“You care deeply for your family here, and your new friends. Miss Julia Stapleton stands at the edge of a precipice. You have perceived this. It troubles you. Miss Jamison has floundered long, since the death of her father, which caused her to lose her grandmother—her only voice of wisdom or reason, until now. And, as you know, your younger sister is beyond your aid. She must come to wisdom by her own path.”
Kitty started. How could Lady Drake know about Lydia?
“As for Miss Jamison and Miss Stapleton, your role with each is powerful now, Miss Bennet; most especially in what you do not say and do not do. I see ahead a strong alliance that will serve the good of all. It is fortunate you chose to visit Mrs. Darcy at this particular time.” She paused and closed her eyes; then went on.
“Beware of acting a part that is not yours to play. You cannot prevent all tragedy. As you have said, you cannot see all ends.”
Kitty twisted the gloves in her hands. Her worries about Julia—and all the ways she had hoped to help but had failed—came bubbling to the surface. Her eyes filled with tears that brimmed over and spilled down her cheeks.
Lady Drake sighed and closed her eyes.
“Do not grieve. What you see are others on their path of discovery, which they must travel themselves. You cannot travel it for them. We each of us have our own path, our own destiny.” Lady Drake patted Kitty’s hand. “All of us wish to protect our dear ones from suffering, pain, humiliation; but at times we must step aside so they can find the sunlight and grow. It can be so with friends as well as family. Trust in Providence to show them the way.”
“It is trying when a loved one chooses a rockier road for a time, like my Christopher.” She clucked to herself. “Thankfully he is not as shallow as he appears,” she said, the corner of her mouth turning up. “Nor is Miss Jamison. She has depths not yet mined, in my estimation. Their match has much promise.”
Images of Julia and Lucy appeared again in her mind, and Kitty perceived a deeper link between herself and each of them. Then Lydia’s face appeared. It was a rocky road her younger sister had chosen. Lizzy had disclosed Darcy’s role in bringing about Lydia’s marriage—a marriage that Kitty had envied for some time simply because she too wished to know the thrill of a great romance.
Lady Drake’s voice penetrated her thoughts again.
“Do not seek for that which you have already found, Miss Bennet, though it may not look as expected. Trust your feelings. Past sorrows have opened the doors to goodness and light. Follow the path of light and comfort rather than that of parade and pleasure. Is this new to you?” Lady Drake murmured.
“It is, my lady. I have been drawn by parade and pleasure, as you say. Yet it did not satisfy. This summer I have seen different views of love—deeper and broader and longer views. True partnerships. I no longer envy my younger sister. I no longer wish to be merely swept off my feet.”
Who would be her partner on her life path? Andrew, so handsome and charming, made her feel important when in his company. Everyone knew him as a fine man, and on his arm she looked a fine lady. Was that enough? They had spent little time together. Immersed as he was in science, did he have any interest in such a partnership? She could picture him and his dazzling smile, but could not hear his voice. She heard, instead, a deeper voice of practical wisdom. The voice of a true horseman.
“Your place is here, Miss Bennet. I feel that. But one friend must depart to find a path of light. You will experience healing with a family member from afar, and see a growing sadness in the spirit of another.” Lady Drake paused and drew in a long breath. “Your new friend at a distance can be trusted, but she will herself experience both great joy and great darkness.” She shuddered and shook her head.
After a deep breath she opened her eyes and looked at Kitty.
“And you, Miss Bennet, have experienced only a taste of the joy ahead of you.”
Lady Drake let go her hand and clasped her own hands in her lap. She smiled and then opened her hands to reveal a stone, smaller than a lady’s palm, of deep red marked with veins of white. At Kitty’s curious look she said, “My seeing stone.”
Kitty stared at the stone and then at Lady Drake. A servant’s voice startled her out of her thoughts, saying, “Luncheon is ready, my lady.”
“Come, Miss Bennet. A little refreshment is surely welcome now. Today we shall dine with an unparalleled view, courtesy of Providence itself.” A picnic was spread for them near a cluster of scrubby trees, which provided some shade but did not obscure the vista.
They spoke of lighter subjects during lunch. As Kitty made to rise when the meal was completed, she put her hand on a lump. She reached beneath the rug and drew out a stone, very smooth, swirled with greens and tans. Holding it in her open palm, she looked at Lady Drake, who returned a speaking look with the corner of her mouth turned gently upward. Kitty placed the stone in her pocket and smiled back.
Soon after that they returned by the same path they had come. After descending the heights, they ambled side by side along the more level road.
“I believe you and I, Miss Bennet, to be the leading horsewomen in the neighborhood. May I count on you to join me once I deem the time ripe, to—shall we say—increase the girth of local minds about the style of riding appropriate for ladies?”
Kitty laughed. “Of course. I shall be the first to stand with you.”
“Good. My husband supports us in this, as does Mr. Darcy. And, although he has not yet spoken, Mr. Wyndham will also agree. Squire Stapleton is eminently practical and his voice is powerful hereabouts. He admires your courage and will come to support us. It may take time, but so it always does for lasting change. I am glad to know we are comrades in this, Miss Bennet. And perhaps in other things as well?”
Kitty felt her face flush. “Indeed, my lady, my esteem for you grows the more acquainted we become. I have never known anyone old enough to be … well, anyone not my own age … who has such fresh, uncommon ideas. And who is grand enough to lead change.”
Lady Drake threw her head back and her throaty laugh echoed amongst the rocks. “Grand, indeed. Some years back, Miss Bennet, I was a girl much like yourself. Not grand at all. A plain young lady from an everyday gentleman’s family.” Then her eyes grew misty.
“Lord Drake has his own kind of wisdom. He saw depth and beauty beyond rank. We have a great respect and love for each other. One does not need to be grand to find true love and happiness. Always listen to your deepest self, my dear. Therein lies your wisdom.”
To Kitty’s surprise, Lady Drake turned to her and winked. With one eye.
Chapter Thirty-Two
A line of servants with umbrellas held aloft escorted Kitty, Georgiana, and a lumbering Lizzy into the carriage to attend Lucy’s wedding. Darcy entered and closed the door.
“They say rain on your wedding day means good luck,” Lizzy commented when they were all settled into the squabs.
“Then perhaps rain is the work of Providence for this young couple,” Darcy said with a wry grin. “I believe they will need some luck.”
“They do seem an unlikely pair,” Georgiana mused.
“Not so,” Kitty said in a soft voice. She looked at each of them directly. “I think they are much alike in that both appear shallow, but both desire something deeper. I believe together they will each become better than they were alone.”
“What a lovely sentiment, Kitty,” Lizzy said with a look of admiration. “I think that is the task of true love. I can think of one couple in which the man was greatly improved by the clever wife he chose, even against his better judgment.” Her eyes twinkled and her dimple showed.
“Or perhaps choosing her showed he was far wiser than he knew.” Darcy took Lizzy’s hand in his.
The ride to the Drake chapel was short but merry, even on such a dreary morning.
≈
Kitty had never been a bridesmaid. She had attended only one wedding—the double wedding of her sisters Jane and Lizzy. When she arrived at the chap
el, she smoothed her deep rose gown, adjusted her gloves, and checked the pins in her hair.
Lucy was all aflutter.
“You are absolutely beautiful,” Kitty said as she straightened Lucy’s necklace. Her dress became her very well. It lent an elegance to Lucy’s figure, and with her hair swept up and sprinkled with tiny pink roses she looked every inch a lady.
Mr. Wyndham appeared and a smile lit his face at the sight.
“My dear Lucy, you have grown into a fine young woman. I am very happy for you.” He offered her his arm then nodded at Kitty. “It is time.”
After taking a trembling breath, Kitty led the procession the dozen steps to the altar where Benjamin stood attendance on his brother. Christopher’s blue eyes seemed to see only Lucy as she came down the aisle. A sunbeam shone through the clerestory window, blessing the chapel with heavenly light.
Lady Drake looked up, then at Kitty with a knowing smile.
Kitty took her place near the altar and was drawn into the steady grey eyes of Owen Wyndham. A gentle smile played on his face. As he began to speak, she looked around. Lizzy gave her a wink. The world felt whole and complete.
≈
The skies had cleared during the ceremony, but the ground was still soggy as they entered the carriage and made their way to the great house at Greystone for the wedding breakfast. It was a small group at table—the Drakes, the Darcys, and the Wyndhams—minus Douglas. No one asked about him.
The company was cheerful, and Kitty was thankful to be seated next to Owen. His conversation was usually interesting and often witty, and his presence calmed her. She delighted in wit when it was not at the expense of others. Seeing the men enjoying a diversity of company, Kitty felt a touch of sadness for her father, who had been surrounded by only women in daily life—most of whom could not carry on an intelligent conversation, including herself. She and Lydia had been lost in a world of officers and flirtations. Kitty was relieved to have made her way beyond that.
A deep voice brought her back to the present.
“They seem happier than I might have guessed. What is your own opinion?”
She turned to Owen, who was eyeing the newlyweds.
“I have thought the same. Even the weather smiles on them. Before the ceremony, all was cloudy and gray. But that beam of light … in the chapel … I took it as a sign from Providence. I think they will be better together than either were alone.”
When he turned back to her she remarked a light in his eyes.
“A sign of a true friend, Miss Bennet, to foresee happiness for others. Your kindness is not unexpected by me. I believe I know you that well.”
Her whole body felt aglow. How was it that he, with his keen observations, made her feel so exposed yet so protected at the same time? She looked down at her napkin.
“You were the first in the party to be honored by the heavenly light, Miss Bennet. You looked quite … divine.” He shot her a look that pierced her deeply and then picked up his fork for another morsel.
She stared at the side of his head, stunned into silence. Still trembling, she managed to summon her courage.
“No one has ever described me in such a way.”
The corner of his mouth lifted at her reply.
“I have not been a bridesmaid before. Lizzy and Jane were each other’s bridesmaids at their double wedding. What a happy day that was.” She spied Fitzwilliam watching his wife with admiration as Lizzy spoke with animation to those around them.
“Mr. Darcy is most fortunate in his bride. Your sister is sparkling and witty and kind. She looks very well.”
“I agree. And how does your stepmother do?”
He looked at her and rolled his eyes.
“As you might expect. I believe she is quite well but her temperament is missish. I wonder if she is ever happy?”
Kitty gasped inwardly at this description. Her father had often called her missish. Looking back, she could see he had often been right. She was rarely happy back then. She gulped back those feelings and asked, “And your father? How does he do? He looks quite pleased today.”
“I believe he is. The whole situation angered him at first. He has never admired Christopher Drake. Too arrogant, smug, irresponsible. Neither Christopher nor Lucy are like my father—practical and kind—so he does not understand them. But his vision is not clouded. He knows an unpromising horse can often be brought around. And with a friend like you, I see great possibilities for Lucy. I thank you for that.”
Owen took another mouthful and chewed thoughtfully.
“Summer is ending, Miss Bennet. How long shall your visit continue?” He reached for his wine and turned to face her.
“I do not know. Lizzy said she would talk to Mr. Darcy, but I guess they have not decided yet. I dearly hope I may stay until their baby is born, and for some time after. It is odd, but I cannot imagine living at Longbourn again. Derbyshire seems like home to me now. It has grown on me, as have its people. But I do not wish to burden my sister.” Her brow furrowed.
“I cannot imagine your presence ever being a burden.”
“You flatter me, Mr. Owen.”
“I speak as I see, Miss Bennet.”
She felt unsettled again, fluttery and yet pleased, and hastily changed the subject.
“There is another wedding soon, you know. Miss Matilda and Mr. William. The day before Michaelmas.”
“I knew they were engaged but had not heard the date.”
“Georgiana will be Matilda’s bridesmaid since Julia has declined. Oh, my heart aches for Julia.”
He looked hastily away.
“I am sorry, I did not wish to bring up a painful subject. Things do not improve with Mr. Douglas?”
“No. And I appreciate your forbearance. Let us talk of it some other time.”
The table was cleared and the bridal cake brought in, a delicate confection of flour, eggs, and candied fruits, shimmering with sugar.
Christopher sliced the cake with his usual flourish. Handing Lucy the first piece, he said with a bow, “A token of love for my beautiful bride.” It was the same swaggering behavior, but with a new softness in his eyes, especially when he looked at Lucy.
Kitty and Owen exchanged a look of mutual understanding.
Georgiana spoke up. “Will you take a wedding tour?”
Lucy glanced at Kitty, but Christopher stood and spoke.
“I have been advised—indeed, convinced—by all who proclaim to love me that we should explore a region unknown to both of us. A mutual adventure seems an appropriate way to begin a marriage,” he said with a lift of his brow and a toss of his blonde hair. “We shall tour the Lakes. This same region was explored those many years ago by my own parents on their wedding tour. However, if anyone has been there in more recent times, we welcome recommendations of sights to see or enchanting places to stay.” He gave a little bow. There was hearty applause all around. “We leave two days hence,” he said and then resumed his seat.
Soon the Darcy coach was called. Benjamin accompanied them out. He had not left Georgiana’s side all morning. When would he declare himself?
Later that day Kitty penned another missive to her friends.
* * *
MME,
I am pleased to inform you and our esteemed friend that a certain gentleman was married here 22 August to a young lady of our mutual acquaintance, concluding an agreement between several parties. Two days hence they depart for a tour of the Lakes. The couple’s chance of happiness appears greater than we have anticipated. I pray it will be so for the sakes of both parties and their families.
As to the other wedding, it is set for the day before Michaelmas. We anticipate the suspected brother will attend this event and we shall be especially observant and report anything untoward.
Your servant,
CB
Chapter Thirty-Three
The summer drifted to its conclusion, days of rain alternating with days of sun. Kitty’s time was filled with reading from her l
ist, learning new tasks from Lizzy and Georgiana, and taking on the challenge of her new riding goals. Lady Drake came weekly to observe her lesson with Mr. Connor. Johnny also coached her in her near-daily practice. She and Cara were trotting cross rails and riding formations in the arena, but still enjoyed time on the bridle paths of Pemberley. Kitty rode astride unless they would be near the village.
One morning as Kitty approached the stable yard she saw another horse tied next to Lady Drake’s. It was Owen Wyndham’s, the very horse she had ridden the day of the accident. Johnny was just fetching the big grey as Kitty approached.
“Mr. Connor ’as a surprise today, Miss Bennet. Are ye up to a challenge?”
“If it involves horses, then yes I am. But what are you doing with Mr. Owen’s horse?”
“He be your mount today, Miss. Mr. Connor says riding different horses improves skills. And Sultan here’s an eager and scopey jumper.”
Kitty’s eyes darted to the arena. One cross rail was still set up, and the other three jumps had been raised. Her heart pounded with excitement.
“I shall join you at the mounting block in a moment, Johnny!”
His eyes sparkled back at her.
She slipped into a stall and pulled on the breeches and boots she now rode in, tying her skirt up to the side. She strode to the block, mounted Sultan, and was accompanied into the arena by Johnny. Her eyes opened wide. Darcy stood at the rail next to Lady Drake and Owen. She wasn’t sure if she welcomed or dreaded such a large audience to witness her first attempts at jumping on a new horse. As Johnny adjusted her stirrups and the girth, she nodded at her onlookers. Johnny then joined them at the sidelines, and Mr. Connor began to direct the ride from the center of the arena.
Sultan had a long smooth stride and was a much bigger horse than Cara—a fact that had escaped her notice during the ride for help. Kitty gathered her reins and followed Connor’s directions in warming up her own muscles; the horse’s had been warmed up on the ride from Greystone.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 30
