A Scandal at Pemberley

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘It will be perfectly acceptable, Adam, for us to go without a male escort. Indeed, we do not even need to take our maids with us.’ Georgiana knew this to be true as her governess had explained what was acceptable for a young lady to do without a gentleman in attendance.

  His look of relief was comical. Kitty pouted and tilted her head to one side. ‘You are excused this time, husband, but be very sure I shall think of something for you to do with us that you will find equally unpalatable.’

  ‘I am, as always, at your service, my love. However, as I am excused duty this morning I shall take the opportunity to conduct some business of my own.’ He put down his napkin and stood up. ‘Are we to make calls this afternoon?’

  ‘There were more than a dozen cards left yesterday saying they would return this afternoon to welcome us to London,’ Georgiana told him.

  ‘In which case, ladies, I shall see you later.’ He strolled to the door and with a casual wave was gone.

  ‘I have made morning calls with Mama, and been in to receive them in return. However, at Longbourn we never had more than two visitors at one time, did we, Kitty?’

  ‘There will be a procession of callers, Mary, and no doubt there will be several young gentlemen dragged along so that they may be introduced to us.’

  ‘Why should anyone wish to be introduced to me? Indeed, Georgiana, as you are already spoken for, I cannot see they will gain any benefit from coming.’

  ‘Mary, dearest, have you not looked at yourself in the glass today? With your hair dressed so prettily and in that delightful ensemble you will be in high demand. And don’t forget that you are now an eligible heiress – the two things combined will mean that Adam will be kept busy vetting your suitors.’

  If Georgiana had suggested Mary was a devil worshipper she could not have had a more shocked response. She scrambled to her feet and was about to run away but Kitty was quicker and got to the door before her.

  ‘Don’t be a pea-goose, there is nothing to be afraid of. No one is going to force you into matrimony if you have no wish to do so. You are here to have fun, to dance and enjoy yourself at parties and routs and musicales.’ Kitty took her sister’s elbow and gently led her back and positioned her in front of the small mirror that hung above the sideboard. ‘Look at yourself, what do you see?’

  Georgiana joined them and slipped her arm around Mary’s waist. ‘We see a lovely young lady, elegant and beautifully gowned, and someone who will be the belle of the ball.’

  ‘I do not see what you both see, but I am forced to agree my appearance is much improved. I cannot promise to enjoy myself, but I will certainly try.’

  ‘We can ask no more than that of you, Mary, but I give you my word you will definitely enjoy some of the things you experience. I am not overfond of musicales – far too often the performers are sadly lacking in talent.’ Georgiana released her hold. ‘There, we are now all in agreement. The carriage will be here in a quarter of an hour we must hurry and get ready.’

  *

  Lizzy collected the three letters that had arrived that morning. One was for her father, one for Fitzwilliam and the other for herself. Her heart plummeted as she recognised the writing. The missive was from Mama, there must be something dreadfully wrong for her parent to communicate when there was such bad feeling between them.

  She decided to find somewhere private and comfortable to sit down before she opened it – if it were to be bad news she was not sure, in her enfeebled state, that she would be able to remain upright. Fitzwilliam was busy with his estate manager, Jane and Bingley were overseeing the improvements to their new home next door in the East Wing, so the small drawing room would be free.

  Once she was comfortably settled on the chaise longue she broke open the wax seal and with shaking fingers smoothed out the paper. Immediately she saw it had been written several days ago.

  My dear Elizabeth,

  I know that we are not on the best of terms at present, but I fear something so dreadful has occurred at Longbourn that I had no option but to write to you. I have also written to Mr Bennet, but I fear he will be able to do nothing. I should really have communicated with Mr Darcy, but he puts me in such a tremble when he is looking at me that I cannot bring myself to do so.

  As you know Lydia and Wickham came with me to Longbourn and have remained here these past few weeks. I cannot tell you how my opinion has changed, how deceived I was in him, how Lydia has become another person, someone I do not recognise as my dearest daughter.

  Lizzy wished her mother would get to the point, but she wrote as she spoke and whatever news she had was well-disguised within the rambling. There was no point in skipping to the bottom she might well miss the salient points by so doing. With a sigh of exasperation she continued to read:

  I know you will be wondering what it is your sister and her wretched husband have done that has so discommoded me. I do wish dear Mr Bennet was here to advise me – I am at a loss to know what to do for the best which is why I have written to you in the hope that you will pass on this dire information to Mr Darcy.

  Throughout the time the two of them were with me they did nothing but complain and criticise our family and they were particularly unkind about Georgiana and Major Brownstone. At first I let them rant and rail but after a week or so I became tired of hearing so much unpleasantness. I began to reprimand Lydia and she did not take kindly to this.

  Before I knew it they turned on me. I too was blamed for having them evicted from Pemberley, I had nothing whatsoever to do with this and took their side against you and Mr Darcy. My staff became reluctant to serve them and there were reports of Wickham meeting up with ne’er-do-wells in the local hostelry.

  Then when I got up this morning they had gone taking the carriage and all the silver and valuables as well. I had never thought my Lydia could treat me so badly or that Wickham was a thief.

  At last – now they were coming to the nub of the matter. Lizzy was not surprised that Wickham and Lydia had shown their true colours, but for them to have stolen from Longbourn beggared belief. Without a carriage Mama was marooned in Hertfordshire and could not return to Derbyshire. Unfortunately there was worse to come:

  Mr Bennet’s man of business arrived soon after they departed with the most dreadful news. Someone in Meryton overheard Wickham talking and immediately fetched this information to Longbourn. Wickham and Lydia intend to go to London and cause trouble for Georgiana. When they sell the silver and other items they will be in funds, and they have taken these local villains with them.

  Lizzy clutched the paper to her chest, for a moment she was unable to breathe, but then common sense reasserted itself. If Papa had received the same news he would already be on his way to speak to her, but she must send a footman to fetch Fitzwilliam immediately. Even if he travelled post, he could not reach London in less than two days and this letter had taken five to reach them. Would he be in time to save Georgiana from disaster?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Georgiana was on her own perusing the latest arrivals at the bookshop when she saw a familiar figure approaching. ‘Lady Rawlings, I did not know you were to be in London this year. I am pleased to see you again.’ Georgiana sincerely hoped Mr Rawlings had not accompanied his mother.

  ‘My dear Miss Darcy, what a surprise to see you here in Hatchards. Such dreadful weather; my dear girls refused to accompany me. Will you be at the Fairfax ball tomorrow?’

  ‘We will, Lady Rawlings, no doubt we shall meet with you there. If you would excuse me, Mrs King and Miss Bennet are waiting at the door so the carriage must have come for us.’

  She hurried away relieved that Lady Rawlings had not mentioned the Darcy ball, or the fact that there had been no invitation sent to them. Fitzwilliam had been adamant in his decision that these people should not attend after Mr Rawlings’ involvement with Wickham.

  Kitty greeted her with enthusiasm. ‘There you are at last; we had quite thought you lost for ever amongst the books. See, the carriage is j
ust coming and we must not let the poor horses stand in this torrential rain.’

  As soon as the vehicle trundled to a halt Georgiana led the rush to scramble in before they were soaked to the skin. Once inside, with the steps safely up and the door closed tight, she was a little warmer.

  ‘Look, Kitty, your bonnet is dripping,’ Mary commented. Then Kitty squealed with dismay.

  ‘My cherries are bleeding!’ She held up a red-stained glove to prove the point. ‘I must look as if I have been in a dreadful accident. Is my face covered in streaks as well?’

  ‘Oh dear, you must remove your bonnet, Kitty, or it will ruin your pelisse,’ Georgiana said trying not to laugh.

  Even Mary joined in and soon all of them were giggling. Kitty’s face was an interesting shade of pink and the guilty bonnet had been tossed to the floor of the carriage where she poked at it with her foot in disgust.

  ‘Lizzy warned me not to put them on, but I didn’t listen. I am very fond of this bonnet and I fear it is past redemption.’

  ‘I think I could do something with it, Kitty, do not despair. It would be a shame to throw it away when it has been made to match your ensemble so perfectly.’ Mary leaned down and was about to pick up the sodden object when both Georgiana and Kitty restrained her.

  ‘Don’t touch it, Mary, there is no point in both of us having ruined gloves. A footman can take it in for us and I shall give it to Annie to dry. When it is safe to handle I shall get her to bring it to you.’ Kitty smiled at her sister and Mary settled back without argument.

  Georgiana was unsure whether she should mention that she had met Lady Rawlings in the bookshop, she had no wish to remind her friends of the unpleasantness that had taken place at Kitty’s wedding. Perhaps in this case, silence was golden.

  The afternoon was filled with morning callers and Georgiana was amused by how many young gentlemen had been dragged along to what was essentially a ladies’ outing.

  The rule was that no visitor remained above a quarter of an hour, and this was scrupulously adhered to by her guests. Adam stood behind Kitty’s chair glowering at any gentleman who dared to look in her direction and she envied her friend for having his protection. She wished, not for the first time, that Jonathan was free to be with her and not duty-bound to fight for King and Country.

  Surprisingly Mary had become quite animated and she received several admiring looks from hopeful gentlemen. Georgiana decided that if she could not have Jonathan with her, then she would make a push to find Mary a suitable husband.

  It wasn’t until she was snuggling beneath the comforter that night that she recalled her earlier vow to misbehave and flirt outrageously with any gentleman that showed an interest. Perhaps this was not such a good idea, not only would it be unpleasant for her companions it would also be unfair to those she singled out.

  No, she must put aside this silly notion and behave as she always did, with the utmost decorum and good manners. They all had new ballgowns to wear tomorrow night to the come out ball for Lady Serena Fairfax – Kitty, as a married woman, was now able to wear bright colours and had selected a dashing confection in emerald green. Mary would be wearing palest gold, with a sparkling sarcenet overskirt, and golden beading around the hem and neckline.

  Georgiana sighed. She had three new gowns, tomorrow she intended to wear the white silk with the silver sparkles. The most beautiful she was keeping for her own ball; she sent up a little prayer to the Almighty that her beloved might be able to attend and see her in her finery.

  Fortunately by eight o’clock the next evening, when they were to leave for the ball, the relentless rain had eased and although the cobbles were wet and the pavements slippery, there was no risk that they would be obliged to huddle beneath umbrellas as they made their way into the venue.

  Georgiana swirled her evening cloak around her shoulders and tied the bow before carefully arranging the hood over her expertly coiffured hair. Ellie was to accompany them, and she would take her work basket and be ready to repair any damage that might occur. She would also have a slipper bag containing fresh pairs, for if one danced a lot one’s slippers would be quite ruined before the evening was over. No party was allowed more than one attendant at these occasions and it had been decided that her own maid should be the one to come.

  Kitty had joined her in her sitting room just before they left and she had shared her plans for Mary with her. ‘I think that a splendid idea, dearest Georgiana. Between us we will find a fine selection of suitable gentlemen from which Mary can choose. I have told Adam that I intend to dance as often as I wish, he was not impressed with my decision, but has grudgingly agreed as long as he is introduced to my partners first.’

  ‘We must hope that whoever asks us is someone we will enjoy spending time with. It would be so much simpler if we were allowed to refuse a gentleman we did not like the look of. I think it a ridiculous rule that a young lady must either dance with anyone who asks, or not dance at all.’

  There was a polite tap on the door and Mary entered. ‘You look so beautiful, that dress is a triumph. You will be the centre of attention tonight, I’m quite sure it.’ Kitty rushed across and embraced her sister who looked thoroughly embarrassed by the praise.

  ‘I agree most wholeheartedly, Mary, tonight we will conquer the ton. There will be no other trio of young ladies as beautiful.’

  A more vigourous knock on the door heralded the arrival of Adam. He too was struck dumb for a moment as he viewed them in their finery. ‘A bevy of beauties, and I have the impossible task of keeping you all safe from importunate and undesirable young men.’ He smiled and offered his arm to Kitty. ‘I thank the good Lord that at least you already have a ring on your finger and there’s no danger of you being swept off your feet.’

  ‘I can assure you, sir, that you have no worry on my score either. I am affianced to Jonathan and there is no danger of my being swept anywhere by anyone.’

  She tucked her hand through Mary’s arm and followed on behind Adam and Kitty. Mary whispered to her. ‘You will stay with me, won’t you, Georgiana? Although I have attended many balls at the Assembly Rooms at Meryton, I have never been to such a prestigious occasion. Neither have I been obliged to meet so many strangers in one evening.’

  ‘You will be perfectly splendid, Mary, and if you do not like the look of someone then Adam shall merely have to scowl at him and he will vanish with his tail between his legs. Surely you went to the Netherfield ball? Was that not a grand occasion too?’

  ‘Indeed it was, but I remained in the background and danced with no one. I am accustomed to being a wallflower; I will find it quite alarming if you are correct in your assumptions.’

  There was no further opportunity for private conversation and Georgiana hoped that Mary would not allow her natural reserve to spoil her evening. This was the first important event in the social calendar and even though the journey was a scant mile from Grosvenor Square she was resigned to being in the carriage for an hour or more. Their vehicle would join a line of like-minded ones and they would creep forward one by one in a long queue until they finally arrived at the red carpet and could disembark.

  Eventually it was their turn and two immaculately clad footmen opened the door, let down the steps and Kitty was handed out, Mary followed and she came last. She supposed she should have gone before Mary, but such niceties did not bother her.

  ‘It is very exciting, Kitty, the flambeaux make everything look mysterious. I believe I am actually looking forward to this event, there will be so many other guests I should be able to hide behind a pillar and not be noticed, if I so wish.’ Mary was gripping her arm as if it were a lifeline.

  ‘You will do no such thing. Kitty and I will not let you hide, you will dance as often as we do and I insist that you enjoy it.’

  It took an interminable time to creep up the wide staircase to the reception rooms on the first floor where they were to be greeted by their host and hostess and their daughter. The ladies’ retiring rooms were on the g
round floor and Ellie had taken their reticules and cloaks away with her and would wait, along with others like her, to offer assistance if required.

  Georgiana was aware they were attracting a deal of attention and she could not decide whether it was the fact that they were escorted by the handsomest man in the room, or that all three of them looked like diamonds of the first water. Her engagement was still not common knowledge, friends and close acquaintances were aware of her attachment, but nobody here would be.

  Adam guided them to a small group of spindly gilt chairs placed at one side of the splendid ballroom. ‘I think this is a perfect place for us, I can stand behind you and scare off anyone unsuitable before they get the chance to approach, Kitty, sweetheart, we shall dance when Mary and Georgiana are safely partnered.’

  ‘Why is everyone looking at us, Georgiana?’ Mary asked quietly.

  ‘It is because we are so beautiful tonight. I don’t suppose the dancing will commence until everybody is here for the Fairfax family must remain to greet all the guests.’

  Adam, from his great height, was able to see across the crowd into the spacious area outside the room. ‘Devil take it! Excuse me, ladies, I have business to attend to. You will all remain where you are until I return.’ He strode away a grim expression on his face.

  Kitty pointed to the chair she had been about to sit on. ‘I believe that if I stood on that I could see what has upset him.’

  ‘No, you must not do that, it will draw unwanted attention to ourselves,’ Georgiana said.

  ‘Shall we sit down? There is a group of determined looking ladies approaching our chairs.’ Mary did as she suggested and they followed suit.

  The orchestra continued to play and because they were almost underneath the gallery upon which they stood it made conversation all but impossible unless one was prepared to shout. Georgiana flicked open her fan and busied herself with this in the hope it would calm her nerves; she had an awful sinking feeling that somehow Wickham and Lydia had obtained invitations and were about to carry out their threats.