With a low, throaty laugh, Lizzy said, “I have only one dress suitable for calling that is full enough to fit around me at present. Luckily, the seamstresses will soon finish another dress, but for tonight it shall be the same green gown.”
“Why do you watch the door, Lizzy?” Kitty asked, noting her sister’s distraction.
“Oh, I was hoping Fitzwilliam would be back sooner rather than later. He did advise me that if he had not returned by seven, we should take the carriage without him. He and Mr. Sawyer had several stops to make today in the north part of the estate.”
Kitty bit her lip. The Cressley party would leave the day after tomorrow. She hoped Darcy would have time to speak with her before dinner, and wondered what actions he might take. And if there would be time to take any.
The ladies retired to prepare for the dinner. When Kitty reached her room she found a letter on her table. She recognized Papa’s handwriting and sat down, not knowing what to expect. Carefully she opened it.
* * *
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
My dear Kitty,
A reply to both your letters is long overdue. I have been giving much thought as to how to express myself. I have experienced somewhat of a change of heart and mind concerning some issues at Longbourn, past and present, and concerning you. I am heartily sorry for what I now see as my neglect in caring for you and your sisters—by my lack of planning and my lack of involvement. My own discouragement during that time does not excuse me from my responsibilities and I cannot forgive myself.
I have thanked Lizzy for stepping in on your behalf. But she tells me that it was you who requested the visit to Pemberley; you who saw that things were amiss at Longbourn as far as providing for your future. I congratulate you on your clear-sightedness and your determination.
My failure is a bitter pill to swallow. On the other hand, I can give myself some accolades for raising two wise and attentive daughters in Jane and Lizzy, who have risen on their own merits, and by whose attention I pray you will also rise. I am thankful it seems not too late for you.
Your strength of spirit, as described by Lizzy and from what I have read in your letters, has surprised me. Your interests are those I would not have suspected, such as horses and science and drawing. Perhaps all the madness surrounding Lydia buried your ability to acknowledge and practice your desired pursuits. Your newfound companions—even those in high places—seem to join you in these and your letters reflect a respectable and remarkable young lady.
You are correct, I am proud of you. Prodigiously proud. I look forward to hearing more about your activities and give you leave to remain at Pemberley as long as Lizzy and Darcy might agree. I hope you and I may spend a good deal of time together when I visit in the spring, or sooner, and I should dearly like to see you ride Cara.
Until then,
Your loving father
* * *
Kitty fell back onto the chair and stared out the window. Tears welled in her eyes. Her father had never spoken to her as an intelligent being, nor with any affection. She had hoped, from this visit, to gain Lizzy and Fitzwilliam’s respect. She had not dared to hope for her father’s. She was lost in thought until roused by Poppy to prepare for dinner at the Wyndham’s.
≈
Darcy had not returned as the ladies prepared to enter the coach. The clouds hung low. Nothing was moving in the outdoors and the thick air was heavy with silence; not even the chatter of birds broke the stillness.
“Bring a wrap and an umbrella,” Lizzy cautioned.
“How can one be sociable in weather such as this?” Georgiana remarked. “The air is so thick I can barely breathe.”
“At least it has not rained yet,” Lizzy remarked. “Hopefully Fitzwilliam will be spared that inconvenience.” Lizzy nodded to the footman, who then closed the door. A light crack of the whip set the horses off at a slow trot.
In spite of the stifling weather, a merry group greeted them at Greystone. To Kitty’s surprise, Matilda and William arrived at the same time as the Darcy coach. And with them was Mr. George Cressley. Georgiana and Matilda went to each other immediately for an affectionate embrace, and then Benjamin strode up to offer his arm to his beloved. Mr. Wyndham and Owen had also appeared, both graciously aiding Lizzy in mounting the steps. Owen glanced back at Kitty with pleasure, but his brow lifted as George Cressley offered her his arm. All joined Mrs. Wyndham and the newlyweds in the drawing room.
Kitty noted the absence of Julia but was not surprised. Neither was Douglas in attendance.
“My parents send their regrets,” Christopher said, addressing Mrs. Wyndham. “My father is not well today and my mother preferred to stay by his side.”
Both Wyndhams nodded in understanding.
“And my parents have remained home with Mr. Alfred Cressley and my brother Andrew and his new bride,” Matilda said. “As you know, they stay only a short time before departing for Scotland.”
Kitty found she could think of Andrew and his wife with equanimity. She stole a look at Owen, standing next to his father, and felt a rush of warmth.
William spoke next. “Thank you for inviting us, Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham. This is our first social outing as a married couple.” He cast a devoted look at Matilda.
“It is a pleasure to host such a youthful group tonight,” Mr. Wyndham replied. “You are all very welcome. But Mrs. Darcy, where is …”
“Mr. Darcy will be along shortly. He rode to the north village today and was not back in time to ride in the carriage with us. I am sure he will join us very soon.”
There was much news to be shared about the two weddings, and about one wedding tour just taken and another about to commence. Before even half of the news had been imparted, the group was called to dinner.
Just as they were assembling to go into the dining room, Darcy joined them. His eyes immediately sought Lizzy’s; he smiled at her apparent wellbeing.
“I beg your pardon, everyone,” he made a slight bow to the company, “for my lateness.”
“You are most welcome, Mr. Darcy. Now our party is complete,” Mrs. Wyndham said, smiling elegantly. “Let us go in.”
They found their seats at the finely appointed table. Mrs. Wyndham obviously remained attentive to all things pertaining to dress and décor despite her present fragile condition. An enjoyable meal and pleasant conversation dominated the next hour and the company was most congenial. William proved an entertaining conversationalist and the party learnt much about him.
As the final course was cleared and dessert items set out, a servant entered with a note for Mr. Wyndham. He studied it, frowned, and then caught Darcy’s eye.
“Pardon me; please continue with dessert. I have just received some urgent news. Darcy, will you join me for some fresh air?”
George, who was seated across from Kitty, colored and looked intently at his plate.
“Whatever can be so alarming, my dear?” Mrs. Wyndham asked, arching a brow. “Surely it can wait until later.”
“No, it cannot. It concerns Douglas.”
Kitty inhaled sharply and stared hard at Mr. Wyndham.
“A turn for the worse, sir?” asked Benjamin.
“No, nothing like that. Please do carry on. Darcy?” Mr. Wyndham rose and Darcy followed.
Kitty was flustered but knew what she must do. She leaned closer to Owen and said, “I too need some air. Would you accompany me?”
Owen’s eyes grew large for a moment, but he recovered and obliged in a most gentlemanly manner.
“Pray, excuse us,” Owen said with a bow.
They were only steps behind Darcy and Wyndham and could soon hear their conversation.
“Missing? But how?” Darcy paced in a tight circle.
“Douglas has taken to commanding the carriage for outings nearly every day. He says the fresh air benefits him.”
Darcy looked at Wyndham. “Well, yes, that would make some sense.”
“According to the stable master, he left unusually earl
y this morning. His valet often accompanies him, and did so today. However, they have not returned. And when the maid entered his room just now to see if he wished dinner be brought up, he was not there. Most of his clothing was gone—along with all his medication and his wheelchair. ”
At the sound of crunching gravel, Mr. Darcy whirled about.
“Kitty! What do you do here? This is no concern for ladies. Please, return to the house at once.”
She set her chin. “I cannot.”
Mr. Darcy’s eyebrows flew up and his face reddened.
Kitty felt Owen grasp her elbow firmly.
“I have information that may be pertinent to this situation. Will you hear me?”
Mr. Darcy’s face changed from rage to puzzlement.
“Miss Bennet, please tell us whatever you may know,” Mr. Wyndham said, stepping towards them.
She looked at Fitzwilliam, who nodded. In spite of Owen’s curious glance, she took a deep breath and began.
“This morning, very early, I was out riding with Johnny. I saw Mr. Douglas in a Wyndham carriage. Johnny recognized it, and your horses. It was near the place we once came upon you, Mr. Owen, when your wagon had broken down.”
Owen nodded, then looked at his father.
“The old north road to Buxton, near where it crosses the path to the Manning estate.”
Mr. Wyndham nodded. “Go on.”
“We were up on the hill, unseen. To our surprise, the carriage pulled over and stopped. We were ready to ride down and see if they needed assistance but suddenly, out of the woods below us, Mr. George Cressley emerged, leading a horse.”
“What?”
“In the woods?”
“Yes. I thought it very odd. And more so because, to my knowledge, the two gentlemen are not acquainted.”
Mr. Darcy shook his head and frowned.
Mr. Wyndham sighed, his face sagging.
“Fitzwilliam, do you remember Princess Charlotte cautioning us about Mr. George Cressley?”
“I do now.”
The others murmured at the mention of the princess.
Three pairs of eyes now focused on Kitty. “And this is not the first clandestine meeting I have witnessed involving Mr. George.” She described the incident on the path at Oakhurst.
Mr. Darcy scowled. “Honorable connections would not meet in secret.” His jaw clenched.
Mr. Wyndham then asked, “Miss Bennet, is there aught else you can tell us about this morning?”
Kitty searched her mind. “Just that Mr. George handed Mr. Douglas an envelope and a small package. Oh, and as Mr. George rode off, Mr. Douglas was laughing very loudly. A laugh of madness, I thought.” She then turned to Fitzwilliam. “I had wished to tell you immediately, but you—”
“Yes, I have been gone. You have done right, Kitty.”
Then he turned to Mr. Wyndham. “What do you make of it?”
Mr. Wyndham was shaking his head when a scuffling noise approached. Christopher and a stable lad were forcefully escorting Mr. George Cressley. Christopher shoved him unceremoniously towards Wyndham and Darcy. The lad departed.
“Ha! Shocked are you? I found this scoundrel attempting to saddle one of the horses. It seems he fancied a late night ride. In the dark, eh Cressley?” Christopher looked at the four surprised faces and then continued. “Just after you left the table, Cressley here was overcome with a coughing fit and made his excuses. Knowing him as I do … or did … I suspected he was up to no good and followed him. I have, unfortunately, had dealings with him in the past, although it was he and Douglas who were thick.”
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wyndham stepped forward as one.
“Explain yourself at once,” ordered Mr. Wyndham.
George looked around the circle with his nose in the air.
“Perhaps he will be more eager to speak to the magistrate?” Mr. Darcy said, piercing George with sharp eyes.
All turned in surprise when Kitty spoke.
“You are exposed, Mr. George. Even Princess Charlotte is aware of your participation in the scheme. Things will likely go easier if you cooperate.”
George Cressley looked at her, his mouth hanging open. Christopher and Mr. Wyndham also looked stunned.
“Come, cousin, speak. Silence cannot protect you now,” Mr. Darcy urged.
George Cressley’s demeanor suddenly altered. His face crumpled and he hung his head.
“My father … is there some way he can be spared? And my wife … with child … I cannot endanger her.” His pleading eyes searched Mr. Darcy’s.
Mr. Wyndham said, “Perhaps Miss Bennet should be excused before—”
“No. I will not be excused. I mean no disrespect, Mr. Wyndham, but I have been instrumental in discovering evidence in this case and have even been directly harmed myself. My wrist has healed,” she said, with an accusing look at Christopher, “but my dear friend continues to suffer heartbreak. I shall not be shielded.” She crossed her arms in front of her.
All eyes flew to Mr. Darcy. He did not fail her.
“She may stay. I have been aware of her involvement for some time. Now, cousin, speak.”
George then related his role in passing messages and money to Christopher and Douglas, usually to Douglas. Christopher corroborated this part of the tale and explained his own role as well. The three would meet at various watering holes for information dispersed by George—who also paid them—and then Christopher and Douglas would deliver the orders or money to others as they were directed.
“Who gave you these orders?” Darcy demanded.
Christopher responded first.
“I met only with Cressley. I believe that is also the case with Douglas, but I cannot be sure.”
“It is so,” George confirmed. “However, to gather my orders, each time I would meet with a different messenger in a different place. I do not know where the directions originated. I have some suspicions. I would see some faces repeatedly at the inns and at the racetrack, but I had no personal involvement with any one man in particular. Often it was simply an envelope left with an innkeeper.”
The small circle pondered this information.
Mr. Darcy’s face was drawn.
“This is a deplorable thing in which you are involved. Horses have been harmed. One has died, as has one jockey. George, whatever possessed you to keep company of this sort?”
At this point, George looked at Christopher and sighed.
“It all started during my last year at school. That is where I met Mr. Christopher and Mr. Douglas. We were a group of swaggering fools. Thought we could make some money by gambling on the races. I seemed to have a knack for picking winners, and I put all my winnings back into the races, betting more and more. But my luck turned. I was losing. My debts grew and I became desperate. We met a man who offered us money to deliver messages and, once we were trusted, we carried money as well. That is how it started. I cannot bear to have my father know how foolish I was. I continued to bet. But rather than diminishing, my debts have grown to an enormous figure. I don’t know what to do. My father will be so disappointed. He might disinherit me. And my dear wife …” He was so downcast he could not meet their eyes.
Mr. Darcy’s face was stony.
Owen looked at Christopher. “And you, Drake, do you have gambling debts? Has my sister now become a partner to this?”
Mr. Wyndham looked aghast.
“I was a fool to become involved in any of this,” Christopher admitted. “But, in a twist of fate, I was not lucky at betting. I rarely won, so I soon lost interest. I was bored here at home and thought the company around the racetrack all the crack—for a time. But I soon grew bored of them too. When I took Lucy to the races—sorry, Owen, don’t come the ugly—I saw I was impressing no one. That was when I realized that was not the kind of life I wished to live. I was a pudding-head, as a certain royal person put it.” He gave the group a wry grin.
“I decided I wanted out. I realized it was I who was boring. It was time to do somethin
g different. Through Lucy, I realized how fortunate I was by such a lucky birth, being a first son. Lucy needed me. And she was so devoted. The woman has the patience of a saint. Truly, I have now—at last—set myself a goal to deserve her, and Cedars. I have found luck at love far superior to luck at gambling.”
Footsteps were again heard on the gravel. To their surprise Mr. Wyndham’s butler approached and signaled to him.
After a few private words, Mr. Wyndham shouted, “What? How can he do this?” His back heaved. The butler bowed and made for the house. The group waited expectantly.
When Mr. Wyndham turned to them, his face was a contortion of fury and woe.
“It seems,” he said in a choking voice, “that Douglas has made off with the strongbox from our safe.”
“No!” Mr. Darcy exclaimed.
Owen’s jaw fell. “Oh, Father!”
The group was shocked into silence.
Kitty turned. “Mr. George, have you any knowledge of Mr. Douglas’ plans or destination? Did he say anything that might lead us to him? He has not been in his right mind for some time and needs help.”
“He was in an odd state today,” George said thoughtfully. “Not quite the thing. Looked dreadfully pulled. But kept laughing. A maniacal laugh. Frightful. I was glad to be out of his company. His valet was with him. The carriage did not follow me back south and east. But I do not know the roads hereabouts. I am sorry I cannot be of more help.”
Mr. Darcy responded first.
“Thank you, George. That is of some assistance. Wyndham, can we send some searchers out at first light? Harvest has begun, but I can spare a few men. Certainly in a carriage he cannot have got far? Easier to trace than a man on a horse.”
Mr. Wyndham’s face drooped.
Owen looked at Kitty, and then spoke.
“Father. Let us return to the house. You and I shall withdraw to your den and work out something—a plan, a strategy. The guests are ready to depart now anyway.”
Kitty nodded at him.
“If you wish, I shall stay too,” Mr. Darcy offered.
Mr. Wyndham gave a weak smile.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 33
