“Mr. Owen, I would be honored if your sister would choose to confide in me. Truly, I do not know what I would do without my sisters and their counsel. I have missed Lizzy greatly on this journey. There is much I wish to discuss with her. I grow eager to be home.”
He gave her a curious sideways look.
“I shall make an effort to let Lucy know my feelings in this, and my desire to be like a sister to her.”
“Miss Bennet, that is most kind.”
He stopped walking and turned to her with knitted brows.
“You are eager to return to Longbourn?”
“No, not to Longbourn.” In answering him, her eyes widened. “No, it is Pemberley that feels like home now.”
“Pemberley feels like home to you?” asked Georgiana, who had just caught up with them. “I am so happy to hear that. I wish you could live with us always,” she said. “Well, at least until we each marry and set up our own homes. I have never had sisters, and now I have two who are most precious to me. It is a delight I am not eager to give up with any alacrity!” The ladies joined hands affectionately.
When the four re-entered the house, space had been cleared for dancing to Murielle’s piano accompaniment.
“Come join us!” cried Lucy. She was paired with Christopher of course; and Matilda and William were partnered. Reels and jigs were danced to the delight of the onlookers. Dancing carried on for some time with several changes of partners.
Kitty was not surprised to see Christopher pay marked attention to Louisa Lodge. The drama between he and Lucy continued to play out, to everyone’s consternation but their own.
The moon set long before the revelers made for their own bedchambers.
≈
It was a weary group that breakfasted quickly the next morning; all but Darcy. He appeared as alert and energetic as always. It was he who had insisted on an early start, for the longest leg of their return journey would be today. Goodbyes were said, thanks made, and a new trunk added to the luggage. William Cressley would accompany them to Derbyshire. His avowed agenda was to bring the pair of Oakhurst mares to Pemberley. But his true agenda was obvious to all.
“Are you engaged to him then?” Lucy asked the impertinent question as the young ladies settled themselves in the carriage.
Matilda covered her yawn and stared at Lucy.
“Of course not. We have not known each other long, and he has yet to meet my family and speak to my father. But I cannot deny that is my dearest wish. And now, Lucy, my second dearest wish is to get back to my early morning dreams if you will be so kind as to allow me.”
Lucy appeared deep in thought. Georgiana began to doze also, and Kitty thought the time ripe for planting a seed of friendship.
“This is the longest trip I’ve ever taken on my own,” Kitty began. “I find I am very eager to talk with Lizzy about all I have seen, the adventures I have experienced, and the people I have met. Just talking with Lizzy helps me sort things out in my mind. With no sisters, are you close to your mother in that way? Do you confide in her?”
Lucy looked askance. “No! Do you talk about intimate things with your mother?”
Kitty had to laugh. “No, indeed. My mother has her own ideas and is unable to hear differing thoughts, much less give wise counsel.”
“My mother is the same. Her interests are fashions, the ton, appearances, and wealth. And now, especially after almost losing her baby after the ball, I do not wish to trouble or upset her.”
“She is with child?”
“Oh! I think I was not to say—”
“You can rely on me. Just before we left, Lizzy announced she and Mr. Darcy expect a new little Darcy sometime before Christmas. I trust you will keep that a secret.”
“Of course. Kitty, how long shall you remain at Pemberley?”
“My choice would be to stay until after the baby arrives, or even longer. I should like to help Lizzy and, of course, care for the infant. I am the fourth of five sisters, so I have not much experience with babies or small children. My eldest sister, Jane, began her first confinement as I left Longbourn, and I hope to have news of her baby when we return to Pemberley.”
“How lucky for you, Kitty. I mean, having a home to return to. And trusted sisters. After my father died and before Mother married Mr. Wyndham, she and I moved often, staying with family members or friends here and there. I felt close to no one but my grandmother. She came to us when my father died, until we had to start moving around. I have not seen her for many months now. I hope she comes for the birth of my new sibling.”
Kitty’s heart went out to Lucy. How difficult such loneliness must be. She had felt lonely herself at Longbourn but had suffered neither the loss of her father nor of her home. Although with one would come the other, as Mrs. Bennet so often reminded them.
“I hope your grandmother is able to come. That would be lovely for all of you. When is the baby expected?”
“Late winter or early spring. Mother has lost two since she has remarried.”
“I am sorry for that.” Taking a different tack, she said, “You are lucky to have brothers. I have always wished for a brother, especially an elder brother. Georgiana is lucky there. I do not know Mr. Douglas well, but Mr. Owen seems kind. How do you find them?”
Lucy sighed. “I would trade them both for a sister. To Douglas, I do not exist. He is wrapped up in his own problems, and now … well, and as for Owen, he is oh … he has always been kind to me, but never … oh, he is not personable, Kitty. He does not like to sit and chat.”
Kitty nodded. “He is much like Mr. Darcy that way. Very kind, but you are right—he is not one to chat. I personally do not know many men who are talkative unless one wishes to talk about hunting or war or politics—although I am always eager to talk about horses. I found Lewis Cavendish friendly; he had much to say about many things. I enjoyed his company. He and his sister seemed much alike.”
“Yes,” Lucy agreed, “he had many amusing stories.”
“Rather like Mr. Andrew and Mr. Benjamin in our neighborhood.”
“Indeed. But friendly as some are, we cannot talk to men about the more intimate concerns ladies have.”
“No, you are right there. If I may, I would be honored to act as your sister. I can be relied on to keep confidences. And you and I are the older of our group in the neighborhood, excepting Julia.”
“Poor Julia. I do not know what she sees in Douglas. How old are you, Kitty?”
“I have just turned nineteen. And you?”
“I shall be three and twenty in February. I hope my sibling might be born on my birthday.”
Kitty deemed it a good time to delve deeper.
“You and Mr. Christopher seem close, when you are not in disagreement that is. Do you find you can talk with him?”
Lucy pursed her lips and looked sidelong at Kitty.
“I do not know how much to trust him, Kitty. He is dashing and handsome and entertaining. I admit I am in love with him. But he is unpredictable. And he seems to enjoy vexing me. He is a great tease and an unforgiveable flirt.”
Kitty could only nod in agreement.
“He has offered for me, you know. At first we were going to elope. But I wished to have my mother at my wedding, not just some strangers from a tavern. When we were found by Mr. George Cressley and returned to Windsor, Christopher made me his offer at the guest lodge there, in front of my brother and Princess Charlotte herself. It was so romantic! The princess looked very pleased and embraced me. Kitty, she embraced me! I felt so honored. She is very friendly, if a bit unusual in style.”
“Indeed, she is most kind. She was very helpful to me when I was rescued from the forest by your brother. She and Miss Elphinstone stayed with me until the searchers returned. I enjoy her outspoken nature. I do hope to see her again someday.”
“Owen told me about finding you in the forest. I am so sorry, Kitty. I did not think about you at all when Christopher convinced me to ride away with him. I had never imagined
you would go through such an ordeal. Can you forgive me?”
“I already have, but I thank you for your apology. How did those few nights go for you? Were you frightened?”
Lucy sighed again and took a few minutes before answering.
“I was not afraid. Christopher had talked about getting a special license because his father is a Lord and all. But he did not have enough money with him. And that was not how I wished my wedding to be.” She paused. “Looking back, I did not think at all. Not enough to be wise. He has such a power over me. I am determined to do whatever I can to keep him, Kitty. I hope my father approves and that we can be married as soon as may be. He will inherit, and I will have a secure home. No one need know about our dalliance. And perhaps our child will be born not long after my sibling—how exciting that would be!”
Kitty tried to mask her shock. “And, is that already a possibility?”
Lucy looked at her and then lowered her eyes.
“It is. I could not resist him, Kitty. Please do not judge me. I pray everything will turn out for the best.”
“I do not judge you. And I join you in wishing Providence to give you the happy ending you seek, especially for you and any child that may be born. Perhaps Providence can also help Mr. Christopher settle down as an elder son should, and not antagonize you so?”
Lucy giggled. “I will join you in that prayer. I do think he will be more settled once he inherits, but that may be some years away. His lack of money at present frustrates him greatly, and he is always seeking ways to get more. My dowry is small. That is another reason I hope to marry quickly, so he cannot abandon me for an heiress like Miss Lodge.”
“Why is he in need of so much money? He stands to inherit a great deal, does he not?”
“He does. Whilst on our adventure we spent some time at the racetrack and with folks from there. Kitty, I believe he gambles and that does worry me. Several of the people around the racetrack also asked after Douglas, but lost interest once they heard of his accident. What do you think it means?”
Kitty chose to keep her own counsel for the present.
“I cannot imagine, Lucy. Do you think your father will approve your marriage? And will your mother? You do not need their approval but it would maintain the dignity of Greystone if all was done in an honorable way.”
“Yes, my poor father has so many burdens of late. I do not wish to add to them. He has been very kind to me, and treats me like a daughter. I am fond of him.”
“And I. He is the kindest and best of men.”
“I wonder how things will go when we get to Matlock?” Lucy mused.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The weather had turned rainy, and the entire party was relieved to arrive in Matlock at the Baths. The Wyndhams would stay at the lodgings there, and the Darcy party would ascend the cliff to Thornhill to stay the night. But first there were issues to be faced and plans to be made.
“Oh, how miserable you must all be!” cried Mrs. Wyndham as the young ladies entered the drawing room. Lucy hurried to her mother’s open arms.
“Truly, it was not unpleasant for us in the coach,” Georgiana said. “The road was not rutted yet and we did not get stuck. We are hardly damp but for our shoes. But do let me near that welcome blaze in the grate for I am chilled.” She quickly made her way to the fireplace then looked towards the door in concern. “The gentlemen must be soaked through; it has rained all morning.”
“Not to worry, Mrs. Wyndham,” said Christopher with a disarming smile, being the first of the gentlemen to enter. “It is but a summer rain. I am not chilled; at least nothing a glass of brandy will not remedy.” He winked at Lucy and moved across the room to stand next to her.
“I believe tea will suffice, Mr. Drake,” Darcy said, scowling at Christopher as the servant managed their cloaks and hats. “It is too early for brandy.”
William Cressley and Owen Wyndham then entered and handed over their rain-soaked cloaks.
Mr. Wyndham emerged from a back room, pushing Douglas in a wheelchair, followed by Julia.
“Here we are,” Mr. Wyndham announced; but before he could finish, Matilda ran forward to greet her sister.
“Julia! Oh, how we have missed you. There is so much to tell!” she exclaimed, grasping her sister’s hands.
Julia’s face lit up at this show of affection and embraced her sister but put a finger to her lips so Wyndham could continue.
“And we have good news today. Douglas?”
Douglas Wyndham did not greet anyone and sullenly looked out the window as he spoke.
“My father refers to the fact that my surgeon recommends I return home for now. I shall see the surgeon again in sixty days or so to decide a further course of treatment. My father is, of course, greatly encouraged by this news. Far more encouraged than I.” He struck the wheelchair with the heel of his hand and glared at no one in particular.
Silence settled on the room like a dense fog.
Kitty sought Julia’s face. Her tear-filled eyes were on her beloved Douglas. Kitty sighed.
“In any case,” Mrs. Wyndham said with a forced smile, “let us have tea. Gentlemen, if you need to change clothing, Mr. Wyndham can show you the way.”
When all were assembled again, Darcy introduced Mr. William Cressley.
Matilda stood next to him beaming with delight.
“He is my very special friend,” she said, her eyes wide.
Julia sought Kitty’s eyes and Kitty nodded.
“How long will you stay in Derbyshire, Mr. Cressley?” Mr. Wyndham asked.
William looked at Matilda and colored slightly.
“I have no set plans, sir. I wish to meet Matilda’s family, and of course visit my cousin’s equine operation. We have brought two Oakhurst mares with us.”
The sky brightened as tea was served, but conversation remained dull and strained. There was much news to be shared but no one offered to speak. As the refreshments concluded, Darcy stood and said, “Wyndham, do come with me to the stables. I wish to show you the mares.”
Mr. Wyndham lifted his brows but rose and followed Darcy, who gave Christopher a sidelong glance before they quitted the room. Christopher squirmed uneasily and made an intense study of his boots. The mares would not be the only topic of conversation. Lucy remained blithely unaware of the shifting undercurrents in the room.
Julia was now sitting with Matilda and William. Remembering her own feelings when her younger sister appeared so lucky in love, Kitty could imagine how Julia might feel. Although William Cressley—unlike George Wickham—was likely not a scoundrel. But with the questions hovering about his brother, how could one tell?
After a quarter hour, Christopher slipped from the room.
Owen came to sit at Kitty’s side and offered her a biscuit.
“Why, thank you,” she replied, her eyes studying him.
“I wonder what my father will say,” Owen mused.
“I also wondered that very thing,” Kitty said. “I am sure we will find out soon. It would be unlike Mr. Darcy to delay an important matter of propriety.”
“True,” he observed, taking another drink of tea.
Changing direction, he then asked, “And do you think the squire will approve of William Cressley?”
“I imagine so. Mr. William is from a good family and appears to be an honorable man. I have seen nothing to cause me to doubt him, have you?”
Owen sighed. “No, I have not. And Mr. Darcy must be satisfied with him or he would not have allowed him to travel with us. I hope William Cressley is as he appears, for Miss Matilda’s sake. If he is, I believe they shall be very happy.”
Kitty watched the affectionate expressions exchanged between Matilda and William and smiled at Owen.
“I agree. Our little group could use a happy event, yes?”
Owen sighed again and nodded.
Just then the three gentlemen returned from the stables. Kitty and Owen looked up expectantly but nothing was said, nothing announced. The
couple exchanged a puzzled look.
“Perhaps Mr. Darcy will not speak until Lord and Lady Drake have been informed,” Owen said. “I wonder how much he will reveal to them?”
“Or convince Mr. Christopher to reveal, perhaps?” Kitty said.
“Yes.” Owen gave her a wry smile. “Mr. Darcy can be most persuasive, I will testify to that. I would not wish to be on the other side of him in a dispute.”
“Nor I,” said Kitty. She had come to value the ease she felt in Owen’s presence at times like this. Unbidden, the memory of her uneasy conversation with Andrew Stapleton drifted into her consciousness, causing her feelings to again hang in uncertainty. She pushed them aside to offer Owen some good news.
“I spoke with your sister during the carriage ride. She did wish for a confidante. I have a better understanding of her now.”
“And she of you?” Owen asked, lifting a brow.
Kitty shook her head. “I cannot say. She asked me no questions but was eager to talk about her own concerns. I cannot imagine being without sisters.” Should she say more? She had not been asked to keep any secrets but did not wish to betray Lucy’s trust.
“Thank you for your kindness to my sister, Miss Bennet. I will not ask you to betray her confidence. It is of comfort just to know that someone of sense is now in her circle.”
Kitty thought even better of him for this remark, and also appreciated his trust in herself.
Darcy stood. “We will be expected for dinner at Thornhill, so we had best depart now. Wyndham, we shall leave your family to enjoy a reunion, and we will depart early tomorrow together for the last leg of our journey. I am eager to return to my wife and see how she gets on.”
As he made this last statement, he looked particularly at Kitty, who nodded in agreement.
≈
Earl and Lady Matlock greeted them warmly at their return to Thornhill, as did young Alice. The sky cleared, lawn games were offered for amusement, and a light tea was served. The carriage ride had been time enough to update Julia on most of the happenings from the journey, but Kitty longed to speak to Julia alone. The situation with Douglas did not appear promising. How had Julia borne all this alone? Mrs. Wyndham could not be an intelligent companion.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 24
