The Ghosts at Pemberley

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘How exciting – I do hope the major is wearing his regimentals – a splash of red amongst the black will add colour to the evening.’ Her sister raised an enquiring eyebrow. ‘Do not look so worried, I am not returning to my bad habits. But merely making a comment that having every gentleman present wearing black is a trifle funereal, don’t you think?’

  ‘I had not thought of it, Fitzwilliam looks so handsome in his evening clothes that I do not notice the sartorial elegance of any other gentleman. The ladies are so colourful tonight the black is a foil for them. I expect you have observed there are far more than the twenty guests we thought we had invited. When we sent out the invitations we did not realise that everyone would have so many Christmas house guests with them.’

  Kitty gazed around the assembled company and lost count after fifty. There appeared to be as many young people as old and all were enjoying the hospitality of Pemberley. She turned to her sister with alarm. ‘If we have double the amount of guests how will you accommodate the extra? There must be pandemonium in the kitchen.’

  ‘Extra leaves have been placed in the dining room table so that is no problem at all. Reynolds spoke to me earlier and said Cook had prepared sufficient courses to serve double this number. As we are to leave here at the end of the week she is using up what will not keep.’

  ‘I am afraid that I have been introduced to everyone but I can remember none of them. Quickly, Lizzy, give me the names of the young ladies and gentlemen surrounding Georgiana.’

  ‘I fear I do not know them all, since I have been in an interesting condition my memory is like a sieve and retains nothing. However, the well set-up, fair haired gentleman is the eldest son of Sir Matthew Rawlings, they have an estate the other side of Bakewell. I know little of the family, but they are well thought of and Fitzwilliam seems to like Sir Matthew.

  ‘I have no idea who the two blonde young ladies in white muslin are, but they could be cousins of young Rawlings, or perhaps his siblings. The dark-haired young man is the grandson of another wealthy landowner, but I have no notion of his name. Look, here comes Adam and his friend.’

  Kitty followed her glance, but she had eyes for no one but her beloved. As far as she was concerned he had no equal, there was not a gentleman present, Fitzwilliam included, who could put him in the shade. His dark hair, cut fashionably short, curled endearingly on his forehead and the strong column of his neck was framed by his snow-white neckcloth. His grey silk waistcoat fitted snugly across his broad chest and his shoulders were encased in a superbly cut, black evening coat. His evening trousers made his legs look even longer.

  He headed straight towards her ignoring the admiring glances he was receiving from all the women in the Great Hall. He bowed to Lizzy but held his hand out to her, drawing her slightly away from her sister.

  ‘You look ravisante, my love, and I apologise most abjectly for my tardiness. Blame it upon my friend.’ He gestured to the man standing politely behind him. ‘Let me introduce you to Major Jonathan Brownstone, he will be my groomsman when we are wed in the New Year.’

  The major bowed and only then did she look at him more closely. He was a tad taller than Adam, but was not so wide in the shoulders, however, it was his hair that one noticed first. This was the colour of autumn leaves, a mix of red and gold, and his startling green eyes made him an attractive gentleman indeed. That he was also wearing the dark blue of a Hussar only added to his appeal.

  She curtsied. ‘I am delighted to meet you major, I am glad that Adam will have you at his side.’

  ‘Miss Bennet, you are even more beautiful than King’s description. I’m not surprised you stole his heart so quickly.’ He turned to bow again to Lizzy. ‘Mrs Darcy, I must thank you for your kind invitation to join you tonight. I am honoured to be included in such a prestigious occasion.’

  By the time Adam had introduced his friend, and been introduced in turn, it was time to go into dinner. Everyone proceeded in a fairly orderly manner, she was on Adam’s arm and by some quirk of fortune, Georgiana was being escorted by the major.

  Once in the enormous dining room the guests found their way to the nearest seat. The footmen were kept busy until everyone was in their place. The only seats reserved were those for Lizzy and Fitzwilliam at the head of the table.

  Kitty had never been at such a formal occasion and was worried she would feel out of place, but with her beloved at her side she would be comfortable anywhere. Mr Rawlings was seated a few places from her and he looked most displeased, in fact he looked decidedly put out. He was glaring down the table at the major who was seated beside Georgiana and both seemed very happy at this arrangement.

  Was this how the wind blew? Did Mr Rawlings have designs on Georgiana?

  ChapterTwenty-one

  ‘I am going to go now, Fitzwilliam, I hope you and the gentlemen do not linger too long over the port.’

  ‘I think some of the young gentlemen have already consumed far too much alcohol, I am tempted to forego the port and follow you immediately,’ he said with a wry smile and a nod towards the noisy group at the far end of the table.

  ‘Once they are dancing they will be out of mischief. It is impossible to drink and dance at the same time.’

  Lizzy caught the eye of several of the guests and prepared to stand and all the ladies followed her example. She was bowed through the doors and into the spacious corridor. ‘The retiring rooms are to your left if any of you wish to visit them.’

  Jane drifted up beside her. ‘I am so full, Lizzy, I cannot contemplate the thought of dancing. That was the most delicious dinner, your cook is to be congratulated on being able to prepare so fine a meal for almost double the number she was expecting.’

  ‘I hope that Adam’s domestic arrangements are up to catering for all of us having not had more than one gentleman in residence before.’

  ‘We were only there for two nights, but I was impressed with the efficiency of the housekeeping. I am sure we will be comfortable there, if not as luxurious as here. Did you notice Georgiana seemed very taken with Adam’s major? I am afraid the sight of her flirting with an officer, however innocent, sends a chill through my body.’

  ‘She is a sensible girl, she will not do anything she shouldn’t. Also, I am quite sure any friend of Adam’s will be reliable.’

  In less than half an hour the company had reassembled in the Great Hall and the orchestra was ready to open proceedings. Those that wished to find a more sedentary occupation for the evening made their way into the music room which was set out for cards and conversation. She thought there would be around fifteen couples left to dance.

  There was to be a country dance first and already the gentlemen were leading out the ladies and forming in two long rows, men on the one side and the ladies on the other. Kitty was standing next to Georgiana. She was partnered by Adam and Georgiana by the major. Fitzwilliam approached Lizzy and held out his hand.

  ‘I think we should take our places at the head of the line, my love, it will be expected of us.’

  ‘I am delighted to do so, but have no wish to spend the entire evening prancing about, I shall leave that to the unattached. After all, I believe the only reason gentlemen dance is so that they might flirt with the young ladies.’

  ‘How right you are, my love. However, tonight I shall dance with you, and then with Jane, Kitty and Georgiana. After that I shall retreat to the music room and play cards or indulge in insipid conversation.’

  When the final strains of the music faded Lizzy was relieved and more than ready to drift to the edge of the ballroom and chat to the matrons perched on the gilt chairs that bordered the wall. These ladies were keeping their beady eyes on their daughters to make sure that nothing improper took place on the dance floor.

  An elegant lady in cherry red, with a startling turban decorated with ostrich plumes, patted the empty chair beside her. ‘What a splendid soirée, Mrs Darcy. I have never had the pleasure of visiting Pemberley before and do so hope you will continue to ente
rtain on a regular basis.’

  Lizzy had no idea who the speaker was but felt it would be uncivil to ask if she had been introduced to her earlier that evening. Hopefully the name would come to her as the conversation progressed. She smiled brightly and nodded at the twirling couples. Darcy was doing the pretty with Jane and both were enjoying the experience.

  ‘Unfortunately, madam, we have a problem with an infestation in the fabric of the house and therefore are being forced to abandon Pemberley until the remedial work can be done. However, I am sure that once we are safely returned there will be further entertainment here.’

  Her companion nodded sagely. ‘I had heard some such rumour. Who is the soldier in the blue regimentals? He appears to be popular with the young ladies.’

  ‘That is Major Brownstone, he and Mr King served together in India, I believe. Which of these young people are your offspring?’

  ‘My son, Peter, is partnered with Miss Darcy at present. They are quite well acquainted you know, they have met at several functions in the neighbourhood since she came out last year.’

  Now she knew to whom she was talking. ‘Lady Rawlings, please excuse me, I have yet to speak to all my other guests. Thank you for coming tonight and I do hope you find your accommodation comfortable.’ This family was one of the three that were staying overnight.

  ‘Most luxurious, Mrs Darcy, we are delighted to be here.’

  By the time she had chatted to all the guests who were not otherwise engaged, Lizzy was fatigued and the thought of spending a further three hours being sociable did not appeal to her. She rather thought that pregnancy did not suit her as it appeared to be sapping her energy and making her unnaturally tired.

  Jane was dancing again, this time with the major and looked quite radiant. She was glad that her dearest sister was not suffering as she was. Darcy was now promenading with Kitty and they appeared to be having an animated conversation.

  She found herself a quiet corner and sank gratefully into a chair. Was it the malaise that hung over the house that was making her feel so unwell? Was this why all Darcy wives moved away so swiftly? She should not indulge in such morbid thoughts, tonight was a happy occasion. Pemberley was being seen at its best this evening and this was possibly the very last time guests would be enjoying themselves under this roof.

  As dinner had been served so late there would only be tea and cake brought in at eleven o’clock. Those that were driving home that evening would not wish to stay after midnight. Had she remembered everything? She had no wish for anyone to consider her an inferior chatelaine of this great house. Her eyes filled and she blinked furiously not wishing anyone to see she was upset. She was a veritable watering pot lately and put this down to her condition as well.

  Already there was a noticeable rounding of her stomach – if she did not know better – she would think she was more forward in her pregnancy than three months. Her sister was still as slim as a reed, perhaps a little fuller in the bosom, and she was fairly sure that Jane’s baby was due the same month as hers.

  The dance finished, Kitty glided across the room to join Adam, and Georgiana hurried towards Fitzwilliam; they conversed for a few moments and then his expression changed. He appeared to grow several inches and his lips thinned. He glanced around the vast room and then strode towards Adam. Something was wrong, but she just did not have the energy to walk over and enquire. She would leave the gentlemen to deal with whatever was making Fitzwilliam look so fierce.

  *

  ‘Fitzwilliam is heading this way, Adam, and he does not look at all happy,’ Kitty said and she could not prevent her fingers tightening on his arm.

  ‘We shall go and meet him at the far end of the hall where we shall not be overheard.’

  As they threaded their way Fitzwilliam changed direction also. He nodded towards Major Brownstone, who was presently surrounded by an eager bunch of young ladies. ‘Sweetheart, I think he wishes Jonathan to join us, Georgiana is also making her way across. Go ahead, I shall be with you directly.’ He squeezed her hand reassuringly and then shouldered his way towards his friend.

  Her heart was thumping uncomfortably, her hands were clammy and she wished she had not eaten quite so much at dinner.

  ‘Kitty, I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you have come as well. There has been an unpleasant incident in the small drawing room and we must go and comfort Miss Denning whilst Darcy, Adam and the major, deal with the perpetrators. Miss Denning has no wish to involve her parents or anyone else,’ Georgiana explained.

  As they hurried through the brightly lit passageways Kitty was so relieved that ghosts were not involved that she did not fully consider the implications of what she had been told. Then she understood. ‘Tell me, how bad is this incident? Has Miss Denning been… been molested? Is her reputation ruined?’

  ‘Good heavens! It is not as bad as that. One of the young men, Mr Rawlings, pretended that her sister was in need of her and thus led her away from the party. When Miss Denning discovered she had been brought under false pretences she attempted to leave and the three of them frightened her dreadfully.’

  This rather oblique explanation did nothing to reassure Kitty. She took Georgiana’s arm and forced her to halt. ‘Do not prevaricate, tell me exactly what took place. In what way was she frightened?’

  ‘I am not sure exactly, she was too distressed to explain. However, apart from the tears she did not appear to have been physically harmed as neither her hair nor her gown was in any way disturbed.’

  ‘That is a relief. How did you discover that something had taken place on the other side of the house?’

  They now resumed their brisk walk. ‘I was on my way to the retiring room when I saw the three gentlemen emerge from the drawing room laughing and being quite vulgar. I was curious as to what they had been doing in there and went to investigate and found Miss Denning.’

  They were about to enter when she heard pounding feet behind them. Adam, Fitzwilliam and the major arrived looking grim and determined. She would not wish to be in those young gentlemen’s shoes at the moment.

  ‘Which way did they go, Georgiana? I know exactly who they are from your description,’ her brother asked.

  ‘They headed for the dining room. Do you not wish to wait for us to discover exactly what took place before you search for them?’

  He shook his head. ‘No, the fact that they accosted Miss Denning is more than enough. I will not countenance such behaviour under my roof.’

  Kitty had moved closer to Adam and whispered to him. ‘What are you going to do? Do not be too harsh, there has been enough violence in this place already.’

  He grinned. ‘We will break no bones, I promise you, sweetheart. However, I can assure you that they will think twice about playing such a prank again.’

  There was no time for further conversation as Fitzwilliam took off and Adam and the major were obliged to follow. Georgiana beckoned her into the small drawing room and together they hurried over to the still sobbing girl huddled on a sofa by the fire.

  It took several minutes to establish exactly what had taken place. Miss Denning gulped and sniffed and was eventually able to give them the details. ‘Mr Thorogood told me that Emily, my sister, was feeling unwell and wished me to come to her aid. I did not think twice about following him, he has always seemed an amiable gentleman.’ She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose for the third time. ‘When I got here I realised at once that I had been tricked. The other two, they are cousins of his that I have not met before, were hiding behind the door.’

  ‘Did they do anything inappropriate, apart from being in here alone with you?’

  ‘No, they did not touch me in any way, Miss Bennet. However, they walked round me discussing my appearance as if I was a horse at Tattersalls. I have never been so humiliated in my life.’

  Miss Denning was above average height, with a pretty features, an abundance of soft brown hair and sparkling green eyes. However her figure could best be described as statuesque
and she did not fit the accepted idea of feminine beauty. Petite, blonde young ladies were in vogue at present.

  ‘How absolutely beastly, but I can promise you no word of this will ever become public. My brother and his friends are dealing with the matter now and I can assure you, Miss Denning, when they have finished you will receive three grovelling apologies.’

  Miss Denning shot to her feet. ‘I have no wish to have speak to them again. I am quite recovered thank you, Miss Darcy, and wish to return to the dance. Mama will become anxious if I am missing for much longer.’

  ‘You cannot return with your eyes so red, come with us to my sister’s apartment where you can wash your face before going back.’

  Kitty led the way to the rear of the building and Miss Denning was so impressed by the frescoes and other paintings that she had quite forgotten her distressing experience by the time they arrived at Lizzy’s chambers. Within a quarter of an hour they were on their way back and Kitty decided she had made another friend.

  Miss Denning had been delighted with everything she saw and would have lingered admiring the artefacts if they had not persuaded her to hurry. ‘We shall tell anyone who might enquire that we were showing you around the house. I am sure that your family and friends are well aware of your interest in art.’

  ‘Miss Bennet, Miss Darcy, thank you so much for coming to my aid. I believe I can honestly say my unpleasant experience was worth it as I would not have seen the wonderful paintings otherwise.’

  They entered the noisy ballroom in good spirits and Kitty was certain nobody could detect there had been anything untoward taking place. Where was Lizzy? She had not seen her for a while and she thought it best to explain what had happened and where Fitzwilliam and the others were at present.

  *

  ‘Hold hard, Darcy, we cannot go into this without a plan,’ Adam said when he caught up. ‘What exactly had you in mind as a punishment for these three miscreants?’