Mrs. Darcy and the London Season by Mollenkopf Carrie

Author:Mollenkopf, Carrie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-06-18T00:00:00+00:00

~Nineteen~

In the time of Caroline’s absence, her brother, at the urging of both his wife and sister-in-law, did his best to discover her whereabouts. Although none regretted the departure, a myriad of rumors had begun to circulate, affecting the reception of a most innocent Katherine Bennet.

“Another cancellation, this one is Lady Marquell’s dinner party. She sends her regrets, but has taken ill,” Jane said as she folded the note.

“Ill my foot. That woman will outlive us all,” Elizabeth countered.

Having saved Sarah Dunbar from unemployment, the young woman had appraised her new mistress of the true reason for the sudden drop in not only visitors, but invitations to social gatherings. Just that morning, instead of the usual pile of ornate envelopes, only the butcher’s receipt arrived in the day’s post. As yet, they had kept Kitty oblivious as to the true speculation behind the sudden dearth, for her male suitors had long since dwindled to those with serious intentions. Having not the dowry to tempt impoverished young men, nor a title to seduce wealthy social climbers, it was actually a relief to all. But eventually, Miss Bennet would have to be told, for gossips loved nothing better than to see the misery of those affected. Sitting in silence was terrible, but at least it would be shared.

“I can hardly go and call the man out. She went there willingly,” Charles had reasoned when his sister’s situation had been confirmed.

“Indeed, and we must not cater to those who have demonstrated fickleness in friendship. There will still be plenty of parties to fill a young girl’s attention. All families have their scandals, we will weather this storm,” Darcy agreed.

He had no intentions of interfering, but it galled him something fierce to know that the sister of his closest friend was so selfish. Even when all of this settled, he would never speak to Caroline again. Enjoying a quiet morning, Darcy considered their return to Pemberley, far from the reaches of London’s gossips. Perhaps he had been mistaken in the desire to acquire a city home. As yet, nothing suitable had come available. Sending a note of serious interest to Lord Swinton, it was arranged for he and Elizabeth to visit the peer’s late wife’s property, but Darcy half hoped she would find it disagreeable. The longer they stayed in town, the more he recalled his distaste for crowds and society in general. Hiding behind the safety of his papers, Darcy ignored the sound of the bell, but was forced to politely greet the visitor once announced.

“Lady Ella Walkerton.”

But fortunately, the dowager had no time for formalities as she boldly gave the reason for her call.

“Good morning, everyone, I come bearing some rather important information in regards to your wayward duck.”

The reference to a waterfowl was ironic, for Caroline was definitely treading murky waters, but Darcy said nothing, leaving the conversation to Bingley. Closing the parlor door against intrusion, he offered refreshment, and anxiously waited for any news, but Lady Ella directed her discovery to Elizabeth.

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