Legacy of Pemberley (The Pemberley Chronicles; Pride and Prejudice Sequel Series)

by Rebecca Ann Collins

  Jessica was not unaware of the irony of the situation and cringed at the obvious hypocrisy of her uncle’s sentiments.

  “I cannot believe he would say such things, when it is generally known that he and Rose complain endlessly of having been cheated out of Oakleigh by some whim of my dear grandmother. What did you say, Mama?” she asked, and Emily had smiled as she replied.

  “I assured him that I was not at all fearful and he should set his dear wife’s heart at rest on that score, because there were many people here who could help me if I needed help. The tenants who have been here for most of my life I regard as part of my family; they would never abandon me,” she had said.

  “As for having servants to care for my every comfort at Pemberley, I told him how well Teresa and Jude looked after me, and now, with Nurse Nicholls coming in every afternoon and staying overnight, I have no need of an army of servants at all—they would only get in the way. Besides, I said, this is Jude’s home and I cannot leave him alone,” she smiled and added, “Robert did not appear to accept that at all well.”

  Jessica had not been altogether surprised, but had asked, “Do you believe they will try again to stake a claim to the property?”

  Emily had nodded. “They have already—not openly but covertly. Robert went away, clearly disappointed, but returned a few days later with a plan. One he claims will ensure that the farm is well managed, while preserving Jude’s rights to continue to live here. Their plan, and I am confident it is Rose’s plan more than it is Robert’s, involves moving me out to Pemberley, moving themselves into Oakleigh, and managing the farm to suit their own purposes. Oh, he was full of good intentions about respecting the rights of the tenants and making sure everyone was fairly treated, but I don’t believe a word of it, Jessie,” she had said and continued as Jessica had listened in astonishment. “No sooner than I am laid to rest, Rose will insist that it is essential to raise the rents and they will send the Mancinis packing. They are quite ignorant of the services Mr Mancini has rendered over the years and of the value I place on the kindness of his granddaughter, Teresa, who has cared for me with such loyalty that one might expect only of a child.” Emily’s voice was filled with the passion of someone who, being in many ways helpless, was determined not to surrender the last of her powers.

  There had been tears in Jessica’s eyes as she reached for her mother’s hand.

  “Dearest Mama, please do not think even for one moment that either Julian or I would wish to have you leave Oakleigh and move anywhere, if it is not your wish to do so. I had not known how determined my uncle Robert is to prise this place away from you and Jude. It is quite appalling that he should do so. Had I known, I should never have suggested that you move to Pemberley. You may be assured I will never do so again,” she promised.

  Emily had embraced her daughter. “Do not judge your uncle too harshly, my love; he is not a bad man, just a very weak one, and he has had the misfortune of marrying a woman of great ambition and determination. These are qualities that would generally be highly valued in a marriage of equals, but where one partner is weak and unable to resist the single-minded tenacity of the other, they can be quite dangerous,” she had said, and seeing the confusion on her daughter’s face, she had added, “Poor Robert, none of us foresaw this when he fell in love with Rose, so it would not be fair to blame him alone, would it?”

  When Jessica had remained silent, Emily had continued, “You must not believe that I wish to deny Robert anything that is rightfully his. All I wish to do is to protect your dear brother Jude, who is the very opposite of people like Rose and Robert, and ensure that he has a home to live in when I am no longer here. Surely that is not too much to ask?”

  Jessica, her voice very soft and tearful, had asked, “What does my brother say?”

  Emily had smiled. “Nothing very much; he is concerned only that I do what is best for me and says he could live and work at Oakleigh, whatever happens, but I have no intention of leaving him so unprotected. I shall continue to live here in order to ensure that Jude has a home and some dignity, and can live as he chooses and marry whom he pleases.”

  Jessica had been taken aback by this last remark.

  “Marry whom he pleases?” she echoed her mother’s last phrase.

  “Indeed. Is that so surprising?” her mother had asked.

  “No, of course not, it is only that I had no idea he had anyone in mind,” Jessica had struggled to reassure Emily, but her mother had smiled, and said, “Well, neither had I, until a day or two ago. But I do believe he has proposed to a certain young person, and if she accepts him, they shall marry and Oakleigh will be their home.”

  “And you have given them your blessing?”

  “I have,” Emily had replied, with a contented smile.

  Clearly, her mother did not intend to reveal anything more about the identity of the lady, and Jessica was unwilling to pry. She had to be satisfied with the assurance that Emily thought they would be very happy together.

  Leaving Oakleigh shortly afterwards to return to Pemberley, Jessica could not help wondering what this new element would add to the difficult situation that had developed around her mother’s illness. Emily had asked that Jessica respect her brother’s privacy and say nothing to anyone without his consent, and since Jude had not confided in her, it meant that she had to keep his secret, even though her own knowledge of it was incomplete.

  “May I tell Julian?” she had asked, and Emily had replied, “Of course. I would not ask you to keep secrets from your husband, but until Jude has the young lady’s consent and decides to announce their engagement, there is very little to tell.” Jessica had agreed, but as she prepared to take her leave, she shook her head in bewilderment. She had no notion at all of her brother’s choice of a wife, or even that he was proposing to get married at all.

  It was most disconcerting indeed.

  * * *

  That night, after the rest of the family had retired to their rooms, Jessica revealed to her husband most of her conversation with her mother. “Mama is quite adamant that she will not leave Oakleigh; she is convinced that my uncle Robert and his wife will take advantage of her absence to insinuate themselves into Jude’s confidence, but only to get their hands on his inheritance.”

  Julian was somewhat circumspect. “Can you be certain that it is your mother’s intention to leave all of Oakleigh Manor to Jude? What of William and Elizabeth?”

  “I think there can be no doubt at all of her intentions; she has said very clearly and on many occasions that Oakleigh was Jude’s home. Besides, there is now a further matter to be considered—it would seem that Jude has advised Mama that he wishes to marry.”

  Julian appeared astonished. “Marry?”

  “Indeed, he has already obtained Mama’s blessing and waits only upon the lady’s acceptance of his offer,” said Jessica.

  “And do we know the lady?” asked her husband.

  Jessica could not hide her embarrassment as she replied, “We may or we may not; Mama alone knows who she is, and she will not tell any of us until my brother is ready to announce it himself. I am under very strict instructions to speak of it to no one except you, although there is not very much to reveal, seeing we do not know who she is or even if she has accepted him. So I must ask you, dearest, to be very careful not to mention this conversation to anyone, especially not to your parents.”

  Julian shook his head, unable to make anything of this new information. His young brother-in-law had thrown a completely new ingredient into an already complex situation.

  “That should not be difficult, since there is very little to tell, but, Jessie, this is surely going to make a great muddle, is it not? In view of your brother Jude’s previous unhappy experience, it would be best if this matter was not spoken of at all until he has the consent of the lady and, even more importantly, her family,” he said a little apprehensively.

  Julian was, as ever, anxious to avoid conflict, and he could sense that this was not a
matter that would admit an easy resolution. His wife, being of a more practical nature, was unwilling to be panicked.

  “I daresay matters will resolve themselves, dearest, if we keep our heads and do not become involved in an unnecessary controversy with my uncle Robert and his wife. It seems to me that Mama’s determination to remain at Oakleigh, while it may not be in the best interests of her health or my peace of mind, should at the very least frustrate any attempts by them to take charge there. I have no doubt that she has made very sure that her will stipulates exactly what she wishes, and that should be that,” she explained.

  “It should, but we all know that isn’t often the case. I wonder if my father is aware of your mama’s intentions and concerns,” Julian said, recalling that Mr Darcy had always been close to the Gardiners and had advised both Mr and Mrs Gardiner before they made their wills.

  “I should not be at all surprised if he were,” said Jessica. “I know he does not have a very high opinion of either my uncle Robert or his wife. It is quite likely that he has advised Mama on what needs be done to thwart their devious machinations, but knowing Mr Darcy, he would not reveal a word of it to anyone. And yet,” she added, “he is unlikely to have been told Jude’s secret. I gathered from Mama that no one knew but herself and the lady concerned.”

  Puzzled, Julian sighed, “Well, my dear, since neither of us knows anything more and both of us are sworn to keep secret what little we do know, in view of the lateness of the hour, I suggest we retire to bed.” To this request his wife was quite happy to agree, and because it had been a rather long and tiring day, they slept late.

  They came down to breakfast on the morrow to the astonishing news that Jude Courtney had ridden over to Pemberley very early that morning, to inform Mr and Mrs Darcy of his engagement to Miss Teresa Mancini.

  End of Prologue

  The Legacy of Pemberley

  Part One

  Emily’s Children

  Chapter One

  Elizabeth, whose recollections of the disdainful diatribe her engagement to Mr Darcy had elicited from Lady Catherine de Bourgh were still clear in her mind, was in no doubt of the response that Jude Courtney’s announcement would provoke in similar circles.

  Her Ladyship was no more, but there were others with even less justification for such prejudice who had espoused her ideas with alacrity, and they would certainly find much to gossip about in the marriage of young Mr Courtney to the granddaughter of an Italian flower farmer.

  She had sat stunned as Jude had explained calmly and courteously that he had his mother’s blessing and that Teresa’s mother and grandfather had given their consent to the match.

  The Mancini family had lived in the area for many years. They were market gardeners and stall holders at Covent Garden, with close links to a renowned restaurateur in London. None of these things seemed to concern Jude Courtney, who had stated in a most matter-of-fact manner that his bride-to-be was happier in her apron, working in the kitchen, than attending church teas dressed in her Sunday best.

  “She is kind and affectionate, and Mama loves her almost as much as I do,” he had said, adding, “Teresa is devoted to her care. We have both come to depend upon her so much. I do not know what we would do without her.” The obvious honesty in his voice had convinced Elizabeth that his was no sudden proposal made on some romantic impulse.

  She had been roused from her initial state of shock by Mr Darcy’s voice, asking Jude if he had informed his older sister Elizabeth Harwood and his brother William of his engagement, to which she had heard Jude reply, “I have written to my sister today, sir, and Mama is writing to William, who is in the United States and unlikely to be back in time for the wedding.”

  Elizabeth had asked, then, if the wedding was to be soon, only to be told that Emily had urged that they be married as soon as possible.

  “Mama wants to be well enough to attend. But it will depend on Teresa; she can name the day. For my part, I should prefer it to be sooner rather than later,” said Jude.

  Looking across at her husband, Elizabeth could not decide what he was thinking. His expression was serious but noncommittal as he listened and asked the occasional question. She wished she had some indication of his opinion, but Mr Darcy was giving nothing away.

  * * *

  After Jude had left them to proceed to Camden House, where he would inform his uncle Richard Gardiner and his wife, Cassy, of his engagement, Elizabeth attempted to discover what Mr Darcy thought of the match, but to no avail. He seemed quite determined not to comment upon the matter.

  “But surely, you must have an opinion?” she said, frustrated by his reticence.

  “I do, but at this stage, I intend to keep it to myself, Lizzie. I have no intention of saying anything that may offend young Jude and his bride-to-be, and more especially Emily. Expressing opinions that can have no possible effect upon the situation, except to cause misunderstanding and vexation, seems to me to be a waste of time,” he replied.

  Elizabeth’s vexation increased. “Whatever do you mean? Surely you must either approve or disapprove of the match?” she protested, to which Mr Darcy responded with the kind of maddening logic with which she was quite familiar, “I need do neither, my dear, because it is of no direct consequence to me nor indeed to you. We are in no position to express approval or otherwise of Jude’s choice of a wife, no more than you or I would accept that my aunt Lady Catherine had the right to interfere in our own affairs. We regarded her attempt to influence us as high-handed and arrogant. Why would this be any different, Lizzie?”

  Elizabeth remained silent, remembering her resentment at the intolerable intrusion of Lady Catherine into her life and, even worse, her fury at hearing from Colonel Fitzwilliam that Mr Darcy had previously intervened to discourage his friend Bingley from courting her beloved sister Jane, causing, however unwittingly, a great deal of sorrow.

  Whether arguments could be found to justify Jude’s choice or not was not their business, and Mr Darcy had made that clear. By the time her son and daughter-in-law came down to breakfast, Elizabeth had accepted that, since he had obtained the consent of his mother, nothing anyone could do or say was going to change Jude Courtney’s mind. Her own opinions would be as irrelevant to him as those of any other person.

  Consequently, Elizabeth was able to break the news to Julian and Jessica in a quiet, unemotional manner that left them completely speechless. Nothing had prepared them for the news, and they were as astonished at Mrs Darcy’s apparent acceptance of it.

  * * *

  Mr Darcy had retired to the morning room to read his newspapers, allowing his wife the opportunity to ask Jessica if she had had any indication of her brother’s intentions. “Had you noticed, or has Jude given any intimation of his attachment to Miss Mancini?” she asked, and Jessica shook her head, still rather bemused by what she had just heard.

  “Not at all; though I am aware that he has been much with her since Mama’s recent illness. Teresa has been coming to the house to help care for her and Mama has appreciated it very much. She speaks highly of her kindness and warmth. She works hard and is also constantly cheerful, which Mama enjoys; it makes a welcome change from the dreariness of doctors’ visits and daily medication,” Jessica said.

  She added after a moment’s thought, “And, coming as she does from a farming family, Teresa is familiar with the work on the farm and does not appear to mind helping out when needed.”

  It was Julian who interrupted with a question. “But Jessie, while these qualities may equip her to be an exemplary nurse for your mama, how do they make her a suitable wife for your brother?”

  Jessica shrugged her shoulders. “I am unable to say. Jude has never confided in me—and Mama, who has had the best opportunity to observe them together, believes they will be very happy. Perhaps he has told Mama that he loves her. What more can I say?”

  Elizabeth could not help noting the strain on Julian’s countenance. Having once made a disastrously unhappy marriage himsel
f, her son would surely know the consequences of such a union, where with the very best of intentions, two young people may marry and succeed only in making one another miserable.

  Elizabeth had another question. “Do you think, Jessica, that Jude’s decision may have been influenced by his unfortunate experience last year with young Miranda Gardiner?” she asked, and Jessica was immediately alert to the possibility that this was so.

  “It is possible and it may account for the secrecy he has maintained over this matter, but it does not account for his choice of Teresa,” she replied, and Elizabeth had to agree.

  * * *

  The story of her brother’s unhappy brush with romance had made no headlines, but Jessica was aware that the resulting hurt had been keenly felt both by Jude and their mother.

  Some eighteen months ago, while Rev James Courtney was ill and their mother had been working hard to care for him and help his many parishioners, Mr and Mrs Robert Gardiner had decided the time was right for their two sons to be introduced to the cultural delights of Europe. Their youngest child, Miranda, had been left in the care of her aging grandparents, Sir James and Lady Fitzwilliam. The Fitzwilliams doted upon her, but lacked the energy and the imagination to keep her occupied through the day. Miranda was indulged but bored.

  Discovering quite by chance that her cousin, Jude Courtney, had time on his hands and horses in the paddocks at Oakleigh, Miranda had begged to be allowed to ride over to Lambton and spend time on the farm.

  The Fitzwilliams, with whom she was always able to get her own way, had welcomed the respite this provided them and consented, allowing the girl to go over to Oakleigh several times a week, where, in the presence of Mr and Mrs Courtney, they expected she would come to no harm.