by Dana R. Lynn
His purpose set in his mind, Fitzwilliam set his horse at a brisk trot back to Pemberley. Upon entering the house, he addressed Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper.
“Please ask Miss Darcy to attend me in the library,” he said as he handed his hat and gloves to one of the maids.
“Indeed, Colonel,” the matronly servant replied, “I will ask her to come to you directly.”
“Very well. I will wait for her. I am sure Darcy will not mind if I use his desk to write a letter.”
Mrs. Reynold’s curtsied respectfully and departed.
The sound of the heels of Fitzwilliam’s boots striding on the wooden floors echoed. Pushing open the library door, he walked in the large room and settled himself at the enormous desk. Helping himself to a piece of Darcy’s fine stationary, he penned a brisk note to Darcy, stating simply that he felt Darcy and Elizabeth might want to return home as Georgiana was hosting a guest. He didn’t offer his concerns. It would be a day or two before Darcy and his wife could arrive. Until then, there was nothing they could do about the situation anyway. He was reluctant to worry them for naught.
The other thought in his mind had more to do with the young woman he had seen riding. Something about her led him to believe that she was in some sort of distress. Colonel Fitzwilliam had always been a fine judge of character. He knew this without conceit. It was a necessary quality for a man in his position to possess, for he often was faced with making difficult decisions at a moment’s notice. To do so effectively he needed to be able to understand the men under his command.
Soft footsteps brought his attention to the library doorway. Hovering just inside the door was Georgiana and her guest. Whoever she was, she was not a coward. If she had been, she would have embraced the opportunity to disappear as soon as it became clear that he had no intention of running her down on his horse. A coward would have left Georgiana to fend for herself, instead of bearding the lion’s den. Amused, he took in the expression on her face. Fear lurked in her blue eyes. But that fear was overwhelmed by a spark of defiance. She met his eyes. Her mouth firmed and her chin lifted.
He chuckled softly. This could prove to be interesting.
“Georgiana, dear,” he addressed his cousin. “Will you introduce me to your guest?”
Georgiana swallowed audibly. Her “friend” winced slightly.
Oh, yes. This would be very interesting, indeed.
Chapter Six
Oh, he was mad. His face didn’t show it of course. Just a smile as he watched them approach was the epitome of politeness. Kenzie knew though, the man sitting behind the desk was not happy with the current situation.
“Cousin Richard! I had no idea you were coming for a visit,” Georgiana greeted him.
Kenzie winced again. Only an idiot would fail to notice how nervous her new friend was. Georgiana couldn’t even meet Richard’s eyes. Oh, wait. She hadn’t been introduced yet. And even if she had, he would have to be Colonel Fitzwilliam to her. Georgiana had explained to her that to use a man’s first name was tantamount to declaring yourself engaged to him. She bit her lip as some very inappropriate humor occurred to her. Wouldn’t it shock him if she slipped? The smile never reached her face as his cold eyes turned on her.
He kept his eyes on Kenzie while he responded to Georgiana. His voice, at least, was gentle. “I decided to make an impromptu visit, dearest. You have been here without Darcy and Elizabeth longer than usual. I thought you might be lonely.”
You thought she might get into trouble, you mean, Kenzie thought, a slight sense of resentment swelling in her heart. And you think I’m trouble.
Apparently, Georgiana came to a similar conclusion. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open before she checked her emotions. Straightening her spine, she levelled a calm stare back at the colonel. Kenzie detected a certain amount of hurt in that look. Hurt that he didn’t trust her? What for? While it was true she had spent the past several weeks with Georgiana, and they had started to grow close, she was well aware that there was something painful in the girl’s past she wasn’t ready to share just yet. Still, watching her face her much older, intimidating cousin, Kenzie’s respect for her friend grew.
“Richard, you need not have concerned yourself. My friend here was plenty of company for me. We have had so much to discuss, I have had no time to become bored or lonely.”
Kenzie stopped herself from snorting, but just barely. It was true they had much to discuss. They had spent the past weeks working on teaching Kenzie how to behave properly. Which hadn’t been easy.
She mentally prepared herself as Georgiana held out a graceful hand in her direction. Here it comes. Georgiana would introduce her as a friend from school, and she would be outed as a fraud. Nothing she could do but pray for mercy.
“Cousin, I would like to introduce a friend of mine, Miss Mackenzie James. Kenzie, my cousin, the Honorable Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
Gritting her teeth, Kenzie lowered her lashes and curtsied the way she had been taught.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
He made a slight bow in turn. “Miss James.” Propriety dispensed with, the questioning resumed. “But how did you two meet? It cannot have been at school.”
Now what? But she didn’t give Georgiana enough credit.
“Naturally it was not at school. We met in London while Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were on their wedding trip. In the dress shop.” Before he could pose another question, she rushed on. “Now, Richard, my friend has had a tragedy of sorts in her family, and needed a quiet place to come where she could grieve. We were not expecting her solitude to be broken so suddenly.”
A tragedy. So true. Suddenly, Kenzie was swamped with the enormity of her problem. Her family was gone. She would never see them again. Not her mischievous brother. And not her high-strung mother. A thought struck her. Her mother … the last conversation they had was not a good one. And she would never be able to apologize for how callously she had disregarded her mother’s feelings. Pain gripped her. She brought her arms across her stomach, trying to hold the feelings inside.
Male hands lightly gripped her shoulders. She jumped. Colonel Fitzwilliam had come behind her, and was gently leading her over to the settee. The coldness had drained from his eyes to be replaced by concern.
****
He was an oaf. A complete and utter heartless cad. He had watched as the agony had seared through Miss James’ expression. Then he had seen the physical manifestation of her pain. When her face had gone white, he had feared she would faint. The thought that she was acting briefly crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He had seen similar reactions from the wives of soldiers who had fallen under his command.
How was he to know she was in mourning? Her clothes were not mourning gowns. Furthermore, was that not Georgiana’s gown?
“Miss James, I apologize for seeming heartless. I can only explain that I was concerned for Georgiana. And you are not attired for mourning.”
Dull eyes lifted to his. Dull, but enchanting. He shook the thought away.
“My clothes…” she whispered, then her voice petered out.
Georgiana got his attention, urgently shaking her head. “Richard, she has nothing.”
He watched as Miss James jerked at the soft whisper.
“Miss James, I need to talk with my cousin. Can I get you anything? A glass of wine, perhaps?” Some color was returning to her cheeks. He was still hesitant to leave her side.
Wordlessly, she shook her head. He paused, then decided. Taking Georgiana to the far side of the room, he cast another glance at her guest. Satisfied that she was not listening in, he turned back to Georgiana.
“Georgie, what do you mean she has no clothes?”
Georgiana bit her lip. “Don’t ask me to tell everything, Richard, please. It’s not my right to tell her secrets. But all her things are gone. And her family. It happened suddenly, and she had no time to prepare herself. Please, Richard. She is a good, honorable woman with no place to go. I
do not own any clothes suitable for mourning, and she refuses to allow me to buy her clothes.”
He hesitated. Shame filled him as he realized he was relieved to have some proof of her lack of mercenary intentions.
“Why did you not dye some old cloth to make her some mourning arm bands? That would have satisfied propriety.”
Georgiana hung her head. “I feel horrible about that. It never occurred to me. And I do not believe it occurred to her, either. After all, she might have other customs, growing up in America—”
“America!” he hissed. “Georgie, we are at war with America. If our aunt, Lady Catherine, learned that you were hosting an American here she would come that very day and cause a scene. I can promise you, it would not be a pleasant experience. Your brother is still dealing with people who sneer at him for marrying Elizabeth. Not that he cares, but I can only imagine if Lady Catherine spreads the rumor that he is harboring a spy at Pemberley.”
Unintentionally, he had raised his voice.
“I promise you, sir, I am no spy!”
The feminine voice startled a flinch out of him. He had been speaking out of exasperation. It had never really occurred to him to imagine her in the role of a spy. And yet, now that the idea had formed, what if…?
Pivoting, he fixed his “Colonel” stare on her. Instead of dropping her eyes or flushing, she glared back. In fact, she stepped closer. So close, he could smell a fragrance wafting from her skin. Lilacs? It suited her.
What was he thinking? He had no interest in whether or not her perfume suited her. No more than he was interested in the fact that she had a sprinkling of freckles across her sun-kissed nose. Freckles! Most women of his acquaintance would have been mortified at the evidence that their skin had been exposed to the sun without a parasol for protection.
“Forgive me, Miss James. I spoke without thought.”
“But you are suspicious of me.”
The colonel raised his eyebrows. “I would be suspicious of any person who happened to visit when my cousin and his wife are away. I am Georgiana’s guardian, a task I regard with the utmost seriousness. For that, I make no apology.”
Chapter Seven
The nerve of the man! Kenzie was still fuming over the spy comment the following morning. He had apologized, very nicely too. It was clear he didn’t think she was a spy. Hopefully, she would never meet this vicious gossip Lady Catherine.
Of course, her irritation would fade when she remembered his kindness at her distress. Such a complex man! Part of her found him absolutely fascinating and wanted to know him better. The other part of her, the wise part, told her to put as much distance between herself and him as was physically and emotionally possible.
Easier said than done. Unlike her time, it seemed it was perfectly normal for people to just stay all night. He had made some remark about Mrs. Annesley providing an appropriate chaperone until the paragon named Elizabeth arrived home. Which according to the colonel, he expected Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Darcy home tomorrow.
Another test she would need to pass. Although, she might not need to worry so much. Shaking her head, she recalled how quickly the colonel had bought their story. To be honest, though, she felt it was all true to some degree. In her mind, this was a tragedy: her family was gone, and she had been left with nothing in seconds.
Entering the breakfast room, she moved to the side board and helped herself to breakfast. As she did so, her eyes fell on the black arm band she wore. Dear Georgiana! She had selflessly volunteered one of her dresses to be torn so the strips could be made. She explained to Kenzie that while she wore those, she could not dance or allow herself to be courted. As if she was even thinking about those things!
On impulse, she poured herself a cup of hot chocolate. At home she would have had some of her flavored coffee. Here, all the coffee tasted like mud, she mourned. After the first day, she had resigned herself to drinking tea, but this morning she felt she could use the extra sugar. Georgiana could spare it, she smirked. Nothing lifted a woman’s mood like chocolate. Lifting the cup to her face, she closed her eyes and inhaled, allowing a smile to bloom across her face as the aroma of warm chocolate wafted to her.
She turned. Her heart stopped.
Staring at her above his own coffee cup, Colonel Fitzwilliam pierced her with his bottomless brown eyes. For a moment, they watched each other. Just when she had decided she wasn’t hungry, he grinned. The effect was startling. His face came alive with boyish charm. Instinctively, she knew this was the real man.
“Miss James, I hope you are feeling better this morning.”
His deep voice rolled over her like a wave. She shivered. Distance, Kenzie. Keep your distance.
“Thank you, I am feeling well. Georgiana isn’t awake yet.”
He rolled his eyes. “I am well aware that I shan’t see her for at least an hour or two yet. I am rather surprised to see you up.” He raised his eyebrows.
Taking a timid sip of hot liquid, she smacked her lips slightly at the lovely sweetness coating them. Lifting her eyes to the colonel to respond, she paused when she realized he was watching her intently. Rather, he was watching her lips intently. Flushing, she set the cup on the table and averted her eyes. What had they been talking about? Oh, yeah.
“I do not see the sense in sleeping through the best time of the day.” She shrugged.
“I noticed yesterday you are an accomplished equestrian.”
She grimaced. “I must apologize for my attire when you came upon me—”
He held up a hand. “Please, do not apologize. I understand. You were not expecting anyone to see you. You are not the first woman I have seen ride like that. But you are the most accomplished at it. I was curious.”
How much dare she say?
“I grew up around horses. And we were far enough away from others that it felt like we had our own little world. My father would often take my brother and me out riding. He encouraged it.”
Sadness rose at the thought of Morgan. She forced it down.
“I regret the loss of your family,” the colonel said. His voice was soft, like velvet. “I realize this conversation may be difficult for you. We can discuss a more pleasant topic if you wish.”
Now that he had offered her a way out, she found she wanted to talk about her family. Just a little. It felt good to be able to share, even a small piece.
“My brother Morgan and I were always close. He is … he was only two years younger than me. He understood my need to be out and about. I hate being kept inside for long stretches of time. My mother never understood that. We did not get along well. And now that she’s gone, I wish I hadn’t been such a difficult daughter.”
There was silence from the man sitting with her. A glance in his direction showed a thoughtful frown tugging at his mouth.
“Parents do not always understand their children,” he began slowly. Was he talking about himself now? “Frequently, their goals and wishes are not shared by their offspring. You were fortunate that your father supported you, even if your mother could not.”
“What about your parents?”
Why had she asked such a personal question?
“Forget it. I should not have asked. Forgive me.”
He shook his head. “No, I learned about your parents, it is only proper that I tell you a small bit about mine.”
Holding her breath, she waited.
****
Was he really contemplating discussing his problem with this strange young woman? What was he doing? And earlier, the urge to kiss her had nearly overwhelmed him. Kiss her! Such an action would compromise her if someone saw. And in his cousins’ house! Calling upon his legendary control, he decided to bring the conversation to safer ground.
It proved unnecessary. Georgiana breezed into the room with a smile. He knew it was not a completely genuine smile. Worry clouded her lovely eyes. Viewing the cozy twosome at the table, her smile relaxed. It even stretched to what might almost be called a grin.
“Good
morning, Richard. Kenzie.”
They murmured their replies. It might have been his imagination, but Miss James looked a touch disappointed by the disruption. An idea occurred to him.
“Georgie, I want to take a ride through the paths in the woods. Would you ladies care to join me?”
Amusement grew as both ladies’ eyes widened.
“Oh, yes, cousin! I would love to. Only, Kenzie …” Georgiana’s voice dwindled as she peeked at her friend, biting her lip.
“Miss James does not care for the side saddle. I gathered that yesterday.”
Shock registered on Georgiana’s face. “You saw her riding without her side saddle!”
Tilting his head, he viewed his cousin through narrowed eyes. “I told you last night at dinner that I had seen her ride. I assumed you understood.”
“And you were not shocked?”
Well, maybe a bit. “Not at all,” he responded. “She’s a splendid rider.”
Georgiana’s mouth worked as she tried to process this knew information. A gurgle of laughter came from Miss James. He was vaguely aware that he envied Georgie the pleasure of calling her Mackenzie, or Kenzie. It suited her.
“Georgiana, I don’t mean to laugh at you, but you look like a fish.”
His own smile threatened as Georgiana’s mouth fell open again and her eyes widened. When Miss James sucked in her cheeks to make her mouth appear like a fish’s mouth, he found the need to cover his mouth with his napkin.
