She had hardly left when another visitor was announced.
“Why, Mr. Owen, your sister has just left us,” Kitty said. “Did you not come here together?”
“No. I had early business with Darcy and with the stable master. That is now concluded and I hoped to visit with the ladies of the house before I quitted Pemberley,” he said, making a slight bow.
Wilson was at the door. “Miss Darcy, your music master has arrived.”
“Thank you. I shall join him at once.” She nodded to the others and whisked away for her lesson.
“May we three take a short walk?” Owen asked. “It is very fine out, not too warm yet.”
“If we keep to the garden. That would suit me best,” Lizzy replied as Owen offered his hand to help her rise.
Bonnets were fetched and the three made for the garden.
After traversing part of the outer path, Lizzy begged to sit in the shade of the spreading crabapple tree, but encouraged the couple to continue walking as she could still chaperone.
“Well?” Owen asked, looking quizzically at Kitty. “I know what my sister came to ask.”
Kitty looked up at him and smiled. “I am happy to be her bridesmaid. It appears she does think of me as a sister.”
“She does indeed. Thank you. Your influence will improve her,” he said.
“Her mother-in-law will also support her I think. She is a woman of good sense.”
“You are right,” he said. “Common sense seems to run strong in those who are true horsewomen … or horsemen, if I might flatter myself.”
“Lady Drake described you as such the other day when she called. She supports my desire to ride astride and will watch my riding lessons as I learn to jump under Connor’s tutelage. She thinks highly of him as well.”
Owen simply nodded as they continued on the path, the gravel crunching under their feet.
“She and I hack out tomorrow morning. It seems female riding companions are scarce hereabouts. I shall be glad for her company. She is most interesting. I sense a wisdom … or something … in her that I can’t quite explain …”
He looked at Kitty. She could not decide if his expression was one of concern or contemplation.
“She is wise, Kitty. In the usual ways. And in some … less usual ways. But of that you will learn as you further your acquaintance with her.”
Kitty frowned at him. “That is rather cryptic.”
“Perhaps. But you must form your own opinion.”
“She thinks highly of you, Mr. Owen.”
He colored slightly and glanced at her. “I am honored. She is rather an amazing woman.”
After a moment he said, “If I may, there is one other thing I wish to address, concerning the wedding. I have a suspicion Christopher Drake is not wholly enthused about the event. Do you have any knowledge that might allay my concern?”
Kitty looked at him and sighed. “I do not. I have not seen him since we returned. At that point he did not seem—as you put it—enthused. Lady Drake seems aware of some reluctance on his part. But she is determined he follow through and settle into a ‘more productive life,’ as she put it. He will not wish to be disinherited. And she is not a woman to be gainsaid, in my estimation.”
“Well spoken, Miss Bennet, I hope you are right—about him going through with it. I think we all share a wish that my sister and he be married soon to avoid any possible compromise to her reputation.” He glanced at her and she guessed his meaning.
“One thing may further reassure you, Mr. Owen—there is a royal interest in him following through with this marriage. There are those willing to turn their investigation of the ‘investment club’ in a different direction if he turns his life in a more wholesome direction. Their wishes are known to him and to others of us.” She stole a look at him to see if he understood her.
“Ah, you are still in communication with Princess Charlotte then? That does set my mind more at ease. There are many forces encouraging him to do the right thing.” He sighed.
“May I ask, will your brother attend the wedding? I assume both your parents will be there?”
“That remains to be seen. Douglas continues to be moody and unpredictable. Father is loath to leave him much alone. He has asked Darcy to give Lucy away in the ceremony if he cannot be there himself.”
“I see. And you will perform the ceremony, am I correct?”
“You are. I have been ordained these two years, but a living was not yet available. Now that Mosley retires, I shall take over the parish. And I need not give up the horse breeding work with my father and with Mr. Darcy as a vicar. At present Father needs me to do almost … well, his attention is much diverted by my brother. And with my stepmother now expecting …” He trailed off, a frown darkening his features.
“He is most fortunate to have a son like you who can step in and do a fine job in his stead. It seems to suit you, more than your brother, to be the one to carry on with the estate.”
Owen nodded. “It has always been so. Douglas is a restless type, wanting to travel and have diverse activities. Sadly, he has never shown much interest in Greystone.”
Lizzy beckoned to them.
“Mr. Owen, I fear my sister must return to the house. She is sensitive to the heat at present.”
“Of course. We shall assist her at once.”
≈
Later that day Kitty was handed a missive and recognized the writing immediately. She broke the seal and unfolded the page.
* * *
My dear CB,
Thank you for your letter advising us of your safe arrival. Please inform us of the status of the arrangement in which we were all instrumental. We hope it has taken place or will soon be concluded, that all parties complied to your satisfaction. We pray for their mutual happiness.
It surprised us to hear of a certain person’s brother. Of him we have no news and have heard nothing suspicious. We wish that couple every happiness.
Regarding the gentleman under suspicion, those concerns have endured and increase. Remain on your guard. He appears to be in contact with the injured young man. The mission of our pact remains urgent.
We await word from you on the above matters.
Yours,
MME
* * *
Kitty let the paper fall to her lap, pondering the meaning of “endured and increase.” Was Douglas in contact with George Cressley? Did Owen have any knowledge of this?
She would wait until after Lucy’s wedding to respond to Miss Elphinstone. That way she could confirm Christopher and Lucy’s wedding had taken place, thus concluding one part of the pact. She would apprise Darcy of the other situation immediately.
Chapter Thirty-One
“So you ride with Lady Drake this morning?” Darcy said to Kitty, pouring himself another cup of coffee at the breakfast table. Lizzy sat at his right, nursing a cup of tea. Georgiana was gone, spending a few days with Matilda at Swan’s Nest.
“Yes, I do,” Kitty replied. “Might you have any message to convey?”
“None. But I will set you as far as the road and get you through that blasted gate again. I must have something done about that … I hope you won’t mind the company.”
“I shall welcome it. It looks a lovely morning.”
“It is. And I have a message from Lady Drake for you. She will bring two of her servants and a light lunch such as is fit for ladies. The group will return you to the crossroads by one o’clock, where either Johnny or myself will meet you and escort you home to Pemberley.”
Kitty made no answer.
Darcy looked at her and frowned.
“Kitty, where is your mind? Did you hear me?”
She started and then grinned at him.
“Oh, yes I did. It made me so happy to hear you say ‘home to Pemberley,’ and be speaking of me. I have come to think of Pemberley as home—I hope that is not presumptuous?—and I got lost in the idea, like a dream.”
Darcy’s face softened. “I am pleased y
ou feel at home here. I can hardly think of Pemberley without you now, Kitty.”
He rose and downed the rest of his coffee.
“Can you be ready to leave in a quarter hour?”
“Yes, I am nearly ready now.”
“Good. You may await me at the sweep. I will bring Cara down.”
“Lizzy, I do wish you could ride with us,” Kitty said, taking a final sip of her tea.
“Dear Kitty, riding on horseback is the last thing I would enjoy in this condition. Besides, I think it better you and Lady Drake be alone to forge a bond of friendship without my interference. You two have much in common.”
“We do. I admire her a great deal.”
“Good. Then be off with you. Darcy hates to be kept waiting, as you well know.”
Kitty bent to kiss Lizzy on the cheek.
“You must know how very happy I am, Lizzy. Thank you.”
Lizzy simply smiled and took another sip of tea.
≈
Darcy and Kitty made their way across the meadow, the grasses rustling as they passed.
“Kitty, I am glad you have this chance to better know Lady Drake. Having no daughters, she has long fancied Georgiana as a daughter …” he glanced at her slyly, “which I wager will likely come to pass … but you and Lady Drake have the foundation for a strong friendship. She is a fascinating lady. She has a kind of … wisdom … one does not often see.”
Kitty frowned. “That is the second reference I have heard about her possessing a special kind of wisdom.”
He looked over at Kitty as they trotted along the stone fence. “Who else—?”
“Mr. Owen. He said something similar.”
“Ah. Only a few folks are aware of it or take notice of it. I am not surprised he would be one of them. There’s a fine lad.”
As they rode along, Owen’s face was crowded out by her questions concerning Andrew. She decided to take a chance.
“Fitzwilliam, do you know if Mr. Andrew returns from Scotland for Matilda’s wedding? Curiously I have heard no talk about it but did not think it proper to ask the family. And Julia … well, Julia has not been in a state for talking much since the accident. I miss her company.”
“I imagine you do. That is a sad affair for Miss Stapleton. I hope she can move past it. No, I have heard no news of young Mr. Andrew. The squire and I attend a cattle show in a few days. Perhaps I can make a discreet inquiry?” He hesitated a moment, and then gave her a curious look.
“I did not know if he left you with some kind of understanding. I am not so dull—I was aware of an attraction between the two of you.”
Kitty looked straight ahead. “He has left me with no understanding; that is, he has not rightly declared himself. Although he almost did … in a round-about way, at one time … I had thought. It was a confusing conversation. I thought I might hear from him through Julia. That has not occurred. Not a single message. Not even a take-leave. I have had no news of him for weeks.” This reality stung more sharply when put it into words.
Darcy dismounted to deal with the gate. Once they were through and he remounted, they resumed their ride to the crossroads. Lady Drake’s entourage approached from the south.
“Excellent timing, Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennet. What a glorious morning.”
“It is indeed, Lady Drake,” said Darcy with a salute. “In answer to your earlier message, either I or my servant Johnny—who is well known to Miss Bennet—shall meet you here at one o’clock. And now I am off to discuss with my steward a fencing issue—and a stubborn gate.”
The ladies nodded, and he was off.
“Miss Bennet, we are for Avery Rocks today.”
“I have not heard of it, Lady Drake.”
“I am not surprised. It is little known amongst the population at large, though I cannot imagine why. I learnt of it as a girl. A bit younger than you I was, spending the summer with my grandmother who lived somewhat south of the site.”
They rode in silence some minutes, taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Then Lady Drake remarked in a quiet voice, “There is a history and great wisdom in the land hereabouts, Miss Bennet. It is especially strong in the rocks and stones, as you heard Squire Stapleton say. They hold memories. Long memories. If you enjoyed our tales and discoveries at Benwick Castle, then you will appreciate Avery Rocks. And it is much nearer. I come here quite often. To ponder. To see. To dream.”
Kitty listened with rapt attention. No one had ever shared things like this with her, or talked with her in such a way. What was this “unusual wisdom” Lady Drake was said to possess? Did she have special powers … was she some kind of witch? A little tingle shot through Kitty’s spine, but it was not an evil feeling. It was more of a thrill, even a recognition of sorts.
“Do you have any such special place, Miss Bennet? Perhaps found on a ride whilst growing up? You hail from Hertfordshire, am I right?”
“Yes, my lady. The only person in my family who went out into nature besides me was Lizzy. She was fond of long walks. As much to get away from the bickering …” she blushed at her unintended revelation.
Lady Drake merely smiled.
“She appreciated the quiet and the beauty of nature, as I do. But I preferred to explore on horseback when I could, although my father did not approve of young ladies riding. There was one place, a cliff overlooking a small rill that became a torrent in the spring. Atop that cliff were large stones, some the size of a cottage, which hid a shallow cave. No trees grew there except one giant elm. It was near to Hadley’s Woods. I sat with my back against that tree. I fancied I could feel its life and power coursing through me. I would close my eyes and listen to the endless song of the water and the happy grazing of the horse.”
Lady Drake nodded and her warm eyes met Kitty’s.
“I thought as much. I detected something different in you—a deeper sensibility, a heightened awareness. It is somewhat rare, you know.” She gave Kitty a keen look. “It is a gift.”
Kitty had never thought of her sensibilities as a gift. Often they had seemed a burden when her fragile feelings were hurt whilst Lydia went about unscathed by critical comments.
They rode on in silence again, now single file on the narrower path. Kitty was grateful her studies over the summer now equipped her to better identify the trees and shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, and some of the rock types. The variety and beauty along even this common pathway were overwhelming. Her heart swelled. The world felt rich with abundance and possibilities.
The path began to twist and climb sharply. Trees lined the hills that rose high on each side of the riders, as if they were passing through a tunnel. In places the ground was still damp—the sun’s rays had not yet topped the trees. The pungent smell of evergreens permeated the hollow. As they climbed, the evergreens gave way to outcroppings of stone punctuated by tufts of grass and late-season wildflowers.
Lady Drake turned in her saddle. “We are nearly there.”
Soon they arrived at the summit. Large boulders emerged from hilly mounds. In some places groupings of stones stood in inexplicable formations. Kitty looked over at Lady Drake, who was smiling and breathing deeply as her eyes encompassed the vastness of the view.
The servants helped the ladies dismount and began laying out the foodstuffs and drinks on a rug nearby. Kitty and Lady Drake tended to their horses.
Lady Drake then walked to a large stone surrounded by several smaller stones set in a semicircle.
“Come, Miss Bennet, sit here with me a moment. This is the Seat of Vision.”
Kitty joined. The stone was of natural form and shape, not hewn by human hands, but was somehow the perfect height and shape to seat two in comfort. They sat together taking in the sight of the valley below as it stretched into the distance.
“Would it alarm you, Miss Bennet, if I speak to you of some particular perceptions I have had?”
Kitty hesitated. “I do not know, my lady. I have heard you possess special wisdom, but I am not sure
what that means.”
Lady Drake tilted her head and looked at Kitty.
“I don’t know about special wisdom. Perhaps. But I am gifted at times with deep sight into people or situations, and some foresight about future events. My grandmother said I have a very old soul.”
They sat in silence again.
Kitty squirmed, wondering what she might hear.
“Your visit to Derbyshire has been quite propitious, Miss Bennet, am I correct?” Her voice was soft and warm.
Kitty looked at her and nodded. “Yes, it appears so, for me. I cannot speak to my effect on others. I have discovered there is more to value in people than meets the common eye. And that people may have reasons and motivations unknown to me—even unrelated to me—which might bear on their behavior.”
“Interesting. Tell me more, Miss Bennet.”
Kitty closed her eyes. “I have learnt I cannot foresee all ends, and that I do not need to. I am starting to comprehend my ability to manage situations—rather like on a horse. I cannot predict every move or event, but if my seat is sound I will remain in the saddle. An event that may appear tragic at first can sometimes turn out favorable—at least for some. And turnabout.”
Her mind was a tumble of reflections, with the faces of Lydia and Julia and Lucy floating amongst them.
“I believe you have deep sight, Miss Bennet. A gift you are perhaps just now recognizing.”
Kitty opened her eyes and looked up in surprise.
Lady Drake sat motionless beside her, looking far into the distance. She took Kitty’s hand in hers.
“Look for changes in those around you, Miss Bennet. Changes you may not expect. Look beyond the obvious. Look deep, past what the eye can see. This is not unlike what we do with our horses. Not all communication is formed in words. There are some things we just know. Yes? Trust that. Do not let fear cause you to doubt yourself or what you know to be true.”
A kaleidoscope of images whirled before Kitty’s eyes—faces of those known long to her, and face of those newly met. Places from her past, and places newly discovered. She had to make an effort to focus when she heard Lady Drake speak again in a low, melodic voice.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 29
