Elizabeth was subdued as she rejoined her aunt and uncle, and quiet on the route back from the church. As they neared the centre of the village, however, she was roused from her thoughts by the excessive activity in the streets around them: people rushing to and fro, several of them carrying pails of water, and in the distance they could hear cries of alarm and shouts of urgency.
“Whatever can be the matter?” said Mrs Gardiner, quickening her steps.
They rounded a corner and were horrified to see that the Lambton Inn was on fire.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Great plumes of black smoke billowed from the upper windows of the inn and a wave of heat met their faces as they stopped a safe distance from the building. Several men were passing buckets of water back and forth as they attempted to douse the flames which could be seen in the lower rooms.
“Oh my God!” cried Mrs Gardiner, clutching her face in her hands.
Mr Gardiner hurried to join the team of men working to put out the fire. Luckily, it seemed that the flames were already being contained and, in a few more moments, they were doused completely. All that remained now were a few trails of smoke rising from the blackened frame of the inn. It appeared that the fire had started in the kitchens and though, thankfully, no one was injured, the smoke had permeated all the rooms of the inn. They were blackened with soot and completely uninhabitable.
“What are we to do?” said Mrs Gardiner in dismay.
“We may have to seek accommodation in another village,” said Mr Gardiner, his face grim.
“And our luggage?” asked Mrs Gardner. “All our clothing and other possessions?”
Upon making some enquiries, they were relieved to find that most of the trunks in the upper guest rooms seemed intact. They could be fetched and transported with little damage to their contents. The items which had been unpacked and taken out of the trunks were ruined beyond repair, but there would be enough left of their wardrobes for them to manage.
As they were discussing the best course of action, Elizabeth heard the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and turned to see Mr Darcy and Georgiana approaching them on horseback. Darcy frowned in surprise and concern as he saw the inn. Reining in his mount, he swung himself down from the saddle and strode over.
“What has occurred here?” he asked. His eyes sought Elizabeth and he seemed to relax slightly as he saw that she was uninjured.
Quickly, Darcy apprised himself of the situation and, to Elizabeth’s astonishment, he immediately shrugged out of his coat and rolled up his shirtsleeves, joining the men of the village in helping to salvage as much as possible from the blackened frame of the inn.
“Mrs Reynolds was indeed right in her praise of her master,” commented Mrs Gardiner, watching Darcy lifting a large beam of wood with the other men. “He has no airs or graces at all, but is affable and generous in helping others. One can see why his tenants and servants speak so highly of him.”
Elizabeth nodded, then thought back to Wickham’s words. Surely her own eyes did not deceive her? Darcy was every inch the gentleman. He could not be guilty of any malicious wrongdoing.
When all that could be salvaged was removed and the building made safe, Darcy gave orders for aid to be provided to the innkeeper, his wife, and any accompanying servants. He made arrangements for supplies to be brought from Pemberley estate, to help in the re-building of the inn, and went through the crowd comforting and reassuring the villagers.
Finally, he approached Elizabeth and her aunt again. His shirt was now smeared with smoke and grime, his hair dusty and his face streaked with soot, and yet to Elizabeth, nothing could detract from his aristocratic good looks. Indeed, his recent noble actions seemed only to enhance them.
He apologised for his appearance, then said, “I understand that you now lack accommodation. You must allow me to invite you to Pemberley. It would be my honour to have you as my guests. We have more than ample room and it would give my sister and me great pleasure to show you our hospitality.”
“You are too kind, sir,” said Mr Gardiner, who had come to join them. “But you already have guests staying with you. I fear we should be a further inconvenience you do not need.”
“I insist,” said Darcy, in tones which brooked no opposition. “In point of fact, my sister and I were coming to call upon you to invite you all to dinner this evening. Thus, you may simply come with your luggage and remain for the duration of your stay in Derbyshire.”
He would not take no for an answer and even insisted on calling his own carriage to transport them to Pemberley. Georgiana seemed genuinely delighted with the additional house guests and Elizabeth was warmed by the smile the other girl gave her when her brother announced their plans. Darcy’s sister seemed to be gradually overcoming her shyness and eager to improve their friendship. When they arrived at Pemberley, she showed Elizabeth to the guest chamber and personally oversaw the transfer of the guests’ luggage, seeming to take growing pride in her role as hostess.
“And this is Tilly, one of our chambermaids. I heard that she has experience as a lady’s maid from her work in a past job, so I have asked her to wait upon you during your stay,” Georgiana said, leading a young maid forward.
Elizabeth smiled in recognition. “Oh yes, Tilly and I met while she was working at Netherfield Park back in Hertfordshire.” She turned to the pretty maid with pleasure. “You look extremely well, Tilly.”
The maid dropped a curtsy, returning Elizabeth’s smile. “Thank you, Miss. You were always kind to me. I’m ever so pleased to see you again an’ wait on you.”
“I had heard that Mr Darcy had taken care of you, but I did not realise that you were working here at Pemberley,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes… the master has been most kind,” said Tilly, looking slightly uncomfortable.
Georgiana looked slightly puzzled at this exchange and Elizabeth wondered if Darcy’s sister knew that Tilly was a past victim of Wickham’s false words and seductive charm. The pretty young maid had fancied herself in love with the highwayman and her foolhardy attempts to please him and follow his instructions in robbing the house at Netherfield Park had brought about her dismissal. She would have been ruined, had it not been for Darcy’s generosity and kindness in giving her a second chance here at Pemberley.
Recalling Georgiana’s distress when Wickham’s name was mentioned yesterday, Elizabeth thought it best if the girl remained ignorant of the connection. Tilly appeared keen to avoid the subject of her background as well and quickly turned the topic towards the fire at Lambton Inn, where conversation remained until it was time for all to dress for dinner.
Elizabeth was greatly relieved that her nicest gown had survived the fire intact. The grandeur of the surroundings at Pemberley and the fashionable finery of the other guests made her more self-conscious than usual of her appearance. She was grateful to have Tilly’s help as she dressed for dinner, for the girl’s previous experience as a lady’s maid was invaluable and she was particularly adept at creating beautiful hairstyles to complement the simplest gown.
Elizabeth looked at her reflection in the mirror anxiously as she prepared to leave the room. Her gown of peach satin was not quite in the first stare of fashion and the trimmings were not as rich and fine as that afforded by Darcy’s other guests, but she hoped that she would pass muster. Tilly had arranged her brown curls in an artful cascade down one side of her neck which emphasised the sweet line of her jaw and the elegant tilt of her neck. Elizabeth adjusted the neckline of her gown one last time, then with a smile of thanks at Tilly, she turned and left her chamber.
Dinner was a merry affair. Aside from Caroline Bingley, her sister Mrs Hurst and the latter’s husband, Mr Hurst, there were three others in Darcy’s party: two gentlemen and a lady, who seemed to be old acquaintances of the Darcy family. Elizabeth was pleased to see that they did not share the Bingley sisters’ superior attitudes and were friendly and civil towards her aunt and uncle, despite learning of his involvement in trade.
; Darcy himself seemed to go to great lengths to set her aunt and uncle at ease, making more effort at conversation than she had ever seen him do previously. He enquired after her uncle’s interest in fishing and urged him to sample the trout streams and fishing ponds at Pemberley; he discussed novels at great length with Mrs Gardiner and offered her the use of his library… in all, Elizabeth had rarely seen him behave in a more genial manner. She was surprised and pleased by his attentions to her relatives, and hopeful again that it stemmed from a desire to please her, which spoke of a special affection.
Her only regret was that she was sitting too far from Darcy to be able to speak with him. She did not know who had arranged the seating, but she noted that Caroline Bingley was placed close to Darcy and attempted to engage him in conversation at every opportunity. She herself was placed at the other end of the table with Georgiana and Miss Annesley. Elizabeth did not mind this arrangement for it gave her an opportunity to become better acquainted with Darcy’s sister and she found her affection for the girl increasing with every moment.
And though she could not speak to Darcy, she often looked up to see his dark gaze upon her from across the table. In those moments, it was as if the conversation around them receded, the presence of the others faded, and it was just the two of them in the room, their eyes locked on each other…
CHAPTER EIGHT
When at last everyone had reunited in the drawing room after dinner, Georgiana reminded Elizabeth of her promise to entertain them with some music and the latter smilingly obliged. She did wonder, as she sat down at the pianoforte, if she might feel a ghostly presence or some other supernatural tension when her fingers touched the keys. But she felt nothing other than the superior quality of the instrument, and she dismissed these fanciful thoughts as she concentrated on her song. When her turn was over, she cajoled Georgiana into playing for the audience and was delighted when the girl’s performance was greeted by enthusiastic applause. She looked up from Georgiana’s flushed, happy face to see Darcy watching with pride from the other side of the room.
Afterwards, he approached her quietly as she was hovering around by the tea tray and said, “You have my deepest gratitude, Miss Bennet. My sister has never had the courage to play before an audience prior to this evening. It gives me great pleasure to see her gaining such poise and confidence. I know I have your good influence to thank for that.”
“You flatter me, Mr Darcy,” she said, embarrassed. “I am sure that with age and time, Miss Darcy would have gained the confidence on her own.”
“Perhaps,” said Darcy. “But having an example to admire and emulate helps greatly, I believe.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth blushed slightly.
Darcy glanced over at his sister, who was now playing a lively Scottish air, and held his hand out, a twinkle in his eyes. “Do you not feel a great inclination to seize this opportunity to dance a reel?”
Elizabeth laughed and placed her hand in his. A thrill shot through her as she felt the warmth of his fingers close around hers. “I distinctly remember you proclaiming how much you disliked to dance back in Hertfordshire, sir.”
“Ah, but it is easy to change one’s opinion when one’s partner is so captivating,” said Darcy with a wicked smile.
Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up into his eyes. Was Darcy flirting with her? She could hardly credit it. But before she could respond, they were interrupted by a familiar nasal voice.
“Oh, Mr Darcy, I beg you to come and settle this dispute between Mrs Hurst and myself. I declare, we are quite undone without your arbitration!” Caroline Bingley hooked her arm into Darcy’s and pulled him towards her.
He was obliged to release Elizabeth’s hand and, with a regretful look, he bowed and followed Miss Bingley to the other side of the room. Elizabeth saw the other woman shoot a triumphant look over her shoulder, but she did not mind. Let her enjoy her petty victories, Elizabeth thought. She would not fight over Darcy like two dogs over a bone, and she trusted in the gentleman’s own judgement in deciding between her and Caroline Bingley.
It was with a light heart that Elizabeth retired at last for the night. She allowed Tilly to help her undress and take down her hair, then drifted in a dreamy daze towards to her bed as the maid put out the candles and quietly left the room. Elizabeth snuggled beneath the soft eiderdown and closed her eyes, though her mind remained fixed on that moment in the drawing room when Darcy’s gaze had met hers. She could almost feel the touch of his hands still and she was unable to stop her thoughts from wandering into the realm of hopeful dreams. Could a gentleman who had been so harshly rejected be willing to offer his heart to her a second time?
Elizabeth did not know when she drifted off to sleep, but she came suddenly awake to find herself lying in the dark. She sat up slowly in bed, rubbing her eyes and frowning. Something had awakened her. What was it?
Then she heard it. The soft tinkling notes of the pianoforte. The hairs rose on the back of her neck.
Who was playing music at this time of the night? Surely everyone was abed?
The playing continued, a soft haunting melody that danced across the scales, up and then back down again, stumbling slightly over a trill, then continuing through a glissando back to the chords.
Elizabeth felt a chill run down her spine at the sound of the eerie music. Could the rumours about the pianoforte being haunted be true?
She sprang out of bed and hurried to the door of her bedchamber, opening it a crack. She peered into the corridor which was lit by candles in the wall alcoves. It was empty. The music was drifting up from the main staircase and obviously coming from the music room downstairs.
She hesitated, curiosity warring with common sense. She deplored the thought of standing here in the dark, uncertain and frightened. It was preferable to take action and make attempts to solve this mystery. Flinging her door open, Elizabeth ran out into the corridor and grabbed a candle from one of the alcoves, then descended the main staircase.
The music ceased as she reached the bottom step. Above her, she heard the sounds of doors opening and closing and voices raised in enquiry. It appeared that she was not the only one who had heard the ghostly tune. And indeed, as she entered the music room, Elizabeth realised that another had come to investigate before her. She nearly collided with a figure just inside the door.
It was Georgiana. Darcy’s sister was dressed in her nightgown and she turned wide, frightened eyes on Elizabeth, her hands reaching out in search of reassurance.
“Miss Darcy!” said Elizabeth, quickly grasping the girl’s hands. They felt as cold as ice, and she realised that Georgiana was trembling. “Do not fear. You are not alone now. I heard the music too.”
The girl did not reply, but turned her head and stared at the pianoforte, which stood with its lid raised and the stool pulled back, as if someone had just been sitting at the keys. Elizabeth felt another chill run down her spine.
Georgiana pointed a shaking hand at the instrument. “My… My pianoforte…”
“Do not fear. All will be well,” said Elizabeth, with a confidence she did not feel. “Whoever it was, it appears that they are gone now. Did you see anything when you arrived in the room?”
Georgiana shook her head, her eyes still wide with fear. “I… I do not know… I thought—”
“Georgie!”
Darcy strode into the music room, followed by the other guests. Elizabeth watched as Darcy wrapped a gentle arm around his sister and lowered his head to speak reassuringly to her. She felt a stab of envy. How wonderful it would be to enjoy such tender concern from that gentleman! Her feelings were soothed slightly a moment later, however, when he turned towards her and asked if she was all right.
“Thank you, I am well,” said Elizabeth, and as she saw Darcy’s eyes rest on her, she became aware of her state of undress.
She had hastened downstairs without a dressing gown or robe and was now facing him clad only in her thin nightgown. Though they were surrounded
by others, Elizabeth felt a sudden intimacy in their situation. She turned away, unable to meet his eyes, and hastily went to join her aunt. Mrs Gardiner was talking excitedly with the other guests, speculating as to the source of the music.
“I believe this instrument is a new addition to the household,” Mr Gardiner commented. “Is it likely that there is a faulty mechanism which could have led to the strange music?”
“Surely a faulty mechanism would not play an entire melody!” said one of Darcy’s other guests.
Darcy said nothing, but went over to the pianoforte to examine it: lifting the lid, testing the keys and pedals, raising the music rack, checking the strings, and peering into the soundboard… At length, he stood back and shook his head. There was no clue as to the source of the recent eerie performance.
“I heard the servants talking about this instrument,” Caroline Bingley spoke up. “They believe that it is haunted! I own, I do not normally subscribe to such superstitious gossip, but on this occasion, I fear that there may be some truth in their speculations.” She drew closer to Darcy than propriety warranted and caught his arm. “Oh, Mr Darcy, were it not for your presence, I do not think I would be able to sleep tonight!”
Darcy coolly removed her hand from his arm. “There is no need to be alarmed, Miss Bingley. I do not know the explanation for the music we heard, but I have no doubt that there is a reasonable one. I am sure upon further investigation in the morning, we will discover a cause that will render our anxiety laughable.” He looked around at the other guests. “In the meantime, I urge you all to return to your rooms and endeavour to continue your night’s rest. I apologise for this untimely disturbance.”
Everyone began moving slowly back upstairs. Darcy returned to his sister’s side and gently escorted her to the staircase. With a last look at the pianoforte, Elizabeth turned and followed in their wake.
Secrets at Pemberley Page 4