A Spy at Pemberley

by Fenella J Miller

  'That is exactly what we need. However, I have yet to talk about my lack of carriage and the fact that I had to walk back unescorted in the pouring rain.' He sounded fierce but she knew he was teasing.

  'I believe that you have been amply recompensed for your unpleasant experience, sir, so I will hear no more about it.' She glanced up at him and he was smiling down at her his eyes alight with love.

  'In which case, madam, your penance shall be to fetch me sustenance. And no, you cannot reclaim your nightgown in order to do so.'

  After scampering about the room with no clothes on at all she was relieved to slip back under the warmth of the nightgowns and bedrobes.

  'Here is your brandy and pastries – you are quite capable of pouring your own coffee. It should still be warm enough to drink even though it's been standing there for hours.'

  Whilst she had been skipping about the room he had made their nest more comfortable by gathering up the cushions from the chairs and collecting the blanket that had been folded neatly at the end of the chaise longue.

  Now they were sitting on some of the cushions covered with their night garments and leaning on the others. He tossed the rug across their legs before handing her a cup of coffee. She sipped and settled back with a sigh of contentment. 'You have put the brandy in the coffee. It hardly matters that the drink is not as hot as it should be.'

  'How did your conversation with Lady Sinclair progress?'

  She told him what had transpired and he regaled her with his own exploits at the card table. 'From what you have said, Fitzwilliam, it would appear that only Sir Robert is involved in traitorous activities. It will go hard with his family when he is exposed.'

  'That is hardly your concern, Lizzy. I can assure you that although they will be ruined socially I shall make it my business that they do not lose their estate. I believe that Sinclair will be relieved to give up his racketing about Town.'

  'I have invited Lady Sinclair to call this afternoon and shall give her an invitation card when she comes. Tomorrow I shall visit her in the hope that I'll be introduced to Mrs Hall. I misremember exactly where we are to be this evening. As I have already achieved my goal, could I not remain at home?'

  He yawned and ruffled her hair which was now floating around her shoulders. 'If you are suggesting that I parade around Town on my own then you are in for a sad disappointment, my love. We shall suffer together. Is that not what a devoted couple should do?'

  The clock on the mantelshelf whirred, clicked and then struck three times. 'We must go to bed at once. I'd no idea it had got so late.' She was on her feet before he could protest and dashed into the master bedroom wishing she had her nightgown to cover her nakedness.

  There was sufficient light from next door for her to scramble into bed. The sheets were icy. She should have run the warming pan through before getting in.

  'Here, darling, put this on. I can hear your teeth chattering from here.'

  She emerged from under the covers and regained her feet. He dropped the garment over her head. She noticed he was similarly attired in his nightshirt, and had the missing bedrobes slung across his arm. These he placed carefully across the end of the bed before walking round to his side and climbing in.

  The candle was extinguished and he gathered her into his arms so they could share their body heat and sleep in comfort.

  *

  Darcy slept fitfully and put this down to an excess of alcohol. He got up before Lizzy was awake and removed himself to the study to read the newspaper and consider his next move. It was of paramount importance that he made the acquaintance of Mr Hall as he had a feeling that this man was up to his neck in the treachery even if Sir Robert was not a willing participant.

  His cousin was pleased with their progress and agreed with his findings. 'We don't know a lot about Hall. He has a modest estate in Hertfordshire and several business interests in the city. His only connection to Sir Robert is that they are both investors in a shipping line.'

  'Is he a hardened gambler as well?'

  'Not as far as we can discover. He has expensive tastes and a desire to be accepted in the best houses, but I hardly see that as a reason for him to betray his country.'

  'Do you know which clubs he attends? It might be easier to make his acquaintance there rather than rely on bumping into him at one of these wretched evening events.' Darcy was as eager as Lizzy to avoid attending any further routs and parties if possible.

  'He is a member at Boodle's. I am too, so perhaps we should go there this afternoon and see if we can contrive a meeting.'

  'I shall leave word for Lizzy that we're going to St James's Street. She will be occupied with calls all afternoon.'

  The weather was clement, all sign of yesterday's rain departed. It would be a pleasant stroll to Piccadilly and into St James's Square. He enjoyed his cousin's company and counted him amongst his closest friends. Bingley, of course, was also a good friend, but he lacked the perspicacity and sharpness of wit that his cousin had.

  He wasn't familiar with Boodle's and couldn't recall ever having visited this club before. They signed the visitors' book and made their way into the noisy interior. Despite the earliness of the hour the place was busy and most of the members were involved in some sort of card game. This club was renowned for the amount of money that changed hands in wagers; sometimes a huge stake would be bet on the most trivial of outcomes. There had been an occasion when one hundred guineas had been placed on which spider would finish its web first.

  Hugo introduced him to several members but the gentleman they sought was not present. However, a crony of his cousin said he was certain Hall was attending a prize fight that was taking place somewhere in the East End.

  'I've no desire to follow him there, cousin, but would do so if you think I should.'

  'I've no liking for this sport either. There's no immediate urgency as you have already established a connection with the Sinclair family. It's possible that your wife has had more success at one of her morning calls.'

  They parted company and agreed to meet up at the end of the week when Darcy hoped he would have more favourable news to impart.

  As he made his way back to Grosvenor Square he thought he saw his family carriage bowl past but he was mistaken. This brought back to mind the disagreement between himself and Lizzy which hadn't been discussed last night. The incident had been ignored by both of them as if nothing untoward had taken place.

  This just added to his slight unease about their relationship. It might be his imagination but he believed he detected a distance growing between them. He didn't know if it was of his making or hers. He had no intention of dwelling on such issues. Emotional matters were best left to the ladies. No doubt Lizzy would speak to him if she thought there was something pertinent to say.

  His lips curved as he recalled the delightful interlude last night in front of the fire. What did it matter if a man and his wife were no longer sharing every thought as long as they still loved each other? However much Lizzy might annoy him he found her irresistible and whatever her misdemeanours he would always forgive her.

  There was a row of carriages outside the house. Devil take it! He had quite forgotten there were to be callers – he had no intention of being dragged into them. He would enter by the side door that led from the stables. With luck he could slip past any beady-eyed matron and find refuge in his study until the house was their own again.

  Unfortunately just as he emerged into the entrance hall the front door opened and the Sinclair family came in. He was surprised to see Sir Robert had accompanied his wife. He could hardly vanish now without appearing appallingly uncivil.

  He nodded to both and she curtsied and her husband half-bowed. Richard Sinclair smiled warmly but his sister kept her eyes lowered and would not look at him.

  'Good afternoon, my lady, Sir Robert, what a pleasant surprise to see you here. I shall take you through to join the other guests in the drawing room.' He shook his head at the footman waiting to announc
e each new arrival.

  Lizzy was circulating amongst the dozen visitors, and he recognised none of them. Two parlourmaids were handing out tea and almond biscuits. His appearance caused a noticeable reaction to ripple around the assembled company. An uncomfortable silence fell and all present turned towards him.

  *

  'Good afternoon, my dear, what an unexpected pleasure to have you come in to meet my guests.' Lizzy recovered from the shock of seeing her husband and walked over to greet him.

  'I'm afraid I cannot remain above a few minutes. But as Sir Robert and his family have just arrived I wished to bring them in myself.' He pulled a comical face, nodded politely to the circle of interested spectators and retreated before he was obliged to speak to anyone else.

  'Lady Sinclair, welcome indeed. Allow me to introduce you and your husband to those you do not yet know.'

  In some drawing rooms a bell was rung every quarter of an hour to remind the guests that the allowed time for their visit was over. Lizzy did not like this practice and relied on her visitors to remove themselves without prompting.

  She was awash with tea after sharing so many cups with her guests and was relieved when she was finally alone. Tomorrow she would have to return these calls and dreaded spending her entire afternoon traipsing from house-to-house.

  Although she had not had much opportunity for private conversation with the Sinclairs she had been able to hand her ladyship the invitation card to the house party just before she left. Sir Robert had obviously come under protest and had remained at the far end of the room and not spoken to anyone. His son, however, had circulated and drawn his quieter sister into several conversations. Lady Sinclair had been more subdued than the previous evening which had possibly endeared her to the other guests.

  Fitzwilliam wandered in. 'I see your afternoon was a resounding success, sweetheart. Mine was less so as my cousin and I failed to locate Hall.'

  When he explained where the colonel expected to find Mr Hall she was not surprised her husband had refused to accompany him. He abhorred such pastimes as prize and cockfighting.

  'I have sent a note around to Lady Arnold tendering our apologies for being unable to attend her rout this evening. If I manage to meet Mrs Hall and her daughter tomorrow I shall endeavour to discover at what events they are likely to appear so we can further our acquaintance. With luck we shall have achieved our objective in the next few days and be able to return home.'

  'We must arrange for a letter to arrive by express – my cousin can see to that. If we just depart our staff will talk. Gossip travels faster below stairs than it does above.'

  'How true. I shall spend a quiet evening alone as I assume you will go to one of your clubs.' He looked somewhat shocked at her suggestion but she couldn't imagine why. He was not accustomed to spending time with her in Grosvenor Square as she never came to London with him.

  'I had not intended to go out again today.'

  She was about to congratulate him on his good sense, and say how much she was looking forward to having him all to herself, when he continued.

  'However, I shall do as you suggest and dine elsewhere. Do not wait up for me. I shall sleep next door tonight.'

  He raised a hand in farewell and left her alone wishing she had held her tongue. They were constantly at daggers drawn nowadays and stumbled from one misunderstanding to another. What had happened to the closeness they had shared until last year?

  Tears spilled down her cheeks and she brushed them away. She had become a veritable watering pot these past few days and it was not like her to give in to her emotions. Then she recalled the last time she had cried at the slightest thing. It had been when she was increasing.

  Her monthly courses were always somewhat erratic so she had given up trying to keep track of them. She always had sufficient warning to prepare herself and had so far not had any embarrassing incidents. When had her last one been?

  With all the excitement of the last few weeks she had quite forgotten about such things – she was almost sure it was more than six weeks. She leapt to her feet and ran after Fitzwilliam. She was determined to stop him before he went out in order to give him the good news. A physician could not confirm her diagnosis for another month or more but there were sufficient signs for her to be almost sure.

  Then she stopped halfway up the staircase. From the outset of her previous pregnancy she had been unwell, unable to keep down all but the smallest, plainest meals. If she was indeed with child she would be suffering from the same unpleasant symptoms.

  Her happiness and excitement fizzled out. She was mistaken – a longing for another child had made her misinterpret the physical signs. No doubt there were a myriad of other reasons why her monthly flow was delayed. There was not enough evidence to raise Fitzwilliam's hopes.

  Her tears could also be attributed to a wife's natural concern that her relationship with her beloved husband was not as it should be. The answer would be clear one way or the other in a few weeks so she would bide her time and keep this to herself.

  She wandered disconsolately from one room to the other unable to settle or think of anything to occupy her time. Perhaps she could go through the list of possible guests for the house party and write out invitation cards.

  Coming to London, she had hoped, would repair the rift in her marriage but the opposite was true. Had he always been so quick to take offence or had she become shrewish over the past few months? Had her disappointment in not conceiving another child soured her?

  Tears marred the card she was writing and she swallowed the lump in her throat.

  Chapter Twelve

  Darcy silently endured the ministrations of his valet until he could stand it no longer. 'Enough, Dawson. It will do. I can tie my stock myself. You are dismissed – I shall not need you again this evening.'

  'Very well, sir.'

  He stared with disfavour at his image in the glass. When had he become so bad-tempered? What the devil was wrong with him? He tossed the crumpled strip of material aside and jumped to his feet. He could not be content if he was at loggerheads with his darling Lizzy.

  Still in his shirtsleeves he dashed from the room and went in search of her. Eventually he located her in the study sitting at her escritoire which faced out over the garden. Her back was to him, she didn't hear his entrance.

  He walked soft-footed until he was standing directly behind her and then he realised she was crying. He was a brute to have brought her so low.

  'Sweetheart, please don't upset yourself. Here, take my handkerchief and dry your eyes.' He pushed the cloth into her unresisting fingers and then picked up the chair with her in it and turned it round so he could see her.

  He dropped to his knees and gently placed a hand under her chin and raised her face. She looked as wretched as he felt. This would end now – they would remain here and talk until the root of the problem was discovered and things were put right between them.

  Obediently she blew her nose and wiped her face but she did not seem inclined to explain what had overset her. 'Lizzy, what's wrong? Come, we shall sit by the fire and talk things through.'

  He regained his feet and reached out to take her hand but she shook her head. Were things so bad between them that she couldn't bear his touch? Then she smiled and he breathed again.

  'Where is your stock? And more importantly your topcoat? I can't remember seeing you in such disarray before.'

  He offered his hand a second time and she took it. He pulled her to her feet and led her across to the large sofa before responding to her question. 'I was in the process of getting ready but decided I must speak to you instead.' When she was settled he took her hands again. 'I'm yet to receive an answer to my question.'

  When she had revealed her worries he was horrified. 'How can you think I had become bored with you and the children? You are my world – all three of you. I admit I have been undertaking tasks for the Prime Minister that I would not normally have accepted. This was to allow you to spend as much tim
e with our babies as you wished without feeling obliged to attend to my needs.' He smiled and her eyes lit up in response. 'Fabian and Amanda must come first with you whilst they are so small and vulnerable.'

  'How ridiculous I have been. I should be grateful not to be increasing so soon and not fretting about this and imagining that you had lost interest in our marriage.'

  'Bingley isn't overjoyed that Jane is increasing so soon. Although she had a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery little Charlotte has been a constant worry to them both.'

  'I am tardy with my monthly courses, Fitzwilliam, but on reflection I do not think I am expecting another baby. Either way, I shall no longer think about it but rejoice in what we already have.'

  'I cannot remain down here dressed as I am. Shall we spend the evening upstairs and have our supper sent up?'

  'I should like that. There is something that I've been meaning to mention about the reason we are supposed to be in London. If we are meant to be searching for a suitable bride for your cousin then surely he should be accompanying us? I cannot believe that any gentleman would leave such an important decision to someone else.'

  'Exactly so. I've been trying to tell him this but he avoids the question. I believe we have an invitation to the first important ball of the Season to be held in two days' time. He must accompany us and be introduced to those you have already chosen.'

  'I just hope he doesn't break the heart of any of the girls we invite to the house party. He is a handsome man and there will be no shortage of young ladies willing to become his wife.'

  They strolled hand in hand through the house and to their private sitting room. He repaired to his dressing room to find a coat whilst she sent word to the kitchen. It hardly seemed worthwhile getting smartened up as they would be remaining up here. He shrugged on his dressing robe instead.

  Lizzy was curled up on the daybed and he joined her there. 'I know Lord Rochester, it's his daughter the ball is for. I shall see him and make sure he sends invitations to the Sinclairs and Halls. If Hugo pays particular attention to the Hall girl then it will not seem strange to include them in the house party.'