The Caroline Complication

By Rowan Renault

Convinced that he isn't destined to fall in love, Fitzwilliam Darcy proposes to Caroline Bingley and plans to live a proper, if loveless, life. However, when his friend Charles Bingley moves to an estate in Hertfordshire, Darcy meets a witty young lady that he can't get out of his mind. Which will win - love or duty?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cherry Blossom Press
• Release date: Nov 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386591320

Rowan Renault

Rowan Renault is an author and librarian by trade. She lives in a small town with her husband, son, cat, and way too many books. She would like to drink tea out of dainty tea cups, but her general clumsiness reduces her to drinking it out of sturdy mugs.

Book preview

1

Mr. Bennet of the estate of Longbourn was not a nervous man. It would have done him ill to be so, as he was surrounded by six women, the majority of whom he found quite foolish. He took much joy in the fact that his second daughter, Elizabeth, seemed to share his general disposition toward the world. It was a relief to have at least one person in that overly feminine household who understood and appreciated his wit. But even the most even-tempered man can have difficulty remaining so if the mistress of the house and the mother of five unwed daughters catches the scent of a well-placed, unmarried gentleman .

From the moment that Mrs. Bennet heard an unmarried man of some fortune named Mr. Charles Bingley had let the nearby estate of Netherfield Park, Mr. Bennet did not receive a moment of peace. She was at him continually to make Mr. Bingley’s acquaintance so that his daughters could have an introduction. There was no denying or deferring her on this point. However, Mr. Bennet did not give up the opportunity to tease her and pretend that he would not meet Mr. Bingley. It was only after she protested that her nerves could no longer stand the strain that he admitted he had visited Mr. Bingley and found him to be an agreeable sort. He further brought the news that Mr. Bingley would be bringing a party to the upcoming assembly room dance.

This news was met with a frenzy of activity by the Bennet ladies. Kitty and Lydia immediately began assembling their outfits and fighting over dresses and trimmings. Elizabeth looked at Jane and raised her eyebrows in amusement as the bickering began.

I am the elder, Lydia, so I ought to have first pick!

You are also the shorter. I need this one to properly cover my ankles!

As for Mary, she busied herself with trying to determine which piece of music she should prepare in case someone asked her to play. Things did not get any less frantic as the ball approached, especially when they heard from Charlotte Lucas that she was told Mr. Bingley was bringing quite a sizable group to the dance.

---

The rumors that Mr. Bingley was bringing a large group to the dance were a bit exaggerated. When the Bingley party arrived, it contained Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, and two additional gentlemen. Mr. Bingley’s sisters were Mrs. Hurst, who was escorted by her husband Mr. Hurst, and Miss Bingley, who was escorted by her fiancé Mr. Darcy. The ladies were wearing the newest fashions and many in attendance whispered of the daring nature of their clothing. They were beautiful in a bored-looking sort of way, and they certainly did nothing to contradict the impression that they had no great interest in their present company. Mr. Bingley was perceived entirely differently. He was delighted to make everyone’s acquaintance and inquired most earnestly about his new neighbors. Although Mr. Bingley was universally found to be the most charming of the men, the fact that Mr. Darcy was worth ten thousand a year was whispered around the meeting hall, and many were saddened to discover that he was already spoken for by Miss Bingley.

Elizabeth was unconcerned about Mr. Darcy’s romantic situation. She was much more interested in the amiable Mr. Bingley’s, as he showed a distinct interest in Elizabeth’s dearest sister, Jane. Likewise, the other three Bennet sisters were occupied with things far removed from Mr. Darcy. Lydia and Kitty were giggling as they danced with officer after officer, and Mary was sitting near the door with a critical look on her face. Elizabeth knew that nothing made Mary happier than feeling superior, so she, also, appeared to be having an ideal evening.

Mr. Bingley wasted no time in asking Jane to dance, and Elizabeth, seeing her sister well matched on the dance floor, sought out her dear friend Charlotte Lucas.

Did you see the look on Miss Bingley’s face? Charlotte said with a giggle. She rather looks as if she has smelled something unpleasant.

Mr. Darcy appears no more pleased with the evening than she, Elizabeth responded, watching the couple. Why do they not dance? It would certainly make for more pleasant amusement than standing around looking sour.

Let us move closer and see if they sound more pleasant than they appear, Charlotte said, pulling on Elizabeth’s arm. Elizabeth allowed herself to be pulled closer to Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy. To tell the truth, she was curious and welcomed the opportunity to observe them more closely. Charlotte and Elizabeth took two chairs near where the couple was standing.

Elizabeth sneaked looks at them as often as seemed safe. Miss Bingley was certainly beautiful, without a single hair out of place. Mr. Darcy was tall and handsome enough, although he had a face that did not look like it smiled easily.

You are quite fortunate to have me, darling, said Miss Bingley. There certainly is no one else here handsome enough to tempt you.

Charlotte inclined her head slightly toward Elizabeth, who had to hold back a laugh about the seriousness with which Miss Bingley insulted all the other ladies in attendance.

You are the picture of loveliness, replied Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth could no longer hold back her mirth and began to laugh. She quickly began to cough in an attempt to hide her laughter. This drew the attention of the couple, and they stared as Elizabeth coughed over her giggles. She waved off a young man’s offer to retrieve her a cup of water and composed herself.

Later, as she was regaling Jane with the story, she archly added, It is a good thing that I did not have to rely on Mr. Darcy’s gallantry, for it seems he possesses none. It is fortunate that your Mr. Bingley has enough for both of them.

Jane blushed prettily. "I do not think that he is my Mr. Bingley," she responded.

I doubt that anyone who was there tonight could deny that he wishes to be, Elizabeth said.

Lizzy!

Well, we shall just need to see him again to become sure of the fact.

---

The Bennet daughters did not have to wait long to see Mr. Bingley again. In fact, he called the next day, much to the delight of everyone except Mr. Bennet, who had no quarrel with Bingley, but was deeply displeased with the squealing noises emanating from Kitty and Lydia. Mr. Bingley continued to be cheerful and pleasant, and it was clear to anyone watching that he very much admired Jane. The two youngest girls reminded him of his previous promise to hold a ball and he allowed them to set the date, much to their delight.

For the second time in a fortnight, the household became a whirlwind of preparation. Dresses were negotiated, hemmed, and taken in. Shoes were fought over, and decorations were carefully added. The entire family then fit themselves into the carriage for the ride to Netherfield.

The number of people already at the ball was nearly overwhelming. Elizabeth found herself clutching Jane’s hand, trying not to lose her in the crowd. Even with so many people, Mr. Bingley spied them almost instantly and made his way toward them. Unfortunately, he had been speaking with Mr. Darcy, who came along as well.

Is it not a wonderful crowd? Mr. Bingley asked with a smile.

I would say that your ball is already a success, Elizabeth said, speaking loudly to be heard over the din. It is quite the event of the decade. The county of Hertfordshire rarely sees an entertainment like this. They will speak of it for years!

Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, have you met my dear friend, Darcy? Bingley asked.

We have not been formally introduced, but he was an essential aid to me at the last ball we attended together.

Mr. Darcy responded with a raised eyebrow. Oh, come! said Elizabeth. Was it not you who sent that helpful young man to check on me during my coughing spell?

I am afraid not, madam, he said with dignity.

Please pardon my sister, Mr. Darcy. Lizzy’s sense of humor is often perplexing to those who don’t know her well.

Now, tell the truth, Jane. My sense of humor is just as frequently perplexing to those that see me every day.

Jane laughed and allowed that Elizabeth might be correct.

I find it most agreeable, Miss Elizabeth! said Bingley. "But now, let us dance. Miss Bennet, if you would do me the honors. Darcy, it appears that Caroline has stepped out for a moment. Perhaps I can persuade