“Ah, Squire, ye be keeping our guests out of doors in the heat,” scolded Lady Stapleton, her eyes dancing with merriment.
“Now come to the drawing room, all of ye, come along, and I will call for lemonade. The sun is high and I’m sure ye’ve worked up a great thirst.” An elderly butler appeared and she gave directions for refreshments.
“That would be most welcome,” Lizzy replied, exchanging a kiss on the cheek with the tiny, lively woman.
“Lady Stapleton, may I present my sister, Miss Catherine Bennet of Hertfordshire.”
“You are most welcome to Swan’s Nest, Miss Bennet. I am sure my girls will be glad of another lass in the neighborhood.” Lady Stapleton was so friendly that Kitty felt very welcome.
“So Miss Georgiana returns today? Ah, Matilda will be much relieved, although with the many letters that fly back and forth between them, she likely knows more about it than we do,” Lady Stapleton said with a wink. “Let me call the girls so we can make the introductions.”
Within minutes, lemonade was served and four young ladies entered the room.
“Oh, girls, here ye are. Today we welcome a new young lady to our neighborhood. Miss Catherine Bennet, these are our daughters: Miss Julia Stapleton, Miss Matilda, Miss Emma, and Miss Honora.”
Each girl curtsied in turn. The second and the youngest looked very much like their mother, with a diminutive build, lively green eyes, and reddish hair that appeared resistant to taming. Julia and Emma reflected their father’s quiet good looks, being taller with brown hair and spirited blue eyes. Julia especially put Kitty in mind of someone, but as she tried to recollect, the squire spoke and it slipped from her mind.
“I regret our son Andrew is not here, Miss Bennet. He has just returned—the day before yesterday it was—from another trip to Scotland. He is thick with my wife’s half-brother; they share an interest in geology. They are off this morning to gather specimens for some study or other. I admire their dedication.”
Then he turned to his daughters. “The Darcys have come with an invitation. Darcy, do go on.”
“Good morning, ladies,” Darcy said with a bow. “To welcome Miss Bennet to the neighborhood for her extended stay, and Miss Georgiana home for the summer, we are giving a ball. On the nineteenth of May. We hope you can attend.”
Four young faces lit up, skirts rustled, and several girlish voices chattered with pleasure.
“Oh, girls, how exciting!” Lady Stapleton exclaimed. “Ye’ll get to know Miss Bennet, and renew your acquaintance with all your friends who have been in Town or at school. And, of course, see our dear Miss Georgiana again.”
Turning to Lizzy, she remarked, “I am sure we shall be in a flurry of activity until the ball. It seems all the girls have outgrown last summer’s gowns, so new ones must be sewn and adjustments to old ones made. Oh, such fun for us all!”
The eldest daughter, Julia, spoke to Kitty first.
“Tell us, Miss Bennet, when did you arrive?”
Kitty welcomed the offer to converse, and was pleased that the girls seemed interested in making her acquaintance. They moved to a grouping of seats near the window.
“My father and I arrived the day before yesterday; we traveled up from Hertfordshire.”
“And what are your interests and pursuits?” asked Matilda, an eager expression on her face.
Kitty smiled. This was new—having others interested in knowing her, without the interference of a dominating sister.
“I dearly love riding horses. I want to learn drawing. And I am fascinated by the landscapes here, with all the rocks and peaks; it is quite different from Hertfordshire.”
“Julia likes to ride,” offered Emma. Kitty estimated Emma was about twelve; little Honora could not be more than eight years old. Julia seemed near her own age.
“I do enjoy riding,” Julia said with a friendly smile. “I would welcome a riding and exploring companion. My brother is an excellent horseman, even if his riding is daring at times.”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy did say your brother likes to steeplechase.”
“He does. But he is not careless about his horse—he would never risk his horse’s wellbeing. Andrew has a wild streak, but he is mostly sensible. And he is a wonderful dancer. He has been described as dashing. You will enjoy meeting him.”
“I am sure I shall. Are there many young people in the neighborhood? Are there balls or dances or excursions or exploring parties during the summer?”
Julia and Matilda looked at each other, mentally calculating people and events.
“I believe close to a dozen in our age group, Miss Bennet, from fifteen to eight-and-twenty or so. Everyone is home from school now, and some have completed school, of course; a few are away visiting friends or relatives or on holiday at any particular time. But there are numbers enough to have small dances and card parties, and especially exploring parties and picnics when the weather is fine.”
“Oh, this all sounds delightful. And please call me Kitty. I am so excited to be part of such a happy neighborhood.”
Julia and Matilda looked at each other again, and then back at Kitty.
Matilda ventured, “It is, for the most part, a happy neighborhood. There are a few rascals about, and a few intrigues and … well, one or two shall we say ‘difficult’ young ladies. However, be assured Julia and I shall stand with you and Georgiana as true friends no matter what.”
“You honor us. I am eager to see Georgiana later today. It is many months since we were last in each other’s company.”
Julia spoke again. “Kitty, your sister sets a fine example for all of us. She is so ladylike, but she also has a sense of fun and mischief. We have, with her and Georgiana, experienced a few adventures and intrigues.”
“Have you? I shall like to hear about those. Yes, Lizzy has always been lively and I enjoy her company very much. I have missed her greatly since she married and moved away.”
Darcy appeared before them and cleared his throat.
“Well, ladies, I am glad to see you getting on in such a fine way, but we must depart if we are to take some of the lesser-known bridle paths on our return to Pemberley.”
Kitty rose, as did the Stapleton sisters.
“Then you will all come to the ball?” Kitty asked.
“You may count on us,” said Matilda. “We shall all be there and most eager to dance.”
The squire chuckled and turned to Kitty.
“Darcy and I have much in common, you see, Miss Bennet. We both of us are surrounded by fine ladies.” He and Darcy shook hands and the party made for the door.
The sun was high when they departed and the cool spring breeze welcome as they rode the downward path. Kitty had much to engage her thoughts—the new families she had met, the homes she had visited, and the landscapes she had seen. Besides being eager to make the better acquaintance of the two elder Stapleton daughters especially, Kitty was excited to see Georgiana again. She hoped they would all become close friends.
≈
“And how d’ye find the neighbors, Sire?” asked Riley Connor when the party dismounted in the Pemberley stable yard.
“All in fine health, Connor; thank you for asking.”
“And Miss Bennet—is our Cara a good match for her?”
Darcy turned to Kitty. “What do you say, Kitty?”
“I adore her! She is a fine mare. Very sure-footed on the wooded and rocky paths we traveled on our return. And in the open, she has a smooth trot and a lovely canter. Yes, I like her very much. I hope I can ride her again.”
Darcy’s face softened. “She will be yours, Kitty, for the duration of your visit, if you wish. She has not had enough use around here, eh Connor?”
“That be so, Sire, that be so. She’s a horse likes to be taken out; wants a job and a change of scene, as it were. I am glad ye two got on well, Miss.”
“You are very kind. I will take good care of her, and ride her as often as I can.”
Darcy offered an arm to each of th
e ladies, and the three made their way to the house.
Lizzy voiced what they were all feeling after the morning’s exertion.
“We have had a lovely morning and much was accomplished; but I, for one, am famished!”
Chapter Six
That same day a messenger confirmed Georgiana’s arrival near teatime. Cook had baked her favorite lemon pound cake. All was in readiness for the young lady’s return to her ancestral home.
As promised, Kitty was measured for a riding habit and a ball gown. Fabrics were chosen from those Lizzy had set by. The gown would be sewn in a creamy white silk. Kitty decided to put off selecting trims until she could confer with Georgiana, thinking it would be an enjoyable task for them to share. And Georgiana would know the latest fashions.
To pass the time, Kitty delved into two books from the Pemberley library. Lizzy relaxed nearby with her needlework. Their father was situated in the library with a book and a brandy. Darcy was in his study with his steward, reviewing plans for a new bridge somewhere on the estate.
The books were interesting enough, but visions of all the new faces Kitty had met swam amongst the depictions of rocks and peaks and trees. In surrender, Kitty stacked the books neatly on the side table and walked to the window, taking in the sweeping view of the lake and beyond. This was like a fairy tale—this beautiful place with a kind family, a wonderful horse, interesting new friends, and a dramatic landscape to explore. She was a fortunate creature indeed—but still found it impossible to wait quietly in one place. No one had ever said patience was one of her virtues.
“Lizzy, do you mind if I go for a walk in the shrubbery? I cannot sit still. I am all anticipation at meeting Miss Darcy again. I do hope she likes me.”
“Stay close enough to hear the coach, Kitty. It would be considered a slight if you were not on hand to greet her.” Then she gave her younger sister a reassuring smile. “I am certain you two will get on splendidly.”
It did not take Kitty long to complete a tour of the pathways in the shrubbery. Early flowers were open and the roses were forming buds, but it would be some time before they bloomed. She settled on a stone bench and gazed at the land around her. Fine woods, rocky peaks, and lush meadows … then her eye strayed to the stables, surely less than a quarter mile off. She would see how Cara was getting on, and could certainly hear the coach from there.
It was a pleasant walk. The steady rhythm of her footfalls was soothing, and gave her a new understanding of why Lizzy had so often walked abroad at Longbourn.
The stable yard was empty when she arrived. Where might Cara be kept? Darcy had not yet given her a tour of the stables. She heard the clink of metal on metal coming from the tall barn and made for the sound.
“Well, g’day, Miss, did not expect ye again. Ye wish to hack out?” asked Mr. Connor. He was supervising a young boy who held a horse as a farrier worked at replacing a shoe.
“Oh, good afternoon Mr. Connor. Sadly, no, there is not time to ride again. Miss Darcy arrives soon. Is it possible for me to see Cara? I just wondered how she was after our ride. I hope that is not too much trouble?”
His face softened. “No, Miss, no trouble ’tall. Johnny, show Miss … ?” He looked at her with a wrinkled brow.
“Miss Bennet,” Johnny supplied.
“Aye, show Miss Bennet where Cara grazes; ’twould be the northwest paddock, with the other mares. There’s a good lad.”
Kitty followed the “lad”—a boy of about fifteen—along the fence, stepping carefully. She had not donned her walking shoes or riding boots. Her face broke into a smile when she saw Cara basking happily in the sun in the company of two other horses.
“Thank you for escorting me,” Kitty said.
The young man touched his hat but stayed at her side. Was this proper? Had he been a child, she would not have questioned it. But he was somewhere between a child and a man, and not much younger than herself. Perhaps it was proper for him to stay and ensure a lady’s safety around the horses? Another question to ask Lizzy or Fitzwilliam.
“Hello, girl. Does the sun feel good?” Kitty cooed. At the sound of Kitty’s voice, Cara lifted her head.
The mare nickered and swiftly gained her feet, then trotted over to nuzzle Kitty. Flattered by such an affectionate response, Kitty laughed softly and the mare eased over against the fence to be petted. Kitty stroked the fine muzzle and fondled the small ears, then reached for the mane to untangle a few strands.
“She likes you, Miss Bennet. ’Tis said mares are more particular, and she is like. And no steady rider to be devoted to. Your outing, it was good, eh?”
Kitty was unsure if it was proper for her to converse with a stable lad. She did remember Johnny from this morning. They had not been properly introduced but she decided it would be rude to refuse such polite conversation, so she answered him.
“Yes, we had a lovely ride. She is very light in my hands and has smooth gaits. I hope to ride her often whilst I am here.” Then she glanced at him and said, in a lowered voice, “At home, I curried my horse after a ride. I don’t suppose any of the ladies here do that, or that it is even proper?”
He turned an earnest face to her. “I do not know about ladies, Miss; but Master, he does groom his favorites himself.”
“Does he?” Kitty felt a glow of camaraderie for Fitzwilliam. He must have a deeper understanding of horses than many men bothered to cultivate. “I am glad to hear it. I believe horses like such attention from their riders as well as from their grooms.”
“Indeed, Miss.”
There was a sudden commotion behind them as a young boy ran noisily into the yard.
“The coach is coming! The coach is coming!”
“Oh, dear! I am to be there to greet Miss Darcy!”
“Then ye’d better run, Miss. The other lads and I will catch up. We must wear our jackets to properly receive.”
She turned to Cara and gave her a final caress.
“Go!” Johnny commanded with a chuckle, waving her off as he ran the other direction.
Kitty laughed and gathered up her skirt, quickly picking her way back to the stable yard and the path to the house. Then she ran. She could hear the coach herself now and saw it emerge from the trees as she hastened to the front of the great house. The young men who would attend soon caught up with her and touched their hats as they passed.
She arrived, a little breathless, at the front entrance and climbed the stairs. Luckily, the coach had not yet reached the sweep. The lads were lined up and footmen emerged from the house, followed by Darcy and Lizzy.
“There you are! We need not send a search party,” Lizzy said.
“Yes, I am here. I am sorry to cause any worry, but I could not resist a quick walk to the stables to see Cara again.”
“A worthy cause, Kitty,” Darcy remarked, with a hint of a smile about his mouth.
Lizzy looked at her and winked—with just one eye.
Kitty smiled back and they all walked forward to receive Georgiana.
Miss Georgiana Darcy, heiress to a great fortune, stepped out of the coach and took her brother’s welcoming hand. Her eyes fondly swept the scene before her and she moved forward to embrace Fitzwilliam, who folded her into his arms.
“Welcome home, dear one,” he said. “I hope your journey was not too trying.”
“It is worth a great deal of ‘trying’ to get home to Pemberley, as I’m sure you will agree, brother.”
“Most heartily!”
Then she turned to Elizabeth, reaching out with both hands.
“How I have missed you, Lizzy. A great deal has happened that I wish to discuss with you.”
Lizzy lifted a brow. “We are so happy you are returned, Georgiana,” she said, and then kissed her cheek. “You are truly the soul of Pemberley. You know I will be happy to visit with you for endless hours, but first you must come in and get refreshed and rested. Your favorite lemon pound cake awaits. We also have much to talk about with you. And here is my sister, Kitty. As yo
u know, she is making an extended visit.”
Kitty curtsied and Georgiana responded in kind, then she reached out to grasp Kitty’s hands.
“I hope you and I shall have a wonderful summer full of great adventures. At last I have a companion, a confidante, and a conspirator!”
Kitty blushed. “I will do my best to be all those things, for those are my own wishes as well.” The girls looked deeply at each other and then burst into laughter.
Darcy offered Georgiana his arm and they all went indoors.
Mrs. Reynolds, the former housekeeper, stepped forward to embrace Georgiana as she entered the great hall. Tears filled the eyes of both at this sweet reunion after several months apart. Mrs. Reynolds was retired but came to the great house to advise on preparations for holidays and special events. She was on hand to oversee her young mistress’s welcome and to advise on the plans for the ball.
Georgiana’s maid curtsied and stepped up to manage her mistress’ cloak and other accoutrements. As they headed up the stairway, Georgiana called out, “Please send for the tea. I will not be long.”
Darcy turned to the butler. “We will take tea in the music room. Please advise Miss Darcy.” He offered one arm to Lizzy and one to Kitty. “Oh, and Wilson, do ask Mr. Bennet to join us there. I believe he is in the library.”
The butler bowed and moved off.
“I know not how tired she is; but Georgiana does find comfort in playing so I thought the music room best. It is one of her favorite rooms in the house,” Darcy explained.
“Are there any special plans for this evening, Mrs. Darcy?” he inquired with a raised brow.
Lizzy raised a brow back at him. “No, Mr. Darcy, there are no plans other than the musical possibilities you propose. We will be served a special dinner at eight o’clock, featuring several of Georgiana’s favorite dishes. The food served at inns is rarely to a lady’s taste, I find. I believe that catching up with interests and news, and finding out how Georgiana wishes to fill her summer will keep us all occupied. And then, there is the announcement.”
Darcy’s eyes pivoted to Lizzy’s face.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 5
