“Frankly, I do not care. I will not be gainsaid on this matter. I am the Master of Pemberley, not your father. My mother loved her brother and would be terribly hurt if he were not welcome here. Do you remember when you and I met him and Aunt Olivia the summer I was seven—before they left England? I recall that Uncle Joseph made my mother smile, and I was glad for it. She did not smile very often in those days, what with just losing another child.”
“Yes, I was staying at Pemberley that summer. If I recall correctly, Uncle had joined the navy after marrying Olivia, and they were set to travel to Portsmouth after they departed Derbyshire. Years later, after he retired from the service, they moved to a small estate in Ireland that Grandmother Havilland left him in her will. I have to wonder why, after so many years, they would want to return to a country that holds such hurtful memories.”
“In his letter, he mentioned that Aunt Olivia was born in Lambton and wished to see her relations before they were too old to travel. His request was to stay at Pemberley only until he could make arrangements to stay elsewhere; however, once they arrived, I was able to convince them to reside at Pemberley as long as they intend to stay in Derbyshire. I explained my current predicament, having to return to London, but assured them that I looked forward to visiting with them upon my return. Also, I offered the use of my townhouse should they ever wish to visit London.”
“Bravo!” Richard howled. “It will chap my father’s arse to find that they are staying on the next street if they go to Town!”
“Richard, really! Must you be so crude?”
“Blame it on service to my country, Cousin! Officers use more colourful language than the upper crust!” He smirked, causing William to shake his head in resignation.
“The point I was making is that I have no doubt that it will not sit well with your father, or Edgar, for that matter, when they learn that I have invited them to stay with me. As soon as Georgiana sets foot in Town, the cat will be out of the bag, if she has not written them already. I will be called upon to explain myself and you, by association, shall be called out.”
“I am not afraid of my father. In fact, I rather enjoy watching him turn beet red! Fortunately, I have not listened to his advice since I quit short breeches, and I will be damned if I start now! Moreover, I relish anything that upsets my brother. My dear mother is the only reason I stop by the house when I am in Town.”
William smiled and shook his head at Richard’s bravado. “I appreciate your support, but I fear that sometimes you show too much contempt to those who can do you great harm. Edgar can make things very hard on you when your father passes, but still you refuse to call him Leighton.”
“Oh and you show no contempt for those with whom you disagree? I do not hear you calling Edgar by his title either.”
“Point taken.”
“I refuse to bow to my brother. If he were to stop my allowance, I would just have to find another means of supplementing my income. As for siding with you, if it means enjoying the pleasures of Pemberley while I visit with Uncle Joseph and Aunt Olivia, then that is a sacrifice I am willing to make!”
William began to chuckle, which brought Richard great satisfaction. “Do you wish for company back to Town? I have papers to deliver to General Winthrop and I would dearly love to make the trip in one of your plush coaches.”
“I was hoping you would accompany us. Georgiana is never as snippy when you are present, though I cannot fathom why. In any event, I do not think I could bear her company exclusively.”
“She is pleased to see me because I spoil her. I let her think I do not always agree with you, which makes her trust me.” At William’s scowl he added, “Do not look so disturbed. Since we are both her guardians, I think it is to our advantage that she believes we do not see eye to eye.”
“I suppose it is.”
“Now, if we have settled all the world’s problems, what say we hurry back to the house for some of Mrs. Lantrip’s sweet rolls? Please say that she still makes them every morning, as I have dreamed of one of them and a steaming cup of coffee since I left Sheffield!”
“I think we might be able to oblige you,” William said, stepping towards Zeus. Putting his foot in the stirrup and pulling himself effortlessly into the saddle, he added, “Perhaps we should see if your new purchase was worth the price!” With that, he kicked the black stallion and sped off down the trail.
“Darcy!” Richard yelled after him. “That is not fair.”
Leaping upon Titan, he followed his cousin down the trail as fast as possible. Nonetheless, by the time he reached the meadow, Darcy was almost halfway across the expanse. Suddenly, the storm that had threatened earlier arrived with full force and rain began coming down in sheets.
Richard kicked his mount into a full gallop. “Next time, Titan, next time!”
Chapter 2
Pemberley
Though the table was set with the best linens, china, silverware and candles, the most exquisite vases of flowers and the finest food and wine, most of those gathered for dinner at Pemberley on this particular evening did not appear to be enjoying the occasion a great deal. Predictably, as they were not entertaining large numbers, the Darcys utilized the second dining room, which featured a more intimately-sized table. Everyone had already been seated when Georgiana hastily entered the room and sat in the chair opposite her brother, taking her place as hostess. Though Richard had informed his cousin that Georgiana had agreed to attend, neither had been certain she would follow through until that moment.
Having never met Georgiana before coming to Pemberley, the elder Fitzwilliams had been surprised to see that she had not taken after her father, as her brother had. Instead, she was her mother’s mirror image—tall, with dark blond hair, deep-set green eyes and a dash of freckles across her nose. Moreover, she reminded them not only of Anne, but of their daughter Jenny, who would have been about her age had she not perished in an outbreak of influenza when she was five. Upon introduction, their niece had wilted under their looks of astonishment, and they were determined not to stare at her tonight. This dinner would mark only the second time they had been in her company for more than a few seconds, and they hoped to make her feel at ease in their presence.
As the meal progressed, the Fitzwilliams were cordial to her, but their every attempt to engage her in conversation was met with monosyllabic replies. Even Richard, whose levity had not induced a single smile from Georgiana, appeared to have given up, for it was obvious that she felt awkward amongst those she had spent days avoiding. The entire dinner hour she simply pushed the food about on her plate despite the fact that Mrs. Lantrip had prepared her favourites: a chicken dish and an apple tart for dessert.
Though she might have looked distracted, the object of the entire table’s curiosity was actually studying them, noting that her aunt and uncle sat on either side of her brother, while Richard occupied the chair to her right. That left an empty chair between him and Aunt Olivia and meant that there were two empty chairs on her left. As she glanced to that side, her uncle caught her eye and smiled. It was a kindly smile, and it confused her.
Why would he be kind when I have shunned him? Quickly, she looked away.
Convinced that she did not wish to associate with people who the earl had referred to as beneath our company, Georgiana prayed that being subjected to them by her brother would be considered a valid excuse. After all, Lord Matlock would never expect her to defy her brother, even if they disagreed. This thought brought her some relief, and she relaxed enough to glance at Richard.
“Is something the matter, Pumpkin? I thought apple tart was your favourite dessert.”
“Richard,” she sighed, “must you address me in that manner?” Her disapproval caused him to laugh uproariously.
“I am sorry, Pumpkin, but old habits die hard! I have called you that since you were making mud pies.”
“And I shall simply die if you call me that in public.”
“Not to worry! I shall remember nev
er to use that appellation in public, most especially in the company of the young bucks who will, no doubt, materialise out of thin air once we are in Town. Until then, you shall just have to forgive an old man his eccentricities.”
“You are incorrigible!”
“That I am, Pumpkin! That I am!”
The others knew better than to join in the levity, for Georgiana would not forgive them as easily as she had her favourite cousin; thus, they exchanged wan smiles as they silently watched. Obviously humiliated by his sister’s behaviour, William seemed eager to quit the table.
Looking directly at her, he challenged, “Since it seems we have all finished, I suggest we retire to the music room to have our coffee. Georgiana will, I am sure, be delighted to play a few selections on the pianoforte.”
Georgiana was well acquainted with this look—the one that brooked no opposition. Consequently, despite the refusal on the tip of her tongue, she acquiesced, if somewhat begrudgingly. With that being the extent of her cooperation, she stalked from the room without waiting for her aunt to walk with her. Richard shook his head in disbelief at Georgiana’s slight. William stood and offered Aunt Olivia his arm while Richard walked over to put an arm about his uncle’s shoulder.
“Uncle Joseph, what do you say to Darcy opening a box of expensive cigars and a bottle of his best brandy? I know he would not do so for me, but he could never refuse you.”
Joseph Fitzwilliam laughed. “I see that you are the same as the young boy I remember! You were always putting someone up to something, usually for your own entertainment or benefit.”
Richard feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart. “Uncle, surely you are mistaken! I am as selfless as a cleric.”
William and Olivia were not that far ahead of the two and, hearing the exchange, they laughed. William turned to say, “You have the right of it, Uncle! I was forever being punished for things that Richard instigated!”
For Georgiana, who had already taken her place at the pianoforte, the pleasant banter and laughter of the rest of the party entering the room caused her to act even more aloof. As she was less than eager to perform, she played three selections as quickly as possible before rising to her feet and stating that she was weary and, therefore, retiring. As she fled the room without waiting for proper replies, Joseph Fitzwilliam turned to his wife, tenderly feathering his fingers over her cheek.
“My dear, do you feel like exhibiting? You know how I love to hear you play, and this is such a fine instrument. No doubt it will sound far better than the one in our parlour.”
Olivia returned his devotion with a loving smile, a gesture not lost on their nephews who were spellbound by the display of affection.
“I feel well enough, dear, though I dare say that I shall be a poor example after our niece.”
Everyone refuted her statement simultaneously, urging her to play, and she consented. As Joseph escorted her to the instrument, Richard considered his cousin’s earlier description of the couple. Joseph, indeed, was very much as he recalled—tall, with excellent posture, a stark contrast to his own father who was of medium height and slouched, in part due to a large belly. Olivia, on the other hand, was painfully thin. And while his uncle’s dark hair had greyed around his face, Aunt Olivia’s light brown was now largely white. Their eyes, too, told a story. His uncle’s lively brown ones still occasionally lit with mischief, leaving no doubt that he was the uncle who had teased him mercilessly as a child, but his aunt’s dark blue eyes reflected a kind but resigned acceptance.
While Richard pondered this, Joseph helped Olivia to the bench and then took the nearest chair. Playing from memory, in seconds she began a selection of songs that included Bach and Haydn. Afterward, an unfamiliar melody filled the room, and everyone sat transfixed throughout the piece. Complete silence followed the last notes until William began to applaud. The others swiftly joined him.
“Bravo!” he exclaimed, “just lovely. I cannot place that melody even though I purchase all the latest creations for Georgiana. What is the name of the piece and who wrote it? I must secure a copy.”
Acknowledging their applause, Olivia turned to face them. At William’s declaration, she blushed crimson. “I... I composed it, and I call it ‘Joseph,’ which is not very original, I suppose.”
“Original enough for my taste,” her husband declared. A wide smile could not be suppressed as he walked over and bent down to grasp her hand. “She wrote it for our twentieth anniversary and, as I told her then, I could not have asked for a lovelier gift.” He placed a kiss on her palm before helping her to her feet. “I think it is time that we retired, dear. I do not want you to be overly tired tomorrow when we visit your cousins outside of Lambton.”
“I apologise,” William said, walking over to them. “I should not leave so soon after your arrival. I pray that you will continue with your visit in Derbyshire, making Pemberley your home while you are in this area. I shall return from London as soon as possible.”
“We intend to stay until the end of summer, if you can tolerate us that long.”
“That is indeed good news, as it shall afford us time to get reacquainted.”
Their aunt and uncle exchanged glances, and their countenances grew solemn while Joseph addressed them.
“We are indebted to you, Fitzwilliam, for allowing us to stay here, but, primarily, Olivia and I appreciate your company.” He turned to Richard. “And yours as well. It has been very hard not having our families near us for all these years. And I have no doubt it will not go well for either of you once news of our presence reaches my brother. It was not our intention to cause either of you difficulty.”
“We are grown men, Uncle,” Richard retorted. “We make up our own minds as to whom we shall associate. And I shall never regret our connection.”
“Well said,” William added. “You are family and nothing can change that. My mother loved you dearly, Uncle, and I hope to know you and Aunt Olivia better. Mother was an excellent judge of character.”
“Anne was one of a kind, a truly gentle soul in a family more suited to bullies like Edward and Catherine,” Joseph’s eyes cut to Richard. “My apologies.”
“Do not apologize, for I am inclined to agree with you.”
“Well, I imagine that you both want to retire, since you are off to London early. Please do not worry about us. Mrs. Reynolds has been most welcoming and kind. She always prepares a picnic basket whenever we are to be gone all day. You have a rare jewel in that woman, Fitzwilliam.”
“I am well aware of that, and, yes, we should retire.”
Glancing between him and Richard, Aunt Olivia addressed them. “Would you mind too awfully if I kissed you both good night? I have missed having a son to kiss.”
The mention of their son, killed in an accident while still a young man, did not surprise either man. News of Arthur’s death had reached England too late for Darcy’s parents to attend the funeral. Still, William remembered his mother’s great sadness and how she often mentioned that he and Arthur were only a few years apart.
“Not at all,” the nephews replied in chorus.
Timidly, Olivia stepped forward to place a kiss on first one dear face and then the other, patting their cheeks afterward in a motherly fashion. Then as they quit the room, an overwhelming sadness caused William to rub his cheek. Abruptly coming to his senses, he turned to find Richard smiling.
“What?”
“She reminds me of Aunt Anne—not so much in appearance, but in manner. I think you see the resemblance as well.”
“I do, and I remember my mother kissing me in that manner before she retired each night.”
“I think I am going to like having them at Pemberley. In fact, I fear that I shall want them to stay in England by the time they are ready to leave.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
Nodding in agreement, they went out of the door and were soon crossing the marble floor of the foyer. Reaching the grand staircase, both stopped short and a fl
icker of mischievousness flashed simultaneously in both their eyes. Without warning, they raced up the stairs just as they had when they were boys. Reaching the landing at about the same time, both were shocked to find Mrs. Reynolds standing there. Her arms were crossed and a scowl marred her normally kind features.
The grin left Richard’s face as he straightened to his full height and bowed toward the housekeeper. Then walking as quickly as possible, he went to his room, leaving William to deal with the woman who had chastised them for pulling this same folly when they were boys.
Assuming his best Master of Pemberley mien, William said, “My cousin and I are retiring for the night, Mrs. Reynolds. Please make sure that Mrs. Lantrip is aware that we will break our fast at daylight, as we wish to leave soon after.”
“As you instructed this morning, I have already informed her,” she answered dryly.
William bowed slightly and went past her, heaving a sigh. He was barely twenty feet down the hall, when he heard her add, “I am aware that you are fully grown, but I shall take this opportunity to quote your dear mother. ‘You shall break your neck if you persist in that behaviour.’”
Having halted at the sound of her voice, William now continued without a reply. Nonetheless, he could not wipe the smile from his face. Had he turned, he would have seen a teary-eyed smile on Mrs. Reynolds’ face as well, for his antics had awakened fond memories of the past.
Little boys never really grow up!
Still softly laughing to herself, Mrs. Reynolds made her way down the stairs to her own quarters.
MERYTON
Netherfield
After the ball
As the Bennet family emerged from Netherfield to board their carriage, everything appeared to be clothed in a silvery light, the result of a full moon directly above the manor. Elizabeth thought it magical—right out of one of Grimm’s fairy tales.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 3