A Scandal at Pemberley Read online

  The breakfast party split up – Georgiana needed to go upstairs to change into her riding habit, Kitty decided to play billiards with Adam, and Mary went to get ready to go out. Georgiana followed Kitty and Adam, Jonathan close behind.

  ‘Kitty, I wish to speak to you, I have some serious concerns about Mary. From what you have told me about your sister I had thought her a quiet, studious young lady and yet here she is gadding about Town, and fluttering her eyelashes at Mr Colby.’

  ‘Mary has always been in the background, Lizzy and Jane were papa’s favourites, Lydia and I were mama’s. She has always been considered the plainest of the Bennet sisters. Indeed, I often heard my mother say that she expected Mary to remain a spinster and to spend her days at Longbourn looking after her and Papa.’

  ‘Small wonder the poor girl is kicking up her heels,’ Jonathan said. ‘We must just ensure she is kept safe from any further predatory young men, she is an innocent and could easily be hoodwinked by an unscrupulous gentleman.’

  ‘I am at a loss to understand why Mr Colby made his attentions so plain – what could he hope to gain? He might have a slightly unsavoury reputation, but I am sure he is not a hardened rake.’ Georgiana looked at Kitty for an answer.

  ‘I have no idea, dearest…’

  ‘I think I might have the answer, Georgiana. It could have been a wager. Young bucks will gamble on anything,’ Jonathan said.

  Adam nodded in agreement. ‘I think you have the nub of it, my friend. Colby was with a group of young men and could well have been challenged to persuade a debutante to waltz with him.’

  ‘Do you think so? That is a relief – perhaps you and Jonathan could verify that this afternoon whilst we are making morning calls?’ Georgiana hurried off to change, happy with the outcome of the conversation.

  Chapter Eighteen

  There had been no social engagement that night and Georgiana was pleased to spend the evening with her family and friends in the comfort of her own home. Tomorrow night was the Barnstable ball and they were all agreed they would need a quiet night before that event.

  ‘We asked about Colby,’ Jonathan said as they were gathering around the tea urn ‘It is as we suspected, there is a wager entered in the book at White’s that he would be the first to dance a waltz with a debutante.’

  Fortunately Mary had retired early with a megrim and so was not there to hear this distressing news.

  ‘If I see him again I can promise you that he will not enjoy the encounter,’ Adam said grimly.

  ‘I think it would be best to let the matter drop, dearest, for Mary’s sake. I expect he and his cronies will be at the ball tomorrow night so we must all be vigilant on her behalf.’ Kitty looked to Cousin Anthea, who nodded vigourously.

  ‘I can assure you that I will not let any gentleman near her unless they have been previously introduced to us by a reputable person.’ She paused as if not sure whether her next remark might be unwelcome. ‘I am not sure if either you or Georgiana were aware that Mary came back without the ribbons she said she needed so urgently. I questioned her maid and the footman and they said that she went instead to Hatchards and that they were unable to keep her in sight for the entire time she was there.’

  ‘Do you think she had an assignation of some sort? Are they quite sure that Colby was not there?’ Kitty asked anxiously.

  ‘As far as I can ascertain there were no gentlemen amongst the shelves that Mary visited. However, she could have spoken to any number of young ladies as the place was packed with them.’

  Georgiana’s cup rattled on its saucer. ‘Jonathan, do you think she might have met up with Lydia?’

  Adam got to his feet, his expression serious. ‘I think that is highly unlikely unless someone in this establishment is in league with the Wickhams.’

  ‘The staff here are loyal, we have employed nobody new this age. We are refining too much on this, I’m sure that if Mary were here she would explain her change of mind.’

  Jonathan was now also standing. ‘Cousin Anthea, did Mary bring back any books?’

  ‘Not as far as I am aware, but then I did not ask about books, only about ribbons. I fear this mystery must remain until we can question Mary tomorrow morning. Hopefully her headache will have gone by then and she will be able to join us for breakfast.’

  The party broke up and Georgiana had no opportunity to linger and spend time alone with her beloved. Tomorrow would be his last night in London, and heaven knows when they would be together again.

  *

  A few hours later Jonathan was roused by a thunderous knocking on the front door. As all the family rooms faced the rear of the building it was unlikely anyone else would be disturbed by the racket. He scrambled out of bed and snatched up his dressing robe wishing he had had the foresight to put on his nightgown before retiring.

  There was sufficient light filtering in through the shutters to tell him that dawn had already broken. There was no necessity for him to light a candle, he would be able to find his way downstairs without one. The banging continued – surely one of the servants must be aware there was somebody demanding to be let in?

  He took the stairs three at a time regretting with every stride that he had neglected to put on his boots before leaving his bedroom. As he reached the front door he heard the sound of others approaching from below stairs. Should he wait or open the door himself?

  Devil take it! If he didn’t stop this noise the entire street would be awake. He pushed back the bolts, turned the key and flung the door open.

  A dishevelled, mud-spattered man handed him a letter. ‘Express delivery from Derbyshire, sir. Do you wish me to wait for a reply?’

  As Jonathan was not dressed he had no coins in his pocket with which to reward the exhausted man.

  ‘Allow me, major, I have the necessary with me.’ Robinson was almost correctly dressed, only a slight bulge beneath his immaculate black coat indicated he still had his nightshirt on beneath it.

  ‘I shall leave you to deal with it, thank you.’ Jonathan retreated, the letter in his hand. There was a tightness in his chest as he turned it over and saw it was addressed to Adam. This could only be bad news – no one sent good news by express delivery.

  He sent up a heartfelt prayer to God that both Mrs Darcy and Mrs Bingley were well. There was nothing for it, he must wake Adam and give him the letter immediately. If Darcy had gone to the trouble and expense of sending the letter by express then the contents must be urgent indeed.

  The butler bolted the door and was on his way across the hall to join him. ‘Mr King’s bedchamber is the third door on the right.’

  Jonathan nodded his thanks and bounded up the stairs to deliver the letter. He knocked softly and a few moments later footsteps approached the door.

  ‘Adam, a letter from Derbyshire has just arrived,’ he said softly not wishing to worry Kitty who would still be in bed.

  The door opened a fraction. ‘I will be there in a moment, I must get dressed. Meet me in the study in five minutes.’

  Jonathan didn’t argue; this would give him time to put some clothes on as well. Better that he and Adam discovered what was within the missive before Georgiana, Kitty or Mary were involved. He was on his way within the allotted time, decently, but not correctly attired. There had been no time to find a waistcoat or tie his neckcloth, but at least he now had boots and breeches on.

  The tall clock struck four – another two hours before the house would be alive with servants. He headed for the study and was astonished to find the shutters had been drawn back and a tray of coffee stood steaming gently on the desk. Robinson was a marvel; the man appeared to anticipate their every wish.

  He poured two cups of the dark, aromatic brew and was sipping his when Adam arrived. ‘The letter is on the desk. I pray it is not bad news about either of the ladies.’

  His friend broke the seal and opened the paper. There was a silence and then Adam laughed. ‘Thank God for that – everyone is well at Pemberley. Darcy is just co
nfirming what we already know, that the Wickhams are in London and we should take extra care of Georgiana. He is unaware that you are with us, but I can tell you, my friend, I am glad that you are here.’

  ‘Do not leave me dangling, old fellow, what else does he say?’

  ‘It would appear the two of them removed all the valuables from Longbourn and ran away in the Bennet carriage. At least that explains how they can afford to be here; they will have sold their ill-gotten gains to raise the necessary funds.’

  ‘I must go to Horse Guards this morning and ask for extra furlough. I cannot return to Colchester if there is the slightest danger to Georgiana.’

  ‘I shall remain here until Kitty is ready to return – we had no wedding trip and this will be her only opportunity to attend parties and so on until after the Pemberley babies are born. I have your cousin here to chaperone Mary, so why don’t you ask Georgiana if she wishes to return immediately?’

  ‘We have already discussed this possibility; she told me she wishes to leave London when I do. We will attend the ball tonight and then I shall escort her home the next day.’

  ‘You can only do that if you are granted extra leave, my friend, and I think that unlikely. She wouldn’t want you to get yourself cashiered over this. Travelling in the Darcy carriage with two outriders and two on the box, Georgiana will be quite safe.’

  ‘I have already taken more time from my duties than I should; there is a war with France coming soon and I shall be needed to lead my men. I will take your advice and return to Colchester as planned. I sincerely hope I am in the country in September so our nuptials can go ahead as planned.’

  There was a soft tap on the door and the butler stepped in. ‘Do you require anything else, gentlemen?’

  ‘No, we are returning to our beds and you must do the same. There is no need for any of us to be up at this ungodly hour.’ Jonathan yawned loudly and Adam laughed, and Robinson almost smiled.

  ‘It is half an hour after four, the sun will be up soon, hardly seems worthwhile retiring for an hour or two. Shall we go for a gallop around the park instead?’

  ‘An excellent idea, we have been cooped up indoors for too long.’ Jonathan nodded at the butler. ‘There is no need to rouse the grooms, we shall take care of our own horses.’

  ‘Very well, sir, I shall ensure that breakfast is ready for your return. I shall also unbolt the side door before I return to my chamber.’

  After an invigorating two hours thundering around the deserted park Jonathan returned to Grosvenor Square feeling happier and healthier than he had these past few days. The streets were now alive with folk going about their early morning business – although these were servants and tradespeople – the gentry would still be snug in their beds at this hour.

  ‘I shall join you in the breakfast parlour in an hour, Adam; hopefully Georgiana will be down by then. I sincerely hope the girls do not have plans to go out and about today. I do not feel that Wickham presents a genuine danger, but I have no wish for there to be any unpleasantness.’

  ‘Kitty did not mention anything, but we will persuade them to stay here until we go out tonight. Do you still intend to visit Horse Guards?’

  ‘I might as well as I am in Town. Perhaps somebody there will know what is going on in France.’

  *

  Georgiana was just about to leave her bedchamber and go down to break her fast when there was a tap on her sitting room door. Ellie looked at her enquiringly.

  ‘You wish me to answer that Miss Darcy?’

  ‘There is no need, I am going out myself so will see who it is.’ She stepped out of her bedchamber and saw Jonathan poised to knock again outside her sitting room.

  ‘Good morning, I did not expect a visit at this time of the day.’

  His smile made her toes curl. ‘I have been up since the crack of dawn – can we go back into your sitting room so we can talk privately?’

  Intrigued, but not especially concerned as he did not look at all worried, she smiled her acquiescence and gestured that he enter. She followed him and before she could protest he had swept her up into his arms and kissed her soundly.

  She was breathless when he returned her to her feet. ‘You must not do that, Jonathan, we will give Ellie palpitations.’

  ‘I don’t give a damn what your maid says – however – I shall refrain from kissing you if that is what you want.’

  ‘What I want, my love, is for you to refrain from swearing. Now, what has brought you here?’

  When he had explained and asked her opinion on the matter she was ready with her answer. ‘If Kitty and Mary have no objection I shall be delighted to go back home, for I much prefer to be in the country than in Town.’ She shook her head sadly. ‘I am deeply shocked that Lydia has become a common thief. It must be so distressing for her parents. Lizzy and Jane will be in need of my support at this difficult time.’

  ‘You must remember, sweetheart, she was fifteen years old when she married, scarcely a woman grown. Her life has not been easy since Wickham was discharged with dishonour from the military and has yet to find himself an honourable profession.’

  ‘I’m quite certain that both Lizzy and Jane have been supporting their sister these past months but even they might well abandon her entirely after this. You are right, she has been led astray by the true villain, we should be offering her sympathy and not condemnation.’

  He brushed her cheek with his fingers. ‘The more I know you, the more I love you; I must be the luckiest man in Christendom to have gained your heart. I was talking to Adam earlier, and the news is grim from the continent. This upstart Napoleon Bonaparte has crowned himself emperor and will be turning his attentions to Britain very soon.’

  ‘I have no wish to talk about this, the very thought of you being involved in such things makes me heartsick. I wish you were not a soldier but a gentleman of leisure like Adam.’

  ‘Darling girl, I am the third son of a baron, have no inheritance and only my military stipend and prize money to my name. I cannot resign my commission, every experienced officer will be required when the war with France recommences.’

  ‘I shall say no more on the subject, but I wish we were to be wed immediately, before you leave to fight.’ No sooner had she said this than she decided this would be her goal. ‘If Fitzwilliam gives his permission, would you be prepared to marry me immediately? By special licence? I shall not come with you, I know that would be too dangerous, but at least we will have become man and wife before you go. Once the fighting starts you will not get leave of absence, possibly for years, and I could not bear to wait that long to become your wife.’

  Instead of being shocked by her request he nodded. ‘I have thought the same myself, I shall apply for a special licence when I’m out this morning and ask for an extra week of leave so that we can be married as soon as we get to Pemberley.’

  ‘It will mean being married with only half of our families in attendance – not the ceremony I had envisaged but in the circumstances it is the one I want.’

  ‘We shall be spending the evening together at the ball, and I shall dance every dance with you and set the tabbies gossiping. If we let it be known we are to be married immediately then I am sure your reputation will remain intact.’

  ‘I am so excited I could burst. We must go downstairs and tell the others what we have decided. I shall be sad not to have Kitty and Mary at our wedding, but I would not dream of driving them away from Town when they are having such fun.’

  Fortunately everyone was in the breakfast parlour and once she and Jonathan had filled their plates the footmen were dismissed. The conversation was of the shocking news about the Wickhams, but Georgiana had something even more sensational to tell them.

  ‘We have something we wish to say, I do hope you will not be too shocked.’

  Once the news had been imparted there was a stunned silence. Adam shook his head and shrugged as if dismissing responsibility for the whole thing. Cousin Anthea was the first to speak.<
br />
  ‘I am surprised by your announcement, but not dismayed. I think you have the right of it, my dear, either you must get married immediately or endure a protracted and worrying engagement. However, do you think that Mr Darcy will agree?’

  Kitty recovered her voice and chimed in. ‘We must all return with you, I cannot bear to miss your wedding.’

  ‘You cannot do that, dearest, the Darcy ball is to be held in less than a sennight and it can hardly go ahead without someone to present.’ Georgiana turned to Mary. ‘It shall be your night, I shall be delighted to hand the honour to you.’

  Mary dropped her cutlery with a clatter. ‘If we are to miss your wedding then we must spend the day together. I am sure there must be items you will need that you have not purchased as yet. Kitty, you must be our guide in this.’

  ‘There will be no time to make you bride clothes, but you already have a closet full of new gowns so I’m sure that is no obstacle.’

  Jonathan banged the table bringing the conversation to an immediate halt. ‘Ladies, neither Adam nor I wish to hear so frivolous a conversation whilst eating our breakfast. Kindly get on with your meal and let us do the same.’ He glared at them in mock ferocity and Mary giggled.

  ‘I beg your pardon, Major Brownstone, Kitty and I will take Georgiana to Bond Street after breakfast and you will hear no more on the subject of feminine fripperies.’

  When they had finished it was agreed they would not meet the gentlemen again until dinner which was to be served early tonight so they could leave in plenty of time for the ball. Although the distance to this grand event was short there would be such a crush of carriages that it would take an hour or more to reach their destination.

  Less than an hour later the three of them were ready to depart. Georgiana had almost forgotten about the letter from Fitzwilliam that had been the catalyst for persuading her and Jonathan to marry. As the weather was clement they were to walk the short distance to the emporiums, but they had a ridiculously large escort of three personal maids, two footmen and an unknown gentleman in a smart brown topcoat.