know what your home life is like, with your mother gone you have not had much in the way of a Christmas for many years. Please come home with me and celebrate the holidays with my family.” Charles Bingley was worried that his best friend would be lonely during Christmas. He had been Darcy’s roommate at school for two years now. Charles realised that his friend did not have much of a home life, so he wanted to give him an opportunity to spend the upcoming holidays with a real family. “It will just be my mother and my sisters. Louisa is getting married after the holidays. Caroline is approaching the age where she will be presented soon. With the females focusing on the wedding preparations, I would appreciate you entertaining me. I have been instructed that my only part in the wedding is to show up and give my consent.”

  “As Georgiana will be visiting my aunt and uncle, it would be father, myself and George Wickham at Pemberley. Yes, Charles, I believe that I will join your family this year for the holidays. Thank you for the invitation. I appreciate it greatly.” Fitzwilliam Darcy did not want to go home due to the lack of celebration. Christmas had not been a happy occasion since his mother had passed eight years prior. If he did go home, he would be harassed by George Wickham and ignored by his father. There was no reason to return to Pemberley this year.

  The men spent the next hour making plans for their travels. They decided to not head directly to Scarborough; instead, they would make some stops and see the attractions along the way. William wrote his father regarding his plans, knowing that his father would not attempt to ask him to change his mind. As Fitzwilliam reminded him of his late wife, whom he loved dearly, Mr. Darcy avoided his son when possible.

  Arriving in Scarborough a few weeks later, Fitzwilliam was introduced to Bingley’s sisters, Louisa and Caroline. Louisa was twenty-one. She was focused entirely on what she needed to accomplish for her nuptials. She did not have time to meet her brother’s friend.

  Meanwhile, Caroline had just turned seventeen years old. She was anticipating her introduction to London society. When she was included in men’s conversations, she would ask questions about social rules and what she should expect as a debutante whose father was in trade. This was not done to gain Darcy’s attention, she wanted to make a good impression on the ton. Charles had not told his sisters about his friend’s background, so neither attempted to gain his attention for themselves.

  “After I am presented, I am expected to attract men for dances. These men would then determine if they wish to court me.” Caroline was curious about what she would be facing when she arrived in London. “What kinds of things do I need to do to attract men’s attention. Should I be myself, or act as if I do not have a thought in my head?”

  “My answer depends on what type of husband you are trying to secure. The best advice is to be yourself. Speak of topics that you are knowledgeable, then try to see which men have common interests that you would like to spend time with.” William informed the young debutante hoping she would take the advice seriously. “Do not focus on one man, if he does not give you attention in return, then other men may not ignore you. Do not turn down dances; otherwise, you will have to sit out the remainder of the ball. If anyone makes inappropriate suggestions, tell your chaperone. While you cannot turn down dances, your chaperone can act without impunity.”

  “Those are the same rules as the country society.” Caroline was relieved that some of what she would face was familiar to her already. “Is there any other advice that either of you has to offer?”

  “Give names of men that you are interested in to your brother, then he can give you information that may not be generally known. You do not have to marry your first season, so be patient.” Darcy was determined to help Caroline; she seemed to be a nice girl that might have issues due to her lack of connections. “Do not turn down suitors who call on you on their first visit; this would give you a reputation of being too picky and others would not pursue you.”

  Darcy and Bingley spent part of each evening answering his sister’s questions. During this time, Darcy and Caroline became good friends. They were honest with each other, speaking as if they had known each other for years. Neither felt they could be anything else, but friendship would be their due. Since Charles was already one of Darcy’s best friends, his sister could tag along without any suspicions or innuendo.

  As the years progress, the friendship of the three continued to grow. Occasionally the Hursts would be included in their outings. Caroline became a thick-skinned when dealing with the ton. She was invited to more events due to her connection with Darcy. The matrons realised that if they requested the Bingleys to attend their event, then Darcy would probably arrive with them. Knowing that Darcy did not like attention, Caroline would accompany him to events where she thought he would be uncomfortable. She would remain by his side when his scow
l would appear. She was one of his main dance partners during these events.

  “William, I will never approve of Miss Bingley as my daughter. It would be best if you married someone from your sphere. The future mistress of Pemberley needs to be a gentlewoman at the very least. While I accept Mr. Bingley as your friend, his sister is never to be your wife.” Darcy’s father was worried about the relationship. His godson, George Wickham had reported that his heir was courting the Bingley lady. This would not be due for the future of his estate.

  “Father, I have been candid with the Bingleys. I am friends with both Charles and his sister Caroline. I have no intention of marrying her for any reason. I did not have any romantic interest in her, and she will never be my wife. I will only marry the woman that I can love. Both Caroline and Charles know my intentions and did not expect any further relationship between our two families.” William was disgusted that his father believed Wickham. Hadn’t he already given enough proof that Wickham was a scoundrel of the first order?

  “I understand that you have made your intentions clear, but I will monitor these interactions carefully. I will not allow our family honour to be harmed due to the Bingleys. Know that your friends reported the intentions of Miss Bingley to me out of concern. Others believe her intentions are not honourable.” His father was temporarily satisfied and understood Darcy’s loneliness. He had been very close to his mother, but since her death, Fitzwilliam had not made many friends. “You will attend more social functions of the ton without the Bingleys. I want you to meet other ladies without the interference of Miss Bingley. I am asking you to do this for your happiness.”

  “Father if the friends that you refer to are Wickham, then the information is false. I have not been friends with that degenerate since he attacked and raped Miss Donahue. He did this as punishment for her brother reporting him for theft. You need to understand that your godson is not a good man. Please, father, have your investigator research Wickham’s behaviour without my interference. You refuse to believe anything that I say against him, please find someone that you trust to discover the truth.” William was sick of the way that his father turned a blind eye to the behaviour of his godson. For many years, William had attempted to tell his father the truth, only to be rebuffed. Due to this, William could not truly respect his father any more.

  “I will make you a deal son; if you attend the social events that I indicate without the presence of Miss Bingley, then I will hire an investigator. I know that Wickham has been a problem for you, but I do not believe he has become as bad as you claim.” Darcy was willing to do this for the son that he neglected. He knew that his son was an honourable man. If he was asking for this, then there must be some truth to his claims against Wickham.

  Darcy’s father insisted that he attend specific events each season. Darcy would eventually take a bride, and he would be responsible for guiding his sister in matters when dealing with the ton during her first season. Mr. Darcy senior did not want to participate in society any longer; he had never recovered from his wife’s death. He wanted his children happy and healthy but did not spend much time with them. They reminded them of his dear wife, Anne. Mr. Darcy expected his wife’s family, the Fitzwilliams, to provide his children guidance in society. The only time he spent with his son was teaching William how to run Pemberley during his summer holidays from school. It was essential to pass on the traditions of his family, to guide the future so that their heritage would be maintained and prosperous.

  Darcy did hire the investigator. The report was highly astounding. Wickham had been running up debts, claiming to be Fitzwilliam. He had fathered at least seven children, potentially five others. The worst report was the fact that Wickham raped not only the Donahue girl but also three others. All of the girls he raped were daughters of gentlemen. George Darcy could not understand how his steward’s son had turned out so badly. He cut all ties with the boy, forcing him to leave England. This was the only way he could protect his children and estate from the scoundrel. These actions weighed heavily on the man, eventually leading to his poor health and early demise.

  Charles was a good companion when Darcy senior passed away two years later. He was able to talk Fitzwilliam Darcy through his grief, and Caroline arrived to help with his younger sister. The girls had spent some time together in London, but this was the first opportunity for them to become friends. Georgiana realised that Caroline had been friends with her brother, so she began to rely on the older girl for guidance.

  Darcy listened to Caroline regarding schools for Georgiana. It was time for his sister to begin learning and meeting other ladies from her social sphere. Caroline was able to explain what Georgie would need to know before her presentation. This information was presented to Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s cousin, and Georgie’s second guardian. He and his parents agreed with the idea of the school; they just wanted a more prestigious school for Georgie than the ones Caroline suggested. As the Bingleys were from trade, the schools she knew and had attended were for girls from lower classes than those befitting the granddaughter of an Earl.

  Three years later, Charles finally decided to lease an estate to learn if he wanted to purchase it. This had been his father’s dream when he sold his business. Charles invited Darcy and Georgiana to visit and give their opinion of his property. The lease was set to begin at Michaelmas, so the Darcys decided to spend their spring and summer getting ready for their departure to Hertfordshire. With the knowledge that they would be together, Darcy decided to not engage a companion for Georgie. The two pairs of siblings met in London during the middle of September to finish preparations for the upcoming venture. The ladies shopped for any supplies they might need in the country, while the men looked over the legal paperwork and maps of the property.

  Aunt Adelaide, also known as Lady Matlock spoke to her nephew, Darcy before he left for the country. She organised a family dinner; this way the siblings would be required to attend without company. While Georgie was playing the piano to entertain her uncle, Adelaide used the time to discuss her concerns with her nephew. “Darcy, you know that I only have the best of intentions for you. I have been watching you when the Bingleys attend the same events for four years now. Do you realise that Miss Bingley has ignored suitors to pay attention solely to you? She has purposely turned away admirable men to dance with you. Are you sure that she does not wish to marry you? The gossips state that you have made your match, and Miss Bingley is actively encouraging this gossip. She has even started a few of these rumours herself.”

  “Aunt, I know that you truly care for me. I think of Caroline as a friend only. I will never marry her. Please understand that I want to find love. I do not have that with Miss Bingley. She has been made aware that I will not marry her; she is only a friend.” Darcy accepted the family concern but knew that he would be protected from any machinations of Caroline. “Charles had understood my feelings from the beginning when he introduced me to his family. He has promised that he will support me above his own family. If Caroline is encouraging the gossips, it will only harm her reputation when I do find a woman to marry. Caroline Bingley will never be my wife, no matter what the gossips claim.”

  “Please understand, the heart of a woman can be a fickle thing. She may not even know that she is in love with you. Alternatively, she may be hoping that you will eventually fall in love with her if she waits long enough.” Aunt Adelaide worried that Darcy was not taking her warning seriously. “Please ensure that Mr. Bingley still understands that you will not marry his sister. Also, please do not allow yourself to be placed in a compromising situation with her. As close as you are with the family, will you risk cutting ties with them completely? I know you are a careful man, please remain that way with this young lady. I am apprehensive about this situation. I am afraid that you are complacent, not giving my concern its proper due. Will your honour allow you to have a friend’s reputation ruined?”

  “Do not worry Aunt. Georgiana is travelling with us. I will discu
ss your concerns with her. I will ask Georgie if Caroline has indicated that she is attracted to me. If Georgie decides that your apprehensions have merit, we will return to London immediately.” Wondering if his aunt’s observations were correct, he would ask his sister for advice. He remembered hearing Charles complain about the suitors being turned away. “I have made my expectations clear with both of the Bingleys. There has been no miscommunication from me, so if Caroline does participate in adverse gossip, I will allow her reputation to be ruined.”

  Lady Matlock requested that the servants travelling with them also needed to be aware of her concerns. Darcy spoke to all the people he was bringing with him, including his sister and his servants. “My aunt has presented her concerns that Miss Bingley has focused too much attention on me, turning away legitimate suitors. I have been direct with her and Mr. Bingley that I will never marry her. We will be leaving within the week to spend at least a month with the Bingleys. You will all be there with us. I want each of your honest opinions of any threat to my marital state created by Miss Bingley. Please speak freely. I wish your accurate observations.”

  Darcy’s valet, Brown took the lead in the discussion. “Mr. Darcy, I have been your constant companion for many years. As you know, I expressed many reservations over Miss Bingley’s behaviour at different times during your friendship. At first, she was just a young debutante looking for information regarding social interactions within London society. This past year, she has become very desperate. When she was younger, she turned down several legitimate offers, claiming that they were not on your level of society. She made it clear to her suitors that she would not accept anyone that did not compare favourably with you.”