Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  Pleading exhaustion after a few rounds of games, Kitty found a seat away from the others so as to be alone with her thoughts. More and more she understood Lizzy’s long rambles whilst living in the frequent uproar at Longbourn. Embarrassment flooded her sensibilities as she recalled her own role in many of those upheavals, even though Lydia was usually the one stirring the pot.

  While watching the others on the lawn, Kitty could not help but notice Christopher Drake’s marked attention to Alice. His behavior was highly improper for a betrothed man, acting so the mooncalf. He could not be ignorant of Alice’s fortune. Young Alice appeared quite taken by his animated conversation and focused attention. Kitty had no one’s permission to divulge the engagement but, knowing she could not rely on Christopher’s scant sense of honor, she could not sit idly by.

  Christopher was procuring two lemonades when Kitty sidled up next to him and said in a dulcet voice, “Mr. Drake, how kind of you to fetch lemonade for Miss Alice on this warm day.”

  He nodded, then started at the glare in Kitty’s eyes.

  “I should dearly love to hear the stories with which you are amusing Miss Alice. I simply must join you.”

  Christopher looked perturbed but had no proper way to refuse.

  “After you, Miss Bennet.”

  Over the years Kitty had learnt from her talented younger sister how to insinuate herself into situations, and in her heart whispered a quick ‘thank you’ to Lydia.

  “Tell me more about your riding and your horses, Miss Alice,” Kitty said with a sweet smile at Christopher. “Do you know their breeding lines?” The talk then turned to such and went on amiably for some time. Christopher was able to contribute on the topic but it was clearly not the agenda he had in mind. Kitty was pleased with her success at foiling his plan thus far. Poor Lucy! The sooner she and Christopher were married, the better for all.

  Convinced that he would moderate his behavior knowing he was being watched, Kitty walked towards Julia, who was seated alone sketching.

  “Did you make many sketches whilst at Matlock, Julia? I would love to see more of your work. The landscapes hereabouts are so inspiring.”

  “Indeed they are, and I have sketched many of them. I also found other sources of inspiration, Kitty. But I fear they may not elicit your good opinion.”

  “Why, Julia, whatever do you mean?”

  Julia started several pages back in her sketchbook, first displaying some breathtaking natural scenes. But as the pages turned, the subject matter changed to many likenesses of Douglas Wyndham.

  Kitty gasped. They were superb, expressing the agony and the anger in his soul.

  “You have captured his very essence.”

  Julia made no reply, just paged through the drawings until she returned to her present landscape.

  “I did not know you drew portraits, Julia.”

  “Nor did I. But I wished to capture him whilst I had the chance. If only I had drawn him in happier times.” A wistful expression filled her eyes. “I plan to sketch each member of my family once I return to Swan’s Nest.”

  Kitty hesitated but had to ask—she might not have another time alone with Julia—“How went your week with Mr. Douglas?”

  Julia’s face was clouded. “You saw him, Kitty. He has not much improved. Perhaps it is too soon. We talked a little. But he is still so angry about his condition that he cannot see past it. He has no hope. He cannot bear the thought of life confined to a wheelchair.”

  Kitty frowned. “Is there no possibility then for a complete recovery?”

  “Strangely, the physician agrees with Lady Matlock on one point: that Douglas’ body cannot fully heal until his spirit does. His own bitterness poisons him, Kitty. My presence did no immediate good, though it was only of short duration. His father has great hopes that being back at Greystone will inspire further recovery. I have not given up. We have too much history, he and I.”

  Kitty pondered a moment and then said, “I believe Greystone will inspire either healing or deeper bitterness, but a change nonetheless. I pray that Providence will guide him out of the darkness.”

  “Amen.”

  After a comfortable silence Kitty said, “I tried some drawing on the journey. I would value your suggestions, Julia. I especially enjoyed sketching mares and foals. Might I commission you to draw a portrait of Cara?”

  Julia chuckled. “You are likely to draw a better portrait of Cara yourself, Kitty. But I would like to draw you and Cara together. That is something you cannot do yourself.”

  “I would cherish such a drawing forever!” Kitty reached over to embrace her friend.

  They sat in silence again whilst Julia continued drawing. At one point she asked, “What of our intrigue with the ‘investment club’? The updates from Georgiana and Matilda seemed rather vague.”

  “You are correct, but there are some developments of which they are unaware. Some situations occurred of a questionable nature, and I felt it best for my brother to be informed.”

  “Mr. Darcy knows of our pact?”

  “He does now. As do Princess Charlotte and her dear friend Miss Elphinstone.”

  “What? The royal princess?” Julia gasped.

  Kitty explained how each of the others became involved and also disclosed the suspicions surrounding George Cressley, Christopher Drake, and Douglas Wyndham.

  “And what of Mr. William Cressley? Do you suspect him?”

  “No. No one does. He seems to have eyes only for your sister at present.”

  Julia looked over at Matilda and William, flirting and laughing together.

  “Yes, I will likely have an additional family member to sketch.”

  Kitty smiled. “A wedding portrait.”

  “But, Kitty, what is the truth of Lucy and Mr. Christopher? Did they really try to elope? Do you know—are they engaged? Watching him fawn over Miss Alice today, one would guess not. I cannot imagine him as a husband, can you?”

  They both looked over at him, now involved in activities with the larger group. He seemed to feel their eyes upon him and looked their way, giving them a salute, which they both found amusing.

  “I did let him know I was watching him with Alice,” Kitty said with a smirk. “I cannot divulge anything else at present, but he will not wish to gainsay Mr. Darcy. You can be sure of that.” They laughed at that unlikely prospect. “I would not trade places with Lucy, nor wish Mr. Christopher to be mine. But she does seem aware of his faults and loves him in spite of them.”

  “She has confided in you?”

  Kitty nodded.

  “I am glad, for her sake. She never seemed to take to me, perhaps because of Douglas. She has no sensible female to talk with, her mother being so … well … whatever did Mr. Wyndham see in her, I wonder?”

  “Perhaps, as someone said to me, he saw a fine looking horse; so fine, that he forgot to evaluate temperament,” Kitty said with a laugh. “But I must be serious. Poor Mr. Wyndham has a very full plate, yet he is so kind to everyone.”

  “Yes, he is a good man,” Julia said softly, then turned to look at her friend. “Kitty?”

  “Yes?”

  “Whom do you wish to be yours? Have you formed a preference since you have come amongst us? My brother appeared to have a preference for you. But he is not the only one.”

  Kitty looked at her sharply and felt color creep into her cheeks.

  “Truthfully, Julia, I do not know. There are a few young men whose company I enjoy, and I may even say I fancy them. Oh, I envy Matilda and her certainty of her love in so short a time. Why can I not be so clear about my own feelings?”

  Julia applied her eraser, brushed away the crumbs, and said, “You and I are different from Matilda. I love her dearly; she is so joyful. Perhaps that is why she is easily satisfied. Not that she is settling—not at all. She has simply found someone of equal joy. It seems they both knew immediately.”

  “Yes, it did seem so.”

  Kitty wondered about Julia’s happiness, and if
it would involve Douglas.

  Darcy and the earl appeared, and the entire party dispersed to dress for dinner.

  ≈

  Another long and elegant meal tested Kitty’s memory of the proper manners for dining in high company. Later, Miss Alice provided music and then Julia and Matilda sang duets; and of course Georgiana performed, becoming more comfortable playing, and even singing, for larger groups. Darcy beamed with pride after her performance.

  Kitty was uncomfortably aware that only she and Lucy did not play. Why had their mothers not insisted they learn the skills expected of ladies?

  Jane excelled in needlework and flower arranging. Lizzy could play adequately and had a naturally lovely voice. Aunt Gardiner was credited with insisting they learn these arts whilst they stayed with her in Cheapside. Mary practiced often, it was true; but her pedantic style, self-centeredness, and poor voice marred her performance. Lydia’s and Kitty’s only attempts at artistry had been trimming bonnets.

  Kitty was even more determined now to improve her riding skills and learn to draw well, if Julia thought she had enough talent to make the effort worthwhile. Lord knows she should not sing! She would also keep her Windsor Forest vow to read extensively about the natural world around her.

  With an early departure anticipated for the next day, the group did not stay up unusually late. Darcy and his uncle and aunt did remain in the drawing room when the others retired.

  ≈

  Grey clouds troubled the sky and a fine mist surrounded Thornhill when Kitty entered the breakfast room the next morning. Darcy and the earl rose and nodded. Lady Matlock and Georgiana were also present.

  “Kitty, I have some news,” Darcy announced. “I have a letter here from Lizzy.”

  Kitty’s heart skipped a beat.

  “Is she well?”

  “She reports she is very well. And that your sister Jane is delivered of a fine healthy boy with a headful of blonde curls. He has been christened Edward Charles Thomas Bingley.”

  “How wonderful!” Kitty exclaimed, tears coming to her eyes.

  “You are Aunt Kitty now!” Georgiana exclaimed.

  Kitty looked at Darcy expectantly.

  “Yes, I informed my aunt and uncle last night that we expect a young Darcy before November,” he said with a broad a grin.

  “We are all very excited to welcome a new child to the Darcy clan,” Lady Matlock said. “With neither of my sons yet married and Alice far too young, you can be sure I shall come for a visit early in the spring, Fitzwilliam. I dote on babies.”

  “Where are your sons at present?” Kitty asked.

  “Both are in London,” answered the earl. “Richard with the horse guards in the service of the Regent; and our eldest, Arthur, attends to business in town. He is a most eligible bachelor.”

  A servant announced the arrival of the Wyndham coach.

  “Very good,” said the earl. “Please call for Mr. Darcy’s coach and horses. I shall go out to greet the Wyndhams. It will be too arduous for the injured young man to leave the coach.”

  “And I shall too, my love. A little mist will not stop me from greeting guests. I shall join you, if you will be obliging enough to hold an umbrella.”

  He smiled at his wife. “Of course, my dear.”

  When Matilda and Julia entered the room Lady Matlock invited them to partake of the offerings.

  “I shall also provide your party with baskets of food for your journey—far superior to what you may find at a posting inn,” Lady Matlock added as she left the room.

  “Be quick, ladies,” Darcy said. “We do not wish to keep the Wyndhams waiting.”

  Cups of chocolate were poured and drunk. Toast was eaten. Bonnets and pelisses were donned.

  The sky remained leaden but the ground mist was lifting. The ladies were handed into the Darcy coach and the riders mounted their horses. Farewells were said and promises made of a visit to see the new Darcy child.

  Then the entire party was off for home.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “Do you think our father will approve of William?” Matilda mused aloud. “How soon do you think we might marry?”

  The other young ladies gaped at her.

  “Has he declared himself then?” Georgiana asked.

  “I had kept it secret until now, but yes, he spoke on our last night at Oakhurst. He even asked Mr. Darcy about it. But please, say nothing until my father has approved. Mr. Cressley approves, based on Mr. Darcy’s recommendation of me and my family. I find I am quite impatient to be married.”

  Julia frowned. “Matilda, have you truly considered all that marriage will encompass? With Mr. William’s law practice in Reading, you will live there. You will leave the country for town, and you will be far away from us. Should you be happy there?”

  Matilda stared at her sister. “Of course I realize my entire life will change. But as ladies, we have always expected that change, unless we married an eldest son from our own neighborhood. Georgiana and Benjamin will also live elsewhere.”

  “Please,” said Georgiana with a blush. “Nothing is settled in my case.”

  They all rolled their eyes.

  “But you have known Mr. William such a short time, Matilda,” Kitty said. “It is rather like my situation. There are men I think I fancy, that I have met here this summer. But having known them such a short time, I cannot commit myself with confidence yet.”

  After a few moments of silence Georgiana spoke.

  “Your situations are alike and yet unlike, Kitty. Matilda has had a season in town where she met and socialized with many eligible young men, none of whom caught her eye. For many years she has known eligible men in our neighborhood. None appealed in that way. But now, Mr. William does. He comes from a good family—the Darcy family!—(here they all laughed), so an adequate history is known. He has an honorable occupation and can provide for a wife and family. She will not lose all ties. Roads and carriages keep improving, so travel will become easier. It is not as if she is going off to Scotland or France, where she knows no one but her betrothed.”

  “Yes! That is it precisely!” Matilda chirped. “I already feel I know William well. We spent a good deal of time together—properly chaperoned of course—while you went to Windsor, Kitty. I am sure of my regard for him, and of his for me.”

  “It all seems so … easy,” Kitty mused.

  “Sometimes things are exactly as they seem,” Julia observed. “Our heart speaks. And nothing happens to complicate it.”

  Georgiana smiled with contentment at those words.

  For her—and for Matilda—their hearts had spoken.

  Kitty pondered her own confusion, and wondered about the voice of her own heart. Had it spoken? Had she failed to hear?

  ≈

  At their final posting stop, messengers were sent on to announce the pending arrivals at Greystone, Swan’s Nest, Cedars, and Pemberley. Kitty imagined Lizzy would be as excited as herself. They had been gone less than a fortnight, but so much had happened. The hired horses were now exchanged for their own carriage steeds. How she wished Cara were here! What a lovely ride it would be back home to Pemberley.

  Home. To Pemberley. How odd. Certainly Pemberley was not her permanent home. Might Derbyshire be? Andrew Stapleton had all but offered for her, had he not? Owen Wyndham had shown true friendship and hints of something beyond, but had by no means declared himself. And she had certainly not met all the young men in Derbyshire.

  As the horses were harnessed, Kitty walked along the lane adjacent to the coaching inn, side by side with Julia, coaxing life back into their limbs and sharing the silence but not their thoughts. A few wispy clouds skittered by, hiding here and there behind the peaks.

  Returning to Longbourn weighed on Kitty’s mind. She could not desire it. Would Fitzwilliam and Lizzy allow her to stay until the baby was born? She frowned. She could be of little help. She had no experience with infants. All told, she was a young lady of no experience and few talents. Who would eng
age himself to such a lady? She cringed. Nineteen and the only talents of which she could boast were trimming bonnets and horsemanship—and that was a talent not much valued in ladies.

  This renewed her determination to add to her repertoire whilst still in Derbyshire. She could improve at trimming bonnets. Might Lucy be interested in sharing such an activity? Julia could be her drawing mentor. Kitty had no interest in needlework, but knitting, such as Lady Stapleton did, looked less tedious. Was there something she could make for the baby?

  Georgiana was experienced at being mistress of a household. Kitty knew nothing of the matter. She had been acting like a guest at Pemberley. It was time to ask Lizzy and Georgiana to teach her those skills. If she became proficient at running such a great household, she would certainly be successful at managing the smaller one she would likely have. Or at managing Longbourn if her father outlived her mother, though the idea of living there was disheartening.

  A young lad ran up alongside her and touched his cap.

  “S’cuse me, Miss, I am sent to say the coaches be ready.” He smiled and bowed. He could not be more than eight years old. Kitty reached into her reticule and deposited a coin in his open hand. Julia did likewise. His eyes grew wide. “Thank ye, Miss and … both Misses … very kind!” He bowed again and skittered off.

  Kitty and Julia turned back towards the inn. Owen waved at them and Kitty waved back.

  She most definitely did not wish to return to Longbourn.

  ≈

  As the coach rattled down the road, Kitty thought back to her previous arrival at Pemberley and the goals she had set then to escape Lydia’s shadow and her father’s diatribes. It was time for a new plan.

  Before long, the coaches reached the familiar crossroads. A coach from Swan’s Nest waited to take the Stapleton sisters up their winding road, accompanied by William Cressley on horseback. The Greystone and Pemberley carriages rumbled on together until the Greystone lane was reached. Kitty and Georgiana waved to Lucy, who hung out the carriage window to say goodbye. Owen checked his horse and caught Kitty’s eye. A smile broke over his face and he saluted her. She caught her breath—he was quite handsome when he smiled.