“You are right, Fitzwilliam, I did sleep. It was a late but wonderful evening. But please do include me on some other morning soon. I am very eager to explore the vastness of the Pemberley grounds. And beyond.”
“I shall. This morning I rode to Greystone to inquire about Mrs. Wyndham. She was resting, and Wyndham stated it was nothing serious; she is recovering nicely. Oh, Kitty, I did see Mr. Andrew Stapleton this morning and I have a message for you. He mentioned his sisters will likely come to call today; I assume to discuss all the details of the ball. I also assume you and Georgiana shall be agreeable to that?”
“Of course! Well, perhaps I should not speak for—”
“You know me well enough to speak for me on that topic, Kitty,” said Georgiana from the doorway. “Planning before the ball and discussing it afterwards are equal parts of the delight of the event, and I would not miss any of it for the world.”
≈
Kitty and Georgiana were donning their bonnets in preparation for a walk when they heard the crunch of gravel beneath hooves and wheels. Georgiana threw open the front door.
“Julia and Matilda!”
Lizzy had already been summoned to greet the coach and was descending the stairs to meet the visitors.
“How lovely to see you Miss Stapleton, Miss Matilda. I am sure you are as eager to discuss the events of last night as Kitty and Georgiana are.”
“You are going for a walk?” Julia asked.
“Yes, can we talk whilst we walk this morning?”
“Let’s do. It is a fine day,” Matilda said, echoing Darcy’s earlier comment.
“Lizzy, do you wish to join us?” Kitty asked.
“Thank you, no. You have enough minds here for a variety of opinions. When you return, I shall have tea ready; and then you may apprise me of any tidbits you wish me to know. Will that do?”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. You are very kind,” Julia replied.
Nimble hands tied bonnet ribbons and the young ladies were off.
≈
“We slept very late today. Did you also?” Matilda asked.
“Yes, and I the latest,” said Georgiana. “Let us walk towards the orchards. The blooms and scent will not be with us long.”
Kitty waited for someone to begin.
Julia took the lead. “Georgiana, as you were the main focus of our pact, do tell us how the evening went for you. I saw you dance several times with Mr. Benjamin, and you looked very happy then,” she said. “But when he was not lucky enough to be your partner …”
The group stopped momentarily and Georgiana looked at each of them in turn.
“Perhaps you are not aware of the immense help our pact provided me during the course of the evening. I was grateful to each of you for intervening on my behalf. We might even say coming to my rescue. I would not change my life for the world, but I shall be much more at peace once I am married—hopefully to the man I love—and no longer hunted for my fortune.”
“Georgiana, do enlighten us. I know about my help to you, but I was not witness to other incidents,” Kitty said.
“Yours was the first, Kitty. Let us walk on as I explain.” They headed down the walkway, now two by two as the pathway narrowed on approaching the orchard.
“While I danced with many young men, and most were kind and gentlemanlike, two were impertinent and persistent. I am trying to decide if I should inform my brother. But that will bring into his view the subject of me finding a match, and I am not sure I am ready to discuss my true feelings for Benjamin yet. Hear me out, and then, please, tell me your opinions.”
“The two young men of whom I speak—I shall not call them gentlemen!—were most determined; not only in monopolizing me for dancing, but in trying to lead me outdoors or away from the crowd to be alone with them. Mr. Douglas Wyndham and Mr. Christopher Drake are the two. No one knows the value of reputation better than I, or could take more precautions against giving the slightest appearance of scandal. I believe that is what these two are about—making it appear I have been compromised to force a marriage—though I cannot apprehend why. Both are eldest sons. Both will inherit. I also understand they are good friends, which makes it more puzzling why they would compete with each other when neither cares a whit for me.”
“After one dance with Mr. Christopher, he would not let go my arm. He tried to propel me onto the terrace, alone. I was desperate in my mind—trying to decide if I should make a scene—when Kitty and Mr. Owen came to my rescue. Mr. Owen actually blocked the doorway and then insisted on the gentlemen fetching us drinks. Luckily, Mr. Christopher acquiesced. Mr. Owen’s demeanor was almost severe, and I think Mr. Christopher may have been a little in fear of such a challenge.”
“Mr. Owen would certainly win in a duel,” claimed Julia. “His fencing and shooting skills are well known. And he is very resolute, when he wishes to be …” A pensive look appeared on her face as she trailed off.
Georgiana continued. “Later, as I was quitting the ballroom to refresh myself, I was followed by Mr. Douglas. Luckily, Julia had observed my leaving and followed me to the door. When she saw him catching up to me in the deserted hallway, she called out. Then she and a nearby footman came to see what was happening, and Mr. Douglas retreated.”
“How shocking!” exclaimed Matilda.
The others shook their heads.
“Dear me!” exclaimed Kitty. “The ball must have been agony for you with problems such as these.”
“Well, the rest of the dance was pleasant—especially when I was dancing with my Benjamin—until the end.”
“That’s where I came in,” Matilda said. “This time it was Mr. Douglas trying to take her out of doors alone. I was panicked and not sure what to do. Luckily I was near Mr. Darcy and heard Mr. Owen speak to him in an urgent tone, saying, ‘My stepmother has taken ill and we leave at once. I must find my brother. And may I beg you send for the apothecary to meet us at Greystone? I have already called for our carriage.’ Mr. Darcy obliged instantly, of course. I indicated where Mr. Douglas was, near the terrace door with Georgiana, who looked distressed. Mr. Owen scowled fiercely and strode across the floor. I followed. The men departed at once and I remained with Georgiana. When the last dance began, Mr. Benjamin appeared for her, and then Mr. Fuller asked me again.”
Kitty stared with wide eyes.
“What is it, Kitty?”
“I did not wish to say until I heard this, but Mr. Owen had asked me, earlier in the evening, to save the last for him; and I had agreed. But he did not appear. I wondered greatly at him breaking his word in such a way. Now I see there was an urgent need to do so.”
“But you danced the last with my brother,” Matilda said.
“Yes, he came to my rescue, you might say,” Kitty replied. “I suppose it would not do to have the guest of honor sit out the last dance. Your brother is very kind.”
Julia had become withdrawn since the talk turned to Mr. Owen and his brother. Kitty glanced at her as they walked side by side, but Julia’s eyes hinted that another time would be better for further explanation.
“I think it must be obvious to the two troublemakers,” mused Matilda, “that you are certainly not alone and that, as your friends, we are aware of their attempts at impropriety. If you do not wish to tell your brother yet about Mr. Benjamin, we can continue to assist you. But I, too, share your puzzlement at why these two, who will inherit, are so determined to secure you. Of course, I did not mean—”
“Oh, I understand,” Georgiana replied. “To me—and probably to you, my friends—it is quite apparent they are not enamored with me, but rather with my fortune.”
Julia cleared her throat and stopped so the group could all face each other.
“There is something I must say that may shed some light here. I have heard, from a reliable source, that some of the young men hereabouts are involved in a group, a sort of ‘investment club’ as they call it. There are rumors it involves gambling and horses,” she said in almost a whisper. “Wh
ile these two will inherit someday, they do not at present have a great deal of money at their disposal. They are both often from home, in Town or at watering holes and such. Betting and gaming debts can make men desperate, and dangerous.”
Silence hung over the group. Kitty thought back to Mr. Wickham and his gaming debts, which the Bennets eventually discovered. He had reportedly stooped to some very low behavior. Aloud she observed, “Our group may be entering treacherous ground.”
“I say we add a new task to our pact,” stated Matilda emphatically. “Let us try to discover facts about these rumors—to see if there is any truth to them, and to learn if these two particular men are truly involved.”
“But how shall we discover such things?” Georgiana wondered aloud.
Matilda narrowed her eyes. “We listen. We become more aware. We might even bring up the topic of such rumors, in a general way, to our father and our brother; and Georgiana, you and Kitty to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.”
They looked at each other with a mixture of fear and confusion, then drew strength together.
After consideration, Kitty spoke. “I agree we must gather more facts. But if we discover anything of import we must involve Mr. Darcy at once—he being Georgiana’s protector—since the two possibly involved in this scheme seem to be after her. Have we an accord?”
All clasped hands and then walked on, lighter of step and unburdened enough to gossip about the more trivial details of gowns and appearances and pairings at the ball.
But in spite of their brightened demeanors, they were now conscious of a darker undercurrent in Derbyshire society.
Chapter Twelve
Lady Drake handed Lizzy a cup of tea. “I thought it best we meet in person to plan the ladies’ ride.”
“Quite right,” Lizzy agreed. “And there is also the exploring party and picnic. Or perhaps we might combine some of these?” she wondered aloud. “What do you think, Kitty?”
“I’m sure I don’t know. How many ladies will wish to ride horseback, Lady Drake?”
“Well, let me see,” she mused. “You and I of course; Mrs. Goode; oh, and Miss Julia Stapleton. Then there’s Lady Richards and her daughter—no, I remember now they are gone to Town for a fortnight. But the weather is favorable at present and I do not wish to wait that long. Miss Darcy, would you wish to ride?”
Georgiana pursed her lips. “Do we have gentlemen to assist us and act as guides? I admit I am not fond of exploring new areas on my own. I prefer a familiar mount on familiar trails.”
“I wonder, shall we make a day of it?” Lady Drake pondered. “Those seeking more adventure might ride out early in the morning with our guides. We riders could explore some of the splendors along the river and the cliffs and the dale, then all can meet near Nob Cave at that high clearing that is accessible by coach. The views are splendid, Mrs. Darcy. It is an excellent picnic spot. The old Benwick castle ruins are nearby for exploring. That would make a lovely walk.”
“Mr. Andrew has offered himself as a guide, as has Mr. Owen,” Kitty said.
“I believe Mr. Darcy will wish to ride with you as well,” Lizzy added. “Especially if you were to go, Georgiana,” she said, turning towards her for a response.
“Well, if my brother guides us, I shall feel safe; so yes, I will ride then. But what about you, Lizzy?”
“I am no horsewoman. I have never been one to ride for much distance,” Lizzy replied, reaching for another piece of cake. “I shall be content to come in the coach for the picnic.”
“What say you to Wednesday next? Do you have any encumbrance, Mrs. Darcy?”
“No, I believe that day will be convenient.”
“Excellent. I shall have notes delivered to the Wyndhams and the Stapletons and the others so that all the arrangements can be finalized. Perhaps it will be best for each family to provide their own refreshments and servants?”
“Yes, that would seem the simplest,” Lizzy agreed. “Now, to hope for good weather!”
≈
That evening at dinner, Lizzy shared the plan with Darcy.
“I would be delighted to guide the ladies on such a ride,” he said, with more enthusiasm than Kitty had ever witnessed in him. “There are several worthy places in the area—places not amenable to coaches—that we might explore to advantage on horseback. And both you young ladies will ride?” he inquired, looking particularly at Georgiana.
A laugh bubbled out of her. “Yes, brother, I will go if you are there. Other gentlemen have volunteered as well, but none other would make me feel so secure.”
“Thank you, my dear. I am delighted we shall have the chance to ride together. It has been some time, has it not?”
“And with that in mind,” Kitty interceded, “might you have time to take us on a shorter ride before the appointed day? I have ridden often since I arrived. Georgiana, if you have not ridden in some time, it might be wise to exercise your muscles.”
“You are right, Kitty. What do you say, brother?”
“I have business appointments tomorrow, but I could arrange a ride for the next morning. Would that do?”
“Yes. Oh thank you. Is he not kind and caring, Kitty?”
“Indeed he is. And I would not have guessed him so when first we met him at the Meryton assembly,” Kitty said with an arch of her brow, hoping Darcy would take her comment lightly, as meant.
“I cannot take offense, Kitty, when I see merriment in your eye. But let that be a lesson to all of us. Things and people are not always what they seem on first encounter. Even me.”
They all laughed and went through to the music room.
≈
On the chosen morning the grooms brought forth the horses. Cara nickered when she saw Kitty and was rewarded with affectionate petting.
“She is happy to see ye, Miss Bennet, no denying,” remarked Johnny as he handed Kitty the reins, giving her a knowing glance out of the corner of his eye.
Kitty looked at him with slight alarm, but Darcy was checking Georgiana’s tack and unaware of the exchange. She pursed her lips and shook her head at him, although her eyes held a twinkle.
“Miss Bennet, are you quite ready?” Darcy asked, proceeding to give her tack a final inspection.
“I checked it carefully myself as well, sir,” remarked Johnny.
“Good lad. A broken strap or loose buckle can bring down the best rider.” Darcy assisted Kitty into the saddle and then mounted his own rangy gelding. “Well, ladies, which shall it be? A ride along the river valley? Or winding up through the rockier peaks? Each has a stretch where we may let the horses have their head for a gallop.”
“I say the rocky path, brother. It has been some years since I was up there. I should like to see the view again.”
“And I,” seconded Kitty.
“Very well then. Connor, we shall return within three hours.”
“Aye, Sire, ever at yer service.”
Johnny tipped his hat at Kitty and she nodded and smiled. Her secret was still safe. She would tell Fitzwilliam the truth at some point, but the time was not yet ripe. There had so far been only one event at which she could prove herself—the ball. It would be best to have her position as a proper lady more firmly implanted in his mind and in the minds of the others before she challenged that by admitting to riding astride in jodhpurs. Perhaps after the picnic, if all went well?
It was a glorious morning in the English countryside and the sky grew brighter as they climbed. When the view allowed, Kitty could see tendrils of mist lingering yet along the distant river, and was pleased they had chosen this sunny path today. As they mounted a tall ridge, they saw a small body of water to the west.
“That is the lake at Swan’s Nest,” Darcy said. “We see it here from the northeast. There are many streams and rills about, and also many caves. I spent much time as a boy having make-believe adventures in the caves. We especially enjoyed imagining pirates to be hiding there,” he said with a laugh. Then his face clouded, and he looked at Georgiana. His sis
ter gave him a sunny smile and he appeared at ease again.
“Below, you see a great swath of green—that is where we will have our gallop if you are equal to it. But first we have a winding downward path to travel.”
The gallop across the meadow was refreshing. The turf was springy and the smell of the spring soil and the woodlands stirred a heady draught. Kitty filled her lungs. The ladies stayed on the green whilst Darcy directed his mount closer to the wooded border, jumping fallen logs and small streams.
How she envied Darcy! If she were riding astride, she could easily follow him. How Cara loved the low jumps!
Darcy wheeled back to join them, looking pleased, and gave his horse a hearty rub.
As they turned onto the narrow road they saw two riders moving their way. Kitty focused her eyes and thought she recognized the fine bay and the sturdy chestnut. Yes, it was Andrew and his uncle. Whatever were they doing here?
“Fitzwilliam, are we still on Pemberley land?” she asked.
Darcy was gazing at the riders as well.
“This road is the boundary between Pemberley and Swan’s Nest. It is an ancient road that leads to the higher peaks and deep into the Lake Country. It is seldom used now, being suitable only for riders on horseback or those drawing small wagons or driving carts. I do believe that is young Mr. Stapleton and his uncle.”
“Hail, and well met!” cried Darcy, nodding to the gentlemen.
“Well met, indeed!” responded Andrew Stapleton.
Mr. Robertson nodded in acknowledgement.
“And what brings you gentlemen out this far? Is the pleasant morning the only attraction?” Darcy asked.
“It is a pleasant morning, but for us also a good time to gather more samples for our studies,” Andrew replied. “There are some interesting specimens near a grouping of small caves yonder,” he indicated.
“Mr. Darcy, whilst I greatly esteem my uncle’s company, I cannot help but envy you your riding companions this morning.” He touched his hat in salute to the ladies.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 10
