A Scandal at Pemberley Read online

  Her near abduction had taken place when she was still in the schoolroom, and as far as he was concerned she was the innocent party and no blame lay at her feet. However, if he got the opportunity he would enjoy punching Wickham on the nose – but not today – retribution would have to wait, as he had no intention of ruining the wedding of his closest comrade.

  Chapter Nine

  Georgiana followed Kitty down the aisle as she walked demurely on the arm of Mr Bennet. Only as she was sitting in the pew on the left with the remainder of the Bennet family, and Fitzwilliam and Bingley, did she consider how Mary was feeling after having been ignored by her sister.

  By rights it should have been Mary who assisted the bride and Kitty should have suggested that she relinquish her role. Adam and Jonathan were standing side by side and although Adam was not in regimentals, it was obvious he had been a soldier most of his life.

  Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Jonathan, magnificent in his dark blue uniform. The gold epaulettes, and frogging across his chest served to emphasise the width of his shoulders and made him look even more handsome – if that were possible. He was holding his peaked shako under his arm and he was also wearing his dress sword. This must be the first time such a weapon had been seen in the Pemberley Chapel, at least in living memory.

  Somehow sensing her glance he looked across the church and the hard planes of his face softened. The smile he gave her would leave no one in any doubt that they were in love. The service was about to commence and his eyes were once more to the front.

  As she listened to the beautiful words and heard Adam and Kitty make their responses so confidently her heart filled with happiness. In a few short months she too would be standing beside the man she loved repeating the well-known phrases in the very same place.

  Too soon it was over, the rings were exchanged and Kitty was now Mrs Adam King and no longer her confidante. From now on Kitty’s allegiance would be to Adam, as it should be. The congregation stood up and the sound of the harpsichord filled the chapel whilst the bride and groom began their stately procession down the aisle to the applause of the congregation.

  Only the immediate family had been invited to the ceremony itself, but there were to be over one hundred extra guests for the wedding breakfast.

  Jonathan stopped at the end of her pew and she stepped out and placed her hand on his arm. She smiled shyly up at him. ‘Just think, my love, we shall be exchanging our vows here in the autumn, God willing.’

  His eyes blazed down. ‘I cannot wait, sweetheart, and I’m sorely tempted to demand that Darcy withdraws his permission for you to go to Town. The thought of you being pestered by more eligible, younger gentlemen, fills me with horror.’

  ‘It matters not who I am introduced to; I have given you my heart and am not interested in anyone else. You may rest easy, Jonathan, I am going merely to enjoy the spectacle. Fitzwilliam has agreed to announce our betrothal before I leave so I shall not have to attend Almack’s and parade around the place like a brood mare at a horse sale, for which I am thankful.’

  Kitty and Adam were now just ahead of them and about to turn onto the central flagstone corridor that bisected Pemberley, when they halted. Kitty put her arms around Adam’s neck and he crushed her to his chest as they embraced.

  Such a display in public was unheard of, but Georgiana envied her friend. Jonathan’s hand closed over hers. ‘That will be us, my darling, very soon. I cannot wait to make you my wife.’ This was said quietly, for her ears alone. Then, he raised his voice. ‘Enough of that, Mr King, you are giving Miss Darcy palpitations.’

  Adam released his bride and both he and Kitty turned to face them. ‘Miss Darcy, I humbly apologise for being so bold as to kiss Mrs King.’

  Kitty ran to her side. ‘This is the happiest day of my life, dearest friend, and I care not what the old tabbies say. I am now a respectable married woman and shall do as I please.’

  ‘Will you now? I believe I might have something to say on the matter if you do.’ Adam took Kitty’s hand again and the four of them continued towards the Grand Staircase where the expected guests would be greeted.

  Fitzwilliam and Lizzy arrived. ‘We are tardy, people are already arriving. Georgiana, will you and the major remain in the Great Hall and ensure that everything is running smoothly? Lizzy and I will be fully occupied with King and Kitty for the next hour.’ Her brother appeared remarkably relaxed for a gentleman who was not overfond of large social gatherings.

  ‘Of course we will, Fitzwilliam, I shall introduce the new arrivals to Mr and Mrs Bennet and the King family.’

  There was a sumptuous buffet set out in the music room and this would be available as soon as the bride and groom returned. Today they were not only serving champagne and hot punch, but also tea and coffee. This was a departure from tradition but Lizzy had thought non-alcoholic alternatives should be available so early in the day.

  She and Jonathan were the first to arrive and they were greeted by the sounds of a small orchestra playing on a rostrum that had been set up at the far end of the Great Hall. ‘Everything is quite perfect, apart from the fact that this room is unpleasantly cold. I am so glad we have decided to marry when the weather is more clement.’

  He guided her to the centre of the vast space before answering. ‘Once everyone is here it will be warm enough.’ He patted his splendid jacket. ‘My uniform is far thicker than your gown and when you are comfortable I shall be sweltering.’

  ‘I am astonished that you do not trip yourself up with that sword at your waist. I sincerely hope it remains firmly in its scabbard.’ No sooner had she spoken than she regretted her playful remark as his eyes narrowed and for a second he was unrecognisable. ‘What is it? Why do you look like that?’

  He was staring at the entrance through which guests would be arriving at any moment. His forearm was rigid beneath her gloved fingers – there was something amiss and she wished to know what it was.

  ‘Jonathan, tell me at once, what is wrong?’

  ‘I have no wish to alarm you, sweetheart, but I fear that Wickham might try and intrude on this celebration.’

  Her joy in the day ended. ‘Fitzwilliam will do something regrettable if he does. The fact that you are so angry must mean that you know what happened in Brighton.’

  Instantly his expression changed and he smiled down at her with such love that for a second she forgot the dreadful news. ‘I do, my darling, but I care not for your part in it. However, that rogue will regret it if I ever come face-to-face with him.’

  ‘I don’t understand why Wickham should wish to intrude. I knew he was in the neighbourhood, after all he grew up here, but I cannot believe he would be so foolhardy as to provoke my brother in this way.’

  ‘I sincerely hope you are right, but he is staying with the young Rawlings and they can hardly leave him on his own. Do you think they are aware that he is not welcome at Pemberley?’

  ‘I don’t know – I doubt it. Although they were invited to the Christmas party they are merely acquaintances, not close friends of ours. I think that my brother is making an effort to be more sociable for Lizzy’s sake, but I cannot remember any occasion where the Rawlings family and the Darcys were together in either houses. I have been to their annual garden party on two occasions, but never to a formal event.’

  His grim expression returned. ‘In which case, my love, I had better abandon you and station myself outside in case he turns up with them. They can hardly leave him kicking his heels if he is their guest, and he probably thinks Darcy will not make a fuss in front of his neighbours.’

  ‘Please go, Jane and Bingley are here now and they can help with the introductions as they met many of the people last year.’ She watched him stride away; he was obviously unaware what a striking figure he made, or that both gentlemen and ladies stepped aside to clear his path without him needing to ask.

  *

  Lizzy gently touched her husband’s arm. ‘Fitzwilliam, you must smile, your forbidding express
ion is not acceptable at such a happy occasion.’ She had expected him to smile and relax his rigid stance, but instead he looked even more fierce. ‘What is it? Surely you do not think Wickham would be so foolish as to come here today?’

  ‘I cannot get the thought from my head; I should be outside making sure. I have two of my men on alert, but I could hardly inform the rest of my staff as they have no notion why he is forbidden to visit.’

  ‘Look, Major Brownstone is approaching and he looks equally grim.’

  ‘Darcy, I’m going to wait outside. I give you my word he will not get past me.’

  ‘Major, remember that if you do anything extraordinary it will be the talk of the county by this evening.’

  ‘I understand that perfectly, Mrs Darcy. I have no intention of running him through, however tempted I might be. There will be the minimum of fuss and no scandal at all.’

  ‘In which case, sir, I thank you for your help. Now, Fitzwilliam, you can relax and greet the guests without putting them off their breakfast with your scowl.’

  Finally he smiled, just in time, as the first arrivals were being ushered through the doors at that very moment. The major strode off and she tried to push away the sense of foreboding she had woken with this morning. Georgiana’s future husband was a capable man, a military man, and would make sure nothing untoward took place to spoil her sister’s wedding day.

  *

  Jonathan had never met Wickham, but he knew the Rawlings family by sight and had a pretty good description of the man he sought. Hopefully this would be sufficient to avoid him accosting a total stranger.

  He could hardly stand around in the turning circle, he was too conspicuous in his uniform, so he had better stride about the place as if he needed fresh air or to blow a cloud. Perhaps he could lurk on the terrace and still be able to see the occupants of the coaches and carriages as they trundled down the drive.

  From his vantage point, at the extreme corner of the flagstone terrace, he was able to see well enough without being observed himself. The first carriage contained the Garfields, he recognised Miss Emily who was sitting on the side of the vehicle nearest to him.

  The next two were occupied by families he did not know, but the following coaches contained the family he sought. Time to make himself visible. He wouldn’t know if Wickham was within one of the vehicles until the occupants descended.

  His instinct was to move directly to the turning circle, but he thought it might be better to stroll across as if he was there by happenstance. He nodded and smiled at the ladies and gentlemen, all dressed in their finest, who were moving towards the open double doors and into the house. He stiffened as a man in riding clothes appeared at his shoulder.

  ‘Major Brownstone, I am Ingram, steward at Pemberley. If the bastard is within either coach, we should be able to bundle him away before he sets foot inside.’

  ‘Good man. I’m relieved you are here as I have been having doubts about my ability to distinguish him from the others. There seem to be an inordinate number of gentlemen in the second vehicle – I fear that Sir John has brought more than one uninvited guest with him.’ This second carriage had to wait until the first had moved away which meant, with luck, that the ladies of the party would already be inside before there was any unpleasantness.

  He nodded and smiled at Lady Rawlings as she and her daughters fluttered past. Sir John hesitated when he saw them both and then stepped over in their direction.

  ‘This looks like a reception party, gentlemen. Did you wish to speak to me or is it my son and his friends you are waiting for?’

  For a moment they were hidden from the second coach by the first one moving off. ‘Sir John, is Wickham with your party?’ The man nodded. ‘I fear he is not welcome here and we have been sent to make sure he does not set foot in the house. He and Darcy have unsettled business between them. If they were to meet there will be violence.’

  Sir John nodded. ‘I don’t take to the fellow, but my son would include him and his other cronies. I shall wait with you, there is less likely to be trouble if I am here as well.’

  Two well-drilled footmen stepped forward to open the carriage door and let down the steps. First to emerge was Peter Rawlings and his habitual sneer slipped when he saw there was a reception committee.

  Before he could warn the others his father grabbed his son’s elbow and hissed something into his ear that Jonathan could not follow. Immediately Rawlings dashed away, not giving a second thought to those he had invited to accompany him.

  ‘It will be better to refuse entry to all three of them, not draw attention to Wickham,’ Jonathan said.

  ‘Good idea, Major Brownstone,’ Sir John replied. ‘I should not have let my wife persuade me to include them as I knew they had not been invited.’

  Jonathan moved swiftly to the carriage door and kicked the steps back before the occupants could emerge. His bulk filled the door and prevented them from escaping. Ingram was now standing with his back to the other door making sure they did not exit that way.

  ‘Gentlemen, I fear there has been a misunderstanding. This is a private affair and by invitation only. The carriage will return you to Carstairs House immediately. I apologise for the inconvenience, but I’m sure that you understand why you cannot attend this wedding breakfast.’

  Two of the young men shrugged and settled back without a murmur but the third, a handsome, hard-faced, older individual was not so easily placated. ‘I am a member of this family, my wife is sister to Mrs Darcy and this embargo does not apply to me.’

  Without a second thought Jonathan reached in and grasped Wickham by his cravat and twisted it hard. ‘You are not welcome here, and neither is your wife. She will be departing Pemberley immediately. Come here again and I will not be answerable for my actions.’

  He turned the cloth again and his captive turned a satisfying shade of beetroot. Then as he released his hold, Jonathan shoved him, and Wickham sprawled in a heap on the floor of the carriage.

  The bastard’s face contorted with rage. ‘No one treats me like this and gets away with it. You will live to regret your actions today, be very sure of this.’

  Jonathan slammed the door and gestured to the driver to move away. He should not have laid hands on Wickham, the plan had been to prevent him from entering – no more than that. He shrugged, the man was of no consequence, his duty was done and he could return to the celebration confident there would be no unpleasantness to spoil the day.

  Sir John followed him in. ‘Do not fear, sir, I shall send Wickham packing on my return. He will not be welcome at Carstairs House again.’

  ‘Mrs Wickham is to leave here directly after the breakfast, she is to borrow the Bennet coach for her journey. How did her husband arrive at your establishment?’

  ‘My son collected him from the coaching inn at Bakewell, he has been with us for two days and my daughters and Lady Rawlings are besotted with him, but he set my teeth on edge. I don’t take to a man who smiles too much.’

  ‘Might I suggest, Sir John, that this remains between us? Hopefully your son will have the sense to keep quiet as well – after all, he should have known better than to invite his friends to a private event.’

  ‘I shall have a word with him immediately, he has been indulged by his mother and I have turned a blind eye to his foibles. This stops today. Excuse me, major, I must find him before he causes more problems.’

  The confrontation with Wickham had taken little time, the coaches waiting behind to disgorge their passengers would scarcely have been aware that anything untoward had taken place. He looked towards Darcy and nodded, pleased to see his future brother-in-law respond with a smile.

  The guests did not dally in the spacious, but cold, entrance hall, but were immediately guided to an anteroom where they could remove their outer garments before joining the throng in the Great Hall. He headed for this chamber, eagerly anticipating spending time with Georgiana who looked ravissante in her finery.

  He paused in the
double doorway to scan the crowds and was immediately aware there was something not quite right. He was used to being stared at, he was a tall man with a shock of conker-coloured hair, and when wearing his uniform he could not fail to be the centre of attention.

  However, the surreptitious glances he was getting were different from the usual. Then Georgiana saw him and with a slight flick of her hand indicated he should retire and that she would join him. He had a horrible suspicion that Rawlings had been spreading gossip – and blackening his name.

  He retreated and made his way to the large anteroom in which he and Georgiana had met before.

  Chapter Ten

  Georgiana saw Lydia approaching her with Rawlings in tow. These were the last two people she wished to converse with on such a happy occasion.

  ‘Mrs Wickham, Mr Rawlings, how can I be of assistance?’

  ‘Mr Rawlings has had the most unpleasant experience and it is your fault, Miss Darcy. Major Brownstone has caused him a great deal of embarrassment by his behaviour.’

  ‘I cannot imagine why you think that anything the major has done is in any way my concern.’ Georgiana stared frostily at Rawlings. ‘Neither is it any of my concern whether Mr Rawlings has been embarrassed or not.’

  The gentleman in question glared at her with such venom that for a moment she was quite disconcerted, then she rallied – after all he was no threat to her for she had Jonathan to protect her.

  Lydia was not to be deterred. ‘My dear Wickham and two of Mr Rawlings’ closest friends intended to call in to pay their respects to the bride and groom – no more than that – I can assure you. However, your Major Brownstone took it into his head to assault my husband and refused to let any of them come in.’