Lizzy gave him a shrewd look. “The ball, my dear. You have not told Georgiana about the ball yet, have you?”
Kitty felt an undercurrent of something unsaid between them, but knew not what it meant.
“The ball. No, indeed I have not. I am sure Georgiana has not tired of dancing, even after attending many balls in town.” He frowned. “I cannot fathom why she has not found a suitable young man after being out for a full season.”
“Young ladies with such wealth must be especially discerning about choosing a suitor, my dear. It can be difficult to separate out the fortune hunters from the truer hearts. As you might imagine, I had a great deal of trouble winnowing out all the fortune-hunters vying for a place on my dance card,” Lizzy remarked with a very straight face.
Darcy swung his head towards her and she burst into ripples of laughter.
He gave a great sigh, then looked at Kitty.
“Your sister is a colossal tease, Kitty. I am forever trying to understand when she is serious and when she is joking.”
“It is all part of your training, my dear. You are perfect in every way—well, nearly so. But I admit I am trying to carve out a little more room for joking and humor. Your defenses are so sharp I can only succeed by catching you unawares.”
Darcy chuckled.
Kitty felt more and more at ease as she watched the two of them interact. It set her to wondering what kind of man might one day share her own married life. She had always desired to marry for love but had never really thought what that would mean, precisely. She decided to make a study of it amongst the married couples she would encounter this summer. Her own parents were certainly no example. But her elder sisters seemed to have chosen well and she could likely learn much from their amiable partnerships.
“So Miss Darcy has arrived, has she?” Mr. Bennet came up behind the group, and they all entered the music room.
≈
Georgiana was true to her word. In less than thirty minutes she entered the music room looking refreshed, wearing a lovely peach gown that set off her green eyes and dark hair.
Darcy rose and walked to meet his sister just inside the door.
Mr. Bennet managed to find his feet.
Proper greetings were exchanged, and Georgiana joined her brother on the settee as tea was brought in. The refreshments were set upon eagerly and Georgiana laughed with delight as she reached for a third slice of the lemon pound cake.
“This is delicious. I shall ask Cook to make this cake every week!” she exclaimed. “Though I will have to do a great deal of walking, I daresay.”
After sharing news from Town and pertinent information about the Darcy household there, Georgiana looked into all their faces.
“You said you had news for me, did you not? Pray, do not keep me in suspense.”
Lizzy laughed. “Here it is. We are giving a ball—to celebrate you home, and to welcome Kitty. If it pleases you, it will also serve as Kitty’s coming out, so she will open the dance.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened with pleasure. “How lovely! I should like it above all things. Who is to attend? And will you not like to open the ball, Kitty?”
“I will, very much. But you must advise me on the proper things to do. I have mostly attended just country assemblies in Meryton. I believe this will be much more grand than those, even if we are still in the country.”
“Of course, I will be your happy advisor on all such things. Oh, I am excited. Again, who is to come? And when will it take place? Will you dance first with your father?”
“Our papa is to depart before the ball, so no,” Lizzy said. “But perhaps …”
Three pairs of eyes turned on Darcy.
He chuckled. “I will be honored to be Kitty’s partner to open the ball,” he said. “Then I shall be assured of having at least three of the loveliest dance partners over the course of the evening, yes?”
They all laughed at his joke. All but Mr. Bennet, who had dozed off in his chair.
“As to your other questions, the ball is on the nineteenth, which is also the day Kitty will be nineteen years old,” Lizzy said.
“Oh, it gets more and more special!” exclaimed Georgiana, clapping her hands together.
“And,” added Kitty, “your brother has been so generous as to offer me a new gown for the occasion. I am so grateful. Lizzy and I chose the fabrics but I thought, Georgiana, to seek your advice on the trimmings as you have seen the latest styles in Town.”
“I have. It will be great fun to select the details with you. I am pleased to help.”
“We have invited a half dozen of the usual families we keep company with,” Darcy said. “Just this morning, we rode out to personally invite the Drakes, the Wyndhams, and the Stapletons. All have accepted. All but the Wyndham ladies …”
Georgiana looked puzzled.
“It seems,” Lizzy explained with an arch of her brow, “that Mrs. Wyndham and her daughter must consult their social calendars before they can confirm with us.”
“I see some things remain the same,” remarked Georgiana, arching her own brow in response. “And dancing partners? With whom shall we dance?”
“The squire’s family will attend, and he has accepted for Mr. Andrew Stapleton. His geologist uncle is also visiting and will join us. I am sure Wyndham’s sons will attend. And Lord Drake’s older son, Mr. Christopher, confirmed.”
Georgiana pursed her lips at the mention of the latter’s name but said nothing.
“I do not know about the younger son, Benjamin; they said he was still in Town. Did they say Mr. Benjamin would return in time, Elizabeth?”
“I cannot remember.”
“I believe he has just returned,” Georgiana said. A blush quickly crept up her neck to her cheeks.
Darcy looked at her with a quizzical expression.
“Oh, he passed my coach today on the road. He said he was going home,” she offered, reaching quickly for her tea. She glanced at Kitty with wide eyes as she sipped.
Kitty knew not what the look signified, but felt sure she was being asked for help. To divert the conversation, she blurted out, “The Wyndhams have some fine horses.”
The trick worked and the conversation turned away from the Drakes’ younger son.
Georgiana gave Kitty a weak smile.
A fine dinner was served, and the evening passed with great pleasure for all. Even Mr. Bennet managed to stay awake and applaud Miss Darcy when she played several pieces on the pianoforte and a new melody she had learnt on the harp.
Georgiana and Kitty had no chance for private conversation during the evening, so Kitty was obliged to set aside her curiosity until morning.
Chapter Seven
Savory aromas beckoned Kitty to the breakfast room. Beverages, cakes, bacon, toast, and eggs were at the ready. Lizzy sat at Darcy’s right hand with toast and a cup of tea. She looked up and smiled as Kitty entered. Darcy rose briefly, followed by Mr. Bennet’s attempt at the same.
Kitty helped herself to a plate of food and a cup of chocolate and sat down next to Lizzy, thinking her sister appeared a bit wan. Perhaps she had not slept well?
Georgiana soon appeared, radiant in yellow sprigged muslin, looking like summer itself. She greeted everyone merrily, heaped food upon her plate, and then sat across from Kitty.
“Well, brother, what plans are in store for today?” she asked between bites of bacon and toast.
“I am meeting with my steward this morning. In the afternoon, Mr. Bennet and I will tour some of the farms. Remember, he departs soon for Longbourn. I believe Mrs. Darcy is the one to ask about plans that may include you ladies,” he said with an affectionate smile at his sibling.
“Excuse me,” Kitty said, “but sometime—not today of course —might I also have a tour of the farms, with background and history and topographic information? And a tour of the stables too, Fitzwilliam, if that is agreeable?”
“Yes, I too should like that, brother. Whilst I live here, I must assist Lizzy in the w
ork our mother did with the vicar. The needs of our tenants are important,” Georgiana stated emphatically. “My schooling is complete now so I need not return to Town at any certain time, although I do wish to continue with my music masters. But we can discuss that after the ball for I am sure I can think of nothing else at present, and there are many preparations to be made, am I right?”
Georgiana looked pointedly at Kitty, much as she had the previous night.
Kitty held her eye but wondered, again, what this meant and guessed it was related to the ball.
Lizzy nodded quietly as she nibbled at her toast, deferring to Darcy on the topics discussed.
Darcy pushed back his chair and held up his hands.
“I have not yet left the breakfast table and the day has granted me two surprises—both welcome if I may say so. I shall be pleased to give a tour of the farms and stables and,” he glanced at Kitty, “shall provide topographic information and historical background as I can. However, today I must especially value my male companion, as it appears my future is full of the company of ladies.”
“You have my sympathies on that,” came Mr. Bennet’s assertion. “Excuse me. I head to the library.”
“I shall be off, too,” remarked Darcy, kissing Lizzy on the forehead and then whispering something into her ear.
“Wilson,” he addressed the butler, “please have coffee and muffins brought to my study in one hour; I will be meeting with Mr. Sawyer.”
The butler nodded and followed Darcy out of the room.
Kitty looked at Lizzy with some concern.
“Lizzy, are you unwell? You look pale.”
Lizzy leaned back but avoided Kitty’s eye.
“Oh, I had a restless night. A short walk and tending to this morning’s business will set me to rights. I may retire earlier this evening. Would anyone object to dinner being served at six instead of eight?”
“Of course not,” replied Georgiana. “Shall we accompany you on your morning walk?”
“No, I think a turn about the garden in solitude will best revive me. Besides, I have scheduled a meeting for the two of you with the head seamstress, so start thinking about your gowns for the ball. Georgiana, you know where the trims are kept. You and Kitty may experiment to see which details you want to add, and if any others need be ordered from Town; and if you have other gowns that need changes or repairs, be sure to let the women know. I have also ordered a new riding habit be made for Kitty. Now off with you!”
Georgiana took Kitty’s arm and the young ladies made for the wardrobe room at the far end of the third floor.
“I hope you don’t mind I wore your riding habit yesterday, Georgiana? Mine had grown quite shabby as Papa would not approve me getting a new one. He did not approve me riding at all, and I suppose thought that would prevent me.”
“Not approve of you riding? Some parents are so old-fashioned! Many ladies ride hereabouts. Lady Drake even rides to the hounds. I can’t say I am that daring,” she remarked, eyeing Kitty, “but perhaps you are?”
Kitty laughed. “You have found me out. I like Lady Drake very much, although she was unusual in a way that I cannot describe. But yes, I would love to ride on the hunt.”
“No, I don’t mind at all—you borrowing my habit. I keep one here for each season, and one in town for each season, so I am always prepared,” Georgiana replied. “What color will yours be?”
“I requested a rich blue,” Kitty replied.
“That will look lovely on you. Oh, here we are.” Georgiana knocked and then opened the door.
Several large wooden wardrobes lined the walls; some had their doors thrown open, showing gowns and lengths of cloth hanging on rods; others had shelves holding folded cloth and assorted boxes. The room was bright and overlooked the kitchen garden. Two older women and two younger girls were busy with projects. A very large table was spread with a fine blue cloth.
“Hello, Mrs. Jenson. You look well. May I inquire after the health of your family?”
Mrs. Jenson curtsied. “Thank ye, Miss Darcy. We are all of us very well. What a lovely bloom ye have. So nice to have ye back again at Pemberley.”
“Thank you. It is always good to be here. Have you met Mrs. Darcy’s sister?”
Mrs. Jenson curtsied. “Aye, when I measured her for the habit and a new ball gown. Y’two are near alike in size, but for a few inches of height. Here y’see the cloth for Miss Bennet’s habit. It will make up very nicely I am sure. Mistress ordered two styles of hats from Town an’ we shall trim your choice, Miss Bennet, as y’desire. Over ’ere’s the cloth for the ball gown so’s ye young ladies may choose the trims.”
Ideas for gowns, hats, and embellishments engrossed Kitty and Georgiana for some time until Wilson appeared at the door to summon them.
“Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet, callers await you in the drawing room: Squire Stapleton and two other gentlemen. Mrs. Darcy will join you there.”
“This has been most delightful, Mrs. Jenson. Here are our choices. I cannot wait to see what you create with your fine eye and magic touch. Good day,” said Georgiana and they walked towards the drawing room.
Kitty said, “I met Squire Stapleton yesterday when we delivered their invitation. But his son and Mr. Robertson were out gathering some kind of samples for their study. I wonder if it is they who are calling?”
“The squire is a great favorite of mine. And you probably met my best friend, Matilda?”
Kitty nodded.
“Mr. Andrew is very handsome and a great rider, as his sisters probably told you. And a very eligible young man. Quite dashing. He will inherit Swan’s Nest. We must call on his sisters before the ball. There is much to discuss.”
After some hesitation, she lifted her brow and said, “You met the Drakes yesterday?”
Kitty told her they had, but Benjamin was from home.
At the mention of his name, Georgiana blushed again and, taking Kitty’s arm, stopped her.
“Kitty, I must confess a very great secret to you, as you will no doubt discover it soon enough: I carry very strong feelings for Mr. Benjamin Drake, and have for some time, as he does for me. I believe we are in love! I find it so difficult to conceal my feelings, as you may have noticed last night. Ooh, I blush so easily! But Mr. Benjamin is only a second son, and I am expected to marry higher. Can I ask your help to draw attention away from me when such a topic comes up? As you did so well last night?”
Kitty did not hesitate. “Of course. And I should like to hear more about Mr. Benjamin. I met his brother. He cuts a dash, but there was something about him that made me uneasy. I cannot say exactly what, but I did not like the way he looked me over.”
“Oh dear, I am so sorry, Kitty. He is like that with all the young ladies. The manners of his parents are not like that. Nor are Mr. Benjamin’s. I don’t understand it. But I will do you a turn and intervene when I can. Mr. Christopher is quite determined to be my suitor, but I am just as determined I will not have him.” She grasped Kitty’s hands in despair. “I am in the briars. I hardly know what to do. Nor does Mr. Benjamin. We discussed it at length last week in London.”
“Ah, now I … be assured I will help you however I can,” Kitty replied, squeezing her arm.
“Good. Then we have a pact. We must include Julia and Matilda as well. Now, let us meet our guests.”
≈
“Would you gentlemen care for tea?” they heard Lizzy offer as they entered the drawing room.
Georgiana stepped forward to make the introductions.
“Kitty, may I present the squire’s son, Mr. Andrew Stapleton, and his uncle Mr. Robertson of Edinburgh. Gentlemen, Mrs. Darcy’s sister, Miss Catherine Bennet of Hertfordshire.”
Kitty’s mouth gaped and her own surprise was mirrored in Andrew’s widened eyes. Here was the dashing young horseman from the Red Lantern! And more handsome than she remembered. She was now struck by his resemblance to Julia.
The others stared at the silent exchange.
“Pard
on us, but Miss Bennet and I are not complete strangers. I saw her on my way home a few days ago, in the public room at the Red Lantern. A young man could hardly forget the sight of such a lovely lady.”
He smiled again at Kitty, who felt her cheeks fill with color. Bows and a curtsey were made.
Georgiana gave Kitty a speaking look and Lizzy arched her brow. More information would certainly be wanted once the gentlemen departed.
“No tea, Mrs. Darcy, I thank you,” the squire replied, looking at his son with a half smile. “We are on an exploration of sorts this morning—”
A servant appeared at the door.
“Mr. Benjamin Drake is here, Mrs. Darcy. Shall I show him in?”
“Of course, thank you,” Lizzy replied.
“Nothing like having a few young ladies in residence to bring the young men flocking,” the squire said with a chuckle. “Perhaps Darcy won’t be surrounded only by ladies!”
Benjamin Drake appeared at the door.
“Good morning, Mrs. Darcy. Ah, I see I am not the first caller. Good morning Squire, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Andrew.”
“How nice to see you,” said Lizzy. “Kitty, this is Mr. Benjamin Drake. Benjamin, my sister, Miss Catherine Bennet.”
“I am delighted, Miss Bennet. My parents spoke of meeting you yesterday. Welcome to our neighborhood.” He bowed and smiled. He was blonde like his brother, but his coloring was more like his mother’s, with warm brown eyes and a golden cast to his hair. Not quite as dashing as Christopher, but she thought his countenance more pleasing, with a smile that carried throughout his face.
She smiled at him in return as she dropt a curtsey, and then glanced at Georgiana, whose face was flushed with pleasure. Did the others not notice this?
Benjamin immediately moved to escort Georgiana to a seat and took the chair next to her.
“As I was saying,” the squire remarked, “we are on an exploration. I wished to ask Darcy if we might visit the red rock area to the north and perhaps take some samples.”
“He is in conference with Mr. Sawyer, Squire, but he may welcome an interruption. This afternoon he and my father tour some of the farms so they will be out that way as well. Please excuse me and I will inquire if he can speak with you.” Lizzy left the room, her gown rustling gracefully.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 6
