Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  Kitty blushed. “Surely I can do needlework in the presence of others. And I have asked Julia to teach me about drawing. She is very talented, Lizzy. You should see the portraits she did of Mr. Douglas whilst they were in Matlock. Her landscapes are excellent as well. And I can surely find others to ride with.”

  Lizzy looked at her quizzically. “Very well. And what of romance, Kitty? Have you anyone of interest? It seems there are a few who have found you of interest.”

  Kitty frowned. “I am confused about romance, Lizzy. I envy Matilda. She found a man she immediately liked, and he immediately liked her. It was all so simple. I wish it could be so for me. Yet for some it is complicated and wrought with drama, and even pain. I do not envy Lucy’s situation with Mr. Christopher. That is not the kind of love I seek. And poor Julia—her love for Mr. Douglas is tearing her apart.” Kitty looked sadly off in the distance for some few minutes.

  “As for me, well, as you may have observed, I thought I was quite in love with Mr. Andrew Stapleton from the first moment I encountered him at the coaching inn. So dashing and handsome and spirited, with an interesting occupation in science. There is no other family I would be so happy to become a part of—to be Julia’s sister! Then there was a man I met at Oakhurst, a Mr. Cavendish, who seemed interested in me. I found in him the same qualities that I liked in Mr. Andrew—easy conversation and a lively spirit. But there was still something wanting. A magic, or a mystical connection, if you will. Is such a thing real, Lizzy? Or is that just the stuff of novels?”

  Lizzy’s eyes softened as she looked at her younger sister.

  “Oh, no, Kitty, it is not just the stuff of novels. It is a real thing. And most desirable. Some say it appears and grows after a marriage, and perhaps it can; but both Jane and I have found such happiness because the men we fell in love with came with a balance of traits—the handsome, romantic parts as well as the steady and kind parts based on friendship and shared values. I think it very important to have a partner you can fancy and trust.” She looked more closely at Kitty. “Have you met anyone with those magical qualities of which you speak?”

  Kitty glanced up and colored.

  “I am not sure. He seems unlikely. Not the kind of man I had envisioned. Whilst Mr. Andrew is dashing, for some reason it is Mr. Owen who sets my heart fluttering. I cannot fathom why. He is not so elegant nor so outgoing as the other men. He has a great many troubles at present, with his brother and with Lucy. Some of these he has shared with me, as a friend. He is a great friend—loyal and dependable. It was he who rescued me in Windsor Forest. It was he who kept my secret about riding astride. He is very gallant, but at first does not appear so. He knows what to do in every situation and can be relied on. He has a temper, as well, but it seems to be an honest temper, not foul like his brother’s; he does not take it out on others, at least not that I have seen. And he is witty, Lizzy. He can make me laugh.” Kitty felt her face glow as she spoke.

  “This is high praise indeed, Kitty. And you did not even mention that you share a great love for horses. I hope Fitzwilliam feels as fondly about me making him laugh. He was not very good at laughing when we first met.”

  They burst into peals picturing how austere and cold he had seemed then.

  “Lizzy, he is such a fine man. He is wise and kind. And I have seen him smile more and more often. I believe he treasures you for making him laugh.”

  “Such is the magic of love, Kitty. If you have even one tenth the happiness I have found, you will have a glorious life indeed.”

  Kitty’s thoughts wandered through notions about her dreamed-of elegant life with a dashing young man. She did not wish to let go that dream. Why should she? How many other young men were there yet to meet? Andrew had been only the first to catch her eye.

  ≈

  The next morning Kitty settled at her writing desk, chose a quill, and began her letters.

  * * *

  Pemberley

  Lady Drake,

  My sisters and I would be pleased if you could join us for tea tomorrow at four o’clock. I hope to discuss equestrienne pursuits, amongst other pleasantries.

  Yours sincerely,

  Miss Catherine Bennet

  * * *

  Kitty pulled another sheet and dipped her quill again. Her pen flowed freely as she shared some of her recent adventures with Maria Lucas, her friend in Longbourn. When she had filled both sides of the page, she sanded and sealed the letter and then pulled out a third sheet. This one gave her pause as she considered how to address Princess Charlotte. Miss Elphinstone had used only initials to protect identities and secrets so she would do the same.

  * * *

  Derbyshire

  Dear MME,

  I am pleased to inform you and our esteemed mutual acquaintance of our safe return into Derbyshire. I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying pleasant summer rides in the woods and the countryside. My adventures in your locale and my honor in meeting both of you are amongst my most treasured memories. My wrist is nearly healed and I returned to riding yesterday.

  Might I inquire about further discoveries regarding two gentlemen of our mutual acquaintance? One of whom you were instrumental in procuring an agreement from after a certain incident? I believe the parents of both of that party have now been informed, but I have not yet heard that a date is set. I shall inform you when the matter is concluded.

  Regarding the other gentleman about whom you advised caution—by the time we returned to our first stop, his youngest brother and my friend had formed a serious attachment. He is presently in Derbyshire to meet her family. Need we have concerns on that head?

  Your humble servant,

  CB

  * * *

  Her correspondence completed for the present, Kitty set out to find Georgiana. As she approached the music room, her ears advised that her quarry was found. She peered quietly from beside the door to be sure she was not interrupting the lesson. Seeing only Georgiana, she entered the room silently and took a seat on the blue velvet chair. The light refracting through the large paned window behind Georgiana caused the atmosphere of the room to come alive with the notes being played. Kitty sighed and leaned back into the cushions with her eyes closed as the melody danced around her, enticing her mind to drift.

  Her eyes flew open at the bang of a sudden dissonant chord.

  Georgiana chortled. “Is my music so boring it puts you to sleep?” she asked, banging out a few more jarring chords.

  “Georgiana!” Kitty said, gathering herself and rising. “Of course not, silly. Your music and the sunlight drew me into a place of pleasant repose, that is all.” She shook out her skirt and arched her brow at her Darcy sister. “You play divinely, as you are well aware.”

  “Perhaps. When I am alone. It is playing, and especially singing, in company that sets my nerves on edge. I admit I am far more comfortable doing so now than I was before you came.”

  “I do not wish to interrupt your practice. Your music master has departed?”

  “Yes, nearly an hour ago. I was practicing some new techniques, but I am finished now. What do you wish to do?”

  “What do you say to a visit to Miss Lucy? It has been a few days since our return. I wish to follow up my friendship overture with action that will show her I was sincere. Would you like to join me in paying a call?”

  “You are very kind, Kitty. Yes, I will call on her today, if you will join me in calling at Swan’s Nest tomorrow. I am wild to know how things are going for Matilda and Mr. William.”

  “But Lizzy and I have invited Lady Drake for tea tomorrow. Could we go the following day?”

  “I shall have to shore up my patience. But yes. Now tell me about this tea with Lady Drake.”

  The two joined arms and as they made for the stairway, Kitty apprised Georgiana of her hopes for the tea.

  “That sounds very wise, Kitty. She is certainly the best choice in the neighborhood for a guide—a lady guide—in horsemanship, or in anything.”


  “Georgiana, that is not all I wish to improve on. I have a plan of several things in mind. Might I persuade you to teach me some of the skills of moving in higher circles? At Lord and Lady Matlock’s, I would have been lost without your example.”

  “Of course. Oh, this will be fun. Let us ask the housekeeper for an elegant formal tea. And then later a very formal dinner—it has been some time since such a meal has been served at Pemberley. We must be in good form should Princess Charlotte herself come to call one day.”

  ≈

  Lucy received Kitty and Georgiana graciously when they arrived, but her smile was tentative.

  “It is wonderful to see you both. May I ask the occasion for such a call?” she asked as she poured the tea.

  “No particular occasion,” Kitty replied. “I think our journey to Windsor increased my appetite for being more in company, and I wondered how you fared being back at Greystone. Will your mother be joining us today?”

  Lucy frowned. “No, Mother has been quite exhausted and indisposed since the journey. She is not always in bed but she keeps mostly to her room.” She looked at each of them with some apprehension. “I do hope she will not be ill the entire time. It is lonely here, and I am very glad you called. Father and Owen stay so busy with the estate; and of course Father oversees the care of Douglas as Mother is not up to that. And our vicar is retiring, so Owen has been obliged to take up some of those duties as well. I feel … well … I seem only to be in the way.” Tears filled her eyes. “I do not know how I can be useful to anyone.”

  “Oh, Lucy!” cried Georgiana. “What a difficult situation. I should feel just as you do. In fact, that is often how I felt after my own father died. My brother had to take over everything. I know he was trying to spare me, but it left me feeling just how you describe, useless and rather a burden.”

  Lucy looked up, her eyes widening. “I had no idea! How long ago was this, Georgiana?”

  “Oh, about seven years now. I was younger than you, and so felt even more useless. I was not even allowed to act as mistress of the household. Is your mother still trying to do those duties? Do you think that is too much for her? Perhaps you could be of assistance there.”

  Cocking her head, Lucy considered the idea.

  “Well, perhaps there are some things I could do; but I have never been shown what to do here at Greystone. After my father died, we were always guests at friends’ or relatives’ homes. I would not know where to begin.”

  “Before my brother married Elizabeth, he spent a lot of time away from Pemberley. I had lived in London for some time, but after … well, after a time, I came to prefer Pemberley to Town, except during the season or if my brother was there. It was during that time I first insisted on being mistress, both in London and at Pemberley. I have known our Pemberley housekeeper all my life, and we are very fond of each other. She was of great help in teaching me the duties my mother had performed. I believe every estate does things differently—you know, they have different traditions—but how would you feel about talking to your cook or your housekeeper? Perhaps they are aware of which duties are most trying for your mother during her illness. I hope it is nothing serious,” she said quietly.

  Lucy looked quickly at Kitty, now aware that Kitty had not divulged their confidential conversation. With a smile of relief she replied to Georgiana, “My mother is not really ill. She is with child, and seems to be having a difficult time eating anything. She is tired and often tearful.”

  They looked at each other doubtfully. Kitty was the first to laugh at their situation.

  “Well, it seems none of us have much experience being around a lady who is carrying a child. I was worried about Lizzy at first—before I knew—noticing some changes in her, but not suspecting … she and Mr. Darcy announced their news just before we left on our journey. So far, Lizzy seems to be faring well. That is the whole of my experience.”

  “And of mine,” Georgiana said.

  Kitty considered and then said, “What about asking your mother herself how you might be of help? Perhaps she is reluctant to burden you.”

  “I shall do it today. Thank you. This has made me feel less of a problem to everyone. Such kind friends you are.”

  Just then Mr. Wyndham appeared at the door. He bowed graciously to the young ladies.

  “Welcome, Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet. I am sure Lucy is most happy to have company. I have been neglecting her since our return, but many quarters call for my attention. And tonight we host the Drakes for dinner. An occasion we all anticipate.” He nodded at Lucy and winked. “I pray my wife will be able to attend; hopefully by resting all day she will have the strength to be hostess.”

  Lucy blushed and smiled. Then she addressed her father.

  “We have been discussing the ways I might assist Mother as mistress of Greystone, whilst she is … ah …”

  He gave Lucy a kind smile and picked up the conversation.

  “Ladies, we are expecting a baby, if Lucy did not tell you already.”

  “How delightful, Mr. Wyndham,” Georgiana said.

  “That is wonderful news,” Kitty said. “When?”

  “Sometime in early spring,” he replied. “About the time early foals arrive,” he added with a chuckle.

  “It will be a happy spring,” Lucy said.

  “Yes, the many challenges of late seem to be lessening,” he said, giving Lucy a most particular look. “Well, I shall leave you ladies to chat. I have a tenant to meet with. Again, thank you for calling.” He bowed and quitted the room.

  “Have you seen Matilda and Julia since our return?” Lucy asked, taking another biscuit.

  “No, we go there the day after tomorrow,” Kitty said. “Tomorrow we host Mrs. Drake for tea. I wish to discuss some equestrienne activities with her. Have you seen the Drakes since our return?”

  Lucy blushed again. “The Drake sons have called twice. Short visits, but a very nice diversion to my lonely days. I am so looking forward to our dinner tonight.” Her eyes shone with anticipation.

  “And how does your elder brother do?” Georgiana asked.

  “Douglas? I do not really know. He seems the same as he did at Matlock. Confined to the chair. In a foul mood. Often he does not attend dinner. I know not how he spends his time.” She shrugged.

  “Well, you have an exciting evening to look forward to, and perhaps some new duties as well,” Kitty remarked. “We shall depart to allow you time to pursue these.”

  “But, Lucy, do call on us as soon as you can,” Georgiana said as she stood and reached for her gloves.

  “I will be very happy to.” She rang the bell for their phaeton and accompanied them to the door. “It was most pleasant to see you.”

  They were settling themselves in the phaeton when Owen came trotting up on his great grey. He slipped from the saddle and bowed.

  “Miss Bennet. Miss Darcy. My father just informed me you were here. I am so sorry to have missed talking with you over tea.” His eyes lingered on Kitty, so much so that she felt her cheeks warm and a glow radiate from within.

  Georgiana looked between the two and smiled.

  “How kind of you to take time to greet us, Mr. Owen. We hear you now have taken on the duties of the vicar?”

  “Yes. Vicar Mosley retires soon and, as second son, that position will be mine.”

  “You shall be very busy indeed,” Kitty said.

  “Not too busy to enjoy good conversation—or to ride about the countryside. At times I find myself longing for company beyond family or equine.” He gave Kitty a speaking look. “I imagine my sister will return your call. Perhaps I shall accompany her.”

  Kitty met his eyes but could not find words to say.

  “You are welcome at any time, Mr. Owen,” Georgiana said with an amused expression that went unnoticed by the couple.

  His smile broadened and Kitty’s heart beat faster.

  “Give Mr. Darcy my kind regards,” he said as he swung up into the saddle. He nodded to them and was off.


  Kitty looked after him until he was out of sight.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “Mrs. Darcy, you are looking well,” murmured Lady Drake as she reached for a tart.

  “Why, thank you,” Lizzy replied. “I am feeling quite well now; much better than earlier.”

  “Quite understandable. It was so for me. I was almost too ill to ride for a few weeks, I remember, especially with my dear Christopher.”

  Lizzy spluttered into her tea. “Do you mean—excuse me Lady Drake—you continued to ride …”

  Lady Drake’s countenance was sanguine. “But, of course. I was sensible about it. I took my cue from my mares. If one is accustomed to doing something, one should keep doing it until it becomes uncomfortable.” She looked closely at Lizzy. “I am sure your lying-in will go well, Mrs. Darcy. You are an excellent walker and a practical, sensible young lady.”

  “I hope you are right, Lady Drake. My mother had no problems with any of we five. I pray it will be the same for me. Did you know my sister Jane recently gave birth to a son? Her first.”

  “No. How wonderful. And where do they live?”

  “They continue at Hertfordshire for the present. But I shall not be surprised if in the near future they look for an estate to purchase elsewhere. She and I are very close, and her husband and Darcy are thick. I believe they may cast their sights more in this direction.”

  “Well, I shall inform my husband. His ear is bent by many and if any possibilities arise, I shall get you word immediately.”

  “You are most kind.”

  Changing her focus, Lady Drake looked at Georgiana.

  “Miss Darcy, my son Benjamin did nothing but complain whilst you were on your journey south. It appears he cannot do without your company. I do not know how he managed whilst he was at school. Thank goodness his schooling is now completed.” She smiled and took a sip of tea. “Actually, I find him most companionable myself. Perhaps the time has come for a new chapter in his book?” She looked at Georgiana with an arched brow and an amused expression.