“We are conditioning ourselves for the upcoming ladies’ ride and picnic,” Georgiana said. “Do I understand you will be one of the guides?”
“Yes, I have gallantly offered my services, if I may flatter myself,” he said with a smile.
“Good, good,” Darcy said. “I also will accompany them. And now, we bid you good day.”
“And to you, sir,” Andrew said. “Ladies, I look forward to seeing you at the ride.” Although he had said ‘ladies,’ he had looked only at Kitty, and saluted her again as he had done when leaving the Red Lantern just a few weeks ago.
She flushed at the memory and burst into a smile that did not let up all the way back to the stables.
≈
Shortly after the ball Kitty had written to her sister Jane, and also to her family at Longbourn about the memorable event, but not to Lydia—she knew not what to say to her wayward sister. Jane sent a timely response.
* * *
Netherfield Park
My dearest Kitty,
How I enjoyed your description of the ball! What a delightful coming out for you. Lizzy and I were sure you would find great benefit and pleasure in spending time at Pemberley. I hope your new acquaintances grow into cherished and lifelong friends. I do miss your company. And you were so helpful at diverting Mama when her stories about lying in became frightening. But do not worry, I am determined to focus on the joy of holding my baby in my arms and I am sure all will be well. Charles is most attentive and I want for nothing, except the company of you and Lizzy. I hope you may find as much happiness as I have been so fortunate to enjoy. Please write again and tell me more about your friends and your doings at Pemberley.
Your loving sister,
Jane
* * *
Kitty folded the letter carefully and placed it amongst her things. Jane was such a comforting person. One could rely on her for the most hopeful outlook in any situation. Kitty was grateful for her two older sisters. She felt valued by them. Far different from how she had felt with Lydia. Sister Mary kept a distance from all her sisters and Kitty wondered if she were lonely or if she preferred solitude and reflection? She had only Mama for company now. Kitty would not wish to trade places with her.
≈
“Come, ladies, the carriage is here,” Darcy called as Kitty and Lizzy donned their bonnets and picked up their shawls. “We mustn’t keep the Wyndhams waiting.”
The moon had risen early. The sun hung low in the western sky, gathering clouds around itself as if preparing to paint its own portrait. The evening was still and warm, and Darcy had ordered the carriage top be lowered so they could better appreciate the countryside awash in pink clouds and ivory moonlight.
“What a beautiful evening,” Lizzy murmured, looking back at Pemberley.
Just as Kitty followed her gaze the sun struck all the windows, setting them ablaze.
“We are most fortunate, indeed,” Darcy replied, taking his wife’s hand and bringing it to his lips.
Kitty had been in Derbyshire only a few weeks, but had yet to see any of the acrimonious exchanges she had witnessed daily at Longbourn between her parents. She found the possibility of such a pleasant partnership very comforting. It left her hopeful she might find the same. And that put her in mind: she had not seen Owen since the ball. She anticipated a renewal of their budding acquaintance this evening at dinner.
The pact she had made with Georgiana and the Stapleton sisters was also on her mind. She was determined to listen carefully to conversations this evening—including those she might usually not find interesting—to do her part in gleaning information about the ‘investment club.’ As for the other part of the pact—that of protecting Georgiana from unwanted advances—Kitty knew Georgiana had reservations about this evening.
Kitty reached for Georgiana’s hand and squeezed it in silent support, eliciting a weak smile. “For making helpful discoveries,” she whispered.
They were shown into the drawing room to await dinner. Mr. Wyndham greeted them warmly. Douglas Wyndham bowed elegantly, but the satirical look in his eye was off-putting and aimed particularly at Georgiana.
Kitty glanced around the empty room.
“Oh, the ladies shall be down momentarily,” Mr. Wyndham explained, looking a little chagrined. “Something about a last minute gown change.”
“And where is Mr. Owen this evening?” asked Darcy.
“I regret he has gone to Windsor, Darcy. I thought he would return today but he has not. We are contracted to breed a few of the royal mares. I was to have gone, but my wife desires me nearby, fearing she may have another spell like she had at the ball. Owen, of course, knows everything about our operation and I trust him implicitly.”
“Your trust is well placed, I am sure. I have great admiration for his knowledge and skills. My cousin lives down that way—his estate is just west of the royal mews—and he has written to me concerning some breeding with my stud. It is something I intend to pursue. Well, I am sorry to lose Mr. Owen’s company tonight. You, Mr. Douglas, shall be burdened with entertaining us,” Darcy said, smiling at the elder son.
Douglas nodded and held up his glass. “I shall do my best, sir,” he said, casting one eye at Georgiana, who blinked and stared out the window.
A brittle voice at the doorway said, “My dear Darcys, please excuse our late appearance. We are honored to have you join us for dinner this evening.” Mrs. Wyndham smiled as she and her daughter came gliding into the room. The smiles of neither carried to their eyes.
Dinner was immediately announced. The formality kept at Greystone surprised Kitty. Appearances exceeded that of Pemberley in some ways. But as they went in to dinner, Darcy kindly offered Kitty his other arm rather than allow her to enter alone. She again appreciated what a true gentleman her sister had married.
Georgiana was awkwardly seated between Douglas and Mr. Wyndham. Fortunately, the group was small enough that conversation could take place across the table. Even so, Douglas attempted several times to engage Georgiana in whispered talks. She deftly engaged Mr. Wyndham or Lizzy in any questions posed by Douglas.
He managed to mask his frustration and found solace in repeated glasses of wine.
“Speaking of horses and royalty,” Mr. Wyndham began, picking up the earlier conversation, “I have heard talk about some kind of gambling group to do with race horses, even involving folks from hereabouts. Have you heard of this, Darcy?”
Kitty pricked up her ears and caught Georgiana’s eye.
“I have. It involves not only betting, but also altering the performance of certain horses by use of medicinals,” Darcy related with a scowl. “I abhor anyone tampering with the health of a beast as honest as a horse,” he said with fervor. “I hope the scoundrels are discovered and receive their just desserts. Things like this come to light sooner or later.”
“Sooner, I hope,” said Wyndham. “I join you in being repulsed by such actions—harming our esteemed beasts for money. No punishment can be adequate, in my opinion.”
Kitty interjected at this point. “How cruel! And the horses so helpless against such an attack. We must all come to their aid.”
Douglas gulped at his wine.
“Greed is at the root of much evil,” commented Mrs. Wyndham, and her sentiment was echoed around the table, followed by silence.
The conversation did not flow easily. Lucy and her mother made attempts to talk about pursuits and styles in London; but the gentlemen, having no interest in such things, repeatedly turned the conversation towards topics of more general appeal.
“Shall either of you be joining us on the morning ride before the picnic?” Darcy inquired of Mr. Wyndham and Douglas.
Mr. Wyndham’s eyes lit up until he looked at his wife.
“I had hoped to join you, Darcy. But Mrs. Wyndham prefers I ride with her and Lucy in the coach.”
Douglas added, “I, too, shall ride in the coach, Mr. Darcy. It seems you have enough guides, if I hear correctly?”
&nb
sp; “Yes, that appears so. We have Squire and Andrew Stapleton and Christopher Drake. Mr. Owen has also offered to accompany us. Lord Drake has business in town and cannot join us. Yes, we have gentlemen enough. I regret you cannot join us Wyndham; it is a ride you would enjoy.”
“I am sure I would. Hopefully another time,” Mr. Wyndham answered in a strained voice.
“Mrs. Darcy, will you ride that morning?” Douglas asked.
“No, I shall join them later by coach. I am not one for long exploring rides. Short rides visiting the orchard or nearby friends are more palatable to me. But I do know Georgiana and Kitty look forward to the outing and will have Lady Drake and Mrs. Goode as well as Miss Stapleton with them.”
Douglas perked up at this information. “Miss Darcy, I did not know you cared for riding.”
“I do not care for it as much as my brother would wish,” Georgiana replied, nodding at Darcy with a grin. “But yes, I shall join the ladies this time.”
“After we picnic, we can explore the ruins of Benwick Castle,” Kitty added with enthusiasm. “I understand it is an easy walk from the picnic area to the castle site.”
“Such gadding about the country!” exclaimed Lucy. “I find such outings boring when the landscape is the only attraction. But I do like a mystery. I have heard there are barrows near the ruins, and some say the castle site is haunted,” she said, hoping to engage the other young people in her fascination.
“Haunted?” Kitty asked. “By whom?”
“That story has been told since I was a child,” Georgiana said. “I set no store by it. But do tell it, Miss Jamison. I still find it entertaining.”
“More than entertaining, I should say. Legend has it that Captain Benwick, a soldier, spent many years away at war, leaving behind his young bride, Cassandra. Finding life very lonely, Cassandra took up illicit relations with a nearby duke. When Captain Benwick returned unannounced, he is said to have found the two together and challenged the duke to a duel. As Captain Benwick aimed the fatal blow at the duke, Cassandra rushed in front of her paramour and both were beheaded in one fell stroke. The captain, in his sorrow, took his dagger and ended his own life as well. And all turned to stone. I have not seen the place myself but am very eager to explore it.”
“Mr. Darcy showed us a stone circle on our ride the other day,” Kitty said. “I should be glad to explore more of these. But what about the haunting?”
“It is said Captain Benwick haunts the site in search of a new bride. And that any young lady entering the castle grounds may be spirited away by him.”
Laughter rippled around the table, but it was an uneasy sort of laughter.
Kitty was intrigued by this legend and thought more favorably about Lucy as a companion on adventures such as these.
The ladies went through to the drawing room whilst the gentlemen stayed behind to enjoy port. Mrs. Wyndham silently poured tea for the ladies.
Lizzy tried to break the awkwardness by continuing the conversation from dinner. “Georgiana, all of us are newcomers here but you. Pray, are there other such sites and legends?”
All eyes were on Georgiana. “Yes, the peaks are full of such stories—and actual sites of barrows, castles, caves, cairns, and even a lovers’ leap. My brother knows more about these than I do. I always found them unsettling. But Squire Stapleton is the one to ask. Not only is he well informed about these histories and legends, he also has a dramatic way of telling it. We must remember to ask him for some tales at the picnic.”
“Oh, yes, that would be exciting,” Lucy said, her eyes wide. “I wonder if any young ladies have gone missing from the castle site? Has the captain found his new bride?” She let out a slight cry, followed by laughter.
“Likely the squire will know,” Georgiana said with a wicked little smile.
It was not long until the gentlemen joined them. Darcy and Wyndham conversed genially as they entered the room. Douglas appeared somewhat unsteady and Kitty wondered about the amount of wine he had imbibed. She glanced at Georgiana, who gave a small shudder. Douglas made directly for her, landing heavily on the settee, causing both young ladies to move aside to avoid being squashed.
Kitty was appalled. She looked at Lizzy, who simply stared into the teacup in her hand.
Mrs. Wyndham sniffed and glared at her husband.
Douglas spoke in a loud, boorish tone to Georgiana, teasing her more about the legend. He seemed bent on frightening her. Discomfort, growing into alarm, marked Georgiana’s face.
Noticing this Darcy said, “Wyndham, what say we gentlemen take a turn outdoors? I feel the need for some air.”
“Capital idea!” Douglas slurred. “Come, Miss Darcy. You are not afraid of the dark, surely.”
Wyndham took control of the situation, and of his son.
“Douglas, you will join us outdoors. The ladies are not shod for walking, and I believe some fresh air is an excellent idea.”
The gentlemen quit the room, much to the unspoken relief of all the ladies.
Lucy snickered. “My brother is in his cups again.”
The gentlemen had not been gone long when a servant summoned the guests to their carriage. Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham and Lucy said their farewells at the door. Douglas was nowhere to be seen.
“Ladies, I do apologize for my son’s behavior. I shall take him to account severely in the morning; and I beg your forgiveness for any discomfort he caused, especially to you, Miss Darcy.”
The ladies simply curtsied, then were handed into the coach, but Darcy said, “Thank you, Wyndham, you have done all that is called for. Let young Wyndham take action to make amends.”
“Thank you, Darcy. You are a true friend.”
The men shook hands, and Darcy entered the coach.
≈
The next morning found the Darcys together in the breakfast room.
“Don’t forget, we are invited for tea at Swan’s Nest this afternoon,” Darcy reminded them as he rose to take his leave. “I have ordered the coach to be ready promptly at three.” He bent to kiss Lizzy on the forehead, bowed quickly to the young ladies, and strode from the room.
“What do you ladies have planned until tea time?” Lizzy said.
“I should like to practice my music,” Georgiana replied. “I have been neglecting it of late. There has been so much more to do”—she grinned at Kitty—“and I must not let my discipline lapse too greatly.”
“Cara is on my mind,” Kitty said, “and I hope to have a good ride today. What about you, Lizzy?”
“I plan a stroll in the near garden as soon as I finish my tea. After that, I have a delicious novel beckoning, although I may set up to read outdoors in the shade as it is such a beautiful day. Shall either of you wish to join me on a walk in the shrubbery?”
“Certainly!” they both chimed at once.
“One more piece of toast and jam for me first,” Georgiana remarked, reaching for the basket.
Kitty did likewise. She would need some stores for her ride.
≈
Cara raised her head and nickered as Kitty approached the paddock. “And good morning to you, girl,” Kitty said in reply. The mare trotted over to the fence and Kitty held out one of the pieces of apple she had gleaned from the kitchen.
“Hallo, Miss Bennet!” Johnny called as he emerged from the barn with a halter in his hand. “Allow me to bring Raleigh here in for his trim. Then I shall catch Cara.”
“Thank you.”
“Will this be a singular ride, Miss?”
She knew what this meant. They had created a code for the times she wished to ride astride, wearing jodhpurs she had hidden in the barn.
“Yes, I should like that very much, if it is convenient?” This was also part of the code, to determine if others were around who might notice them leaving if she were not in a sidesaddle.
“’Tis most convenient. Others are groomin’ and trimmin’. I shall ask to accompany you. We tack up at the far end.”
“I shall meet you there dire
ctly.”
Kitty entered the barn from a side door and stealthily retrieved her jodhpurs. She snuck into an empty stall and pulled them up under the skirt of her habit, then removed the skirt and hid it. On summer morning rides she never wore the jacket and tall hat of the habit, just a vest over her blouse. She tucked her hair under the round hat she kept with the jodhpurs and met Johnny at the far end of the stable yard. Her heart pounded with excitement. Now for a real ride!
Kitty bridled the mare as Johnny saddled her, and then he tacked up his own mount. Within minutes, they were out the gate to the south and east, in the direction of the river valley.
“Fine mornin’ for a ride, Miss,” Johnny commented, beaming. “And a ride is a far piece finer than groomin’ or trimmin’.”
“I agree. Don’t you, girl?” Kitty added, petting Cara’s neck.
The mare nickered.
“And how is your plan coming along, Johnny?” His great passion at present was a lovely mare owned by one of the nearby estates. Kitty’s monetary tips for his accompaniment—and for his secrecy—added to his coffers.
“Agreeable,” he replied. “I did pay some to the ’pothecary. Me sister been sick and needed a draught he brewed specially.”
“How is she now?”
“Mendin’. Out of bed. Eatin’ again. Thank you, Miss, for askin’ about her.”
“I have four sisters, Johnny. One is very difficult and one barely tolerable, but I love them all. You must be an admirable brother. I always wished I had a brother.”
“Think of me as yer brother then. We be bound by our love of horses—and by our secrets.” He chuckled.
“I like that. I shall. Thank you, little brother.”
They were approaching a flat meadow that ran parallel to the riverbank until it met a road from the nearby village.
“Ready to gallop?”
“Yes, but let us stay off the road. It would be best for me not to be seen.”
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 11
