“Yessir.” The lad hastened to finish his work.
Richard stepped back and watched. When he had seen Adam Turner at Matlock, he had assumed he was a young lad. On their journey back to Pemberley, he had learned the boy was thirteen; simply small for his age. Richard could not help but think of his brother, Eric, who had also been a late bloomer.
Unlike Eric, it appeared Adam was eager to work; wishing to succeed at every task laid before him. Jacobs, Darcy’s stable master, was quite impressed by the lad. Perhaps one day Mr. Adam Turner will be my stable master. Richard glanced at his timepiece, and went looking for Jacobs.
***********
Mary looked up into the bright sunshine as she stepped out the front door of Pemberley. “What a lovely day to go to Lambton.”
Slipping a hand through her sister’s arm, Elizabeth nodded. “Perhaps Richard’s romp through the gardens was well planned after all.” She giggled at Mary’s attempt to frown. “Are you still upset with me?”
“My own sister did not come to my aide.”
Elizabeth nudged her and smiled slyly. “It did not appear you truly desired my assistance.”
“How could you say such a thing? I called out for you; I attempted to free myself from his grip.”
“But when he released your hand, you maintained your grip upon his arm.”
Mary’s eyes widened as she looked at Elizabeth and then away. “Did I?”
Attempting to allay her sister’s unease, Elizabeth leaned closer. “I do not believe anyone other than myself noticed, or thought ill of you for it.”
Slowly Mary turned back to meet Elizabeth’s gaze. “I fear I have been very confused recently. It seems no matter what I attempt, I am putting my foot in it.”
“Nonsense,” Elizabeth smiled warmly as she brushed a loose hair back from Mary’s cheek. “I have always admired how you followed your beliefs, even when Papa teased you and Mama berated you. You are far braver than you know, Mary.”
“Am I?”
The look of longing and need to be accepted which filled her sister’s eyes nearly brought Elizabeth to tears. Embracing Mary, she whispered in her ear, “You are strong enough to stand against the entire ton if they attempted to hurt someone you loved. I am so proud you are my sister.”
As they separated, Mary looked at her curiously, but Elizabeth did not meet her gaze. “The gentlemen have decided to ride. I believe we shall have the hood lowered on the barouche so it will be easier to converse with them. What a pity Jane is unable to meet us in Lambton. We would have made a very merry party.”
“We do not require Jane to be merry.” Glancing up, Mary smiled as she saw the horses and equipage moving toward them. “Oh look, Lizzy, it appears Mr. Turner will be accompanying us.” Her eyes narrowed in contemplation and she turned once more to her sister. “Lizzy, do you know why Darcy and General Fitzwilliam are reluctant to allow the boy to return to Matlock?”
A blush coloured Elizabeth’s cheeks. “It is my understanding a visitor to Matlock meant him harm. Since his mother was not in attendance and his father is away in service to the King, there was none to protect the lad.”
“Oh,” Mary frowned, feeling she knew no more than before she had asked. “But why would a guest at Matlock feel such enmity toward a young servant?”
Releasing an exasperated sigh, Elizabeth drew her sister toward the carriage. “It is nothing a proper young lady would speak of, Mary. Be content to know my husband and his cousin will not allow the lad to return to such an environment.”
Mary swallowed hard as she looked once more at Adam. “They are good men.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth smiled. “Indeed, they are very good men.”
“But what of the General’s brother? Would he harbour such a person who would injure a child?” Mary could feel her face warm and was certain she was flush with indignant anger. “Is he not an Earl? What can we expect of our leaders if he would allow such things in his own home?” She turned toward her sister, but Elizabeth was looking across the way to the road leading to Pemberley.
“Oh dear, it appears you shall soon learn more of His Lordship.” Elizabeth pointed to where a regal-looking carriage was descending the opposite hill.
Turning, she called to a footman and asked him to summon Mr. Darcy and General Fitzwilliam. When she turned back, she noticed Mary had moved closer to the young groom-in-training and was watching the vehicle suspiciously.
The carriage reached the steps of Pemberley as Darcy and the General exited the building with Georgiana and the children in tow. Darcy motioned for Elizabeth and Georgiana to assist the children into their waiting barouche, while he walked toward his cousin’s.
“James, this is a surprise,” he called out as the Earl of Matlock stepped down from the vehicle. “As you can see, we were about to leave. A few minutes more and you would have missed us.”
“Do not sound so disappointed, Darcy. I am come to speak to my brother; you may continue with your plans.”
James’s superior air rankled Darcy. “Ah, but your brother is one of our party,” he said through a false smile, determined not to be dismissed.
Laying a hand upon his cousin’s shoulder, General Fitzwilliam stepped between the two men. “All is well, Darce; I am certain what James has to say will only take a minute. You ride ahead with the ladies and I will join you before long.”
Mary still stood by Adam, absent-mindedly petting the horse beside them while listening intently to the gentlemen’s conversation. She saw her brother-in-law tense as though he would argue with the General, but eventually he turned toward her instead.
“Mary, may I assist you to the carriage?” he asked as he approached.
Hesitantly, she glanced at the lad beside her, uncertain of how to respond. She wished to know the purpose of Lord Matlock’s visit and if it involved Young Adam. Though she knew General Fitzwilliam would not allow anything to happen to the boy if it were within his power, she was uncertain if he would stand against his brother.
Darcy, as though sensing her unease, turned to the lad. “Adam, please assist Miss Bennet to the carriage and then mount your horse. We will not allow my cousin’s ill-timed arrival to delay our plans farther.”
Smiling shyly at her brother, Mary took the boys offered arm and joined her family in the Barouche. She watched as the lad hurried past the Fitzwilliam brothers and pulled himself into the saddle before joining Darcy. With a final glance toward the gentlemen standing by the steps, they pulled away from the manor.
Elizabeth looked at her sister, an impish smile playing about her lips. “Did I not tell you that you would stand against any who posed a threat to those for whom you care?”
Shaking her head, Mary looked back toward the house, but the brothers were no longer in sight. She wondered what they could be discussing.
Chapter Seventeen
“This must certainly be important, James, for you to leave your guests and come to Pemberley. I sincerely hope you are not going to renew your former request. If so, you have waisted both our time.” Richard led his brother into the house and up the stairs to Darcy’s study.
When the cousins had been notified of the Earl’s arrival, they decided it best he be confined to that secluded room. Darcy was confident in his staff’s discretion, but it was difficult to know what Lord Matlock would say. It was better to avoid placing anyone in the temptation of gossip.
Richard closed the door behind his brother and motioned toward the wingback chairs in front of the desk. “Well, James? What has brought you to Pemberley? You are unnervingly silent.”
Lord Matlock ignored the seats and paced the length of the room before returning to his brother. “You have made things difficult for me, Richard. Beardsley was quite put out when he learned you had taken the boy away with you.”
A slow smile spread across the General’s lips. “Not half as put out as you will be when I steal away your head laundress.”
“I beg your pardon? Explain yourself.”
<
br /> Shrugging his shoulders, Richard crossed to the chairs and took a seat, casually settling his ankle upon the opposite knee. “The lad’s mother is your head laundress. I have decided to offer her the position of housekeeper when I purchase a home.”
“You have a housekeeper,” James snapped at his brother in irritation.
Richard waved his hand dismissively. “She resigned when we left London without knowing when or if we would return. Her family is there and she does not wish to leave them.”
The earl frowned. “You would hire a woman you have yet to meet, for a position she may not be able to fulfil, in order to save the lad?”
“I have faith. If she is anything like her son, she is a hard worker who learns quickly; and Mrs. Reynolds will be happy to instruct her.” Richard dismissed the doubts his brother had sewn in his decision for a later time.
James took the seat opposite Richard and leaned forward. “Well that is something with which my wife will deal; I did not come to discuss domestics with you.”
“Then why have you come, James?” Richard asked, allowing a hint of boredom to enter his tone.
“It appears you are no longer in mourning and I demand you return to Matlock.”
Heat rose in his chest as Richard reached to his arm and patted the band which was firmly in place. “I know not who gave you such information, James, but it is untrue.”
“I have been told you were seen cavorting with Mrs. Darcy’s sister.” He levelled a critical eye upon his brother. “If she is as spirited as her older sister, I can understand the attraction; but you must remember, you shall be the next Earl of Matlock. I would not want you to find yourself in my shoes.”
Dropping his foot to the floor, Richard sat forward. “I am curious regarding your sources, Brother. It is clear they are misunderstanding innocent interactions between myself and Miss Bennet. I believe Darcy would be quite displeased to learn someone on his staff might be spreading false gossip. You may be able to replace your head laundress sooner than expected.”
“Do not become up in arms, Richard.” The Earl’s lips turned up in an unattractive smirk. “By your response, one might assume you have feelings for Miss Bennet.”
“You are beneath her, James. She is an excellent woman with a good heart. I know not what you have been told, but our only interactions have been with regard to my children.”
“So you deny walking alone with her closely by your side? Or holding her in a most undignified manner shortly thereafter?” A spark shone in his eye, but his expression remained impassive.
Slowly comprehension dawned and Richard shook his head in derision. “I believe you are referring to the reason for today’s journey to Lambton. Though I owe you no explanation, I believe one shall send you on your way faster than my denial.” Leaning back in a relaxed manner, Richard folded his hands in his lap to keep them from betraying his sudden unease.
“As it has rained for several days, the children were eager to be outside yesterday to enjoy the sun. Miss Bennet and I accompanied them to give their nursemaids a much needed rest. I was escorting her, as any proper gentleman would.” He bit lightly on the inside of his lip to hide the smile which attempted to escape. “There was nothing illicit in our manner.”
“Then how came the two of you to be lying in a puddle in each other’s arms?” James asked, all amusement gone from his expression. “Would you have this untitled, unconnected woman able to make demands upon you? Can you imagine her as the next Countess of Matlock?”
“She would be a sight better than the current,” Richard muttered under his breath.
“I beg your pardon?”
“The puddle was completely my fault, James. I slipped and, as I was holding her arm at the time, she fell with me. The manner in which we landed was completely out of our control.” Sudden anger filled Richard as he realized he sounded like a school-boy explaining himself to his betters. “I still do not see how this is any of your business.”
Standing, Richard crossed toward the door. “I believe this discussion is finished. Due to my awkwardness yesterday, I owe Miss Bennet a new pelisse and I must be going.”
“You are purchasing her clothing?” James jumped from his seat and was by his brother’s side in a few quick strides. “Do you not understand this only worsens the situation?”
“There is no situation, James! Why are you so concerned?” He could hear his voice rising and was unable to stop it. “Is there more that you are not telling me? Have the physicians given you only months to live and I shall be earl before the year is out?” Richard stepped away, fighting to regain his composure.
Once he had taken several deep breaths, he felt he was able to continue. “When we were boys, you rarely spent any time with Eric or myself. I realize there were several years between us and I was most likely a pest to you, as I considered Eric to be. As we came to majority, you were so consumed by being the heir that there was little we found in common.” Turning he met his brother’s eye. “I understand you always believed you would pass the title to your son, and now that is unlikely; however, I must point out to you that I am not your child.
“I am a grown man who has been to war and seen the horrors there. Who has loved a woman with all my being, and who has felt his very heart torn from his chest when she died. Who now must make decisions which will affect his children for the remainder of their lives, alone. I do not require you to point out what is proper and what is not.”
Richard took another deep breath as he reached out and placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I have no desire to be Earl, James. I wish you a long and happy life. It is clear there are things you hope to accomplish, and I wish you the best in your endeavours. I intend to take up a quiet existence, far from London and the ton, raising horses and my children.”
“With Miss Bennet at your side?” James asked quietly.
Richard straightened as he met his brother’s eyes, knowing James could read his every thought. “Were I to be honest with myself, at this time there is no other I could imagine being a better mother to my children. That being said, I have no desire to remarry; but you have made me think on it.”
A smile crept across Richard’s lips as he watched realization dawn upon his brother. James turned away, possibly in an attempt to school his features, before taking a step toward the door.
“Well, I must return to Matlock and see to my guests.” He paused before leaving the room. “Do be conscious of your actions, Richard. You are wrong to say I thought you a pest when we were growing up. I envied your freedom. No matter what expectations Father held for you, you were determined to be your own man. Though you did not disobey him, you never strayed from your path. I like to think I have done that when it comes to my politics. I am certain Father would not approve of all I have set in motion, but he might have respected me for it.”
“I am certain he does, James.”
They shook hands, and Richard walked his brother to the waiting carriage. Once the earl was on his way, Richard mounted his horse and turned toward Lambton. As he rode, he gave thought to what his brother had said.
Chapter Eighteen
“I simply do not believe it is necessary, Lizzy.” Mary tilted her head and looked at the fabric laid before her.
Elizabeth released an exasperated sigh. “Mary, you must be reasonable. The pelisse you had was suitable for Hertfordshire, but not Derbyshire. Our temperatures are cooler.”
“But it is summer, and I know not how long I shall remain in Derbyshire.” For that manner, she had no idea where she may go next. If she were to go to London or travel with her aunt and uncle, she knew not what weight pelisse would be suitable. She shook her head. “I would prefer to replace the ruined one with something comparable.”
“Oh, but that green will look lovely on you.” Georgiana lifted the material so it draped across Mary’s shoulder and inhaled sharply. “Why until just now, I never noticed the green flecks in your eyes. You must have it!”
Before M
ary could say more, Georgiana was motioning for the clerk to join them.
“I fear you have been overruled, Miss Bennet.”
Mary startled as she turned to see the General standing just behind her. She had not heard him enter the shop or approach them as she had been determined not to spend more of his money than absolutely necessary. As she met his gaze, his eyes widened in dismay. Frowning, she turned away.
“It is too much, sir. I shall have the clerk bring out other fabrics.” She pulled the cloth away, as it still hung draped over her shoulder, and laid it back upon the table.
Georgiana returned with the clerk, but before anyone could speak, the General stepped forward. “Miss Bennet would like a pelisse made of this fabric.” He laid his hand upon the bolt which Mary had just discarded. “She must also have gloves and a scarf to compliment it.”
Bowing, he turned toward Elizabeth. “I assume your husband has the boys at the haberdashers?”
She nodded and he walked out of the shop without another word.
“My word, whatever has gotten into him?” Georgiana asked before turning back to assist Mary in locating the other items he mentioned.
A small smile turned up the corners of Elizabeth’s lips as she considered the expression she had seen upon the man’s countenance after he had looked at her sister. He may be heir to an earldom, but he is still a man. Suddenly realizing she sounded like her mother, she shook herself and returned to browsing through the display of young girls’ petticoats.
***********
Richard stood just inside the doorway of the tailor’s establishment, an amused smile playing about his lips as he watched his cousin. It was clear Darcy was enjoying his time with the boys, and Richard wondered if he were imagining them to be his own sons.
Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story Page 14
