The Ghosts at Pemberley

by Fenella J Miller

  To his chagrin he was discovering he did not enjoy his own company. He missed the comradery of the mess and the constant bustle of army life. When tending to a mortally wounded friend there had been an epiphany and in that instant he had known he must dedicate his life to the service of God and not to killing.

  So, here he was, an ordained minister of the church, full of good intentions and eager to minister to his flock, but there was little to do apart from writing his sermons and taking two services on Sunday. There would, of course, be baptisms, burials and marriages to perform but so far no one in his parish had required any of these offices. He scowled into the fire wishing there was some way to alleviate his loneliness and give him back his vocation.

  It wasn’t the prerequisite of a priest to be a devout Christian. Many of the young men he had studied with were only interested in living the lifestyle of a gentleman and viewed the trappings of the church as a necessary evil.

  Indeed, only today he had seen an advertisement in the newspaper announcing there was to be an auction, by Hoggart & Phillips of Old Broad Street in London, for what they called “the most valuable living in one of the finest sporting counties”. No doubt this living would fetch a pretty price if it was put on the open market. Uncle Benjamin had rebuilt the Rectory using his own funds and it was as grand as any manor house in the district – apart from Pemberley, of course.

  Repairing the lanes in the parish was a worthy cause, but it did not fill him with excitement. When his uncle had heard his nephew was taking holy orders he had immediately written to ask him to take over the parish when he died. Adam had not hesitated to accept this generous offer, but with hindsight he realised he would have been better to go into an urban parish where his ministry could have made a difference.

  He retired to his bedchamber in a black mood. As he said his nightly prayers he asked for the Almighty to guide him and give him the strength of character to undertake whatever task he was given with humility and good grace.

  *

  Georgiana stood back to admire Kitty’s ensemble. ‘You look delightful, dearest, and although we are not related by blood, I do believe we could be taken for siblings.’ She moved to stand beside her and Kitty was obliged to agree.

  ‘You are half a head taller than me and slightly more slender, but we both have dark hair and ringlets and large brown eyes.’ She giggled and curtsied to her image. ‘La, Miss Darcy, I do declare we shall be the belles of the ball tonight.’

  Arm in arm they strolled from her sitting room and began to make the long journey along the corridors until they eventually reached the Great Staircase. Kitty felt like a princess gliding down to dine in such a splendid house. Halfway, she stumbled, almost sending both of them head first.

  ‘Botheration! I must learn to master the demi-train and hold up my skirt at the front if I’m not to break my neck. Falling down marble stairs would no doubt prove fatal.’

  ‘You will soon become accustomed to them; I think nothing of it now.’ Georgiana ran her hand across the smooth banister. ‘I have never dared to slide down this, but maybe if Fitzwilliam and Lizzy go out one day, we should both do so.’

  Kitty was astonished and excited by the suggestion. The more she got to know her friend, the more confused she became. Georgiana was proving to be not a shy, well-behaved young lady but someone as lively as herself. ‘I should love to slide down the banisters, but I think it best if I don’t attempt it until I am more settled here. If I should be caught I am certain that Mr Darcy would send me packing and I do so want to stay here with you.’

  ‘I promise you, Kitty, my brother shall not send you away whatever mischief we get up to. Now, we must traverse this chamber and go into the Great Hall for we always meet there before dinner.’

  The closer they got to joining her sister and her terrifying husband, the more nervous Kitty became. Whatever Georgiana might say to the contrary, she was convinced that Mr Darcy would not tolerate any wild behaviour on her part. It might be best if she remained silent during dinner, that way she would not give him a disgust of her. She had often seen her father’s dismay when she had rattled off ill-thought-out comments at the table.

  They crossed the acres of highly polished floor then went through the double doors at end of the room on the left into the Great Hall. She gazed around in wonderment at this magnificent chamber; she believed that it must be fully sixty feet in breadth and half as much again in length. The plasterwork on the ceiling had been done by a master craftsman and the crystal chandeliers were breath taking. The hundreds of candles made the glass sparkle and added to the splendour.

  Darcy and her sister were standing in front of the fire and turned to greet them. ‘You both look enchanting, far too splendid for an informal meal.’ He turned to Lizzy with a smile. ‘As soon as Jane and Bingley are with us you must organise a party to welcome our visitors and introduce you to my neighbours. We have not had an event of this sort since we returned last month from our wedding trip and it is long overdue.’

  Kitty curtsied politely but he shook his head. ‘No, Kitty my dear, you are one of the family and I do not expect you to behave like a guest. Can I get you a glass of champagne or would you prefer orgeat?’

  Her heart settled into a more acceptable rhythm and Kitty was able to answer his question without stammering. ‘I am afraid that I am not partial to either of those, sir, perhaps I could have lemonade, if that is not too much trouble?’

  He snapped his fingers and a footman who had been standing like a statue against the wall jumped to attention and hurried off. Only then was she aware there were four other servants placed about the vast room just in case the master or mistress required something.

  ‘I hear that you have been taken on a tour of the upper floors, Kitty,’ Lizzy said with a smile. ‘What did you think?’

  ‘If I do not become lost and starve to death it will be a miracle.’

  Georgiana squeezed her hand affectionately. ‘I give you my solemn vow that I will not let you meet a grisly end in Pemberley. I shall give you a large ball of wool that you can unwind in your perambulations, like the hero in the Minotaur story, and thus return safely to the bosom of your family.’

  Everybody laughed at this riposte and she saw Darcy’s eyebrow rise and his beloved Lizzy nodded. The butler arrived to announce that dinner was served and the four of them strolled down the Hall, across the central flagstone passageway and into the small dining room.

  For a small dining room it was prodigiously large and Georgiana whispered to her that in fact it was the only dining room and could seat fully fifty people around the massive central table. Fortunately they were seated at one end and not obliged to yell at each other down the expanse of mahogany.

  The meal was served à la française with all the dishes being placed attractively in the centre of the table. She was scarcely aware of what she ate, but she knew it was all delicious and perfectly prepared. Conversation was light-hearted and on a few occasions either Darcy or Lizzy actually addressed her directly.

  When the final cover was removed she expected her sister to stand and lead Georgiana and herself into the drawing room whilst Darcy remained with his port. However, they stood up together and arm in arm strolled back through the Great Hall out into the cavernous vestibule which contained the staircase and into the chamber they referred to as the Saloon or Music Room.

  It had taken fully five minutes to reach this room and Kitty was glad she had a warm shawl to cover her bare shoulders. At the far end of the room was an enormous pianoforte, a large golden harp and various music stands. There was also a collection of spindly gilt chairs upon which anyone wishing to listen to the music could seat themselves.

  There were two fireplaces, halfway down, one on each side of the room. With the chandeliers and fires this made the space delightfully warm. Darcy suggested Georgiana play to them and then wandered up to stand beside her and turn the music sheet.

  This gave Kitty and an ideal opportunity to talk to Lizzy
without being overheard. The room was so vast people conversing by the fire could not possibly interfere with the musicians at the far end.

  ‘Lizzy, I cannot tell you how much I love Georgiana but how surprised I am to find her so lively and full of fun. From your correspondence I understood that she was a quiet girl, more like Mary than myself.’

  ‘Fitzwilliam and I are equally surprised at the change in her. We hoped that your arrival would help her to come out of herself in time, but within a few hours of your companionship she is so much more animated. And, my love, from what Jane has told me, you too have changed in the past few months. I declare that you and Georgiana are now the perfect match for each other.’

  Kitty was unused to receiving praise from any of her family and her heart swelled with pride. In the past she had been a follower of her younger sister, Lydia, heedless and giddy, and thinking only of officers and new gowns. Since Lydia had been marooned somewhere in Northumbria with the militia, she knew herself to be a changed person. Spending so much time with her older sister, Jane, at Netherfield, had taught her good manners and given her a respect for other people’s opinions.

  However, she rather feared that her former wildness was likely to influence Georgiana in a detrimental way. For the first time in her life she wished to be approved of and was determined to behave with propriety and not do anything outrageous.

  ‘Thank you for your kind words, sister, I shall endeavour to live up to your expectations. When the weather is clement I intend to learn to ride so Georgiana and I can explore the park together. Until then there is this enormous house to explore. Would you have any objection if we poked about in the attics?’

  ‘The attics? Good heavens, I have not been anywhere near them myself and have no intention of doing so.’ She beckoned to Darcy who abandoned his position by the pianoforte and strolled towards her.

  ‘Yes, my love, how can I be of assistance?’ His smile was tender and made him look years younger.

  ‘It would appear Kitty and Georgiana intend to occupy their time scrambling about in the attics. Is there any reason why they should not do so?’

  He seemed somewhat surprised by this remark. ‘I can think of more productive ways for you girls to spend your time, but as I already gave you my permission to roam about the house at will I suppose the attics are included in that consent.’ He smiled warmly at her and Kitty basked in his approval.

  ‘I suggest that you wear your oldest clothes, my dear, and take oil lamps, not candles, as they will be safer. If you find anything interesting you must let us know. I don’t believe I have ventured as far as the nursery floor in years, let alone the attics.’

  ‘I thank you, sir, and I promise we will not spend all our time poking around in the dust. I’m hoping to improve my skills on the pianoforte and paint some watercolours of the grounds. I believe there is an impressive library which I have yet to visit.’

  Lizzy laughed. ‘I should do your exploring before Jane and Bingley arrive as, when they do, we shall start entertaining and preparing for the Christmas festivities and I shall require you and Georgiana to help.’

  ‘There is nothing I enjoy more than making Christmas garlands.’ She turned eagerly to Darcy. ‘Do you have a ball at Pemberley to celebrate the New Year?’ No sooner had she spoken the words than she regretted her impulsive question.

  ‘Although as Lizzy knows, I do love to dance, my enquiry was for another reason. I would like to be involved with the preparations, writing invitations, decorating the Great Hall or anything else that might be of assistance.’

  ‘We do intend to hold a ball, Kitty, as it will be an excellent opportunity to introduce my wife and her family to my neighbours. I am sure that Lizzy will be delighted to have you and Georgiana assist her.’

  The lovely piano music that had been filling the room came to an end and Georgiana beckoned her over. ‘Pray excuse me, I am going to speak to your sister.’

  She all but ran to join her friend eager to impart the interesting information she had gleaned from Lizzy and her husband. ‘You play so beautifully, Georgiana, I wish I was half as proficient as you. Will you teach me to play like that?’

  ‘I can try, but virtuosity is a God-given talent, if you do not have it you will never be any more than proficient. Come, play something for me and I will tell you if I can help you to improve.’

  Kitty looked nervously at the couple who were seated together and conversing head-to-head. She would hate to have Mr Darcy find her wanting in her musical skills. ‘I do not require any music, I can play you a sonata from memory by Pleyel.’

  She slid onto the piano stool beside her new friend. Kitty ran her fingers across the keys before settling herself to play this delightful piece. Although not as technically accomplished as Mary, or with the verve and liveliness of Lizzy, she believed she had some talent. Hours of practice on the expensive instrument at Netherfield had, she hoped, made her better.

  When the final note died away she sat for a moment with her head bowed still lost in the music. The sound of someone running across the boards jerked her from her reverie. She opened her eyes and looked round to see Lizzy, her skirts gathered in one hand, arriving with more speed than decorum. Kitty scrambled from the seat to meet her.

  ‘Kitty dearest, when did you learn to perform so well? I have never heard that piece before, you played it superbly.’ Lizzy opened her arms and Kitty moved forward to be embraced.

  ‘I am so glad you liked it, I have been working hard on my music these past weeks.’ She smiled at her friend who was positively bounced with excitement next to her.

  ‘I can certainly teach you some new pieces, Kitty, I do believe that in time you will play as well as I do.’

  ‘If I can be half as good as you, I shall be more than satisfied. Perhaps we could work on some suitable songs to play together at Christmastime?’

  From the far end of the chamber a deep, baritone voice boomed. ‘When you three butterflies have finished fluttering around the piano would you consider returning and playing a hand or two of cards?’

  ‘Kindly refrain from shouting, Fitzwilliam, poor Kitty almost fainted from the shock.’ Lizzy turned her back on her husband. ‘We prefer to play whist, Kitty, do you know the rules?’

  ‘I do, Bingley taught me and I have been playing frequently with him. I shall partner Georgiana, I am certain that we will be trounced, but the experience will be salutary, no doubt.’

  Chapter Five

  Kitty had never spent a night in such luxury. The sheets on her bed were of the finest cotton and the comforter satin-covered and as pretty as any she had ever seen. Despite the comfort she awoke early, far too excited to remain in bed when there was so much to look forward to.

  She had always been considered the sickly sister, succumbing to winter colds and coughs, but since Lydia had left her health had improved as had her character. Jane had insisted this was because Kitty no longer spent her days dashing about the country in a flimsy muslin dress hoping to flirt with officers from the militia.

  Whatever the reason, the past few months she had been in the best of health and every morning she got up eager to fill her day with interesting pastimes. She scrambled out of bed and, by the embers in the fireplace, was able to make her way across and light a candle. The mantel clock told her the time was little after five, far too early to ring for assistance.

  The dressing room was unpleasantly chilly, but she quickly discovered the necessary undergarments and her plainest and warmest gown. This was a morning dress, loose fitting, with long sleeves and high neck, and would be ideal for scrambling about in the attics – or wherever they actually went. It took her far longer than she’d anticipated to tie the various tapes and make herself presentable.

  There was a full-length glass in her bedchamber and she took advantage of it. Even in the flickering light from a single candle she could see her image well enough. Her gown, once a pretty damask-rose, had faded to an indeterminate shade of pink, but nevertheless she w
as satisfied with her appearance. Her eyes were sparkling and despite having crammed her hair under a cap, she looked respectable.

  Her stomach growled; nervousness had prevented her from eating more than a small portion of the sumptuous dinner put before her last night. Breakfast would not be served until ten o’clock at the earliest and she did not think she could survive without sustenance for so long. Did she dare to creep through the house and find her way to the kitchens to help herself to some bread and butter?

  Today she would definitely ask Georgiana if she could move in with her. She was not accustomed to being on her own having always shared with one of her sisters, and the apartment was far too large for her ever to feel comfortable in.

  Should she tap on the door just in case her friend was awake? She shook her head – better not to wake anyone else so early in the morning. There was an oil lamp on the central table in her sitting room and she removed the glass chimney, trimmed the wick and lit it from her candle. The last thing she wished to do was leave a trail of wax behind her.

  Her chest felt tight, her pulse was racing and she almost changed her mind as she stepped into the pitch-dark, echoing passageway outside the room. Then her stomach rumbled again and hunger gave her the necessary courage to continue. She closed her eyes for a moment in order to visualise the route she had taken to reach this apartment.

  Satisfied she would be able to make her way safely to the Great Staircase she set off feeling like an intrepid explorer. She held the oil lamp aloft not liking the way the eyes of the gloomy ancestors followed her down the passage. She wished she had put on her cloak and gloves as she might as well be outside it was so cold. There were no fireplaces in the corridors and she supposed that such a vast establishment would inevitably be cold everywhere apart from the rooms that had fires.

  She ran down the marble staircase, through the Great Hall and out into the central corridor. As she stood shivering in the pool of light made from her oil lamp she realised she had been foolish to venture downstairs when she had no idea in which direction the kitchens might be. She would return at once to her apartment and wait until seven o’clock when her maid would hopefully appear with a jug of chocolate and some warm rolls.