Kitty took a deep breath. ‘With regret, I must tell you that I shall be leaving London in two days. I am to travel with the Darcys to Pemberley and spend some time there.’
Her instructor was quite shocked at this announcement – some may have described his countenance as crestfallen – but it was only for the briefest moment; he recovered himself very well.
‘It was all arranged very quickly,’ said Kitty by way of apology, but she had noticed his reaction and was wondering what it betokened. ‘I confess that while I want very much to see Derbyshire, I am sad to be leaving London. There have been so many wonderful experiences here and I can assure you that your tuition has been very enlightening (Enlightening? she thought, what I am talking about? That is completely the wrong word. I am stupid)… and I am so pleased to have made your acquaintance.’
‘And I, yours,’ returned he. ‘I had not thought of you leaving so soon. To Pemberley, you say?’
‘Yes,’ agreed Kitty. A heavy pause ensued as each wondered what to say next.
‘I hear it is a grand estate.’
‘I believe so.’
‘You leave the day after tomorrow?’
‘We do, yes.’
‘Miss Bennet, please forgive the presumption,’ began Mr Adams, looking earnest, ‘but I…’
Kitty waited, a questioning expression on her face while the young man seemingly struggled for the right words to express himself.
‘That is to say…’ he resumed, and stopped again. ‘I mean, that is to say, may I wish you a safe journey and I look forward to seeing you the next time you are in London.’
‘I thank you,’ said Kitty, wondering what else she could say. ‘I have so enjoyed our lessons,’ she ventured. ‘You have been very patient and kind with me.’
‘Not at all, not at all. I assure you it has been my pleasure.’ He paused. ‘You must continue playing. I would like to think you will.’
‘I will; this I can promise.’
‘Well, I wish you a safe journey,’ Mr Adams reiterated, beginning to gather his portfolio and music sheets. ‘Please pass on my good wishes to Mr and Mrs Darcy and Miss Darcy. I wish you a safe journey.’
‘Thank you,’ said Kitty as he left the room. She went to the window and waited for his appearance on the steps, then watched him as he walked down the street.
In need of conversation to distract her, Kitty went in search of Jane but when she found her she was asleep on the sofa, a hand laid protectively across her stomach. She crept out of the room as quietly as possible and went upstairs; she was only halfway through packing her trunks, ready for their removal to Berkeley Square that evening. The journey northwards would begin early in the morning. Elizabeth said it would be three days before they arrived at Pemberley as they intended to break the journey near Northampton on some business of Darcy’s.
They would travel via Longbourn, of course, and Kitty wondered how her mother would behave towards Miss Darcy. She could tell that Elizabeth was torn between seeing their parents, or more specifically their father, and anticipating the embarrassment that Mrs Bennet would inevitably cause. To his credit (or perhaps because he was simply hoping for a decision that would not involve him), Darcy had remained largely silent when these plans were aired, although Kitty sensed he was bracing himself for the onslaught of Mrs Bennet’s attention and – as far as that lady would feel able – affections. Kitty, uncharitable as it may be deemed, had no wish to stop at Longbourn; she feared her mother would find some excuse to prevent her from travelling to Derbyshire and on that her heart was set.
She set about packing the rest of her belongings, leaving only what would be needed for the journey and the morrow. Her journal and pens were among the things left out. She was now in the habit of writing in her journal each night before she went to bed.
CHAPTER 27
Jane had planned a quiet family dinner on the eve of their joint departures, the Bingleys to Netherfield, the Darcy party to Pemberley, and Miss Bingley to the Hursts, but Elizabeth arrived at Brook Street that morning with news that threatened such an arrangement.
An express had arrived for Darcy with alarming news. His steward had written to say that there had been a fire that had destroyed two of the tenants’ cottages at Pemberley and damaged others. No one was hurt but there had been property losses and much consternation; foul play was suspected. Fortunately, there had been no threat to the main house, and the outhouses and the stables were all intact, but Darcy’s presence would be necessary at his earliest convenience; the magistrate had been summoned and letters were being sent to London and to Derbyshire.
‘But this is dreadful,’ cried Jane. ‘And the fire was thought to be deliberate? Why would anyone do such a thing?’
‘I have no answers to that,’ replied Elizabeth. ‘Darcy is most concerned, of course, and not a little angry and wishes to be at Pemberley as soon as possible in order to put things right. His consolation is that no lives have been lost. He assures me that nothing of this nature has happened before, and he is at a loss to understand it.’
Kitty was as shocked as her sisters but also concerned this would necessitate a change of plan, one that would mean leaving her behind. She could not bring herself to ask the question. Jane spoke instead:
‘But will you go straightaway, Lizzy? Must you depart this instant?’
‘No, we will leave tomorrow morning, early as planned. I thought our departure would need to be brought forward but Darcy has sent word on ahead, and is gone to the city to see his solicitor. He will return this afternoon. But unfortunately, Kitty,’ – Elizabeth turned to her younger sister, who in that instant anticipated her dreams crashing to the ground and was steeling herself – ‘we will not stop in Hertfordshire to see Mama and Papa. It was to have been a brief visit, and I fear we will disappoint but hope we shall be forgiven. I have already written to Longbourn to explain.’
Kitty’s face registered shock and confusion. ‘It cannot be helped,’ said Lizzy. ‘If you would rather delay your visit, and return with Jane, then…’
‘No, no. I am just upset by all these events,’ replied Kitty, quickly regaining her composure. ‘My trunk is nearly packed. It can be sent to Berkeley Square as soon as you like so that all is ready at first light. I can finish it now, if that suits you better?’
‘There is time yet,’ Elizabeth assured her, and turning to Jane: ‘Our dinner can go ahead as planned. Darcy sends his apologies in case he is delayed, but there is no need to change our arrangements.’
In the event, Mr Darcy was returned in time for dinner, and did his best to hide his preoccupation with events at Pemberley, reasoning that all that could be done thus far had been done. The assembled party asked their questions, and assurances were given to the best of his ability. Darcy seemed determined not to let the matter monopolise the conversation and, despite the underlying distress, a convivial atmosphere enveloped those seated around the table. In addition to Mr and Mrs Bingley, his two sisters and brother-in-law, Mr and Mrs Darcy, Kitty and Georgiana, were Mr and Mrs Gardiner – whose company Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst were obliged to bear as best they could. As the Gardiners’ manners far exceeded their own, the Bingley sisters were the only ones to feel the degradation of their situation. Moreover, Miss Bingley had the pain of seeing Mr Darcy behaving to Mr Gardiner as if he were his equal. It was quite taxing for her. Kitty watched it all with concealed amusement.
After dinner, the ladies withdrew and the tea things had only just been brought in when the footman followed, bringing with him two letters just then delivered.
‘They are from Longbourn,’ announced Jane.
‘Two letters from home?’ said Kitty. ‘They cannot be in response to Lizzy’s letter so soon. I hope all is well.’
‘I should open them now,’ said Jane, curious but not wishing to seem discourteous to her guests, none of whom showed any objection. Elizabeth stood behind her, the better to see what news there was and her sisters’ expressions were such that Kitt
y cried out, ‘What is it? What is the matter?’
The alarm in Kitty’s voice drew the attention of Mrs Gardiner and Georgiana, who were chatting on the far side of the room.
Jane, quick to assure them that nothing was wrong, did not elucidate but instead quickly opened and perused the contents of the second letter, then turned to Lizzy, whose astonishment and surprise mirrored her own.
‘What is it?’ repeated Kitty. ‘What do the letters say?’
‘I will let them speak for themselves,’ said Jane. ‘My summation could not do them justice.’ She handed them both to Kitty. The first, from Mrs Bennet, was as follows:
Longbourn 5 April
My dear girls,
We are all in confusion here! Mary is to be married! And he will take her off to India and we will never see her again! Oh, I do not know what to think. For Mary is happy, you see, and thinks naught of going away from Longbourn, and on a ship! Mr Bennet has given his permission and says there is nothing he can do.
But Jane, my dear, I cannot think straight on it. You cannot have known, of course. None of us did. Who would have thought it? Mary married! What think you about it? I am quite exhausted and the young man only came to the house yesterday. Mary had said nothing until then! Aunt Phillips tries to help but I do not know, really I do not. My poor nerves! It is wreaking havoc on my poor nerves.
The banns will be read on Sunday, and then it will all be done. And none of you here! It really is too bad. Mary says it would be appropriate for Mr Collins to marry them. Mr Collins, if you please! If he were not our cousin, I would have more to say on that matter!
Of course the Gregorys are a good family, and Timothy Gregory seems a pleasant enough young man – I say seems for I do not know him well – and his father will help him, he says, with a cottage near Meryton but what good is that if Mary is to be taken to India?
I must write now to Lizzy and Lydia. My dear Jane, when do you return to Netherfield?
Your loving mother
‘Timothy Gregory!’ was all Kitty could say. Like her sisters, she was almost speechless. She handed the letter to her aunt and turned to the other, which was from her father and dated the same day:
Longbourn 5 April
My dearest Jane and Kitty,
Life, as you see, continues outside the bustle of London where things of great import happen all the time, but I confess Mary’s news has taken us all by surprise. Please do not allow yourselves to be too alarmed by your dear mother’s letter, although what she writes is true.
Your sister is indeed engaged to be married – to Mr Timothy Gregory, brother of her friend Marianne – and seems perfectly content to be so. It is not often that one can remark that Mary appears happy, but I venture to say that she is and in this we can rejoice. Your mother informs me that Mary has been much in the company of Marianne Gregory of late, a situation that portended nothing strange as she has been without the company of her sisters, and it would appear that even Mrs Bennet had no thoughts of a possible romance.
The gentleman came to me yesterday to ask for my consent to part with her. He looks to be a fine, upright sort of fellow, although a little earnest, a quality which no doubt endears him to your sister, and was most assiduous in assuring me that he is in a position to offer Mary a comfortable home. Although not in possession of a grand fortune, he has sufficient means and expects, he says, to inherit a small sum on the demise of an elderly relation in due course.
Meryton, alas, may not hold him for long for Mr Gregory has a missionary bent and is much taken with the idea of spreading the word and saving the less fortunate in parts foreign – ‘the heathen lands’, as he fondly describes them. Some of his acquaintance at Oxford are already advanced in plans to travel to India or the South Seas, and have become ordained for this purpose. Our Mr Gregory has not yet taken orders but considers it likely he shall. Mary has taken up his calling as if it were her own and imagines for herself a life of good works on darker continents. Her zeal does not admit difficulties as to travel or health or heat, indeed any hardships whatsoever that may be encountered in pursuing a missionary life, and so it is left to your dear mother to worry herself about all such eventualities.
The banns will be read on Sunday, so Meryton and the congregation will have much to discuss, and I am confident your sister will be married within a month. As far as one can ever predict happiness in the married state, this match seems as likely to succeed as any other.
What interesting times we live in, my dears. You must acquaint me with your news from London for I own I have no more to add at this moment. I pray you share this letter with Lizzy if it arrives before her departure north.
Your affectionate father
The effect of such correspondence on the party can be imagined. The Bingley sisters and Georgiana, none of whom were well acquainted with Mary, received the news with equanimity tempered with mild surprise. Among the others, disbelief was the first reaction, followed by incredulity and then, in the case of Jane and Mrs Gardiner, congratulations and pleasure for Mary. Kitty was applied to for her knowledge of Timothy Gregory, and she told what she knew of him, which was really very little. Elizabeth shook her head and wondered how the match had come about. Kitty though, felt almost faint. Having barely recovered from the threat of losing her trip to Pemberley, this was another blow. I am the only unmarried daughter now, the only remaining Miss Bennet, she thought. India? Timothy Gregory! Really! What a sly thing Mary turned out to be!
CHAPTER 28
The news of Mary’s betrothal did not alter the Darcys’ travel plans and the journey to Pemberley was as swift as reasonable comfort would allow. Elizabeth had wondered if Darcy might ride on ahead, but he would not hear of it. Ever the gentleman, manners and caution forbade any idea of his wife and sister (and his sister-in-law) travelling unaccompanied. Therefore, the party set off at first light as arranged, and the early hour was not conducive to conversation. At each stage of the journey, Darcy sent a rider on ahead to the coaching inns to alert them of a need for fresh horses and, with necessary stops for refreshment, they were able to cover nearly sixty miles on the first day.
On that first stage of the journey, the countryside held few surprises for Kitty and it was with but the mildest pang she realised that they had passed within ten miles of Longbourn. Unsurprisingly, her thoughts returned again and again to Mary and her pending nuptials. She had, she now understood, assumed that Mary would never marry; that she would become a governess perhaps, or remain a companion to their parents in their dotage. Mary, with her self-righteous ways and strict mores, had never shared her feelings, so it had been easy to assume she had none. All my sisters, she thought, have secured futures for themselves and I am left behind. Mama will be concentrating all her efforts upon me now. Given her apprehensions on the subject, it was no small relief to Kitty to be in a coach travelling as far from home as she had ever been.
The weather was clement, which helped their progress, and towards the end of the second day, as they journeyed through the Midlands, Kitty noticed cotton mills and factories in the middle distance. None of her companions acknowledged this change in the rural landscape so she kept quiet, resolving to ask Lizzy or Georgiana about it in private. Elizabeth and Darcy spent most of the journey in companionable silence and Kitty was glad of Georgiana’s conversation about music and books and places that they passed on the road and, of course, her plans for the time they would spend together at Pemberley.
She listened and contributed little, acutely aware of saying the wrong thing in front of her stony-faced brother-in-law. Mr Darcy, for his part, did not mean to be forbidding but his face, in repose, had a serious aspect and his concern for his tenants and property had lent his mien a sterner aspect than usual. Only when the party stopped at the inn for the night did Kitty begin to relax and feel excited at the prospect of seeing Pemberley on the morrow.
Rolling hills and uplands became the norm as they continued into Derbyshire, the scenery becoming more rugged
and imposing as they journeyed closer to the Peak District. Kitty took it all in, tired but excited to see their final destination. Her worries about being the only remaining Miss Bennet were dissipating in anticipation of a fresh adventure and new places to explore. What she would find she didn’t know, but she and Georgiana had chatted quite late into the evening the previous day and Kitty’s optimism was fully restored. To match her mood, the sun had obligingly appeared in a light blue sky and a few scudding clouds were being sent on their way by a crisp April breeze. That there were lambs in the fields, and that those fields were fresh and green, only added to the picture of bucolic bliss.
Their last change of horses that afternoon was at Matlock, and Mr Darcy felt able to consign his precious cargo to the two Pemberley servants who awaited them there and to travel on ahead. Kitty watched as he gave precise instructions to the coach driver and riders, all of whom were well acquainted with their surroundings, and then bade a solicitous and fond farewell to Lizzy. She laughed and told him she would see him very soon, but reached out and took his hand, holding his gaze. Kitty saw Mr Darcy’s features soften in that instant; of course, she had seen this happen before when he was with Lizzy, but in the intimacy of the coach and after such a long journey, she was touched at the depth of their affection.
Kitty was now experiencing a journey that Elizabeth had made for the first time but six months earlier, although without the trepidation that the latter had felt in trespassing onto the Darcy estate. They approached the Pemberley Woods and turned in at the lodge and Kitty saw a very large park and a great variety of ground. She looked at Elizabeth, who smiled and said to wait, for there was a way to go yet.
‘But Lizzy, there are deer!’ Kitty exclaimed.
‘There are indeed,’ concurred Lizzy, taking delight in her sister’s enthusiasm. ‘There are more creatures than I know in this park. Georgiana, how many deer are there?’
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