The Ghosts at Pemberley

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘This is perfect, Kitty,’ her friend called cheerfully. ‘The snow has been blown into a lovely white pile against the wall. We have to make a huge snowball first for the trunk and then a smaller one for the head.’

  It would be mean to remain unenthusiastic in the face of Georgiana’s obvious delight. Together they worked until there was a ball of snow sufficiently large to begin rolling it. To her surprise Kitty was no longer cold and in fact quite enjoying the experience, despite the fact she had fallen face first on more than one occasion.

  ‘How big does the body have to be? Is this not large enough? The ball is certainly getting almost too heavy to move.’ She had on her oldest, warmest clothes, stout boots, an ancient bonnet and two pairs of mittens. She looked like a vagrant and Georgiana did not look any better.

  A familiar voice, speaking from somewhere behind her, caused her to stumble to her knees. ‘Remain where you are, ladies, we gentlemen are coming out to help you.’ The billiard room overlooked the place they were and Adam was leaning on the windowsill.

  ‘By the time you get on your outdoor garments, Adam, we shall have finished,’ Kitty replied somewhat tersely.

  He laughed and to her astonishment swung his legs over the windowsill and dropped to the ground without bothering to claim his greatcoat, warm muffler or gloves. He shouted back over his shoulder as he brushed himself down. ‘Tally ho, gentlemen, do not stand dawdling in the warm. Join us out here and let us get this snowman finished.’

  Darcy appeared at the window and looked with considerable disfavour at Adam already knee deep in snow. ‘I think not, King, Bingley and I will continue our game.’ He grinned as he began to lower the window. ‘We shall, of course, applaud your efforts when it is finished.’

  With Adam’s help the job was soon completed and only the finishing touches were needed. Georgiana selected a battered cap and scarf and put them on the snowman. ‘There, once he has turnips for eyes, a carrot for his nose and twigs for his mouth he will look quite splendid. Adam, perhaps you would like to finish him for us?’

  He laughed knowing the offer was made because neither of them wished to get any dirtier than they already were. ‘Whilst I am doing this why don’t you fetch something suitable for his arms?’

  Kitty surveyed the huge expanse of empty parkland. ‘That is all very well for you to say, sir, but I cannot see a tree within half a mile of here. Where do you intend that we find these branches, might I ask?’

  ‘I am not suggesting that you trudge across to the woodland, my love, but walk a few yards around the building and ask one of the outside men who are working in one of the outbuildings. There is a team of carpenters from the village based there preparing the timber for the packing cases.’

  ‘I shall come with you, Kitty, I am familiar with the buildings and you might get lost. This might take some time, so do not feel obliged to wait for our return. You look like a snowman yourself; you will no doubt wish to find something dry to wear before we congregate for refreshments in half an hour.’

  He waved casually and returned to his task. Once they were out of his earshot Kitty grabbed her friend’s arm. ‘I have so enjoyed this past hour or so, thank you so much for insisting that I came.’ She giggled. ‘Having Adam with us made it even more fun. I cannot understand what possessed him to climb out of the window in order to join us. If I had known he was watching from the billiard room I would have been more careful not to fall face first into the snow so often.’

  ‘He is quite besotted with you, it is just like a story in a book. He is your handsome prince sent by a higher power to rescue you from evil.’

  This light-hearted remark jerked Kitty back to the horrors that lurked indoors; she had been able to forget the ghosts whilst she was enjoying herself in the snow. Her sudden silence went unnoticed as they turned the corner. This was the first time she had ventured to this side of Pemberley, where the laundry, the ice house and various other outbuildings were situated.

  ‘I can hear the sound of hammering coming from across the yard – that must be where the carpenters are working,’ Georgiana said. ‘I must say I was shocked that Fitzwilliam is going to allow these men to work inside. In the past he was a stickler and would not dream of having any work done whilst we were in residence.’

  ‘I suppose everything is different now, not just because he has married Lizzy, but because he has had to come to terms with the fact Pemberley is haunted. A month ago, if anyone had told me I could speak to spirits, I would have thought them fit for the lunatic asylum.’

  ‘We all believe in God, so believing in the supernatural is not so very different, is it?’

  ‘You are right, Georgiana, I suppose that is why it is called “the Christian faith”. Believing in something for which you have no actual proof is an act of faith.’

  They had now reached the barn in which the carpenters were and the foreman of the gang spotted them at once. He put down his tools, smiled, touched his forelock, and hurried over. ‘Miss Darcy, I reckon I know what you want. One of the lads says as you have been making a right decent snowman.’

  ‘Jed, you have guessed our reason for appearing here and interrupting you. We would like something to use as arms – do you have any offcuts that would do?’

  ‘Tommy, you ain’t busy, you bring them bits for Miss Darcy and take them round.’

  A smiling urchin appeared with an assortment of pieces of wood tucked under his arm obviously not bothered by being given an errand that involved being outside in the snow. Kitty drew her friend to one side. ‘Would you mind if we asked the boy to put in the arms for us? I am frozen to the marrow and would dearly like to go in and change before we eat.’ That she was also in urgent need of the commode was not something she thought it delicate to mention.

  ‘Of course, I too am quite exhausted after our exertions.’ She turned to the boy waiting patiently just outside the barn. ‘Miss Bennet and I are going in, Tommy, so you can finish off the snowman for us.’

  The child nodded and trotted off leaving them free to return to the warmth and comfort of inside. As they were stamping snow from their boots in the passageway Georgiana mentioned the carpenter who had been so pleasant and helpful.

  ‘Jed Bainbridge is well liked by all of us, he and his men do all the repairs and renewals here.’

  Chapter Twenty

  Somehow Kitty completed the long walk across the cobbled yard and into the house without her legs giving way beneath her. Everything became clear to her now – the ghost had deliberately terrified the family so that they would have to call in villagers to help them retreat from the danger. But how could he have known a descendant of Josiah Bainbridge would be working in the gallery?

  She shivered and Georgiana patted her arm affectionately. ‘I should not have kept you out so long, dearest friend, I keep forgetting you are not so robust as me. We shall go upstairs immediately and change into something warm and dry. Do you wish to retire to bed?’

  Kitty’s teeth were chattering so hard it was all but impossible to answer. ‘I shall be fine once I am warm.’

  They dashed through the house and up the oak staircase and were in the comfort of their own apartment in no time. There, with a cheerful fire crackling, and four maids fluttering about, she was able to push her terror aside. She could not tell anyone what she knew. For them to hear that in order for the curse to be lifted Fitzwilliam must kill Jed Bainbridge, would be too much to bear.

  She scarcely noticed what her abigail had chosen for her, being fashionably dressed was the least of her concerns right now. Her gown was in a pretty shade of russet, the material of heavy damask and the spencer a golden shade with a matching collar and cuffs.

  ‘I don’t remember having this gown made-up, either I am becoming forgetful or you have lent me one of yours.’

  ‘I have so many in my closet I shall never wear them all. We are of similar build and colouring and I am determined to share everything with you, for I shall lose you to Adam when you are marri
ed next year.’

  ‘You shall do no such thing, you are my bosom bow, and I shall see you as often as I can. I am certain that you will be living in the vicinity even if you’re not here any longer.’

  There was only one way her friend could remain in this house and that was too dreadful to contemplate. Georgiana embraced her and, arm in arm, they hurried back through the chilly corridors to join the rest of the party in the small drawing room. The main chamber was being prepared for the party tonight.

  Lizzy looked up with a smile of welcome. ‘There you are at last, girls, we are famished but did not wish to start on the delicious repast set out in the breakfast parlour before you arrived.’ Her smile slipped as she stared at her sister. ‘Kitty, you are very pale. I do hope that you did not become chilled outside.’

  ‘I did, but it was worth it. Have you all admired our snowman?’ When they shook their heads she put her hands on her hips and glared at them. ‘How very remiss of you! After all the effort Georgiana, Adam and I put in the very least you could do is look out of the window.’

  Adam led the way to the windows which also overlooked the park. The boy had not only put in wooden arms, he had also added feet. ‘He looks wonderful, I cannot believe the three of you made such an enormous snowman on your own. I declare he must be taller than you, Fitzwilliam,’ Lizzy exclaimed.

  Their work was much-admired and then they made their way to the breakfast parlour to eat. The gentlemen usually did without a midday meal as they were often about estate business, or hunting, or some such masculine pursuit. Kitty was glad all three were there today and was even able to drink half a bowl of soup and nibble at a small piece of venison pie.

  Afterwards they retired to the warmth of the small drawing room once more and Georgiana went to join Jane and Lizzy, but she could not endure an afternoon of trivial chatter. The burden of her knowledge weighed her down and she wandered to the window to stare morosely out at the bleak vista. To the others it would seem she was admiring her handiwork.

  ‘Sweetheart, what is wrong? You have not been yourself since you came in. Has something occurred to upset you?’ Adam stood behind her, he kept his arms at his sides but she could feel his warmth through the material of her gown.

  ‘I cannot tell you, I cannot tell anyone,’ with a muffled sob she picked up her skirts and fled. She had gone no more than a few yards when he was beside her and this time he gathered her close and she rested her cheek against his waistcoat trying hard not to cry.

  ‘Come, Kitty darling, we cannot talk here, we shall freeze. We can go into the library, I have been there already today and the fires are lit and the room is cosy and warm. I shall not let you go until you tell me what is upsetting you. I am to be your husband, it is my right and pleasure to take care of you, and I shall not be gainsaid in this matter.’

  Keeping his arm around her waist he escorted her quickly across the central corridor and into the library. They could hear servants working next door in the drawing room, but the doors were closed and they were quite private.

  ‘We shall sit together on the sofa by the fire. I care not that being alone with you is a breach of etiquette, we have endured too much together already to be bothered by such niceties.’

  Once they were comfortably settled he took her hands and stared earnestly into her face. Before she could stop herself she had blurted out the whole and he was as shocked as she to learn Henry Darcy’s true intent.

  ‘What are we going to do, Adam? Somehow we must think of a way to prevent Jed from working in the house and if we cannot do that, we have to keep Fitzwilliam away from the gallery.’

  ‘The latter will not be hard to achieve, sweetheart, Darcy has no need to go upstairs as he and Lizzy still have their accommodation downstairs. However, I believe it to be far more important to keep the carpenter outside. Remember you were told that in order to achieve revenge a Bainbridge must meet his end at the hand of a Darcy – three of the ghosts are Darcys. I think it far more likely they will attack the poor young man if we do not keep him safe.’

  ‘I suppose you could be correct, but the young man who spoke to me said that the Darcy ghosts must keep their word and cannot come through into our world until after Christmas Eve.’ The weight on her shoulders lifted. ‘All we have to do is make sure Jed has completed his task before then and all will be well. After that day this house will be left empty – possibly for ever.’ She was herself again and jumped to her feet. ‘I do hope there is something left on the sideboard in the breakfast parlour as my appetite has returned. As we are not to dine until seven o’clock tonight I am likely to fade away from hunger if I do not have something now.’

  He was looking at her in a most peculiar way, his eyes were burning into her and an unexpected warmth gathered in her nether regions. She stepped forward and linked her arms around his neck, tilting her face and inviting him to kiss her. His arms tightened and his mouth covered hers, transporting her to a place she had not known existed.

  Then she was free. ‘We must not be alone together, sweetheart, I cannot resist kissing you and I have no right to do so until we are wed.’

  She skipped away from him, her heart pounding and her cheeks rosy. ‘Then we must be wed as soon as possible for I have no intention of avoiding you.’

  Unfortunately the remains of their meal had been removed. Kitty surveyed the empty sideboard with dismay and her stomach rumbled. With a sigh of disappointment she walked back to the small drawing room to find Adam already there and deep in conversation with Fitzwilliam and Bingley. They all looked so serious she was certain he must be passing on her information. She shrugged and wandered across disconsolately to sit with her sisters.

  ‘Do not look so sad, Kitty, I have sent for a tray. I am not surprised you were unable to eat earlier and I’m glad that your stomach has now settled. I cannot imagine what they are discussing with such long faces; surely there cannot be further bad news?’

  There was no need for Kitty to answer as a footman appeared with a delicious selection of food and by the time she was finished the gentlemen had gone. The remainder of the afternoon passed pleasantly and they all retired to their respective apartments to begin the long process of preparing for the evening’s event.

  ‘Your evening gown is divine, Georgiana. I have never seen anything so fine as the Vandyked lace and rouleau bound with strings of pearls. I had not thought I could like a white dress so well, but yours is quite beautiful.’ Kitty reached out and touched the elaborate arrangement of shining brown plaits that encircled her friend’s head. ‘I love the matching silk roses and ribbons threaded through this.’

  Not to be outdone in giving fulsome praise Georgiana responded. ‘I think the pink silk petticoat of your gown is quite charming with the silver sarcenet overskirt. The silver and pink bugle beading around the hem and neckline are quite perfect. We shall be the belles of the ball, shall we not?’ She picked up her wrap and slipped her wrist through the loop that would hold her train aloft and keep it from under her feet.

  ‘Indeed we shall, if we both manage not to trip over our demi-trains. I have yet to see Adam in his evening rig, I wonder if he will wear breeches and stockings or the new fashion of trousers and evening slippers.’

  Georgiana had lent her a soft pink paisley shawl as the corridors and passageways in this vast establishment were always chilly. The sound of lively conversation and the clink of glasses greeted them as they stepped into the rear vestibule.

  ‘Oh dear, I believe we are tardy. It sounds as if our guests are here already.’

  Kitty glided after her friend towards the Great Hall. As soon as she crossed the central flagstone passageway she was aware that tonight this grand house had come alive. Everywhere she looked there were vases of flowers, footmen, resplendent in burgundy livery and half-wigs, were dashing back and forth with trays upon which were sparkling crystal glasses.

  Georgiana waited for her just before they reached the open double doors. ‘We shall make our entry together,
dearest, and we will turn every gentleman’s head and make all the young ladies envious.’

  This remark made Kitty smile and together they walked in and seemed to her that the conversation stopped and every person in the Great Hall turned to stare at them. This too had been transformed for the evening: one end was now the ballroom and a dais had been made upon which a trio of musicians was assembled and the other, where she stood, now served as a gathering place before dinner was announced.

  Then Lizzy and Fitzwilliam strolled over to greet them. ‘You both look quite enchanting,’ he said with a smile. ‘Kitty, I wish to introduce you to my neighbours. Do not look so worried, my dear, they will all be charming and respectful.’ To her astonishment he winked at her and whispered in her ear. ‘They would not dare be otherwise, after all I am Fitzwilliam Darcy and Pemberley is the greatest house in Derbyshire.’

  Emboldened by his light-hearted chatter she smiled up at him. ‘La, sir, this is surely the greatest house in the world.’

  He was still chuckling when he introduced her to dozens of extremely elegant ladies and gentlemen all of whom greeted her with enthusiasm. However, one face merged into another and by the time they were done she had forgotten every name. The one person she wished to see was conspicuously absent.

  Fitzwilliam returned her to Lizzy. She could see that Georgiana was surrounded by a bevy of attractive young men and apparently enjoying the attention. ‘Lizzy, where is Adam? He should be here with me so we can be introduced as a betrothed couple? I have no wish to dance with anyone else tonight.’

  ‘A friend of his from the army, a major I believe, has arrived unexpectedly for a visit and Adam has taken him up to his chamber. Fitzwilliam has invited him to join us and also to spend the night. I have not met him myself as yet, but no doubt they will be here momentarily.’