“I should like that,” Kitty replied.
Georgiana chose to return in the coach with Lizzy and Benjamin, which Kitty deemed wise considering Georgiana’s lack of recent riding. Her horse was tethered behind the coach and could happily walk or trot along.
Mrs. Wyndham’s plaintive voice was heard.
“Those clouds are menacing, Mr. Wyndham. It’s violence will be unleashed upon us soon, mark my words. Do stay close to the coach, my love.”
≈
Once the coaches and riders descended from the picnic site, the road rolled gently and meandered easily around rocky outcroppings or large trees. The party crossed a few bridges over gurgling rills swollen with late spring rains.
The canopies of the coaches had been lowered for easier conversation. The day had been pleasant and the group amenable, until Kitty overheard Christopher goading Douglas,. Christopher’s loud guffaws carried on the breeze. For two gentlemen who traveled often together, they got on poorly.
The breeze rose and the clouds crept up behind the party. Kitty glanced back but felt sure they would be home long before the rain reached them.
At the rear, Douglas was scowling at Christopher. Near the middle coach, the squire and Andrew were in conversation, but Kitty could not hear their words over Matilda’s incessant chatting with anyone who would listen.
Julia was quietly studying the landscape and Kitty settled comfortably into her own saddle to enjoy this easier ride along the road, being at leisure to take in the many beauties of the greener land in the serene valley. Estates and farms dotted the countryside; some nestled in the folds of the land, others perched boldly on a high point to command a view.
“That one, over there,” Christopher shouted.
Kitty turned to see him pointing to the steeple of a church.
“A betting man unwilling to wager on himself? Ha! Now I’ve heard it all.” Christopher’s sneering tone caused several in the party to turn their heads.
Douglas’ face was red and strained.
“You know I can beat you, Drake, blindfolded even,” he said, his voice rising in anger.
Kitty was startled at the wrathful tone.
Julia did not turn. Her face was set and her eyes hard, but her lip quivered.
“Julia, whatever is the matter?” Kitty asked.
Her friend continued to stare straight ahead.
The loud voices also drew Andrew’s attention, and he rode back to quell the disturbance.
“Here now, gentlemen. We are committed to seeing our ladies safely home. Mr. Drake, perhaps you can ride near Miss Jamison’s carriage and carry on a more pleasant conversation there.”
“The devil take you, Drake. The wager is on!” Douglas pulled his horse out to the side.
Andrew protested. “Wyndham, no. Come, man, ride with me, or the squire …”
“Pull out, Drake!” Douglas hollered. “To the steeple and back. On your mark, ready, go!” He leaned forward and was off.
Julia gasped.
Squire Stapleton jerked to attention at the commotion.
The other horses in the party danced and pawed.
Christopher bolted after Douglas and, at a nod from the squire, Andrew urged his horse to follow.
“Squire, what is this?” Darcy called back, directing the coaches to halt.
“Hopefully, a very short steeplechase.” The furrow in his brow belied his playful words.
“A steeplechase?” cried Lucy, her eyes wide. “How bold!”
Darcy frowned at her. “How foolish I should say. These horses are already tired, and none have been in training for jumps so early this season. The ground is boggy. Wyndham, what can we do?”
Mr. Wyndham’s face was flushed in mortification.
“Ride by my carriage if you will, Darcy. Owen and I shall go out to meet them on their return. Pray, keep the party together.”
“I too will meet them,” said Lady Drake, pulling out to the side. “This is most ill-advised. My son shall know my feelings on his return, be assured.” Her face was stony as her eyes followed the progress of the steeplechasers, who had become mere dots in the landscape. Only the most far-sighted could see them as they neared the steeple.
Kitty turned to Julia, whose face was ashen.
“You care for him, do you not?” she whispered.
A tear rolled down her friend’s face.
“I did, so greatly. I still do. But he is in such a state. I have lost him to his pain and sorrow. There is naught I can do.” She sniffed and pulled back her shoulders with an effort. Another tear escaped and trickled down her cheek.
Kitty knew not how to comfort her friend.
Meanwhile, the source of that sorrow was circling the church steeple … widdershins.
Chapter Seventeen
“The riders are returning,” cried Lucy, “but I cannot tell who is in the lead.”
As they drew closer, Douglas reeled in the saddle, throwing his horse off-balance. Both went down directly in Christopher’s path, causing his horse to swerve madly and fall, tossing him out of the saddle. Andrew was coming from farther behind and had time to check his horse by arcing widely. Mr. Wyndham and Owen raced to the scene. Some of the females in the carriages screamed and covered their eyes.
Lady Drake was off, riding hard to her son. Darcy followed.
The squire rode to the front of the group and stayed the carriages.
“We may need transport for the injured,” he said to no one in particular.
Both of the downed horses regained their feet, but one limped badly. Christopher was up now, walking well enough to get hold of his horse. One arm was pinched to his side. All that could be seen of Douglas was a lump on the ground.
Kitty looked wildly at the squire, then caught the motion of a rider speeding towards them. It was Owen.
“It’s bad, sir,” he reported to the squire, breathless. “Douglas is unconscious. His horse fell on him and both his legs are askew. We must have help at once!”
“We have only women here, son. I cannot ride away and leave them unguarded on the road. There is only Benjamin and myself.”
“I cannot leave my brother.” Owen’s eyes flew to Kitty.
Instantly she knew his mind.
“Send me, Squire!” she offered in a bold voice. “I know the direction from here. Pemberley is closest, is it not?”
The squire looked hard at her. “Send a lady across country? Alone?”
“I can ride astride, sir, and like the wind.”
His brows lifted at this admission, and he looked in Lizzy’s direction. When Lizzy quietly nodded her assent, the squire gave his approval.
“Miss Bennet, take my horse,” cried Owen. “You can manage him. Ride to Pemberley. Tell Connor what has happened. Give him our direction. Have someone ride for the nearest surgeon—Wilson will know best.”
As he spoke, she slipped from her saddle and handed her reins to Julia, whose face was stricken. Kitty looked from Lizzy to Julia and back. You must help Julia! she communicated wordlessly to her sister.
Lizzy nodded her understanding.
Owen gave Kitty a leg up onto his great grey gelding.
She adjusted her skirts as best she could and looked around to fix the location in her mind.
“I will manage Cara,” he assured her. “Ride fast, Miss Bennet. May God go with you!”
After a last look into Owen’s eyes, Kitty and the great grey were away like a phantom.
≈
The ride cross-country was a blur. What if Douglas were dead? Poor Mr. Wyndham. Poor Julia. Owen’s horse had a long stride and flattened into it, covering ground more swiftly than Kitty had ever done before. The crossroads soon appeared, as did the gate Darcy had struggled with that morning. It was closed. She gulped and aimed the horse directly at the gate. He seemed to know her intent and gathered himself for the jump. Kitty felt his muscles bunch under her and with a powerful thrust from his hocks he left the ground. They sailed over the gate, horse and
rider flying as one, and she instinctively leaned forward to give him his head. He had done this before. He stretched out for the landing and continued on as if the gate had been only a small log. They flew across the field and were at the stables in minutes.
“Mr. Connor! Mr. Connor!” Kitty cried, gasping for breath. A young lad appeared, followed by Johnny.
Her face was ablaze and Johnny ran to her in alarm, grasping the bridle and circling the horse calmly.
“Mr. Connor, help is needed!”
Riley Connor came trotting around the corner. His eyes widened at the sight of her, and at the horse she was riding.
“What’s this?”
Kitty was still breathless but managed to impart the severity of the accident and the location.
Mr. Connor barked orders, and the whole stable yard mobilized in a trice.
“Mr. Owen says to send Johnny. And for Wilson to send for the surgeon or …”
Mr. Connor nodded to Johnny, who sped off.
“Can ye ride yet to the house, Miss? Tell Wilson. He will know who to send for and will make the note. Bring it here and young Lucas will take it. Then we shall see to you and the horse. Mr. Owen’s, is he not?”
Kitty nodded and turned for the house. A footman emerged at the first sound of hooves, and she cried for him to summon Wilson, who appeared in a moment. After hearing her need, he ran in and returned with a note. She reached for it and wheeled to make for the stables again. Her breath was slowing but her heart still raced. She delivered the missive, and young Lucas leapt onto a readied horse and was away.
“There, Miss. Our lads have gone. I sent lads also to Cedars and Greystone with a report. Help shall be on the way from many quarters. ’Tis in the hands of Providence now. Let me help ye down.” A stable lad took the grey’s reins.
Mr. Connor set Kitty on her feet, but her legs collapsed under her. He caught her in time, scooped her up, and carried her to a bench between two trees where he gently set her down.
“Do not move,” he said and rushed to the barn whilst she reclined, trying to steady her heart.
Mr. Connor returned with a warm blanket, a bottle, and an apple.
“Like a horse after a race, Miss. A nice blanket, a little rest, something to drink, and a sweet treat—ye’ll be good as new.”
Kitty smiled at his analogy, and did not object being compared to a racehorse. After a drink and a few bites of the apple, she was improved and sat up to finish them.
Mr. Connor sat beside her in silence. He was old enough to be her grandfather, and she appreciated his kindly ways.
“Now ye must walk, Miss. A cool down, aye?”
When she nodded, he called out, “Roger! Roger, here, lend us an arm. A walk will be good for ye, Miss.” Leaning on the two of them, she walked slowly to the house. There two footmen helped her up the stairs where Poppy was ready to attend her. Her riding habit was removed, along with her half boots, and she stepped into a readied bath. Once wrapped into a warm robe, she returned to the sitting room.
“Do you wish for tea, Miss? Something to eat?”
“Tea would be wonderful, Poppy. And something light, perhaps a sandwich? I shall dine when the others return.”
Poppy had propped the pillows just so and Kitty leaned back, sinking into the comforting softness. Her body was ready to rest, but her mind fretted about the others—those who had been hurt, and those who loved them.
Soon Poppy appeared with a tray, and Kitty moved to the small table and chair.
“Why, Poppy, how thoughtful. You have also brought my favorite biscuits. Thank you.”
“Yer welcome, Miss.” Poppy sat with her whilst she ate, and Kitty appreciated her watchful eye, although she had now regained almost her full strength.
“I fear I may be quite sore tomorrow, Poppy. Not just the race for help. But also the morning ride, it was challenging. Some very rough terrain, but so beautiful. Do you know the area around the Edge above the River Derwent?”
“Aye. Me sister lives over that way. Very lovely it is with the high peaks and the green river valley. Her husband greatly enjoys the fishing.”
Kitty chuckled. “I saw Mr. Darcy watching the fishermen, and he looked quite envious. He even proposed a fishing expedition to be the next outing.” She took another sip of tea and a last bite of biscuit.
Less pleasant thoughts took hold again, and her worries for the others returned.
“Oh, Poppy, I believe Mr. Douglas is seriously injured. The whole episode was … well, I’d rather not speak of it. There’s nothing to do now but wait, I suppose.”
A knock at the door produced a servant who announced the carriage had returned. Minutes later Lizzy and Georgiana burst into the room. Poppy curtsied and left, taking the tray.
Georgiana rushed to Kitty’s side and took her hands.
“Oh, Kitty, how brave you were. Are you all right? You look a little pale.”
Lizzy scrutinized her sister. “Are you injured?”
“No, not at all. I am well. Please, sit. And tell me what happened after I left. Are all alive? Will all recover?”
“There is mostly good news,” Lizzy reassured her. “But not all. Christopher has injured his shoulder in a most painful way; but other than that, he is well. Darcy says his horse pulled a stifle but will recover with treatment. Andrew was not injured, nor was his horse. The extent of Douglas’ injuries is not yet known. He is being taken to Matlock, which is the nearest surgeon. Pity that; it is some way off. He did regain consciousness a few times but could not move on his own, or speak. Sadly, his horse paid the gravest price and had to be destroyed. Darcy said his leg was shattered beyond mending, and suspected an injury to the spine as well. It angers Darcy when a horse is harmed by such carelessness. He is furious.”
“And what of the Wyndhams?” Kitty asked.
“I will not address the female Wynhams as there is not much to tell beyond hysteria. But Mr. Wyndham is understandably distraught. His eldest son has been struggling with some severe problems of a mental and spiritual nature. It seems he has never been the same since his mother died. He was the first to come down with the fever that took her and his little sister. He himself recovered, but he shoulders the blame for their deaths, and for his father’s loss. In addition, we believe he and Mr. Christopher have taken up with a fast crowd and may be involved in some questionable activities. The Drakes are not happy about that.”
Lizzy paused a moment, looking both girls directly in the eye.
“All this of which I speak is of a most confidential nature, and is not to be revealed to anyone or spoken of at all, except to me.”
“Of course,” Kitty replied.
“Yes,” said Georgiana.
“As I’m sure you became aware during our dinner with the Wyndhams, Douglas has been drinking to excess. This has clouded his judgment and he is angry most of the time. Liquor can be a demon once it takes hold. His choice today was careless. If he survives, it is likely he will never walk again.”
Both girls gasped.
“Whatever the outcome, we Darcys are in full support of the Wyndhams—Mr. Wyndham and Mr. Owen especially. Mr. Wyndham and Darcy are very thick. Oh, it is all too much to contemplate.” She shook her head, then looked closely at her sister again.
“Kitty, how are you feeling now?”
“At first, I was exhausted. Mr. Connor was most helpful, providing me with drink, a blanket, and an apple. He even carried me to a bench to rest! Then he and one of his lads walked me here to the house. Darcy’s staff is exemplary; everyone knew exactly what to do. I am so grateful.”
“And we are all grateful to you for making that daring ride,” Georgiana said. “But how did Mr. Owen know you could do such a thing? He seemed so sure …”
Lizzy lifted a brow. “Does this have to do with the delay the other morning, Kitty? I had forgotten to ask you more about that.”
Kitty looked at the two of them and took a deep breath.
“Now is my turn to swear the
two of you to secrecy. Lizzy, you may, of course, enlighten Fitzwilliam if you think it necessary. But I do not wish to cause trouble for Johnny; he has been most kind and helpful—and honorable.” She proceeded to tell them of her secret rides astride around Pemberley, disguised as a boy, and her pact with Johnny. Then she told of their accidental meeting with Owen and the broken down wagon.
Georgiana’s eyes grew large. “I am incredulous, Kitty. I don’t even know what to say. Not only are you brave, you are most determined.”
Lizzy did not appear so shocked. “I had no specific suspicions of your riding style, Kitty, but I am not wholly surprised to hear this. You have a great deal more spirit than anyone around Longbourn or Meryton might have guessed. And now Mr. Owen knows your secret, and the squire will guess it. He appears jolly on the surface but he is shrewd, and wise. I admire him greatly. You risked not only your safety, but also your reputation by making this ride to Pemberley. We shall see what becomes of it.” She looked at Kitty soberly. Then she winked, with one eye.
“Oh, Lizzy, thank you. Then I can count on you to stand behind me?”
“Indeed you can.”
“And I,” Georgiana declared.
Another knock came at the door.
“Mrs. Darcy, if you please, Mr. Darcy has arrived and requests your company, and that of the young ladies, in his book room. If Miss Bennet is able?”
“Thank you. Please tell him we shall all come directly.”
The three exchanged expectant looks. Kitty changed her robe for a frock. Then they left to discover the master’s opinion concerning the day’s events.
≈
The room was subdued when they entered, lit only by a small fire and the rosy hue of a cloud-filled sunset through the window adjacent to Darcy’s great desk. The other walls were covered with books. Kitty had been told these were estate books and books of a personal nature to the family, not for public perusal.
“Come in, ladies,” Darcy said, motioning for them to sit. Standing at the hearth, he once again seemed a formidable figure as he stared into the fire. Kitty and Georgiana settled onto the settee. Lizzy chose a wingback chair. No one spoke for some little time.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 15
