A Scandal at Pemberley

by Fenella J Miller

  A Scandal at Pemberley

  By

  Fenella J Miller

  (Book Two of The ‘At Pemberley’ Series).

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any method, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of The Author - Fenella J. Miller

  A Scandal at Pemberley Copyright Fenella J. Miller, 2015

  This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’ s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

  For my grandson Charlie Harrison Miller

  Cover design by Jane-Dixon-Smith

  Chapter One

  ‘My word, one would never know that anything untoward had taken place at Pemberley,’ Bingley exclaimed as he looked at the front of the house.

  ‘The workmen have done a splendid job repairing the windows and the damage to the interior where necessary,’ Darcy replied as he held his hand out to Lizzy.

  ‘Ours will be the first Darcy baby born under this roof for more than a hundred years.’ Lizzy took her husband’s hand, no doubt glad of the support as the ground was decidedly slippery. ‘We have been fortunate with the weather this winter, no snow since January, and already the daffodils and snowdrops are in bud.’

  Georgiana had mixed feelings about their return to the family home. Living at The Old Rectory, as Adam’s house was now called, had been most enjoyable. Major Jonathan Brownstone had proved to be an entertaining gentleman, and she was sad she would no longer be able to spend time with him.

  He had been staying at Pemberley when the ghosts had departed so dramatically and had remained to help with the move to The Old Rectory. Unfortunately he had been obliged to return to his regiment shortly afterwards and she had not seen him again until he had arrived two days ago to stand as groomsman to Adam when he and Kitty celebrated their marriage next week.

  ‘Come along, Georgiana, you are wool-gathering. I am eager to be able to walk about Pemberley without fear of being accosted by a ghost.’

  ‘Kitty dearest, did you hear that Fitzwilliam intends to have the East Wing turned into a permanent home for Jane and Bingley? He has already instructed the architects, and the work will be starting as soon as the weather is clement.’ She had only discovered this exciting piece of news herself that morning and was delighted Jane would not now be moving to another establishment.

  ‘That is wonderful. I shall be living no more than three miles from here so we will be able to spend delightful afternoons together at The Old Rectory or here.’

  Georgiana grabbed her friend’s hand and they ran into the house to join in the general exclamations of praise and surprise that the damage done by the departing spectres had been so easily restored. She wished to speak privately to Kitty at the earliest possible opportunity and the only place where they could do this was in the apartment they shared.

  ‘Fitzwilliam, Kitty and I are going to check her bride clothes. Are we to dress for dinner tonight?’

  ‘Yes, of course. King and Brownstone will be joining us and it’s to be a celebration. I believe it’s possible Mr and Mrs Bennet, Mrs Wickham and Miss Bennet might also arrive this afternoon.’ He grinned at Lizzy. ‘No doubt your parents will expect the formalities to be maintained whatever our views on the matter.’

  She returned his smile. ‘There is no need to prevaricate, my love, we all know it is my mother who is a stickler for the niceties of etiquette. My father does not give a fig for such things.’

  Jane and Lizzy, followed by their respective husbands, strolled off to the small drawing room which was the warmest room in this enormous establishment. Georgiana was bursting with her news but knew better than to discuss anything of an intimate nature where a member of staff might overhear.

  The Great Stairs had not been used by the family for some time and she was reluctant to take the first step. Three men had died here, crushed by falling timber, and she was concerned that there might still be ghosts on the premises.

  ‘All of the ghosts have gone, Georgiana, it is perfectly safe to take this route. Indeed, I have every intention of exploring the East Wing for myself before the workmen start the renovations. Shall we go up together? I promise you there are no phantoms at Pemberley now.’

  ‘Well, as you were the one who could speak to them directly, I must take your word for it.’ Georgiana ran up the first few marble steps and stopped, took a deep breath, and her fear vanished. ‘The house does feel quite different. As I told you before, I have never felt quite comfortable here and was always happier spending time away. Now, I do believe Pemberley is a friendly place.’

  Without further hesitation she held her skirts up and ran to the gallery. The feeble February sunlight flickered through the new glass of the enormous windows and made patterns on the polished boards. Kitty joined her and snatching her hands, began to twirl her around the floor. Breathless and happy, they dashed down the wide passageway and into their shared apartment. She was really going to miss her bosom bow when Kitty left next week as the wife of Adam King, the former rector of Bakewell.

  Both their personal maids were busy elsewhere and they had the sitting room to themselves. Georgiana curled up in the nearest armchair and her friend flopped down on the chaise longue opposite. ‘We are supposed to be checking your bride clothes, Kitty, but I’m quite certain Annie and Ellie have got the matter in hand. I wish to tell you something quite remarkable and you must promise not to breathe a word to anyone – especially to Adam.’

  ‘I think I know what you are about to tell me, dearest one. You have feelings for Adam’s dashing friend and I am quite certain he is equally interested in you.’ Kitty smiled in a most particular way. ‘Indeed, I think that you will have no need to tell anybody as they have all guessed your secret.’

  An unpleasant heat travelled from her toes to the crown of her head. ‘Oh, do not say so! I cannot bear to think I have been so transparent in my regard for Major Brownstone.’ She swallowed a lump in her throat. ‘Do you think that Fitzwilliam is aware we are interested in each other?’

  ‘He would have to have had his head in the clouds to have missed the way you and the handsome major have been looking at each other.’

  ‘I liked him from the moment we were first introduced last December. He has an excellent pedigree, and although only a second son, his father is Lord Brownstone and his grandfather is an earl.’

  ‘Does he have his own estate?’

  ‘Unfortunately he has only his bounty from his soldiering and his army pay. But that is of no matter, I have more than enough in my trust fund to keep us both in comfort. In fact, we will be able to purchase an estate in Derbyshire…’ For a second time her face suffused with colour. ‘Forgive me, I cannot imagine what made me say something so indecorous. I can assure you that there has been no mention of marriage or anything of that nature on either side. I was letting my imagination run away with me.’

  ‘You are quite right to consider every element before consenting to a match – the fact that he has not yet asked you to be his bride is neither here nor there. No doubt he will speak to Darcy whilst he is here this time. I’m sure if your brother disapproved he would have stepped in before this and not allowed you to spend any time in Major Brownstone’s company.’

  Georgiana believed she had said too much already, even to her dearest friend. The major was a serving soldier and she had no wish to follow the drum. Unless he was prepared to resign his commission the prospect of an engagement between them was remot
e.

  ‘It is premature to talk of my becoming betrothed to him, I believe it is the fact that you are marrying after knowing Adam for such a short time that has put these ideas into my head. I have no intention of contracting an alliance with anyone until after I have had my Season.’

  Kitty raised an eyebrow. ‘I should think not, you do not have to make a decision on the matter until next year. Indeed, if it hadn’t been for the dramatic events Adam and I became embroiled in, I doubt that we would have moved things on so rapidly. It was being in mortal danger that pushed us closer, and I do not regret my decision one jot.’

  ‘I should think not. Adam is the perfect match for you and I know you’re going to be very happy married to him. I cannot tell you how relieved I am you are going to be living so close to me, you have become very dear since you came last year.’

  ‘You will have both my sisters living here in future. I heard Lizzy say that Mary is to remain behind when my parents return to Longbourn.’

  ‘I doubt that I will feel the same way about Mary, from what you have told me about her she is a bluestocking and not at all lively.’

  ‘That is true, Georgiana, but one could have said the same about you before I arrived and now you are almost as effervescent as I. This time you must be the one to encourage Mary to relax and take life less seriously.’

  The sound of someone moving about in the bedchamber next door halted the conversation. ‘We had better go and check your wardrobe just in case you need to borrow anything else from me. Please promise me you will not mention this conversation to anyone. Indeed, Kitty dearest, I should be eternally grateful if you would reassure Lizzy that I am not looking to become engaged to anyone at the moment. I am hoping she will tell Fitzwilliam not to approach the major.’

  They had been happily engaged in admiring the many new gowns Kitty had when a message came from downstairs summoning them as the Bennet family had arrived. Georgiana was looking forward to meeting Kitty’s family as she had heard much about them. Mr Bennet appeared to be a great favourite with Lizzy and Jane, little had been said about Mary Bennet, but the one she most wished to meet was Lydia Wickham.

  Lydia was the youngest of the Bennet sisters and, if gossip was to be believed, the wildest and the most beautiful. Fitzwilliam had stepped in and saved the girl’s reputation when Wickham had run off with her and then failed to tie the knot. She shuddered at the thought of her own lucky escape from that scoundrel’s clutches. He was persona non grata at Pemberley and for that she was profoundly grateful.

  ‘We must go down, Kitty, your family has arrived. I cannot tell you how eager I am to meet them all.’

  Her friend pulled a comical face. ‘I pray you do not change your mind once you have spent an hour or two in mama’s company. She has a good heart, but...’

  ‘There is no need to apologise for your parent, you are fortunate to still have both of them.’

  As they arrived at the gallery Georgiana thought there must be a dozen or more people milling about in the entrance because of the cacophony of voices, the shrieks and laughter, which echoed up the Great Stairs. She paused and peeked over the balustrade, unexpectedly nervous about meeting the exuberant Bennet family.

  ‘Come along, Georgiana, we are tardy and it has been far too long since my sisters and I have all been together. I cannot wait to introduce you and Adam to everyone.’

  Before she could protest Georgiana was unceremoniously bundled down the marble staircase to join the newcomers. The garrulous lady in a disturbingly large green bonnet could only be the redoubtable Mrs Bennet. Kitty led her across to be introduced.

  ‘Mama, I am delighted to see you and Papa are here at last. I should like to introduce you to Miss Georgiana Darcy.’

  This was a breach of protocol as she should have been introduced to Mrs Bennet not the other way round. However, Kitty’s mother seemed unbothered by this omission. She beamed and the clusters of fruit attached to the rim of her bonnet bobbed in a disconcerting way.

  ‘My dear Miss Darcy, so kind of you to take my Kitty to your bosom. I fear that I am all of a tremble after so long a journey, my nerves are in shreds, and I do declare it will be days before I am feeling myself again.’ She gestured towards Mr Bennet who was talking quietly to Lizzy and Jane. ‘I told Mr Bennet how it would be, but he insisted that we continue our journey and arrive this afternoon when we could have stayed at quite a delightful posthouse overnight and come tomorrow morning.’

  Georgiana was bewildered by this rush of words but covered her confusion by curtsying. Fortunately when she straightened Mrs Bennet had turned her attention to Bingley and she was free to step aside from the crush of people. Mr Bennet was a moderately tall gentleman with a fine head of dark brown hair which had only a sprinkling of grey. She rather thought she might like him for he had an intelligent face and kind eyes.

  The tall, thin young lady, with her hair scraped back into an unattractive bun at the nape of her neck, must be Mary Bennet. Had she not born a remarkable similarity to Lizzy and Kitty, Georgiana might have mistaken her for a servant so plainly was she dressed.

  Lydia looked older than her years, and had a somewhat jaded look that even a spectacular poke bonnet lined in violent green and gold stripes could not hide. Her travelling gown, also of green and gold stripes, was somewhat dated in appearance. In fact Mrs Wickham was a bit of a disappointment. She was certainly a very attractive young lady, but in no way the prettiest of the Bennet sisters, as in her opinion Kitty held that position.

  Lizzy noticed her lurking on the periphery of the circle and held out her hand leaving Georgiana no option but to rejoin the noisy crowd. Surely the ladies must wish to retire to their chambers in order to remove their outer garments, gloves and bonnets? If they were to stand chattering in the entrance hall for much longer those without coats would become chilled.

  ‘Georgiana, you must not be shy with my family. We are not all as noisy as Mama and Lydia, I do assure you. Come, I shall introduce you to my father and to Mary, I am sure you will get on famously.’

  Mr Bennet greeted her warmly. ‘My dear Miss Darcy, I am delighted to meet you, although I must own that Kitty has told us so much about you I feel we are already acquainted.’

  She dipped and returned his smile. ‘We have become very close since she arrived and I shall miss her when she leaves next week to become Mrs King. Have you met her future husband, Mr Bennet?’

  ‘I have not yet had the pleasure, Miss Darcy, but I have been assured by my Lizzy that he is the perfect match for Kitty.’ He glanced at the newly restored windows. ‘I gather there was an explosion here before Christmas and that these had to be replaced. I do hope nothing so bothersome is likely to occur again. I much prefer my life to be without drama and excitement.’ He said this with a commendably straight face, but his eyes drifted towards his lively wife and youngest daughter.

  The fact that the ghosts at Pemberley had caused the damage on their departure was a secret that was to be kept amongst those who had been present at the time. ‘I can assure you, sir, nothing untoward will take place during your visit. The architect believes the event was likely caused by combustible material from the building work that was taking place at the time.’

  He looked unconvinced but fortunately did not question her explanation and was then greeted by Fitzwilliam who had just arrived from a meeting with his steward. If there was one thing she disliked above any other it was being obliged to lie, even though the truth could never be revealed under any circumstances. Lizzy beckoned to her sister Mary who reluctantly moved towards them.

  ‘Mary, let me introduce you to Georgiana. I am sure that you will become bosom bows in no time.’

  Georgiana didn’t curtsy, merely nodded but Mary dipped as if she felt herself an inferior. Something about the girl struck a chord deep within her. Mary would never replace Kitty in her heart, but she was going to make every effort to win her over and make her feel part of the family.

  ‘I am so pleased to meet
you at last, Mary, and I’m hoping that you can be persuaded to remain here when your parents return to Longbourn. There is so much to do and it will be more fun if I have a companion to share it with.’

  Instead of looking pleased by this announcement Mary’s expression became even more subdued. ‘Thank you, Miss Darcy, for your kind offer of employment but I shall return to Longbourn where I can be a comfort and help to Mama.’ She turned away and walked over to join Mrs Bennet and Mrs Wickham who were being gently ushered towards the Great Staircase by Jane.

  ‘Oh, Lizzy, how absolutely dreadful! I have mortally offended your sister and all I wished to do was make her welcome.’

  ‘Georgiana, my dear, Mary is often quick to take offence when none was offered. Do not worry, I shall speak to her later and explain that you are not offering to employ her as your companion but wished her to be a sister to you.’

  ‘Is Mrs Wickham not to be introduced to me?’

  ‘Fitzwilliam does not wish you to be intimate with her. Indeed, I am surprised that he relented and has allowed her to come to Kitty’s wedding. Lydia has been warned to make no approaches to you, you will, of course, be civil to each other, but it must be no more than that.’

  Chapter Two

  The gentlemen vanished to the billiard room and Georgiana followed Lizzy and Jane to the small drawing room. ‘Lizzy, if Fitzwilliam is so set against Mrs Wickham why did he allow her to come to Pemberley?’

  Her sister-in-law settled herself comfortably on a daybed before answering. ‘Kitty wanted all her sisters to attend her wedding and as he is very fond of her he did not have the heart to refuse.’

  Both Lizzy and Jane were increasing and their babies were due sometime in July. Georgiana knew little about such matters but did think it strange that Lizzy should be twice the size of Jane and already suffering from swollen ankles and other such unpleasantness. Although she thought she might be in love with Major Brownstone she had no intention of becoming his wife in the immediate future.