As soon as this wretched war, with the upstart Bonaparte, was over he intended to take her to Italy. She would love the architecture and the churches as much as he had done when he'd made his grand tour with his tutor many years ago.
The morning of their departure arrived. The baggage had set off ahead of them along with his valet and her abigail. The house in Grosvenor Square was always in readiness for their occupation. The butler, Gregson, and the housekeeper, Watkins, made sure of that. They would have added sufficient temporary staff to the permanently employed servants so that their every need would be met.
The weather was clement for the end of March and the roads reasonably dry. With luck they should reach their destination with only two overnight stops. Their accommodation had been reserved, a fresh team sent ahead, and he expected the journey to be uneventful.
They had been travelling for an hour in companionable silence when Lizzy spoke from the other side of the carriage. 'I have been thinking about Miss Bingley and Forsyth. Did Charles tell you where they were going? Although she behaved despicably, I cannot help but be concerned for her welfare, and her reputation, after she was sent away so abruptly with no apparent place to go.'
'He didn't speak to her. He gave her one hundred guineas to cover her travelling expenses. Extravagant as she is, that should be enough to take her wherever she wishes to go.'
'I'm still puzzled as to why she wished to come to Pemberley. Did she hope to gain status by marrying there?'
'Possibly. I think it more likely she hoped to be included amongst our acquaintances again and could think of no other way of doing this. I certainly had no intention of inviting her to stay with us and I doubt that Bingley would have done so either, apart from the extraordinary circumstances.'
She sighed. 'In which case, my love, she was foolish to antagonise us all. If she had remained pleasant she would have achieved her aims and in a few weeks might even have been living close by.'
'Then it was fortuitous she behaved as she did. We would have been obliged to include her in our circle if she was residing in the neighbourhood. Now – let us talk of something else. I never want to hear that wretched woman's name again.'
Chapter Nine
By the time they eventually arrived at Grosvenor Square at dusk on the third day Lizzy was heartily sick of the journey. Despite the fact that she and Fitzwilliam had enjoyed being together they had both run out of conversation. She was already regretting leaving the twins at Pemberley. Would they forget their mama in the three weeks she was going to be away?
Her husband had become more distracted the closer they got to the capital. No doubt he was dreading the next few weeks as much as she was. Neither of them enjoyed mixing with strangers in overcrowded drawing rooms. They both preferred the comfort and privacy of their own home.
On entering the vestibule they were greeted by the housekeeper and butler. Gregson bowed deeply.
'Sir, madam, everything is ready for your arrival. I thought you would prefer a supper tray upstairs tonight.'
'Thank you, we shall eat in our sitting room. Bring any correspondence and cards that have arrived for me at the same time.' Lizzy nodded and picking up her skirts headed for the grand staircase.
'I shall join you shortly, my love, but first I must attend to my own letters. I am expecting something from my cousin.'
The trays arrived before he did and she had them set out on the side table and dismissed the staff who had fetched them up. She would wait until Fitzwilliam arrived before investigating what had been sent. It was bound to be excellent as the cook here was as good as the one they employed in Derbyshire.
She sorted through the invitations and ranked them in order of suitability. Where there were two on the same evening she selected the one that might be expected to have a dozen or so suitable contenders for the position of Mrs Fitzwilliam. She was disappointed that there weren't more to select from.
Not all the important families had returned to London – the main events of the Season took place in April, May and June. Fortunately there were some taking place next week which would hopefully allow them to investigate the young ladies who were on the marriage mart.
The door swung open and Fitzwilliam strode in. 'Excellent, you have waited for me before you began your supper.'
Whilst they ate she showed him the choices she'd made and strangely he rejected two and replaced them with the less prestigious affairs.
'The first party is in two days which gives us ample opportunity to settle in and start receiving visitors. Are there any particular places where you intend to pay a morning call?'
Lizzy pointed to three of the cards that had been left. 'I shall go to these tomorrow and will send footmen out to deliver our cards announcing we have arrived. I'm anticipating there will be other soirées and musical evenings as well as the ones we have here.'
'We must draw up a list of families we intend to invite to the house party in July and send them invitations before we leave. My cousin is coming to supper tomorrow night so you will be able to quiz him on his exact requirements.'
'I shall do no such thing. He's not the sort of gentleman one could discuss such things with. He is almost as formidable as you are, my dear.'
'Do you have plans for the morning, Lizzy?'
'I intend to visit Hatchards and purchase some books. No doubt there will be other emporiums I shall go to as well. The afternoon will be taken up with morning calls so I doubt that we will meet until we change for dinner.'
He smiled his toe-curling smile. 'I'm relieved you didn't suggest that I accompany you on either of those expeditions. I have one or two business matters to attend to myself.' He stood up and held out his hand. 'I know it's early to retire, but will you join me in our bed?'
*
Darcy left Lizzy asleep and completed his ablutions without disturbing her. His valet dressed him efficiently and he was ready for the first of his business meetings by eight o'clock. Today he must forego his breakfast as he doubted that Mr Perceval, the Prime Minister, would take kindly to being kept waiting.
His cousin was outside ready to speak to him when he emerged from his brief appointment. 'Anything new to report?'
'Not really. The Prime Minister just wanted to reiterate how much importance he attaches to this mission. It would seem that there are factions within our own government who are against the war – he is besieged from all sides and wants this particular thorn to be removed as speedily as possible.'
'I think you must hold your house party at the beginning of May, not July. I'm sure no one you invite would refuse such a prestigious invitation.'
'Lizzy will have to be told the real reason behind this. I've no wish to continue to deceive her. There has been more than enough discord in our lives recently.' When he had finished telling his cousin about the unpleasantness caused by Bingley's sister he understood the need to be honest with Lizzy.
'You must tell her everything, I'm sure anything she learns will remain secret. I have an appointment at Horse Guards so must leave you here. It would appear that Count Duvall, the devil who is transporting the documents to Bonaparte, has been seen and I'm tasked with setting one of my men to follow him. I look forward to joining you this evening.'
Hugo marched away – even out of uniform one would immediately know he was a soldier. Darcy pulled out his pocket watch and thought that if he made haste he might be in time to accompany his wife to the bookshop.
The carriage was waiting outside his house in Grosvenor Square and a footman was about to fold up the steps and close the door. In two strides he was beside it and jumped in.
'Good heavens, Fitzwilliam, where did you come from? Is something amiss?'
He ignored her comment and gestured to her maid that she remove herself. Once they were alone he was able to explain his sudden appearance. Her reaction to the information was quite unexpected.
'How exciting! I should have guessed you would never allow yourself to become embroiled with anything so m
undane as a search for a bride for your cousin. Of course we must bring forward the house party – I shall send word at once to Pemberley so they can start preparing all the guest rooms.'
She looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. ‘Imagine my mother's reaction if she was ever to discover that her most revered son-in-law is a government spy.'
'I'm not an agent, merely a civilian who offers my assistance in whatever way I can. The colonel is an intelligence officer so I suppose one could say that we do have a spy in the family.' He stretched out his legs and relaxed against the squabs feeling happier than he had for months.
'I hated having to deceive you, my love.'
'There's no need to apologise. I understand completely. I never thought I should be grateful to Caroline Bingley for anything, but I don't believe I would have been taken into your confidence if she hadn't caused so much trouble.'
'Now that you know the names of the families we must include in the invitation we should be able to conclude the matter in a few of days. We shall announce that our children are unwell and we have to return to the country immediately.'
'Yesterday I would have been delighted by your suggestion. However, I am quite content to remain here for the allotted time. I intend to visit the opera and theatre more than once.' She was counting ominously on her fingers. 'There are three museums and a variety of exhibitions we must also attend.'
For an awful moment he thought her speaking truly but then she laughed at his expression of horror. 'Good God, Lizzy, I was quaking in my boots at the thought of having to accompany you to so many tedious places.'
'I've no more inclination to go to the theatre or opera than you, but I should like to visit one or two exhibitions before we return. I am quite happy to attend without you.'
Hatchards was bustling with like-minded ladies intent on purchasing the latest novels and he retreated to the far side of the shop where he could lurk with other gentlemen. Lizzy had said she had more errands to complete and as he had intruded on her morning plans he could hardly complain.
Half an hour later she arrived at his side with a brown paper parcel held triumphantly before her. 'I have everything I came for, Fitzwilliam. We can go home so we can settle on a new date for the house party. It's fortuitous I hadn't invited my parents as my mother would no doubt have found the change of date an interesting topic of gossip amongst her friends.'
Much as he enjoyed her company he politely declined to go with her on her morning calls that afternoon. Instead he walked round to his club where he hoped to learn more about the Sinclair and Hall families.
*
Lizzy returned to Grosvenor Square delighted with what she had accomplished that afternoon. She had met half a dozen young ladies doing the rounds as well as two older women, one a widow and the other working as a companion. If Colonel Fitzwilliam was in genuine need of a bride then both these candidates would be a suitable match for him.
Her husband was not the only one who could keep secrets. She was determined to find his cousin a wife even though he thought this search to be a false one. If she had her way by the end of the house party the last member of the Darcy clan would be betrothed.
She made a list of those she wished to invite and made sure that the families of the candidates she had met that afternoon were included. It was unlikely that either her husband or his cousin would take much interest in the list as long as the two suspect families were on it.
Making morning calls had never been a pleasure until today. Having an ulterior motive for visiting had made the experience so much more enjoyable. She was almost looking forward to the next week of musical evenings and informal supper parties.
When Fitzwilliam strolled in to change for dinner he looked more relaxed than he had recently. 'Good, I'm glad to see that you haven't yet changed. Hugo won't have time to return to his lodgings to put on his evening rig.'
She put down her pen with a smile. 'We don't change at Pemberley anymore unless we have guests so why not do the same in Town?' She picked up the list and handed it to him. 'I have four families already, with the two that must be invited, we almost have a house full.'
He scrutinised the paper and nodded. ‘Excellent. We shall meet them at the first two events we attend. I just hope they are not impossible. If they are indeed traitors then they will be suspicious if they get an invitation from someone who is known to be highly selective in his acquaintances.'
'I'm sure Cousin Hugo is well aware how high in the instep you are. He wouldn't have suggested this ploy unless they are acceptable. Remember you considered my family to be beneath your notice when you first met us. By the by, the Gardiners will be coming to our house party as well as Mrs Collins and her impossible husband.'
His eyebrows vanished beneath his hair. 'I beg you, my darling, do not invite the Collins family. I doubt I could survive the experience.'
He was so easy to tease. 'Don't look so alarmed, I would never willingly have Mr Collins under my roof. The last time I heard from Charlotte Collins she was in an interesting condition again so couldn't travel anyway.'
'Don't look so sad, there will be more children to fill our nursery in good time.' His smile was wicked as he continued. 'I give you my word, sweetheart, I shall make every effort to achieve this end.'
Hastily she got to her feet and fixed him with her sternest look. 'Your cousin will be here at any moment so do not think I shall tumble into bed with you right now.'
'In which case I guarantee that neither of us will have much sleep tonight.'
Hand in hand they made their way to the drawing room; the colonel was announced a few minutes after they arrived. Fitzwilliam went forward to greet him, leaving her to view the two of them together. They were remarkably similar in build and features and could easily be mistaken for brothers rather than cousins.
'Good evening, Hugo, thank you for agreeing that I should be taken into your confidence. I have already sent word to my family that the house party will take place in the first week of May. I have also informed the staff at Pemberley so that they may begin to prepare every guest chamber for the invasion.'
His smile was warm as he came over and half-bowed to her. 'Darcy was right to insist that you knew everything. I believe you already have a list of families to invite.' He held up his hand as she was about to show him. 'I rely on your good judgement, there's no need for me to know who you've decided to include.'
The evening passed pleasantly enough but the speaking looks she exchanged with her husband made her pulse race and she was relieved that their guest took his leave as soon as the meal was over.
'Don't expect to see me at any of these social events – I never attend – so to do so now would draw unnecessary attention. I shall call round at the end of the week in the expectation that you will have made the acquaintance of the suspected traitors.'
He strode off and Fitzwilliam turned to her. 'I have one letter to compose and then will join you upstairs.' He trailed his hand across her cheek on his departure, leaving her pulse skittering.
Recently they had spent more time making love than they had in the past few months. The surge of joy made her catch her breath. She was convinced that by the time they returned home to Derbyshire she too would be expecting another infant.
*
Lizzy was dressed in her most elegant evening gown and her beloved was resplendent in black. They were to attend what was called "an informal supper party" where they expected to be introduced to Sir Robert and Lady Sinclair and their progeny – Miss Annabel Sinclair and Mr Richard Sinclair.
When they were in the carriage Lizzy had a question. 'Do you think that Mr and Mrs Hall and their children will be present, Fitzwilliam? From what you've told me they are only on the fringe of Society and might not have gained an invitation.'
'I doubt it. I think you will have to pay a morning call on Lady Sinclair in order to make their acquaintance.'
She settled back on the squabs enjoying the intimacy of the darkness and the f
eel of his shoulder pressing against hers. An unexpected bubble of laughter escaped, sounding loud in the confines of the carriage.
'What has amused you, sweetheart?'
'I was thinking that I almost hope it takes another year for me to conceive if we are to spend more nights like the last one.'
He took her hand and raised it to his mouth. Even through the fabric of her glove she felt his kiss. 'I love you, Elizabeth Darcy, and intend to demonstrate how much as often as I can.'
His voice was gruff and his fingers closed over hers in a grip that was almost painful.
'And I return the sentiment, dearest Fitzwilliam. Although we have drifted apart in the past months I believe that is all behind us.' She should have stopped there but something prompted her to speak what had been in her heart. 'I know why there was this distance between us. You were unhappy with the amount of time I lavished on the twins and felt neglected.'
He released her hand as if it had become repellent to him. He moved so there was distance between them before he spoke. 'Are you, by any chance, suggesting that I am jealous of my children?'
His tone had changed from loving to icy. She bitterly regretted her remark and wished the words unsaid, but they hung between them. Either she could apologise and deny his suggestion or support her words with evidence. She chose the latter – she was never one to avoid a difficult situation.
'What else was I to think when you moved from the marital bed? When you spent as much time away from home as you did in it? Nothing else had changed so what other conclusion could I draw than that the arrival of our children was the problem?'
His anger filled the carriage. Too late to repine. She must deal with the consequences of her rash remarks and pray that he would realise she was right once he had recovered his temper. Of one thing she was certain – she would not allow herself to be crushed by his disapproval. She was made of sterner stuff than that.
Chapter Ten
A Spy at Pemberley Page 8
