A Scandal at Pemberley Page 5

  Then she made the decision for him and took the final step so she was in his arms. He pressed her close to his heart, loving the feel of her softness against his chest. With a sigh of acceptance he rested his chin on top of her head and gently stroked her back.

  She tilted her face expectantly but he would resist the temptation to kiss her. That would be the outside of enough, he was breaking all the rules of etiquette by merely holding her. ‘Sweetheart, this will not do, you know. We must not believe the romantic nonsense that says “love conquers all”, it would be madness on your part to tie yourself to me.’

  Reluctantly he released his hold and stepped away relieved that she did not follow him. One might have expected her to look forlorn, but she smiled so sweetly his heart turned over.

  ‘I have decided that I wish to marry you and I will not take no for an answer. I am quite prepared to wait until you are no longer a serving soldier. I think we should become engaged as soon as the wedding is over, it is perfectly proper to have a long engagement in our circumstances. I have more than enough in my trust fund to buy a sizeable estate – you might be poor today, but once we are married my money will be yours.’

  He ached to kiss her, to agree to her suggestion, but somehow he managed to remain calm. ‘I shall speak to Darcy and if he agrees to your extraordinary suggestion then I shall propose to you in style. However, you must promise me, Georgiana, that if he refuses you will accept his decision and forget about me. I am sure you will meet a fine young man in London in the coming months and will be profoundly grateful that you have not become entangled with me.’

  She nodded. ‘That is an excellent notion, I give you my word that I will relinquish all hope of becoming your wife if Fitzwilliam is against the match.’

  The adorable minx was being far too sanguine about the matter; she was plotting some devilment that would be his undoing, of that he was sure. She handed him the letter. ‘You had better take this, it would not do for anyone else to read it. Now, we have dallied here long enough and I must rejoin the others in the drawing room.’

  She spun, sending her skirts in a swirl around her ankles revealing that her silk slippers exactly matched the russet of her gown. Not waiting for him to follow she danced away as if she was the happiest girl in the world and not about to suffer from a broken heart.

  He had better speak to Darcy right away. Was he being disingenuous to believe this muddle could be settled without his being pitched unceremoniously from the house for causing aspersions to be cast upon her unassailable purity?

  *

  Lizzy beckoned to her husband and moved away from Jane, Lydia and Kitty to join him at a small group of furniture equidistant from the two groups. Here they should be able to converse without being overheard.

  ‘What is it, my darling, are you unwell? You look rather pallid and I will not have you overtaxing yourself just because we have extra visitors.’ Fitzwilliam ignored the damask-covered armchair and joined her on the loveseat.

  ‘My love, what have you decided about the major and Georgiana? I know we agreed to let her infatuation run its course, but I am afraid she has formed a genuine affection for him. How is it that both Kitty and Georgiana have managed to fall in love so quickly when it took us a year to decide we were suited?’

  He took her hand and gently stroked the knuckles. ‘I think that what transpired here in December pushed them together. I was not surprised that Kitty fell headlong into love so quickly, she has a more lively personality than my sister. However, I must own I am at a loss to understand how Georgiana has come to do the same.’

  ‘She imagined herself in love with Wickham all those years ago and was fortunate not to lose her reputation to that scoundrel. I believe Georgiana is more volatile than either of us realised, and now we are stuck with the consequences.’

  ‘Consequences? Devil take it! Are you suggesting that things have progressed beyond the point of retreat? That Brownstone has made her an offer?’

  For a moment she feared he would leap to his feet in order to challenge the unfortunate major to a duel. Fitzwilliam’s expression was ominous – after the near disaster of the ghosts he would not tolerate a scandal at Pemberley.

  ‘My love, if he has, then we should be pleased, not incensed – after all, he could not have done so if we had not allowed them to spend time together in the hope that Georgiana’s interest would wane on further acquaintance with Major Brownstone.’

  His fingers relaxed beneath hers and the danger was over. ‘Lizzy, what in God’s name am I to do? Should I agree to let the major become betrothed to my sister or should I forbid it?’

  ‘You can hardly refuse your permission, my dear, that would look very odd of you. Perhaps allowing them to become engaged would not be so very bad, for Georgiana could not possibly marry him unless he resigned his commission and I’m certain he is unlikely to do that at the moment. Therefore, the betrothal would by necessity be prolonged and Georgiana will meet someone more suitable in London—.’

  His fingers closed painfully over her knuckles again. ‘About that, I have decided to cancel her Season, with both you and Jane in an interesting condition we cannot be in London next month.’

  ‘I rather thought you might say that, and I have already set other plans in motion. I have spoken to Adam and he is quite happy to squire Kitty and Georgiana to the soirées, balls and routs. He has promised to keep a close eye on your sister and make sure she’s not importuned by any unsuitable young men.’

  ‘I suppose that will suffice. King is a sound fellow and will keep her safe. What about the ball we had planned to hold in Grosvenor Square?’

  ‘That must go ahead as we have already sent out invitations. You must go, I shall be perfectly safe here without you.’ She hesitated, wondering if she should share her suspicions. ‘I think, my love, it is possible that we are expecting twins. If that is the case then I am likely to be delivered early, but not in April. As long as you are here from the end of May then I shall be content.’

  If she had expected him to be shocked by her news she was disappointed for he merely smiled knowingly. ‘I had surmised the same, sweetheart, there could be no other explanation. I have sent for a specialist physician to attend here after the wedding. If he agrees that it will be in order for me to leave you for a week or two then I shall go. It would be a shame if I didn’t lead my sister out at her first ball.’

  A footman approached, but hovered a discreet distance away until beckoned forward by Fitzwilliam. ‘Major Brownstone would like to see you, sir, in the library.’ The man bowed and backed away as if in the presence of royalty.

  ‘Are you coming with me, Lizzy, I should dearly like you to. I fear I might say something I regret if you’re not there to restrain my temper.’

  ‘I think that an excellent notion. Kindly give me your arm so that I may regain my feet with a modicum of dignity. There is barely half an hour before we must gather in the Great Hall for sherry with our guests, so this had better be a brief meeting.’ However, when she attempted to get to her feet a wave of dizziness caused her to sway alarmingly.

  ‘Sit down, darling, I shall deal with this matter myself and you must remain here.’

  She did not protest, it would be foolish to traipse around the house when she was feeling so unsteady. He strode away, his shoulders rigid, she had a dreadful feeling this would not be a cordial exchange between the major and her husband.

  *

  Georgiana wasn’t sure whether to return to her apartment or rejoin the party in the small drawing room. Would her agitation be obvious to her family? She had no wish to be subjected to an intrusive interrogation even by her dearest sister. She would go into the library until it was time for dinner.

  A parcel of books had arrived from Hatchards the other day and she was almost certain there was a title amongst them that would suit her very well. All new acquisitions were placed on the Chinese lacquered table at the far end of the room so she headed in that direction. Both fires were
lit and the room was delightfully warm after the chilly corridors.

  When she had the desired book in her hand she decided to curl up in a high-backed, winged armchair that was already positioned away from the draughts and near enough to the grate to be comfortable. She carefully smoothed out the skirt of her gown before she sat, for she had no wish to have creases in it when she joined everyone for dinner. She had barely got settled when she heard heavy footsteps approaching and someone strode in.

  Moments later a second person arrived and it was too late for her to reveal herself. Her heart was hammering, her stomach lurched, this was a conversation she had no wish to overhear.

  ‘Well, Brownstone, what is it you wish to say to me?’ Her brother sounded terse and unaccommodating. In this mood he was bound to refuse his permission and possibly call the major out for his temerity.

  Chapter Six

  Georgiana cowered in her chair bitterly regretting that she did not identify herself immediately. It was far too late to announce herself so she had better remain silent until the interview was completed.

  ‘Darcy, I am quite certain you know why I wish to speak to you. After all, have you not allowed me to spend time with your sister over the past week? You would not have done so if you had not already approved my suit.’

  She held her breath. This was hardly the conciliatory approach she had expected the major to take. Fitzwilliam was bound to take umbrage at his tone and would respond in kind. To her surprise her brother remained silent and Major Brownstone was obliged to speak again without having received an answer to his first remark.

  ‘However, things are not exactly as you might suppose. I love Georgiana and she loves me, and one day I would dearly like to marry her, but we have decided now is not the right time. I cannot in all conscience resign my commission with the war in France about to recommence and I have no intention of asking your sister to follow the drum – far too dangerous.’

  ‘What exactly are you proposing, sir?’

  This was spoken softly, but Georgiana knew her brother was enraged. She braced herself for a diatribe. This was going to end badly if she did not intervene. She was about to appear like a genie from a bottle when the major spoke again.

  ‘I’m proposing that we become betrothed, then Georgiana can have her time in Town without being pestered by fortune hunters. However, if at any time she meets a young man who is more acceptable to both herself and you then she is at liberty to break the engagement.’

  ‘I see. An extended engagement which will satisfy the tabbies but still allow my sister a Season?’ Fitzwilliam appeared pleased with this suggestion. ‘An excellent compromise, major, and I give you my wholehearted support and approval. I have no wish to stop Georgiana from marrying whoever she wishes, but will be relieved if she becomes bored with the arrangement before you are in a position to marry her.’

  Instead of being offended by this remark the major laughed. ‘Then we are in complete accord, Darcy. Much as I love your sister, I’m well aware of my shortcomings and would wish her to find someone from her own strata of society.’

  Georgiana could remain hidden no longer. She tumbled from her chair and erupted into the conversation. Fitzwilliam staggered back a step or two but the major winked at her. Good grief! The wretched man had known she was there all the time and had been saying things deliberately to provoke her.

  ‘Major Brownstone, you are the grandson of an earl, the fact that you are impecunious is of no matter.’ Then her tongue ran away with her and she said something she had not intended. ‘Fitzwilliam, you have given us permission to become betrothed and you cannot retract that. However, I have decided we shall be married in June – or whenever my future husband can get furlough.’ She glared at both of them, but reserved a sweet smile for the major. ‘I shall accompany you until… until I am increasing and then I shall return home.’

  ‘Well said, my love, we have been roundly hoisted by our own petards. Why wait until June? Surely we could have a double wedding with Kitty the day after tomorrow?’

  Georgiana had never stamped her foot in her life but was sorely tempted to do so now. ‘You are being ridiculous, and I do not take kindly to your miserable attempt at humour.’ She was unabashed by her brother’s expression. ‘Fitzwilliam, I apologise for eavesdropping on a conversation that was not meant for me to hear, but I am glad that I did in view of what transpired. I shall now consider myself formally engaged to Major Brownstone and I expect you to announce it at dinner tonight.’

  Her stomach flipped and she wished the words unsaid. Never before had she spoken to her brother so impertinently and was appalled that she had also issued him with an ultimatum. Then the major was beside her and his arm was firmly around her waist.

  ‘This interview has been a trifle unorthodox, Darcy, but I think we all know where we stand. I shall be your brother-in-law at some point. Do not poker up, sweetheart, I give you my word you shall have your summer wedding if I am at liberty.’ He ignored Fitzwilliam and turned her to face him before saying earnestly. ‘You do realise, don’t you, that you will have to remain at Pemberley as I have no estate in which you can live?’

  ‘I would prefer to remain here, Jane and Bingley will be moving into the East Wing as soon as the renovations are completed, and this place is so vast I could remain here even if we had a dozen children, and no one would be any the wiser.’ Her brother’s sudden bark of laughter startled her.

  ‘Georgiana, you are incorrigible. Six months ago you would not have spoken to me so fiercely, but I am pleased that you did. Now I know that you are a woman grown and quite able to take charge of your own destiny. I hope you will reconsider your wish to traipse all over the continent with Brownstone, but if you do decide that is your desire, then I shall do all that I can to make your travels easier.’

  The major pushed her gently towards Fitzwilliam and she left the shelter of her beloved’s arms and rushed to embrace her brother. ‘There is no need to do anything precipitous, on consideration I think it would be unfair to announce anything until after the wedding. This week is Kitty’s time to celebrate; I am quite content to wait before you make the announcement.’ Belatedly she realised she should have asked the major what he thought, but it was too late to repine, the words were already spoken.

  ‘I shall leave you and Brownstone alone to discuss what has happened. I promise I shall tell no one apart from Lizzy.’ His arms closed around her a second time and he kissed her on top of her head and then he strode away, apparently unbothered that she had just become betrothed to a penniless soldier.

  ‘Are you going to remain standing, my dear, or do you prefer to be seated?’

  ‘Why should I wish to sit down, sir?’

  ‘And another thing, sweetheart, I insist that from now on you use my given name. After all, do you ladies not all refer to my friend as Adam?’

  ‘Very well, Jonathan, by some extraordinary happenstance we find ourselves betrothed.’

  ‘You are quite ridiculous, my darling, and I believe that married to you I shall be run ragged. Now, are you ready?’ He bowed deeply and dropped to one knee. ‘Miss Georgiana Darcy, will you do me the inestimable honour of becoming my wife. Please make me the happiest of men as I am like to fade away from a broken heart if you do not accept my offer.’

  Instead of replying she raised her foot and placed it on his chest giving him a none too gentle shove. He lost his balance and tumbled backwards. She scarcely had time to laugh at his predicament before his arm shot out and grasped her ankle sweeping her feet from under her. She landed with a painful thud on her derriere and all desire to laugh vanished.

  ‘That was quite uncalled for; a gentleman would not have just done as you did.’ She attempted to regain her feet but became entangled in her skirts. With one smooth motion he sprung up and then reached down and brought her up beside him.

  ‘I love you to distraction, sweetheart, but I fear that this betrothal is going to be tempestuous.’ He cupped her face and dropped a
feather-light kiss on her lips. ‘You do realise, that you have not answered my proposal.’

  Her mouth was still tingling from the contact with his. ‘Of course I will marry you, but I’m not sure that I wish to do so this summer – perhaps the following year would be more suitable?’

  ‘I am yours to command, Miss Darcy, and am resigned to stepping into parson’s mousetrap whenever you wish.’

  She giggled, these were hardly the words of a man overwhelmed by love. ‘When you take my commands, Major Brownstone, I shall sprout wings and fly. Now, I believe that I just heard the dinner gong so we must repair to the Great Hall and mingle with our guests. As far as everyone else is concerned we are no more than casual acquaintances.’

  He brushed off his breeches and smiled ruefully. ‘I shudder to think what damage you might inflict on me if we were actually betrothed.’

  Now he was being deliberately annoying. ‘We are betrothed as you well know, and if you continue to behave in this vein I shall not be answerable for the consequences.’

  He tucked her waving hand under his arm and smiled down at her like an elderly, benevolent uncle. ‘I had no idea you were such a volatile young lady, Miss Darcy, I’m not sure that a man of my decrepitude…’

  This was too much. She had no idea why he was deliberately acting the fool, but it was quite intolerable. She snatched her hand away and kicked him hard in the shins. She regretted this rash action as her soft silk slippers were no match for his polished Hessians.

  He waited, his expression bland, the picture of polite attentiveness, whilst she hopped about the passageway clutching her injured toes. There was something about this gentleman that made her behave irrationally when she was renowned for her quiet and calm demeanour.