When she opened her eyes the room was dark, but the fire had been lit in the grate and this made it possible to see a little. Jonathan was sleeping soundly, his breathing even and regular, and when she touched his cheek it was warm and firm beneath her fingers.
Someone had covered her with a blanket and she was almost too comfortable to move. Then she became aware there was someone else in the room.
‘Georgiana dearest, you are awake at last. You must be sharp-set, I shall send for a tray immediately.’
The familiar voice filled her with joy. ‘Fitzwilliam, how are you here so soon?’ She carefully pushed back the cover and slithered out of the bed making sure she did not disturb the other occupant.
Her brother was now on his feet and she threw herself into his arms. He gathered her close and then kissed her on top of her head. ‘We must go next door and let the major sleep.’
Once they were in the sitting room and the door half-closed he explained how he came to be there so quickly, told her about the dreadful letter Wickham had sent, and she explained exactly what had transpired that day.
‘I did not see Mr Rawlings at all, are you quite sure he was involved in this?’
‘I fear that he was, but reluctantly so. He owed Wickham a small fortune in gambling debts and was persuaded that he could come about if he married you. King dealt with him and he is now on his way to his parents. No doubt they will pack him off to the colonies where he can do no further harm.’
‘Adam told Mary she would be sent back to Longbourn in disgrace, it is no more than she deserves, even if she did not intend for me to be abducted, she behaved disgracefully.’ Georgiana had no wish to see the girl ever again.
‘She will be leaving first thing tomorrow. I believe that Mr Bennet will not be so lenient with his daughter in future. She has learnt a valuable lesson and fortunately you were not harmed.’
Georgiana surged to her feet, anger making her forget her manners. ‘How can you say that? I could have been forced to marry Mr Rawlings or worse, Jonathan could be dead – and all this happened because of her. I shall never forgive her and cannot understand why you are not as angry as I am.’
The supper tray was brought in and the conversation halted until they were alone again. The appetising smells coming from the tray made her remember just how hungry she was. Once she was replete her good humour was restored and she was no longer filled with rage.
‘Thank you, that was quite delicious. I apologise for my outburst, I am more composed now.’
‘There is no need to apologise, sweetheart, what happened to you was unforgivable. It’s a damn good thing that Wickham is dead for I would have seen him dance on the end of a rope otherwise and that would be so much worse for the family.’
‘What about Lydia Wickham? I did not see her at the house.’
‘Lizzy and Jane both want me to be kind to her despite the fact that she behaved so abominably at Pemberley. She is little more than a schoolgirl, three years your junior, and yet she has been married and widowed already. What chance did she have when she was so spoiled and petted by her silly mother and then under the pernicious influence of Wickham? Mrs Bishop, the major’s cousin, has offered to take Lydia under her care. She has family in India and intends to go for a long visit. With luck the girl will find herself another husband and not come back to plague us ever again.’
‘That is a satisfactory arrangement, Fitzwilliam. I hesitate to suggest it, but would it be possible to settle a little money on her so she might make a decent marriage next time?’
He smiled and nodded. ‘I have already put matters in motion, my dear, and as you know, have already done the same for Mary and will not retract my offer despite her reprehensible actions today.’ He poured himself a third cup of coffee and she took one too, then he stretched out his booted legs and viewed her through narrowed eyes.
‘I had an interesting conversation with Major Brownstone whilst you were elsewhere. It would seem he has a special licence in his pocket, and he has two weeks’ leave so that you can get married immediately.’
Her cheeks burned and she could not meet his gaze. ‘He might be away for years, Fitzwilliam, and I intend to be his wife before he leaves.’
‘Do you indeed?’ He laughed and she looked up surprised he found the situation amusing. ‘I should think you do, after spending the afternoon in his bed.’
‘You will give your permission?’
‘Not only that, my dear, I positively insist that you tie the knot as soon as may be. Kitty and her husband have no wish to remain in London – the ball has been cancelled – and you can be married with everyone who matters at your side.’
‘I cannot believe there will be two weddings at Pemberley so close together and then three babies will arrive in a few weeks. I don’t believe there have been any such events there in living memory.’
‘Are you quite sure you wish to go ahead, I was not serious when I said you must get married. I am well aware that nothing untoward took place, and I do not wish you to rush into something you might regret.’
‘I would regret not marrying him, Fitzwilliam. If he is killed in France then at least I will have happy memories to help me through the rest of my life.’ She had been about to say that if God was willing she might also have a son or daughter by him to carry on his name. She thought that her brother might not appreciate hearing such an inappropriate remark from his sibling.
Chapter Twenty-three
Jonathan awoke feeling weak, but no longer as if his head was stuffed with wool. The fact that his bedchamber was empty must mean everybody thought he was on the road to recovery. If he didn’t jar his right arm at all then he was fairly sure he could roll out of bed. He had a desperate need and had no wish to embarrass himself with a messy accident.
He was exhausted by the time he had swung his legs to the floor and his head was swimming again. Then what he had thought was a shadow in an armchair by the fire, became a figure.
‘Do not try to get out of bed, old fellow, without my assistance.’ Darcy was at his side in a flash and supported him whilst he staggered to the screen behind which the necessary item was discreetly positioned.
‘How are you here so soon? The letter Adam sent could not possibly have arrived.’ Jonathan was relieved to be back in bed – he was not as fit as he had thought.
‘I will tell you how I am here, but first I shall ring for a supper tray. Cook and several other members of staff have volunteered to remain up so they can provide you with anything you want.’
‘I am devilishly hungry, but have no wish to be served gruel or broth – have something substantial sent up, if you please.’
Darcy had just finished recounting the events that had brought him to London, and everything else that had been organised whilst he was hors de combat, when a supper tray arrived. There was more than enough to feed two hungry men and by the time he was replete Jonathan was ready to broach a tricky subject.
‘Darcy, no doubt Georgiana has told you the reasons for us marrying so suddenly. Do we have your blessing and consent?’
‘It is not what I would wish for my sister, but I can refuse you nothing. You almost lost your life on her account, and I shall be eternally grateful. Yes, reluctantly, I give you my blessing and consent.’
This was all Jonathan wanted to know before telling his future brother-in-law what he had decided to do. ‘Thank you, but there is going to be a change of plan. I doubt my sword arm will ever be the same – I know I could fight with my left – but I will never be the soldier I was. I intend to resign my commission and remain in England. Georgiana and I can be married as planned in September – there is no need for this unseemly rush.’
‘Good man! I have been praying for that outcome ever since you and Georgiana became betrothed. I have three estates within an hour of Pemberley and you can take your pick. There are tenants in two of them but I can terminate the lease for whichever one you prefer.’
‘We will take the house that is vacant – I have no
wish to have anyone thrown out on my account. I have a few thousand in the funds – that should be sufficient to pay the rent.’
‘Devil take it, man, I was not intending to rent you the property, but give it to you as a wedding gift. The place has been run by my estate manager and is the nearest of the three. As the house has been unoccupied for several years it will need refurbishment – but I’m sure Georgiana will enjoy doing that.’
Jonathan could not prevent a jaw-cracking yawn from escaping. He was damned tired and could scarcely keep his eyes open. ‘I must sleep, Darcy, I shall be more the thing in the morning.’
‘I bid you goodnight, and shall leave you to give my sister the good news when she visits.’
The room was quiet again, only the crackling of the fire to keep him company. Jonathan’s mouth curved, who would have thought so much could have happened in less than a day? He yawned again and carefully manoeuvred himself until he was prone once more.
He was in that delightful state between sleep and waking when the bed dipped and before he could protest his beloved was snuggling up against him – this time beneath the covers and if he was not mistaken she was not wearing a gown.
‘Georgiana, what the hell are you doing here? Have you run mad? Your brother will run me through if he finds you in bed with me.’
‘I heard you tell him your plans – I have no wish to wait until September to marry you and after this I doubt that even Fitzwilliam will think an immediate ceremony is not essential.’ She giggled and snuggled dangerously close. ‘I discarded my gown in your dressing room – I thought it would look more authentic if I was in my undergarments. It has been a very long day; I shall sleep now, but cannot wait to see the shock on the face of your valet when he brings in your shaving water. Goodnight, my darling, I love you so much and cannot wait to be your true wife.’
‘And I love you, sweetheart, but I think it would be better for you to return to your chamber—.’ His words were useless as she relaxed and was instantly asleep. Her soft curves rested against him. Having her so close was going to take all his resolve if he were not to pre-empt their wedding night. He sighed, despite being tired he doubted he was going to get much sleep.
THE END
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A Scandal at Pemberley Page 20
