Postscript from Pemberley

by Rebecca Ann Collins

  However, she was not able to assist him when he asked, “And why do you suppose she decided to return at this time to Colley Dale rather than continue with her work there?”

  Jessica shook her head. “I did not ask her, and she did not tell me. It was not relevant to our current discussion. I do recall she claimed she had been bored with life at Lindfield Towers; besides, the children she was supposed to teach had no desire to learn,” she replied.

  Darcy was not unsympathetic. “I can appreciate that it must then have been a trying situation indeed, but enough to make one give up what must have been a prestigious and well-remunerated position?” he mused, but said nothing more about it.

  He had already discovered something of her taste in literature and music from the lady herself, and her sister Elena had let slip the fact that Kathryn was twenty-five years old, a few years younger than he was, and that, in the intimate circle of her family, she was called Kate.

  “Do you suppose she has a preference for it?” he asked Jessica with a degree of interest that amused her vastly, for why would such a trivial matter signify, she wondered, unless his partiality for the lady was on the increase. No young man who is a mere indifferent acquaintance would consider such a trifling detail to be of any consequence, she thought.

  But she answered him honestly, “I cannot tell for certain, Darcy. She has certainly not indicated to me that she prefers one or the other. I do know Elena has always referred to her as 'my sister Kate,' which may indicate that where there is some closeness or intimacy in the relationship, as in a family or with a dear friend, the diminutive is preferred.”

  Darcy concurred, deciding he would observe how this played in the family when he called on them the following week. It was an occasion to which he looked forward with pleasure and some degree of trepidation.

  The enquiries he had made at Camden Park about their former steward and trainer had revealed that Mr Daniel O'Hare was a man of very strong views and an uncertain temper.

  There were stories aplenty of his remarkable prowess as a horseman and steward, but also a few about his Irish temper. Darcy was pleased to be forewarned; he had no desire to anger the father of Kathryn O'Hare. It had been clear to him from the tone of her voice when she spoke of her father that there was a good deal of affection between them.

  Darcy Gardiner called on the O'Hares on a fine, mild morning in late Summer, not long before Mr Disraeli, unable to hold out any longer, finally called on the Queen to dissolve the Parliament.

  The invitation came through Kathryn, who had promised she would be there at their first meeting, but had assured him that there would be nothing to be concerned about, since her father had the highest regard for the Darcys of Pemberley as well as Dr Richard Gardiner.

  “Dr Gardiner treated my father when he was first injured and has seen him often since. He is much loved in our family for his kindness and respected for his skill. Which means, Mr Gardiner, you can bask in the reflected glory of both your father and grandfather—in addition to the fact that my father has heard only the best reports of you.”

  Astonished at this candid remark, Darcy asked, “And pray from whom has he had these reports?” only to be fobbed off with a light riposte about not asking too many questions and not looking a gift horse in the mouth!

  Clearly, he thought, he was not supposed to question her too closely on the subject. Deciding to comply, Darcy promised himself he would pursue the matter later and discover what claims had been made for him.

  He had a general suspicion that the “reports” had come from her, but had no wish to disconcert her by pressing the matter now.

  Mr O'Hare turned out to be a man in his late fifties, still handsome, with a clear, tanned complexion, a bright smile, and features that immediately recalled his elder daughter's countenance. His greying hair had traces of the deep auburn colour that was also her most striking feature.

  But there the resemblance ended for he was tall, almost gaunt, while she was of medium height and her figure was well formed and graceful. His firm voice bespoke a man used to command, while hers had the gentle but persuasive tones of a teacher, who understood the need to explain and convince.

  When they were introduced, Mr O'Hare stood up, using a sturdy cane to support himself, and was later helped into his chair by Elena, while Mrs O'Hare went to order the tea. Kathryn then busied herself handing out plates with slices of cake, looking from time to time to ascertain whether her father was comfortably settled, before getting him his tea.

  In the intimate atmosphere of their modest parlour, Darcy was immediately aware of the closeness of the family group. Quite soon he learned the answer to one of his unanswered questions when both Mr and Mrs O'Hare referred to their daughter as Kate. He caught the lady's eye and observed that she was a little amused that he had noticed it.

  Everyone having partaken of cake and tea, Elena removed the tea things and left the room with her mother, leaving Kathryn with Darcy and her father. Darcy was grateful for her presence; she stayed as she had promised she would and, in doing so, made their conversation much easier.

  At first both men were hesitant and tentative as they groped their way through two or three topics. Having dispensed with the weather, the parlous state of the road between Matlock and Staffordshire, and the state of British agriculture, they were silent for a while until Kathryn informed her father that Mr Gardiner was the captain of the district cricket team. Mr O'Hare was interested, and there was something more to talk about, but with the season just ending, the conversation was about to lapse again, when the mention of the imminent election brought it back to life.

  Mr O'Hare expressed his dislike of Mr Disraeli in no uncertain terms.

  “I have to say, Mr Gardiner, I do not trust the man. They say the Queen likes him; well, if she does, she should tell him it is time to be gone. I cannot believe the people will vote him back in; even those to whom he has lately extended the franchise must by now be weary of him,” he said, with unconcealed antagonism.

  Darcy, meeting Kathryn's eyes, smiled and nodded, happy to have been forewarned.

  “Indeed, sir, if they are not, then they ought be, for he has long outstayed his welcome. Mr Gladstone has been ready for an election for many months now; he waits only for a date to be fixed.”

  “Ah, Mr Gladstone, the people's William—now there is a man I can and will trust,” declared Mr O'Hare, hastening however to add, “Well, I should say I would trust him more easily, if he were to pass a law giving all voters a secret ballot. There is too much opportunity for bribery and intimidation by landlords, mill owners, and the like now. Do you not agree, Mr Gardiner? What do you think, would Mr Gladstone support the secret ballot?”

  Darcy had never given the matter much serious thought and was quite surprised to hear such a cogent argument in its favour. He took awhile to collect his thoughts and frame an answer, which gave Kathryn time to ask her father if he needed another cushion for his back. His response revealed a gentleness that had not been obvious to Darcy before.

  “Thank you, Kate my dear,” he said as she tucked a cushion behind him and settled him in. He stroked her hand as it lay on his shoulder and said simply, “I am glad you have come home, my love; your mother and I have missed you very much.”

  At this she coloured slightly and made an excuse to leave the room, leaving them together.

  “She's a good girl, my Kate,” he went on. “Her mother and I have missed her these last few years. Do you have sisters, Mr Gardiner?”

  “Indeed I do, sir, two of them; one was recently married, to Mr Carr who has purchased the Rushmore Farm and Stud.”

  “Ah yes, I do believe Mrs O'Hare mentioned it. I know the stud well, and I understand the new owner has made some improvements to the place?”

  Darcy told him yes, he had, and their conversation moved to other more mundane matters for a while before Darcy, realising that Mr O'Hare was probably tiring and quite possibly in some pain, rose to take his leave.

/>   As he did so, Kathryn and her mother returned, and everyone thanked him for coming. Mr O'Hare urged him to tell Mr Gladstone, when he met him, that “he must bring in a law to enforce the secret ballot, else it will do no good at all to extend the franchise, because the same corrupt individuals will bribe their way back into the Parliament.”

  Promising to pass the message on, Darcy said his farewells.

  Kathryn accompanied him into the hall, and as they stood there, she thanked him again for coming. “Do not feel that you have to take everything he says seriously,” she added. “My father has been immersed in all of this for years; it must have been a great pleasure to be able to talk so openly and passionately about it with you,” she said, and Darcy, making light of it, assured her he had enjoyed every minute of it.

  “It is good to find a man as committed and keen as your father, Miss O'Hare, and I truly appreciate his sincerity,” he said, adding quickly, “I shall certainly convey his views about the secret ballot to Mr Colin Elliott, MP, who is close to Mr Gladstone and quite likely to be in the ministry after the next election. Rest assured he will hear of it, as soon as I go to Westminster.”

  “Will that be soon?” she asked softly and he replied promptly, “It cannot be soon enough for me; Mr Gladstone and the party are ready and eager for the campaign to commence; only Dizzy, the old fox, delays us,” Darcy replied.

  When he took his leave of her and left, Kathryn thought about his words. Could he really have meant “it cannot be soon enough for me” because he was impatient to be gone to Westminster to join his friends, since life in Derbyshire had grown dull and boring? Or did he mean only that he wished the election would be brought on sooner, because as a loyal supporter of Mr Gladstone he wanted him to win. Kathryn had no way of telling, but she could not help feeling a twinge of disappointment that he would soon be gone. He was quite the most interesting young man she had encountered in years.

  When they met again at Camden House, his parents' home, where Kathryn had been invited to dine, Parliament had been dissolved and the date for the election fixed. Darcy Gardiner was preparing to leave for London.

  Jessica had suggested that Kathryn should come prepared to stay overnight at Pemberley after the dinner.

  “It will be better than returning alone in a carriage at that hour of night,” she had said. “We could convey you to Colley Dale on the morrow, after breakfast.” Kathryn had thanked her and through her Mrs Darcy, who had suggested the arrangement.

  “If you are sure it will not inconvenience anyone?” she said, and Jessica assured her she would not.

  “Of course it will not, there are rooms aplenty at Pemberley House, and if you wish, you may use my room; it will be no trouble at all.”

  The dinner party was both pleasant and impressive. The guests, mainly family and close friends, had been gathered in the elegant Regency Room at Camden House and plied with a variety of refreshments before being invited to accompany their host and hostess into the dining room.

  A pleasing degree of informality had permitted the guests to be introduced to each other and then to circulate and talk to those they knew best, but in the dining room, they sat at assigned places, which made Kathryn nervous, for she knew very few of the people present.

  She gave silent thanks, however, and could not hide her pleasure when she found herself seated next to Mr Darcy with Jessica to her left and Darcy Gardiner opposite, with his grandmother beside him.

  “In such good company,” she thought, “I shall certainly not be bored through dinner.”

  And she was not, for between them Mrs Darcy and her grandson kept up a most interesting series of conversations, which, even when she was not participating in them, held her attention. Mr Darcy commented gently that his wife had lost none of her wit and their grandson had inherited some of it himself.

  Encouraged by their response, Darcy Gardiner had provided a commentary upon many matters, all of which were either intriguing, amusing, or both. Diverting and intelligent observations on matters social and political, drawn either from his experience of life in London or his knowledge of the local area, kept them entertained throughout the meal.

  Aside from the more serious aspects of his character, his sense of honour and loyalty, which were not immediately apparent to the casual observer, Darcy Gardiner's easy charm was his main asset, and Kathryn could see why he was so well liked within his family and among their general acquaintance. He did not stand upon ceremony and rarely intervened in a conversation with the sole purpose of asserting his opinion. On the contrary, he was a keen listener and frequently asked for the views of others on a subject, before offering his own.

  Recalling the stifling formality of Lindfield Towers and the exasperating pretensions of her previous employers and their coterie of sycophants, Kathryn was delighted by the friendliness and hospitality of Sir Richard and Lady Gardiner and their charming family. They mingled easily with all their guests, and Kathryn found herself able to relax and enjoy the occasion to the fullest extent. With excellent food, fine wines, good company, and post-prandial entertainment of a high quality provided by a chamber music ensemble, everything was designed to enhance their pleasure through the evening.

  Later, the company broke into small groups as tea and coffee were served, and seeing Darcy Gardiner at the coffee table waiting for his cup to be replenished, Kathryn took the opportunity to approach him.

  She had hoped all evening for such a moment and he, sensing she was desirous of speaking with him alone, waited while she re-filled her cup and moved with her, indicating a seat beside a window at the far end of the room.

  Some part of the way through dinner, as it became clear that Darcy would soon be leaving for Westminster, Kathryn had formed a resolution to speak with him that evening. She wished to express her thanks and that of her parents for his kindness in calling upon them and spending above an hour in conversation with her father.

  It was something for which she had sought an opportunity and when it appeared, she took it. As they seated themselves, she said, “Mr Gardiner, I must convey to you my heartfelt thanks and those of my mother for your very generous gesture in visiting my father and spending time with him. I cannot tell you how much it has meant to him, how elated and gratified he has been since your visit.”

  “I am delighted to hear it,” said Darcy, acknowledging her remarks, and she added, “It has been many years since he has been able to speak so openly and enjoy such a lively discourse with someone who shared his concerns and hopes. He has spoken of it often since that day and with so much pleasure; my mother truly believes it has been more efficacious than his medication in improving his spirits. I wanted very much to tell you how deeply your kindness is appreciated.”

  As she spoke Darcy had remained silent, though his countenance revealed clearly that he was not unmoved by her words.

  When she had finished speaking, he said gently, “Miss O'Hare, please do not think me unappreciative of your kind sentiments, but you must not feel that you owe me any gratitude on that score. I called on your family and spent what was for me a most exhilarating hour in conversation with your father, whose knowledge of and dedication to the great Reformist cause, which I support, quite astonished me. I am pleased indeed, that he enjoyed our meeting, but the greater pleasure was mine, I assure you, for his is surely a far longer and more intense commitment to a great cause. It is not often that I meet someone in this district with the same passion and loyalty as your father has expressed.”

  Looking directly at her, he added, “Please tell him that I greatly appreciated the opportunity, and if he so desires, I should be more than happy to visit him again, when I am returned from Westminster, to acquaint him with the progress of our campaign.”

  As he concluded his words, Kathryn looked at his face, keen to ascertain whether he was merely being gentlemanly and polite.

  His expression was open and sincere; from what she could see, there was nothing in his manner or tone to suggest that he
was being other than completely honest with her.

  She smiled and said, “Thank you, you are very kind; I shall convey your message to my father, and I know he will be delighted to see you again and will look forward to news of the campaign.”

  At which he inclined his head in acknowledgement, then, taking her cup, placed it and his own upon a side table and offered her his arm.

  “Now, I believe there is to be some entertainment in the music room; my sisters have been persuaded to play and sing; they will be most displeased with me if I do not attend. Shall we go?” he asked, and Kathryn rose and went with pleasure.

  Observing him as they watched the performance of Lizzie Carr and young Laura-Ann, she saw his expression soften with affection as he listened and his eyes light up with pleasure at the appreciative applause they received from the party. Plainly, he was quite devoted to his family.

  Later that night, Jessica and Kathryn returned with Mr and Mrs Darcy to Pemberley House, in the carriage that took only a very little time to convey them the short distance from Camden Park.

  Jessica had arranged for Kathryn to have a room opposite her own.

  Since the hour was late, they spent only a little while in conversation, remarking upon the success of the evening and the enjoyment they had each derived from the occasion. Jessica had not failed to notice that Kathryn had spent some time speaking with her cousin Darcy after dinner and that she appeared very pleased and happy thereafter.

  But, since Kathryn had made no special mention of it, neither did Jessica, before bidding her friend good night and sending a maid to attend upon her.

  After the girl had helped with her toilette and withdrawn, Kathryn retired to bed, but it was a while before she could sleep.