Simon Bingley's Resolve, page 19
‘You would be better advised to ask where. And the answer is close by in Derby. Your husband is with her at this moment.’
‘And Charles will no doubt send for him to come and take me home. I shall be sorry to spoil his pleasure.’ A modicum of fear washed through her. Albert, when his plans were disrupted, was not a pleasant person to be around, and if she had outlived her usefulness… ‘Why are you telling me this?’
‘Because you could be in danger,’ Simon replied. ‘If he thinks you are rational, he will want you out of the way. We aim to stop his illegal activities but—’
‘How?’
Spence blinked at her. ‘I beg your pardon.’
She met his gaze and held it. ‘How do you intend to stop them?’
‘We are making plans,’ Simon said vaguely. ‘But in the meantime, it’s essential that you remain here at Pemberley, where you will be safe.’
Caroline was left with the impression that they had no clear idea how to proceed, or what they were up against. ‘Does my brother know about this business?’ she asked.
Simon and Spence shared a glance. ‘Not at present. We will tell our fathers if we think they need to know, but we would prefer to resolve the matter ourselves. As I say,’ Spence continued, ‘we have only told you as much as we have so that you can be prepared.’
Caroline sent them an assessing look. ‘You mentioned that Albert has a partner in this sorry affair. Who is he?’
When Spence mentioned Molineux’s name, it began to make more sense.
‘Ah, so your Miss Dayton will be obliged to marry Albert’s partner in crime if he isn’t stopped.’ Caroline smiled at Simon. ‘I have noticed your interest in the young lady, and now I understand why you are so keen to stop his criminal activities and expose him for the rogue that he is. Please allow me to help you.’
‘No, ma’am,’ Spence said firmly. ‘Befriend Miss Dayton and keep each other safe. That is all the help we require from you. Simon and I will resolve this matter and involve our fathers only if absolutely necessary.’
Chapter Fourteen
‘This just came for you, sir.’
Albert took the letter that Marianne’s footman presented to him, a sense of foreboding trickling down his spine for reasons that were not immediately apparent to him. He broke the seal, quickly read the contents of Bingley’s express and was unable to hold back a series of expletives.
‘Good God! It’s not possible,’ he muttered, waving the intrigued footman from the room. ‘There must be some mistake.’
‘What is it?’ Marianne asked, on a note of mild concern. ‘Has one of your wealthy patients had the bad manners to die?’
‘Worse. This note’s from Bingley.’ Albert stood up and walked to the window, struggling to suppress his anger and growing concern. How dare Caroline defy him! He read the letter again but the devastating news that it delivered hadn’t changed. ‘It seems that Caroline has turned up unannounced at Pemberley and caused quite a stir.’
‘Goodness. How did that happen?’ Marianne seemed amused. Since she didn’t understand the full implication of Caroline’s impulsiveness, he couldn’t blame her for that. ‘I thought you kept her a virtual prisoner.’
‘I do.’ Albert threw his head back and growled. ‘I did. Heads will roll for this.’
Marianne put her book aside. ‘If she is out of her wits, how did she make her way to Pemberley alone? What made her even think to try it?’
Albert had perhaps exaggerated Caroline’s condition and Marianne was unaware that there wasn’t actually anything seriously wrong with his wife. She had been imbued with a sense of entitlement at her mother’s knee that resulted in bizarre behaviour when she didn’t get her way. That trait explained her actions all those years previously when Darcy passed her over in favour of a lady whom Caroline considered unworthy.
‘I wish I knew,’ Albert said in response to his mistress’s question.
More to the point, he would dearly love to know how she managed it when addicted to the cannabis he’d been feeding to her. Her brain should be befuddled and she ought to be completely incapable of thinking clearly, let alone doing anything for herself.
‘I don’t suppose she’s welcome at Pemberley, but they can’t very well throw her out on the street,’ Albert mused aloud. ‘She will not behave rationally once she gets a toehold in the place and is obliged to watch Mrs Darcy so comfortably settled in the house that she once looked upon as her own.’
‘This could work in our favour. Her family won’t question your eventual decision to have her committed when they see how she conducts herself, so her rebellion will ease your concerns about what you must do. I know you are conflicted about Caroline.’ Marianne looked up at Albert and sent him a sensual smile as she patted the seat beside her. The moment Albert took possession of it, Marianne slipped onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. ‘Don’t look so worried, my dear. This is providence.’
Albert kissed her neck, but he was preoccupied, seriously worried by Caroline’s assertiveness. Did she know this was the week of Mrs Darcy’s house party, or was her timing coincidental? He wondered about her nerve at showing her face, and if he had overplayed his hand by insisting that she had been badly treated by her family. Marianne was right in one respect. If she behaved irrationally then it would strengthen Albert’s case. But what if she did not? Why hadn’t he noticed that the cannabis was no longer having the desired effect? Presumably because he’d stopped paying her much attention. He had become accustomed to his wife remaining quiet and doing and believing whatever he told her to.
‘I shall have to go and collect her and take her back to London.’ He sighed and kissed Marianne. ‘Sorry, my love, but there’s no help for that.’
Marianne sniffed. ‘You might leave it a day or two and let them get a better idea of her irrational ways.’
‘Best not. I need her back where she belongs so that we can concentrate on the arrival of the next shipment.’
‘Well then, if you must go, we’d best make the most of the rest of the evening.’
That was an invitation Albert was happy to accept. He swept Marianne into his arms and carried her, laughing and half-heartedly protesting, to her bedchamber. They didn’t leave it again until the following morning.
Albert set off early for Pemberley and settled back in his carriage to think this latest development through, free from Marianne’s beguiling distractions. Charles Bingley had never once questioned his treatment of and affection for his sister, and it was in Albert’s best interests to ensure that situation endured. He didn’t seriously imagine that Caroline had been anything other than an unwelcome embarrassment at Pemberley, but he disliked the fact that she’d found sufficient strength of will to defy him. He had underestimated her. Albert firmed his jaw. She had just brought her commitment to Bedlam forward and had no one to blame for that situation but herself.
Marianne didn’t cling or become jealous. She was far too self-assured to doubt her place in Albert’s affections. Even so, Albert knew she resented his leaving her and giving Caroline his undivided attention when he was supposed to be with her. Marianne would come to see that everything he did was with their future together at the forefront of his mind. She would be assured of his full and undivided attention once the inconvenience of a disobedient wife had been attended to. Once the next shipment—their most ambitious to date—had been distributed they would be wealthy beyond their wildest dreams and Albert would be free to pursue his research.
Marianne had a yen to travel, and Albert would naturally accompany her. He had been working non-stop these past twenty-five years and had earned a respite. He had enough assistants to continue with the experiments he had set up. They did more of the laborious studies than he did nowadays and didn’t need him looking over their shoulders every second of the day. He would naturally take the credit for any breakthroughs they made in the treatment of diseases of the mind, as was his right, but in the meantime, he would also enjoy a well-earned sabbatical.
On the brink of embarking upon the future he had long planned with a beautiful woman who could only enhance his standing and make him the envy of his colleagues, Albert was in a jovial frame of mind as his carriage turned onto Pemberley’s long driveway. The rolling expanse of fields and woodland, extending as far as the eye could see, appeared tranquil and orderly beneath a strong summer sun. Albert had always admired the estate, but for obvious reasons he had never been a guest at Pemberley and hadn’t even set foot inside the magnificent mansion that came into view as the carriage negotiated a final bend in the driveway.
He would purchase a country property for himself and Marianne in due time, but he knew a moment’s resentment when it occurred to him that despite his new-found wealth in prospect, he would never be able to afford anything nearly so grand as Pemberley. Darcy had inherited Pemberley and hadn’t had to do a thing to earn his status as a gentleman of consequence. Albert, on the other hand, had been required to toil away for years to achieve the recognition he craved.
Life was definitely not fair.
Albert put aside his petty jealousies, reminding himself that he had earned Marianne’s devotion, which was worth considerably more to him than bricks and mortar. The carriage came to a halt at Pemberley’s imposing entrance portico and Charles Bingley bounded down the steps before Albert had alighted from the conveyance.
‘My dear chap.’ Charles extended his hand, not looking as relieved to see him as Albert had anticipated. Caroline had become an embarrassment to her family and Albert had undertaken the journey to Pemberley secure in the knowledge that Charles would be anxious to hand her back and absolve himself of any further responsibility. Presumably he had the sensitivity to keep his true feelings under close guard. ‘It’s good of you to come so quickly. I hope we have not pulled you away from anything important.’
Albert took Charles’s hand in a firm grasp and painted a concerned expression onto his face. ‘Naturally I came the moment I received your note. I cannot apologise enough for Caroline imposing herself on you. It must be excruciatingly embarrassing for everyone to have her here, especially Mrs Darcy.’
Charles led the way into the magnificent entrance vestibule, where a stately butler stood statue-like, awaiting instructions. Albert was left with the disquieting feeling that the man was covertly judging him.
‘Not at all. We were simply concerned, and unsure of what we should do. We assumed that word would reach you of her disappearance and wanted you to know that she was safe here with us.’ He led the way into a drawing room, so opulent that Albert felt a little intimidated by its splendour. The doors to the terrace were thrown wide and Albert could see a number of guests strolling in the grounds. Of his wife there was no sign. Presumably Charles had taken the precaution of confining her to her room. ‘Here are Jane and Lizzy.’
Jane Bingley stood and greeted Albert with reserved politeness. Albert had never felt confident that he enjoyed Mrs Bingley’s complete approval, which seemed like ingratitude on her part, given that Albert had relieved her husband of his sister and her unpredictable moods. Albert had taken Caroline on because he found the erratic workings of a self-centred mind fascinating. Her fortune was equally compelling—not to say vital in the funding of his research—but her relatives didn’t know that.
Albert bestowed his most charming smile upon the lady of the house as she took his outstretched hand. It was vital that he win the approval of all these people, especially Mrs Darcy, whom he supposed had more reason than most to resent having Caroline foisted upon her, especially at a time like this.
‘Welcome, Doctor Rochdale,’ Mrs Darcy said politely. ‘We have not had occasion to meet before now, but I am happy to rectify that situation. I hope you have not had to travel far.’
‘I was in Derby pursuing my research, ma’am,’ he replied, thinking that wasn’t altogether untrue. He planned to spend the rest of his days researching new ways in which to give Marianne pleasure. ‘Your express went to London and was forwarded on to me from there, Charles, otherwise I would have been here before now. I am so very sorry…’
‘Well, you are here now,’ Charles replied.
‘Do sit down,’ Mrs Darcy invited. ‘My husband is about the place somewhere and will join us directly. As you can see, we have a houseful.’
‘All the more reason for Caroline not to have embarrassed you with her presence. I cannot apologise enough.’
‘No apology is necessary,’ Mrs Darcy replied graciously. ‘In the meantime, I am sure you would welcome some refreshments after travelling on such a warm day.’
She stood to ring the bell and the butler who earlier appeared to have disapproved of Albert responded to the summons. Once he had left again, Albert decided that the time had come to take control of the situation.
‘I shall gladly take a cup of tea, ma’am,’ he said, ‘but then I really ought to see Caroline. I am rather concerned about her rash behaviour, truth be told. It’s obvious to me that she’s taken a turn for the worse and I blame myself for not having her properly supervised. I thought she was having a good spell, you see.’
‘Her state of mind fluctuates?’ Charles asked, frowning.
‘Unfortunately very much so, yes. Her mind is fragile and the slightest thing can set her back. I try not to leave her alone any more than can be helped. She depends upon me so much, you see. But sometimes—far more often than I would like—duty and commitments take me away from home. However, I ensure there are plenty of people she is familiar with to take care of her needs. How she slipped past them and got herself all the way to Derbyshire, and why she felt the need to come here at all, is a mystery to me.’
‘Perhaps she wanted to reacquaint herself with her family.’
Albert turned at the sound of an unfamiliar voice and observed a young man who was the image of Charles Bingley stroll through the open doorway. He was the one who had spoken, but another young man was at his side.
‘My son, Simon and his cousin Spencer Darcy,’ Charles said. ‘This is Doctor Rochdale, Simon. Your aunt’s husband.’
Albert stood and both young men shook his hand.
‘Ah, tea, excellent,’ Spence said, falling into a chair beside his mother.
‘My son is always hungry,’ Mrs Darcy said with an affectionate smile.
‘It’s been hours since breakfast,’ Spence objected, returning her smile. ‘Some of us left our beds at an indecently early hour, I’ll have you know.’
Albert watched the affectionate interaction between mother and son, and the unspoken understanding between Charles and Simon, and felt a moment’s regret for not having had children himself. But committing Caroline, which Albert had always known would become necessary at some point, would have been more difficult with grown children around to voice objections.
The family made conversation as the refreshments were consumed, ensuring that Albert was included. Other family members drifted in and out of the room. Albert was introduced to them all but struggled to remember who everybody was, despite the fact that the names were all familiar to him. Caroline took an avid interest in her estranged family and their friends, keeping up to date with marriages and births thanks to her sister Louisa. It had often surprised Albert that such a fragile mind could keep these things ordered. He glanced at the lady who had been introduced as the Countess of Cheshire. It had set Caroline’s recovery back for months and she raved like a lunatic Albert pretended her to be when she realised that one of the Bennet sisters—her nemeses—had become a countess.
There was no mistaking Darcy’s authoritative figure when he entered from the terrace. He and Albert had met once in London, shortly after he became responsible for Caroline’s treatment but before they were married. Darcy was there to support Charles, who had been very distraught over Caroline’s behaviour, which had threatened not only Darcy’s marriage but his friendship with Bingley.
That friendship had endured, which was not surprising given that they had married sisters. That was something else that Albert both envied and resented. He had never had any time to forge close friendships. He had been too ambitious to make a name for himself in the medical field—a highly competitive arena in which colleagues were constantly attempting to eclipse one another with breakthroughs in their research.
Albert had given up a great deal in his quest for recognition. Perhaps unreasonably, he held Caroline partially responsible for the sacrifices he had been required to make. He would have to whisk her away from Derbyshire and make sure she was more closely guarded back in London. It was deuced inconvenient and extremely concerning. If she had behaved rationally here—as appeared likely, given that no one seemed put out by her presence—it would be that much harder to convince her family that there was no help for her and that she required committing for her own safety.
Damn it, why now! After all these years, why did Caroline decide to reconcile herself with her relations mere days before Albert’s plans were due to reach fruition? It was almost as though Caroline had known about the arrangement he’d had in mind for her all along and timed her revenge to perfection.
Albert shook his head to dislodge such unlikely speculations. Caroline’s timing was nothing more than coincidence and would not be allowed to interfere with Albert’s future with Marianne. Thoughts of her waiting for his return reinforced Albert’s determination. He straightened his shoulders and smiled at the company, but inside he quietly seethed.
‘Thank you for the tea, Mrs Darcy,’ Albert said, declining a second pastry. ‘But I fear Caroline and I have inconvenienced you for quite long enough. If I can be taken to her, I shall arrange for us to leave for London at once. If we go now, we should be able to get halfway at least before nightfall.’
‘Not a bit of it!’ Charles surprised Albert with the strength of his objection. ‘Caroline’s behaviour has been impeccable and there is absolutely no need for you to spirit her away.’
