Jane gathered her things and said her good nights before the couple slipped from the room.
“See, Lizzy,” Darcy whispered, “I am not the only man who wishes to whisk my wife away at the earliest opportunity.”
Suppressing a yawn, Elizabeth shook her head in amusement. “Mary, will you play for us?”
“Yes quickly, Mary, before your sister falls asleep.” Mr. Bennet simply laughed as his daughters both sent disapproving glances his direction.
Crossing to the pianoforte, Mary remembered her father’s directions. Play for yourself. Though she had chosen a piece of music earlier, she did not pick it up as she took her place upon the bench. Instead, she closed her eyes and played her favourite piece from memory. As the last note faded, she slowly opened her eyes and glanced about.
Mr. Bennet fairly beamed with pride as he began to applaud her performance. After handing a handkerchief to his wife, Darcy added his applause to his father-in-law’s. Elizabeth dabbed her eyes as she smiled lovingly at her sister.
“Oh, Mary, that was simply lovely. You truly put your heart into the piece. Thank you.” Tears still glistened in Elizabeth’s eyes as she clutched the handkerchief. “I believe I shall retire with your tune still dancing in my mind.” She smiled at her sister before taking her husband’s hand.
“Mary, I must second your sister’s praise.” Darcy stood and bowed to her before turning to assist his wife. “If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I shall see that Elizabeth is well settled.”
Everyone stood as Elizabeth said her good nights. As the door closed behind the couple, Mary began to move away from the instrument.
“Miss Bennet,” Richard said softly as he approached her. “I was hoping you might indulge us with another. I quite enjoyed your first performance.”
Surprised by his request, Mary hesitated until she met her father’s gaze. He nodded to her ever so slightly before turning back to his wife. “Of course, Mr. Fitzwilliam. Was there something you would prefer to hear?”
“I am afraid I am not familiar with the names of music. The work you just played was very soothing. I felt as though I was being carried away from all the cares of this world.”
Mary nodded as she began looking through the sheets of music. “I have always loved Herr Bach for that very reason. I believe there is another of his works here.” She blushed as she found the piece. “I am not as familiar with this one, but if you will forgive my errors, I will attempt it.”
Nodding, Richard took her arm and led her to the instrument. “Would you like me to turn the pages for you?”
“If you would be so kind. I shall nod when you are needed.” Mary took her seat and looked over the work once more before placing her fingers upon the keys. Taking a deep breath, she began to play. Nervous at first, and very much aware of the gentleman to her left, her performance was a bit more stiff than the previous piece. As she allowed the music to wash over her, she became lost in the melody and the tune seemed to flow from her fingers.
Richard knew enough of music to realize she was approaching the end of the page. Understanding she was under the spell of the music, he reached out to turn the page just as she did the same. Their hands brushed and her playing faltered.
Laying her hands in her lap, Mary blushed deeply. “Forgive me, sir, I forgot your presence.”
“No need for apologies, Miss Bennet.” Richard smiled, but she still had not lifted her gaze. “I could see you were lost in your playing. I find I share your enthusiasm for Herr Bach.”
The door opened and Darcy entered the room. Glancing about, his brow rose when he saw his cousin and sister sitting together at the pianoforte.
Richard stood and took Mary’s hand. After bowing over it, he met her eye. “It is time for me to retire, I believe. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I look forward to hearing you play again.”
Crossing the room, he bowed to the Bennets and his cousin. “If you will excuse me, I believe I shall follow our hostess’s example and retire early this evening. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.”
Darcy nodded and watched Richard leave the room. Deep in contemplation, he was not aware anyone was speaking until he heard his name being called.
“I say, Darcy, were you not attending?” Mr. Bennet laughed.
Shaking his head, Darcy turned back to his father-in-law. “Forgive me, Bennet, I was lost in thought. What was it you were saying?”
“I said it appears your cousin is not as far removed as we once believed.” He glanced toward his daughter who remained at the pianoforte, softly playing the piece before her, a distant look in her eye.
Chapter Seven
Darcy’s eyes opened wide as he absent-mindedly folded his newspaper and laid it by his plate.
“Do not look so surprised; I told you last evening I would see you this morning.” Richard smirked at his host as he crossed to the side table and fixed his plate.
“True, but I have not seen you at this hour of the morning … in quite some time.” Darcy stumbled over his words, not wanting to upset his cousin.
Richard crossed to the table and took the chair to Darcy’s right. “I am determined to fulfil the promise I made yesterday. I shall not continue to withdraw from life.” He cut a bit of ham and was about to eat, when he felt his cousin’s eyes upon him. Motioning toward Darcy’s plate, Richard chuckled. “You might wish to finish that. You will need your energy today. Miss Bennet has suggested you and I spend time with the boys.”
“And how came my name to be added to the list of participants, dare I ask?”
“Last evening when I was searching for William, Miss Bennet mentioned you and I would know the best hiding places in Pemberley. It was intimated that the boys will find them, with or without our assistance, and we may wish to direct them toward those we prefer they use.”
His brow creased as Darcy contemplated his sister’s suggestion. “I have learned over the years that Mary does not speak often, but when she does, her words are well thought out. I believe she is correct.” He took up his plate and returned to the side table. “We should include Bingley; his sons are here as well and it would be best if he knew what they were learning.”
“Especially since they may try some of them at home?”
“Because they will try them.” Darcy laughed as he returned to the table. “Which of our many haunts did you have in mind?”
The two were lost in discussion of their youthful exploits when the door opened and Mary entered the room with her father.
“The two of you appear thick as thieves,” Mr. Bennet joked once they had greeted each other. “Are we interrupting?”
“Not at all,” Darcy said as he held the chair for his sister. “We are simply planning before we act upon Mary’s suggestion.”
“Me? Whatever did I suggest?” Her eyes widened in alarm.
“That Darcy and I spend time with the boys today showing them the hiding spots we wish them to find.” Richard smiled as he bit into his sweet roll.
Relaxing a bit, Mary laughed. “Ah, but I have reconsidered my advice, sir. I fear that if you show them the places you know, it will increase their curiosity to explore. They well may find locations the two of you had not.”
“I sincerely doubt that, Mary.” Darcy gave his cousin a sideways glance. “I doubt there is an inch of Pemberley which Richard and I have not explored.”
“Ah, but what of the changes that have been wrought upon the area? I know there are places at Longbourn considered sound when I was a child, which are now the joys of my cousins and the bane of my sister and myself.”
Mr. Bennet nodded his agreement. “Mary is correct, Darcy. Kitty would tell you, were she here. Many a spot my girls traversed without incident became wonderful hiding places for the Gardiners’ children. She has likened them to her sister, Lizzy, many a time as she and Mary tromped about calling out for them.” Laughing, he set a plate in front of his daughter before taking the seat beside her.
“Well
then, it makes more sense to participate in their explorations so that we may be aware of these new secret hiding places as well.” Richard smiled at Mary before turning to Darcy in time to see the frown which creased his brow. “Oh, dear, I believe I know that look. What has the Master of Pemberley thought of now which will spoil our fun?”
Darcy sat a bit straighter in his seat. “I resent that, Richard. I was simply thinking of some of the areas we loved as boys,” he patted his stomach; still flat, but larger than it had been as a lad. “And of the changes that have been wrought upon us. I fear it may no longer be safe for us to enter a few of the less steadfast structures.”
“Trying to back out?”
“Back out of what?” Bingley asked as he entered the room and headed for the side table.
“Ah, Bingley, just in time.” Darcy winked at his cousin. “We have planned your day, sir.”
“My day?” Charles turned, several pieces of bacon suspended from the serving tongs. He looked back and forth between his old friends, suspicious of their intentions.
“Finish fixing your plate, Son. I believe you shall need the nourishment.” Mr. Bennet chuckled as he picked up a piece of toast and a helping of marmalade.
Bingley did as he was told and took his place next to Richard at the table. “So what has been planned?” he asked as he began to eat.
“William’s disappearance from the nursery last evening made me realize there are many spots about Pemberley where young boys …”
Darcy cleared his throat, “And girls.”
Richard nodded, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips, “And girls … may disappear. Miss Bennet suggested a strategy our parents would have appreciated; we should show them areas so when they are missing, we know where to look.”
Slowly lowering his fork to his plate, Charles gave them each a dubious look. “Am I to understand you correctly? You are suggesting we encourage our children to hide from us?”
“No, no!” Darcy exclaimed. “We simply introduce them to areas they may wish to explore alone. We remove that desire and, therefore, remove the chance of having to look for them.”
Charles shook his head. “I fear the outcome. Charlie needs little encouragement to explore. I have come home to a beleaguered wife one too many times to think showing him hiding places a wise move. Forgive me, Mary, but I fear this was not one of your better designs.”
“What, Bingley, are you afraid your son shall evade you? Or afraid your wife will be displeased?” Richard’s teasing was reminiscent of his former carefree manner and, for a moment, he felt years younger. “Where is Jane? We shall put it to her.”
“She is visiting with Elizabeth. I am not certain if they plan to break their fast here or in her rooms.” Bingley stabbed the piece of ham upon his plate and began cutting it with determination. “And I am not afraid of my wife. I simply know my son; he will be the instigator which leads your scholar,” he used the knife to point at Richard, “and your princess,” he pointed at Darcy, “into trouble. I do not wish to be the one explaining to Elizabeth that I tried to stop it, but you would not heed my advice.”
Mary could no longer withhold the laughter which bubbled inside her. All eyes turned to her as she giggled aloud. “Elizabeth should be the last person to accuse anyone of leading children astray. Who do you suppose told my cousins of the hiding places at Longbourn?”
“That settles it!” Darcy wiped his mouth with his serviette and laid it on the table by his plate. “I suggest we change into something a bit older and less dignified. Mary, you will join us?” he stated more than asked.
Her eyes widened as she looked at her brother. “Me?”
“Well, it was your idea,” Richard backed his cousin.
“And Elizabeth cannot come. We must have at least one voice of reason,” Bingley added.
“But I have never been one to explore.” She looked to her father for assistance, but he suddenly found his plate exceedingly interesting.
“Nonsense,” Darcy bellowed. “You said yourself that you and Kitty have done this with your cousins.”
“I said we had searched for them; not showed them the way. I am normally the one on the outside demanding they come out, not encouraging them to enter.”
“But what of your niece? My Janet will be sorely disappointed if she is unable to go with the boys, and I fear it would not be proper if there were not a lady along to reassure my mother-in-law we were not turning her into a hoyden.”
“Could not your nurse go with you?” she asked Darcy, knowing this idea would be dismissed.
“With so many young ones in the nursery? No, I fear she would be missed.” Darcy smiled, knowing he had nearly won his argument.
“What of Mrs. Hampton, sir? Your children are three, I would willingly assume her duties for the morning.” Mary looked hopefully at Richard who shook his head.
“Mrs. Hampton is past the age of climbing and running. No, I fear you are the only one,” he pulled a long face, “or Janet shall simply have to remain behind.”
A soft chuckle was heard from her father as Mary sighed in resignation. “Very well, but I fear the children shall be very disappointed when they learn I am to accompany you. Charlie already frowns whenever I enter the nursery.”
“That is because you are more perceptive than he prefers. His nurse, Miss Flanders, could learn from you.” Bingley finished his breakfast and pushed back from the table. “I suppose it is best not to put it off.” He stood and glanced at the mantel clock. “Shall we meet in the hall in thirty minutes?”
“Thirty minutes it shall be,” Darcy said as they all rose from their seats. “I shall alert the nursery to have the older children ready.”
“Oh, but what of Richie?” Mary raised a hand to her lips. “He shall be left behind with the girls and he dislikes it so.”
“He has my Thomas,” Bingley offered.
Mary thought a moment. “I suppose we could suggest he teach Thomas a new game.” Nodding her head, she turned toward the door, “I shall speak to Mrs. Hampton; she shall know what to do.”
Darcy exchanged a glance with the others. “Well then, it is settled.” They all laughed as they followed her from the room.
Mr. Bennet remained behind, sipping his tea as a mysterious glint appeared in his eye. It appeared Mary was finally finding her voice. He sighed thinking she would no longer be content at Longbourn, and realizing he would miss her.
***********
Laughter rang through the room as Mary finished her tale. “And that is how the Master of Pemberley landed in the lake.”
“In my defence,” Darcy said as he turned toward his cousin, “I told Richard I did not believe the branch would hold us.”
“I have never seen my son’s eyes so large,” Bingley held his side as he laughed. “I believe it is safe to say he will not be climbing any trees for quite some time.”
Jane cleared her throat, attempting to sound severe. “Well I should hope not. After witnessing a man of Darcy’s stature in such an undignified state.” She snickered behind her handkerchief as she glanced at Elizabeth.
“I am simply upset you did not wait for me to fully recover so that I might have witnessed it for myself.”
Mr. Bennet turned to his wife, who remained in a state of shock since seeing her dripping son-in-law crossing the lawn covered in mud and muck. “Are you certain you wish to leave tomorrow, my dear? We may miss another exploit.”
Slowly she shook her head. “I fear my heart could not sustain another shock. Mr. Darcy, you must be cautious. You have no heir. What would have become of your family?” She looked disapprovingly at Elizabeth.
“Mother Bennet, I was in no grave physical danger; only my pride was injured. Please do not worry yourself on my account.” Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I believe that overall it was a very productive morning. Mary, thank you for suggesting it. I have not felt so young and carefree in many a year.”
“True, true,” Bingle
y cried out. “For once I felt as though I were actually ahead of my son, instead of trailing behind. We proved to him we are not so stodgy as he believed.” He laughed again as he sipped his tea.
“We shall see how spry you feel in the morning, darling.” Jane eyed him knowingly.
“Do not worry, Jane; I asked Mrs. Reynolds to add a bit of willow bark to the tea.” Elizabeth winked at her sister. “We must not have the children see their fathers bent over in pain from half a day’s exploration. It may lessen their current status of ‘not so stodgy’.”
All laughed again as the gentlemen feigned insult. “We spend many an hour in the saddle,” Darcy argued. “I believe you shall not find three fitter men in the county.”
“Ah, but the saddle is quite a different thing from tromping about with six year olds.” Elizabeth bit her lip to contain her grin.
Making to stand, Darcy winced a bit and remained where he was. “Perhaps you are correct, my dear. Might I have some more tea?”
“Your pride gives you pain, Darce?” Richard laughed as his cousin shot a menacing glare his way. Shaking his head, he sipped his tea. “I only regret Richie was too young to accompany us.”
“Well then, sir, you must find another activity in which he, and possibly Thomas, could participate.” Mr. Bennet winked at Darcy who nodded agreement.
“Oh, do not leave out Beth and Patience. I am certain they are as bored of the nursery as the older children and would enjoy spending time with their fathers.” Elizabeth looked longingly out the window. “I know I would enjoy a day out of doors.”
“Why not have a picnic?” Bingley suddenly suggested. “The weather is not overly warm, and the ladies could accompany us in the barouche.”
Elizabeth looked to her husband with wide, hopeful eyes and he found he could not deny her. “I suppose, if you promised not to exert yourself, we could do so. Your parents are leaving tomorrow and Georgiana is expected to arrive; perhaps the day after would be best?”
“I shall speak to Mrs. Reynolds immediately to make the arrangements. That should give Cook plenty of time to fix some of her special picnic treats.” Excitedly, she jumped to her feet and scurried from the room in search of her housekeeper.
Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story Page 6