“Richard?” Elizabeth called after them.
“I am simply acting upon your good sister’s suggestion, Elizabeth.” Richard called over his shoulder as he reached the puddle.
“I certainly did not suggest it! Lizzy, you know I would never behave in such a manner.”
Miss Bennet appeared near tears again and Richard began to rethink his actions, but at that moment the children joined them.
“Papa, is it not a beautiful day?” William asked, slightly winded from his run through the garden after so many inactive days inside.
“Our thoughts share a similar path, Son.” Richard’s genuine grin was a pleasure for all to see. “I was telling Miss Bennet that we must embrace it as you children were doing and she suggested we leap a puddle. We have been in search of the perfect puddle; several we passed were simply too small to suffice. Would you not say this one will do nicely?”
A puzzled expression crossed William’s countenance as he glanced from his father, to Miss Bennet, and then to the puddle and back. “Mistress Mary, you wish to jump a puddle?”
“No, I certainly do not, William. Your father took my words literally when I only meant to tease him.”
“I want to jump the puddle!” Richie yelled from his brother’s side and turned to take position.
“Oh no, you do not!” Richard removed his hand from Miss Bennet’s and reached out and grabbed his son at the same time she reached out with her other hand to do the same. “This puddled is too large for you to jump without assistance.”
“You will be a filthy mess!” Miss Bennet laughed as she belatedly looked the boy over. “Though perhaps a dousing in the puddle may rinse away some of the mud already spattered about your legs. Whatever have you been doing, Richie?”
“Running,” he said looking down to see for himself how dirty he had become. Sheepishly he looked up at the couple before him, wondering if he were to be reprimanded.
“Only right after so many days inside.” Richard turned to look the others over and found them in a similar condition. “You are in good company, Richie.”
As the children began laughing and pointing at each other, Richard turned to the woman at his side. When he released Miss Bennet to take hold of his son, she could have easily removed her hand from his arm; yet it remained. A warm smile crossed his lips and he drew his arm close to his side once more; not so much to capture her there, but more as a caress.
His movement drew her attention and she looked up at him; her brows drawn together in curiosity as she studied his expression. “Are you pleased, General? The children nearly look like chimney sweeps.”
“Nonsense. They would be covered with soot were they chimney sweeps. I would say toshers would be a better description. They appear as though they have been crawling through London’s sewers more so than climbing down chimneys.” He gave her his most charming smile in an attempt to keep her off her guard.
A suppressed giggle reached their ears and they turned to see Elizabeth and Georgiana watching them closely. “It appears we have an audience, Miss Bennet.” Richard leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “Shall we?”
Startled, Miss Bennet turned to look up at him. “Shall we what, sir?” she asked fearfully.
“Jump.”
“Yes, yes! Jump!” Richie attempted to swing from their hands which still held him.
“I believe this has the makings of a contest, do you not agree, Georgiana?” Elizabeth’s voice was heard from behind. “Who do you believe could jump the farthest?”
“Hmm,” Georgiana appeared to take the measure of each of the children, Richard, and Mary. “I believe with a running start, the children may be able to out jump Richard. They are younger, you know.”
Turning an indignant look upon his young cousin, Richard stood straighter and returned his attention to the lady at his side. “Our honour has been put into question, Miss Bennet. I fear we must jump.”
“Forgive me, sir, but I did not hear my name mentioned. It appears only your honour has been challenged.” The corner of her mouth twitched as she looked about at the group and settled a hand upon the head of her niece who clung to her skirts.
Richard glanced down to where Beth pressed between them and over to where Patience stood on Miss Bennet’s other side. Realizing his companion had relaxed as she did not fear his actions with the girls so close, he leapt at Elizabeth’s solution.
“Well then, I must arise to the occasion, but I require your assistance. Patience, would you like to be the first to jump the puddle?”
The youngest child’s eyes grew large as she looked up at him, then back to the puddle. “Really?”
Mary eyed him suspiciously, but nodded. “As the youngest, it is only right that you go first.”
Patience giggled. “Can I, Mama?”
Glancing once more toward the house, Elizabeth smiled. “Of course, my love. Would that I could join you.”
Richard moved Beth to the side and took Patience hand, indicating Miss Bennet should take her other. “First, we must back up a bit so you can take a running start, then jump as high and as far as you can, Patience,” he instructed, holding Miss Bennet’s eyes so she would understand what he intended.
Sighing, Miss Bennet backed up with the child and Richard. When he called “Go!” they ran forward and swung the squirming child over the puddle bringing her down as far from the water’s edge as possible so she would not get wet.
“My turn!” yelled Beth.
“Ah, but you are older than Richie,” Richard said as he motioned his youngest son forward.
“Not that much older,” Beth pouted, for once not relishing being the first twin born.
Richie went over the puddle, landing closer to the water than his cousin and leaning precariously for a moment before Miss Bennet tugged him toward dry ground.
“Again! Again!” he cried out, but was told by his father to take his place by Patience and wait for the others.
“Now, Princess,” Richard said as he reached for Beth’s hands. Her giggles caused her to barely leave the ground, and her toes skimmed the water as they walked her across. Miss Bennet attempted to scold the child, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her amusement and Beth ran to stand by Patience while the others made their jumps.
“It’s my turn,” Janet stepped forward, but reluctantly turned to her mother. “May I, Mama?”
“Oh, Janet, must you ask? Your mother is clearly wishing to go next.” Richard winked at the child and she turned, ran as fast as she could, and jumped over the puddle, landing on the edge. Richard, who had remained on the other side, grabbed her just as she began to fall backward. “Whoa! That was close. William, are you ready?”
Richard’s son looked at the puddle and Janet, before backing up farther and running while leaning forward. He landed easily on the other side and quickly stepped forward away from the puddle.
“Well done, William!” Miss Bennet called and stepped forward to congratulate him. “I believe you have won.”
“Oh no, Mistress Mary,” Richard stepped beside her and took her arm. “Not everyone has taken their turn.” He turned to lead her to the other side of the puddle.
“General Fitzwilliam, I am not jumping that puddle.” She looked about. “Besides, I am not the next in line; Georgiana is younger than I am.”
“She is correct, Georgie,” Richard looked to his cousin, but did not release Miss Bennet’s arm.
Laughing, Georgianna backed up a few steps, shaking her head. “I should have worn my boots.” Before Richard could respond to her protests, she ran forward to leap the puddle but landed a few inches short, releasing a squeal. “Ooh, it is … mucky.”
William and Janet stepped forward to take her hands and pull her out as Elizabeth doubled over in laughter. “Whatever did you expect?” she asked her sister as Georgiana gained the other side of the puddle.
“My shoe,” she pouted as she wiggled her muddy stockinged foot. “Richard, retrieve it for me?”
Reluctantly, Richard released Miss Bennet and laughed as he knelt beside the puddle. “It is not that deep, Georgie.” He reached down and plucked her shoe from the water. Shaking it out, he held it for her.
“I do not know which is worse, no shoe or a wet one.” Georgiana grimaced as she slid her toes into the waterlogged slipper.
Standing, Richard approached Miss Bennet once more as she shook her head. “Do you honestly believe I would change my mind now, after seeing Georgiana’s mishap?”
“Come, we shall jump it together.” He held out his hand.
“No, General Fitzwilliam.” Mary pinched her lips together in a weak attempt to hide her smile.
“Mary, if you do not jump the puddle, I shall be forced to take your place.” Elizabeth took two steps back as though she were about to begin her run.
“I think not, Darling.” An arm slipped about her waste and she was drawn against her husband’s solid form. None had heard him as Darcy approached from behind them. He had been in his study when he heard the commotion in the garden below.
“I would not have; really, William.” She blinked up at him, the vision of innocence.
“Of course not, for Mary has agreed to go. Have you not, Mary?” Darcy looked up at Miss Bennet whose eyes grew wider.
“You are encouraging this?” she asked in surprise.
“Why would he not?” Richard asked, drawing her back several feet from the puddle. “I suggest you gather your skirts.”
Doing as he said, Miss Bennet put forth one final protest. “Would it not be best to go separately, sir?”
Richard shook his head as he began to run. “I do not trust you.”
“Oooh!” She cried while running after him as the children cheered. A smile spread across her countenance as she realized she had landed squarely on the other side, but faltered a moment later when she felt a tug upon her hand.
Richard’s foot had come down on the edge of the puddle, causing him to lose his balance. Out of instinct he grasped Miss Bennet’s hand tighter as he fell backward, and his weight was more than she could hold, being caught off guard. She landed on top of him as the water splashed about them.
Chapter Sixteen
The dripping party rounded the corner of Pemberley obviously heading toward the servants’ entrance. A small figure sat upon the stoop, his eyes growing large as he watched their approach.
“Ho there, Adam,” General Fitzwilliam called. “Fetch some towels that we might dry off before Cook chases us from her kitchens.”
“Yessir,” the boy scampered inside and returned immediately, his arms laden with towels.
Mr. Fitzwilliam handed one to Georgiana who took a seat upon the stoop and removed her shoe. “I believe my stocking is ruined,” she laughed as she attempted to wipe the mud from her foot.
With Mr. Fitzwilliam’s assistance, Mary removed her sodden pelisse and accepted a towel. “I fear the damage to my outerwear is irreparable.”
“Well, we shall simply have to visit Lambton tomorrow,” Darcy said as he slipped an arm about his wife. “Richard’s treat, of course.”
“Mine?” The General raised his head as he finished handing towels to the children and instructing them to wipe away anything wet.
“Well, it was your idea to go in search of a puddle, Cousin. Therefore, it should be your responsibility to replace the damaged items.” Darcy looked about at the children as he laid his fingers over his mouth to hide his smile. “Yes, it appears each child requires a new pair of shoes, outer-wear, and,” he shook his head at his daughters, “more petticoats.”
“Forgive me, Darce, but you came late to our activities. It was Miss Bennet’s decision to leap a puddle.”
“General Fitzwilliam, will you please stop insisting that I am behind your mischief.” Mary bent forward to wipe at her skirts and hide the smile which threatened to break forth. Finishing, she handed the towel to the gentleman and motioned toward his person. “You would be better served drying yourself.”
“Oh, Mistress Mary, I am quite beyond hope. I shall have to accept Cook’s disapprobation and place myself in her mercy.”
Adam Turner stepped forward and, taking the towel in hand, began to wipe the muck and water from the General. “Oh no, sir, you don’t wanna do that. Cook hasn’t got much mercy when it comes ta her floors, sir. Shall I fetch Mr. O’Toole for ya?”
As the lad wiped down General Fitzwilliam, Mary noticed a piece of paper lying where he had been sitting. “Mr. Turner, I believe this belongs to you.”
The lad looked at her sheepishly. “Aye, Miss. It’s from my motha, but I have not read it yet. Missus. ‘ampton said she’d ‘elp me af’er her walk w’ Mr. O’Toole.”
“Well, why wait? I can help you, if you would like.” Mary sat down upon the stoop and motioned for him to join her.
Blushing, Adam took the spot she indicated and accepted the paper from her. Haltingly, he read the letter as she assisted him with the more difficult words.
“So Mrs. Turner shall be returning to Matlock later this week.” The General frowned when they finished. “I should hate to see you go, Adam. You have been a great asset here.”
“I agree,” Darcy exchanged a glance with his cousin and a silent conversation pursued between them.
Mary understood from snippets of previous conversations that the gentleman did not feel it was safe for Adam to return to Matlock, but they had only secured his presence at Pemberley until his mother returned. She could see they now contemplated how to extend it. She had learned that Mrs. Turner was the supervisor of the laundry at Matlock; a coveted position. If the woman was smart, she could become a housekeeper one day. Pemberley had no equivalent positions available.
“General Fitzwilliam, have you decided on a property yet?”
Breaking away from his cousin’s gaze, the gentleman turned toward Mary, eyeing her suspiciously. “There are a few I have considered, Miss Bennet, but a decision has not yet been made.”
“Oh.” She bit her lip thoughtfully, then continued. “Once a home is found, will you not be in need of a housekeeper?”
“Yes,” he drawled, looking at the boy and slowly falling her train of thought. “As well as a few grooms.”
Mary’s eyes brightened. “A groom would have to be carefully trained, would he not? It could take quite some time before he would be ready to assume a position. I have heard you say Mr. Turner was doing well in the stables and could make an excellent groom one day, with proper guidance.”
The General glanced at his cousin then back to Mary and smiled. “Yes, Miss Bennet, that is correct.” He turned his attention to the lad. “But Adam, I would prefer you remain at Pemberley where I could supervise your schooling. Do you think your mother would be acceptable to becoming my housekeeper?”
The boy nearly beamed as he glanced between Mary and the General. “I’m certain she would, sir. I know I’d prefer not ta return t’ Matlock.” His eyes grew wide as he obviously realized what he had said. “That is …”
“Have no fear, Adam,” the gentleman laid a hand on his shoulder. “I will not say a word of this to my brother.”
“Thank ya, sir.” The boy released a sigh of relief.
“Well, off with you. Find O’Toole and tell him I have made a mess of myself again.” General Fitzwilliam laughed as he continued to rub at his wet clothing.
***********
Another soft giggle drifted across the private sitting room, and Darcy lowered his book to see his wife seated at her writing desk. “Whatever are you doing, my love?”
Laying down her pen, Elizabeth sanded the paper before her. “I am writing to Jane.”
Though he knew the answer to his question, he asked, “And what are you telling her?”
Giggling once more, Elizabeth folded the letter and melted the wax to seal it. “I was telling her of the mishap which befell us today and inviting her to join us in Lambton tomorrow.”
Darcy laid the book aside, stood, and crossed to his wife’s side. “El
izabeth …”
“I know what you are about to say, William, but I do care not. I think it is amusing how Richard and Mary are getting on.”
Frowning, Darcy stroked his chin. “Do you believe Mary holds expectations of Richard?”
“Expectations? I sincerely doubt Mary realizes her feelings are changing toward the man.” She pressed the Darcy stamp into the wax and rose from her seat. “I simply am enjoying my sister’s first romance, and I know Jane will also.” She crossed to the bell pull and gave it a tug.
Darcy frowned. “You realize, of course, Richard will not offer for Mary.”
Elizabeth’s lips puckered in annoyance as she turned to face her husband. “Richard remains in mourning for my dearest friend, Sarah. I am simply pleased he is once more taking enjoyment in life. I have no serious expectations.”
A knock sounded at the door and Darcy, nodding his head in an unconvincing manner, called for the individual to enter. Elizabeth stepped forward to address the maid who appeared, giving instructions that her letter be delivered to Mrs. Bingley that evening. Once the servant had left, she turned back to her husband.
“This is weighing upon you, William. What has you concerned?”
Darcy shook his head as he stepped closer to her and drew her into his arms. “While at Matlock, Richard learned his sister-in-law is barren. He shall be the next Earl should his brother pass.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth’s brow creased as she leaned against her husband. “That changes everything, does it not?”
“Yes. Though your sister is a lovely girl, I cannot picture her as the next Lady Matlock. I fear she would be out of her element amongst the ton.”
“Poor Mary. I hope she will not be too disappointed.”
***********
“Ah, Adam.” Richard approached the lad who was mucking out a stall. The General had risen that morning feeling as though a plan had been laid before him and he intended to implement it immediately. “As you heard yesterday, it appears we are to journey to Lambton this afternoon on a shopping expedition. I would like you to accompany us to carry packages for the ladies. You shall ride Thistle; I wish to see how your riding skills have improved.”
Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story Page 13
