A Scandal at Pemberley Page 11

  Kitty grabbed Georgiana’s hand and pulled her down beside her on the daybed. ‘Anyway, dearest, you will be married soon enough. I do hope that Mary allows herself to enjoy her time in London, for if she walks about as if she had swallowed a cup of vinegar she will not find herself a suitable match.’

  ‘Good heavens, Kitty, we are not sending her to London in order to marry her off. However, you’re right to be concerned, she can be as prickly as a hedgehog in company and I have no wish for anything to spoil your debut.’

  This gave Georgiana the opportunity she had been waiting for to discuss what was expected of her while she was in London for two months or more. ‘I know that you and Fitzwilliam expect me to look around for someone more eligible than Jonathan, however, I can assure you I shall not be doing so. Like Kitty, I knew the moment I set eyes on him that he was the gentleman for me. I care naught if a duke offers for my hand, I am already spoken for and have no intention of changing my mind.’ There, she had said it at last.

  Her sisters exchanged knowing glances and did not seem particularly surprised at her forceful statement. It was Lizzy who responded. ‘Even Fitzwilliam has accepted the inevitable, my love, neither of us would dream of separating you from the major if you are set on marrying him. The fact that he is without a fortune is immaterial to us, he is a good man, a gentleman, and he loves you to distraction.’ She paused and glanced lovingly at her husband who was deep in conversation with the other gentlemen at the far end of the room.

  ‘Indeed, your brother has written to Major Brownstone releasing him from his promise.’

  ‘Promise? What promise is this?’ Her heart thumped uncomfortably and she clenched her fists, fearing she would get an answer she did not wish to hear.

  ‘Fitzwilliam only agreed to your engagement on the understanding that the major would release you if you found someone more to your liking. He had no choice, Georgiana, but to accept this proviso.’

  She blinked back unwanted tears. ‘I cannot believe what you’re telling me, Lizzy, how could Jonathan have done such a thing? He must secretly wish to be free of me, he would never have done so otherwise.’ She scrambled to her feet, mumbled her goodbyes, and fled to the safety of her apartment.

  *

  ‘Lizzy dearest, you must not upset yourself, you know it is bad for ladies in your condition to become distressed. Shall I go after her?’ Jane hesitated and then continued. ‘Actually, as I was not privy to this secret I do not think I can be of much use in reassuring Georgiana.’

  Lizzy watched Georgiana run out knowing it was she who should go after her but she was too fatigued to get to her feet. Kitty must go, but her sister was looking shocked. ‘Please, Kitty, do not take umbrage. I cannot cope with so much upset in one evening.’ Her eyes filled and she rummaged for her handkerchief in her reticule. Since she had been with child she was a veritable watering pot.

  Then Fitzwilliam was beside her looking none too pleased. ‘What in heaven’s name is going on down here? First Mary runs away and then Georgiana, and now I find you in tears, Lizzy.’

  ‘I do not blame Georgiana for being distressed, she has just heard the most unsettling news. I can hardly credit that you told the major he could only become betrothed to your sister if he promised to stand aside if she had a better offer. That is quite outrageous, Mr Darcy. I am shocked to the marrow.’ Kitty stood up and immediately Adam was at her side.

  ‘I have the headache, Adam, would you mind very much if we left early?’ He looked from one to the other and understood immediately there was something untoward going on, but he refrained from interfering.

  He bowed to Fitzwilliam and herself. ‘Thank you for a delightful day, Lizzy. I shall take Kitty home now, but we will see you the day after tomorrow when we collect Georgiana and Mary.’

  With his arm around her sister’s waist he led her away. Ignoring Jane and Bingley who were watching anxiously, Fitzwilliam sat next to her on the daybed and took her hands in his. ‘Sweetheart, how in tarnation did Georgiana and Kitty learn about the arrangement we made with Brownstone?’

  She sniffed and blew her nose whilst she gathered her scattered wits. ‘I fear it was entirely my fault, I blurted it out without thinking. My head is filled with feathers at the moment; I’m not my usual self. Georgiana thinks the major has betrayed her by agreeing, and Kitty blames us for suggesting it. I’ve no idea what nonsense sent Mary scampering off.’

  ‘Too late to repine, my love, we must just pray that Georgiana is willing to listen to us when she has calmed down. I wish Kitty had followed and spoken to my sister instead of leaving so abruptly.’

  ‘I believe Kitty would have made matters worse, I should have gone myself but found I didn’t have the energy. Papa is coming over; I think it best if we keep this matter private.’ She looked at Jane and Bingley, who nodded quickly.

  ‘I have been thinking about my return to Longbourn and have decided I shall remain here instead. Mrs Bennet still has the Wickhams living there; until they leave I have no wish to return. I do not like the notion of you being without Darcy when he goes to London,’ Papa said firmly.

  ‘You should write to Mama and tell her that Lydia and Wickham must leave immediately. It is not right that you are kept from your own home by those two. Although it would be delightful to have you here, remember that I have Jane and Bingley as company, and Fitzwilliam will be away for less than a sennight.’

  Her father shook his head. ‘After the threats they made I think it better if we know where they are, do you not agree with me Darcy?’

  ‘You are right, Mr Bennet. Lizzy and I are convinced they can do Georgiana no harm, but it is sensible to be cautious where they are concerned. Remain at Pemberley, you are welcome to do so for as long as you wish.’

  Jane and Bingley joined them, seating themselves on adjacent chairs. ‘I am as surprised as the girls that Major Brownstone agreed to such a plan. Somehow I cannot see him standing aside for another gentleman, he is besotted with Georgiana.’ Jane looked at Bingley for confirmation. Her husband nodded.

  ‘You are right, dearest Jane, even Adam says so and he is the fellow’s closest friend. Even without the letter you have sent rescinding your instructions, Darcy, I shouldn’t be surprised if the major appears in London at the earliest opportunity. His presence there will make it very clear to all concerned that he is Georgiana’s future husband.’

  ‘I do hope you’re right, Bingley, with the major and Adam watching over her I am certain Georgiana will be safe, even if that wretched man does attempt to cause difficulties.’ Lizzy was ready to retire. ‘Fitzwilliam, would you kindly assist me to my feet? I must bid you goodnight, Jane, Bingley, there has been too much excitement for me.’

  It was not yet nine o’clock but they all decided to retire. Doubtless the staff would be delighted at having the remainder of the evening free. With Fitzwilliam’s arm to support her Lizzy was able to negotiate the endless corridors and ascend the Grand Staircase.

  ‘I believe it might be sensible to move downstairs for the remainder of my confinement. Would you mind very much if we did that?’

  ‘I was about to suggest it myself, Lizzy, but knowing how independent you are I hesitated to do so. The only drawback to this plan, as far as I can see, is that we will no longer have the use of the bathing room.’

  Lizzy laughed. ‘My darling, I have not been able to use the bath for several weeks so that will be no loss to me. I know I should not complain about my condition, but I can tell you that I am already finding this pregnancy a sore trial and will be delighted when our babies are born.’

  ‘I know it has been difficult for you, sweetheart, but the longer your pregnancy continues the better it will be for our children.’

  She was obliged to pause and catch her breath and leaned against him whilst she did so. Despite her ungainly size he was as loving and supportive as he had always been. She sighed noisily. ‘And that’s another thing, dearest, I miss the intimacy of the marriage bed and cannot wait to re
sume our lovemaking.’

  His response was immediate. He cupped her face and tilted her head to receive his hard and passionate kiss. Several delightful minutes later he raised his head. ‘As I am sure you are aware, my love, I find you desirable even though you are the size of a beached whale.’

  *

  Georgiana heard them laughing and this fuelled her anger. How dare they treat her as if she was a child without the ability to make her own decisions? It would serve all of them right if she did find someone else and broke off the engagement.

  Then she gulped back a sob. However angry she was with Jonathan she would never jilt him. As her misery abated she came up with a scheme that would not only be fun to execute but also teach Jonathan, her interfering brother, and Lizzy, a well-deserved lesson.

  As Jonathan had yet to give her a betrothal ring her left hand would be ringless, she would pretend to be a debutante in search of an eligible bachelor. She would dance with anyone who asked, flutter her eyelids and her fan and be the epitome of a silly young thing experiencing her first Season.

  This was something she would not contemplate if Jonathan was to accompany her, but he would be safely with his regiment and could have nothing to say on the matter. Anyway, it would serve him right if he did hear about her outrageous behaviour, after all he had been the one to cast doubts on their future union by agreeing to such a hurtful and stupid arrangement.

  Tomorrow the baggage cart, and both her dresser and the one assigned to Mary, would leave for Town. The next day she would depart and the Darcy carriage would transport her and Mary to The Old Rectory and there Kitty and Adam would join them.

  Her brother had changed his mind about accompanying them; he intended to come to London only for her ball. He did not wish to leave Lizzy for any longer than a week.

  The journey would be long and tedious, and involve three overnight stops, but she was well used to travelling and it held no fears for her. During this time she must keep her plan a secret, pretend that she had recovered from her upset, and behave with her usual decorum and propriety.

  She giggled into her pillow at the thought of behaving badly. All her life she had been a dutiful young lady and she could not wait to begin her masquerade.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The staff at Grosvenor Square had the house pristine and Georgiana greeted the butler and housekeeper by name – after all they had known her since she was a small girl.

  ‘I hope the baggage carts arrived safely yesterday, Robinson?’

  The butler bowed. ‘Everything is as it should be, Miss Darcy, your apartment is prepared and your trunks are unpacked.’

  Watkins, who was housekeeper here, curtsied making her stiff, bombazine gown crackle. ‘I have put Miss Bennet in the guest wing with Mr and Mrs King. If you would prefer her to be accommodated elsewhere, that can be arranged in an instant.’

  Mary had been remarkably taciturn on the long journey from Derbyshire and Georgiana feared the progress they had made in becoming friends was lost. She turned to her companion. ‘I should love to have you next door, but will leave the decision to you, Miss Bennet.’

  Surprisingly, the girl almost smiled. ‘I would love to be next to you, Miss Darcy, and not in the guest wing, if that is not too much trouble.’

  The housekeeper nodded and snapped her fingers, immediately a waiting footman whisked away to set things in motion. ‘Your chamber will be ready within a quarter of an hour, Miss Bennet, if you would care to wait in the drawing room I shall have a tray sent to you directly.’

  Kitty and Adam, who had stopped to admire the surroundings, now arrived in the commodious entrance hall. ‘Did I hear mention of refreshments? I’m half dead with hunger and thirst – it is an age since we ate – and what we had was hardly substantial.’ Kitty danced into the centre of the space and spun around like a child. ‘I love this house; I never thought to spend time in Town and certainly not in such a splendid place as this.’

  Her husband stopped her mad gyrations by lifting her from the floor and holding her for a brief moment against his chest. Georgiana’s eyes filled when she saw how much love there was between them. She prayed that her own relationship would be as joyous.

  ‘Kitty, sweetheart, enough of this silliness. You are a sedate married woman now, and must behave accordingly.’ His words were stern but his eyes were smiling and Kitty poked out her tongue in response. What the watching staff thought of this performance Georgiana had no idea, but she loved to see them so happy and relaxed in each other’s company.

  ‘Watkins, kindly send refreshments to the drawing room immediately. We shall go to our rooms later.’

  The four of them hurried into the drawing room, this was filled with early April sunshine and looking particularly attractive. The house was much warmer than Pemberley, and far more convenient, and if it wasn’t for the noxious smells and smoke of London it would be a delightful place to live.

  ‘I wonder what invitations have arrived for us; I see there are a substantial amount of them on the silver salver on the side table over there.’ Georgiana fetched the pile of crisp, white cards, but instead of reading them all herself, she divided the invitations between them. ‘There must be more than a score, we shall sort them out and decide which we will attend. There are bound to be some where the dates clash.’

  By the time invitations had been sorted into those that they would attend in full, those that they might drop into, and those that they would politely refuse, the rattle of crockery heralded the arrival of the eagerly awaited refreshments.

  ‘There must be some replies to the invitations to our ball, Kitty. Can you see them anywhere?’

  ‘I shall look, fortunately this chamber is not as large as any at Pemberley and it should not take me too long.’

  Mary joined her in the search. ‘This house is very like Netherfield, is it not? I prefer a place where I can find my way about without being in need of a map.’

  Georgiana exchanged a smile with Adam, both pleased that Mary was finally becoming less prickly and more relaxed. The missing replies were soon discovered and, as expected, they were all acceptances. This was the first ball to be held at the Darcy house in living memory and the ton would all be curious to see the interior of the building.

  Of course there had been private parties, musical evenings and so on, but only members of a select group would have been included in these invitations. There were over two hundred guests invited to the ball which was to be held at the end of April, a little over three weeks away. No doubt preparations were already in hand below stairs.

  Georgiana woke to the sound of rain beating against the windowpanes. Botheration! They could hardly visit the menagerie at the Tower in such a deluge. Perhaps braver folk would still be prepared to make morning calls, and this would mean that the afternoon would pass more quickly.

  Ellie appeared with her morning chocolate and sweet rolls. ‘Good morning, miss, what would you like me to lay out for you? I fear you will not be able to go out as you planned.’

  ‘I shall leave the choice to you, Ellie, something that is acceptable if the weather improves and we do decide to go out after all.’

  Her morning ablutions were cursory as she had had the luxury of a bath in front of the fire in the dressing room before she had retired last night. Dressed in a simple, but elegant, gown of cambric, in a delightful shade of damask-rose, she was ready and eager to go next door and see if Mary was ready to go downstairs for breakfast.

  She glanced at the tall-case clock that ticked loudly in the corner of her private sitting room. The time had sped past, it was almost ten o’clock. She was tardy; everyone would be in the breakfast parlour already. There was little point in calling for her neighbour as Mary would already have gone down.

  She dashed through the house revelling in the unaccustomed warmth – even the corridors and passageways were pleasant. There was no necessity for a spencer or a wrap when living here.

  The door to the breakfast room stood open and
she could hear voices inside. She dashed through the door expecting to see all three of her guests seated around the table, but only Kitty and Adam were there. ‘Has Mary already breakfasted?’

  Kitty waved her fork in the air. ‘Good morning, dearest Georgiana, and no, my sister has not come down yet.’

  ‘I beg your pardon, good morning, Kitty and Adam. Kindly excuse me, I must go back and fetch Mary.’

  She gathered her skirts and raced through the house relieved she did not meet any members of staff in her mad dash. It was fortunate that servants were trained not to be seen upstairs unless on an errand for the family.

  Breathless and somewhat red in the face, she skidded to a halt outside Mary’s sitting room door. She knocked loudly and immediately there were running footsteps and the door flew open.

  ‘Thank goodness, I thought I was forgotten. I am sharp-set and desperate for my breakfast.’ Mary gave her the first genuine smile she had seen. ‘I should have said good morning, but I am sure you will forgive me.’

  ‘I was so late that I assumed you had gone down without me, when I discovered this not to be the case I came back at once, hence my dishevelled appearance and shortness of breath.’ Georgiana giggled and grabbed Mary’s hand. ‘Pick up your skirts, sister, we shall run all the way back. Excellent exercise and will sharpen our appetites wonderfully.’

  They erupted into the breakfast parlour causing Adam to slop his coffee onto his plate and say something reprehensible. Amidst much laughter and apologies all round she and Mary piled their plates and joined the other two at the table.

  ‘The weather is appalling today, ladies, so have you any suggestions as to what we might do instead of traipsing around the menagerie?’

  Kitty spoke up immediately. ‘Hatchards – I have always wished to visit – one cannot have too many books.’

  He grinned. ‘My love, I believe I would prefer to be soaked to the skin at the menagerie. I can think of nothing worse than escorting three young ladies to a bookshop full of romantic nonsense and other chattering females.’