‘Then I shall transfer her immediately,’ Darcy said decisively. ‘Thank you for coming, King. As soon as Bingley is here and fully recovered, I should like you to dine with us.’ With no more than a nod he vanished into Miss Bennet’s bedchamber closely followed by his wife and sister leaving him stranded in the passageway.
He sniffed; the pungent smell of smoke would lead him to the Great Staircase and from there he was sure he could find his way to the front door as it was in the same chamber. Life was exciting once more, he no longer regretted his decision to move to Derbyshire. Fighting the supernatural was more to his taste than fighting the French.
*
Kitty thought she was scooped out of her bed and carried to another chamber by a gentleman with a distinctive aroma of lemons and the outdoors. Perhaps she was dreaming, but it was certainly a very pleasant dream. She sighed and settled into a cocoon of soft pillows and goose down mattress vaguely aware that there were people moving about in the room, they were being so circumspect they did not really intrude into her slumber.
She awoke some hours later feeling fully restored and ravenously hungry. Although she remembered in every ghastly detail of experience in the East Wing, she was no longer unsettled by it, knew herself to be safe from whatever it was as long as she remained on this side of the locked doors.
On sitting up she stared around the bedchamber with surprise. This was not the room she had fallen asleep in – she was somewhere else entirely. She fell back on the pillows feeling her pulse accelerate and cold sweat trickled between her shoulder blades. Had she once more been transported by supernatural powers?
Then a familiar voice spoke from the other side of the room. ‘Kitty, you are awake at last. Fitzwilliam has moved you in with me. Is that not absolutely perfect?’
‘Georgiana, I was wondering where I was. I intend to get dressed immediately. I am sharp set as I have not eaten since I don’t know when.’ She threw back the covers and tumbled from the bed. ‘Have my clothes been moved as well? I care not what I put on as long as I can go somewhere I can eat.’
‘I shall ring for a tray to be sent up at once, there is no need to put on more than your negligée, we shall remain in my sitting room until it is time to change for dinner.’
Kitty was surprised her friend had not already begun her interrogation, for if she were in Georgiana’s shoes she would already have been pressing for information about the extraordinary events of the morning. Would it be more sensible to keep what she knew to herself? When she had told Mr King he had not believed her and she had no wish to be thought a young lady given to telling falsehoods.
‘I must find the commode before I do anything else. I beg you, dearest friend, send a girl down to fetch me something to eat.’
By the time Georgiana returned from giving her instructions to one of the maids Kitty had made the necessary visit and found her wrap and slippers. The chamber she was now sharing was identical in size to the one she had been in before, however, the furnishings were more luxurious and the furniture of the highest quality.
She surveyed the room with pleasure. Indeed, the bed she had been in could happily sleep half a dozen, but she was certain if she requested a second bed, it would be fetched for her. She had not shared since Lydia had run away with Wickham, but after her harrowing experience she would feel more comfortable having a companion at her side when night fell.
‘I cannot believe you look so well,’ Georgiana exclaimed when she returned from her errand. ‘I have strict instructions not to tire you, so you must come at once and sit down next door. Your belated luncheon will be here soon. Pemberley is so vast it takes fully five minutes to get from the kitchen to the dining room and even longer to bring a tray upstairs.’
The sitting room was equally delightful, and Kitty observed that a daybed had been drawn close to the roaring fire. Obediently she settled herself and allowed her friend to fuss with pillows and rugs without comment. In the past she had enjoyed being the centre of attention when she succumbed to one of her frequent illnesses, but nowadays she was made of sterner stuff and no longer liked being an invalid.
‘There, dearest Kitty, I have done all I can.’ With a sigh Georgiana curled up in the armchair on the opposite side of the fire. ‘Lizzy insisted that I make you rest, but I think that is the last thing you must wish to do.’
‘I shall remain here until I have eaten, but then I shall put on a morning gown and go and inspect the fire damage. Hopefully, Lizzy and your brother will be safely ensconced downstairs and not know about my perambulations.’
‘I knew that was what you would wish to do, for it is what I would do myself in your situation. I shall not pester you with questions until you have eaten, but then I am hoping you will tell me exactly what happened.’
The rattle of crockery was heard from the bedchamber – there must be a servants’ exit on that side of the apartment – and Kitty’s stomach rumbled disastrously. ‘I beg your pardon, how indelicate of me.’
Two maids came in from the communicating door, one carrying a laden tray whilst the other rushed ahead to open the door and place a small table by Kitty’s side. They bobbed and vanished in a whisk of white aprons.
‘There is enough for three people on this tray, I shall never eat it all. Would you like to share it with me?’
Georgiana shook her head. ‘If I do I shall not be able to eat my dinner and Fitzwilliam will look disapproving and Lizzy will want to know if I am sickening for something.’
Kitty devoured cold cuts, bread and cheese, apple pie and plum cake with relish. The lemonade that accompanied this delicious repast was drained to the last drop. ‘I assume there are hothouses at Pemberley, I should dearly like to visit them.’ Her friend had been unable to resist the temptations on the tray and had eaten almost as much as she had.
‘We grow everything on the estate: lemons, oranges and pineapples in abundance but also berries and other fruits. This household is quite self-sufficient; we even have our own farrier to take care of the horses.’
Eventually replete, Kitty replaced her napkin and used cutlery on the tray and kicked off the rugs. ‘I am feeling absolutely splendid, I shall put this table out of the way and then I am ready to go to the gallery.’
‘Are you quite sure you wish to go back there so soon? Something dreadful must have happened to you there and I shall quite understand if you wish to remain here for the moment.’
Kitty sat down again. ‘I’m going to tell you what happened but you must promise never to mention it to anyone else.’ She had no intention of revealing everything and cause Georgiana unnecessary distress. She gave her Mr King’s interpretation of events and even that was almost too much.
‘There are truly evil spirits living in the East Wing? No wonder it has been left abandoned. I have no wish to investigate further; after your experience I think it would be better to leave well alone.’ Georgiana had lost colour and was plucking at her skirt.
‘We now know that the diary is correct, it is all we wished to confirm, is it not? Until today I had not truly believed there could be such things as ghosts, but now I know they are real I have no wish to further my acquaintance with them. I thank the good Lord that we did not actually open the door on the nursery floor.’
‘Do you think they will remain in the East Wing?’ Georgiana glanced nervously over her shoulder as if expecting to see a spectre in the shadows.
‘I see no reason why they shouldn’t, I inadvertently disturbed them by my meddling, but if we stay away from the connecting doors I am quite certain they will remain in their domain.’ This was fustian, but she could hardly reveal her true feelings and tell her friend that she believed the opposite.
Whatever it was that lurked in the darkness of the East Wing had come out to find her, not the other way round. An icy chill slithered down her spine and this time she looked fearfully over her shoulder. ‘Actually, Georgiana, I think I should prefer to stay here and not go exploring after all.’
W
hen the hour came to begin changing for dinner Kitty was reluctant to leave the warmth and safety of the apartment. ‘I am so full, Georgiana, I could not eat another morsel tonight. Please will you convey my apologies to Lizzy and Mr Darcy, but I shall not be joining them for dinner tonight.’
‘In which case, I will not go down either. I shall go and tell Lizzy immediately, she will understand in the circumstances that I wish to keep you company. I shall not be long, do not look so worried, Kitty dearest.’
The door closed behind her friend and immediately the sitting room seemed less welcoming, the shadows in the corner darker and the flames in the fireplace smaller. Kitty pressed herself into the chaise longue. Her heart was attempting to escape from her bodice and her hands were clammy. There was something in the room with her and she did not dare turn her head to see what this might be.
Chapter Eight
Bingley insisted he was well enough to dress for dinner and Adam was delighted that, for the first time since he’d arrived three weeks ago, he would not sit on his own in the dining room. He took longer on his appearance than usual, ensuring that his neck cloth was tied immaculately, his shirt front sparkling and his grey silk waistcoat uncreased. He had adopted the modern fashion of pantaloons and evening shoes, delighted not to be forced to wear knee breeches and stockings at such an informal occasion.
He had given his guests an abbreviated version of the events at Pemberley – they knew there had been a small fire, that Kitty had collapsed from the shock but was now perfectly well. A note had been sent to Mrs Darcy informing her that the Bingleys would be arriving first thing tomorrow morning. Adam was determined to accompany them as he wished to speak to Miss Bennet again and put matters right between them.
The meal was going to be simple, with few removes and only two courses as Bingley would probably not enjoy a rich repast so soon after his injury. Adam waited impatiently in the drawing room for his guests to arrive. The sound of tinkling laughter and voices told him they were on their way.
Mrs Bingley walked in on her husband’s arm looking quite enchanting. Her glorious golden hair was piled casually on top of her head and her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. Her gown was a deep, buttercup yellow, held under the bosom by a gold sash. What the material was, he had no idea, but it sparkled and flowed as she moved and he thought it very attractive.
‘Good evening, Mrs Bingley, Bingley, I am delighted you can join me tonight.’ He half-bowed and Bingley did the same and his wife dipped in a small curtsy. Then they all laughed.
‘Good grief, how ridiculous! I believe we could consider ourselves friends, even after so short an acquaintance, such formality is not necessary,’ Mrs Bingley said gaily.
‘I am relieved to hear you say so, madam, for I am in sore need of friends. Would you like a drink before dinner? I have orgeat, ratafia or sherry wine?’
She shuddered dramatically. ‘I dislike all three, thank you, but I shall certainly take a glass of wine with my meal.’
He quirked an eyebrow at Bingley who shook his head and smiled. This was the first opportunity Adam had had to look at this gentleman. He was as fair as his wife and his eyes were almost as blue as hers, they could almost be siblings rather than husband and wife. They made a handsome couple and were obviously deeply in love. Apart from the bandage around his head Bingley looked well.
‘I shall be sorry to see you go tomorrow, but shall come with you as I wish to speak to Miss Bennet. I fear I offended her today and wish to put matters right.’
‘I love my sister dearly, Mr King, but she is a volatile young lady and can be quick to take offence, but I assure you she will have forgotten about it within an hour. However, I am sure she will be pleased to see you.’ She tilted her head and scrutinised him closely. ‘Kitty will appreciate your interest, sir, she has always enjoyed the company of a handsome officer.’
Was this a warning that Miss Bennet was not to be trifled with? ‘I am no longer a soldier, Mrs Bingley, my battles are now with good and evil, and I thank God I no longer fight with steel, but with prayer.’ Even to his ears this sounded pompous and trite, but too late to repine.
Fortunately Vernon announced dinner was served and he sincerely hoped they would both forget his injudicious remark. Over dinner conversation was light-hearted and he learnt a lot about the Bennet family, where they lived and in what manner. All in all dinner was an enjoyable occasion and, by common consent, he and Bingley refused to wait behind to drink port and accompanied Mrs Bingley to the drawing room.
They did not remain long as Bingley decided he needed a good night’s sleep if he was to travel the next morning.
‘We shall leave as soon as it is light enough to do so,’ Mrs Bingley said. ‘We shall not require to break our fast before we go, Mr King, thank you. I have sent word already to my sister and they will be expecting all three of us to join them for breakfast.’ She smiled and he was struck once again by her charm and beauty. Small wonder Bingley had fallen in love with her.
‘If you are quite sure I will not be intruding on a family occasion, I shall be delighted to accompany you even so early in the morning.’ He chuckled. ‘Fortunately, departing at first light in December will not be too early. I shall be ready at eight o’clock.’
Bingley took his wife’s arm and they prepared to retire. He nodded at Adam. ‘No doubt you are well used to getting up at dawn. Although I dare say a soldier of God does not have to rise quite so early as a soldier of the King.’
He could hear them laughing as they returned to their apartment and his cheeks flushed. He liked Bingley, he was a fine fellow and obviously had a sense of humour – not something he was famous for himself.
*
Kitty clenched her fists and the sudden bite of pain as her nails cut into her palms steadied her. She would not be cowed by her experience. She sprung to her feet, turned and shouted into the shadows. ‘Go away, you are not wanted here. Return from whence you came immediately.’
‘Good heavens! What have I done to offend you that you wish me to go away again?’ Georgiana assumed she was referring to her.
‘I am so sorry, my nerves are in rags. I imagined there was a ghost hiding in the corner and it was to that I was speaking.’
‘You poor thing, I should never have left you on your own.’ Her friend rushed across to the offending corner and shook the curtains fiercely. ‘I am certain you imagined it, Kitty, for there is nothing untoward over here.’
‘What would you have done if a supernatural being had actually been there?’
Georgiana grinned. ‘I should have screamed and ran away exactly as you did. We are not suited to ghost hunting I fear, neither of us have an aptitude for it.’
‘I agree with you. However, I should love to spend a few days rummaging through the attics looking for treasure which is what we were supposed to be doing anyway.’
‘That will have to wait a day or two, Lizzy told me Jane and Bingley are coming first thing tomorrow morning. I have not seen Jane for this age and I am eager to become reacquainted.’
‘That is good news, indeed. If I am honest, I am reluctant to go anywhere that is either dark or isolated at the moment.’
The matter settled they spent the remainder of the evening chatting about the weather, the latest on dits from London and anything else that took their fancy.
The chamber was no longer threatening, if there had been an evil presence, it had gone. Kitty rather thought she had imagined it. Whatever dwelt behind the locked doors, and she was in no doubt something malevolent did live there, it had remained where it was for a century or more and she could see no reason why it should now interfere with those who lived in the real world.
Although they had not requested a supper tray it appeared at nine o’clock and they discovered they were indeed hungry enough to do it justice. They retired soon after and their respective maids left them comfortably ensconced in the huge tester bed.
‘Shall I blow out the candles, Kitty? We can leave them burn
ing if you would prefer.’
She was tempted to agree but did not wish to appear weak in front of her new sister. ‘Annie got the chambermaid to make up the fire and there will be sufficient light from that, so please, do blow out the candles.’
They settled back in the comforting glow from the flames but sleep eluded her. She stretched out her arm but was unable to touch Georgiana, who was already asleep. After a while the comforting sound of her companion’s rhythmic breathing helped her to relax. She was safe and warm and as she drifted off to sleep she almost believed she had imagined her horrific encounter.
When she awoke the next morning it was to find Annie smiling beside her. ‘Good morning, miss, I have your jug of chocolate and sweet rolls. If you would care to sit up I shall place the tray on your lap.’
Kitty glanced across the expanse of coverlet shocked to see Georgiana had vanished. ‘What time is it? I must get up at once.’
‘It is a little after nine o’clock. Miss Darcy always rises at half past seven and didn’t wish to disturb you so took her chocolate next door. Would you like me to take it in there instead?’
‘Yes, that would be excellent. Is Miss Darcy still there or has she gone down?’
The communicating door swung open and her friend stepped in. ‘As you can see I am still in my negligée. I have been reading and I’m in no hurry to get ready. We are to join everyone in the breakfast parlour at ten o’clock. Jane and Bingley are already here.’ She paused and her mouth curved. ‘You will never guess who has come with them.’
‘Mr King – it could be no other at this time of the morning. Is it not unusual to receive visitors so early?’
‘A stranger perhaps, but Mr King is now considered a friend of the family. After all, he took in Jane and Bingley after their accident and then brought you back from your coma yesterday.’
The Ghosts at Pemberley Page 7