The Corrupt Plan Read online

  “Oh mother, what if I have found the woman for me, but I cannot have her?” He asked the empty room.

  ***

  The next morning at breakfast, Caroline came around to her brother, hooking her arms into his, and effectively lifted the man out of his chair, “Brother dear, why do we not take a walk outside? It is a lovely morning.”

  Bingley sighed, knowing that it was trouble if his sister wanted to take a walk. He headed outdoors and when they were slightly away from the house, she turned to him, asking. “What is Mr. Darcy’s issue? We have given him every chance to ask to court me. Instead, he seems preoccupied with a woman who came to tour the house recently.”

  “What woman?” Bingley asked. “Darcy has not mentioned meeting a woman.”

  “There was a woman who spent the afternoon here with her aunt and uncle and returned the following day as well. Darcy even escorted her to her carriage.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Never mind my source. We cannot have him marrying a tourist, for pity’s sake.”

  “Do you know the name of this woman?”

  “No, but my source is working on it.”

  Bingley tried to placate his sister. “Do not worry. He will not marry every woman who comes to visit his home. He did not mention anyone to me. Besides, you do not even know her name.”

  “It is taking him a long time. We need him to stop procrastinating.”

  “He will, and if he does not, we have a few in his family who will help us. Darcy will marry you, but you must be patient.”

  “He Better,” Caroline huffed, as she swiftly returned to the house.

  Bingley was left standing in the courtyard wondering how to get Darcy to marry his sister. If Darcy did not offer for her soon, he would need to call in reinforcements.

  Chapter 2

  After signing his last few contracts, Darcy stared at the fire, and contemplated the Bingley’s stay. Time had passed reasonably well, all things considered. Georgiana had kept Caroline busy, Darcy had managed to spend as little time with Caroline as possible, and Bingley had stopped mentioning his sister’s marital status. All in all, Darcy felt that things were beginning to return to normal if only he could get that beautiful brunette off his mind. The more he thought of her, the more frustrated he became. Darcy knew that he needed to marry a woman with a large dowry or well-known connections, but he had never found any woman whose very presence made his heart sing. He could not understand how in such a short time, she had become so very important to him. But after the conversation he had with Georgiana, he knew that it did not matter, his duty was clear.

  Darcy moved to grab a glass of brandy, and remembered the previous morning when Georgiana abruptly sat in front of him as he tried to read a book in the library, and reminded him of his obligations to his family, meaning her.

  “Fitzwilliam, you need to get married soon.” Georgiana presented in a straight forward manner.

  Darcy quickly glanced up from his book to gape at his sixteen year old sister in horror. When did she ever think of marriage? He pondered. Clearing his throat, he said, “When I find the right woman to be my wife, I will marry.”

  “When will that be?” Georgiana pushed.

  “I do not know. However, I can tell you that you will be the third to know.” Darcy stated evenly for a man who had images of a brunette swimming in his head.

  Georgiana huffed: “I am not getting any younger. Soon I will be out.”

  “Out?” Darcy laughed, “You are but sixteen years old.”

  “I know how old I am. Many are married at my age.” Georgiana stated defiantly as she placed her fist on her hips.

  “Shudder at the thought. You are a few years away from your first season, let alone marriage.” He glanced down at her fist and chuckled to himself.

  “But why? I am all grown up.”

  Darcy shook his head. He knew that his sister believed that she was mature, but as a sheltered, young, sixteen year old, he knew that she was not. “You are not ready.”

  “That is why you need to marry and soon. I need the help of my sister as I move towards womanhood.”

  “I have time.” Darcy stated assuredly.

  “Time? At the rate you are going, I will be married before you.” Exasperated that she could not convince her brother to take action, she stood and dramatically stormed out of the room.

  Darcy winced at the thought of his sister in a man’s arms. He loved his sister dearly, but at times, he wondered if she was more of a performer, than an earl’s niece.

  He thought of Elizabeth for a moment. How would she handle her sister, Georgiana and the Ton? Georgiana, the Ton, marriage, but I have had a couple days with Miss Elizabeth, frustrated at where his mind tended. He knew he needed to stop thinking of her. It bothered him that with such a short acquaintance, he had come to feel that he needed her.

  ***

  Elizabeth sat thirty miles away, trying to get ready for another day of sightseeing. Her aunt and uncle were waiting for her, but she could not find it in her heart to be excited for another day of touring. All the estates that they were visiting were beautiful, but they did not measure up to one she had visited a month ago. Elizabeth knew that it was unfair to compare, but she could not help herself. She longed for Pemberley as much as she longed to see her family, and she could not understand why. Was it the home or the man? Elizabeth mused. As much as she kept questioning herself, she knew the answer. It was not the home she dreamt of every night.

  This is unproductive, Elizabeth told herself as she stood to get her pelisse and bonnet. As much as the master of Pemberley was solicitous of her during their visit, and had spent the day with her and her relatives, Elizabeth knew that she did not belong there. One day she would read in the paper that he had found a wife and mistress of Pemberley. Finally found a friend to stand by his side. As much as she wished that she could further her acquaintance with him, it could not be.

  Elizabeth slipped the pelisse on and her bonnet on her head, and sighed to herself. She needed to get rid of the notion that she would ever see Mr. Darcy again. She knew what she needed to do. Turning towards the door, she opened it and ventured out for another day of sightseeing, leaving her musing behind.

  ***

  It was the last day of the Bingley’s visit. Bingley and Darcy were riding their favorite horses around Pemberley. Bingley and Darcy were wealthy men. Darcy was worth ₤10,000 a year and Bingley was ₤5,000. However, Bingley’s wealth came from trade, while Darcy’s worth was tied to the land and his ancestry. Bingley’s father desired a place amongst the Ton and worked diligently towards his aspirations. However, he had passed away before he had seen the fruits of his labor, but he had instilled Bingley with the same ambitions.

  Darcy and Bingley’s friendship was beginning to return to normal. For a time, their friendship had become uncomfortable. Darcy was upset that Bingley had attempted to steer him into marrying his sister. However, Bingley had profusely apologized and had promised not to do it again. Over time, the awkwardness and pressure that Darcy felt with Bingley had begun to dissipate. Bingley did not mention any wish for Darcy to become his brother, and due to the length of their friendship, Darcy was happy to allow the matter to drop.

  As they rode the country side, each man was trying to find a way to get the other to talk. Darcy hoped that Bingley would finally divulge what had been bothering him. It did not work. Though he was not as sullen, he did not give any indications of what the problem was. Darcy did not want to ask him outright. Meanwhile Bingley was trying to find a way to get Darcy to talk about the visitor he had had last month, but Darcy was being tight lipped about the mysterious woman.

  At the beginning of his visit, Bingley had attempted to push Darcy towards Caroline. Seeing that Darcy was becoming agitated, he had pulled back. He knew that it would take some finesse to get what he wanted.

  “Darcy?” Bingley asked trying to get him out of his reverie.

  Darcy looked at him, shaking h
is head. “Hmm?”

  “You seem to be distracted. Is it anyone I know?” Bingley teased.

  That got Darcy’s attention, “What do you mean? Who?”

  “You seem to be thinking about a special woman.”

  Darcy stared at Bingley, attempting to stop him from asking questions. Finally tired of trying, he replied irritatingly: “I do not know who you are referring to.” However, Darcy was a bad liar and Bingley knew it.

  Wanting the information badly, Bingley ignored the subtle hints that Darcy was sending, and innocently asked, “Has someone from the Ton caught your attention?” fully realizing that Darcy was thinking of that woman, the same one he had been for the last month.

  “There is no one in the Ton worth my time.”

  “Come now, they are not all that bad.”

  Darcy shot him a look of surprise and disgust.

  “I am sure that there must be someone who you would consider for the mother of your heir.”

  “I do not intend to marry only to produce an heir. Pemberley is not entailed. Either Georgiana or I can produce an heir and we have time. I will only marry for the deepest of affection.” Darcy said assertively, surprising even himself with his statement. He had never considered until that moment, but that was what he wanted, a marriage like his parents. A marriage filled with love, respect and passion.

  “You cannot be serious. No one in our position marries for love. You know that the Ton marry for power and advancement.”

  “My parents were in love.”

  “That may be so, but that is rare. You cannot be waiting to fall in love.”

  “I am and I shall,” Darcy said boldly.

  Further shocked at his friend’s response, Bingley said nothing. It was rare to find someone in their class who felt this way.

  Bingley stopped his horse at a stream, jumped down, and allowed the animal to drink to its heart’s content. Darcy joined him. As they moved away to sit on the bank, Bingley debated whether to ask him or not. Finally after a lengthy reflection, he turned to Darcy and said, “I need a favor.”

  Darcy looked skeptically at his friend. After the rough beginning of their visit, Darcy was nervous to what Bingley intended to ask him.

  Bingley assured him, “It is nothing bad, I promise. I need your help. I am leasing a property in Hertfordshire. Since, this will be my first venture, and you have been a landowner for a while now, I was hoping you would come and assist me.”

  “Certainly. When?”

  “I plan to leave here and retrieve my sister, Louisa and her husband, then return and begin the lease. Could you arrive in about a month?”

  Darcy quickly calculated how much time he needed to finish his estate’s issue, and answered: “Yes, I could be in Hertfordshire in about a month.”

  “Excellent,” replied Bingley.

  “Could I ask you a question? Why are you leasing instead of purchasing?” Darcy asked as he played with a few blades of grass.

  Bingley knew that his friend was extremely intelligent so he planned an answer to why he was only leasing a property, not buying. “I want to try this estate first. I do not want to commit without a year of lease first. It was suggested to me by my advisor.”

  “Excellent advice. I am glad that you are listening to their guidance.”

  Bingley simply nodded. They soon returned to their horses, and finished their ride.

  ***

  Caroline began to complain the minute she got into the carriage after picking up the Hursts. Louisa and Gilbert Hurst exchanged looks. They both knew that this was going to be a long ride to Netherfield. The Hursts were surprised that Caroline believed that there was a chance that she would marry Darcy. The last time they had seen Caroline and Darcy together, it was clear that Darcy would rather eat fire than marry their sister. Yet surprisingly, their brother was fancying the same dream.

  Caroline sat across from Bingley pouting as they made their way to Netherfield. She was unhappy that Louisa and Gilbert did not share in their enthusiasm. However, it was difficult for the Hursts to have confidence in her dream when she had lamented to them: “He did not pay me any attention. It was as if I was not in the room.”

  “Are you sure that he is interested?” Louisa gently asked her sister.

  Caroline huffed and said, “Of course.”

  Bingley, unable to keep quiet, piped in and said: “We may have a situation. It may be more difficult than we previously thought.”

  “What kind of problem?” Caroline shrieked as this was the first she heard of any trouble.

  “It seems that Darcy intends to marry for love.”

  Caroline burst out laughing. Seeing that Bingley was not joining in, she said, “You cannot be serious.”

  “Extremely,” Bingley answered solemnly.

  “That is not difficult.” Caroline stated self-assuredly. “We simply need to convince Darcy to fall in love with me.”

  Louisa and Gilbert looked at each other, and shook their heads. They both felt that it would require a change of personality.

  “I do not know if that can be done.” Bingley answered cryptically. Not wanting to tell her what Darcy truly thought of her. Being non descriptive, he said, “What if we were to show Darcy that you have changed?”

  All the occupants in the carriage except Caroline stopped breathing, waiting for her reaction.

  Seeming unfazed that Bingley had suggested that she needed to change, she replied. “I know what I will do. I will begin to fawn at his every word, flatter him at every turn, and mend his pens, as well. He will be in love with me in no time.”

  No one had any intentions of challenging her notions that becoming overbearing would help.

  ***

  Mrs. Bennet glanced around the room. She had heard that a single man had leased the Netherfield estate, and she wanted a first glance at him. The rumors of the elusive man had already begun. She had learned that he was leasing Netherfield, and had two sisters and a brother-in-law who had arrived with him. Not only was he single, but she learned that he had a reported wealth of ₤5,000 per year. She turned to see her daughters Jane and Mary talking, while her youngest daughters, Lydia and Kitty were already dancing. As she finished surveying the room, she heard a stir in walked the Bingleys, and all eyes turned to them. Charles Bingley felt that he should make an appearance at the function. Louisa and her husband both claimed an illness so they were not able to make the dance. However, seeing that the illness was a ruse to be able to be alone for a time, Bingley had forced Caroline to go to the assembly. Caroline prepared herself as she would for any function, and strolled into the room as if she was attending a grand ball in one of the highest fashionable sections of London. Seeing that it was a small event in a small town, she sneered at her brother, “You cannot expect me to stay here?”

  “Caroline, remember if you are going to impress Darcy, you need to show some humility for those beneath you.”

  Caroline scrunched her nose towards her forehead, and whined, “But he is not even here, he will not be here for another week.”

  “Yes, but it is a skill that you cannot learn overnight.” Bingley stated matter of factly, giving her a look that said ‘you have no choice.’

  She shrugged her shoulder, rolled her eyes, and said, “If you think it will help me win over Mr. Darcy, then I will try to win over these small minded people.”

  Bingley was about to scold her when she replied in a sugary tone, “I mean these wonderful country folks.”

  Placing a fake smile on her face, she approached Mrs. Bennet, who had been trying to find a way to introduce two of her daughters. Bingley came to stand behind Caroline to greet the Bennet family as well. Mrs. Bennet said, “May I introduce you to two of my daughters, Jane and Mary.”

  Jane and Mary curtsied as Bingley replied, “It is a pleasure to meet you both. May I request the honor of this dance, Miss Bennet?”

  Bingley stuck his arm out for Jane to take it, and guided her to the dance floor.

  Thi
s left Caroline behind to talk with Mrs. Bennet and Mary Bennet much to her chagrin. Bingley turned back towards his sister who was half listening as Mrs. Bennet was rapidly telling her something.

  Seeing Bingley turned towards her, Caroline smirked and mouthed, “You are in trouble.”

  Bingley was both amused and concerned.

  ***

  Darcy sat in his carriage initially intending to head to Netherfield, but now he needed to make a stop to see his eldest cousin on the way. He had received an urgent letter stating that his cousin needed his backing.

  Darcy, I need your support. I have asked Miss Ellen to be my wife, and I am thrilled to say that she has accepted. The family is outraged at my choice.

  “I can imagine,” Darcy muttered to himself.

  His cousin Robert Fitzwilliam was the eldest son of his uncle and aunt, Lord Matlock and Lady Margaret, and older brother to Colonel Fitzwilliam. He had been married to Lady Mary Worthington. The family had arranged their marriage. With a dowry of ₤50,000 and a well-respected powerful family, it was quickly arranged with no concern for the two individuals marrying. However, the two were different, and Lady Mary had no intentions of making this marriage easy. She could often be heard bellowing throughout the house. More than once, the family has heard that the young, volatile couple kept separate lives. When Lady Mary became with child, the family hoped that this would be a new beginning for the couple, but it was not meant to be. He lost her and their son during childbirth. For a few years, the family had tried to steer him towards another arranged marriage, but he had rejected all attempts until he went on a holiday and returned with a country woman with no dowry and connections in trade. The family scandalized, attempted to separate the couple. However, it became clear that the pair were in love, and would defy any such efforts.

  As Darcy pondered his cousin’s woes, the carriage came to an abrupt stop in front of Robert’s townhome. He strolled up the steps and was about to knock on the door when a man he did not recognize opened the door.