A Scandal at Pemberley Page 4

  ‘I should think it will be a further quarter of an hour before we will be needed to welcome anyone,’ Georgiana said, ‘so we have ample time to speak to Lizzy and see exactly what she wishes us to do.’

  ‘I’m beginning to feel that my very presence attracts disaster. When I arrived last December dear Charles took a tumble in the carriage which was entirely my fault. When the wretched ghosts appeared they came because of me. Now, there has been another accident. The sooner I become Mrs King and leave Pemberley the safer you will all be.’

  ‘Kitty, you are talking fustian, you are just overwrought because of your approaching nuptials. Bingley’s accident was nobody’s fault – that is why it was called an accident. Come along, we must see that everything is ready, Lizzy is relying on us.’

  The weather was remarkably fine for March and the grounds were brimming with daffodils and other spring flowers. With luck her dearest friend would have a fine day for her wedding and it would neither rain nor snow. Last March had been appalling; if she was getting married she would insist the occasion took place in the summer.

  Lizzy had no further instructions for them and so they returned to wait in front of the fire in the entrance hall. ‘Kitty, I am surprised that Mr Wickham does not object to his wife making a prolonged stay at Pemberley when he is not allowed to visit himself.’

  ‘Lydia said that Wickham is staying with family friends in the neighbourhood in order to be on hand to take her home after the wedding.’

  ‘In which case, I sincerely hope I do not have the misfortune to meet him. He is an unprincipled rogue and I wish Fitzwilliam was in the position to prevent him from coming within twenty miles of here.’

  Kitty was aware that Wickham had attempted to entice Georgiana into an elopement several years ago which was why he was persona non grata at Pemberley. ‘Please do not distress yourself, Wickham would not dare to intrude. Lizzy has told Lydia, in no uncertain terms, that if she was to attempt to visit with him whilst she lives under this roof, she will be sent packing.’

  ‘I’m relieved to hear you say so, dearest, and I shall not mention his name again. I think we should go out and wait in the turning circle; I believe I can hear footmen and maids gathering outside.’

  Georgiana headed for the front door which was promptly opened by a waiting footman. ‘Leave the door open, there will be a deal of toing and froing once the carriages and carts arrive.’ She turned to Kitty as something else occurred to her. ‘It is quite possible that there are injured servants as well, I do hope Reynolds has made suitable arrangements for them.’

  She stepped into the late afternoon sunshine and, as she had expected, the cavalcade was almost upon them. Fitzwilliam rode up to her and dismounted, tossing his reins to a waiting stableboy.

  ‘This is a damnable business, my dear, two coachmen have broken their necks and I fear that one of the young bucks might well be fatally injured too. The young man who was driving the phaeton has broken his leg, but it is his companion who is grievously hurt. The two occupants of the third carriage are unscathed, but those in the vehicle that overturned have not fared so well and there will be cuts and bruises to attend to. Did Lizzy send you out here to greet our unfortunate guests?’

  ‘Yes, she did. We are to take those ladies and gentlemen who do not wish to retire to a chamber to the drawing room where refreshments are waiting. The downstairs apartment is ready to receive anyone requiring medical attention.’

  The diligence and pony cart edged off to the left and disappeared towards the rear of the building. Presumably these contained the servants who had suffered some sort of damage in the accident. Georgiana hurried forward to greet the first arrivals with Kitty close behind her.

  The major had managed to organise for all four Pemberley vehicles to be harnessed and sent out on this errand of mercy. The barouche, which was approaching more slowly at the rear of the procession, appeared to have the more seriously injured – no doubt it had been easier to transport these in an open carriage.

  The gig rocked to a halt first and an elderly gentleman with a florid complexion, a bald pate and frock-coat, descended first. He turned to assist a stout lady of middle years, dressed in an expensive but dated travelling ensemble, to get out.

  ‘I shall take these two inside, Kitty, will you greet the occupants of the next one?’ Her friend nodded, her usual lively expression subdued. The major was riding beside the barouche looking grim.

  ‘I am Miss Darcy, you are most welcome at Pemberley. Would you care to come inside with me where you shall be taken care of?’

  The gentleman nodded. ‘Trelawney’s me name, and this lady’s me wife. Some jackanapes travelling too fast swerved to avoid an unfortunate rider and overturned his carriage into mine. I fear the occupants of his vehicle have not been as fortunate as us.’ He frowned and glanced towards the approaching carriages. ‘We are on our way to visit my daughter who has just produced our first grandson; she will be expecting us.’

  ‘If you would care to give their direction to one of my footmen, a message will be conveyed immediately. He will reassure your family that you are unhurt and will be overnighting at Pemberley and shall continue your journey in one of our carriages tomorrow.’

  She led the way into the entrance hall and gestured towards the marble stairs where Reynolds was waiting with a group of servants. ‘We have chambers prepared and the housekeeper has maids waiting if you require their help.’ Georgiana smiled encouragingly. ‘As soon as you are feeling more the thing you will be escorted to the drawing room where refreshments will be waiting.’

  He turned to his wife. ‘I’ve no need to go, me dear, but will come with you if you wish.’

  The lady was staring around, her eyes wide. ‘Thank you, I would like the opportunity to refresh myself before joining you.’ She patted her husband’s arm affectionately. ‘You run along, I’ll not be very long.’

  At once Reynolds stepped forward and curtsied briefly. ‘My girls will take you to your rooms, madam, and your luggage will be brought up to you directly it arrives.’

  ‘We have no luggage, but I am sure we can manage for one night,’ Mrs Trelawney said cheerfully.

  Georgiana turned to Mr Trelawney. ‘If you would care to come with me, sir, I shall take you to the drawing room. This is a large establishment and I do apologise for the lack of heat in the passageways and corridors. It is quite impossible to keep the place warm however many fires we light.’

  ‘A right grand place, Miss Darcy, I’ve never seen the like. Pemberley is mentioned in guidebooks but I never thought I’d be able to see inside meself.’

  ‘Forgive me for asking, sir, but was anyone travelling with you injured in the accident?’

  ‘Me coachman took a tumble from the box, but me under-coachman was unhurt and I left him taking care of me horses. Our baggage, me man and Mrs Trelawney’s maid travelled ahead. Waste of time to fetch it back, we’ll be on our way first thing in the morning.’

  Georgiana did not like to tell this pleasant gentleman that his coachmen might very well be dead. ‘Here we are. If you require anything further do not hesitate to ask one of the footmen in attendance.’

  They had now arrived outside the double doors of the drawing room – these stood open and the welcome smell of freshly baked bread, vegetable soup and meat pasties wafted towards them. The room had been transformed from a formal seating area to a chamber she scarcely recognised. From somewhere tables had been fetched and set out to the right of the door, with crisp, white tablecloths and chairs placed around them. These occupied a third of the space. Against the panelling a buffet table had been laid out with a veritable feast.

  The sofas, daybeds and padded armchairs had been moved and regrouped to the left of the doors, leaving a substantial area in the centre of the room free for those who wished to remain on their feet and walk about. She was not sure how many guests were expected, but provision had been made for a dozen or more.

  Cook would be waiting to hear how many
extra guests there would be for dinner tonight. Kitty had said that Adam’s brother, his wife and three ancient aunts were expected. Perhaps Mr Trelawney would know.

  ‘Mr Trelawney, apart from Mrs Trelawney and yourself, do you know how many other guests we might expect to stay with us tonight?’

  ‘A phaeton holds only two, but both the driver and his passenger was seriously injured. Silly young fool, what was he thinking of to be dashing about the countryside at such a speed?’ He cleared his throat and delved into his pocket to remove his handkerchief. Georgiana waited politely until he had blown his nose and wiped his eyes.

  ‘The other carriage, not ours you understand, tipped over, but I don’t think anyone was seriously hurt. I believe there was five travellers inside, plus two on the box and a couple of outriders. I’m afraid I didn’t see the occupants, so can’t tell you anymore.’

  ‘If you would excuse me, Mr Trelawney, I must see if I can be of assistance elsewhere.’

  ‘You run along, Miss Darcy, there’s a fine spread here and I can help meself.’

  Georgiana had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She picked up her skirts and ran through the house to arrive just as Kitty was ushering inside those that had been travelling in the other carriage.

  She breathed a sigh of relief. Whoever these people were they did not fit the description of Adam’s relatives. There were three ladies and two gentlemen and none of them were elderly.

  Kitty had her arm around the waist of a young lady. ‘Miss Garfield has broken her arm, Mrs Garfield has cut her head and will require sutures, and I shall take them at once to see Doctor Bevan. However, the remainder of their party has emerged unscathed from their nasty experience.’ Kitty guided the two patients across the vestibule leaving her to deal with the remainder of the group.

  ‘I am Miss Darcy, welcome to Pemberley. There are rooms ready for you upstairs if you would care to retire. We have refreshments waiting in the drawing room, or a tray can be sent up to you, whatever you prefer.’

  ‘I am Garfield, we were on our way to visit my brother-in-law, Sir John Rawlings, who lives in the next village. This is my younger daughter, Miss Emily and this is my son George.’ The girl curtsied and the young man bowed. ‘Do you want to go upstairs, Emily, or come with George and I?’

  ‘I should like to go upstairs first, Papa, but I shall come down directly.’

  The girl trotted off with a maid exclaiming and commenting in excitement at everything she saw. Georgiana hid her smile, Miss Emily could not be above sixteen years of age and one could not expect her to view such magnificence in silence as her father and older brother were.

  ‘If you would care to come with me, Mr Garfield, there is another traveller already in the drawing room, Mr Trelawney, and he will keep you company.’

  ‘This is a wretched business indeed, Miss Darcy, I have lost an excellent horse and my carriage is beyond repair. They both cost me a pretty penny, I can tell you.’

  Georgiana thought that the fatalities and injuries to the passengers might be considered of more importance than the expense involved, but she held her tongue.

  Chapter Five

  By the time the unexpected guests had been catered for, refreshments had been eaten and rooms allocated, it was quite dark. Georgiana and Kitty had returned to their apartment in order to remove their outer garments and change into house slippers. Everyone had been deeply shocked to discover that not one but two human lives had been lost and three horses had had to be shot.

  The major and Adam were sitting with the family in the small drawing room, the more formal chamber had been given over to the travellers. There were now seven extra to be seated at dinner as both Mrs Garfield and her daughter declared themselves well enough to join them.

  ‘There is no point in changing for dinner tonight,’ Lizzy announced. ‘None of our visitors can do so. I have told Cook to serve at seven o’clock, very late I know, but I doubt that either the Garfields or the Trelawneys will be hungry before then.’

  The major had been sitting at the far side of the room with the other gentlemen so Georgiana was fairly sure nobody had noticed they were avoiding each other’s company. ‘I am going to see if your guests require anything further, Lizzy.’

  ‘Thank you, dearest Georgiana, I am easily fatigued at the moment and am relishing these hours spent in idleness.’

  Every sconce was lit and the house, for once, felt warm and welcoming. She feared she could never feel quite the same about Pemberley, even though the ghosts had gone. The drawing room was empty – no doubt everybody had returned to their chambers to prepare for the evening. Although nobody was to dress, everyone would wish to appear at their best.

  She was about to return when Peterson hurried up to her holding a silver salver balanced on one gloved hand. ‘Miss Darcy, there is a letter for you. I have no idea from whence it came or for how long it has been waiting to be delivered.’

  Georgiana took the missive and turned it over, but there was no indication on the outside of the carefully folded paper as to the identity of the sender and she did not recognise the scrawled hand. ‘Thank you, Peterson, I am sure it is nothing urgent.’

  She waited until he had retreated and then moved under the flickering yellow light of a sconce and then she scratched open the blob of sealing wax. Good heavens! This was the letter the major had tried to prevent from falling into her hands. She read to the end with growing astonishment. Small wonder he had been desperate to retrieve the note before it reached her – he was quite preposterous to suggest they formed a deceitful engagement.

  Then, as she considered the matter she began to believe there was merit in his idea. Kitty had said the same, that Fitzwilliam and Lizzy had only allowed her so much leeway because they thought her feelings were engaged. However unsuitable Major Brownstone might be, they had obviously decided they would support her choice.

  She must talk to the major immediately – this letter changed everything. Although he had said their engagement would be false initially, he had also written that he would return to ask her for her hand when he had completed his duty as a soldier. Fortunately war with France had been suspended at the Treaty of Amiens last year, which, no doubt, was why the major was allowed so much furlough.

  There was still half an hour until everyone gathered in the Grand Hall for sherry wine before dinner. That surely must be time enough to inveigle the major to speak to her in private? The small drawing room was as she had left it, Fitzwilliam, Bingley, Adam and the major at one end and Lizzy and her sisters at the other. The gentlemen must be avoiding the flummery of female conversation.

  Instead of joining the other ladies Georgiana deliberately knocked into a table sending a pile of books crashing to the floor. This drew the attention of the gentlemen and when she was certain the major was looking at her directly she unfolded her hand and showed him the letter hidden there. Then she apologised prettily for the fuss and quickly restored the books to their allotted place.

  ‘Lizzy, your guests have all gone upstairs. I am going to check the dining room has been correctly laid for dinner.’ She did not wait for any comments but slipped away in the hope that the major would follow.

  *

  Jonathan cursed inwardly and then hastily made his excuses. ‘Forgive me, gentlemen, an urgent call of nature.’

  Darcy raised an eyebrow and glanced pointedly towards the door through which his sister had so recently left, but he remained quiet and Jonathan was able to escape without being cross-examined as to his motives. He was damn sure there would be a reckoning with that formidable gentleman very soon and he was not looking forward to it.

  He had no need to search for Georgiana as she was waiting at the far end of the passageway and beckoned him into one of the dozens of rooms that branched from the central corridor. He increased his pace not wishing to be away any longer than he had to.

  He strode into the small chamber and scanned her features trying to decide if she was in a fulminating mood
or more cordial. To his surprise she smiled and beckoned him in conspiratorially.

  ‘Major Brownstone, I was quite stunned by the contents of your letter.’ She raised a hand as he was about to interrupt. ‘Not at your extraordinary suggestion that we pretend to be betrothed, but the fact that you said your feelings are engaged and that you have every intention of making me an offer when you are free to do so.’

  He was flummoxed by her statement and scarcely knew what to reply. He could not remember the last time he had been at a loss for words. ‘Miss Darcy, I meant every word of it. If the situation was different I would be down on one knee at this very moment asking for your hand in marriage.’ From deep within him his true feelings burst forth. ‘Although we have been acquainted only a short time, I have fallen irrevocably in love with you.’ This time it was his turn to stop her speaking. ‘It will not do, my love, even if I was to resign my commission I would still not be in a position to make you my wife. I have only my prize money invested in the funds and no estate of my own. My pedigree is as impeccable as your own, but you are a wealthy and beautiful young heiress and must marry someone in a similar position.’

  ‘Are you telling me that the only reason you do not wish to marry me is because I am rich and you are not?’ She sounded more amused than anything else.

  ‘You can do better than me, I am a rough soldier for all my good breeding and you deserve a true gentleman, one who has money and estates and can look after you properly.’

  ‘If my brother and Lizzy consider you a suitable husband, then who are you to cavil? You would not be the first impecunious gentleman to marry a rich wife. Indeed, I understand it is quite commonplace in the ton.’ She could not disguise the tremor in her voice and her eyes glittered with unshed tears.

  He could not bear to see her distressed and forgot his determination to sever the connection for her sake, not his. He closed the gap between them and was about to embrace her when something stopped him. Doing so would obligate him to marry her, and he was certain she could do better.