'Possibly. If things escalate I shall stay well clear and leave those trained in such matters to take care of it. It's quite possible those concerned will come and go without any of us ever knowing what happens…'
'I'm sorry to interrupt, but you're forgetting about Sir Robert and Mr Hall. This house party was set up in order to unmask these two gentlemen. I thought the idea was for them to try and steal further secrets by eavesdropping on this meeting, and for you and Hugo to catch them.'
He refused to meet her eye and she knew there was more to this than he'd revealed. 'Fitzwilliam, I must know the whole. I will not be fobbed off with some Banbury tale.'
When she had heard how the colonel had misled her husband she was incensed. 'I don't understand. Are you saying that Sir Robert and Mr Hall are no longer going to be arrested?' She didn't allow him to reply but continued, too angry to listen. 'This whole charade is for nothing? The inconvenience, the expense, the deceptions and the trip to London were unnecessary?'
'I was as furious as you when I discovered his true reason for involving us. However, we have no option but to see it through. Although, why he couldn't have completed his mission elsewhere I've no idea.'
'You didn't answer my original question. Are the other two gentlemen to be allowed to go scot-free?'
'No, of course they aren't. They will be arrested at the same time as the other traitor.'
He took her hand as if intending to take her into the bedchamber and put an end to this conversation. Discussing matters of state with one's wife was a most unusual enterprise and she ought to be glad he treated her as an equal so decided she should discontinue the conversation.
She stepped aside determined to ask one more question. 'Has it not occurred to either you or Colonel Fitzwilliam that the traitor and the other two are already known to each other?' She had no need to continue. He understood immediately what she meant.
Chapter Eighteen
Darcy shook his head in disbelief. 'How could we be so stupid? It's perfectly possible they are already acquainted.' All thoughts of bedroom sport vanished from his mind. 'If the traitor has got wind of this house party, and knows who has been invited, then he will know it's a trap.'
'I think that's unlikely as the people I invited are not known to each other – apart from the Sinclairs and the Halls of course. What about the person who is paying for this information? Not the French count – but the Englishman. Have you any inkling who he might be?' Lizzy curled up in a chair and waited for his response. He should not be discussing government business with her, but she already knew so much to continue to do so would make no difference to the security of the Country.
'Hugo intends to interrogate the traitor in the hope that he will reveal the name of his paymaster.' He sat in the chair opposite hers in front of the cheerily burning fire. 'Maybe this is not such a disaster after all. Perhaps my cousin planned it this way – if the three are known to each other he might well intend to drop into the conversation that Sir Robert and Hall are on the premises in the hope that this information will cause the traitor to inadvertently reveal himself.'
'This has become even more convoluted than it was before. Exactly who is the bait?' She frowned. 'Tell me, my dear, if these spies are to be arrested at Pemberley who is to do the arresting? Are we to expect a brigade of soldiers to appear?'
'I should never have allowed myself to be inveigled into this, Lizzy.' He closed his eyes trying to see an option in which they could all come out of it unscathed. Then, to his surprise, she laughed. He jerked upright and stared at her.
'Your cousin has a lot to answer for and I will make him pay for his misuse of your relationship. He will not leave here without becoming betrothed to one of the young ladies. He might not wish to be married but that will be his just deserts for involving us in his intelligence work.'
He returned her smile. 'If anyone can work this miracle, then it's you, sweetheart. But I must point out to you that it won't be only my cousin you are punishing. What about the unfortunate young lady who will be obliged to marry him?'
'Whatever I might feel about Cousin Hugo, he will make an excellent husband. He is wealthy, the grandson of an earl, and a very handsome man. I can assure you that not all young ladies desire to hang on the coat-tails of their husbands – many would be delighted to be left in peace. Not everyone is like us, Fitzwilliam.'
'Then I will not interfere in your plans. Now, it's getting late – shall we retire?'
He rose early and discovered the other gentlemen, apart from Mr Bennet who never appeared before noon, were already in the breakfast room. They stood up politely at his entry but he waved them back.
'Good morning, are you intending to ride out with me? It's not obligatory, and the ladies will be elsewhere most of today, so you would be perfectly safe remaining here.'
'We have just been discussing exactly that, sir, and would be delighted to come with you. Derbyshire is relatively unknown to me and I should enjoy seeing the countryside more closely,' Finsbury said as he resumed his breakfast.
Sinclair held up the silver coffee jug and Darcy nodded. 'Yes, thank you. I prefer it to small beer. You are outnumbered by young ladies at present, but I can assure you we expect the numbers to be more even by the time everybody arrives at the week's end.'
'I have to admit, sir, that I was dragged along unwillingly by my grandmother. She refuses to travel without me in tow as protection for my sisters. However, having got here I'm delighted that I came. Pemberley has to be one of the finest houses in the land.'
They munched away companionably and he was the first to put down his cutlery. He addressed the two young men. 'Join me in the stables in half an hour – I'll have a footman conduct you. I fear you could be wandering around this place for days unable to find your way.'
He wanted to speak to Bingley before he went out to ensure his friend didn't inadvertently reveal what he knew to any of the guests. Jane was the soul of discretion and could be relied on to keep things to herself.
Bingley was in the study engrossed in a newspaper. He looked up and greeted him. 'A fine day for a long ride, Darcy. Jane has decided not to accompany Lizzy on her jaunt as she's feeling unwell this morning. Nothing to worry about, a normal side effect of her condition.'
'Is that yesterday's Times? What were you reading so avidly?'
'There's an announcement that caught my eye. My sister has married Robert Forsyth. His parents must have come round so they could obtain a special licence.'
'I wish her no ill will as long as they don't return here.' From his tone he made it clear that Bingley wasn't to invite his sister and her new husband even to his side of Pemberley.
'Don't worry, old fellow, I've no intention of seeing her again either here or anywhere else. I have my family around me and have no need for anyone else.'
'Do you intend to ride with us this morning? I thought I'd take my guests up on the moors whilst the weather is clement.'
Bingley shook his head. 'I have business to attend to, but I'd much prefer to come with you. I believe everyone is dining here tonight. Come to think of it, I reckon Jane's indisposition has been brought on by the necessity to organise this dinner party. It will be the first time we've entertained on such a grand scale.'
'But not the first time that you have, Bingley. I well remember the ball at Netherfield. The white soup was the talk of the neighbourhood for weeks.'
*
When Mary didn't appear for breakfast Lizzy decided to intervene. Her sister couldn't be allowed to moulder in her room a moment longer. The gentlemen had already eaten and left for their ride. She made sure the remaining guests were comfortably settled before excusing herself.
Mary didn't have her own sitting room, but her bedchamber was sufficiently spacious to allow for a third of it to be furnished for sitting. Lizzy hesitated for a second wondering if she should walk straight in or knock and wait to be invited.
Instead she tapped on the door and then opened it. 'Good morning, Mar
y, you will no doubt be aware that no tray has been fetched to you. If you want to eat you must come down and join us.'
The girl had been staring morosely out of the window – but was elegantly attired and quite ready to descend if she so desired. She turned and scowled at Lizzy. 'I didn't ask to come here; I know I'm not welcome. Mama insisted and Papa has closed the house so I had no choice.'
'What happened last year must be forgotten. I require you to understand something, Mary, you were not invited to attend our Christmas festivities for that reason. However, Fitzwilliam and I want to include you in our family again. I can promise you no mention will be made of the events in London when you betrayed our trust and caused Georgiana to be abducted by Wickham.'
'Even if you do not speak of it, everyone else will do so and I shall be ostracised.'
'That's fustian and you know it, my dear. You look very smart – it would be a shame to waste that gown by remaining closeted in here.'
There was no point in continuing this conversation. She had said her piece and even if her sister wasn't hungry she certainly was. If she continued to eat at this pace she would be the size of a whale by the end of the summer.
'We are going to see Kitty and Georgiana after a visit to Bakewell. The gentlemen have gone out for the day and we will not be together until we meet before dinner in the drawing room.' Lizzy didn't wait for a response but turned and left the room.
She was almost at the stairs when Mary joined her. 'I shall come, but only because you are determined to starve me if I don't. I don't intend to enjoy my stay here; I would much prefer to be at home with my music and my writing.'
This last comment caught Lizzy's attention. 'Writing? Have you decided to become an author? What an excellent idea for it's an ideal occupation for a spinster.'
Her teasing remark had the desired effect. 'Spinster? Please don't call me that. I'm not at my last prayers yet as I not reached my twentieth anniversary. Do you think I might find myself a husband one day?'
'Dearest Mary, you have blossomed into a lovely young lady. You are intelligent, accomplished and an heiress. I'm sure you will receive more than one offer whilst you are here, but only if you are prepared to join in and enjoy yourself.'
The girl at her side smiled and for the first time looked happy. 'I beg your pardon for being so curmudgeonly, Lizzy. Tell me at once which of the young gentleman you've invited you think might be suitable for me.'
'Good heavens, I cannot tell you that. You must make up your own mind once you have met them.'
Mary squeezed her arm. 'At least I know that all the gentlemen will be eligible and come from good families or they wouldn't have been invited to Pemberley.'
Lizzy could hardly contradict this erroneous statement. Neither Thomas Hall nor Richard Sinclair would do. Her parents would never allow their remaining unmarried daughter to wed the son of a convicted criminal.
'Mama is in high alt having Lady Finsbury and Lady Sinclair to converse with. I doubt that she'll have another of her sick headaches on this visit.'
On the way down she told Mary about Caroline Bingley's visit and her sister was suitably horrified.
They set off in two carriages at the appointed time and everyone declared the day a success on their return. There was barely time for them to retire and change before going to the East wing for dinner.
Lizzy hoped to find her husband in their apartment and was not disappointed. 'Fitzwilliam, did you have a pleasant day? We did, and I'm delighted to tell you that our guests are all getting on famously.'
'Yes, most satisfactory, thank you. My cousin arrived half an hour ago and will be joining us for dinner next door.' He didn't look particularly pleased about this prospect and a flicker of unease ran through her.
'I have some worrying news as well. Will you hear mine before I hear yours?' She quickly explained about Mary's determination to find herself a husband and the risks that entailed.
'We will face that obstacle if and when it occurs. You're right to say I have had disturbing information. Hugo believes there might be more than one involved in this treachery. After his investigations as to who might have been out of Town last month he discovered that there were only two members of the inner circle missing, distant cousins, and they had gone together, supposedly to visit a sick relative.'
'Surely that means it will be much easier to prove their treachery? All he has to do is keep them both under surveillance and catch them in the act. There is no longer any need to have the officers here and we can just enjoy the house party.'
'I'm sorry, I didn't explain it properly. The two he suspects are close friends of his and it's quite likely he could also be implicated. Who better than an intelligence officer to have contact with the French? He's frequently abroad and could well have set this in motion.' She was about to protest but he shook his head and she held her tongue.
'I said to him that nobody could possibly suspect the man who was leading the investigation as, by uncovering the traitors, he would find himself arraigned as well. Hugo disagreed with my assessment of the situation. If he was the instigator, then who better to keep his involvement secret whilst revealing the others?'
*
Darcy wished he'd not shared this particular piece of information with Lizzy as she had more than enough to contend with keeping all the guests content. Instead of being distressed she smiled ruefully.
'By insisting that we keep no secrets from each other I've had my comeuppance. I'd much prefer not to know your cousin's plight so I intend to forget you told me. Like an ostrich I shall bury my head in the sand and be the perfect, charming hostess whose only objective is to facilitate a betrothal between Colonel Fitzwilliam and a suitable young lady.'
'An excellent solution. We must change if we intend to be downstairs to escort our guests next door. As it takes me half the time it takes you to get ready I'll go ahead. I can introduce Hugo to those who arrive before you.'
His valet had hot water waiting. He completed his ablutions and was dressed and on his way whilst Lizzy was still in her undergarments. He poked his head around her dressing room door but she waved him away.
Whilst they had visitors he and Lizzy had returned to using the grand staircase. This led into the entrance hall whereas the smaller, more ancient wooden stairs didn't necessitate this detour, but led directly to the centre of the house.
He paused at the gallery to admire the magnificent carvings of animals and other mythical beasts that intertwined the balustrade. They rarely used the vast reception rooms that stood either side of the hall; they much preferred the more intimate atmosphere of the drawing room.
No doubt the whole place would be festooned with flowers, ribbons and other such frivolities when Pemberley was thrown open for the ball that would be the grand finale of the house party. He frowned. Whether this event took place or not must depend on what happened next week when the war committee arrived.
Hugo was before him and greeted him with enthusiasm. 'Good evening, Darcy, I'm glad you have arrived first for I've no desire to be obliged to make idle conversation with complete strangers.' He waved his brimming glass of brandy sending droplets of golden liquid onto the priceless carpet.
'A bit early for that, isn't it, cousin?' Darcy nodded at the glass.
'I consider myself a soldier, rather than a member of the ton, my friend. Therefore I drink when I want to. Remarkably fine cognac, I must say. Is it French?'
'I'm sure it is – but it was purchased legitimately many years ago by my father.'
There was no time for further conversation as he could hear people approaching and from the volume of noise he was certain it must be his mother-in-law, and possibly Lady Sinclair as well.
'Good evening, Mr Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, we thought we were tardy, but obviously not.' Lady Sinclair made no further comment and Mrs Bennet said nothing at all. If these unusual circumstances were to remain Darcy thought he might almost enjoy the evening.
He nodded to the ladies as did
his cousin. 'Is Miss Bennet to join us tonight?'
'Indeed she is, sir, she's quite recovered from her bilious attack. Will my other daughter and her charming husband be coming?'
'I imagine so, ma'am. Ah! I believe I can hear the remainder of our party arriving.'
He and Lizzy escorted their guests next door where they found that Kitty and Georgiana and their husbands had already arrived. The unmarried members of the group congregated together at one end of the spacious drawing room whilst the Dowager Countess Finsbury, Lady Sinclair and Mrs Bennet took centre stage. He could not help but notice Mary looked very fine and was attracting the interest of the two single gentlemen. The rest of them milled about by the door. It was strange that there was still no sign of his father-in-law.
'Is your father unwell, Lizzy? Do you think I should go and find him?'
'Would you do that? I cannot imagine what is keeping him so long and Jane won't have dinner announced until he's here.'
Darcy slipped away and entered his own domain by a side door. He found a footman and sent him upstairs to look whilst he checked the billiard room, study and library. Mr Bennet certainly wasn't downstairs. Peterson met him in the central passageway.
'He's nowhere on the premises, sir, I've had all the reception rooms thoroughly searched. I've sent someone to the stables to see if he's there.'
'Thank you. Continue to look. I'll speak to Mrs Bennet and see if she can explain the mysterious disappearance of her husband.'
Chapter Nineteen
Lizzy watched Fitzwilliam leave and could not help but be worried. Her papa was infamous for being late, but even for him this was unusual. He had impeccable manners and wouldn't dream of offending Charles and Jane.
'I think I must go and to speak to Mama, she might know where he is.' She addressed this remark to Kitty and Jane – Georgiana had moved away to join the more lively group at the far end of the room.
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