Bingley's Deception Read online

  “Recently, her suitors have turned away from her. Her past refusals have led to her current lack of dance partners. Many of the servants of the previous suitors have spoken of her dismissals. They were all compared to you and found wanting.” Fred, one of Darcy’s footmen, had listened to the complaints from other servants, many social members spoke freely around the servants, ignoring their presence.

  “When she is visiting, Miss Bingley makes her place in your household known. She claims that she will be mistress of your estates soon. As such she orders your servants around and attempts to change the décor in your homes.” Sarah, Georgiana’s maid, added her comments.

  They all agreed with Lady Matlock’s assessment. Darcy and Georgie felt that they needed to be aware of Caroline’s movements at all times. Darcy worried that this visit might cause additional anxiety to his sister. He decided to bring two additional footmen; they were former bow street runners. Their unique services might be needed during the trip. They would be there to ascertain if any danger existed.

  The men were also charged with listening to the Bingley’s private conversations and bringing any legitimate concerns to his attention immediately. They would use their skills to secure the doors to his chambers and potentially sleep in his room if necessary. One would follow him in the house at all times to keep the possibility of a compromise to a minimum.

  Chapter One: Netherfield Park

  The only member of their party who had visited the estate was Charles. He took a tour of the property before signing the lease. Letters had been sent to the housekeeper at Netherfield to have rooms prepared for their group. Upon their arrival, the men retired to the study to begin going through the paperwork.

  After they refreshed in their rooms, Caroline and Georgie met with the cook, Mrs. White to determine the menus for the month. Knowing their brothers’ preferences, they were able to create menus that the entire party would enjoy. Georgie had to concede often to Caroline’s instruction. Whenever Georgie had disagreed with Caroline in the past, she became mean and spiteful. Caroline did not like to be countermanded by anyone, no matter their social standing. Usually, Georgie agreed with her companion, so that she was not the object of her ire.

  The housekeeper, Mrs. Jones was well prepared for the party. She introduced all of the staff members to Caroline. “Since knowledge of Netherfield being occupied became known throughout the community, we have been receiving local visitors. Many have left their cards in hopes that your family would return the visit to make their acquaintance. If you chose to participate in the next assembly, you would see these same people in attendance. While you will not have time to visit with all of them before the dance, I will go over the particulars of each of the men’s families that left their cards. Once you are informed, you can decide which families you will honour with a visit first.” Jones proceeded to discuss each family that had visited. Caroline wrote notes on the back of the cards from the information she received.

  In the library, the group met so that they could discuss the information received that morning. Fitzwilliam and Charles were then presented with the cards. The notes of each family were reviewed thoroughly. Knowing that the purpose of leasing Netherfield was to teach the Bingleys how to run an estate, the party decided to postpone returning the visits until they had painstakingly investigated the estate. They agreed that the party would spend the week on horseback travelling the property.

  At Darcy’s request, Georgie would take Caroline around so they could introduce themselves to the tenants. While speaking to the tenants, the ladies would note any items that needed to be addressed immediately. The gentlemen would look over the property to determine what needed to be fixed and how the harvest was progressing. Charles wanted Caroline also to learn what it meant to be a caretaker of an estate. He hoped his sister would marry a gentleman someday. He knew that Darcy would not marry his sister, but there were many gentlemen that might marry Caroline due to her dowry.

  On Wednesday, Caroline and Georgie proceeded to the Marks household for their first visit. The Marks were third generation tenants at Netherfield. Georgie stated, “since this family has been at Netherfield longest, it would be prudent to visit them first. This is required as a sign of respect for their loyalty.”

  While at the cottage, they were introduced to Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. The Bennet sisters had been taking care of the Netherfield tenants while the owners were away from the property. The Marks were very pleased with meeting the current family leasing Netherfield.

  “We are honoured to meet you Miss Bingley, Miss Darcy. Please come inside and visit with my wife. She is still recovering from birthing our first child, but she will be happy to visit with you.” Clayton Marks was an amiable man who smiled at the ladies. Once inside, he left to continue working in the fields.

  “I am glad that you have taken an interest in the tenants at Netherfield. Most of the occupants ignore the tenants to enjoy their time at the estate. I know it is proper to wait for an introduction, but since there is no one here to perform this duty, I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, this is my older sister Jane Bennet. We are from the Longbourn Estate, three miles east of Netherfield. As friends of the owners, I have been visiting the tenants in their stead.” Lizzy was curious to know the reasons that the borders were helping, but excited to meet new people. “Sally Marks is asleep currently; this is their new baby, Josiah.” Lizzy was holding the baby to keep him quiet so his mother could rest.

  “We have a basket to provide for the Marks current needs. Sally had a Josiah last month. Mrs. Marks has not recovered as quickly as we hoped, so we have been providing items that might help the family during this time.” Jane added, wanting to inform the ladies that they were on the property to help and not trespassing. She was nervous when meeting new people.

  “We do that as well on our estate,” Georgie added to the conversation. She could tell that Jane was just as shy as she was. Georgie wanted to know more about Elizbeth; she seemed to have confidence and the ability to converse with new people. Georgie wanted to learn these characteristics before facing society next year.

  “What about your estate? Do you often visit other people’s property without their permission?” Caroline worried that Georgie was interested in these strangers. She needed to ensure they were put in their place quickly. “We appreciate that you were here before we arrived, but now we can take over the visits, and you can concentrate on your property.”

  “Yes, we do visit often. Our father did visit the house to introduce himself; he left his card several days ago. With your recent arrival, an introduction has not been possible. As for our estate, we have already visited our tenants and taken care of their needs. I promised the owners of Netherfield to inform them of any concerns; the only way I can keep my promise is to visit their property regularly.” Lizzy was worried that these new ladies would be rude and disrespectful towards their community. If they were, she would need to contact the actual owners about removing the family from Meryton. She was not hopeful that Miss Bingley would be friendly or helpful to their community. “The lease that was signed by Mr. Bingley had a clause written into it, informing the renters that another representative or I would be taking care of the needs of the tenants during their stay. Your brother should have informed you of this agreement.”

  “Caroline, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from ladies who have many years’ experience in visiting tenants and meeting their needs. Can we please invite them to the house for tea? We can then ask for introductions to other tenant families and learn methods of handling issues and disputes.” Georgie wanted to speak to Elizabeth more. This lady was very kind, and she might become another friend. Georgiana did not have very many friends, and most turned out to be more interested in meeting her brother than in being her friend.

  “I would be honoured to discuss tenant issues with you. We have some ideas that have been used at Longbourn for years. If you prefer, we would appreciate hosting you and your family to tea at our
estate.” Elizabeth wanted to know if Caroline would enforce her authority or demean their family. She had a bad feeling about the woman before her.

  “We would enjoy your company on Friday for tea if you are available.” Caroline did not want these ladies at her home but felt she had no choice. “You claim that you have some new interesting ideas, can you give us an example?” Caroline was hoping that she could embarrass the ladies, then get rid of them quickly. If they could not provide an example, she would call them liars and force them to leave Netherfield.

  “Since you are here with the Marks family, I can provide you with an example at this cottage. Mrs. Marks had a difficult delivery, and she contracted a fever soon after giving birth. Since that time, she has been unable to perform her household duties adequately. To help their family during this difficult time, I spoke to their neighbours who have a large family with many daughters. Their eldest daughter, Candace agreed to work here during the day, and the family would be compensated for her efforts. Both families will benefit from this agreement and the estate will maintain its ability to be profitable.”

  Caroline realised that Georgie was becoming enamoured with Miss Elizabeth. Knowing that Georgie wanted a real sister, Caroline feared that she would push Fitzwilliam towards the country lady and that he would marry to satisfy his sister. Caroline decided to help her friend and protect him from this fortune hunter. This may cause problems with Georgie, but protecting Fitzwilliam had become her goal in life. Georgie’s feelings were irrelevant; she would marry soon and leave Fitzwilliam. Caroline would be close to help her friend through the separation of his sister.

  “While we are here, my brother asked me to identify any items that need to be repaired. Miss Elizabeth are you aware of any repairs that need to take place here?” Georgie wanted to separate Elizabeth from Caroline. She knew that her friend would begin hurting the new lady if she were allowed. Elizabeth walked around the cottage with Georgie, pointing out things that needed to be fixed.

  “I have a list for Mr. Shaman, the steward. If you would like, you can take this to your brother instead. Most are minor items, but the roof on the Northwest corner has developed a small leak. Our rainy season will begin in mid-October. With the baby, this leak will become a problem.” Lizzy wanted to trust the young lady. She handed over the list, knowing that she would check with Clayton next week to see if the roof had been repaired.

  That evening Georgie told her brother about the ladies who were taking care of the tenants. “William, I am so happy that you wanted me to visit the tenants. I met the Bennet sisters today while we were out. Miss Elizabeth, the younger sister, has been working with tenants at her father’s estate and Netherfield for many years. She has some interesting ideas on how to handle issues with tenants. I believe that I can learn from her experience. Caroline reluctantly invited Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet for tea on Friday.” Georgie watched her brother to determine if he understood her message. When he nodded, she continued. “I would appreciate your presence at tea. Miss Elizabeth is knowledgeable and caring. She would be an excellent role model for me.”

  “It seems that she has impressed you. Is there something specific that Miss Elizabeth has done that you wish to change or add to Pemberley?” Darcy was interested in meeting anyone that impressed his sister. “I am always interested in making improvements to our estate.”

  “Yes, brother, one of the tenants here recently had a child. The mother is weak and unable to care for the house while recovering. Miss Elizabeth hired the daughter of a neighbouring tenant to come and care for the house until Mrs. Marks can recover and continue with her duties.” Georgie proudly repeated the information. “I believe that we could learn from this and add it to helping our tenants when they are sick. If we can support them during difficult times, they will work harder for our family.”

  “That is a very wise plan. I agree with this philosophy. She was able to keep the Marks family productive while helping the neighbours as well. Both families were able to keep their dignity. If you can spend some more time with this lady, she sounds very wise and has some creative ideas on handling tenant concerns. Have you asked Mrs. Jones about her? If she has lived in the neighbourhood her entire life, our housekeeper should know her.” Darcy wanted to ensure that this was not a fortune hunter attempting to trap him.

  “I knew that would be your first question. According to Mrs. Jones, Miss Elizabeth is a true lady. She is kind, generous, and caring. She takes care of not only the tenants at Longbourn, her family estate, and the ones at Netherfield, but she also takes care of the older people in town when she knows they have a need. She does not ask her father for funds, but uses her pin money.” Georgie was glad that her brother asked. “She also helps at the church, by teaching the children on Thursday mornings. She is well educated, and her father trained her as he would a son. Mr. Bennet has trained her to manage his estate in his stead so that he can work on academic pursuits. When she has spare time, she can be found at the bookstore reading.”

  “She sounds like a lady that I would like to meet. Charles and I will ensure we are available to attend your tea. I look forward to meeting your new friend.” Darcy was curious about his sister’s new friend. She had much impressed his sister with her knowledge and kindness.

  Georgie handed William the list. “Miss Elizabeth made this list of repairs needed before we arrived today. She trusted it to my care. She explained that most of the items on the list were minor, but the roof needed attention immediately. With the baby and mother being ill, the roof needed to be fixed before the storms begin. Elizabeth stated that their wet season would arrive in the next two weeks.”

  “I will see to these repairs personally. Do not fret Georgie; I will take this seriously. You know that I am involved with the repairs at Pemberley. Your concern and caring are vital to being a good manager of an estate. I am very proud of you my dear sister.” William hugged his sister. “I will also ensure my presence at tea on Friday. I want to meet your new friend.”

  Caroline had been outside of the library listening to the siblings’ conversation. She was not happy that Darcy might have found a lady that he showed interest. She would protect her friends from a fortune hunter no matter the cost. Besides, if this country miss did turn Darcy’s head, how would she help guide Georgiana in society, only Caroline could provide proper guidance. No country lady would understand the ton enough to support a newly presented debutante. Caroline knew that there was not any other woman in English society that would be a better match to Fitzwilliam than herself. She needed to prove what a good marriage she would make with Darcy. However, first, she needed to rid them of the country miss that was befriending and confusing her future family.

  This time at Netherfield will be her opportunity to show Darcy that she is the best woman of his acquaintance. Heading to her room, Caroline would choose her wardrobe carefully for Friday. Demonstrating her superiority in society would be a good deterrent, showing the country ladies that they could never fit into the culture of the ton. “Why would Georgiana want a new friend? I have been there for her as she has grown. I have guided her to the best of my ability. Why is she betraying me by getting her brother to meet new women?”

  Caroline was determined to show Darcy that she was a member of his society. She would be suitable for him and his sister. She needed Darcy to fall for her. She was educated and trained to be a good hostess. Now was her chance to use Georgiana, their friendship required to count for something or she had been wasting her time all of these years.

  Chapter Two: Tea with the Locals

  The Bennet sisters arrived early for tea on Friday. Caroline was initially pleasant to her company. She wanted to watch how Georgie interacted with the Bennet sisters before she put her plan into action. When the gentlemen joined the party, Caroline noticed that Darcy could not stop staring at Miss Elizabeth. With all the years that she had known Darcy, he had never been attracted to a lady before. Charles was attracted to Miss Bennet, but he knew that h
e needed a lady with a large dowry; otherwise, he could not raise the Bingley family name as their parents wished. Caroline was not worried about Charles, only Fitzwilliam.

  “Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, I want to introduce you to my brother, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his best friend, Mr. Charles Bingley. I have been telling my brother about how you helped with the Marks family. He was very interested in your approach to proving aide to both tenant families. Can you tell us some other ideas that you have implemented when tenants are elderly or ill? We are always looking for solutions to tenant issues on our family estate.” Georgie wanted Elizabeth to give her more ideas on helping at Pemberley, and she also wanted her brother to meet her intelligent friend. She could see that he was affected by her beauty. “We are interested in making improvements to our tenants’ lives.”

  “Miss Darcy, tenants are an essential part of any estate. As the estate owners, we are responsible for providing care for them if they become injured or are ill; it is part of the agreement when they lease the land.” Elizabeth explained, noting that the Darcys were very interested in her ideas. He was nodding as she explained the initial agreement. “If a tenant is injured, then we need to provide care, and a substitute or not only will the tenant suffer but also the estate owner. For example, last year the Saunders patriarch broke his arm. His children range from ages five to twelve. The older children tried to help out, but they needed someone with more strength to work the land properly. We did not want to evict a family that had been good tenants for seven years. The neighboring family was large with older sons. I approached Tom Granger with a potential solution. If his two older sons could work for the Saunders until the father’s arm was healed, I was willing to give his family a stipend for their labor. Granger agreed to allow his sons to do this for room and board for the boys. I gave the Grangers an additional stipend by providing not only their fair portion of their crops but also a portion of the Saunders crops. I took this portion out of my family’s profits.”