They all laughed merrily except Julia. Since the accident, she had been even more subdued. Kitty hoped for a chance to talk with her alone, and that the trip itself might prove a pleasant diversion for her.
Kitty had been introduced to the Earl of Matlock and his family at the joint wedding of her older sisters. Other than that, she had no direct experience with anyone of title except Sir William Lucas, who was anything but formal.
Kitty turned to Georgiana. “Are there young people to be met at Thornhill?”
Georgiana knit her brow. “I seem to remember a little girl, some years younger than myself. I have heard nothing of her recently.” She called out to Darcy. “Brother, is there still a young lady at Thornhill?”
Darcy rode closer to reply.
“Yes, I believe so, unless she is traveling. She is about five years your junior, Georgiana.”
The young ladies then retreated to their own thoughts.
The trip to Matlock was accomplished with no difficulties and no drama, except when in Mrs. Wyndham’s company. Her antics put Kitty in mind of her own mother, although Mrs. Wyndham did have a more elegant way of fretting. At least she traveled in her own carriage so the drama was not continuous. Kitty pondered the oddity of the match with Mr. Wyndham. What would have drawn them together?
A different drama—one much more welcome—was found in the landscape. Kitty marveled at the lofty cliffs that rose boldly above the River Derwent as they made their way south. A skirting of fine woods covered the lower parts of the crags. She sometimes dropt out of the conversation around her, mesmerized by the sights as they journeyed to Thornhill Manor, the seat of the Earl of Matlock.
After passing through the manor’s impressive woods, they emerged into a fine park where a staff of attendants greeted them when their carriage stopped. It was past teatime, but Kitty held out hope for refreshments before the late dinner hour common in many grand houses. The butler greeted Darcy congenially, and the entire party was ushered into the drawing room and announced.
Earl and Lady Matlock rose to greet them and introductions were made.
“Cousin Alice, I am so pleased to see you again,” Georgiana said, with a graceful curtsey. “It has been many years since we have met.” Alice was tall but with a youthful fullness of face.
“Indeed it has,” the earl said. “Alice here was but a moppet when last you two were together. Why has it been so long? And you, Miss Darcy, are now a gracious young lady. You remind me so much of your dear mother. I can almost see my sister’s smile in your eyes,” he said, gazing at her fondly.
“We are honored to welcome such a large party,” said Lady Matlock. “Preparations and accommodations are all in hand. Are you sure you can stay only one night?”
“I am afraid it must be so. The royal mares are expected at Windsor; and the sooner I deliver them, the more relieved I shall be. Perhaps on our return journey we may be able to honor your kind invitation to stay for more than one night.”
“Agreed. Now let us postpone further conversation until after you rest. We dine at nine, so I gather substantial refreshment may be welcome as soon as may be?”
“That would be most kind,” Darcy said, anticipating the desires of his party.
≈
The teatime offerings were ample and delicious, and adequately dulled the travelers’ sharp appetites. The group that gathered in the drawing room—after a brief rest and a change of clothing—was varied enough to break into smaller groups after general news had been shared. When the men turned to talk of hunting and politics, the ladies gathered near Lady Matlock to discuss social events, entertainments, fashions, and some news from the royal court. Kitty was enthralled by the information about royalty, especially Princess Charlotte. She had heard of her, but mostly negative comments about her lack of beauty and want of grace. Lady Matlock seemed to have a soft spot for this princess, whom she said was a great favorite with people high and low, and her eventual ascent to the throne was happily anticipated.
“Why, she is very near our ages!” exclaimed Georgiana, looking around at her friends. “I don’t suppose we shall ever meet royalty in our social circle. I wonder what a royal princess does with her time?”
Lady Matlock answered. “She is said to have a passion for horses and is described as a fearless and bold rider.”
“We have one such here with us!” exclaimed Matilda. A nudge from her sister reminded her to subdue such information. She ended with, “Miss Bennet is an expert horsewoman and hopes to ride to the hounds with our Lady Drake some day.”
Alice turned to Kitty. “How fascinating! And how long will you stay in Derbyshire, Miss Bennet?”
“I do not know,” Kitty replied. “I believe I shall stay most of the summer. Perhaps this princess will open the way for more active riding by ladies? I would welcome that. Even my own father disapproved of me riding about our manor.”
“And what of these horses that you return to Windsor?” asked Lady Matlock.
Lucy responded in a carefully modulated voice. “While I do not know much about their breeding program or ours, they were covered by our stallion at Greystone, Lady Matlock.”
“I see. My husband has deep interest in horse husbandry, especially the thoroughbred lines. I confess I do not pay much attention to the details, but I have wondered at the practice of sending out or importing mares or stallions.”
“If I may, Your Ladyship, it is a way of bringing ‘fresh blood’ one might say, into the bloodlines,” Kitty offered. “It can introduce new traits, strengthen strong features, lessen weak tendencies, and improve the overall health or disposition of a line. Repeated in-line breeding can eventually cause weaknesses. From what I know, there is quite an art about it.”
Lady Matlock nodded graciously whilst the others looked at Kitty in astonishment.
Alice piped up. “I should like to see you ride, Miss Bennet, and hear of your horseback adventures. Mama rarely rides. I would so enjoy talking with someone of your knowledge.”
Kitty had never known a young person to look up to her. It was a new and welcome experience.
“Do you have a horse of your own, Miss Matlock?”
“I have two. A sweet little mare for hacking about, and a more athletic gelding that I hope …” she looked towards her mother “… that I hope may someday be a hunter.”
Her mother appeared not to hear.
Talk then turned to fashions and balls, to the distinct pleasure and relief of Mrs. Wyndham and Lucy, until dinner.
During the lengthy meal Kitty watched Georgiana closely to ensure that her own manners satisfied the formality of the fine dinner. She had never dined in such high company. The other girls also looked to Georgiana to lead the way. It was the most elegant meal Kitty had ever been privileged to enjoy.
After dining, the ladies went through to the music room to prepare for entertainment. Georgiana was asked to play, and Alice showed her the selection of sheet music available whilst the ladies sipped tea.
The return of the gentlemen enlivened the conversation and there was more mixing and moving about the room. Christopher Drake paid his respects to Miss Alice. Lucy, unable to be content with Alice enjoying all his attention, joined them.
Kitty had not forgotten their mission to listen for comments about the ‘investment club.’ Towards the end of the evening, her vigil was rewarded when she overheard some talk between Darcy and his uncle about the problems the scoundrels were causing at the racing stables.
“Why can they not bet like honorable gentlemen?” the earl demanded. “Let racing remain an honest sport.”
“Any time wagering becomes part of a sport, some of its beauty dies, in my opinion,” Darcy said. “It becomes, for some, about the money rather than about developing great talent. If ever I caught someone drugging a horse, I would personally whip him within an inch of his life!” Darcy exclaimed vehemently, silencing the room.
He turned with an apologetic bow.
“Pardon me, ladies, I w
as overwarm in my words. Let us have some music to soothe those of us who may need it.”
Kitty could not be sure, but Christopher seemed to avoid Darcy and the earl after this.
While the musicians determined who would play what, Mrs. Wyndham held forth about her plan to stay in Matlock until Darcy’s return from Windsor. She began with great drama to describe her stepson’s injuries when Darcy intervened with a sensible explanation of the accident.
The earl was moved and offered his sympathies.
“The waters at the Matlock Bath have been a powerful cure for many.”
“That—plus the availability of the surgeon—is why Mr. Wyndham has taken lodgings there,” Darcy said. “I am eager to see how his son gets on. I have had a few notes from his father, but I understand the young man remains confined to a wheelchair and his spirits are greatly dampened.”
“The waters may be of help there also,” Lady Matlock said. “When the spirit is cured, the body heals.”
Kitty was struck by this wisdom.
Julia stared hard at Lady Matlock.
As the music was performed, Owen stood or sat near the older gentlemen. Kitty wondered at his lack of sociability. He certainly had not Andrew’s easy affability or charm. He kept a watchful eye on his stepmother and stepsister, as his father would wish. He also kept vigil over Julia. Did he and Julia share a past? There seemed some connection between them—an uneasy or sad connection.
Kitty longed for Owen’s relaxed and witty conversation, like they had enjoyed the day of the wagon breakdown, but Owen did not meet her eye all evening.
Chapter Nineteen
Kitty tossed and turned. How could she be so restless? Here was a fine bed, excellent attendants, the best of food. She could not determine the source of her disquiet. Was she not accustomed to travel? Her journeys had been only to the homes of family, and with family, so perhaps that was it. She was now with others she knew, and some she felt close to, but it was not as if Lizzy were here. No, on this journey she must depend on herself alone.
Some of her party were in the breakfast room the next morning when she entered. The gentlemen rose and Darcy gave her a welcoming smile.
“Sit here,” Georgiana indicated, seeming quite at home.
Darcy advised them of the day’s plan.
“Please remember, we must leave for Matlock by noon. We will all lunch with the Wyndhams there and afterwards will proceed to our next stop while the Wyndham ladies remain.”
“Oh, must I?” cried Lucy with a frown. “There is nothing I can do for Douglas. I would sooner go on to Town.”
Darcy gave her a critical look. “May I remind you, Miss Jamison, we do not go into London. We will lodge at Oakhurst, seat of my cousin Alfred Cressley, several miles west of London. Mr. Owen and Mr. Christopher will travel on to Windsor with my cousin and myself to deliver the royal mares.”
Lucy flounced in her seat, a petulant look marring her fair features. The others stared at this behavior from a young lady who had grown well beyond the schoolroom.
Darcy cleared his throat and gave her a stern look that did nothing to change her disposition.
“Let us have a look at your own breeding stock, uncle,” he said, changing the focus. “Gentlemen?” The men strode from the room.
Mrs. Wyndham had not yet made her morning appearance. Lady Matlock had already excused herself to see to household business. Kitty, Georgiana, the Stapleton sisters, and young Alice remained at the table, still gaping at Lucy.
“Why can I not go? Owen gets to go, and Douglas is his real brother,” Lucy said, reaching for another muffin. “He should be the one to stay in Matlock.”
“There is much beauty to be seen in this area,” Kitty remarked, trying to redirect the conversation. “What is there to do hereabouts, Alice?”
“There are waterfalls and caverns, and many beautiful walks and rides,” Alice replied. “I hope you can make a longer stay some time.”
“Thank you, Alice,” Georgiana said. “I should be glad to have a longer visit here at any time I can arrange.” The others echoed her sentiments.
A morning walk was taken about the gardens. Julia brought her sketching pad and found a seat towards one side of the area while the other young ladies explored.
“May I join you, Julia?” Kitty asked.
Julia looked up in surprise, then nodded, indicating for Kitty to sit. A companionable silence extended for some time while Julia sketched a scene of trees and rocks. Kitty marveled at her deft strokes.
“Forgive me, I do not wish to intrude, Julia, but you seem … unhappy. Is there anything I might do?”
Julia sighed, put down her pencil, and looked at Kitty.
“I am sorry to cast a sober light on such a delightful journey. But my heart is not in it.”
After a moment, Kitty asked, “Where is your heart?”
“Do you not know?”
“Is it Mr. Owen? Do you and he have a history? I see many meaningful looks pass between you, and afterward you both seem disturbed.”
“Mr. Owen? No, Kitty. It is his brother who holds my heart.”
“Mr. Douglas? But you have never spoken of him, except at the steeplechase …”
“And why should I? You see how he is. Even before this accident, he had been in such a state for many months. He and I share a long history, not unlike that of Georgiana and Mr. Benjamin. In the past, he confided in me—of his sorrow in losing his mother and sister, and his belief it was his fault. But then he changed, Kitty. Instead of being sad, he grew angry and bitter. He pushed everyone away, including me. One day on a walk by our pond, he nearly assaulted me. He was drinking secretly. I did not fully understand what was happening. I was shocked when he made to strike me. Mr. Owen happened to see that. It was he who acted the part of an elder brother, Kitty. He intervened and got me safely away. He wishes me to stay away from Douglas. To give him up. To abandon him.”
“Oh, Julia! I had no idea you carried so much sorrow.”
“There is more. It was after that when Douglas began traveling to town with Mr. Christopher. They became secretive. Douglas then began drinking openly. Mr. Owen was furious. I do believe Mr. Christopher and Douglas are involved in the ‘investment club.’ There may be others as well. Mr. Owen told all this to my brother Andrew and me. So far, they have not told my father. I dread what he might do if he learnt of it. Probably send me far away from Douglas. Mr. Owen and Mr. Wyndham are so kind and Douglas used to be like them. But Kitty, it is as if the real Douglas died—months before the steeplechase accident.”
A teardrop fell onto the lovely sketch, blurring its beauty.
Kitty put her arm around her friend. “This whole tale is so sad. And, are you … will you see him today when we visit?”
“Mr. Owen says I should not, but I feel I must. I still love him, Kitty. Sadly my love was not enough for him.” She sighed. “Yes, I will visit with the group, but if I leave of a sudden, please speak for me? Tell them a violent headache has taken me out of doors to the fresh air.”
“Of course.”
The others had changed their direction and were returning. Julia took a deep breath and addressed her drawing, though Kitty knew her friend’s heart and mind were elsewhere.
≈
Soon the carriages were ready, thank-yous and goodbyes were said, and the group wound down the hillside to the town of Matlock. The Wyndhams’ lodgings were easy to find at the Matlock Bath area in the outskirts of town. Kitty did not wonder this was a place of healing; besides its legendary waters, surely the beauty of the surroundings must inspire hope.
Mr. Wyndham greeted his wife and daughter with joy, handing them out of the carriage, then heartily welcomed Owen. A servant unloaded the baggage.
“Owen, will you oversee the horses and carriage at the livery?” his father asked.
“Certainly. I shall return when all is situated.”
How nice it must be when the man of a family was so accommodating and so capable. It seeme
d there was nothing Owen could not manage. Except his brother.
“Please, Darcy, all of you, come in. The lodgings are small but there is a drawing room of sorts. I am so glad for your company,” Mr. Wyndham said. He looked worn and haggard.
They all crowded into the small but agreeable room. Mrs. Wyndham ordered tea from the cheerful maid and then looked about her in dismay.
“Really, my dear, are there no better lodgings than this?”
Lucy scowled at the surroundings and whispered under her breath.
Christopher paced restlessly about the tiny room, glancing often at Lucy in commiseration.
“These rooms have been most pleasant and very adequate for Douglas and myself. It will be cozy with you ladies here, but I am sure we shall all get on very well for a short time. Douglas is now with the nurse at the waters and returns any moment. We saw the surgeon this morning. Douglas is speaking well, and his upper body is strong—he has regained the use of his arms to a great degree. But he remains confined to a wheelchair for now.”
“I see,” Darcy said. “Well, that seems like great progress, considering his condition after the accident.”
“Yes, the surgeon tells me the same thing. He says full recovery can take many months.”
Mrs. Wyndham looked horrified.
“Surely you cannot mean to stay here for months? How shall Lucy and I survive? Why, it is unconscionable! I cannot find it acceptable.”
“My dear, we can discuss it in more detail later,” Wyndham said whilst motioning her to calm down. He glanced at Darcy.
“So, Wyndham,” Darcy remarked, “shall Mr. Douglas feel comfortable with us visiting him today? What does his surgeon recommend?”
“I spoke to him about that very thing this morning. The surgeon believes a few short visits, with only two in his room at a time, would be beneficial. His spirits remain much depressed.”
“Understandable, my man. None of us enjoy being ill or incapacitated. We shall keep our visits short and will then be on our way. I shall send you a note by messenger when we are leaving Oakhurst after Windsor, on the return leg of our journey, so you will know when to expect us here again. Is there anything I can get for you or Mr. Douglas anywhere along the way? Something you cannot find here in the village?”
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 17
