by Webb, Brenda
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is not often that I get to honour someone with a toast who is…” Lord Walter Hornsby stopped to gauge Lady Hawthorne’s reaction with a twinkle in his grey eyes.
“Walter, do not dare!” Lady Hawthorne warned, her tone ominous though her slight smile suggested otherwise. “Just remember that I shall have the chance to retaliate at your birthday.”
“… the youngest in spirit of any woman of my acquaintance!”
All the guests laughed. And beaming with satisfaction, Lord Hornsby continued. “May you have many, many more birthdays and may they be as joyous as this one.”
Violet Hawthorne glowed as he and the entire company lifted their glasses in a salute and Georgiana leaned in to whisper. “I think he favours you.”
She was surprised when her hostess blushed without replying.
~~~*~~~
In the garden, Lady Ashcroft was trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible while standing several feet away from the young couple. She was hidden from view of the house by some ornamental trees and shrubs, but her eyes were trained on the French doors through which they had escaped the house. It was not yet dark, and she could see clearly until the sun disappeared entirely. Very aware that it would not do for John Wilkens to find his sister with the colonel, Lady Ashcroft was determined that he would not. Thus, she acted as a sentry and though she could not hear what Alfreda or the colonel said, just the fact that they had rushed into each other’s arms had convinced her that Lady Hawthorne was right—they were still in love, and that made all the danger worthwhile.
As she stood guard, her chest swelled with satisfaction at the thought of thwarting John Wilkens’ plans for Alfreda. Reminded of her own intrigues— defying her father and meeting Joseph in the gardens at Matlock during balls and dinner parties—she felt she could do no less. The Earl of Matlock had not been in favour of Joseph’s suit, instead pressing her to marry a much older, wealthier earl. Like Fitzwilliam, Joseph was very wealthy but had no title. But her heart had been Joseph’s from the moment she had set eyes on him, and she would not be deterred. After spending one entire season dodging the man her father had championed, Edward Fitzwilliam had realized that Audrey would never relent, and he had given Joseph permission for a courtship. She smiled to think that it had come just in the nick of time, as they had begun planning a trip to Gretna Green.
Lost in her memories, Lady Ashcroft was startled to hear the sound of two men talking and peered around the trees just in time to see Lord Landingham walk out onto the terrace. He was arguing with the very man she was trying to avoid, John Wilkens, who had stopped just ahead of him. Wilkens looked upset at first, but whatever Landingham was saying seemed to be calming him, and before long, both men turned and went back into the house. Audrey sighed in relief and glanced to the swing where the two young people, totally lost in each other, seemed unaware of what had just transpired. It was time to spirit Alfreda back into the house.
Stepping towards them, she spoke softly, “Alfreda.”
The young woman jumped up from the swing, her eyes wide with fright. “My brother has arrived?”
“Yes, but he has been diverted from the gardens. It is best you accompany me back into the house straightaway.”
Cochran had already stood and put a calming hand on Alfreda’s shoulder. At Lady Ashcroft’s pronouncement, he turned her so she had to look into his eyes. “Trust me, and do not be afraid. Your aunt will see that we are allowed to marry.”
Alfreda nodded her head in agreement. “It is just… I know that Brother will be terribly unhappy with me and angry with you when he learns of our plans.”
“Remember, he does not know about our reunion tonight, so he has no reason to be angry. He will not be happy to learn of my presence here, of that we can be certain, but he has no idea what we are planning. And he will not learn anything until Lady Hawthorne is ready to take control of the situation.”
She reached for his hands. “Please be careful. My brother can be ruthless.”
“I do not fear him. It is he who should fear me.” The colonel leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her trembling lips. “Be brave, my love. We shall be man and wife ere long.”
“That is all that keeps me strong. I love you, David.”
Another soft kiss followed. “As I love you.”
Audrey Ashcroft reached out to take Alfreda’s hand, and with an apologetic smile towards Cochran, pulled them apart, advising him, “Hurry around to the front door and come in as though you are just now arriving.”
The colonel nodded and swiftly walked towards the side of the manor. Guiding Alfreda towards the steps to the terrace, Audrey Ashcroft declared, “Remember, you accompanied me to the gardens because I felt unwell.”
“I will remember that and Lady Ashcroft—” Audrey turned as the younger woman came to a stop. “Thank you for helping us.”
A quick nod and smile were all there was time for as they hurried into the house. Just as they entered the main hallway, they encountered Alfreda’s suspicious brother coming out of the dining room, obviously more upset than before. A weary looking Marshall Landingham was right on his heels, his expression one of extreme irritation until he saw Audrey. Smiling slightly, it was obvious that his patience with chaperoning Wilkens was wearing thin.
“There you are! Where have you been?” Wilkens exclaimed immediately upon seeing his sister. “I have been looking for you since I arrived. Miss Bennet never left the dining room, but you—”
Lady Ashcroft rose to her full height, interrupting the ill-bred man. “Your sister was kind enough to accompany me to the garden when I fell ill,” she reached to take Alfreda’s hand. “I was fortunate to be seated with her, as she was more interested in my health than the dinner being served. Most of the guests were so busy they did not notice my distress.”
Wilkens turned to assail Landingham. “I was right! I told you we should have searched the gardens!”
“So you were,” was all the older man uttered, though he was having considerable trouble keeping a straight face.
Wilkens studied Lady Ashcroft carefully before fixing his gaze back on his sister. Apparently he believed their ruse and abruptly changed his attitude, though his expression did not soften, and it was evident he was not pleased.
“How fortunate my sister was available to be of service. Now, if you will excuse us, I am certain my aunt expects her closest relations to take part in her birthday dinner. Come Alfreda!”
Lady Ashcroft stepped back to allow the siblings to pass. She followed their progress until they were completely out of sight. “What a pompous—!”
Landingham guffawed. “You have no idea! I was so tired of following him about that I was considering knocking him unconscious, tying him up with a rope and depositing him in the cellar.”
She smiled widely. “We are too much alike! I am afraid I have never suffered fools gladly nor minced words, and my disposition has not improved with age.”
Her old friend paused, reaching out to lift her chin with his forefinger so they gazed into each other’s eyes. “I love that you do not mince words, Audrey. Do you know how refreshing it is to know exactly what a woman is thinking? I am afraid that I have spent most of my life trying to decipher what a lady meant whenever she opened her mouth.”
Her expression saddened as her eyes drifted downward. “Even if what I think does not agree with what you desire?”
He took her hand and began pulling her toward the empty library through which they had come from the garden. Closing the door behind them, he pulled her into an embrace.
“Well, perhaps not then. You have known for some time how I feel about you, but I am willing to wait until you feel the same way about me.”
She reached to cup his face. “Oh, Marshall, you are too good. I have put you off for so long and yet you remain constant.”
“I love you, Audrey. Nothing can change that, and if you never agree to marry me, I shall remain your suitor until I die.”
/>
Lady Ashcroft lifted on tiptoes to kiss him lightly. “It is a wonder that some woman did not secure your heart long ago. Was there not one in all these years?”
She could see his expression sober in the waning light that streamed through the large windows. Seeing the heartache in his reflection, she regretted her words immediately.
“I do care for you very much. You know that. But you must also accept that I shall never love anyone as I loved Joseph. Can you live with that knowledge?”
“Truthfully, I am not jealous of what you had with your husband. From the little I knew of him, I thought him a good and decent man. And I understand the difficulty of opening your heart to someone new after experiencing a deep, abiding love. I loved a woman for over twenty years, but she did not return my affection in the same way. That is why I never married.”
“Did she marry?”
“Yes. She married a friend, which made it difficult for me, since I had to be in her company often over the years. We did remain friends as well.”
“Do you love her still?”
“She died.” Landingham looked pensive for a moment before managing a smile. “And then I met you, and in spite of my oath never to love again, I could not help falling in love with you. Perhaps it is a different kind of love, a mature love, but I just want to make you happy for the time we have left.” He lifted her hand and placed a soft kiss there. “Let me.”
“I feel an obligation to stay with Georgiana until she is married. Afterward, I shall be glad to talk of our future if you still desire it.”
Landingham leaned down to kiss her, and this kiss was more demanding than any they had previously shared. Amazed when feelings she had thought long dead stirred deep within, Audrey gladly returned his kiss, and they were lost for a time in each other. Only the sounds of numerous footsteps in the hallway outside reminded them that they were not alone. He broke the kiss, then gently cupped her face and studied it as if memorizing every feature.
Sighing with the realization that she was truly happy, Audrey whispered, “I pray that you will renew your proposal at that time.”
The smile that spread across his face was sincere and filled with love. “You may rely on it, my dear.”
Slipping into the hall behind the other guests, reluctantly, they released their joined hands and followed the throng moving towards the ballroom where chairs had been set up and entertainment was about to begin. Nonetheless, just before they entered the room, Audrey Ashcroft sought his hand for one last squeeze—recognition of what they both knew had transpired a few moments ago. A fissure in the facade she had built around her heart had occurred and their relationship would never be the same.
~~~*~~~
Kent
Rosings
Lady Catherine’s Drawing Room
Mr. Ferguson, a rotund, balding man of about five and thirty years, shifted uneasily in the ornate, gilded chair as he waited for his client to appear. Trying to focus on the gaudily decorated walls featuring unclothed women, he was not able to keep his emotions under good regulation. Instead, his face twitched involuntarily as he remembered the occasion, five years before, when he assumed his father’s practice and began dealing with Lady de Bourgh. Now it was plain that he had been too young and inexperienced to comprehend her manipulations or to stand up to her if he had. And he was certain that he was now too deeply involved in her misdeeds to just walk away. In a word, he feared he knew too much.
She kept nothing from him, including the fact that she paid Mr. Wickham to spy on the Darcys for many years and still used him whenever she needed his expertise. However, it was her decision to murder his fellow solicitor, Mr. Lowell, that proved his client was not averse to disposing of anyone she deemed to be standing in her way, and he knew he could easily be the next object of her ire. Never desirous of being involved in any of the dubious aspects of the woman’s business dealings, he was appalled when it took a deadly turn without any consultation on his part. Lady de Bourgh just assumed that he would not object. Moreover, just as he had resolved to escape this very meeting under the guise of being ill, he was interrupted by the arrival of the mistress of the estate. Lady de Bourgh swept into the room, her silk skirts swishing with every step.
“I cannot believe I have not heard anything from that scoundrel, Wickham, in the last week,” she complained loudly, not really expecting him to answer. “How am I to know what is happening unless he sends me word?”
Lady Catherine did not sit, but instead paced the room like a caged animal. Finally stopping to pour herself a glass of brandy, she studied Ferguson but did not offer him a drink. Upon their first meeting, she had informed him that she wanted her advisors of sound mind and not addled by alcohol, so she would not provide liquor. Suddenly she lay into him, the swiftness of her assault making him start.
“What have you done about Lowell’s affairs? I pay you well, and you have done nothing to my knowledge!”
“He… he has not been declared dead, madam. In fact, I do not think anyone has missed him as of yet. He has no immediate family, you see.”
“What is that to you or me?” Lady Catherine exclaimed, downing the rest of her glass. “We KNOW he is dead, so go into his office and see what you can find out about his research on my nephew’s behalf!”
“I cannot go into his office until there is some reason to suspect he is missing or dead. If I were discovered there beforehand, it would look suspicious. I could lose my license or worse.”
She dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand. “I care not about such things. Break into his office at night, if necessary. I must know what he has learned and what he has told my nephew.”
“Madam, you do not pay me enough to lose my license—my very living. I shall volunteer to look into his business affairs once it is common knowledge that he is missing and not a moment before.” He paled to see her eyes narrow.
“You will do well to remember that, by and large, it is I who provides your living.” She studied him for a long moment before continuing. “Very well, then you must be the one to raise the alarm about his disappearance. As a colleague and fellow tenant of the building, report him to the authorities as missing. Just as soon as you are taken seriously, offer to take over his cases and inspect his files.”
Mr. Ferguson stood, hoping to vacate the place as soon as possible. His knees were knocking, though he tried not to let it show. “You can rely on me, madam.”
“I hope you do not disappoint me. Have you finished the report on the joint venture—the one that shows we are making a profit this quarter?”
He flushed to think he had forgotten about the report. “I have changed the account to show a profit, yes.”
“Good. Let me see it. I did not have you come all this way just for company.”
Fishing in the small case he was carrying, he handed a copy to her as she settled in a chair. He remained standing. Every so often, she would grunt or make some other sound to indicate her approval or disapproval with what she read. Finally concluding, she tossed the paper on a nearby table.
“I hope the profit will convince my nephew to put off further inspection when he learns Lowell is dead. By then, I hope he will be more disturbed by my niece’s marriage than business dealings.”
“I imagine he already feels he has no say on the joint venture, what with Mrs. Darcy always voting with you.” Immediately the solicitor knew he had said the wrong thing.
“Mr. Ferguson, you are treading on dangerous ground. Perhaps it is time for you to return to London and present a copy of this report to my nephew.”
Shakily reaching for his hat which sat in the chair next to him, he responded, “Yes. I would like to return home before dark.”
Lady Catherine stood, and without another word, exited the room. Relieved, Ferguson hurried towards the front door of Rosings, grateful that he had not given the butler his hat or coat. There were no servants in sight, and he did not wish to wait for either item in order to leave. Clearing the door
as quickly as possible, he asked a footman outside to send for his coach and waited on the portico for it to appear.
As once more his coach passed through the imposing gates of Rosings, Mr. Ferguson breathed an audible sigh of relief. He had once again met with the most dangerous woman of his acquaintance and lived to speak of it. He was fortunate indeed.
~~~*~~~
Meryton
Longbourn
The Kitchen
“Jane!” Mrs. Bennet screeched as she entered the front door of Longbourn following her morning walk to Meryton. The smell of bread baking wafted through the rooms, as today was the day Mrs. Hill made all the bread for the week. Consequently, her stomach began to grumble in anticipation of a slice as she divested herself of her bonnet and shawl.
Meanwhile, Jane Bennet took a deep breath, bracing herself for what she knew would come next. She had had no trouble hearing the greeting all the way in the far corner of the kitchen where she had gone to collect her baskets. Seeing Mrs. Hill stop her chores to glance her way, she gave the long-time servant a wan smile.
“I am here, Mama,” she answered dutifully. The elderly servant just shook her head sympathetically and resumed kneading her bread dough.
Sweeping into the room, Fanny Bennet began immediately, “Hill, I cannot wait to have a piece of your delicious bread with…” Abruptly she stopped and eyed her oldest and most prized daughter carefully. “What is that you are wearing?”
Jane looked down at the faded blue muslin with several patches along the hem. The gown was serviceable and would do for gathering herbs as she had planned. Before she could explain her choice of clothes, however, her mother was expounding on the art of keeping a fiancé as she simultaneously pulled her prize towards the hallway.
