Secrets at Pemberley

by Penelope Swan

  “Why, Miss Bennet! What an unexpected surprise. I had not realised that you were in this part of the country.” Her lips curled in a contemptuous smile. “Pray, have you decided to take advantage of Pemberley’s many water features and experience them at closer quarters? I declare, your… ah… singular independence continues to amaze me.” She exchanged a snide look with her sister, Mrs Hurst, and the two of them repressed a laugh.

  “Miss Bennet has had an unpleasant fall in one of the lakes,” said Darcy curtly. “I hardly think that is a laughing matter.”

  Miss Bingley stopped laughing abruptly. She scowled and stood aside to let Elizabeth pass. The latter walked past with as much dignity as she could muster in her wet clothes. She ascended the steps and stepped into the main foyer, embarrassment sweeping over her again as she glanced down and realised that she was leaving a puddle of muddy water on the polished marble floor. “Oh… I am sorry… Forgive me…”

  “Do not concern yourself, Miss Bennet,” said Darcy quickly, catching hold of her hand and leading her farther into the house. “’Tis of no consequence and easily cleaned. Mrs Reynolds will see to that. It is imperative that you get warm and dry before you take ill.”

  “Yes, this way, Miss Bennet. Please follow me to my quarters,” said Georgiana shyly, gesturing towards the main staircase.

  Elizabeth thanked Darcy again, then—feeling Caroline’s Bingley’s eyes boring into her back—she turned and followed Georgiana up the winding staircase.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Georgiana’s apartments were decorated in the same light and pretty style as the music room, with pale silk drapes at the wide sash windows overlooking the west side of the park and luxurious French furniture. Elizabeth felt embarrassment overcome her again as she was led into the suite and Georgiana, her maid, and Miss Annesley, Georgiana’s companion, came to fuss over her, helping her to undress and peel off her wet clothing. They exclaimed over the damage done to her gown, removed the debris caught in her hair, and sympathised with her discomfort. A bath was hurriedly prepared for her, and half an hour later Elizabeth settled into the beautiful chaise longue in Georgiana’s private sitting room with a contented sigh. She was wrapped in a borrowed dressing gown, her hair was freshly washed, and her skin was rosy from the warm scented bathwater.

  Miss Annesley had repaired downstairs to see to refreshments for the guests and Georgiana’s maid had gone away to make alterations to one of her mistress’s gowns, so Elizabeth was left with Darcy’s sister. She saw the girl give bashful glances and open her mouth several times, as if wanting to say something, then blush furiously and look away.

  Elizabeth gave her an encouraging smile and said, “I hear from your brother that you are very accomplished, and play and sing beautifully.”

  Georgiana blushed even more. “Oh no, I do not deserve such praise. I… I do enjoy music though, and play whenever I have the chance.”

  “In that case, you must have felt great excitement last Monday at the new addition in your life,” said Elizabeth.

  Georgiana looked up in alarm, the colour draining from her face.

  “When your new instrument arrived from London,” Elizabeth explained, puzzled at the girl’s reaction.

  “Yes… the pianoforte…” Georgiana mumbled.

  Elizabeth suddenly remembered Mrs Reynold’s unease about the new instrument and the rumours of its ghostly activity. She could see a similar look of fear in the girl’s eyes now. Did Georgiana believe the pianoforte to be haunted as well?

  “It is a beautiful instrument,” Elizabeth tried again. “I am sure you shall get great enjoyment from playing it.”

  “Yes…” Georgiana said, not quite meeting her eyes. “I believe I shall.”

  An uncomfortable silence followed. Elizabeth frowned. Something was obviously distressing the girl and she regretted mentioning the pianoforte now, for it had destroyed what tentative camaraderie had sprung up between them.

  Perhaps sensing the tension in the atmosphere and anxious to make amends, Georgiana raised her gaze back to Elizabeth’s and said shyly, “I am delighted to make your acquaintance at last, Miss Bennet, for I have heard my brother speak much of you.”

  Elizabeth looked at the girl with surprised pleasure. It gladdened her heart to hear that Darcy had spoken of her—it suggested that he thought of her in her absence. She could not help that flicker of hope growing in her breast again. She longed to ask what Darcy had said about her, but worried that such impertinence would reveal too much of her own feelings. She was therefore extremely gratified when Georgiana volunteered:

  “My brother has talked often of your talents at the pianoforte in particular. He took great pleasure in hearing you sing and play while in Hertfordshire. Perhaps… we might hear you perform whilst you are visiting?”

  Elizabeth laughed. “I do not think my meagre talents merit such anticipation,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “But I shall be happy to play if you will join me in exhibiting your talents as well.”

  Georgiana returned her smile and shyly agreed.

  “I understand you are to make your come-out next season,” said Elizabeth, remembering how Darcy had mentioned the subject during his stay at Rosings Park. “I should imagine you are looking forward to the event—though your brother, perhaps, is not relishing his duty in fending off your many suitors,” she laughed.

  To her surprise, instead of responding to her teasing, the other girl looked suddenly uneasy. Georgiana flushed and dropped her eyes, pleating the skirt of her gown with nervous fingers.

  “I… I do not think my brother will ever think anyone good enough for me,” she said in a small voice.

  “Oh, though I am sure his standards are high—and well they should be—I am convinced his judgement is good. I should be glad to have such an older brother as my protector.”

  Georgiana nodded but did not reply. Elizabeth looked at the girl’s downcast eyes thoughtfully. There seemed to be much at work beneath the surface of that shy exterior. What secret thoughts and schemes was Darcy’s sister hiding?

  They were interrupted by her lady’s maid returning with the altered gown and all conversation was put aside as they busied themselves dressing Elizabeth and styling her hair. She was soon ready to join the other guests downstairs and looked at her reflection in the cheval mirror with satisfaction. The soft blue muslin gown was a trifle snug around the bodice, but otherwise fit her perfectly well. It was obviously crafted by the top dressmakers in London and Elizabeth had never worn a gown of such fine cut and fabric in her life.

  “I feel terrible to be depriving your wardrobe of a gown. You must allow me to make amends—” she said to Georgiana.

  The girl shook her head earnestly. “No, indeed, this gown was never a favourite of mine and it looks far better on you than on me. This shade of blue is most becoming with your complexion. I beg you to think no more of it. It is my pleasure.”

  Elizabeth accepted with a smile and they went downstairs to join the rest of the party. Elizabeth saw Darcy’s eyes alight immediately upon her as they entered the drawing room. She was filled with pleasure at his obvious admiration and secretly pleased that Georgiana’s gown suited her so well. Perhaps she might banish the humiliating spectacle of her first appearance from his memory!

  Tea and cakes were just being served and a significant nod from Miss Annesley reminded Georgiana of her position as mistress of the house and her duty as hostess. Darcy watched approvingly as his sister sat down by the tea tray and attempted to oversee the serving of refreshments. She was obviously unused to such a large party of guests, however, and her movements were shy and hesitant. Seeing the girl’s nervousness, Elizabeth quickly sat down next to her and gave her an encouraging smile, offering to pass the teacups as Georgiana poured the tea.

  “Ah, Miss Eliza,” Caroline Bingley spoke up from the sofa across the table. “I have heard an item of news which you may find most diverting. It appears that the highwayman, George Wickham, has been sighted in thi
s area.” She raised a supercilious eyebrow. “I believe you and your sisters were quite fascinated by his romantic image at one point, were you not? Indeed, I remember your younger sister even defending Wickham’s exploits and declaring his charm so powerful as to excuse young ladies of surrendering their virtues.”

  There was a clatter of china next to Elizabeth and she turned to see Georgiana fumble with the teacup that she was holding. Elizabeth reached out to catch it, but she was too late to prevent the tea from sloshing over the rim. Georgiana gave a cry of dismay as the hot liquid spilt over both of them.

  Hastily, Elizabeth took the cup from Georgiana’s nerveless fingers and set it down on the table. She glanced at the girl and was surprised to see her in a state of great agitation, her eyes brimming with tears and her face flushed with colour. There was a sharp movement from across the room and she glanced up to see Darcy half rise from his chair, his face a mask of concern. A hush had fallen over the room and all eyes were on her and Georgiana.

  Quickly, Elizabeth said, “Oh, how clumsy of me! I fear the recent fall in the lake must have overset me more than I realised. I beg your pardon, Miss Darcy, for I have spilled tea onto both our gowns.”

  “’Tis of no consequence,” Georgiana whispered, her hands trembling as she clasped them in her lap.

  “I believe both you young ladies must be fatigued from this morning’s adventures,” said Mrs Gardiner kindly, coming over. “Why do you not settle yourselves comfortably on that sofa there and enjoy each other’s company? Miss Annesley and I will see to the serving of the tea.”

  Elizabeth removed herself gratefully to the other side of the room and sat down with Georgiana on the sofa next to her brother. She saw Darcy lean over and whisper into the girl’s ear, then give his sister’s hand a reassuring squeeze. She was filled with curiosity. It was evident that the mention of Wickham’s name had caused Georgiana great distress—why should this be? What was the connection between Darcy’s sister and the highwayman? Then she saw Darcy glance up and flash her a grateful look. She felt pleased that she was able to help in some way, even if she knew not the full extent of the situation.

  Thankfully, the incident with the spilled tea seem to have diverted Caroline Bingley’s attention and she mentioned Wickham no more. Instead, the conversation turned to more general matters of travel and the numerous attractions in the area. Elizabeth regretted Mr Bingley’s absence from the group, for his easy manners and amiable personality made him the perfect member of any social setting. She had heard from his sisters that he planned to join them later, but for now he was happily engaged by Jane’s side back in Hertfordshire. Darcy spoke little, as was his custom, though she felt his eyes on her frequently. She was also aware of Caroline Bingley’s gaze darting suspiciously between them. The other woman’s jealousy was palpable and she looked extremely relieved when at last Mrs Gardiner announced their departure.

  As Darcy handed her back into the carriage, Elizabeth could not help feeling a stab of regret at the parting. Perhaps he felt it too. Was it her imagination or did his hand linger on hers a moment longer than necessary?

  “I hope I may persevere with my earlier suggestion of bringing my sister to call upon you tomorrow morning?” he said.

  “I shall look forward to that,” said Elizabeth, her eyes shining.

  Darcy made a small move towards her, then stopped himself. Stepping back from the carriage, he bowed formally and bade them farewell. As they moved away, Elizabeth could not resist turning to look back. She saw Darcy standing alone in the driveway, his dark eyes inscrutable as he watched them drive away.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Elizabeth was so eager for her next meeting with Darcy that she could hardly wait for morning to arrive. She arose early and found that her aunt and uncle proposed walking to the church before breakfast. As her callers were unlikely to come until later in the morning, Elizabeth had no objection to accompanying them. In any case, she was grateful for the activity which would help to distract her thoughts and contain her impatience.

  They made their way to the small parish church and spent some time admiring its stained-glass windows and the carved Saxon stonework on the tombs in the side chapel. Then Elizabeth left her aunt and uncle examining the fifteenth-century misericords whilst she wandered outside into the pretty churchyard and gardens. Drawn by a pleasant view of the distant valleys and rolling dales, she made her way around the corner of the church and across the narrow side garden to the low wall where she might get a better vantage point. As she passed a large yew tree, however, she was surprised by a man stepping out from behind its shadows.

  “So, Miss Bennet, we meet again,” said George Wickham with an insolent smile. He looked as dashing as ever in his scarlet coat and black cape, his hair arranged in the latest fashionable style and his eyes gleaming with laughter.

  “You!” hissed Elizabeth, taking a step back. She glanced quickly around, aware that she was alone and in an isolated part of the churchyard.

  “Why, Miss Bennet, I do believe you are not pleased to see me. How it wounds me!” he said, coming towards her with a mocking grin and a hand held over his heart.

  “Do not come any closer!” said Elizabeth, backing away from him. “I shall inform the authorities of your presence—”

  “Oh, but surely you would not condemn me to the dire fate of imprisonment and execution?” said Wickham. “I cannot believe that you would be so cruel after our particular friendship—”

  “Friendship!” spluttered Elizabeth. “It was no friendship, sir! It was the most regrettable mistake on my part to have allowed myself to feel any compassion for you. You used me most heinously at the Netherfield ball.”

  “How can you say so, madam? I risked all simply for the chance to dance with you—”

  “Do not spout your lies! I shall not believe them anymore,” snapped Elizabeth. “You did not come to the ball for me—you came for the opportunity to steal and plunder from the other guests, just as you had done at other balls in the neighbourhood. I should have reported you to the authorities when I discovered your presence there, but you took advantage of my compassion and caused me to behave most reprehensibly.”

  “Come, come, Miss Bennet,” drawled Wickham. “Are you not giving in to a sense of melodrama? The events at the Netherfield ball were the result of… ah… an unfortunate misunderstanding. After all, the guests recovered their valuables in the end, did they not?”

  “There is nothing you can say to me that will change my opinion of you,” said Elizabeth, turning to leave. She stopped as Wickham moved swiftly to block her way.

  Elizabeth stiffened. “I beg you to allow me to leave, sir.”

  “Ah… but I do so enjoy your company, Miss Bennet. Pray, will you not indulge me with a few more moments of your time? It is such an unexpected pleasure to encounter you here in this part of the country. One could almost believe that we were destined to meet.” Wickham gave a suggestive smile.

  Elizabeth ignored his implication. “What are you doing here in Derbyshire?”

  Wickham’s smile widened. “Surely a man may visit family without needing to explain himself? As the site of my childhood, I have equal claims to this neighbourhood as any other man.” His eyes narrowed. “Indeed, I would have better claim if I had not been so abused by a certain gentleman.”

  “You speak of Mr Darcy,” said Elizabeth. “I do not know the particulars, but I believe that he is a noble gentleman who would never stoop to such injustices as you have suggested.”

  “So… you have been blinded by his wealth and consequence too, just like the others,” sneered Wickham. “I had thought you better than that, Miss Bennet. I had not thought you to share the sheep-like tendency to pander to popular opinion.”

  Elizabeth raised her chin. “I know not of what you speak. I have formed my own opinion based on my observation of Mr Darcy’s behaviour and his general treatment of others.”

  “Oh? Have you?” Wickham’s sneer turned ugly. “But of c
ourse, Mr Darcy may be amiable when he chooses. Among his equals in position and consequence, he can be a very different man. Do your observations give a satisfactory explanation of his unjust actions towards me?”

  “No,” Elizabeth admitted. “But I am sure he must have his reasons—”

  “You disappoint me, Miss Bennet,” said Wickham, shaking his head and tutting.

  Elizabeth bristled at his patronising tone. “What do you mean?”

  “Well…” He gave a scornful smile. “You are obviously enthralled by Mr Darcy and completely seduced by his wealth and position. You had always struck me as being possessed of an admirable independence of mind… I had not thought you a weak-minded female, but it appears that I was wrong!”

  With a swirl of his cape, he turned and walked away, disappearing around the corner of the church. Elizabeth stood on the spot for a few moments, her thoughts in confusion. She was surprised to find that she was trembling slightly and that her breathing was rapid. The interview with Wickham had distressed her more than she liked to admit. His words rang in her ears:

  I had thought you better than that… You disappoint me, Miss Bennet… You had always struck me as being possessed of an admirable independence of mind… I had not thought you a weak-minded female…

  She reminded herself that Wickham was simply playing on her emotions to gain her sympathy, and yet she had to admit that the words stung. She had always prided herself on her independent analysis and liberal mind. Had she really become one of those women who let love muddle their thinking and make fools of them? The thought appalled her.

  She thought of how eager she had been to see Darcy this morning. Was she really no better than those fawning females desperate for male attention? In truth, the force of her feelings for Darcy frightened her. They made her vulnerable… were they now making her weak too?