Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  Georgiana blushed, but Kitty could see she was pleased as she nodded her assent.

  Just then another gentleman entered the room and bowed.

  “Charles, you are just in time.” Introductions were made all round to Cressley’s second son, who looked remarkably like his younger brother, though he had a more serious air about him. “My eldest son, George, and his wife Murielle will join us for dinner.”

  “You are a houseful of men, Cressley. At Pemberley I am now surrounded by women.”

  “Darcy, you cause us all to be envious. I have met your bride, and bewitching she is with her lively ways and quick wit. You are most fortunate indeed!”

  The conversation continued, touching on family news, tidings from the world, and soon turned to horses.

  “Are all your sons involved with your horse interests?”

  “To some extent, yes. All are excellent horsemen. George is the most involved with the breeding program and with the estate in general as he will, of course, inherit. George and Murielle live here. William is an attorney and specializes in issues related to livestock—especially horses and racing. As you can imagine, there is much to do there. His office is in Reading. And Charles has just taken the living here at Oakhurst. My sons have all done me proud.”

  He looked at his guests with a twinkling eye.

  “Now, I wonder if you young ladies would have the smallest interest in a party? Dinner, cards, and perhaps a bit of dancing? If you are agreeable, our neighbors enjoy meeting folk from other areas. We are near to Town, it is true; but most of us prefer the quiet life here. And I think the older we get, the quieter the better.”

  All the female eyes were riveted to Mr. Cressley’s face.

  Darcy looked at the young ladies with a satirical grin.

  “I believe you have hit on just the thing, Cressley. Look at their faces—not a scowl amongst them.”

  “I have invited two other families—all with younger members—and their summer guests. I believe we will make a lively group,” he quipped.

  Then he turned back to Darcy. “You return the mares tomorrow, eh?”

  “Yes. I have these two gentlemen to assist me, but you and your sons are most welcome to accompany us, should you care to. It may involve an overnight stay, depending on how business is carried out.”

  “I cannot speak for George, but I am most eager to accompany you, Darcy. Charles? William?”

  “Unfortunately, I have a case in the village tomorrow,” William said.

  Charles shook his head. “I have a parishioner in the last stages of illness. I feel it my duty to be nearby should the need arise.”

  “Of course,” his father replied.

  “Would ladies be welcome on this venture, Fitzwilliam?” Kitty inquired breathlessly.

  “Ladies? Do we have some horsewomen amongst us, Darcy?”

  Darcy smiled at Kitty indulgently.

  “Miss Bennet here is an unsurpassed horsewoman and knows a good deal about the beasts. I know she is most interested in this transaction and in seeing the royal mews.”

  “I should also like it above all things,” chimed Lucy. “I enjoy a country ride …”

  Kitty gaped.

  Owen’s eyebrows shot up.

  “… and I would dearly love to see any part of the royal grounds.”

  All eyes were on Darcy.

  “I had anticipated your desire for this, Miss Bennet. Although your interest takes me by surprise, Miss Jamison, I believe it would be pleasant for the ladies to have each other for company. If we leave after an early breakfast, will that allow us sufficient time, Cressley?”

  “Certainly. All will be ready by eight.”

  The door opened and admitted George and Murielle Cressley. George looked much like his brothers but his eyes were a pale blue. Murielle was short of stature with blond curls, and obviously with child.

  Introductions were made and congratulations offered concerning the happy event. Alfred Cressley beamed.

  “It will be my first grandchild. Ah, that dear Mary could be here. She loved children above anything.”

  Darcy shared his expectation of a child himself and then dinner was announced. Mr. Cressley offered his arm to Georgiana. Darcy led Kitty through, whilst William hastily stepped up for Matilda. Lucy was happy on Christopher’s arm, and Charles and Owen followed behind.

  The dinner was long, the courses many, and the candles burned low. At last Murielle led the ladies through. There was much talk of babies and nurseries and the time flew by. The gentlemen entered again and to Kitty’s surprise, Owen took a seat next to her.

  “You are pleased about tomorrow,” he began, looking at her sidelong.

  “Indeed I am. That cannot shock you, I am sure.”

  He turned and smiled; it was a kind, genuine smile.

  “I must confess, Mr. Owen, that I was not prepared for your sister’s interest. She has said on many occasions that she prefers a coach to horseback. Am I correct that we shall all ride?”

  “You are. She likely assumes you two will be in a carriage.” He called over to Lucy. “May I have a word?”

  Lucy made quick possession of Christopher’s arm and the two came across the room.

  “You are aware that we go on horseback tomorrow?”

  Lucy’s countenance failed and she turned to Christopher.

  “Is that true?”

  He threw his head back and laughed out loud.

  She glared at him and faced her brother again.

  “It is not as I expected but I shan’t be one to forfeit. I shall ride with the rest of you,” she announced and then flounced off.

  Christopher smirked and followed her.

  “She is a capable rider,” Owen said, “so I have no worries there. But she prefers being catered to over making any effort for herself. It will be an interesting journey.” He chuckled.

  Here was the Owen that Kitty had come to know during the wagon incident. Did his change of mood mean he was already reconciled regarding Julia and his brother?

  Kitty was certain Andrew Stapleton would not have yielded so soon regarding his sister.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The fog magnified every sound in the cool grey air. The footfalls of the horses echoed around them. Every snort or sneeze was like an explosion. Darcy and Alfred Cressley set the pace to Windsor at an active walk, each leading a mare. Owen ponied the third mare. The party anticipated arriving at the royal mews near noon. A note had been sent ahead, so they would be expected.

  Georgiana and Matilda, having no interest in the errand, remained at Oakhurst.

  All rode in silence except Darcy and Cressley, who conversed in low tones. Kitty rode between Owen and George Cressley. Christopher and Lucy brought up the rear. The horses in front were skittish, so George rode up to put more space between the two mares.

  Kitty and Owen looked at each other expectantly. Kitty searched her mind but all she could think to talk of was the weather, in spite of having many questions she wished to ask Owen. Please say something she begged silently.

  “I like this.” His voice was muffled in the fog.

  Kitty looked at him, puzzled.

  “What, exactly, is it you like?”

  “How it is both quiet and loud at once,” he replied. “The hush around us keeps us quiet, yet the sounds that do happen seem loud and sharp. There is a kind of beauty about it.”

  Kitty smiled. “At Longbourn, I enjoyed riding on foggy mornings. The world around me would at first be in a hush, as you say. Then, as the sun burned through, everything seemed to wake up and smile. There were some good things about Longbourn.”

  Owen looked at her curiously.

  She frowned. “I find gentlemen do not, in general, understand the struggles of ladies, Mr. Owen. Men have many choices in life. We ladies have few, and even supreme effort or brilliant skill or amazing talent do not change this. It is unpleasant to feel so … stuck. Locked in.”

  He said nothing.

  She
quailed. She had shared too much. Too vehemently. The silence was awkward so she blundered on.

  “My summer visit at Pemberley has been so pleasant,” she said, changing her direction and tone. “I enjoy my sister’s company immensely and have missed her since she married and moved away. And becoming better acquainted with my new sister Georgiana has been one of the best parts of my visit.” She stopped abruptly, not knowing what else to say.

  Owen was smiling in that calm way he had.

  “Miss Darcy is one of the sweetest and kindest young ladies of my acquaintance. I shall certainly agree with you there, Miss Bennet; knowing her is a delight.”

  They walked on in silence for a time until Owen spoke again.

  “Your horse. Do you find him agreeable?”

  She reached down to pat the bay gelding from Oakhurst.

  “It is difficult to say; we have only been walking. But he has a long, easy stride and is light in my hands.”

  “He is a jumper. Darcy tells me you managed that gate very well on your wild ride to Pemberley the day of the picnic.” He gave her a sly grin.

  “Yes … well … I knew the gate was stubborn, even for Mr. Darcy, and time was critical. Your horse sailed over the gate as if it were no more than a small log. I did my best to stay centered and let him do the work.”

  “A perfect strategy, Miss Bennet. A good hunter knows his job. Sultan has been over many hunting courses,” he said with pride, scratching his gelding’s withers.

  “I should like to see the two of you in action some day, if I might,” she said, then wondered if that was too bold.

  He brightened. “Yes? I would be happy to give you a demonstration. Perhaps we might have a small show at Pemberley or at Greystone. Cara would enjoy it.”

  Thinking of Cara, Kitty smiled. “She would. She likes to show off. She is another wonderful part of my visit.”

  Kitty thought carefully a moment, and then said, “Mr. Darcy knows my secret. My riding secret, that is. He knew it before you discovered it. I don’t know how much the others know, such as Lady Drake or the squire. But I thought you should know Mr. Darcy neither forbids it nor approves it. I have his permission to continue, but I must keep it as secret as possible. May I depend on you, Mr. Owen?”

  He turned to her with a sincere countenance.

  “You may always depend on me, Miss Bennet.”

  Her heart pounded at his honesty and at the implied scope of his promise, echoed by the depth and steadiness in his eyes.

  A loud guffaw came from behind them. Kitty turned to see Lucy scowl at Christopher and urge her mount ahead.

  “Do ride with me, Miss Bennet,” she said, checking her horse next to Kitty’s. “I find my previous companion to be most impolitic. I detest swaggering above all things.”

  Owen checked his horse and nodded for the ladies to go ahead. He raised an eyebrow at Kitty and smiled.

  “Mr. Darcy, how much farther? Can we see our destination yet?” Lucy inquired.

  Darcy turned, his face unreadable.

  “We have been riding just one hour, Miss Jamison. I shall announce when we can see the royal stables. They are, however, surrounded by great woods so they may remain hidden from us for some time. I have not ridden this way for several years. Have you, Cressley? George?”

  “I have, Mr. Darcy,” George replied. “You are correct. The greatness of the woods keeps even the larger buildings quite hidden. I think your estimate of another three hours is spot on.”

  “Let us stop at the next likely place for a bite and a sip, eh?” Cressley suggested. “Dismount and stretch our legs. Allowing the mares a few bites of grass may improve their moods.”

  “A few bites may improve everyone’s mood,” said Christopher with a laugh, and the others joined in. All except Lucy, who continued to pout prettily.

  After crossing a bridge over a rill, they came upon a grassy spot and dismounted. The young men took turns grazing the mares in hand, and all partook of some bread and cheese with beer or watered wine.

  The melody of the rushing water was appealing, and Kitty made her way to its edge. How joyful it sounded, gurgling over the rocks like a baby’s laugh. She thought of Lizzy and the little Darcy to come. And Jane’s baby, expected at any moment. Perhaps we will have news of Jane when we return to Pemberley? She was lost in reverie when she felt another’s presence.

  It was Owen. “The sound gives you joy, Miss Bennet?”

  “It is like a baby’s laugh. It reminds me that two of my sisters are now expecting. I hope to hear news of Jane’s baby when we return to Pemberley.”

  He looked at her with a smile. “I hope you do. And my best wishes for Mrs. Darcy. Your brother has shared his good news with my father and me.”

  “Will you be returning with us?” she asked. “Or will you and Lucy stay some time at Matlock with your brother?”

  “I cannot say, Miss Bennet. I hope we shall all return at once, and that Douglas’ doctoring will be completed for the present. There is much to do at home. My brother has caused so much pain to so many. I do not understand his choices. How can he hurt my father so? After all the loss my father has endured …”

  He slashed at the grasses with his crop.

  “Does Mr. Douglas not struggle with his own pain, too?” Kitty asked.

  His look betrayed his surprise at her knowledge.

  “Miss Stapleton has spoken to you about some of this. I am glad she has been able to unburden herself to a degree. She has suffered long. And my brother does nothing to relieve her. How can he be so cruel? I cannot be generous with him, Miss Bennet. His choices have been reprehensible, and almost all his troubles are of his own doing. The drinking, the gambling …”

  She looked at him with alarm.

  “Do not suppose me ignorant of his activities in Town and other places. His need for money has been great and constant, yet he has nothing to show for it. The reason is obvious. I have heard the rumors. I do not know for sure he is involved in those activities, or how deeply. He will not talk to me. He will not let me help him.”

  “Perhaps,” Kitty offered, “this … the accident … will be a turning point for him. Perhaps he and Julia—their love—can speed his healing.”

  Owen stared at the ground. His words were bitter.

  “Or perhaps … and more likely … he will use her for her money and drain what little spirit she has left, pulling her down with him as he sinks.” With that, he stormed away, slashing at everything in his path.

  Kitty pondered his words as she returned to the group and quietly ate her bread and cheese. Hearing laughter, she looked around. Lucy and Christopher had made amends again.

  ≈

  “May I ride with you, Kitty?” Darcy asked and pulled alongside her.

  Kitty looked at him in surprise.

  “Of course; I should welcome your company above all.”

  Darcy looked at Kitty thoughtfully.

  “Thank you. Kitty, I could not help observing you and Mr. Owen talking by the water, and his angry retreat. You have been subdued since then. Did he offend or distress you? May I be of assistance?”

  Darcy’s face was so sincere, Kitty nearly burst into tears at his kindness. She steadied herself.

  “He has not offended me. But the whole situation—the accident, his family being divided, and now Julia’s involvement—has made him very angry. It distresses me also. I have become fond of Julia. Like Mr. Owen, I do not wish to see her hurt.”

  “Of course not. In my acquaintance—no, stronger than that—my friendship with Mr. Owen over the years, I know him to be a young man to take charge and do his best. He wishes to make things better for everyone. His skills with horses and in the horse business are beyond reproach; they are brilliant. But people are not like horses. A horse’s driving desire is to please us and avoid pain. A horse will not punish itself. But sometimes a man will do that very thing if he thinks he’s had a part in causing some wrenching sorrow. Sorrow itself can become an illness, breeding
more harmful habits such as liquor or gambling or … I will not go on in the presence of a lady.”

  Kitty weighed his words as they rode along.

  “Surely it is not Mr. Douglas’ fault that his mother and sister died. Why can he not see that?”

  “Sorrow can blind us to the simplest truths.”

  She thought of Julia. “Or give us false hope?”

  “Precisely,” he replied. “Miss Stapleton is two and twenty. I am not sure how many years ago Mr. Douglas began drowning his sorrows, but I believe the two of them had been strongly attached. He was but a boy when his mother died, maybe about twelve. Old enough to wrongly feel blame, but not old enough to understand that tragedy sometimes happens, with no one at fault. And too young to comprehend that no one can repair such a loss. All we can do is go on. Mr. Douglas was away at school for many years, of course, but he left Cambridge before attaining his degree. As an eldest son, that is of little matter if he has good skills in managing the estate. But he takes little interest in Greystone. He does not care for horse husbandry nor for any part of the business or the farming. He has been floundering for some time. Taking up with Mr. Christopher and gadding about the country together—it is too rackety by half and will benefit neither. More likely it will bring ruination.” Darcy frowned.

  The mare he led was restless; he changed hands on the lead.

  Kitty said, “And now the accident. Many would struggle to recover from such a gloomy situation even without all the other history. Mr. Owen fears his brother will use Julia for her money and drag her into ruination with him. I do not know how to help her, Fitzwilliam. Or how to help any of them.”

  Darcy looked at her with kindness. “There is no help anyone can offer, not really. Miss Stapleton must find her own way, as must each of the others. All a friend can do is be there at the ready. And listen. That is something I learnt from your sister, Kitty. There is great value in sharing one’s burdens with a trusted friend. I think we men often don’t know this; or don’t value it. Yes, Lizzy—and now Georgiana too—have taught me the value of listening, and being listened to. And that I need not always have an answer, or mend things. Sometimes mending cannot be done. Your kindness will help Miss Stapleton in ways you may not yet see.”