A Scandal at Pemberley Read online

  Eventually even the greediest of guests was replete and the doors of the music room were closed allowing the servants to clear away the debris. Everyone was ushered into the Great Hall and Darcy and his wife joined them. Glasses were charged with the best champagne and several toasts were drunk to the bride, the groom and several other people.

  Darcy looked in his direction and the time had come for him to lead Georgiana to the rostrum. Her smile was radiant, she had never looked more beautiful or more happy. He was the luckiest man in Christendom to have won her heart, not only that, but to have gained the approval of such a man as Darcy.

  ‘Today is a very happy day for not only have we seen Miss Catherine Bennet marry Mr King but also I am delighted to announce the engagement between my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy and Major Brownstone. I ask you to raise your glasses and toast the happy couples.’

  A spontaneous round of applause rippled around the room and then glasses clinked as Jonathan heard, for the first time in public, his name linked with Georgiana’s.

  Some time passed before he had an opportunity to take Darcy to one side and tell him what Mrs Wickham had said as she left.

  ‘I shall send two men to follow the carriage and make sure they leave Derbyshire and do indeed return to Longbourn. Neither of the Wickhams are welcome there, but as Mr Bennet is to remain here for the next few weeks, I am sure they will ignore this embargo.’

  ‘That is all very well, Darcy, but what about when Georgiana is in London? She will be attending routs, soirées and balls and neither you nor I shall be there to protect her. I have every faith in Adam’s ability to take care of his own wife, but he is just married and his attention will be on Kitty and not Georgiana.’

  ‘I think you are dwelling too much on the words of a spoilt young lady. Neither Lydia Wickham nor her repellent husband will be in London for the Season as they do not have the funds. Remember, Brownstone, my sister will only be moving in the highest echelons and those two would not get within one hundred yards of her. They do not move in the same circles as we do – even if they were to travel to London in the hope of spoiling Georgiana’s Season, I am confident she would be safe from their machinations.’

  Darcy patted him on the shoulder and moved away to mingle with the guests. Georgiana glided over and threaded her arm through his. ‘You look so worried, my love, are you already regretting your promise to marry me in the autumn?’

  He shook off his unease. How could he be sad at such a time? ‘I am still stunned that I have managed to capture the most eligible young lady in England. I do not deserve such happiness, but, sweetheart, I do not intend to cavil at my good luck.’ In perfect accord they spent the remainder of the day being congratulated and exchanging pleasantries.

  Adam and Kitty set off at three o’clock for The Old Rectory leaving Adam’s family and himself to stay at Pemberley. The newlyweds were to have the place to themselves; this seemed appropriate as they were not to take a honeymoon until after the delivery of the Bingley and Darcy babies.

  It wasn’t until he made his way to his chamber that night that he recalled his promise to Darcy. The engagement might well be temporary as Georgiana was to be given the opportunity to meet more suitable candidates for her hand before making a final decision.

  As far as she was concerned, the matter was settled and their wedding would take place in September. If she were to discover this deception she would be appalled and no doubt demand to return home immediately and bring the wedding forward. He had given his word to stay away, to allow her to attend as many parties as she wished.

  He ground his teeth at the thought of his betrothed in the arms of another man. Dammit! He cared not what he had promised Darcy, if he got furlough he would speed up to London and escort Georgiana to several events making sure his disapproval of any importunate fortune hunters was made clear. He had yet to give her a betrothal ring – he must find out what she wanted and purchase one as soon as may be.

  *

  Georgiana believed that her apartment was less welcoming than it had been when Kitty had shared it with her. Although these chambers had been hers alone since she was old enough to come down from the nursery, they had really come alive when her dearest friend had been living with her and sharing the vast bed.

  After Lydia and Mrs Bennet had departed so dramatically she had feared the wedding breakfast would be quite ruined, however, the event had been a great success. A flicker of unease ran down her spine when she recalled Lydia Wickham’s final words to her.

  Both Fitzwilliam and Jonathan had reassured her more than once that she had nothing to fear, that these were mere rhetoric, that neither Mr Wickham nor his wife had the power, nor the ability to cause her any discomfort. She wriggled a little to get comfortable and pulled the warm comforter up to her chin. In six months from now it would be she who would be spending her first night as a bride and a wave of unexpected heat engulfed her at the thought of what Kitty and Adam might be doing at this very moment.

  Was her future husband tossing and turning as she was? Her lips curved in the darkness, he was a soldier, no doubt he slept soundly whenever he had the opportunity. Jonathan, and Adam’s family, would be leaving on the morrow, but Mary and Mr Bennet were to remain indefinitely.

  Even though Mrs Bennet had accused Lizzy of coming between a husband and wife, Georgiana rather thought Mr Bennet was delighted to be given the excuse to remain at Pemberley. As she was drifting into slumber she wondered why Mary had decided stay and not leave with her mother and sister – did this mean that Kitty’s sister was softening in her attitude and might eventually become a friend after all?

  After a whirl of farewells the final guests had departed leaving Georgiana and the others feeling decidedly flat. No one mentioned the absence of Mrs Bennet, it was as if she had vanished in a puff of smoke. Lizzy didn’t make an appearance downstairs, on the advice of Dr Bevan she remained resting in her chamber. Carrying one baby appeared to be difficult enough, heaven knows how exhausting it must be to be having twins.

  The work on the East Wing had been temporarily halted whilst there had been guests, but now the labourers, carpenters and other artisans had returned in their droves to complete the modernisation and conversion so that Jane and Bingley could make it a permanent home. Bingley, of course, was footing the bills and he and Jane were frequently to be seen in conversation with the builders and architects involved.

  She wandered disconsolately around the place wishing she had Kitty to talk to. Perhaps she would find herself an edifying book from the library and curl up on the window seat and read for an hour or two. There were to be no morning calls today, Fitzwilliam had said visitors were banned until Lizzy was feeling more the thing.

  As she glided through the Great Hall the sound of music drifted towards her. She increased her pace and dashed into the music room to see that Mary was seated at the piano playing a delightful piece by Mozart that she recognised. Although the performance was not as lively as either hers or Kitty’s, Mary had excellent technique and was an accomplished player.

  When the last note faded Georgiana hurried across to congratulate her. ‘That was beautiful, Mary, I have never heard it played so well. Kitty told me you were a proficient performer, but it was so much more than that.’

  Instead of looking pleased at the praise, Mary’s lips pursed and she lowered the lid to the piano with a snap. ‘You are most kind to say so, Miss Darcy. I have finished now so you are free to play yourself.’ Mary had returned to her drab appearance, the finery she had worn for the wedding put aside. ‘I’m going to find Mr Bennet and see if I can be of any assistance to him. He is in the library working on a scientific problem.’

  ‘I fear that he is not where you think he is, Miss Bennet, for I saw him go out with my brother not half an hour ago. Would you care to take a turn about the grounds with me? The sun is shining and it is quite dry underfoot today.’

  Mary clasped her hands under her bosom and shook her head. ‘I would not drea
m of intruding on your promenade, Miss Darcy. I am going to retire to my room and continue with my study of the classics.’ She dipped in an exaggerated curtsy and walked off with her nose in the air.

  Georgiana was tempted to stick her tongue out, but decided that would be the act of a child and not a woman grown. What was wrong with the girl? Why did Mary not wish to dress in the pretty gowns that Fitzwilliam had provided for her or dress her hair in a more becoming style? She was not bracket-faced, in fact was quite pretty, but seemed determined to make the worst of herself.

  The girl was halfway down the room when something prompted Georgiana to call her back. She was obliged to raise her voice in order to be heard, something Kitty was often being reprimanded for. ‘Miss Bennet, Mary, do not rush away. I wish to talk to you, please join me in the small drawing room.’ Her voice echoed in the vast space and the girl tripped over her feet in shock at being shouted at.

  With her skirts in her hand, Georgiana ran lightly down the room and arrived in a rush at Mary’s side. At least the girl had not run away, even if she had not turned or seemed particularly eager to spend time with her.

  ‘I beg your pardon for shouting, but if I had not done so you would not have heard me. I want to be your friend, Mary, you are my sister and have come to make your home here.’ Without allowing the girl to pull away, she pushed her arm through hers and all but bundled her through the huge reception rooms, down the flagstone passageway and into the more intimate, and far warmer, small drawing room.

  They were quite breathless after the mad dash, but considerably warmer. ‘Please forgive me, Mary, but I was determined to have you to myself today. We have much to talk about and not had the opportunity since you arrived the other day.’ Georgiana pointed to a comfortable, well-upholstered armchair to the left of the substantial fire and, before she sat down opposite, she tugged at the bell-strap.

  ‘You are quite extraordinary, Miss Darcy, I had decided to dislike you but am finding that more difficult than I thought.’ Mary’s face was becomingly flushed and for the first time there was the hint of a smile hovering on her lips.

  ‘I refuse to answer to anything but my given name, you are my sister Mary and I am your sister Georgiana. Now, I intend to send for refreshments. What would you like? I intend to have coffee and whatever has been freshly baked this morning.’

  ‘I shall have the same, thank you, I have developed a fondness for coffee but rarely have the opportunity to have it.’

  A footman arrived to take their order and whilst he was there he tossed a few more logs and lumps of coal on the fire. As soon as he had left Georgiana smiled at her companion.

  ‘As you have now decided to almost be my friend, I’m going to speak frankly. You are a lovely young lady, why do you not let us see your beauty?’

  Mary’s eyes widened and her hands clenched on the arms of the chair. Was she going to rush off in high dudgeon? Then she recovered her composure and looked away as if embarrassed by what she was going to say. ‘I am the plain Jane of the family. All my sisters are beautiful, I am obliged to wear spectacles in order to see and possess neither wit nor charm to compensate for my lack of countenance. I have endeavoured to become more accomplished instead.’

  ‘Fustian! I promise you that you are as pretty as any of them – did you not look at yourself in the glass yesterday when you were wearing that delightful ensemble?’

  ‘I looked passable Mama said, but nothing in comparison to Lydia or Kitty. I lack the necessary feminine curves and my hair is a nondescript colour – even my eyes would only be described as mud brown.’

  The conversation was interrupted as two parlourmaids whisked in with their refreshments. Once they were private Georgiana returned to the attack. ‘You have lived in the shadow of your sisters for far too long, and Mrs Bennet has overlooked you. Dressed in more becoming gowns, and with your hair arranged differently you will be amazed what a difference it will make.’ Mary looked unconvinced. ‘Please, allow me to take you in hand. We are of similar build and I have a dozen or more gowns that will look wonderful on you. Ellie, my maid, shall do your hair.’

  By the time they had cleared the trays Mary was more relaxed and even smiled a time or two. The metamorphosis would not happen overnight, but Georgiana was determined to transform her new friend into a beautiful young lady before they left for London at the end of the month.

  Chapter Twelve

  The weeks flew past and Georgiana grew closer to Mary, although there would always be a reserve between them as they were not as compatible as she and Kitty were. The newlyweds had spent the day at Pemberley and would remain to dine with them. This meant there was no necessity to change, so her dearest friend and she could remain in her apartment and talk.

  The first topic of conversation was Mary. Kitty was astounded at the change in her sister. ‘I cannot believe it Georgiana dearest, I scarcely recognised my sister when I saw her. You have worked wonders, I am sure she will now enjoy the balls and parties and will be surrounded by eager suitors.’

  ‘I do hope so. She did not seem particularly overjoyed when Lizzy explained Mary now had a substantial dowry.’

  ‘Unfortunately my sibling seems determined not to enjoy life. However, I’m hopeful that once she is surrounded by gaiety and attends a few soirées and balls, she will change her mind. Is your brother to come with us when we leave the day after tomorrow?’

  ‘Yes he will come with us, but is only staying until we are launched into society. He is concerned that Lizzy might overtax herself if he is not here to keep an eye on her.’ Georgiana was worried that there might not be a happy outcome. ‘Although the babies are not expected until the beginning of July she is already so big I fear she might have them early. There would be little chance of the infants surviving if they arrived more than a week or two before their due time – at least that’s what Jane has told me.’

  ‘We must not worry about Lizzy, dearest, she is as strong as a horse, so she is always telling us, and as long as she takes care of herself, I am sure that the babies will stay where they should be for the required time.’ Kitty sounded so certain, Georgiana smiled, perhaps she was being overanxious.

  ‘Jane is blooming; being with child seems to suit them both.’ Her friend had been remarkably reticent about the joys of being a wife, she had blushed and giggled when questioned and refused to reveal any secrets of the marriage bed, so there was no point in making further inquiries on that subject.

  ‘Will you be happy if you are in the same condition so soon?’

  Kitty’s smile slipped a little. ‘If I’m honest, I would much prefer not to start filling my nursery just yet. Adam and I are going on a belated wedding trip. Unfortunately we cannot go abroad, but he’s taking me to the wilds of Scotland and that will be adventure enough.’

  ‘Remember that I am getting married in September, and that you have nieces and nephews due in July. Surely you do not intend to miss any of these family occasions?’

  ‘Of course I do not, you pea-goose, we shall leave immediately after your wedding. The weather does not deteriorate, even in Scotland, until the end of October so there will be ample time.’

  They chatted away of inconsequential things until it was time to join the others in the small drawing room. Fitzwilliam had dispensed with the custom of gathering in the Great Hall before dinner as he had no wish for his dearest wife to become chilled.

  Another subject that had been avoided was the continued absence of Mrs Bennet. Fitzwilliam had heard from his men at Longbourn and discovered Lydia, her mother and husband had arrived safely. His spies would ensure that if any of them departed from this place word would be sent immediately.

  Mr Bennet was remarkably cheerful for a gentleman whose wife had abandoned him, however, he was resigned to returning to his marital home when they departed for Town. He had promised to return for another visit when the babies were due.

  After a pleasant dinner the party regrouped again in the small drawing room. Kitty was now
included in the circle with Jane and Lizzy whilst she and Mary, as unmarried girls, chose to sit apart. Not for the first time she wished that Jonathan was here with her; although she had already received two loving letters from him, she sorely missed him and was counting the days until he got leave to visit her.

  ‘Georgiana, you are wool-gathering, I’m quite sure you did not hear my question.’ Mary was staring at her crossly.

  ‘You are quite correct, I do apologise for not paying attention. What did you ask me?’

  Mary sighed loudly. ‘I wish to know if you have already received invitations. Lizzy told me the house in Grosvenor Square is already opened and the staff in place, so surely any correspondence would have been forwarded to you here?’

  ‘I have not thought to ask, Mary, shall we do so now? I would much prefer to sit with the others than remain here on our own.’ No sooner had she spoken than she realised this comment could be misconstrued. ‘I do enjoy spending time with you, but…’

  Too late – her companion was already on her feet, her lips tight, and her eyes unfriendly. ‘I understand perfectly, I shall retire, I know when I am not wanted.’

  Jane had seen her sister depart and called over. ‘Dearest Georgiana, do not look so bothered by Mary’s abrupt disappearance. Despite her improved appearance, she is still the same girl underneath – always quick to take offence when none has been intended.’

  ‘I suggested that we come and join you, and she took this as a slight on her company. I had thought we’d become friends, but my thoughtless remark has set us back to the beginning.’

  ‘You must ignore her when she is out of sorts, she will be recovered tomorrow. I was about to call you over anyway, I much prefer it when we all sit together,’ Lizzy said with a smile. ‘Never mind what convention dictates, we are not discussing anything unsuitable for unmarried young ladies.’