Her Summer at Pemberley

by Sallianne Hines

  After cantering westward in the sandy soil along the riverbank, they slowed and took a path to the right that wound upward into a heavily wooded area punctuated by rocky promontories and a few enclosed clearings. Deer were abundant at certain places on the estate. Deer Hollow was one such place. It was picturesque, being a large clearing surrounded by great timber. A craggy cliff snugged into the hillside on the north. Boulders were embedded here and there, providing seats to enjoy the view to the west and of the river valley below. The flattened grass showed favorite resting spots of the deer. Horses could graze contentedly whilst riders might be refreshed with a bite and a drink.

  Kitty and Johnny were settled comfortably on nearby boulders enjoying the first of the autumn apples when they heard a rider approach. Kitty sat up straight and looked at Johnny, who continued to munch on his apple. Riders were not common on these paths. This was Pemberley ground.

  “Johnny,” Kitty whispered with some concern, “listen.”

  He met her eyes and looked towards the sound.

  Kitty peered down the east path as the rider drew nearer.

  “Johnny!”

  He stood and tossed his apple core aside, then strode over to place himself between Kitty and the approaching rider. Kitty was ready to take cover behind Cara when the rider swept into view. Owen Wyndham it was.

  Kitty’s mouth fell open.

  Johnny touched his hat and nodded.

  “G’day, Mr. Owen.”

  “A splendid day, Johnny,” Owen said, saluting him, then swinging off Sultan.

  “And Miss Bennet, delightful to see you. What a fine day for a ride.”

  Kitty moved away from Cara and towards the men.

  “Whatever are you doing here, Mr. Owen? We have never met with anyone on these paths.”

  He raised a brow.

  “Well, except for you that one time …”

  “Ah, Miss Bennet, this is not a chance meeting. I came to call at Pemberley—having business with Mr. Connor—and planned to say hello to the ladies of the house. When he informed me of your whereabouts, well … I hope my company is not unwelcome?” His eyes searched hers. When she did not respond immediately, he looked down, fingering his reins.

  Kitty was stunned at his friendliness. They had not spoken since their disagreement about Julia’s letter. With a little struggle she found her voice.

  “No, of course not, Mr. Owen … I mean, you are welcome to join us. It is so unexpected, that is all. And I am not riding in proper style to be in company with a gentleman.”

  Owen shook his head and chuckled.

  “Oh, Miss Bennet. I should be more shocked to find you not riding astride. Be assured, I do not think you any less a lady …” His steady grey eyes claimed a strong hold on hers.

  Kitty’s heart pounded. She fumbled with her gloves to steady her trembling hands.

  Owen glanced at Johnny. “Miss Bennet and I shall walk to the point. Might you stay with the horses? There’s a good lad.”

  Johnny nodded, sporting a broad smile.

  “Come, walk with me.”

  Not knowing what else to do, Kitty took Owen’s offered arm.

  “You are perhaps recalling our last conversation?”

  She looked at him briefly but did not speak.

  “Are you angry with me?” he asked. “Thinking I spoke out of turn? I can understand that. I did not give you a chance to respond, and I beg your forgiveness for that. But I stand by my words that day.”

  Those words still rang in Kitty’s head.

  “Mr. Owen, what you said that day left me most uncomfortable. And for a few hours I was angry with you for interfering in what I felt was not your business. But your words were honorable—true feelings from a true friend. Such must always be heard and considered. And after a time, my heart did soften. I wrote to Julia that very night and now await a return letter from her, if she can forgive my resentful neglect. I have known from the start that you consider her like a sister. You have protected her even from your own brother. The awkward position that puts you in is not lost on me. You have shown yourself a man of honor in many difficult situations. I have felt your friendship, and even your protection, since I first arrived, and am grateful.”

  Was she speaking too frankly? Would he guess her feelings?

  They had reached the promontory where a great precipice jutted out. Owen motioned for her to take a seat on an obliging boulder and then sat next to her.

  She spoke again. “I think I understand how you feel, Mr. Owen. It is painful to see people one cares for hurting each other. I grew up in that kind of household. My parents were constantly bickering; my father directed barbs at my mother that she often did not comprehend. As a child, I could do nothing. But you, as a friend to both Julia and myself—I’m sure you saw us as squabbling little sisters—gallantly spoke out to protect us both. And for that I thank you. This must be what it is like to have an honorable elder brother.”

  Owen shifted his seat and looked off into the distance.

  As his silence stretched on, Kitty grew uncomfortable. Could he not forgive her?

  At last he turned and said, “Miss Bennet, I must confess that what I have felt for you is not in any way a brotherly affection. Since first we met I have struggled to limit my kindness and curtail my affection to that of a friend because I believed your heart was attached to another. That, and only that, prevented me from declaring myself. As that man is now married, might I inquire after the state of your heart? Or is it too soon?”

  Kitty’s mind froze at this admission, but her heart did not. It was as if her heart had always known this. Her same heart that beat stronger and faster in Owen’s presence, and caused her to tremble and gasp for breath when his eyes connected with her deepest being.

  She squeezed her hands together.

  “Mr. Owen, in return I will confess to you that what you say surprises me, and yet it does not. It is as if my head has been in a fog about you all this time, but my heart knew better.”

  He looked into her eyes.

  “I was attracted to Mr. Andrew, yes. And for a time thought I was fond of him. Though he had captured my attention, for some reason he failed to capture my heart. Perhaps because his own heart was already bound to his present wife, even if he was unaware of that himself. He had spoken to me vaguely of a future that inferred my presence. I know that our union was expected by many hereabouts. When that fell out I was shocked and, for a little time, angry; but not heartbroken.”

  Kitty rose and walked back and forth at the edge of the cliff, gazing off to the west. She felt Owen’s eyes on her as she paced.

  “When my heart was not touched, I thought maybe that was how love felt for adults. More somber. Logical. When I lost my beau at Longbourn to an heiress, my heart was definitely broken. But that was two years ago; it was a young girl’s heart and he merely a young girl’s fancy. I have changed a great deal, especially since coming into Derbyshire. Yet all this time I held on to an unexplainable hope that Mr. Andrew would return for Matilda’s wedding and, with great drama, declare himself. Perhaps that was my vanity, or another girlish fantasy.” Kitty lifted a brow at Owen. “You can imagine my shock when I saw him with Anna, and then learnt they were already married.”

  Owen nodded.

  “While shocked … and with my pride hurt a great deal at first … after the wedding he and I talked about his situation, and then about his worry for Julia … and as we spoke I again felt no connection of the heart. Only that of a friend, especially in our mutual concern for his sister. He had wished to take her back to Scotland you know, to remove her from here for a while.” She smiled. “So you both recommended that for her, and she did end up doing just that, which—”

  “Made you angry and resentful.”

  Kitty’s eyes lit up. “Yes. It seems I have a problem of listening too much to my head and not enough to my heart. I did not mean to deceive or hurt anyone.” She stopped before him and looked at him deeply.

  He re
ached for her hand and pulled her down again to the rock. She sat, but he did not let go her hand. Instead, he enclosed it in both of his. A deep and satisfying warmth moved up her arm to her heart and flooded her body with an inexplicable mixture of peace and excitement. She was drawn to the light in his steady grey eyes that penetrated the depths of her being. He knew her. He understood her. He cared for her, and perhaps even loved her. There was a tender closeness between them, a certain esteem and regard. In return, she trusted him, felt safe with him, desired his company and regard, and valued his wisdom. She found herself not just willing but eager to partner him in life. She could not imagine a future without him. She loved him.

  He looked at her hand encased in his.

  “I know my family situation is … unstable at present. Every young lady wishes a steady … a more predictable—”

  “Mr. Owen. You forget. I am not like every young lady. It is not your situation that I must trust. Situations will be forever changing. It is you I must trust. It is your character and your heart that must win me. And of those I am convinced I have seen the truth. And felt the truth, when I listened to my heart. I know your sense of honor and commitment. You live it every day. I feel I know you very well.”

  He slipped off the rock and onto one knee. Tenderly he removed her glove and placed it on her lap. He kissed her hand and looked into her eyes.

  A sudden light flooded her being.

  “Miss Bennet. Catherine. Kitty. You do know me. And I believe I know you just as deeply and as dearly. I cannot envision my life without you. Will you accept my love? Will you do me the honor … will you marry me?”

  The light within her exploded into a thousand crystals that surrounded them both. She reached out to him with both arms.

  “Yes,” she whispered. “Oh, yes.”

  Their embrace united the warmth of their affection, and a passionate kiss ignited a new urgency within.

  “Let us go, then, and tell Darcy and your sister. He already knows my intentions.”

  “But my father …”

  He took her hand and brought it up for a tender kiss.

  “Your father has given Darcy the power to act in his stead. There are no impediments. My own father will be thrilled. He admires you, both for your horsemanship and for your fine character. Oh, let us ride back now. Let us gallop with all speed! I long to share our news, knowing it will make so many almost as happy as ourselves.”

  They walked around the boulder to return to the horses, still holding hands.

  Johnny looked up with the biggest smile Kitty had seen on his face. He scrambled to his feet and bowed, touching his hat.

  Owen laughed, and Johnny joined in.

  “What? Was Johnny in on this? Did he know your purpose for riding here today?”

  “Well, yes, I must confess, I did take him and Mr. Connor into my confidence. You and I had much to discuss, and I was not certain how things would turn out. This plan has been in place since … well, since Miss Matilda’s wedding.” His eyes shone and a smile played about his mouth.

  She gasped. “I had no idea of—”

  “I wanted time alone with you, so we could talk. In a place we both felt at ease—outdoors, near our horses.”

  She looked at him shrewdly and then smiled.

  “You do know me well, Mr. Owen.” She blushed at the thought of him knowing her much better in the near future.

  It was as if he read her mind. He squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear, “I look forward to a lifelong and intimate romance with you, Miss Bennet.”

  Kitty’s heart soared. Yes, this was how it should feel. Far beyond any novel read or flight of her own imagination. Greater. And deeper. She turned to embrace him and kissed his cheek. Then she faced Cara and bent her knee for a leg up into the saddle. When Owen handed her the reins she felt like the sun itself lived within her, burning with a steady glow.

  Cara nickered her approval.

  Kitty’s joy was complete.

  The ride back was one of merry abandonment and high spirits. When they arrived at the barn, Connor caught Owen’s eye. Owen nodded with pleasure.

  Kitty slipped her right leg over Cara’s neck. Owen lifted her out of the saddle and lowered her slowly and lovingly to the ground. He grasped her hand and led her to the stable master.

  “Mr. Connor, may I present my betrothed, a most unusual and admirable young lady, Miss Kitty Bennet.”

  Kitty played along and gave a great curtsey, pulling out the sides of her jodhpurs as if they were a skirt. Laughter filled the air and Owen embraced her with affection.

  Once Kitty had exchanged her jodhpurs for her skirt, she returned to Owen, who was talking with Mr. Connor and Johnny in the dusty sunlight at the entrance to the barn. She could not help but admire him, in every way.

  Kitty addressed the three of them.

  “Thank you both—and my dear Mr. Owen—for the most surprising and happiest ride of my life.”

  Filled with gladness and gratitude, she embraced each of them, amused to see the color rise in their faces. Johnny had hold of Cara and Kitty moved to the side of the mare’s neck, burying her face in the silken mane. She threw her arms around Cara and inhaled deeply of the horse scent she loved.

  “My dear Cara, what a happy day this is.” A few joyful tears spilled onto the mane of the beloved mare.

  Walking the path towards the house, Owen observed, “You realize we have left a place of great comfort to us both—the outdoors, the world of horses—and will be entering the world of rules and propriety as we gain the great house.”

  “True,” Kitty replied. “And yet, for all its magnitude and austerity, I have found a wonderful and unexpected treasure at Pemberley: my true heart. And a partner to share it with.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  “What on earth is all this racket?” Darcy’s voice boomed as he stood in the doorway where the ladies were lunching. His attempt to produce a ferocious frown was betrayed by his laughing eyes.

  Georgiana ran into his arms.

  “Oh, brother, I am so happy. I cannot believe my good fortune.” Suddenly she pulled back and looked at him.

  “Benjamin says you have given your approval. Have you? Oh, please say you have. I know you had wished me to marry a firstborn son …” She bit her lip, awaiting his reply.

  “Who am I to stand in the way of true love?” He looked fondly at Lizzy and then at his sister. “Of course I gave my permission. How could I not? The young man will not stay away if he is within one hundred miles of you.”

  Georgiana hugged her brother and stretched up to kiss him on the cheek.

  “It seems my harvest this year also includes two fine young men,” Darcy said jauntily, pulling out a chair next to Lizzy. He sat down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I am a fortunate man indeed.”

  Lizzy looked at both the girls and smiled.

  “The halls of Pemberley will soon ring with wedding bells.”

  “Benjamin’s parents will call later today,” Georgiana remarked as she reached for a sandwich.

  Kitty said, “Mr. Wyndham and Owen will also call today. Mrs. Wyndham travels as little as possible now, but she may attend our Harvest Ball tomorrow.”

  “I cannot blame her for not traveling,” Lizzy said. “The idea of rollicking around in a coach is most unappealing at present. I am lucky I need only waddle to the ballroom.”

  Darcy reached for her hand.

  “My dear, you are as beautiful as ever; you are like a fully blooming rose.”

  “Thank you, Fitzwilliam, but be forewarned: this lovely bloom may also boast some thorns at present.”

  ≈

  As it turned out, Lizzy did more than waddle to the ballroom. She also managed to attend the Tenant’s Ball held in the village. The immediate Darcy family, along with Kitty, Owen Wyndham, and Benjamin Drake were on hand to dance the first few with the villagers. After that they handed out baskets of apples, dried fruits and meats, nuts, and warm socks to each of th
e tenant families, along with bags of coins. A bountiful feast was later served to all. Kitty had not witnessed such generosity in the Longbourn neighborhood and marked it in her mind.

  The Darcy party returned to Pemberley with only moments to freshen up before greeting their own guests at the Harvest Ball—the same families that had first welcomed Kitty to the neighborhood—and she could not help but reflect on the many changes in her life since then. She and Georgiana had now welcomed Lucy to their inner circle, but the absence of Julia and Matilda was felt strongly. The three young ladies did not want for partners all evening, but Kitty noted Lucy did not dance the livelier sets.

  Owen appeared at Kitty’s side as she spoke to Lady Drake.

  “I hope Miss Bennet has shared our happy news?”

  Lady Drake nodded.

  “And you are not surprised.”

  Lady Drake laughed. “Mr. Wyndham, it is a match celebrated by the very stars. You have long known my opinion on this.”

  “Indeed I have, Lady Drake. And now, with your approval, I will sweep my future bride back to the dance floor.”

  Lady Drake nodded with pleasure. “May the spirits smile long on your love.”

  Earlier that evening the young couple had shared their news with Squire and Lady Stapleton.

  “The whole neighborhood is alive with wedding bells,” the squire had observed, his unlit pipe bobbing in the corner of his mouth. “Miss Lucy Jamison—now Mrs. Drake—started it, and joyful it is for all.”

  “And likely to give us several wee ones,” commented Lady Stapleton, her eyes dancing in anticipation of little ones to tend. She had been waiting on Lizzy regularly, as had the midwife and the physician Darcy had engaged; both would take up residence when the birthing time drew nearer. They all looked at Lizzy and Darcy.

  “Mark my words,” said Lady Stapleton in a conspiratorial tone, “the Darcy child will be here weeks before that doctor predicts. Keep an eye on your sister, Miss Bennet. Five more weeks—tosh! What do men know of these things anyway?”

  The ball was delightful but left everyone exhausted, none more so than Lizzy, who had managed to slip away to her apartments just after midnight. The next few days were quiet with no callers excepting the grooms-to-be.