To their surprise, among the eager players was Daniel Faulkner.
“I wonder how he happens to be here? I thought he was staying with the Bingleys at Ashford Park,” said Caroline. Her curiosity was satisfied later in the day when, as they sat under the trees keeping scores, Cassy’s youngest daughter Laura Ann came to join them. A delicate girl, she was somewhat shy, and while Rachel concentrated upon the scores, Caroline tried to engage her in conversation. “Laura, is Mr Faulkner staying at Camden House?” asked Caroline, explaining that they had met him at Ashford Park the previous evening.
Laura Ann answered quite candidly, “Yes, he is here for a fortnight at least; Mama said Mr Bingley was taken ill late last night, after the ball, and Mr Faulkner felt that he would be in the way and wanted to take a room at the inn at Matlock. But Papa and Mama have invited him to stay with us. He is very nice and friendly, not at all stuffy and pompous.”
“Why on earth should he be stuffy and pompous, Laura, simply because he is a little older than the lads?” Caroline asked, trying hard not to laugh, but Laura was unperturbed.
“Well, most of the other such guests have been very pompous and stuffy indeed. But Mama said I must not gossip about him; she will be most annoyed if she knew I had said anything,” said Laura, before she slipped away, leaving Caroline more puzzled than ever.
She could not imagine what there was to gossip about Mr Daniel Faulkner. He had been open and frank about his travels and adventures; surely there could be nothing to hide. There was the story of his wife’s death, of course, and the child; she wondered if there was some problem with the boy. She recalled that she did not even know the child’s name and made a mental note to ask Lizzie or Anna about it.
Darcy Gardiner’s team of players had taken the field, which meant that the other team, of which Daniel Faulkner was a member, was going to bat first.
Within half an hour, two of the team were out and back in the pavilion. When a third wicket fell, there was some applause as Daniel Faulkner came to the crease to face the bowling.
“I wonder if he has forgotten his cricket too…” Caroline pondered aloud.
A loud thwack and a cheer heralded the first six of the match, and Rachel turned to her mother and said, “I think you have your answer, Mama.”
Caroline smiled to herself, recalling how her Fitzy had loved the game and the fun they’d had every Summer challenging the Pemberley team. “You are right, Rachel; he has certainly not forgotten his cricket,” she said and prepared to enjoy the rest of the game.
When they broke for lunch, the “others” had made a respectable total, although Mr Faulkner had got out on the last ball before lunch.
They repaired to the tent for refreshments, when Daniel appeared and said, “Mrs Fitzwilliam, how very nice to see you again. Mrs Gardiner did say you were here, but I have been so anxious about the match, I did not see you. I believe you are keeping scores, Miss Rachel; how did you get on?”
“I am indeed, and I was getting on well enough, until you came out to bat. You were scoring much too fast for me to keep count. I had to get Mama to help,” she replied, and he laughed and said he was sorry to have been so much trouble and promised to make fewer runs next time.
“Would that not defeat the purpose?” teased Rachel, and he had to agree it would.
He joined them as they walked out to sit in the shade, and Rachel asked if he had played cricket in Australia. He admitted that he had, but only rarely, for there were not many cricket clubs around, but he had joined a team in the country, he said, composed mainly of farmers’ sons and some ex-convicts.
“And is that how you have kept in practice?” asked Rachel.
“I have tried very hard to do so, but it is not always possible. I fear my skills are seriously in need of improvement,” he replied.
When Rachel protested that he was being far too modest, because they had all seen how well he could hit the ball, Daniel laughed and, turning to Caroline, said, “I had no idea Miss Rachel was such an enthusiast. I was told she was a good scorer, but it seems she knows a great deal about the game.”
Caroline smiled. “My husband used to coach the Matlock team, and Rachel was her father’s keenest assistant; he taught her everything,” she explained and again, Daniel’s countenance grew serious, and he seemed a little distressed at having reminded her again of her late husband. A member of his team came out to look for him, and he excused himself politely and left them.
Caroline could not recall a pleasanter day in several months and said as much when Cassy came to thank her and Rachel for coming in spite of the late invitation. “I must apologise for not having asked you earlier, but we had no idea we would have sufficient men to make up two teams, and when Mr Bingley fell ill last night—not very seriously, thank God—I thought we might even cancel the game. However, Richard assures me he will be much better soon; it was just a very small turn, and no real damage done.”
“Jane must be very relieved,” Caroline remarked, and Cassy agreed.
“Oh yes, she certainly is that. She worries about him all the time, ever since he suffered that bad bout of influenza a year or so ago. I will confess that I was concerned too last night, he seemed very tired suddenly and had to be helped to his room. Fortunately we had not left, and Richard went to him at once. It could have been quite frightening if there had been no physician present.”
Caroline took the opportunity to ask about Daniel Faulkner staying at Camden House and received an answer that convinced her Cassy was being rather circumspect. “Yes, he is come to stay with us for a few weeks; it is a chance for him to get away from Ashford House while Mr Bingley recovers. Daniel felt he would be in the way and was happy to accept our invitation; besides, Richard would like his advice on some restoration work that needs doing in the chapel, so it suits us, too,” she explained. Caroline could not help wondering at the diversity of Mr Faulkner’s talents. Advising on the restoration of chapels, as well as wool trading and gold mining—it was an impressive list, indeed, she thought.
Later, when Daniel returned to sit with them while the game continued, she asked casually, “I understand you are to advise Dr Gardiner on refurbishments to the chapel at Camden House, Mr Faulkner. The art of restoration must be a fascinating study.”
He looked surprised, as though he had not heard her correctly; then he said Dr Gardiner had mentioned it, but he didn’t know a great deal about it. He then added that the innings was almost over and he should be getting back to his team. “We shall have to be out in the field very soon, I think,” he said. “I hope I see you both again before you leave.”
Caroline said she was sure he would, because Cassy had asked them to stay to tea. For the first time since they had met the previous evening, she felt that Daniel had evaded answering a question; she was puzzled as to the reason.
When a sharp shower of rain caused an interruption to the game, everyone went indoors. They met again in the saloon, where Cassy and her helpers were dispensing tea and cake. But, this time, although he was polite and friendly, there was a crowd around them and neither attempted to make conversation. Caroline had a suspicion that Daniel Faulkner was rather grateful. She could not help but wonder why a man, who had been so amiable and open with her on the previous evening, had seemed discomfited by a simple question.
Chapter Six
The day at Camden Park had afforded Caroline an opportunity to observe Mr Daniel Faulkner in the company of a great many people. She had noticed, with approval, that he appeared equally at ease with the ladies and gentlemen from Pemberley and Camden Park as he was with the young men of the village, some of whom made up his cricket team.
It was one of the most agreeable traits she had recognised in him. On the previous evening, when they had been at Ashford Park, she had thought he had seemed a little reserved with some of the keener guests, who might have questioned him too closely or pressed him for information about himself. Quite clearly, he did not appreciate such intrusive interest
.
Indeed, apart from entertaining her during dinner with some amusing anecdotes from his sojourn in Australia, he had revealed not a very great deal of himself or his personal circumstances. Which was as it should be, of course; there was no reason at all why Daniel Faulkner should feel he had to lay his life open for every curious busybody, Caroline thought.
It was said and generally accepted that he was wealthy, and because he was friendly and charming, as well being Anna Bingley’s brother, he was welcomed by everyone. Many people knew very little about him and would have liked to know more, but he seemed in no hurry to satisfy their curiosity.
Caroline wondered why, then swiftly dismissed her concerns; after all, his life was none of her business. It was not as though he was a prospective partner in business or a suitor for her daughter’s hand. The thought made her stop and consider again what it was about him that had engrossed her so, but she came to no logical conclusion.
The sound of wheels and hooves on the drive drew her to the window. She was not expecting a visitor and was surprised to see Georgiana Grantley at the door. Concealing her astonishment quite creditably, Caroline welcomed her guest and took her into the morning room, saw her comfortably settled beside the fire, and rang the bell to order tea.
Assuming Georgiana had come to see her daughter, she began to explain that both Virginia and Rachel had gone into Matlock that morning. “I believe it was to do with Rachel’s determination to be first at the bookshop to get the latest episode of some new novel by a woman whose name I have forgotten. Rachel is a great reader and is forever buying books. I must confess I no longer have the time to read them, but I am not permitted to escape, because she insists on reading to me every night and claims…”
Even as she talked, Caroline became aware that her visitor was not listening; it was clear that she was distracted by something quite different. It was very unlike Georgiana to be ill-mannered, Caroline thought, so she was obviously troubled. Caroline stopped in mid sentence and asked, “Georgiana, is something wrong? I am sorry; I supposed you were here to see Virginia, and I have been chattering on without taking notice of your concerns. Forgive me;you must think me very rude indeed.”
The maid came in with the tea tray, and neither spoke for a while. Then, as the door closed after the maid, Caroline noticed that Mrs Grantley was by now looking quite distressed. Having poured out a cup of tea and handed it to her, Caroline tried again. “I can see now that you are very concerned about something; can you tell me about it? Does it concern Virginia? I do not wish to pry, but if I can help…”
Georgiana put down her cup of tea. “You were half right, Caroline; I did come on account of Virginia, but I was not particularly wishing to see her. It was you I came to see, and yes, I am concerned about my daughter and I was hoping you might advise me.”
Caroline was more than a little baffled by this new approach. She was well aware of the problems Georgiana had with her daughter and had thought to help by inviting Virginia to stay. What else she might do, she could not imagine.
When she said nothing, Georgiana took a few sips of tea and continued, “Caroline, have you not been anxious about Rachel?”
Caroline was completely bewildered; what on earth could Georgiana have to do with Rachel, and why did she believe Caroline should be anxious about her? “Rachel?” she said. “Should I be anxious about her?”
“Yes,” said Mrs Grantley. “Your lovely Rachel, are you not uneasy that she is as yet unmarried, not even spoken for?”
Caroline looked exactly as she felt, amazed. “No,” she replied, “I am not uneasy or anxious at all, because it is Rachel’s choice if she wishes to marry or not, and while her late father and I would have been delighted to see her happily married, she has not met a man she can love, for whom she is willing to give up the secure life she has here, and I would certainly not persuade her to marry someone she does not love.”
After that little homily, Georgiana looked rather shaken and said somewhat tentatively, “I do understand that, Caroline, but have you not thought what might become of her if, God forbid, you were to die suddenly, leaving her alone? Have you not lain awake at night worrying about it?”
“No, have you?” asked Caroline, quite shocked.
“Indeed I have, ever since Dr Grantley passed away, leaving me to handle all these matters, I have been most anxious about what might happen to Virginia if I were to go also.”
Caroline almost laughed out loud but stopped herself in time. “My dear Georgiana, surely there is no reason to suppose such a thing would happen to you? As far as I know, you are healthy and likely to live many more years, and even if such a tragedy should befall you, is not your daughter well provided for under the terms of Dr Grantley’s will?” she asked, and Georgiana agreed that she was.
“Yes indeed, but therein lies my other problem; how shall I be sure that any man who asks for her hand in marriage genuinely loves her and is not after her money?”
Caroline had to agree that was indeed a problem for any young woman with a good fortune. She had some recollection of a tale her late husband Colonel Fitzwilliam had told them about Georgiana’s large inheritance and the problems that Mr Darcy had faced in protecting her from unscrupulous fortune hunters.
At least, Caroline thought in passing, she had no such problem with Rachel. There was no great fortune for anyone to hunt; she would be comfortable for as long as she lived at home with her mother and would one day inherit her share of the Matlock property, but the colonel had hoped it would be equally divided among their children, unless one of them elected to buy out the others.
Caroline’s wandering thoughts were recalled to the present, as it seemed Georgiana was eager to continue. “Sadly, I find I cannot talk to Virginia about it. She is too self-contained; she has no need for my advice. Have you spoken with Rachel?” she asked.
“Do you mean have we spoken of marriage? Yes, we have, and she says she will not marry unless she falls in love, which it seems she has not so far,” said Caroline.
“But what of her future?” asked Georgiana, to which Caroline, with a certain amount of irritation, replied, “Her future is for Rachel to decide, Georgiana. Rachel will marry if she meets a respectable man she can love, who can make her happy. If she does not choose to wed, she will, as a result of the generosity of her dear father, have sufficient income to live in reasonable comfort for the rest of her life.”
Georgiana persisted, “But do you not feel, as her mother, that you have a duty to see her settled? I fear that if I do not ensure that Virginia is married, I should have failed my daughter.”
Caroline smiled. “I do not feel it is my duty to push my daughter into matrimony; I cannot believe it will give me peace of mind to do so, unless I was certain she wished it, too.”
Then, turning to her guest, she asked, “Georgiana, may I ask if there has been anything particular that has brought on these concerns now?”
Having first hesitated, Georgiana said softly, “Yes, there is something—or rather someone particular. Caroline, I must beg you to keep this to yourself. I have not said a word to Lizzie or my brother; they would surely laugh at my fears.”
Caroline promised her that secrecy was assured.
Georgiana continued with a question. “Caroline, I know there has not been much time, but may I ask if you have formed an opinion about Mr Faulkner?”
Caroline was, for a moment, too surprised to speak. Presently, she asked, “Mr Daniel Faulkner? Anna Bingley’s brother?”
Georgiana nodded. “Yes, I did notice that he spent quite some time with you at the Bingleys’ party. I wondered if you had come to a conclusion about him; would you say he is an acceptable and trustworthy person?”
Caroline felt as though she was sinking into a quagmire from which she could not escape. She tried to give an honest answer, while seeking some clarity about the question.
“I found him to be a pleasant and amiable man, but then that was just a personal judgment after a
very short acquaintance. May I ask, Georgiana, to what end this enquiry goes? Am I right in thinking that Mr Faulkner has indicated an interest in Virginia?”
At this, Georgiana shook her head quite vigorously. “Oh no, not at all. But I understand his situation is very comfortable, and if he were an amiable and respectable gentleman, I should not be averse to such a match,” she said.
“Do you mean to put a proposition to him regarding Virginia?” Caroline asked, aghast at the prospect.
“Not directly, no. But I would not discourage it if someone, a mutual friend or relative, were to do it on my behalf. Perhaps you would understand better were I to let you in on a little secret—my own engagement to Dr Grantley came about through the intervention of our very dear friends, the Continis. I had never dreamed he would even consider me, although he was always very kind, but he had confided in Signora Contini and she made me aware of his feelings. Now if it if were possible that Virginia…”
“And what does Virginia think?” asked Caroline, still unconvinced that there was any real similarity in their situations.
“I have said nothing to her yet of this. Which is why you must not breathe a word… it would alarm her and set her off on one of her silly plans.”
“What plans?” asked Caroline.
Georgiana shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, she’s always threatening to run away and join the missionaries, but I don’t believe she will…”
Caroline heard no more of this unlikely story, because the front door opened, admitting Rachel and Virginia, and all conversation ceased abruptly. Virginia had barely greeted her mother before she threw herself into an armchair and declared she was starving.
“I have never walked so many miles before… my feet are so sore, I do not believe I shall ever walk again!” she complained, rolling her eyes dramatically.
Believing that mother and daughter deserved to spend some time together, Caroline left the room, taking Rachel with her. Looking into the kitchen, she urged the maid to take in more tea and refreshments for Mrs Grantley and Miss Virginia.
Legacy of Pemberley (The Pemberley Chronicles; Pride and Prejudice Sequel Series) Page 19
