Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  Georgiana blushed. “Oh, yes … I do … I enjoy his company very much. He is so kind and friendly, and can be very amusing …” She faltered and appeared tongue-tied.

  Lady Drake mercifully changed the subject once again.

  “And my Christopher has been much subdued since the recent journey. We enjoyed a pleasant and significant dinner last evening at Greystone. I believe more is known than spoken of by some of those present, but I am bound to tell you he is engaged to Miss Lucy Jamison.”

  Georgiana and Kitty grasped hands.

  “How wonderful!” they cried in unison.

  “I thought you might enjoy that. Confidentially, I must admit that Miss Jamison has not been a favorite with me. But then neither has Christopher of late. He is ripe for change in his life. It is time he settles down to more productive activity.”

  She gazed off and for a moment appeared to be looking somewhere else entirely. She shook her head and said, “That girl has endured losses in her life and has lacked for sensible companionship, in my estimation, but I believe she may be able to win me over. In time.” Her brows knit for just a moment, and then her countenance smoothed.

  “The wedding shall be within the next two weeks. They are settling the date with her brother, Mr. Owen, who will officiate. A nice lad there. Wise beyond his years. Yes.” She sipped at her tea and looked at each of them in turn, as if expecting replies.

  “I am glad things have worked out for them,” Lizzy said. “The two of them may be a bit … volatile … but perhaps when together, they will balance themselves out.”

  Lady Drake smiled and nodded. “Oh, and I expect Miss Jamison will call here soon. Young ladies are usually eager to discuss wedding plans with their friends,” she observed and, eyeing Kitty added, “and she may be particularly eager.”

  After another sip of tea, Lady Drake said, “Now, Miss Bennet, I was most impressed with your riding for help at the time of the unfortunate accident. Not only are you a splendid rider, but you also appear level-headed. Practical. Not many young ladies would have so readily put their reputation aside to do the best thing in the situation, which was to ride astride. You have my admiration.”

  Kitty’s mouth fell open. She glanced at Lizzy, who winked with one eye.

  “I do not know what to say, Lady Drake. You are my model for a horsewoman and for a lady. I was not sure if I would lose your good opinion by—”

  “Nonsense. Above all, a good horsewoman—or a horseman, for that matter—is practical. We do what must be done, what is safe, what is best. For the horse and the rider.” She cleared her throat.

  “I noted that Mr. Owen did not appear shocked at your ability?” She looked directly at Kitty with a lifted brow.

  It would be useless to dissemble.

  “He was not.” She then told them the story of the day she and Johnny had come upon Owen and the broken-down wagon. She did not mention the beer.

  Lady Drake looked at Kitty and then laughed heartily.

  “Quite a pickle for a young lady to find herself in. I found myself in similar circumstances as a young girl.”

  She paused, then said, “Young Mr. Owen is a great horseman. Gives his father, and even Mr. Darcy, a run for their money. And a most respectable man he is. He will be a great match for someone with whom he can develop an understanding; someone he can respect. A young lady who is bold, yet practical and kind.” She smiled in Kitty’s direction.

  Kitty could only blush and sip at her tea. This was quite direct.

  “I did, however, think something might be brewing in another quarter. Well, well, we shall have to see what happens.”

  Gulping for a breath, Kitty screwed up her courage.

  “Lady Drake, I have spoken with Mr. Darcy about being allowed to ride astride at times and about learning to jump fences, and even ride with the hunt or on a steeplechase. He recommended I ask you about such activities for a lady. He puts great store in your opinion on these issues.”

  “Does he?” Lady Drake laughed. “Mr. Darcy is clever in seeking the counsel of others, but wise—in this case especially—as he is not a lady. Hmm, so you wish to breach some of these tired rules imposed on ladies?”

  Kitty set down her teacup.

  “I do, Your Ladyship. Perhaps not publicly, except for the hunt. I cannot see what harm it might do in private. Why should anyone care what I do here at Pemberley? But I do not wish to disgrace Pemberley in any way. Pray, what is your opinion?”

  Lady Drake looked deeply into Kitty’s eyes.

  “There is no disgrace in honoring one’s true beliefs, Miss Bennet. Follow your own opinion, and listen to your own heart.”

  Kitty felt honored at the respect being shown her by Lady Drake, and returned her gaze with a newly-felt equanimity.

  “The weather has grown quite warm of late,” Lady Drake continued, “but I invite you to join me on a morning ride next week, Miss Bennet. And I would be happy to accept an invitation to watch you ride. Will you be taking lessons from Connor? Yes, I imagine so. An excellent teacher. Well, Miss Bennet?”

  “I should dearly like to join you on a ride.” She turned to her sister. “Lizzy, may I invite …”

  “Kitty, you are not a guest here at Pemberley. You are family. You may invite anyone known to us to visit you here.” Lizzy smiled at her indulgently and nodded at Lady Drake.

  “Oh, thank you. Thank you both! I shall ask Mr. Connor when we might schedule a lesson. Oh, would it be too rude … can I go now and ask?”

  Lizzy raised her eyebrows at Lady Drake, who said, “My dear, it would be most practical to get it all arranged at once. Off with you! But do hurry back.”

  Kitty rose, curtsied, and was gone in an instant.

  When she returned, Lady Drake’s horse had been called for and plans were immediately settled for the morning ride as well as the observation of Kitty’s lesson.

  “You are so kind to indulge me, Lady Drake,” Kitty said. “I am in your debt.”

  “Your sister is charming, Mrs. Darcy. I am impressed.”

  Turning to Kitty, she said, “If I had been blessed with a daughter, I should have wished her to be just like you, my dear. Or like Miss Darcy,” she said, smiling at Georgiana. “Now that wish …” She left off with her eyes twinkling.

  “Give my regards to Mr. Darcy,” Lady Drake said. “And let him know of my opinion,” she added, with a quiet laugh. Her servant assisted her into the saddle, and with an elegant wave of her gloved hand, they were off down the lane.

  Lizzy looked at Kitty with pride.

  “Well done, little sister. You are grown into quite a lady. I am proud of you,” she said with a mischievous one-eyed wink.

  “Now I know we just had tea, but I am hungry again. I think I shall see what Cook has about that I might feast on until dinner. I cannot seem to go more than an hour or two without eating. Soon you two shall have to carry me up the stairs!” She laughed and made for the kitchen.

  The young ladies linked arms. “Well, Kitty, your summer here seems quite successful, does it not?”

  “Indeed it is. This has been one of the happiest times of my life, Georgiana. You and your brother and my sister have all been so good to me. And more happiness is yet to come—a baby, and at least one or two weddings. I am most fortunate.”

  Georgiana squeezed her hand. “Not any more fortunate than you deserve.”

  Kitty blinked back a tear.

  Chapter Thirty

  A steady rain imposed a delay on the much-anticipated visit to Swan’s Nest. Darcy was firm in forbidding the young ladies to go, even on horseback, until the road had at least a full day to dry. One evening after dinner the grey curtain lifted, revealing a rosy sun setting in the west. Kitty and Georgiana were filled with excitement, and Kitty was in no way averse to making the visit on horseback.

  The young ladies set out just after breakfast. It had been more than a week since the four had been together, and Kitty and Georgiana were eager for information about the courtsh
ip of William and Matilda. The road was dried out tolerably. Johnny accompanied them on a younger horse he was schooling.

  When the elderly Swan’s Nest butler announced them, a wild clatter was heard on the stairs as the three younger Stapleton daughters raced to greet their visitors.

  “Girls, girls, behave like the young ladies you are, please. I am sure Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet are not here to visit wild hooligans.” Lady Stapleton motioned to one of the maids to take their bonnets and wraps.

  A glowing Matilda came forward and eagerly grasped Georgiana’s hands.

  “My dear friend, I have a thousand things to tell you.”

  “Yes, yes, there is much to tell,” said Lady Stapleton, “but let us save it until we are properly seated. Would you young ladies like tea?”

  Georgiana responded. “We breakfasted just before departing, but a spot of tea would be welcome before the day turns warm.”

  Lady Stapleton gave directions to the servant and led the way to the drawing room. The girls rustled along in her wake—three eager to impart news and two eager to receive it. Kitty noted Julia’s absence but would wait to inquire.

  When tea was laid and the servants departed, Georgiana looked at Matilda expectantly.

  Matilda in turn looked at her mother. Upon receiving a nod she cried, “Oh, Georgiana, it is the best of news. William and I are engaged!”

  Georgiana leapt from her seat to embrace her friend.

  “How wonderful!” Kitty exclaimed. “Though I cannot say I am surprised. His affection for you is obvious to us all. Where is he at present?”

  “Oh, he and the squire went to a sheep sale near Grindleford. They get on marvelously. It is a good match by all accounts, and I am much pleased,” Lady Stapleton said, her eyes dancing whilst her fingers flew with her knitting needles. “Yes, the squire and I are both pleased and thankful. Providence has provided well for this daughter.” Her brows creased briefly.

  “Is Julia unable to join us today?” Kitty inquired.

  The gay mood in the room fell flat.

  “Honora, if it please Miss Bennet, take her to Julia’s room and announce that her friends are here. I fear she has not been very sociable of late. Perhaps you may succeed at cracking her dull mood, Miss Bennet.”

  “I shall try. I have been longing for her company.” With that, Kitty followed Honora to Julia’s room.

  Honora knocked softly at the door.

  “Yes?”

  “Your friend Miss Bennet is here with me. May we enter?”

  There was a shuffling within, then the door opened. Julia’s eyes were red and her countenance troubled, but seeing Kitty brought a wan smile to her face.

  “Oh, Kitty, I am so sorry to receive you in this manner.”

  “Do not think on it, Julia. Perhaps we can talk privately before joining the others?”

  Honora curtsied, flashed Kitty a conspiratorial smile, and departed.

  “You have heard Matilda’s news?”

  Kitty nodded. She knew not what to say and thought to let Julia speak first rather than guess at her friend’s feelings.

  “Of course I am happy for my sister. Things have happened for her as if in a dream. William has been steadfast and affectionate, and our family adores him.”

  “That is all very well,” Kitty said, searching her friend’s face. “I too am happy for them.”

  “But Kitty, so much joy paints my sorrow even darker. I have kept to myself to avoid casting a shadow on Matilda’s happiness.”

  Kitty was silent for a moment, then reached for her friend’s hand.

  “Julia, I think your absence itself casts a shadow. Is there naught I can do to ease your pain?”

  Julia made no answer.

  “Have you had any word from Mr. Douglas or his family?”

  Julia’s eyes filled with tears as she looked up.

  “Mr. Owen has called once, only to say there is no change in Douglas and that he remains angry and bitter.”

  Kitty’s heart sank, but then anger stirred within her.

  “Julia, just because he chooses to be so, why must you? Why cannot you detach yourself from him and all his problems? I know you loved him once. But he seems to be no longer that person. Can there be any love between you, as he is now? He cannot love anyone in his present state. It has not been so long since the accident. Perhaps, with time, things will change. Then you can begin again, or renew your love. Let him go for now, to find his own way. It pains me to see you suffering for something that he chooses to do.”

  Julia’s shoulders shook with silent sobs. Kitty stayed for a time, sitting silently by. When Julia’s sobs lessened she did not meet Kitty’s eye. Instead, she gazed sullenly out the window.

  “I am sorry if I offended you, Julia. You are one of my dearest friends. Do know that I will help you in any way I can, whenever you ask. I will go now.” With that, Kitty rose and quitted the room, but the shadow of her friend’s sorrow went with her.

  As she made for the parlor, she wondered about Andrew. No one had mentioned him in all the excitement about Matilda’s betrothal. Would he come for her wedding?

  Once in the parlor Georgiana exclaimed, “Kitty, I am to be Matilda’s bridesmaid!”

  “That is wonderful! You have been friends for many years, have you not?”

  “Indeed we have,” Matilda replied. “We have known each other all our lives, but we became special friends when we were both about ten years old. Is that right?” she asked, looking at Georgiana, who nodded. “Julia has declined to participate in the wedding. I hope she will at least be present for it,” Matilda said, a frown clouding her usually happy countenance.

  “And when is the wedding?” Kitty asked.

  “In twenty-two days!” Matilda exclaimed. “William and I thought it best to wait until after Mr. Christopher and Lucy marry, as they were engaged first.”

  More plans were discussed with great energy. Still no one mentioned Andrew. Kitty would say nothing that might dampen the family’s present joy. She could inquire of Georgiana later, or perhaps of Julia if she saw her again before the happy event.

  ≈

  The next day Georgiana and Kitty were lingering in the breakfast room when an early visitor was announced.

  “Miss Lucy Jamison to see the young ladies,” Wilson said.

  “We shall receive her in the drawing room,” Georgiana replied, hastily patting her mouth with a napkin. “And please send a message to Mrs. Darcy. She may wish to join us.”

  The butler bowed and moved off, and the young ladies made for the drawing room together.

  In a few moments a breathless Lucy bustled into the room. Kitty and Georgiana hurried to meet her and all joined hands in excitement.

  “You do look radiant today, Lucy,” Georgiana commented. “Getting married must agree with you!”

  “Oh, what young lady would not be this happy to be marrying the man she loves!” Lucy exclaimed.

  “I am so pleased for you, Lucy,” Kitty said, mustering as much enthusiasm as she could but catching a hint of apprehension in Lucy’s expression.

  “That is encouraging, Kitty. As I have no sister, and after our adventurous journey …” here she gave Kitty a look that imparted her awareness of the secret … “I should like to ask you … I hope you will consent … to be my bridesmaid?”

  Hastily Kitty masked her astonishment with a smile.

  “You honor me, Lucy. I would be delighted!” To her own surprise, she did look forward to fulfilling Lucy’s wish. Kitty had never felt so needed by someone before.

  Her eyes brimming with tears, Lucy embraced Kitty.

  “Please, sit and tell us all the particulars,” Georgiana said.

  Hearing footsteps, they looked up to see Lizzy enter the room in an awkward manner.

  “Miss Jamison, please forgive me for not being here to receive you. I came as quickly as I could, but I fear my speed is much lessened of late.” Lizzy placed her hands on her expanding form. “I confess I was in the k
itchen again—oh, the blessing of such an amenable cook!—and the stairs do take me some time.”

  They all rose and Lucy curtsied.

  “What have I missed?” Lizzy said, making her way to a chair.

  Georgiana spoke, her hands dancing to her words.

  “Lucy has asked Kitty to be her bridesmaid. Isn’t that exciting?”

  “It is indeed.”

  “Oh, and I have this for you, Mrs. Darcy, from my mother.” Lucy reached into her reticule and produced a parchment with a seal. “It is an invitation to my wedding and the breakfast. I do hope you can all come?”

  “We will be honored to share your special day, Miss Jamison. You must be very excited.”

  “Oh, yes. Mother could not join us today. She does not feel well and gets in such a state …”

  “I do understand, Miss Jamison, believe me.”

  “Tell us about your gown, Lucy,” Georgiana prompted.

  “It is a very pale pink with hundreds of seed pearls. I love it. Now Kitty, what shall you wear?”

  “I do have a gown in a darker shade of pink, more of a rose. Would that suit?”

  “That would be quite lovely, Kitty,” Lizzy remarked. “And will you go on a wedding trip, Miss Jamison?”

  “We are still discussing that. His parents wish us to tour the Lakes, and I should like that very much. Christopher wishes to travel to the London and Windsor area, but I cannot care for it.”

  Lucy and Kitty exchanged a surreptitious look.

  “I have always wanted to tour the Lakes,” Kitty said. “I hope his parents prevail. I am sure you would both enjoy that.”

  As Lucy spoke, it occurred to Kitty she should write to Princess Charlotte with this information—the marriage was the condition for no further investigation of Christopher’s questionable involvements. It would definitely be best that he avoid any shady connections in Windsor or London.

  Hats, slippers, food, and other arrangements were discussed at length, and eventually it was time for Lucy to depart.