‘Where are you off to, Miss Lizzy?’ Alice passed her in the hallway bearing the urn of hot water, a maid following behind with a tray filled with cups, teaspoons and a plate of biscuits.
‘I left my shawl behind. I shall be with you directly.’
‘You had best bring everything in, missy. It looks like it might turn to rain later.’
A gust of wind caught Elizabeth’s skirts as she hurried back into the garden. Alice was right; the sky had begun to look a little ominous; their visitors would not be able to linger for long.
Some of the unused jute bags had already been scattered across the grass by the wind, and she gathered them quickly onto the tray, along with the sewing box, her book and her shawl, but then she recalled the remaining strands of ribbon. Looking around, they were nowhere to be seen, and she walked along the edge of the shrubbery opposite for a minute to see if they had become caught up in the branches.
Then, her skin went cold as once again she was assailed by the sensation of being watched. Elizabeth peered into the bushes, but could see no movement.
‘Is there anyone there?’
Unsure if the sudden rustling sound came from within the thicket or from the leaves gambolling across the lawn in the strong wind, she shivered. Then came the distinct crack of someone stepping on a twig or branch and, her skin prickling with unease, Elizabeth backed away before turning and hurrying towards the house.
~o0o~
With his present guests on their visit to The Grange, and the necessary preparations being made for those yet to arrive, Darcy spent his afternoon with Georgiana in the music room, but when she left to join Mrs Annesley for a walk in the gardens, he excused himself and retreated to his study.
His desk could not hold his attention for long, however. His thoughts were firmly with his friend and his call upon the Bennets. How he wished he had given in and joined them.
His eye was caught by the painting of Pemberley over the mantel—not dissimilar to the one in his London study, and Darcy walked over to stand before it. His guardianship of the estate, his duty to protect it and pass it on in good order, weighed heavily upon him as he stared at the painting.
He turned back to his desk, dropping into the chair. Miss Latimer’s arrival would lead him to seal his fate. His quest was over as precipitously as he had intended. So why his present unrest? A foolish question! Elizabeth’s reappearance was turning his life upside down.
Elizabeth. Darcy leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. How effective had his so-called armour been against her? An abject failure—it was all a pretence. A year of trying to forget her, believing he had put the past behind him, and just days to weaken his resolve to almost breaking point. His life would soon be in disarray once more if he did not act to settle things. Yet contemplating a future with another held less and less appeal, and...
A knock came upon the door, and his eyes flew open.
‘Colonel Fitzwilliam’s carriage approaches, sir.’ The footman retreated, and Darcy followed him out into the hallway. Here was the tonic he needed; Fitzwilliam had never failed him yet.
Barely five minutes later, Darcy strode across the gravel as the carriage came to a halt and his cousin emerged, his familiar wide grin overspreading his countenance.
‘Darcy! Good to see you!’
They shook hands, and despite his inner turmoil, Darcy returned his cousin’s smile. ‘You are most welcome, Fitzwilliam. You have been sorely missed.’
The colonel rolled his eyes as they walked towards the steps to the front entrance. ‘But of course; I always mean it to be so!’
‘Richard!’
They had barely crossed the threshold when a flurry of white fabric and golden curls threw itself at him, and with a huff of laughter, Colonel Fitzwilliam gave his other cousin a quick embrace before setting her away from him that he might observe her more keenly. Then, he smiled.
‘You look well, Georgie! The Derbyshire air suits you, as it does your brother.’ He studied her carefully for a moment. ‘It is good to see you so happy.’
‘Oh, Richard, I am! We have such wonderful new neighbours—do we not, Fitz?’ She turned an arch look upon her brother, and the colonel looked between them.
‘Indeed? And this has brought such happiness? I am keen to meet these people. They are of good sense and fashion, I trust?’
‘They are not neighbours so much as tenants on the estate, Georgie.’
Georgiana raised a brow. ‘Then why do you treat them as such?’
Darcy had no answer, and the colonel’s gaze narrowed. ‘These neighbours—would they happen to go by the name of Bennet? The same Bennets connected to my recent errand?’
‘How could you possibly surmise such a thing, Richard?’ Georgiana frowned ‘And what errand?’
Raising a finger to tap his nose, Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled. ‘I am renowned for my ability to deduce, Georgie.’ Then, he winked at her. ‘Besides, Darcy is not talented in artifice, and though he gave little enough explanation for the favour he asked of me, it was not difficult to make the connection.’
Darcy cleared his throat. ‘I—er—Georgie, why do you not speak to Mrs Reynolds to arrange for tea to be brought up? I am sure Fitzwilliam is in need of refreshment.’
Georgiana looked from her cousin to her brother, then turned to go, but then said over her shoulder, ‘Richard is always in need of refreshment!’
Darcy smirked at his cousin’s raised brow. ‘She has much improved in confidence. There are times when it is to my disadvantage, and now it seems the pleasure is to be shared.’
‘She is not the only one who is altered.’ The colonel threw Darcy another shrewd look, then grinned. ‘So! It is the Bennets of Hertfordshire. This is delicious.’ He rubbed his hands together as he and Darcy turned to cross the hall. ‘And when does Latimer arrive with his daughter?’
~o0o~
The colonel soon retired to his rooms to freshen himself from his travels and before long, Bingley and his sisters returned from The Grange, bearing the news of the Bennets’ acceptance of their picnic invitation. Darcy’s regret over not accompanying them was immediately tempered by knowing Elizabeth would be coming to Pemberley the following afternoon. He listened to Bingley speaking of their visit with only half an ear as he contemplated it, a futile indulgence but one he was unable to forego.
The colonel was not long in re-joining them, and the introduction of Olivia and Viola was quickly and informally made. To Darcy’s amusement, the twins then followed his cousin over to a sofa and perched themselves neatly, one either side of him.
‘Darcy tells me you are to attend a school quite northwards?’
Georgiana had come to join them, and she nodded as she took a seat opposite. 'I have assured Olivia and Viola they will be taught to the highest standards.’
Viola turned to the colonel. ‘We are to learn how to exhibit ourselves. Though truly, sir, if we must perform as our sister does, I shall have no desire to come out ever.’
Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed. ‘You do not gain enjoyment from the usual accomplishments?’
‘Our interest does not lean towards playing or singing, sir.’ Olivia gestured towards the pianoforte in the corner of the room. ‘That is not to say we cannot play, but it is neither where our strength lies, nor where our pleasure is.’
‘So what is it you enjoy?’
They both turned towards him, identical expressions of eagerness filling their faces.
‘Drawing!’ Viola picked up her portfolio from the floor by the sofa and thrust it into his hands.
‘Viola would sketch all day long if permitted; she is very talented.’ Olivia smiled proudly at her sister.
The colonel opened the cover of the sketchbook, admiring several of the offerings before looking up. ‘And you, Miss Olivia? What is it you enjoy?’
‘Composing poetry; songs.’ She hesitated, looking to her sister, who nodded. ‘And stories. I like to make up stories. We both enjoy a good adventure, though. W
e are hoping you will have some excellent tales of derring-do to share, Colonel Fitzwilliam.’
Georgiana laughed. ‘They have been a little disappointed, Richard, in Pemberley not delivering on any real excitement yet.’
Viola looked suddenly concerned. ‘But you know we are so very happy here, do you not, dear Georgiana? We could not be more so, could we, ‘Livia?’
‘Indeed not!’
Georgiana smiled warmly. ‘I know that you are.’
Viola then turned to the colonel again. ‘Do you believe in ghosts, sir?’
‘Viola!’ Bingley looked over and shook his head at her.
‘We have seen one here at Pemberley—at least, out in the grounds. We would like to catch it, to hear its story.’
‘They are tricky to apprehend, but I am all for the chase. Shall we go directly?’ Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced at their brother. ‘With your permission of course, Bingley.’
With a resigned laugh, Bingley nodded. ‘They will not rest easy until they have at least tried to find this elusive ghost.’
‘Georgiana! Will you come?’ Viola sent her a pleading look, and she looked to Darcy.
‘If you wish to go, Georgie?’
To his surprise, she smiled widely. ‘We shall be quite safe with Richard to protect us, Fitz.’
Darcy frowned. ‘There have been reports of a possible poacher in the woods, Cousin.’
Getting to his feet, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s countenance was serious as he looked first to Bingley, then to Darcy. ‘We will merely skirt the edges this evening, for we have but an hour or so to spare before supper. Do not fear; I know my duty to the young ladies.’
Darcy smiled. ‘Then go to it!’
‘Come then, ladies! Dusk is falling; an opportune time to seek the spirits of the night.’ He turned to the two young ladies before him, almost hopping with their suppressed excitement. ‘Suitable footwear is a must and a dark cloak, for it would not do for us to alert the ghost to our presence.’
Chapter Thirty-One
The girls and the colonel returned in good time, their cheeks flushed from their exercise and, despite no sign of any ghost or spirit, both Olivia and Viola declared the expedition a success and hurried over to their usual corner of the room. Soon they were engrossed, one busy with her sketchbook, the other scribbling away in her journal, and thus they stayed until supper was called.
Meanwhile, Georgiana joined her brother as the colonel engaged Bingley in conversation, and he smiled.
‘Was it all they hoped for?’
‘They are so easily pleased, Fitz.’ She looked over to the twins and smiled. ‘I shall miss them so much when they go on to school.’ Then, she laughed. ‘Their favourite moment was when Richard hid behind a tree and leapt out to scare them. They looked positively terrified for all of a second and then declared it a triumph. Of course, after that, there was no stopping him!’
Darcy laughed, but then his cousin approached, and Georgiana left to join the twins.
‘What is it?’ Darcy frowned as the colonel drew him aside, his air serious. ‘Did something happen?’
‘You may want to direct your steward to the edge of the trees, just beyond that awful statue of the Lost Woman.’ Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke quietly. ‘If there is a poacher in the woodland, he has been there, for we stumbled upon the remnants of a badly made fire and some discarded victuals.’
‘Rivers spoke of this the other day, but searching the woodland is proving akin to seeking a tack in a hay bale. I will inform him, for he would not expect to find traces so near to the grounds.’ Darcy glanced over to the twins. ‘The girls were not disturbed by it?’
The colonel grunted. ‘It would take a lot to unnerve them! But, no; they were soon distracted by some ribbon caught up in a tree, no doubt swept there by today's wind. They tried to dislodge it with horse chestnuts, but their aim is truly dreadful!’
Darcy laughed, then looked over as a footman entered to announce supper. The remainder of the evening passed quickly, and he found himself able to put aside his troubled thoughts over Elizabeth and enjoy the extended company.
It was only after everyone but his cousin had retired for the night that thoughts of the lady began to intrude once more, and as the colonel fixed them both a nightcap, Darcy stared into the drawing room fire, knowing full well the Bennets would be the hub of their conversation.
Once his cousin joined him, Darcy gave a brief summary of what had befallen the Bennet family in the year twelve and how they came to be living on the estate. When he had finished, the colonel let out a low whistle.
‘What misfortune; and so Wickham was to blame again. Yet never has his destruction of a family been quite so complete. Can you conceive of the effect? The loss of family and then having to leave Pemberley in the hands of others to protect your remaining loved ones and your family name? I know the Bennets’ estate is much smaller, but it has likely been the family home for many generations.’
‘It is beyond my wildest imagining. I live in hope Wickham perished in that fire.’
The colonel got to his feet to replenish their glasses. ‘You are learning optimism, Darcy. I am impressed. The influence of anyone in particular?’
‘Enough, Fitzwilliam!’
Returning with their glasses, the colonel handed Darcy’s to him and retook his seat. ‘I gather from Georgiana you have seen Miss Elizabeth Bennet almost every day since your return.’
‘Beyond a courtesy call on both sides, they were all a matter of chance.’
‘But it will not cease. Nor will it, once you are wed. From what I understand, the acquaintance cannot be avoided; nor have you indicated you wish to avoid it!’
Darcy did not want to think on it, even though he could not deny the truth of his cousin’s words. ‘What would you have me do? I cannot pretend I do not know them.’
The colonel grunted. ‘No indeed; and it is clearly too late to keep your distance.’ He eyed Darcy keenly. ‘And what of your plan? Is it still formed and in place?’
Darcy placed his glass on a side table. ‘Nothing has altered since we spoke in Town, Fitzwilliam, and why should it? The Latimers arrive within a matter of days. The estate must have an heir.’
His cousin stared at him across the top of his glass. ‘Yes, it must, but it does not follow the heir must be directly descended from the most recent incumbent. You know as well as I, Darce, that many estates pass in their entirety sideways, to distant cousins or other relatives, and oft by some obscure family connection.’ He took a swig from his glass. ‘And what of Miss Latimer?’
Darcy frowned. ‘What of the lady?’
‘If I may be so bold, what if no issue comes from the marriage? Such circumstances arise, do they not? Look at Lord Chattendon. An heir is sometimes adopted; it is an option, but then you may as well have escaped the tiresome marriage and simply made the estate over to the person of your choice when the time comes.’
Darcy stretched his legs out in front of the hearth.
‘Thank you for the assumption my marriage will be tiresome.’
The colonel grunted again. ‘You know full well my meaning. And what of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?’
‘Miss Elizabeth Bennet is not part of this... situation.’
‘Is she not? Yet I am told she is not indifferent to you.’
Hope leapt in Darcy’s breast for a moment before the truth dawned. ‘Georgiana has been sharing her thoughts. That is all they are, Cousin.’
‘You believe women think and see things the same way as men? Good Lord, Darce! It is no wonder you erred so abysmally when you offered your hand the first time. A woman will read another of her sex far better than any man could.’ Darcy glared at his cousin, but he had not finished with him. ‘Fate has placed her in your path again; can you forego such a chance so easily? If it is what you truly wish...’
Frustrated, Darcy got to his feet. ‘And there you have it—the brunt of it! This cannot be about my wishes! I made the mistake of considering nothing but my
own before now. Failing to consider Miss Bennet’s was the biggest error of my life. Would you have me make the same mistake again?’
‘If nothing has altered, I would not.’ The colonel stood also. ‘So here is the rub: can you say, with absolute conviction, the lady still feels as she did in the spring of the year twelve? That her objections to you, her misjudgement of your character, all stand fully intact, have not altered in any respect?’
Darcy turned away and stared into the hearth, his heart pounding in his ears.
‘Hmmph. It is as I suspected earlier, old chap.’ Darcy felt his cousin’s hand on his shoulder, and he turned about to face him. ‘I fear it is all too late. You have already succumbed to the lady. A twelve-month of setting yourself free, and in less than a fortnight, you are as smitten as ever.’
Darcy frowned. ‘How can you speak so? You have been here but a half hour.’
‘I do not need to see you in the lady’s company to comprehend the truth of it.’
The colonel walked over to the sofa and retrieved Viola’s sketchpad. ‘Have you ever troubled to look inside this?’
‘No.’
‘It would pay you to. This young girl is incredibly talented, and the likenesses in here are uncanny, even those likely done from memory. Let me show you.’
He walked over to where Darcy stood and held the book before him. It was open on a skilled drawing of Elizabeth. She was laughing at something, and Darcy could not help but smile.
‘When was this? Do you recall?’
Darcy studied the image; it was impossible to say, but he had a feeling it was from outside Kympton church when she was talking to Bingley. Not that he had watched her so much, but...
‘Darce?’
He looked up. ‘I know not.’
‘And this?’
Darcy straightened as his cousin flipped the pages to an accurately rendered drawing of Darcy himself. ‘That was—I believe that was several days ago. Perhaps when the Bennets paid a call here at Pemberley.’
‘And I will wager you were looking in Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s direction.’
A Quest for Mr Darcy Page 20