Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  “And we shall tell you of the party plans!” quipped Matilda. “We have not been idle whilst you were gone.”

  Kitty glanced at Matilda. Her joy was infectious and helped Kitty’s mood change for the better.

  “You certainly have not, Matilda,” Georgiana chided, and Matilda blushed but looked delighted all the same. “Kitty, we shall meet in the music room.”

  Kitty retreated to wash and change. The maid assisted her in renewing the outer wrap on her wrist, which was encrusted with dust. After a brief rest, Kitty donned a fresh gown and had her hair brushed out and redone, then made for the music room.

  “Is it just we three then?” she asked as Georgiana poured the tea.

  “Yes. Murielle is resting until dinner.”

  “William has gone to the stables, and Charles is on vicarage business. So you need not guard your words, Kitty,” Matilda remarked. “Now, where are the others?”

  Kitty explained the events at Windsor to the best of her memory.

  “Missing? How shocking! Do you think they have eloped?” Georgiana asked.

  “That is how it appears. However, do you remember our pact? The one about the ‘investment club’? We now add two new members: Princess Charlotte and her closest friend, Miss Margaret Mercer Elphinstone.”

  “The royal princess?” they exclaimed in unison.

  “You met her?

  “And talked with her?”

  “Yes, first in one of the stables, and again after my rescue. She is friendly and approachable, and so very kind.”

  “But how is she involved in our pact?” Matilda asked.

  “It appears Mr. Christopher was familiar to both William and Mr. Cressley before we ever arrived at Oakhurst. He had frequented the racetracks and taverns and is suspected to be part of a gambling scheme, the very one we had talked of. Miss Elphinstone’s father is investigating the case, so she had heard of it. I think there may be two reasons for Mr. Christopher’s disappearance. First, he knew he had been recognized. And second, Lucy was a pleasant distraction for his escape. Their affection did seem to grow during our journey, though his manner is more teasing than I should prefer for myself. Nothing can be known for certain until they are found.”

  Kitty took a few sips of tea and a bite of a sandwich.

  “So Mr. Owen and Mr. George have stayed at Windsor to aid in the search?”

  “Yes. Mr. Owen is furious and his patience grows thin. Mr. Darcy demanded that they both return in two days, whether the couple is found or not. Mr. Owen must manage Greystone should Mr. Wyndham need to stay longer at Matlock with Mr. Douglas.”

  “Poor Mr. Wyndham!” Georgiana said, shaking her head. “It is so unfair that he has yet another problem to cope with—his stepdaughter eloping, or worse.”

  “Mr. Owen is quite cast down by it all. He is still upset about Julia as well.”

  “He was so angry at Matlock,” Georgiana remarked. “And none of us knows yet how Julia gets on. I hope love will triumph. For her, and for Lucy.”

  Matilda broke in. “You spoke of being rescued. Tell us about that.”

  Kitty related the whole of the incident in the forest, to the amazement of the young ladies.

  “My brother will be so proud of you, Kitty, for putting that knowledge to such good use.”

  “Yes, I imagine he will,” Kitty mused. Other than the moss, she had not thought about Andrew of late. “But he is in Scotland by now. You may write to him about it, Matilda.”

  They sipped their tea.

  Kitty sighed and stared off in the distance.

  Seeing Georgiana’s worried expression, she said, “Do not be troubled on my account. It is my concern for the others that wearies me. But now, tell me what has taken place here in my absence. If I am not mistaken, an attachment is forming? Or has been formed?” She looked directly at Matilda.

  Matilda laughed and joy lit her face.

  “Mr. William is divine, Kitty. He is so kind and amusing. He has gone to great trouble to entertain us. I am quite entranced.”

  “Indeed she is. And from what I can ascertain, so is he,” Georgiana said. “I am very happy for you, Matilda. Oh, tell her about the party.”

  “Party?”

  “Yes. Mrs. Cressley and Mr. William, having arranged it with Mr. Cressley prior to his departure, honor us with a party—supper, cards, and perhaps dancing. Two families have called whilst here and will attend. It will be a most pleasant evening.”

  “I am sure it will. I look forward to it. I have met so many new people this summer. You cannot imagine my happiness at that. How different from my lonely life at Longbourn. I wonder if Mr. Christopher and Lucy will return for the party? Or indeed, if they will return at all.”

  All three reflected solemnly on the possibilities.

  Georgiana and Matilda played and sang duets, and the time passed pleasantly until dinner was announced.

  ≈

  Murielle groused when she found her husband had not returned with the group.

  “What can be so important that my caro spozo must stay at Windsor? What has he to do with a young couple foolish enough to elope?”

  “Mrs. Cressley, I look for them to return in two days at the longest,” Darcy replied.

  Alfred Cressley placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “Now, do not worry, my dear. George will be back at any moment, good news or ill. I understand you wishing him nearby at this time.”

  “Thank you. He has traveled so frequently this past year. It is quite distressing. I shall rest much easier when he is returned.”

  General events of the journey were discussed and family news exchanged.

  Kitty watched the looks shared between William and Matilda throughout the evening. It seemed love had triumphed at Oakhurst.

  ≈

  The next two days were spent walking about the delightful grounds, playing and singing, visiting the stables, and engaging in conversation. Darcy and Cressley rode about the estate. Darcy would not hear of Kitty risking further injury and she was sorry to miss those outings. So she worked at her drawing. She found mares and foals delightful subjects, and her knowledge of equine form served her well.

  During a leisurely breakfast the morning of the party, hooves were heard on the sweep. Mr. Cressley excused himself and returned momentarily to announce that a party of four had returned from Windsor.

  “They have all of them gone to their chambers to change and refresh but will join us shortly. They left Windsor at dawn. We shall meet them in the drawing room. Morton, please have tea and refreshments for the travelers brought there in half an hour,” he said, nodding at the butler.

  “Oh, and Miss Bennet, this letter was carried by Mr. Owen Wyndham for you,” he said, presenting her with a missive addressed in an elegant flowing hand, bearing a royal seal. “You made some fortunate connections at Windsor.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Cressley,” Kitty said, without further comment. Murielle and William looked at her with curiosity, not having heard about the royal encounter. Darcy merely lifted a brow. When she did not open the envelope immediately, the bustle of breakfast resumed.

  Kitty was making for her room to read her letter in private when Darcy caught up with her. His face was stern and his formidable demeanor had returned.

  “Do you have bad news about the four that have just arrived?” she asked him.

  “I know no more than you, Kitty. But we shall find out soon enough I imagine.” He nodded his head towards the letter .

  “I shall apprise you of anything of import, Fitzwilliam. I believe the letter is from Miss Elphinstone. Princess Charlotte said she is not always at liberty to write, and that sometimes her mail is … supervised by others.”

  “I am not surprised. Her father is disliked by some, and the intrigues surrounding him are many. Princess Charlotte, however, is a great favorite with the people. Some believe he feels threatened by her popularity. Do be careful Kitty. As friendly as the princess appears to be, do not get pulled into any
business that is not your own.”

  “Be assured I shall request your advice on anything that I may question. You are already apprised of the two issues at hand—the ‘investment club,’ and the attempted elopement—even though some are only aware of one?” she asked with an arch of her brow.

  “Yes. And I advise you to consult with me before any involvement.”

  “I shall.”

  “Good. Now go. Read your letter in private. We shall meet shortly with the new arrivals and get the news that shall determine the course of action for many. I shall have a private word with Mr. Owen and Mr. George now.”

  Kitty settled into the chair by the window in her room. She turned the letter over several times, admiring the script, almost disbelieving that this missive was from royalty … well, the direct friend of royalty. She thought back to her lonely and uneventful months in Longbourn and was grateful for the new and dear friends that were now part of her life. Their puzzling situations presented many questions; there was much to share with Lizzy when they returned. She broke the seal and opened the letter.

  * * *

  My dear Miss B,

  I pray your trip was uneventful, in the best sense, and that your wrist continues to mend.

  The others from your party will have returned to you by the time you read this. Mr. D. required strong convincing to offer for Miss J. His attitude was cavalier. He appears to care little for the impact of his actions on others. The couple were found at an inn of low reputation near the racetrack. Your other new friend and I cannot like him.

  We must be guarded in how and with whom we share information. I am not convinced of Mr. G.C.’s honor. Be on guard there. I believe your Mr. W. can be trusted with a confidence (thus my entrusting him with this letter), although his judgment may be tainted by his anger at the above couple, and perhaps the other situations you spoke of. He has our sympathies.

  Please advise of anything you learn in the case, and when your direction changes. We both wish you Godspeed in your travels and will continue to honor our pact.

  Yours in friendship,

  MME

  * * *

  Kitty pondered this not-surprising news about Mr. Christopher, and this most-surprising news about Mr. George Cressley. Darcy would need to be apprised at once.

  When she arrived in the drawing room Darcy was engaged in conversation with Mr. Alfred Cressley. Owen sat near Georgiana, Matilda, and Lucy, his eyes dark and his face sullen. William Cressley was also near, delighting in Matilda. Charles Cressley sat alone, reading. George Cressley was curiously absent, as was Christopher Drake. Darcy caught Kitty’s eye and made for the doorway.

  “Excuse me, Miss Bennet,” a deep voice said from behind her. She turned to see Christopher and stepped back to allow him to enter. All eyes riveted to him.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Christopher said, bowing elegantly, “we all meet again.”

  “My dear!” Lucy exclaimed. Her beau moved towards her with a conceited smirk.

  Darcy spoke in a low tone, turning away from the room so his voice would not carry.

  “Did your letter carry news beyond the usual feminine exchanges?”

  Kitty eyed him with surprise, then glared at him.

  “I am disappointed at your words, Fitzwilliam. At present, our female contingent appears the only one reliable regarding these concerns. Perhaps we should manage them on our own?”

  Darcy’s brows flew up at the intensity of her reply.

  “No, indeed. I am sorry. Kitty, I am not accustomed to feeling uninformed about people and issues for which I am responsible. It has put me quite out of my element.” He cleared his throat. “Is there news about either of our concerns of which you wish me to be aware?”

  “There is. I would gladly show you the letter; but if we steal away now, I fear it will cause suspicion. Miss Elphinstone says that Mr. Christopher had to be strongly convinced to offer for Lucy, and that she and the princess found his attitude cavalier. They do not like him.”

  “None of that surprises me.”

  “Nor I. But what did surprise me was a warning about Mr. George Cressley. They doubt his honor and warn us to be on our guard.”

  Darcy scowled. “Duplicity?” He composed his countenance and turned back towards the company, carefully surveying each person in it, including George, who had just entered the room.

  “I had not suspected that; and in my own family. Perhaps your friends are wrong. In any case, I shall take that recommendation for now and advise you do so as well. The fewer people who know our business, the better.”

  Kitty squirmed. Georgiana was watching them curiously, so she smiled to put her at ease.

  “There are others who are aware of our initial concern, Fitzwilliam. We had formed a pact about it after the ball, and Julia also spoke to me alone about it after Douglas was injured. She had suspected Douglas and Christopher of being involved in some kind of gambling scheme, as both wanted more money to support the expensive independent reputations they wished to achieve. So Julia, Matilda, Georgiana, and I formed a pact to listen and discover what we could about the ‘investment club’.”

  Darcy’s eyes narrowed and he stiffened beside her.

  “And this is what you young ladies have been up to? Clearly, I have underestimated you all. Did I not ask you to tell me about things?”

  “There has been naught to tell until this trip; and whilst on the trip there has been no time or place for private discussion. Even what we do know is mostly hearsay or rumor. I have now shared it, as you wished. We do not merit your wrath, Fitzwilliam. Please honor your promise to refrain from becoming formidable.” Kitty lifted her chin and stared him in the eye.

  He returned her stare for a moment, then his face softened into a grin.

  “Your spirit is not unlike your sister’s, Kitty. I cannot fault it, but it takes me by surprise. I had not known the two of you were so alike. Continue listening for now and let us see what is revealed and by whom today. We shall have a discussion before leaving for Matlock to determine a course of action.”

  “Certainly. At that time, I will apprise you of more details concerning the involvement of our royal friends.”

  He lifted a brow at her but she gracefully moved away.

  Kitty joined the younger group that was more happily engaged in talking about the evening’s upcoming party.

  Before long, Owen came and stood near Kitty, listening to the group. She could not read his expression, but he seemed less angry. After a time, he took a seat next to her.

  “Miss Bennet, may I inquire about your wrist? I was concerned about you riding with the injury.”

  “It is healing well, but I have not ridden since we arrived at Oakhurst. That has tried me sorely as I long to explore these woods and paths. And I, in my turn, was concerned for you, Mr. Owen.” She leaned closer and spoke almost in a whisper. “You have so many challenges before you at present.” She nodded towards his sister, who clung to Christopher’s arm.

  “Indeed. I wonder how my patience shall last, and I pray that the choices I make are for the best. It is at such times one especially values a steady friend, Miss Bennet, and I have longed to speak with you in just that way. You are strong-minded, and I value your insight. I have wished to know your opinions. Pardon me if I am too forward,” he said, coloring slightly.

  She blushed at the compliment and hesitated as she thought about what he might mean.

  “Thank you, Mr. Owen. You honor me. How does your sister do? She appears happy in spite of—”

  “Happy? Happy to disregard any blight on her reputation or on that of her family, unfortunately. She has been blinded by her infatuation for Christopher Drake for some time.”

  “Does he return her affection, do you think?”

  Owen looked at Kitty. “In his way, possibly. I have known him to flirt with many a young lady, but he has always returned to Lucy. He thrives on attention and causing uproar. They seem to enjoy their quarrels as much as their happier time
s.” He shrugged. “Some are like that. I hope his motivation is not like my brother’s with Miss Stapleton. But Lucy’s dowry is small, of which Drake is aware. And that will not matter once he inherits. I believe Lord Drake has him on a tight pecuniary leash at present, which stifles his style. I hope he will not abandon my sister should an heiress happen along. He had to be coerced to offer for Lucy. She can be troublesome and shallow, but she deserves happiness as much as you or I; and I pray she will find it. I merely question if he is the man she should rely upon.”

  They were both staring at the couple when Lucy became aware. She waved happily at them and convinced Christopher to walk over and join them.

  “Brother, did you tell Kitty our good news?” Lucy asked.

  Owen stared at her, incredulous.

  “There is no news to tell, Lucy. Our father has not been spoken to. Nothing is officially declared.”

  “It is for us!” she retorted. “Besides, I am two and twenty. I need no one’s permission to marry, nor does my beloved.” She patted Christopher’s arm with affection and pressed her cheek against his shoulder.

  Owen scowled.

  “My dear,” Christopher replied, “your brother is right. We must do things the honorable way or our reputations might suffer.” He chortled at his own sarcasm.

  Kitty rose to meet him face to face.

  “You may not bother about your own reputation, Mr. Drake, but have a care for that of my friend Lucy, and for her family. And do remember, she is only in our party by Mr. Darcy’s special permission. He is not charmed by rebellious attitudes or callous actions, so beware!” Her face was flushed in anger, but she managed to control her urge to stomp off and instead made a serene exit.

  Desiring both fresh air and privacy, Kitty made for the door. She had hardly been alone since she left the shadow of Windsor Forest. The rhythm of her own footsteps was comforting as she moved across the grass to one of the upper wooded paths. As she walked, some of her scattered thoughts seemed to fall into more of an order. If only she could speak with Lizzy.

  The dappled sunlight and the calling of the birds soothed her, and she slowed her pace. The path grew narrow and grasses began to encroach. This way was little used. She sank onto a fallen log and gazed through the trees at the valley below, enjoying the smell of the woods and the subtle beauty of the woodland flowers. Then, amongst the woodland sounds, she heard the quiet footfalls of a horse. She peered in the direction of the sound. Near a distant outcropping of boulders stood two men, one holding a horse.