Kitty’s heart pounded. Was he angry with her? Would he send her away? How much had he learnt of her secret? How much should she tell him? She twirled and untwirled her handkerchief until it was damp and shapeless.
Darcy walked to the window and stood looking out for a time, then chose a chair and turned it away from the fire to face them. His face was shrouded.
“Kitty,” he began in a measured voice, “however did you manage that gate?”
Her mind reeled. This was not the question she had expected. There was nothing for it but to tell the truth. She swallowed hard to steady her voice.
“We jumped it. I remembered your difficulty with it when we departed and judged haste to be crucial. Owen’s horse, being long-legged and rangy and very athletic … well, I determined it would be best.”
“That blasted gate!” he muttered. He stared long at her, and she looked down in confusion.
“And the horse? How did he manage it?”
She jerked her head up at this second question, also unexpected.
“Very well. He sailed over it with ease and continued on the run up to the stables. I detected no unsoundness in him as the lad walked him out after I dismounted. I hope I have done no harm.”
“And you? How do you fare after all this?”
“I was only exhausted for a short time. After the attentive care from your stable and house staff, I am now very well.”
“Good, good. That is just what I hoped to hear—no harm done. Connor says Owen’s horse is well after—”
“Cara? Is she all right?”
Darcy smiled at her concern. “Yes, Cara is settled in with a flake of hay and some mash.”
He then looked at Lizzy with concern. “And you, my dear wife? Has all this uproar caused you any discomfort? Any illness? Do you need to rest?”
“No, my dear, I am also very well.” She smiled at him warmly. “And very proud of my sister. She has risked much in this daring ride.”
“She has indeed,” he said thoughtfully. He rose and poured himself a brandy. “Do you ladies desire a tot of brandy after this trying day? Georgiana, please ring the bell.”
Darcy lit the table lamp and poured the brandy. In moments a tray with light fare was brought to the room. As Lizzy poured herself tea, Darcy turned to her.
“And have you apprised Kitty of the events after her winged departure?”
“I have, in brief. Is there further news?”
“No, not yet. I shall ride to Greystone early tomorrow unless we have news by messenger.” He swirled the brandy in his glass and took a drink. “Mr. Wyndham accompanies his injured son to Matlock. Mr. Owen will stay and care for his stepmother and sister, and the estate.”
Darcy turned his focus to Kitty again.
“I am pleased to hear your compliments of Pemberley’s staff. We train rigorously for such emergencies and are grateful Providence has spared us the need to test our readiness often. One thing puzzles me, however. That is, why you have felt the need to keep a crucial secret from me? To bear it alone? What can you mean by this, Kitty?”
Kitty’s eyes darted to Lizzy, who was studying Darcy’s face and thus imparted no counsel.
“Truly I meant no disrespect to you, Fitzwilliam. I did not wish to burden you with my passionate—but socially unacceptable—habit and thought it likely beneath your notice as long as it was kept secret. Please do not think ill of Johnny. He is such an honorable lad and quick to help—first Mr. Owen with the broken down wagon, and now the accident. He is saving the tips I give him towards the purchase of a beloved mare; that is, when there is money left after paying for his sister’s medical needs. Oh, please …”
Darcy held up his hand. “Enough. I have been apprised of the wagon incident. Johnny will be well rewarded for his quick thinking and fast action then and today. And I will fully fund his sister’s care. I hope to someday make Johnny the stable master of Pemberley. He has been honorable and kept your secret. But Mr. Connor is not so easily fooled and was aware of your ‘habit’ from nearly the beginning. He informed me at once, but in a manner of such kindness that I allowed it to continue. His heart holds a soft spot for you, Kitty. He had a daughter, who would be about your age now, or a little older. She had a passion for horses, as you have. She died in childbed a few years ago. The youngest lad you see around the stables, little Ike, is Connor’s grandson. So your secret has been known for some time by a privileged few. I shall neither condone it nor forbid it, but I advise you to keep it under wraps. You have my permission to carry on.”
Tears of relief spilled from Kitty’s eyes. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Darcy looked now at Lizzy, almost as if for support, and then at the girls.
“I would wish,” he began, “that both of you—Georgiana and Kitty—would not keep secrets from me. I am your brother, not your father, though my position is sometimes awkwardly poised between those. I may sometimes miss the mark. I have been told, on very good authority,” he again looked at Lizzy, whose eyes danced with merriment, “yes, been told most affectionately, that I might at times appear … well … formidable.” His expression conveyed surprise at this.
Kitty and Georgiana glanced at each other, trying to suppress their mirth.
“It is so then? I am seen by you as formidable? Well, however I may choose to present myself to the world, I do not wish to be formidable to my wife or my sisters. My wife, of course, does not allow such nonsense.” He looked at her with a grin. “I wish you would not hesitate to come to me with your concerns. I shall try to be wise, and—if needed—impartial. And to help you in any way I can.”
He took another drink of his brandy whilst looking steadily at Georgiana.
She squirmed under his steady gaze. At last she spoke.
“What is it, brother?”
“This brings me to an issue with you, little sister. I have eyes, and sensibility enough I think. Is there something you wish to tell me? Something you have, perhaps, been reluctant to share?” His eyes now held a satirical expression.
Georgiana’s eyes grew large. She glanced at Kitty, who could only raise her eyebrows.
“Do you refer to a matter of my heart?”
“I do,” he replied coolly. “Come, tell me more.”
Twisting her ring, Georgiana took a deep breath.
“I have attempted to be most discreet. I know you are likely to disapprove. He is a second son. Not a first son nor wealthy nobility, as I am sure you have hoped.” Her voice quavered. “I made some poor judgments in the past. I do not wish to repeat such errors or cause you further pain.”
Darcy sighed. “My most fervent desire, dear sister, is for your happiness. I have learnt that happiness, especially domestic happiness, can sometimes come in unexpected packages,” he said, with an affectionate smile at Lizzy. “And I do commend you. You have been discreet. However, young Mr. Benjamin has not. His affection for you is obvious, even to a dull stranger. He honors you, he protects you, he flourishes in your company. He even rides through the rain on the flimsiest of excuses to be near you. No, even if your behavior did not tip your hand, his has laid all the cards on the table.”
“How long have you known?”
“It is hard to say. For many months now, at least. But even when younger, you had an affinity for each other’s company, which I read as friendship. I will say to you what I said to Kitty. Whilst I think him a most upstanding young gentleman, I will neither condone nor forbid this blossoming romance. You have had a full season in town, and I was surprised you did not find someone in that time. Your seeming lack of interest in the whole matter puzzled me. This sheds some light. No, I only beg you to take a little more time before committing yourself.”
He sat up in sudden alarm.
“Have you promised yourself?”
His intensity did not unnerve her.
“I have not. Neither has Benjamin formally declared himself. But we have long known each others’ hearts.”
“Be that as it may, I wo
uld wish you to wait—at least until Christmastide—to make a decision. That is time enough. Will you do that?”
“I will. Oddly enough, it is the same timeline I had set for myself.”
Darkness was thick outside the window and raindrops now pattered against the pane.
“Well, Mrs. Wyndham was only slightly off in her weather prediction,” Lizzy commented.
Kitty spoke. “And what of Mr. Christopher, Fitzwilliam? How is his injury? Lady Drake seemed quite severe on his behavior, and most displeased.”
Darcy threw back the rest of his brandy.
“I can tell you she was most displeased. I would not wish to be Mr. Christopher at this moment. It seems his shoulder was dislocated in his fall. Mrs. Goode and Mr. Owen had experience with such and were able to set it right, though the process looked quite painful. He suffered no permanent harm. His behavior of late has become a thorn in the sides of Lord and Lady Drake. Their son is nine and twenty. He must be reined in, and I do not envy them that task.”
With a clear brow, Darcy said, “Now, ladies, it is time for us to prepare for dinner.”
As they rose, Kitty was greatly relieved to see Lizzy wink one eye.
Chapter Eighteen
“Ladies, I have a proposition for you,” Darcy announced at breakfast one morning. “I must reply to my cousin, Mr. Alfred Cressley. He visited Pemberley last autumn. At that time I promised to come for two of his mares and bring them here for breeding. As we are nearing the end of the covering season, I must do so soon. He lives some miles this side of London, at Oakhurst Lodge.”
“Kitty, as you know,” Darcy said with a sly smile, “the Wyndhams have three royal mares at Greystone for breeding. Mr. Owen informs me the mares have settled and are ready to be returned to Windsor. In order to help Wyndham—who is still at Matlock with his son— I shall return those mares to Windsor and so answer two situations with one journey. Mr. Owen will accompany me.”
“But what has this to do with us?” Georgiana asked as she buttered her toast.
Darcy took a deep breath. “I propose that you young ladies join me on this journey. We shall stay with my cousin at Oakhurst rather than traveling all the way to our own home in London.”
“A journey? Oh, yes!” Georgiana clapped her hands in glee.
“Will you go with us, Lizzy?” Kitty asked.
Lizzy smiled complacently. “Not this time. I fear it would be uncomfortable to travel that far in my condition. I would need many stops, and I find the heat of travel in summer makes me ill, even when not carrying a child.”
“A journey of our own … an adventure, Kitty. Oh, please say yes,” Georgiana implored.
Kitty stared hard at her sister. “Are you sure you do not wish me to stay with you? With Fitzwilliam gone, who will take care of you?”
Lizzy looked amused. “Fitzwilliam does not take direct care of me when he is here, Kitty. As much as I adore his company, I believe I shall be quite safe alone for that short time; you will be gone less than a fortnight. Mr. Benjamin will be at Cedars most of that time, except for some business at school he must attend to. And of course Lord and Lady Drake and Squire and Lady Stapleton are here. I can manage.”
Darcy added, “I have also invited Mr. Christopher. As we three gentlemen will be on horseback and you will be in the coach, I thought you might each wish to invite a friend on the journey.”
Darcy was ill-prepared for the screams of delight.
“Julia and Matilda!” were shouted in unison.
“A little less enthusiasm, ladies, if you please,” Darcy said, taken aback.
Lizzy arched a brow at them. “Take care, girls. If you frighten him too much, he may change his mind.”
Kitty and Georgiana each took a deep breath.
“There. We are ladies again. It was but a momentary lapse,” Georgiana said with a laugh. “When do we depart?”
“The day after tomorrow. We shall stop in Matlock on the way to pay a visit to my uncle, the earl. We shall also call on Mr. Wyndham there to learn how Douglas gets on, and to deliver to Wyndham his wife and daughter, in their own carriage.”
“What about Mr. Andrew?” Georgiana asked, with a glance at Kitty.
“He and his uncle leave for Scotland in two days,” Darcy said.
This subdued the girls and they exchanged a glance. Would Andrew call and take his leave? Kitty thought he must but was puzzled he had not informed her of such plans.
“It seems a well-thought-out scheme, my dear,” Lizzy said. “I shall invite Lady Stapleton and Lady Drake for visits whilst you are all gone. I will walk in the garden in the mornings, then get lost in novels during the heat of the day. I think we shall all find pleasure in our doings. And now, you young ladies should begin to pack!”
As Kitty and Georgiana made for their rooms, Wilson handed Kitty a letter.
“It is from Mama,” Kitty said.
“You had best read it now, and answer if you will, before we depart. There may not be much time for writing on our journey.” Georgiana made for her own apartments and Kitty for hers.
Kitty sank into the chair by her window and found she was a little reluctant to open the letter. She had never been apart from her mother and so had never received a letter from her. Would Mama’s written words hold more comfort than those spoken?
* * *
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Dear Kitty,
I have been so busy with your sister Jane that it nearly slipped my mind to answer your letter. We were all entertained by your description of the ball. I would like to have seen you open the dance, what an honor. You have always been a fine dancer. But why are you waiting to secure one of the young men? It appears there are several to chuse from. You would best make your interest known before they are snatched away by young ladies with greater fortune. In this world we must go after what we want.
I hope Lizzy is introducing you to eligible young men. Has she provided you with gowns and bonnets enough to draw their attention? I am sure the company at Pemberley can boast of high incomes and elegant lifestyles.
Your sister Mary continues her musical studies but I must say her practicing tears at my nerves. Thankfully I can travel to Netherfield nearly every day and share my confinement experiences and those of others with Jane so she is prepared. I hardly know how to wait any longer for her baby to arrive.
Lydia asks me to remind you that she desires to visit Pemberley while you are there. Did you not receive her letter? She would be sure to help you find a suitable husband.
Your papa requests I tell you that he will write when he has completed his spring tasks and gathered his thoughts. I cannot imagine what he finds to keep himself so busy, he rarely leaves his library except when he is gone on estate business. I shouldn’t devote much time to that as it will all go to Mr. Collins anyway, but your father will do as he wishes I suppose.
Do write again and tell us all your news.
Your devoted mother
* * *
Kitty folded the letter, set it in her lap, and gazed out the window. Longbourn seemed far removed indeed. Her mother cared only with matrimonial results. It mattered not what Kitty herself felt or thought, about the young man or about anything else. Having been so unknown and unvalued at Longbourn, she was more grateful than ever for her visit to Pemberley.
She frowned at the thought of returning to Longbourn. Then she pushed that aside. Right now she had an exciting journey to prepare for that would be shared with her new friends. She was most fortunate indeed, and rose to ring the bell for Poppy.
≈
Rain poured down all the next day, so the distractions of packing and planning were welcome. Neither the Pemberley nor the Swan’s Nest young ladies braved the rain, but servants were sent back and forth with notes about plans and gowns. None of these notes contained any greetings or good wishes from Mr. Andrew for Kitty. Would he leave without saying goodbye?
One caller did brave the rain. The afternoon before their departu
re, as the clouds were dispersing, Benjamin Drake arrived to take tea. Although Lizzy and Kitty were also present, he and Georgiana had eyes and conversation only for each other. Their farewell was private, and suspiciously long.
Later that day, the sun showed its full face at last. The green of the countryside was nearly blinding when the Pemberley ladies managed a stroll in the garden. Kitty then walked to the stables to see Cara and bid her farewell.
“I know you will take good care of her, Johnny,” she said as they leaned on the fence and watched the horses stretching in the sun.
“She will miss you, Miss Bennet. I will keep her in form with some short rides. Shall you ride at Thornhill Manor at Matlock, or at Oakhurst Lodge?”
Kitty looked at Johnny blankly. “I do not know. Likely we will not have time at the earl’s at Thornhill as we stay but one night each way. I do not know the plans at Oakhurst; but with such a breeding business they must have many horses. I hope they are not all race horses, and that we may hack into the countryside.” She pursed her lips in thought.
“Shall you ride in your habit? Or in your disguise?” His eyes danced in fun.
Kitty laughed. “I shall be prepared to do both!” she cried. “One never knows who might need to be rescued.”
≈
The carriage left Pemberley early the next day. Kitty received no message from Andrew. The clear skies promised a fine day so she tried to leave her disappointment behind.
“I hope it will not be too hot,” Georgiana worried aloud. “I get so fatigued if I become overheated.”
“The only thing to fatigue me shall be jostling around in the carriage. I would much prefer to be on horseback,” Kitty said, looking with envy at the men as they rode beside, ahead of, or behind the carriages, just as they chose. The Wyndham carriage had joined them now.
“Nothing shall fatigue me,” Matilda asserted. “It has been many months since I have been on a journey of any distance. I am ready to see new places and new faces, especially handsome new faces!”
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 16