A Scandal at Pemberley Read online

  Kitty touched her hand and she was obliged to face her. ‘What is wrong, dearest? You have gone as pale as a sheet. Surely you do not think that wretched man has managed to inveigle entrance here?’

  ‘I do, I cannot think of anything else that could have sent Adam away in such fury. I don’t feel at all well; I wish I had not come here tonight. In fact, I wish I had stayed at home in Derbyshire.’

  She glanced round to see that Mary was no longer in her chair, but she had had the foresight to place her fan on the seat indicating it was taken.

  ‘Mary must have gone to find out what is happening; I had not thought she had the courage to venture through the crowds on her own.’

  ‘Pemberley and you, dearest Georgiana, have begun to work their magic on my sister. Not only has her appearance changed but also her character. There is nothing we can do about it, we must not appear discomfited but smile and nod as if we are delighted to be here.’

  As the guests drifted past in clouds of perfume and silk Georgiana did as she was bid, but with each minute that passed her anxiety increased. Then Mary was back and seated between them.

  ‘There is nothing to worry about, Mr King saw Sir John and Lady Rawlings arriving with their family. Mr Rawlings was with them and it was he that caused Adam to be cross.’

  Kitty hugged her sister, ignoring the raised eyebrows from those around them. Such open displays of affection were frowned upon in public. ‘Thank you for telling us. Now you can relax, Georgiana, Mr Rawlings is no threat to you. He is a silly young gentleman but perfectly harmless.’

  The crowd milling about in the edges of the dance floor parted and Adam marched through looking his usual self again. ‘No doubt Mary has informed you why I was obliged to leave you unattended, ladies. I was unhappy that Rawlings should be here, any friend of Wickham is no friend of mine.’ He resumed his position behind the chairs before continuing. ‘I had a quiet word with him and he knows what to expect if he does anything to offend.’

  ‘Thank you, sir, for your prompt action. I just hope he does not decide to ask me to dance, for I would not be comfortable doing so.’

  ‘Sir John spoke to me as well, my dear, he assured me that his son’s connection to Wickham has been severed and that young Rawlings has no wish to have any further association with him or his wife.’

  ‘Listen, the music has stopped. The dancing must be about to begin. Goodness me! There appears to be a crowd of young gentlemen heading our way with Lady Fairfax at their head.’

  There followed a flurry of introductions and Adam had no opportunity to scrutinise the gentlemen introduced to her. Georgiana remembered none of the names and accepted an invitation to stand up in the first set with the least noisy of the group.

  Lord Fairfax led his daughter onto the floor and immediately there was a surge from those waiting to dance and she had no opportunity to see with whom Mary had gone. She was whisked to the end of the ballroom and joined the line of ladies facing their partners. This was to be a country dance, which was fortunate as the steps were simple and she was unlikely to disgrace herself.

  Her partner was pleasant enough, and she nodded, smiled and made appropriate replies when necessary, but she did not accept his request to dance again.

  A succession of partners followed, none of them remarkable, but none of them stepped on her toes or caused her any embarrassment. She was delighted to note that Mary danced as often as she did and as the evening wore on her new friend began to look as if she was actually enjoying herself.

  By the time the supper dance was called she had quite worn through her slippers. ‘Adam, I must go to the retiring room. I have no wish to dance this time as I should then be obliged to accompany my partner whilst we eat. I might be gone a little while, so do not worry if the dance is ended before I return.’

  Adam nodded. ‘Do you wish me to accompany you? Are you sure you will be able to find your way back from the room you require?’

  Kitty was tapping her foot, impatient to get back on the dance floor having sat out for the previous dance. Mary was already being led out to make up the four couples necessary for a quadrille.

  ‘There is no need, thank you, Adam, I shall be perfectly well. I know the room is downstairs, and I’m quite capable of asking a servant for directions if I cannot find it. Hopefully, if I go before the end of this dance, there will be less of a crush downstairs.’

  The area outside the ballroom was quite busy, but fortunately not so many people as to be intimidating. No doubt those gentlemen and ladies who did not dance had taken their places in the rooms set aside for playing cards and everyone else was in the ballroom.

  She held up the skirt of her gown and ran lightly down the staircase. At the bottom she was immediately approached by a parlourmaid who led her to the chamber she required.

  Ellie was sent for and Georgiana changed her slippers, used the facilities, and was ready to return. As she stepped out into the corridor she could hear the strains of the music drifting down from upstairs. At least she would be in time to join her party for supper.

  As she reached the vestibule she came face-to-face with Mr Rawlings. He bowed formally giving her no option but to respond. ‘Good evening, Miss Darcy, I am delighted to be able to speak to you this evening. I wish to offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies for bringing that villain, Wickham, to your home. I was quite misled by him, I had no idea he was a rogue.’

  He sounded so contrite and his expression was sincere. ‘In which case, sir, I accept your apology. That has put the matter behind us. Are you here for the Season or just here for this occasion?’

  ‘My father has opened the town house and we are here for the duration. We are to hold a ball for my sisters, it is to be their come out, but it will not be until the end of May. I hope that you will be able to attend.’

  ‘I’m sure that if we have not already accepted an invitation for an event on the same night, we shall be pleased to come. I believe the music has stopped, I must hurry or I might fail to find my party in the rush to the supper room.’

  ‘Mama and my sisters intend to call tomorrow afternoon, would you object if I accompanied them?’

  He had asked so charmingly, how could she refuse? He offered his arm with a friendly smile. ‘Allow me to escort you, Miss Darcy, I give you my word as a gentleman you will not miss your supper.’

  True to his word Mr Rawlings took her directly to the table reserved for their group. She had expected him to linger, waiting for an invitation to join them, but he half-bowed and strolled away to join his family at the far side of the room.

  Adam watched him go. ‘Where did you find him, Georgiana? I hope he did nothing to upset you.’

  ‘Nothing at all I do assure you. He apologised most handsomely for his part in bringing that man to Pemberley and invited us to his sisters’ ball. I accepted his invitation on the proviso that we are not already promised elsewhere.’

  Kitty laughed. ‘Well done, now we can refuse without giving offence if we decide we don’t wish to go. Although I can see no reason why we should not attend, Sir John and Lady Rawlings and their daughters are perfectly pleasant and are neighbours of ours, are they not?’

  As Georgiana climbed into bed in the small hours she remembered she had not mentioned to Mrs Rawlings was intending to make a call. Adam could hardly object to that, after all there would be dozens of people in and out all afternoon.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jonathan arrived at Grosvenor Square mid-morning. He had travelled post from the barracks at Colchester deciding the exorbitant cost was worth it as he only had five days leave of absence. Hopefully Georgiana would be in and not gallivanting around London.

  His valise was damned heavy and he had been obliged to carry it for more than a mile from the coaching inn he had arrived at. Having already spent a month’s wages on the journey he had no intention of wasting any further blunt on the unnecessary extravagance of hiring a jarvey.

  Although there was a substantial sum inv
ested in the funds, his prize money, he had not as yet dipped into this. If he wanted to keep up with the cream of society then he had better visit his bankers forthwith. It was fortunate he could appear in his dress uniform and not be obliged to purchase an evening rig and fancy slippers.

  He strode to the front door and hammered on it. It was instantly thrown open; he had expected to be quizzed as to his identity, but the footman merely bowed and stepped aside to allow him to come in.

  ‘Major Brownstone, the ladies are in the drawing room but Mr King has gone out.’

  How the devil did a servant know his identity? He had said no word of his coming, so was not expected. He nodded his thanks and waited to be directed to the drawing room. The young man held out a hand for his things and Jonathan handed them over.

  ‘This way, if you please, sir. A room will be prepared for you immediately. Do you wish for any refreshments to be sent?’

  ‘Coffee, if there is any, will be sufficient.’ He knew better than to thank a member of staff.

  The footman knocked on the door and opened it with a flourish. ‘Ladies, Major Brownstone.’

  Jonathan walked in to a chorus of excited exclamations. Georgiana, looking delightful in a russet gown with gold embellishments, flung down the book she was reading and ran towards him.

  ‘Jonathan, we were just talking about you. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see you.’

  He opened his arms and she threw herself into them. Ignoring the interested duo sitting by the fire he pulled his beloved closer and when she tilted her face he could not resist and covered her mouth with his. His heart pounded and he wanted to pick her up and find somewhere private so he could make love to her. Reluctantly he raised his head and stared down into her beautiful eyes.

  ‘My darling girl, I had not thought to receive such a wonderful reception. I have arrived quite unannounced and have no wish to be in the way.’

  ‘I did not enjoy myself at all last night without you to dance with. We are at home this afternoon, and this evening we attend a supper party somewhere or other.’

  ‘I shall be delighted to escort you, my love.’ He now turned to greet Kitty and Miss Bennet. ‘Kitty, married life obviously suits you, you are looking quite radiant. Miss Bennet, you too are looking splendid, being in Town obviously suits you.’

  In fact he had been confused as to whom the third attractive young lady was, but then realised it was Miss Bennet, quite transformed. What a difference a smiling countenance and a pretty gown had made to her appearance.

  A short while later Adam joined them and his friend appeared equally pleased to see him. ‘I need to speak to you, Jonathan, shall we escape to the billiard room whilst the ladies are examining the latest fashion plates?’

  There was no need for him to make his apologies as Georgiana smiled and waved him away. Once comfortably ensconced in the billiard room, and sitting on comfortable armchairs in front of the roaring fire, he waited for his friend to explain what was amiss.

  ‘Why are you here? Have you heard something to bring you in such a rush to London?’

  ‘I’ve heard nothing untoward from Georgiana. I am here because I have chosen to ignore the agreement I made with Darcy. I intend to make it known to all and sundry that Georgiana is spoken for, that we are betrothed and intend to get married in the autumn.’

  ‘I thought the arrangement unwise at the time, and I cannot tell you how relieved I am to have you beside me. Rawlings is here with his family, and although he has apologised for his part in bringing Wickham to Pemberley, I am not comfortable having him so close.’ His friend stretched out his booted legs towards the flames. ‘It was a tactical nightmare trying to keep three beautiful young ladies safe from importunate young gentlemen last night. Having you there will make things easier – it was madness to come without a chaperone for Mary.’

  ‘Is there not a mature matron somewhere that we know of who we could ask to join us?’

  ‘Unfortunately my aunts are far too ancient to be of any practical use, Mrs Darcy or Mrs Bingley would have been ideal, but as they are both increasing they could not come.’

  ‘Wait a minute, I have just thought of somebody who would be ideal. I have an older cousin, her girls have both married well and her husband is involved with the East India Company and is seldom home.’ He slammed his feet to the floor and jumped up. ‘She lives in Romford and could be here by tomorrow morning if I can send your carriage to collect her.’

  Adam looked sceptical. ‘How can you be so sure she will come at a moment’s notice? She could be away from home and then the carriage would have made a wasted journey.’

  ‘Cousin Anthea prefers to travel in the summer. Although I do not correspond with her regularly, I occasionally call in to see her on my way back to barracks. The last time I spoke with her, a few months ago, she was bemoaning the fact that she never got to Town anymore and missed the gaiety and excitement. I shall pen her a note immediately. Would you be kind enough to have the carriage ready to leave in a quarter of an hour?’

  ‘Are we not to discuss this with either Kitty or Georgiana? I have a strong suspicion that neither of them will take kindly to us foisting a stranger on them.’ Adam was also on his feet. ‘However, as you are not to be here above a few nights it is essential I have the support of someone else reliable. Kitty so loves to dance and I do not like to deny her the opportunity. This means that there is no one on hand to keep Mary and Georgiana safe from predatory males.’

  Jonathan shook his head in wonderment. ‘How things have changed, old fellow, a year ago you would not have asked for help on such a matter. We are soldiers, can lead a regiment into battle without fear, but find ourselves quite at a loss in this milieu.’

  They marched together through the house, he to find pen and ink, and his friend to send word to the stables. Was it Georgiana’s role to speak to the housekeeper about preparing an apartment for Cousin Anthea? After all this was the Darcy house, but then Kitty was now a married woman and perhaps took precedence. He would leave this thorny problem to his friend, such matters were a minefield and not the concern of a rough soldier.

  *

  Georgiana was so happy she wanted to dance around the drawing room. She cared not why Jonathan had rushed to her side, all that mattered was that he was there and she would be able to appear on his arm tonight. ‘Kitty, do you think there will be a waltz at the next ball we attend? Now that you are married you can do it, I hope that as I am engaged I too can join in.’

  ‘I was disappointed they did not have one last night, I cannot wait to spin around the floor in the arms of my husband.’ She clapped her hands to her mouth and scrambled to her feet. ‘I have only had one lesson, I have never performed it in public.’

  Immediately Mary put her journal aside. ‘Would you like me to play for you both? I am sure that I know a suitable melody and you can go through the steps together. After all, we have been to private parties where young ladies have danced with each other when there have been insufficient gentlemen on hand.’

  The pianoforte was at the far end of the drawing room, and there was ample space at that end of the chamber to put Mary’s suggestion into practice. This dance was still considered fast, and those debutantes who attended the balls at Almack’s were not allowed to do it until given permission by one of the dragons in charge.

  Soon Mary was playing a lively tune and she and Kitty were attempting to perform the steps without the benefit of a gentleman to hold them upright. Twice she tripped over her skirt and the three of them were reduced to fits of giggles when the gentlemen rejoined them.

  ‘Jonathan, you must dance with me, I fear I shall make an exhibition of myself if you lead me out for a waltz at the next ball without further practice.’

  He sauntered towards them, but did not look especially eager. There was something wrong, his usual smile was absent. At once all desire to dance evaporated. ‘What is wrong? Have you received bad news – do you have to return to Colchester?’
/>   ‘Don’t look so perturbed, my love, it’s just that I know even less about this waltz than you do.’ He turned to Adam. ‘Can you demonstrate with Kitty? I am proficient in the reel, quadrille, country dances and the cotillion, but have never performed this new fashion.’

  An enjoyable hour later Kitty insisted that Mary relinquish the piano stool and take her turn. At first she was reluctant, but then Adam charmed her into joining him on the makeshift dance floor. Within a short space of time she was whirling around as if she had been dancing the waltz forever.

  ‘We have asked for a cold collation to be served in the small dining room, gentlemen, shall you join us today or do you have something better to do?’ Georgiana was not surprised they both agreed with alacrity. In a happy mood the party went to find their mid-day refreshments.

  Once they were all seated Adam and Jonathan exchanged glances. Something was definitely up, for they looked quite shifty. ‘Come along, what have you been up to? You must tell us at once for you shall have no peace until you do so.’

  ‘I have sent for my Cousin Anthea to join us here. The carriage should be in Romford within the hour, and might even return before nightfall bringing her to us. Mrs Darcy or Mrs Bingley should have been here to lend their support, my love, and we thought it might make things simpler if there was someone senior in your party to whom you could turn to for advice.’

  ‘That is an excellent idea; we have discussed such a possibility ourselves but could come up with no one suitable. There really should be an older lady we can sit with if we are not dancing.’

  ‘Tell us about your cousin, sir, will she need to replenish her wardrobe? I am quite happy to forego the next few events until she is ready to accompany us, if that be the case.’

  ‘Kitty, I am not an expert on these matters, but even to my untutored eye I would say she always looks elegant and fashionable. Her husband is generous with his allowance, and I believe she comes to London for her ensembles.’