As they walked back inside the house, Olivia watched until Elizabeth disappeared at the top of the stairs; she then went in search of Joseph.
Standing just inside the garden, upon seeing his wife coming towards him, Joseph ventured, “Well?”
“She has agreed. Now, remember. Do not mention Fitzwilliam. I want to get her mind off him and on to other things.”
“Small chance of that! Our nephew is all she talks about. I have never seen two people as much in love.” He reached out to brush the tips of his fingers across her cheek. “Except us.”
“And that is precisely why I must ask one more thing of you.”
“Which is?”
“Try not to show me too much affection when she is in our company. She will feel Fitzwilliam’s absence keenly enough as it is.”
“I had no idea how much his being away would affect us,” he teased. “I am afraid that I shall be as down in the mouth as Elizabeth by the time he returns.”
Olivia chuckled. “Do not be so dramatic, darling. We must refrain from showing affection only in front of our niece. When we are alone, we can be ourselves.”
“I suppose I have no choice. I shall sacrifice for the benefit of our niece.”
Olivia patted his cheek mischievously. “My poor beleaguered husband.”
Soon Elizabeth came out the door and was walking towards them. Hooking her arm through Joseph’s, Olivia held out a hand to her niece.
“Let us be off! If we are to circle the entire lake before tea is served, we had best get going.”
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN MONTHAVEN and Pemberley
By the time Georgiana arrived at the spot where she and Lord Attaway had planned to meet, the sun was colouring the horizon in shades of orange, red and purple. The landmark, the tallest tree on the border between Monthaven and Pemberley, proved more remote than she had remembered. That had caused her to be late; however, it also made the perfect rendezvous point where no one would likely see them. Still, Georgiana chided herself for not leaving sooner and only brightened when she saw that Matthew was there. He had dismounted, tied his stallion to the fence and was leaning against the tree truck. As she went through the fence gate and reined her horse to a halt, Attaway stepped forward to take the reins.
“I thought you had changed your mind,” Matthew said, helping her to dismount.
“I forgot the way here. But now that I have found it again, I shall have no problem returning.”
Tying the animal beside his own, he added, “Well, we will barely have any time at all before you have to leave.”
“I am not worried about being late,” Georgiana retorted. “Brother is not at home, and I care not what Elizabeth will say.”
“What of your aunt and uncle?”
“Their opinion means nothing, either. Besides, I am almost eighteen, and once I am presented at court next year, I shall be in the marriage market. So the days of being told what to do are quickly dwindling.”
“So you are thinking of marriage already. May I ask who the lucky fellow is?”
Georgiana blushed. “No, you may not.”
“Well, what do you suppose your future husband would do if he were to learn that you met me in the woods all alone?”
She studied Lord Attaway. “I... I thought you were a gentleman. A gentleman would never tell.”
Attaway laughed. If only this foolish girl knew how close she was to being compromised. If I did not fear her brother and my cousin, I would show her that she is not as smart as she thinks. “ You are lucky that I am a gentleman and can be trusted. But we are in the middle of nowhere, and if we should be seen, it would mean marriage.”
“I do not think that would be a punishment,” she said coyly.
“I am glad you feel that way, for after you are presented at court, I intend to ask Fitzwilliam for permission to court you. What do you say about that?”
Georgiana smiled. “I should like that very much.”
Attaway drew her into his arms. “Then you would not object if I kissed you?”
She shook her head, and immediately he captured her mouth. At first the kiss was gentle, but gradually it grew more fervent. His hands were drifting into dangerous territory when he suddenly broke the kiss and pushed her to arms length.
“What is wrong?” Georgiana sputtered, swaying under his persuasion. “Why did you stop?”
“It is getting late, and I do not want you riding after dark. We can meet here again in a day or two, if you will promise to be on time.”
“I will. I promise.”
“Then I shall send you a note via a trusted servant. Be on the lookout for it.”
“I shall.”
Attaway helped Georgiana onto her horse and mounted his own. Pulling up beside her, he leaned over to kiss her lightly on the lips.
“Until we meet again,” he declared. “Now, ride on! I shall not leave until you are completely out of sight.”
He waited until she had disappeared. Then he kicked his horse in the direction of Monthaven Manor.
Stupid, stupid girl.
GEORGIANA GALLOPED as fast as the horse could carry her back to Pemberley. It was pitch black when she reached the front steps of the manor to find her uncle and several grooms mounting a search party.
“Where have you been?” Joseph Fitzwilliam asked irritably as he took charge of her horse.
“I... I was riding in the woods. I took a trail that Brother and I used to ride, but came upon a tree that was down across it. I had to take another path, and I got lost. By the time I found familiar territory, it was getting dark. So, I hurried home as fast as possible.”
It was evident from their faces that none of the men believed her, not even her uncle, who just stared at her without comment. Not caring, Georgiana walked past him into the house where Elizabeth and Olivia began peppering her with questions.
“I have already told my uncle what happened, and I do not feel I should have to explain it all over again. I am tired and am going to my room.” Then she addressed Mrs. Reynolds. “Please send a tray to my sitting room. I do not wish to come down for dinner.”
Mrs. Reynolds nodded and Georgiana swiftly went up the stairs, leaving everyone to stare at her back. Those left standing in the foyer only had time to share exasperated looks before Mr. Walker announced that dinner was ready to be served; thus, Elizabeth, Olivia and Joseph enjoyed a much more pleasant dinner than they might have, had Georgiana not returned.
Chapter 34
Pate’s farm near Lambton
The next day
Since his trip to Pemberley, Wickham had found Andrew Darcy more distant and irritable than ever and drinking more than usual. The only information that Andrew had shared was that Fitzwilliam had not been swayed by the money offered as proof of his change of heart.
However, contrary to what he told Andrew, Wickham could not have been more thrilled that his friend’s ploy had not worked because, after all, this humiliation played right into his plans. Subsequently, that morning when Andrew walked out of the house, George quickly followed him in order to speak privately. He found him sitting on the rail that circled the old wooden porch, drinking from a flask of brandy he kept in his coat and staring forlornly into the distance.
“Andrew, you may not wish to discuss your situation, but I feel I must point out something—something you may not have considered.” As Andrew rolled his eyes, he hurriedly explained. “Have you taken into account that your cousin’s unreasonableness may be a blessing in disguise?”
Andrew Darcy huffed. “And how did you come to that conclusion?”
“I have been after you for years to do the sensible thing.”
“Oh, so once again you are going to tell me that I should murder Fitz?”
“He has had you under his boot all your life. If he were dead, you could easily sway Georgiana to your wishes and... ” he paused for emphasis, “the Widow Darcy would be ripe for the picking, too. Did you not say that she favoured you in Meryton, or at least unt
il your cousin’s arrival?” He could tell that Andrew’s mind was swirling with the possibilities. “Think of it! If your father had not been stupid, you would have been the Master of Pemberley. And you may have another chance, if you play your cards right.”
“I do not know, George. Mrs. Darcy was not as, shall we say, impressed with me the last time we talked. I fear that Fitz has filled her head with all of my failings.”
“Oh, come now! You can charm any woman into your bed, and you know how vulnerable a new widow can be. All it takes is a little sympathy and a well-chosen compromise, and you are man and wife!”
“You make it sound so simple. Besides, it would be impossible to get anywhere near my cousin without plenty of servants milling about. To be seen would be a sure death sentence.”
“A confidant told me he has gone to Chesterfield by himself. You are aware that every year he and Lord Laughlin meet to haggle over horses. And I am betting that he will stay for only one night, for Laughlin is not his type of company. All we need do is lie in wait at Mason’s Pass. It is an excellent place for an ambush.”
“That pass through the mountain is only accessible via horseback, and it is perilous due to falling rock. Why would you think he would take that way when he can return safely via the main route?”
“Because it cuts hours from the trip, and, if all the talk of the Darcys’ felicity is true, he will be eager to return to his wife.”
“I do not like it. It is too near Pemberley. If gunshots were heard—”
“It is on the far side of Pemberley, and there is nothing for miles but woods. Unless someone was travelling it as well, gunshots would go unnoticed. And how often have you seen anyone on that road? Have you been through it?”
“Only once, and I vowed never again.”
“My point exactly. That is what makes it the perfect spot.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam would suspect me straight off, especially after our recent argument.”
“I have thought of that. Write a note today and send it to your cousin, apologise for getting angry and tell him that he has every right not to trust you. Tell him you are returning to Sheffield to find more work. Send a letter to Lady Susan telling her of your departure for Sheffield as well.”
“That will be insufficient to convince Richard.”
“Let me finish!” Wickham snapped. “You shall kill Darcy, and then we will head straight to Sheffield. If there is any investigation, my friends at Lily’s Pleasure Garden will swear that we have been there since you left Pemberley. For a few pounds and promises of more when you get control of Darcy’s wealth, they would gladly say anything.”
“What of Denny, Pate and Buck?”
“If they suspect anything, they will keep their mouths shut. They can’t afford to draw attention to themselves. Besides, we can always promise them a little something to keep quiet.”
“If we did, we would have to pay them for their silence for the rest of our lives.”
“Or for the rest of theirs, which would be shortened.”
“I never have had the stomach for murder, George.”
“Then it is time you developed one. We must move if we expect to be in place before he comes back home. Come! Let us tell the others we will be visiting an old friend in Manchester for a day or so. That will pacify them.”
Andrew sighed. “I suppose you are right.” He stood up, downing the last of the liquor in the flask. “It is time I stood up to Fitz.”
MONTHAVEN MANOR
It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon, so Lady Susan and her cousin were taking tea on the terrace. More irritable than usual after Andrew Darcy had not come by when he left Pemberley, Susan was unusually quiet. Trying not to rile her any further, Matthew did not wish to raise that subject so, instead, he recounted his meeting with Georgiana.
“It was so infuriating! After all, it was she who chose the place we were to meet. Why could she not at least have met me at the time she settled on? And when she finally arrived, she had the gall to claim that she had gotten lost. I waited two full hours, and the sun was going down when she rode up. We had only enough time for a brief conversation before she had to return to Pemberley. Spoiled little chit!”
“Watch your language!” Lady Susan commanded, looking about nervously. “You have no idea how the maids at one estate will gossip with the maids of another. It would never do for anyone to know your true thoughts about Georgiana.”
“I shall keep that in mind,” Attaway said, lowering his voice. “It is just that her attitude makes me livid. She acts as though I am at her disposal.”
“Until I get what I want, you are at her disposal. Try to remember that.” Still visibly angry, Attaway let go a sigh which Susan did not notice, for her mind was elsewhere. “I have to think that Fitzwilliam turned Andrew down and that is why he did not return yesterday. Now that I think on it, I should have made it clear that he could not keep the loan if Fitzwilliam would not agree.”
“I cannot imagine him thinking that he could.”
“That is because you do not know him as well as I do.”
At that precise moment, Mrs. Horton hurried out onto the terrace to announce Miss Darcy, who was right on her heels. Georgiana flounced right past the maid and into their company without waiting, so the maid curtseyed and returned to the house.
Surprised, Lady Susan rose to greet her, barely kissing each of her cheeks. “Georgiana, my dear, what in the world are you doing here? I did not expect to see you again so soon.”
Oblivious to the unease her presence had caused, Georgiana began to explain. “With Brother out of town, there was no one sensible to talk with at Pemberley, so I decided to come here.” Her eyes flicked to Attaway. “I hope I am welcome.”
“Of course you are, my dear,” Susan lied. “Is she not, Matthew?”
“Any time you can join us, we are grateful.”
Georgiana beamed. “While Fitzwilliam is no longer any company for me, when he is home, he keeps Elizabeth out of my way. She must think she is my keeper when he is away, for she had been following me about, trying to make conversation. And she asks where I am going whenever I mount my horse.”
“That must be irritating,” Matthew offered. “Especially for one as independent as you.”
Georgiana seemed pleased with his observation. “It is.”
“May I enquire...” Susan ventured, “Did Fitzwilliam mention anything to you about Andrew before he left?”
“Not a word. Has Andrew already met with Brother about his estate?”
“Yes, and I fear it did not end well because your cousin did not come back here afterward. I feel sure he would have let me know if the decision had gone his way.”
Georgiana bristled. “Fitzwilliam simply has no goodwill towards Andrew. I have no idea why, as he can sympathise with tenants, but not his own flesh and blood. I wish my opinion mattered, but it does not.”
“There is no reason for you to feel regret, Georgiana,” Susan ventured. “Your brother is his own master. You could do nothing to change his mind if he did not wish it.”
“How well I know!” Georgiana stood to leave. “Thinking of my poor cousin being homeless has dampened the day, I fear. My company will only distress you, so I shall return to Pemberley.”
“Please do not go, dearest,” Lady Susan said. “We are all downhearted, so it matters not if you are, too.”
“She is right,” Lord Attaway chimed in. “We are all melancholy, so we should keep each other company and talk of more pleasant things. Later, I shall ride back with you as far as the oak tree.”
Georgiana tilted her head and shrugged. “If you both insist, I shall.” Then she smiled at Attaway. “I should enjoy the ride back much better with your company.”
“Fine. Now that that is settled, what say you to looking at the latest sheet music from London?” Lady Susan stood. “The package came this morning, and it is in the music room. I told Matthew when it arrived that you could do the new music justice, whereas I ca
n barely pick out the melody.”
Amidst Georgiana’s protestations that Lady Susan could play as well as she, they all walked back into the house and made their way to the music room. It was several hours later when Georgiana prepared to leave for home.
PEMBERLEY
Elizabeth’s sitting room
With William gone, Olivia Fitzwilliam had worked tirelessly to keep up her niece’s spirits, for it seemed that all Elizabeth wished to do was hide in her sitting room under the pretence of reading. In truth, every time Olivia had entered the room, she found Elizabeth on the balcony, staring into the distance. Today proved no different, so she quickly went to the French doors and called to her.
Startled, her niece turned and, seeing Olivia, pasted on a wan smile. “Aunt, I thought you and Uncle had gone into Lambton.”
“Joseph has been in conference with the coachman all morning. It seems the horse he normally rides has a slight limp, and they are trying to determine if it is serious. So I decided to work on the children’s coats today. That is, if you do not mind letting me in your study.”
“No, not at all.” Elizabeth passed her aunt, entering the sitting room and going directly to her bedroom with Olivia following. “The key is inside the chest atop my dresser.” Once at the dresser, she opened a highly-polished, mahogany box. “Here it is,” she said, handing the key to her aunt.
By then Olivia’s attention was focused on two large books stacked on the end of the dresser. It appeared that the stem of a flower was sticking out from between them.
“What, pray tell, is that?”
Elizabeth looked to where her aunt’s gaze was concentrated. “Oh, those are flowers that I am saving.” She removed the heavy book on top to reveal two yellow flowers sandwiched between two sheets of fine paper. “I have always pressed flowers in this manner, and when Fitzwilliam made these into a crown for my hair during our picnic, I knew I would want a few in my memory box.”
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