Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  Christopher then followed the Darcy coach down the road.

  “Poor Lucy, how lonely she must be. Let us invite her more often and call more often, shall we Georgiana?”

  Georgiana smiled at Kitty. “Of course we shall. You found more good in her in a week than the rest of us have found in—”

  “Miss Darcy,” Christopher called, “do look out the window.”

  Georgiana leaned over and let out a little cry.

  The coach came to a stop.

  Benjamin’s smiling face suddenly filled the glass.

  “Miss Darcy. Miss Bennet. How glad I am to see you arrive home in safety. I am overjoyed. I shall call on you very soon.”

  Darcy rode up with a broad smile on his face.

  “Follow the carriage, Mr. Benjamin, and join us for tea. Mr. Christopher?”

  Christopher looked at Darcy with a serious expression.

  “Thank you, sir, but I shall ride on home. Mother will be eager to see me.”

  “That she will,” Benjamin said. “And Father. He returned from Town yesterday.”

  A look of worry flashed across Christopher’s face, but he quickly switched it for his usual brash smile.

  “Ah, then there will be much to discuss.”

  “I wish you the best,” Darcy said.

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

  Darcy tied the mares to the back of the coach. Benjamin mounted his horse again.

  “Chris, please tell Mother I shall be back for dinner.”

  “Of course, Ben. Enjoy your visit.” With that, Christopher cantered off towards Cedars.

  Georgiana’s eyes and attention were on Benjamin as he rode beside the carriage so Kitty took the opportunity to invent a new plan for herself. She would improve her horsemanship and Lady Drake would be her model. She would spend time alone with Lizzy to sort her own thoughts about the future and learn about running a household. She would make something for the Darcy and Bingley babies, with Lady Stapleton’s help. And she would apply to Julia for drawing instruction. And she would read about the natural world around her.

  There, the second plan was made. But could she stay in Derbyshire long enough to achieve it? She pondered a plan for romance but was at a loss. Might Lizzy have some advice there?

  Darcy and Benjamin galloped on ahead. Georgiana clapped with delight as the carriage turned into the sweep. Kitty’s own heart rose at returning to Pemberley.

  “Whoa now, whoa!” cried the driver.

  As before, Lizzy awaited them on the portico, looking splendid in a light green dress, pressing her hands together in her own eagerness to see them. Darcy leapt the steps onto the porch, grasped her hands, and gazed at her before kissing her with enthusiasm. He then turned to receive the others, but kept an arm around Lizzy’s shoulders.

  The coach stopped, but instead of a footman, Benjamin’s happy face opened the door and handed Kitty out, and then Georgiana. He kept hold of Georgiana’s hand until she tittered and nudged him.

  Lizzy embraced each of the girls and held Kitty’s eyes long.

  “I have prepared myself for a lengthy and detailed recounting of this journey,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “Fitzwilliam sent me a few very cryptic notes about exciting and mysterious—and even some royal—goings-on, and I simply must have my share of the news.”

  Darcy tipped his head back and laughed at her mimic of his domineering aunt.

  “It is good to be home,” he said. “And now, my love, let us have tea.”

  Servants scurried about indoors and out, unloading the coach, carrying trunks upstairs, and driving the horses back to the stables.

  Cara! Kitty resolved to go to her mare directly after tea.

  “Is thirty minutes long enough for you ladies to refresh yourselves?” Darcy asked.

  “Yes, quite,” Georgiana replied as she and Kitty ascended the stairs. “Is it long enough for you?” she asked, looking at Lizzy and then back at her brother with an impertinent light in her eyes.

  They all laughed when his face colored, and the two younger ladies ran the rest of the way up the stairs.

  Even with much jovial conversation during tea, Kitty felt awkward sitting with two couples obviously eager to spend time alone with each other.

  “I simply must see Cara. I do not think my company will be missed at present,” she said, with a wink at Lizzy.

  “Perhaps not at present,” Lizzy replied, with a warm look at Darcy. “But do not be long, for there is much to talk about.”

  Georgiana reached over and touched her arm.

  “Would you mind very much if we accompany you, Kitty? I could use a walk after so much time in the carriage, and it is very fine out.”

  Kitty glanced at Benjamin’s face. His brows were raised in eager anticipation.

  “Of course, I would welcome your company. Let us call for our bonnets.”

  More news was shared with Benjamin, who was particularly surprised by Matilda’s new love and likely wedding.

  “I had always thought Miss Stapleton would marry first, being the eldest. She and Mr. Douglas were together for a long time. Did he return with you? What is his condition?”

  Benjamin was brought up to date on the Wyndham situation, although Kitty kept to herself the information about Christopher’s pending nuptials with Lucy. Benjamin might be even more surprised at that turn of events, and it would be best he hear of it from his own family.

  When they approached the stable yard, Kitty ran ahead to the paddock.

  “Cara!” she called.

  The mare whinnied and came trotting to the fence.

  “Oh, my dear, sweet girl, I have missed you so.” She opened her hand and sweet pieces of carrot were eagerly received.

  “You are such a fine lady, aren’t you? And Cara, do you want to know a secret? I think I am now well on the way to becoming a fine lady myself.” She smiled as she stroked the mare’s cheek and kissed her velvety nose.

  “Miss Bennet! How good to see ye. Yer lady has missed ye greatly,” said Johnny, touching his hat and making a slight bow.

  “And I have missed her even more!” Kitty cried.

  “And good day to you, Johnny. When might we ride? Are you available tomorrow? I have great plans for my riding and I must talk to Mr. Connor about them. Oh, I am so happy to be back.”

  “Tomorrow mornin’ will be good to ride, Miss Bennet. The afternoons be quite warm, but that is a good time to talk to Mr. Connor. He is gone home now.”

  “Excellent. About half past nine then? But I do not leave yet. I must spend some more time with my lovely Cara.” She eyed the brush in Johnny’s hand.

  He chuckled and handed it to her.

  Cara met Kitty at the gate, eager for the tender ministrations of a good brushing and loving words. It was a sweet reunion.

  ≈

  A letter was due to Longbourn telling of the journey, and one of congratulations was due to Netherfield, so that evening Kitty sat at her writing desk, prepared her quill, and began.

  * * *

  Pemberley, Derbyshire

  Dear Mama and Papa,

  I am happy to inform you of the completion of a pleasant journey taken by myself and Georgiana and several others under the care of Mr. Darcy. We traveled by coach and also by horseback to visit his uncle, the Earl of Matlock at Thornhill, then on to visit his cousin Alfred Cressley at Oakhurst Lodge some miles west of London. We also returned three mares to the Royal Mews at Windsor. By a very happy chance, I made the acquaintance of Princess Charlotte of Wales and her friend Miss Elphinstone. Princess Charlotte is an avid horsewoman, like myself. We now correspond. I can scarce believe my good fortune.

  I have met many new people this summer and have become very close with Miss Georgiana. She is like a sister to me now. I am also particular friends with Julia Stapleton, daughter of Squire and Lady Stapleton of Swan’s Nest. She is teaching me to draw. There have been exciting excursions, card parties, picnics, and even some intrigues. Life here is most interesting a
nd also holds many opportunities for learning. Can you imagine that my learning how moss grows on trees saved me in a risky situation while riding in Windsor Forest?

  Lizzy seems well and she and Fitzwilliam look forward to the arrival of their baby in a few months. Let us hope she has your strong constitution, Mama. It seems Jane does and I am delighted to hear of the arrival of baby Edward. I shall write to Jane and Mr. Bingley directly.

  Mr. Darcy has allowed me to ride a lovely mare, Cara, during my stay here. I have also made the acquaintance of Lady Drake, a great horsewoman at a neighboring estate. She even rides to the hounds. I hope I may be invited to join the hunt.

  Lizzy and Darcy have not set a time for me to leave Pemberley and I must say I am happy to stay as long as they will have me. Julia’s mother is to teach me to knit so I can make things for the Darcy baby and also for baby Edward. I will ask Jane what he might need. Give little Edward a kiss from his Aunt Kitty.

  I am most grateful to Lizzy and Fitzwilliam for inviting me here and to you Papa, for accompanying me. I believe I am becoming a lady, in the best sense, and that you will be proud of me.

  Your loving daughter,

  Kitty

  * * *

  After preparing that letter for the post, Kitty pulled out another sheet to write to Jane.

  * * *

  Pemberley, Derbyshire

  Dear Jane and Charles,

  My heartiest congratulations on the birth of little Edward. If only you were closer I could hold him and give him a kiss from his Aunt Kitty. Mama must be beside herself with joy. I hope she does not overstay her welcome too severely so you may have time alone with each other and your precious son.

  I am grateful to visit Lizzy and Fitzwilliam for so long. Life here is vastly different than life at Longbourn and I am meeting many people and learning much. My friend Julia is teaching me to draw. I especially enjoy drawing horses. Even Lizzy has been surprised to discover how often I rode in secret whilst at Longbourn. Fitzwilliam, a great horseman himself, has allowed me to ride a lovely mare, Cara, during my visit, and I ride nearly every day.

  We have just returned from a journey to Fitzwilliam’s relatives at Matlock and at Oakhurst, some miles west of London. We delivered some mares to the Royal Mews and I was so fortunate as to meet Princess Charlotte and her friend Miss Elphinstone. The Princess is also an avid horsewoman and we now correspond. I can scarce believe it! There have been many excursions, card parties, and even some intrigues. Lizzy is as well-liked here as ever she was in Longbourn, which can be no surprise to you.

  Georgiana and I have grown as close as real sisters. She has become more lively, especially at home and amongst close friends, and I am sure you can guess Lizzy is behind that. Lizzy and Fitzwilliam seem vastly happy together and are a wonderful example of a marriage based on true love and real partnership, as are you two. I hope I may be as lucky – and choose as wisely. There is nothing to tell in that area yet, but there are some possibilities.

  My friend’s mother will teach me to knit. Please write and tell me what I might make for little Edward.

  Love and blessings,

  Kitty

  ≈

  The next morning, after a few schooling exercises in the ring, Kitty set out with Johnny to enjoy the shady paths north of the stables. Her wrist was still wrapped but no longer splinted. It was a quiet, uneventful ride, full of the pleasure of sitting a fine horse, enjoying good conversation, and breathing in the rich, woodsy air. She felt renewed and inspired.

  When they returned, Mr. Connor awaited her.

  “Johnny says ye wish to speak with me, Miss Bennet?”

  “Why, yes, if you are not too busy? I wish to receive more formal training in horsemanship. I am sure Mr. Darcy will not object to my taking lessons. What else might I learn?”

  Mr. Connor scratched his head.

  “Yer already a fine rider, Miss. I will speak with the master about instruction as might be, eh, suitable for a lady,” he said, cocking his head.

  Kitty laughed. “I know Mr. Darcy is aware of my less ‘suitable’ riding style. I shall limit that to the Pemberley grounds. When I jumped that gate on Mr. Owen’s horse, it was such a thrill. I should like to learn to jump. I think Mr. Darcy will support this.”

  “Oh, and Miss Julia Stapleton is to come do a sketch of myself with Cara. I began sketching on my journey—first landscapes as there were many breathtaking examples; but my true love is drawing mares and foals.”

  Mr. Connor chuckled. “Ye got the fever, Miss, ’long with the talent, bless ye. We shall do whatever the master approves.”

  “Kitty,” said Georgiana, now come up behind her, “we should return to the house. Benjamin must be at Cedars for dinner, and we must also prepare ourselves to dine.”

  “Yes. One moment.”

  She stepped to the fence and Cara swung her head over the top rail and nickered. Kitty kissed the mare’s cheek and ruffled her forelock.

  “Until tomorrow, Cara.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “I do regret you younger girls did not have the time with Aunt Gardiner that Jane and I enjoyed,” Lizzy said as she and Kitty walked the winding path towards the orchard. The summer morning shone with the glory of blooms and rich grasses, and the fragrance was heady. Georgiana had a music master attending her, so the timing was perfect for a long walk and an intimate talk. “Even more, I regret I did not make the effort to share what I knew.”

  “Who could blame you, Lizzy? You are our sister, not our mother. Our own mother taught us few of the skills expected in a lady, and even less of the manners,” Kitty said. “None in Meryton displayed the manners of those I have met here, Lizzy. But you fit right into this society.”

  Lizzy took her sister’s arm. “We each fit, but in different ways, which makes society itself so interesting. I am unlike Lady Drake and unlike Lady Stapleton, yet we all find each other interesting. You will find your own unique way to fit into our set—and into your own.”

  “That is exactly what I wish, Lizzy. But I so feel wanting. My education is no match for that of the other young ladies. The only skill about which I can fairly boast is my horsemanship—and that is not considered the most ladylike of skills. I hardly know how it helps me blend into society.”

  “True. Might you find Lady Drake a mentor there? She certainly shares your enthusiasm and could guide you in the best ways to develop that.”

  “I should like that very much. But how can we go about it?”

  “We shall … rather, you shall invite her to tea to discuss all the particulars.”

  “I shall pen a note as soon as we return. I also mean to write to Maria Lucas, and send a thank you to Princess Charlotte and let her know we are arrived safe.”

  Lizzy nodded in approval.

  “But, Lizzy, if you feel up to it, could you teach me two skills that you have mastered?”

  Lizzy laughed. “Pray, Kitty, what might those be?”

  “You have always excelled at needlework, and I should like to become proficient enough to make a few things for you and Fitzwilliam’s baby, and for little Edward.”

  Lizzy smiled at her warmly. “That is very sweet of you, Kitty. I will teach you what I know. Do consider that I, myself, am learning about what the baby will need from both Mrs. Reynolds and Lady Stapleton. These warmer afternoons are perfect for sitting in the shade and tending to one kind of needlework or another, especially if surrounded by amiable company. But you mentioned two skills?”

  “Yes. The other is being mistress of a house. You seem to have mastered running this grand home. Might you teach me some of your ways, that I might run my own home well someday, should I be so lucky? As of now, I know more about running a stables than a home, and that certainly won’t do!”

  They both laughed.

  “Of course. But Kitty, my transition was made much easier by the expertise of Mr. Darcy’s kind staff, both here and in Town. Indeed, I think the key to running a great house successfully is to
have the best staff and treat them well. I have been most fortunate. Now, let us return. The heat increases, and I wish for a cool chair and a refreshing drink.”

  They walked for a time in silence.

  “Kitty, if you are serious about improving, might you be interested in working with a tutor? Not daily schooling like a child, but someone who could set you on a reading program. I read mostly literature and philosophy. I can guide you in those, but a tutor would know how to fill the holes left by Mama not bothering to provide us a governess. A tutor could work with you in the areas of mathematics and the sciences perhaps? It is never too late to learn. I can speak to Fitzwilliam about it if this is something you would commit both the time and the effort to.”

  “Truly, Lizzy? Yes, I am serious. But that would, I suppose, involve a longer-term approach, and we have not yet discussed how long I might stay. I should dearly love to help with the baby, even though I have little experience. Georgiana will be here to help with the household, and I could assist her. I am willing to stay for as long as you and Fitzwilliam will have me. I find the thought of returning to Longbourn most dismal, especially with winter coming on.” Kitty sighed at the gloomy thought. “I have grown to value interesting people and lively conversation and, as you know, little of that is to be found at Longbourn.”

  “Let me talk with Fitzwilliam about the length of your stay and the tutoring. Meanwhile, we will commence immediately with a literature program, learning to manage a household, and choosing a project to make for the baby. That should keep you quite busy, Kitty, with your riding besides. How will you have time for socializing—or romance?” she asked with a playful glint in her eye.