A Spy at Pemberley Page 3

  In less than half an hour she was bowling along the lane that led to the village of Bakewell where Kitty lived. This was no more than a short drive and the lane was free of ruts and potholes since her husband and Adam King, Kitty's husband, had set the villagers to repairing it.

  She would spend an hour with her sisters and then travel the extra three miles and call in on Georgiana and Jonathan Brownstone. The major had resigned his commission and appeared to be enjoying life as a civilian.

  When the carriage rattled to a stop she didn't wait for a servant to open the door but kicked down the steps. Picking up her skirts she dashed to the front door and was unsurprised that it opened as she arrived. Vernon, the butler here, was ever vigilant and would have seen the chaise approaching.

  He bowed. 'Welcome, Mrs Darcy. Mrs Bingley and Mrs King are in the drawing room. Shall I announce you?'

  'There's no need, I can see myself in.' She was familiar with this house as they had all been obliged to live there whilst Pemberley was being repaired two years ago.

  The door was open and she walked straight in. Jane and Kitty were already on their feet. They must have heard her arriving.

  'Lizzy, we didn't expect you to come today. Is something amiss?' Kitty ran across and embraced her.

  'You look well, my love. Pregnancy obviously agrees with you.'

  'It's only if I step into a carriage that I feel so ill – as long as I remain on my own two feet I'm absolutely fine.'

  Lizzy turned to Jane. 'How is the nausea? You look less wan today.'

  'I'm feeling more the thing, Lizzy dearest, like last time the sickness only afflicts me on waking.'

  Kitty gestured to the seat opposite the daybed upon which they had been sitting and reading the latest Ackermann's Repository. 'I've already sent for refreshments and they should arrive at any moment. Sit down and tell us why you arrived here so unexpectedly.'

  Lizzy explained the circumstances. When she'd finished her tale her sisters were as mystified as she that Caroline Bingley, such a stickler for protocol, had abandoned her principles in this way.

  The tray arrived and they were obliged to talk of something else until they were private. It wouldn't do for the servants to hear this piece of gossip – it would be all over the county by suppertime if they did.

  'Poor Charles, he will be so shocked by his sister's behaviour,' Jane said as she sipped her coffee. 'Like you, Lizzy, I think it unlikely they'll manage to find them. What I find quite astonishing is that Caroline should fall in love with a man she is obliged to elope with. She is no longer in her first youth and is certainly what one might refer to as a mature young lady.'

  'No doubt we will hear all about it when the gentlemen return. Now, girls, I have some other news to impart.' Lizzy told them about Fitzwilliam wishing her to go to London to find his cousin a wife and they were as astonished by this piece of information as by the previous one.

  'The colonel married? I can scarcely believe my ears. I thought him a confirmed bachelor. I cannot think he will make a comfortable husband.' Kitty giggled. 'Mind you, both Georgiana and I married ex-soldiers and couldn't be happier with our choice.'

  They talked of this for a further hour and then both Lizzy and Jane took their leave, promising to return very soon.

  'I must get back, Lizzy, as you know, I don't like to leave Charlotte for more than an hour or two. Give my love to dearest Georgiana.' They embraced and got into their respective carriages – Jane to return to Pemberley and she to continue to Brook Manor, the estate which Fitzwilliam had given to his sister as a wedding gift.

  *

  Darcy thundered through the countryside travelling across the fields and jumping hedges and ditches with no thought to his own safety. Bingley, a bruising rider, had no difficulty keeping up the punishing pace.

  Their horses were exhausted after three hours of travelling at breakneck speed. They stopped to change to fresh mounts and grab a quick drink and meat pasty.

  'We should reach our destination in a couple of hours. With luck your sister and her paramour will not have risen at dawn and should still be en route.' Darcy checked the girth of his rented mount and vaulted into the saddle.

  'I'll be dashed glad if we do find them soon. All this galloping about isn't good for a fellow's constitution.'

  There was no opportunity for further conversation as they resumed their chase. Neither Bingley nor himself were in their prime and he agreed with his friend's comment.

  The coaching inn they intended to wait at was famous for its hospitality and excellent stabling. Darcy tossed the reins of his horse to a waiting ostler. 'Take care of these, we shall need fresh mounts in a while. Make sure they are as good as these two.' He tossed the man a silver sixpence. 'Have any carriages pulled in this morning containing a young lady and even younger gentleman?'

  Immediately the man understood why he and Bingley had arrived so precipitously. 'No, sir, nothing so far today. And there ain’t been no one matching that description staying overnight. I reckon you're in good time.'

  'My friend and I will be waiting inside – be so good as to send us word if a post-chaise or carriage arrives containing passengers of that ilk.' Darcy tossed him a further coin and the man touched his cap.

  The interior of the hostelry was dim, but everywhere looked well-cared for. He had no need to ring the bell on the counter as a tall, elderly gentleman hurried forward to greet them.

  'Welcome, sirs, how may I be of assistance?'

  'We require a chamber in which to restore ourselves and then a substantial meal. Serve this in a private parlour, if you can.'

  The landlord snapped his fingers and a serving maid appeared. 'Betty, show these gentlemen to the empty chamber above the snug. Take hot water and towels to them immediately.'

  The girl, little more than a child, curtsied and headed for the staircase in the far corner of the vestibule. Both he and Bingley were obliged to duck their heads as they went in – but apart from that small inconvenience he was well-satisfied with the room he'd been shown to.

  The girl scurried off to fetch the water leaving him alone with his friend. 'I think we probably have an hour or two to wait. That's if we've chosen correctly. Your sister, if she is travelling this way, will stop here – if not to take refreshments, then to change the horses.'

  'To tell you the truth, Darcy, I'm not sure I actually need to find her. Fond as I am of my sisters, I get on better with them in their absence than I do when we're together. I'll have no option but to take her back to Pemberley and she'll be in high dudgeon and make my life a misery for interfering in hers.'

  This was the longest speech Bingley had made in some time and he had yet more to say.

  'Jane and I will be obliged to have her stay until the fuss dies down – God knows what we will do if she's with child. I'll have to fetch the erstwhile bridegroom and insist that he does the right thing.' He sank onto a chair and closed his eyes as if wishing to shut out his problems.

  Darcy thought for a moment, allowing Bingley to recover his composure. 'Your sister is quite capable of making up her own mind. If she's decided this gentleman is for her, then perhaps instead of blocking her, we should support her in her endeavour to get married?'

  Bingley sat up. 'What are you thinking?'

  'If we escort the pair of them back to Pemberley then we can have the banns called and arrange for them to be married in the chapel. The marriage would be viewed as more acceptable when people hear about it if it has taken place with friends and family present.'

  'I think it might work. It's unlikely anyone would think to look for them in Derbyshire.'

  'They will have to reside at Pemberley long enough to claim it as their residence otherwise the banns will have to be called in Forsyth's local church.'

  'If Caroline's intended husband is underage then they will have to lie, and that would make the marriage invalid.'

  A knock on the door prevented further conversation and two maids staggered in carrying the requisite
water. In less than half an hour Darcy was satisfied with his appearance and ready to go down and eat.

  *

  Georgiana was delighted to see Lizzy as her husband, Jonathan, was away on business until the next day. 'I would much prefer to return to Pemberley when he's away – but I cannot be forever running back home just because I'm lonely.'

  'My love, I'm sure that he wouldn't object in the slightest if you were to stay with either Kitty or myself in his absence. Come back with me now. Fitzwilliam and Charles are also away until tomorrow.'

  Lizzy quickly explained the drama that had been enacted earlier that day and her sister-in-law was as surprised as Kitty had been at Caroline Bingley's extraordinary behaviour.

  'I shall come with you – I wouldn't miss the excitement for all the world. Although I prefer a quiet life, I must own I find domesticity a trifle flat at times.'

  'It's a shame that Kitty is unable to travel at the moment or she could come too.'

  Georgiana hurried off to ask her maid, Ellie, to pack an overnight bag for them both and to change from her morning gown into something more elaborate.

  Soon Lizzy was in the carriage with Georgiana and her maid and returning to Pemberley. 'I'm sure that the gentlemen won't be back before morning. I wonder if they will bring Caroline with them.'

  'There must be more to this than we understand, Lizzy, for I cannot believe any family would refuse permission for their son to marry a modest heiress even with the supposed disparity of age.'

  'Well, my love, we will have to contain our curiosity until tomorrow when all will be revealed. Jane will be delighted to see you, as will the twins and little Charlotte.'

  The remainder of the journey passed in such pleasant conversation that when the vehicle arrived they were both surprised.

  'Georgiana, why don't you go directly to see Jane? Ellie can see to your belongings whilst I speak to Reynolds and have two guest chambers made ready in case Fitzwilliam brings the runaways back with him.'

  After speaking briefly to the housekeeper Lizzy ran upstairs to check on the well-being of her children. They were, of course, content to be with Nanny and she left them playing with their bricks. She paused at the window at the end of the nursery corridor and stared out at the grounds.

  Although Jane hadn't mentioned it, she was almost sure her older sister was increasing too. This meant that she was the only one of the four not be expecting a happy event later in the year. She blinked away tears. There were already two children in the Darcy family – so she must view these new arrivals as her sisters catching up with her.

  Why wasn't she having another baby? Had her difficult pregnancy and delivery damaged her internal workings so that she was now unable to conceive? This would be preferable to the conclusion she was coming to, that the lack of another baby was due to the fact that she and Fitzwilliam were no longer as close as they had been.

  When they had first been married they had spent every minute together, he had been vigorous in his attentions in the marriage bed. However, since the arrival of the twins things had changed. He no longer spent every night beside her. Sometimes he didn't come to her but remained next door in what had once been her domain.

  This wouldn't do. She loved him as much as she had always done and he returned her affection in full measure. No doubt things changed between a married couple once there were children. It was impossible to pay one's husband the same amount of attention as before. In her opinion a mother must always put her offspring first – at least until they were old enough to take care of themselves.

  She sniffed and wiped her eyes on her cuff. Fitzwilliam would be horrified at such behaviour but she cared not for such things. At least she wasn't blowing her nose on her sleeve which would be far worse. On the way downstairs she called into her rooms and collected her reticule so she would have her handkerchief to hand if it was needed again.

  Jane had her baby on her lap and Lizzy was delighted to see the little girl was looking well. She had roses in her cheeks and was more animated than she'd been for weeks. Georgiana was playing peekaboo with Charlotte and the baby was screeching with joy and clapping her hands.

  'I should have brought Fabian and Amanda with me. I love to see the three of them playing together.' She smiled sadly at Jane. 'I wish I was having a child this year like the rest of you.'

  'I didn't like to tell you my news, dearest Lizzy, because I know how much you desire to add to your family. I'm sure in God's good time there will be more babies in your nursery as well.'

  Georgiana laughed. 'You already have a boy and a girl – it's only fair that we catch up with you before you produce another set of twins.'

  'I sincerely hope I don't – I'd much rather have them one at a time. Anyway, I was at a loss at what to tell Peterson and Reynolds about the possible arrival of uninvited guests. They must be aware that Fitzwilliam and Charles have rushed off and must be wondering why they did so.'

  'I think it highly unlikely that my brother will actually locate the runaways. Therefore it must be better not to mention any names and possibly start rumours spreading throughout the county. Servants are always the first to hear and the first to spread a juicy titbit of gossip.' Jane handed her baby to Georgiana.

  'I've been thinking about your task, Lizzy, and I think the names of this year's eligible young ladies are written somewhere in one of the periodicals.'

  'Unfortunately, Jane, this list will only tell us the status and wealth of the family. In order to provide a selection of young ladies for Cousin Hugo I must see for myself that they are suitable.' Lizzy hated having to lie to her sisters but had no choice.

  Chapter Four

  After a substantial luncheon Darcy was feeling more optimistic about this adventure. 'I think it might be wise to take a turn outside, Bingley, it's possible your sister might only stop here to change the team and not come into the inn.'

  'I suspect that you're correct. She'll not wish to be seen.' He tossed his napkin onto the table. 'I'm replete – I've no intention of getting on a horse again until my food has settled.'

  Black clouds had rolled in whilst they'd been inside. 'Let's hope the rain holds off for a while. I've no inclination to get drenched on our return journey.' Darcy frowned. 'Perhaps it might be wise to reserve a room for the night just in case the weather turns nasty.'

  'I've no intention of being away overnight, my friend, I've not been apart from Jane since we were wed and don't want to set a precedent today.'

  There was no point in arguing with Bingley on this point – where his family was concerned he was obdurate and could never be persuaded to change his mind about the smallest thing. It had been far easier to alter his viewpoint in the past.

  They strolled around to the stables and selected two mounts for their return journey. 'Our own horses will be sufficiently rested by the time we reach them. You do realise, Bingley, that it will take far longer to return than it did to arrive here. We shall also have covered more than sixty miles.'

  His friend nodded. 'No need to risk our necks, we can stick to the lanes even if it takes more time. I expect it will be dark before we even set off at this rate.' He gestured towards the gloomy sky.

  'I'm going to book a room for us. Do you honestly believe that Jane would like you to ride through the night in pouring rain just to be with her? Think about it, man, she'll have retired before we could be halfway home.'

  As he was about to go inside a travelling chaise turned in through the archway. The blinds were drawn and the horses flecked with sweat. The coachmen shouted for attention and two ostlers hurried across to unharness the exhausted team and replace them with fresh nags.

  He exchanged a glance with Bingley and together they strode over. Darcy stepped aside and allowed Bingley to fling open the door of the vehicle.

  'Bingley, Darcy, whatever are you doing here? This is none of your concern.' Caroline looked and sounded as she had always done. Sharp-tongued and completely in command.

  The gentleman sitting
opposite her must be Forsyth. His exact appearance was hard to discern in the dimness of the interior. Was he eloping because he was less than one and twenty years of age?

  The shadowy figure at the far side of the carriage scrambled forward and tumbled out. 'Thank God! I'm Forsyth, you must be Caroline's brother.' He looked so pleased to see them Darcy was at a loss to know what was going on.

  'I'm Darcy, a word with you, sir.' He indicated that they step away from the carriage where they could converse without being overheard. Bingley jumped into the carriage to talk to his sister.

  The young man was tall with a shock of corn-coloured hair. He was certainly an attractive gentleman and he could see why she might have been infatuated with him. 'Forsyth, what madness is this? Nobody in their right mind elopes to Gretna Green.'

  'I told Caroline it was a ramshackle thing to do but we could think of no other way. Only after we set out did I consider the repercussions of doing something so foolhardy, but by then it was too late. I was praying that somehow her brother would hear of this venture and come to intervene.'

  'Why would your parents feel the need to stop you marrying Miss Bingley? She is a personable young lady and from an excellent family. The fact that she is also an heiress must be in her favour too. Is her age the problem?'

  'Not at all – I will reach my majority next month. They object because I've been promised to the daughter of my father's closest friend since I was in leading strings. Eleanor has no more desire to marry me than I do her, but neither her parents nor mine will listen.' He stretched out a hand and was about to grasp Darcy's arm but then thought better of it. 'I love Caroline, we might be considered chalk and cheese, but I knew the moment I set eyes on her she was the one for me.'

  'Might I enquire, sir, if you would be prepared to accompany Bingley and myself to my home, Pemberley, and get married in the family chapel once the legal requirements have been settled?'