CHAPTER 19
THE DARCY HOUSEHOLD AWOKE to the preparations for the evening’s scheduled event. The decorations had transformed the stables and the attached barn into a country assembly hall. Garlands and wreaths hung from the rafters, creating a winter marvel, smelling of aromatic greenery.Although Christmas Day had passed, the community overlooked the still-evident mistletoe balls. They would be put to good use by many of the local tenants and the village girls. Trestle tables held food platters and lemonade bowls. Ale kegs ensured that refreshments would flow freely.
“Good morning, Mr. Nathan,” Darcy said as he strolled through the main hallway. “Is everything in place for this evening?”
“Mrs. Reynolds reports no problems, Sir. I’ll have Thomas move the small desk to the stable entrance after breakfast.”
Darcy smiled with satisfaction. He would continue a tradition begun by his father: Two hours before the celebration started, he would “hold court.” He would listen to disputes and petitions by his tenants and the local shopkeepers. Some asked for small loans; others asked for justice. He would hear all comers and exact reasonableness as he saw fit. He gave some requests credence; others he denied. “Excellent,” he said. “I’ll join Mrs. Darcy in the morning room.”
He strode into breakfast feeling the contentment of having Elizabeth truly happy for a change. Even the stress of Mrs. Joseph’s early delivery and of returning home to an eclectic guest mix hadn’t lessened her sparkle. She’d always risen to the occasion. In reflection, he wondered if he and his staff had erred by giving Elizabeth too much time to recover from her losses. Perhaps, she simply needed to involve herself in life rather than to dwell on death.
“Good morning, Mrs. Darcy.” He caught her hand and brought the back of it to his lips. “I hope you slept well.”
Elizabeth smiled brightly at him. It was part of the flirtatious nature of their relationship. He knew exactly how his wife had slept. Other than the few occasions upon which he had spent a day or two away from the estate on business, Elizabeth had shared his bed since their wedding night. “Exquisitely so, my husband. And you?” she asked coyly.
“Excellent, my dear.” They had made love twice last evening. Once when she had tempted him with her new gown and once after he presented her with the last of her Christmas gifts. Darcy winked at her. “Mr. Nathan reports everything is on schedule.”
“As does Mrs. Reynolds,” his wife informed him. “The good lady and Georgiana organized some of the guests to assist in the decorating. Mrs. Bingley, my father, Mr. Grange, and Mary were of use in achieving tonight’s success.”
“I will express my gratitude,” he assured. A slight movement to his left caught his attention, and Darcy turned his head to find his cousin standing solemnly by the door. “Edward?” He recognized the colonel’s agitation. Darcy prayed his cousin hadn’t had second thoughts: It would break Georgiana’s heart, and Darcy wouldn’t have it. He hadn’t resigned himself to the match, but he wouldn’t stand by idly and see his sister hurt.
“If you’ve had your breakfast, Fitz,” Edward said gravely, “I would speak to you privately.”
Darcy felt Elizabeth tense. “I’ll send a tray to your study,” she said softly.
Darcy offered a curt nod and turned to where his cousin waited. Neither man spoke as they wove their way through the bustling hallways. Not until the door closed solidly behind them did either even breathe. “If you wish to withdraw your suit, Edward,” Darcy began, but an incredulous look from his cousin cut Darcy’s threat short.
“My regard for your sister remains, but you may have second thoughts in giving your approval when you discover my news.” Edward maintained a serious mien.
Darcy gestured to their usual chairs. “Let us discuss your news.”
Edward sighed. “I’ve delivered possible scandal to your doorstep, Cousin. I ask your forgiveness in advance.” Edward sank heavily into his favorite chair.
Darcy took his seat behind the desk and sat forward. “Suppose you start at the beginning.”
For the next few minutes, the colonel explained what had occurred, including the previous night’s delivery.
“From the Regent himself, you say?” Darcy questioned.
“Evidently Prince George trusted no one else,” Edward said. A light tap at the door signaled the arrival of their breakfasts. “I’ll see to the tray; you read the letter.” Edward rose and handed Darcy the refolded missive.
The footman placed the tray on a table and then bowed from the room. “My Goodness—what a tangled web we weave,” Darcy murmured as he set the letter to the side. “The question is what we choose to do next.”
“We have to find what the Regent seeks. If we delay, Prince George will send armed men to Pemberley’s door,” Edward observed.
“That’s just what we need,” Darcy grumbled. “A few more unaccounted-for guests.”
Edward handed Darcy a filled plate. “Can we solve this before Matlock is tainted by association?”
Darcy smiled cynically. “Of course, we can do what is necessary, but I’d prefer not to use force when we have a houseful of ladies.” He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers on his lap.“Obviously, Lady Catherine won’t be happy when she discovers the truth, and she’ll quickly inform the Earl. We need to devise a way to solve the Regent’s dilemma before everything escapes Pemberley’s control.” He tapped his fingers against his chin. “I planned the perfect Christmastide for my wife. Little did I know that God and Country had their own plans.”
Darcy found Southland and Manneville in the billiards room. “May I join you?” he asked as he casually shed his jacket and reached for his favorite cue stick.
“We play for sixpence,” Southland warned as he lined up his next shot.
Darcy smiled easily. “I can afford a half shilling.” He stepped out of their way as the men finished their game. While Southland ran the table, Darcy carefully watched both men. The lieutenant was not a man he would’ve chosen for Anne, but he was pleased that his cousin had found someone, at last. “I didn’t properly welcome you to the family, Southland,” he drawled.
The lieutenant looked up after completing his shot. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I’ll do my best to bring honor to the De Bourgh connection.”
“That won’t be easy,” Manneville taunted.
The man’s attitude set Darcy’s senses on edge. “Why do you say that?” He forced evenness into his tone.
Manneville said matter-of-factly, “Her Ladyship is accustomed to having her own way.”
Darcy’s eyebrow rose in curiosity. “What woman is not?” he asked as a challenge.
Manneville rested his cue stick against his side. “I beg your pardon, Darcy, but your aunt is more formidable than most women.”
“Miss De Bourgh says Her Ladyship has always been resilient. That Lady Catherine needed to complement Sir Lewis’s weaknesses,” Southland defended his future family.
Darcy would prefer to turn the conversation. He would need to speak privately with Southland regarding what to divulge in public, but for now, Darcy needed time to interact with both men. “Lady Catherine hasn’t had the leisure of having a husband to address a man’s world. I have great hopes that Southland can assume some of those responsibilities.”
“Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Darcy.”
Manneville chortled. “Do not flatter Southland, Darcy. He needs to enter this marriage with his eyes fully open.”
“Unlike you, Manneville, I would offer, instead of ominous predictions of Southland’s ultimate failure, my expertise as a landowner. Why do we not give the lieutenant the benefit of our knowledge? You have a large country house. Is that not correct?”
“It is.”
“Then let’s join forces. As part of the Boxing Day celebration, I’ll hear disputes and petitions from the locals who depend on Pemberley for their livelihoods. Why don’t you two join me? With each request, we can point out the merits and the deficits. That way Southland can practice the responsibility without damaging others.”
The lieutenant looked from one man to the other. “Is this a common practice? Hearing disputes?”
Manneville grumbled, “All the time.”
“Then I would appreciate your insights, Mr. Darcy. You too, Manneville,” Southland said excitedly.
Darcy took his turn at the table. Smiling amicably to win over their agreement, he said, “Afterward, we can enjoy the celebration.” He added hastily, “But I’ll swear you both to secrecy: I’ve asked mummers to perform tonight.”
Edward traced a path through the deserted Pemberley hallway. Darcy had distracted Edward’s traveling companions, and the colonel needed to take advantage of the moment. Except for the possibility of being caught, he and his cousin had planned for every contingency. Being discovered would mean that everyone would know what the Prince would prefer to keep secret. Easing the door open, he slid into the dimly lit room. The afternoon’s winter sun had started its descent, but enough light remained for his mission. Shoving away from the door, Edward went in search of something damaging to a person’s reputation.
Kitty had no idea why the colonel had entered Mr. Manneville’s room, but his actions said something was amiss. In the U-shaped wing, she could see into the American’s room from her dressing room. But today the view held a determined-looking colonel. Curiously, she watched Mr. Darcy’s cousin do a thorough search of Manneville’s dresser and traveling chest. “I wonder what he seeks,” she said aloud, but there was no one in the room but her. “What could be so important that the colonel would risk being discovered in an awkward situation?” Standing behind the draped narrow portal, she watched in fascination as the colonel continued to seek a mysterious treasure. He ran his hand under pillows and behind paintings. Evidently, he must have felt her intense gaze because he looked up suddenly.
Kitty tried to jump back, but he’d seen her. The colonel strode to the window and stared directly at her. For a moment, she thought he’d madly storm to her room and demand her secrecy. Instead, he put a finger to his lips as if to shush her and then brought his palms together to plead for her cooperation.
Instantly, Kitty nodded her agreement. The colonel smiled brilliantly and blew her a kiss. She blushed, but gave a small curtsy. He returned to the room, and Kitty caught up her pelisse and headed for her room’s door. She thought, He has a wonderful smile—the kind of smile that could light up a woman’s heart. No wonder Georgiana has fallen for him.
“If you, Gentlemen, will excuse me, I wish to return to the house and freshen my waistcoat,” Manneville announced as he stood and stretched. “I hope you’ve a better understanding of the type of situations you might encounter. At home, I hold such meetings once monthly when I’m in residence at my country house.”
“It’s been enlightening,” Southland agreed.
Darcy took out his pocket watch to check the time. He’d hoped that Edward would’ve made an appearance. They’d planned for his cousin to search the American’s belongings while Darcy distracted the man, but Edward was to come to them when he’d discovered what the Regent sought. However, the colonel hadn’t appeared, and Darcy feared the worst. “You’ve no reason to change,” Darcy assured. “I try to present the image of a country gentleman for these events.”
“That’s kind of you, Darcy, but I’ll still make my way to the main house. I promised Miss Bingley my escort tonight.”
Unable to say anything else to dissuade Manneville, Darcy offered a simple bow and prayed that Edward had completed his task. “I’ve one more petition to hear before I can leave. Please tell Mrs. Darcy I’ll return as soon as possible.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy.”
With some trepidation, Darcy watched the man depart. Reluctantly, he motioned to the footman to allow in the next petitioner. “This will be a simple request,” he explained to Southland. “Mr. Forrest wishes a loan to expand his business.”
“What might the good man do with the money?” the lieutenant inquired.
“That is what we’ll hear.”
He’d have to concoct some sort of explanation for Mrs. Darcy’s sister of his search of Manneville’s room. At least, his presence in the American’s room hadn’t sent the chit into hysterics. She’d actually encouraged him with her nonchalance. “Where to look now?” he grumbled. He didn’t have time to search the suite’s every corner. “I need to think like a conniving blackguard,” he mumbled. Checking the door briefly for security, he said, “I knew the man was too good to be true.”
His eyes searched the shadows. It was too dangerous to light a brace of candles. “Where, oh, where,” he recited as he walked quickly about the room. Then he spotted it: a small box on the wardrobe’s top. Only the box’s edge appeared above the ornate trim that topped the press.
Scooping his find from its hiding place, Edward sat the small, thin box on the bed and lifted the lid. He’d found them: Princess Charlotte’s letters to Captain Hesse. Reaching into the box, Edward removed the incriminating evidence and stuffed the tight bundle under his coat and beneath his arm. “Great,” he sneered as he also secured a locket, a twist of hair, and a miniature of Her Royal Highness. As he searched for other items, a crash outside the door drew his attention. “Damn!” Hurriedly, he replaced the lid and tried to secure the box in its proper place. Then he looked frantically around for an escape.
Thinking it would be pleasurable to tease the colonel about his escapades, Kitty left her chambers, with her pelisse in hand. She still wondered why Mr. Darcy’s cousin had chosen to invade Manneville’s chambers. Evidently, just like her father, Colonel Fitzwilliam thought the American had something to hide.
Deep in thought, she turned the corner, and her heart sank. Manneville topped the stairs. “Mr. Manneville,” she gasped. “I…I didn’t expect…to encounter you, Sir. I thought…I thought you to be with Mr. Darcy.”
The man took a leisurely assessment of her. “I came to freshen my things, Miss Catherine.” He took a step toward her, and Kitty automatically countered with a backward retreat.
From behind him, she noted that the American’s chamber door opened slightly and then quickly closed. “As…as did I.” She would like to avoid the man, but Kitty wouldn’t allow the colonel to be discovered. “Did Mr. Darcy finish his business?” she asked as part of her ruse.
“I believe he speaks to the last petitioner.” Manneville closed the distance between them. “I was wondering, Miss Catherine, if you’ve promised all your dances to the clergyman?” He moved closer still.
Kitty swallowed hard. She desperately wished Georgiana had placed the colonel’s traveling companions in a different wing. She glanced around, hoping that someone else would appear, but she was on her own. “Mr. Winkler would prefer that I save the majority for him.”
“Does Mr. Winkler control you, Miss Catherine?” He had backed her into a corner with his advance. “Why do you not allow me to show you what a man of the world knows?” He leaned closer as if to kiss her.
Kitty turned her head sharply to avoid him. “I’m perfectly content with Mr. Winkler’s knowledge,” she defiantly declared.
Manneville stroked her cheek with his fingertip. “How do you know you do not like molasses if all you’ve ever had is honey?” He caught her chin and turned her face to his. In a heartbeat, his mouth took hers in a demanding kiss of challenge.
Kitty thought this the most disgusting moment of her short life. Even more disgusting than the stale ale on Mr. Denny’s breath when he kissed her under the mistletoe at Aunt Philips’s Christmas dinner. Without considering the consequences, Kitty jerked her knee up and made contact.
With a profane curse, Manneville staggered backward. In doing so, a vase crashed to the floor. “How dare you?” he roared as he caught her wrist and jerked Kitty toward him.
Kitty whimpered from the shock of his rage, but she fought to free herself. “Let me go,” she cried.
“Remove your hand, Manneville,” Edward’s lethal voice came from their left. They both turned to find the colonel’s unsheathed sword aimed at Manneville’s chest.
The American pointedly released Kitty’s arm, and she scrambled behind the colonel.
“I’ll give my cousin your regrets for the evening.” The colonel barely controlled his ire.
“Why should I withdraw?” Manneville straightened, but pain remained written on his countenance.
The colonel nudged Manneville with the sword. “Because I desire it. If I choose to tell Darcy of your perfidy, you’ll not be accorded even that much compassion,” he warned. “We’ll leave for London at daybreak.”
Manneville snarled, “Is that how it’s to be?”
“That’s exactly how it is.”The colonel gestured with the sword toward the American’s room. “I’ll have a tray sent up.”
Manneville paused when he reached the spot where Kitty still hid behind Colonel Fitzwilliam’s back. “You’re a fascinating possibility, Miss Catherine.”With an abbreviated bow, he turned toward his room.
As soon as the American’s door closed, Kitty caught at the colonel’s arm. “Thank God,” she moaned and leaned into him.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he caught her to him. “Let me take you away from here.”
Kitty’s limp legs actually moved—a fact, which surprised her. “Thank you, Colonel.”
“It’s I who should thank you,” he whispered close to her ear when he turned her toward the stairs. As they slowly descended, he cajoled, “You kept my confidence while fighting off a blighter of the worst kind. I’m in your debt.”
Despite being shaken by the experience, Kitty looked pleadingly at him. “Would you tell me why you searched Mr. Manneville’s quarters?”
The colonel gave his head a slight shake. “I cannot. It’s part of my duty to Country. That’s the most I may share.” They paused on the landing. “Unfortunately, I must ask your forbearance. If we inform the others, scandal could rock Mr. Darcy’s household. I require your silence. You cannot tell anyone of Mr. Manneville’s assault or of my mission.”
“Is it that important, Colonel?”
“Maybe not to you or to me, but very much so to those most high in our government.”
Kitty realized immediately that not only had this man protected her today, but also he paid her a great compliment: He thought her a woman he could trust. She had found family among her sister’s new connections. She smiled in relief. “On these two conditions,” she teased, “shall I give you my oath of silence.”
“Two conditions?” He, too, smiled in an emotional release. “You’re a greedy one.”
Kitty ignored his taunt. “First, you partner me during this festivity’s dances. I do love to dance, and I imagine you are very adept.”
“Will Mr. Winkler allow another gentleman the pleasure of your hand tonight?”
She thought of how much of her heart she’d already conceded to the clergyman. “The key word is gentleman,” she rejoined.
The colonel chuckled. “And your second condition, my dear?”
“A lady likes a bit of gossip. You, Sir, have stolen my greatest glory. Give me something worthwhile to replace my lost treasure. Tell me you return Miss Darcy’s affections.”
The colonel’s countenance registered his obvious surprise. “Miss Darcy’s regard? What do you know of my cousin?”
“Only that Georgiana tenderly holds you in her thoughts.”
The colonel barked out a laugh. “Poor Mr.Winkler has no idea what a delightful enigma he has claimed.” He smiled easily. “I’ll ask your forbearance again, Miss Catherine. I wish to speak to the Earl before anyone else knows, but I intend to make Georgiana my wife.”
Kitty squealed. “Oh, I knew it!” Impulsively, she hugged him. “Next to my own marriage, this shall be one that most thoroughly pleases me.” With happiness restored, she took his arm again. “This second secret may not be of national importance, but I much prefer it to the first.”
With a signal to those in wait, Darcy stepped to the temporary platform constructed at one end of the large open area. Everything had been removed and scrubbed clean. His staff had outperformed themselves. His wife and family had taken their places on the benches arranged across the front of the open area, and he was ready to begin this annual celebration. His cousin had seen to the only impediment: Mr. Manneville. The colonel had placed two footmen, with orders to guard the American’s room, outside Manneville’s door. “Good evening,” he said loudly, and everyone quieted immediately. “Mrs. Darcy and I wish to welcome you to Pemberley. We’ll begin tonight’s festivities with a special performance.” He gestured to his left. “So let us begin.” Darcy returned to the benches to sit beside Elizabeth. Capturing her hand, he brought it to his lap. “This should be entertaining.”
She returned his whisper. “I cannot believe you went to all this trouble.”
“I wanted this to be a Christmastide like no other.”
Elizabeth squeezed his hand. “Do you not think you have succeeded, my husband?”
Darcy chuckled. “I suppose I have.”
“Our tale tonight begins with Saint George,” one of the mummers announced. The performer wore a high paper cap and a beribboned jacket. “But he’s not our only hero.”
Thirty minutes later, Darcy’s houseguests and his cottagers cheered for the motley actors. “I never thought to see Marco Polo and Napoleon in a play with Saint George and Admiral Nelson,” Bingley laughed as he leaned toward Darcy. “But somehow it worked.”
“The absurdity should’ve screamed ridiculous, but the juxtaposition was entertaining,” Elizabeth responded.
Darcy looked around to note the musicians’ arrival. “Excuse me,” he said to Bingley. “I’ll have Mr. Nathan pay the performers.” As he stepped away, Miss Bingley shadowed him for several steps before he turned to address her. “Do you require something, Miss Bingley?” She glanced around at his cottagers and unconsciously wrinkled her nose. The gesture made Darcy infinitely glad that he hadn’t chosen her as his wife.
“I was wondering whether to expect Mr. Manneville to join us?”
In concern, Darcy studied her face. He couldn’t divulge what he knew of Manneville, and even though her pretentiousness often displeased him, he wouldn’t have Caroline Bingley injured by the man’s duplicity. He quickly decided to speak privately to Bingley on the morrow regarding his sister’s interest in Manneville. “I understand that Mr. Manneville hasn’t taken well to our good English fare—too foreign for the American’s tastes.”
“After so many days?” she questioned. “It seems most strange.”
“Mayhap it’s that blasted coffee he drinks so much of,” Darcy remarked. “English tea is better for the constitution. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve duties to perform.”
A few minutes later, the musicians tuned their instruments in preparation for the evening’s dancing. “Mrs. Darcy,” he extended his hand to Elizabeth. “Would you do me the honor of the first dance?”
Elizabeth rose to take his hand, but she said,“I would be tolerably pleased, Mr. Darcy.”
His heart leapt with pride. “Am I tolerable enough to tempt you, Madam?” he teased.
“I am of a humor to give consequence to the right gentleman.”
He adored the way she twisted his words from the Meryton assembly. “Then I am blessed, Mrs. Darcy, to have chosen a woman of discriminating tastes.”
“That you are, Mr. Darcy.”
He laughed at her light-hearted manner. That was the Elizabeth with whom he’d fallen in love. At Netherfield, when she argued with him, his Elizabeth’s fine eyes sparkled in challenge, and he’d filled his consciousness exclusively with her countenance’s memory. Several others within his party partnered for this opening set: Mary and Mr. Grange; Anne and Southland; Mr. and Mrs. Bingley; Kitty and Winkler, Georgiana and Edward; and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. His friends and family honored him and his estate with their attendance, and Darcy would fondly remember this moment. Normally, he, Elizabeth, and Georgiana would stay an hour and then depart. The more ale his cottagers drank, the cruder their language, and he’d not expose his ladies to the boisterousness, but perhaps they might stay a bit longer this evening. He was in the mood to dance with his wife.
As he and Elizabeth occupied a position at the floor’s center, a rather loud whisper took hold. “Kiss her.” The chant began on their left and soon spread to those milling about the open space. Darcy looked up to find an elaborate mistletoe wreath about their heads. “What say you, Mrs. Darcy?” He grinned mischievously at her—offering Elizabeth a dare.
Elizabeth lifted her chin, and Darcy bent to kiss her cheek. Immediately, a groan of disapproval arose. “Kiss her,” the chant became louder.
“Will you accept my return, my dear?” He saw immediately how much she was enjoying this mockery. What Elizabeth didn’t realize was that he wanted to kiss her before everyone who mattered to him: to claim her before his world.
“Please, Elizabeth.” Georgiana giggled.
Elizabeth’s voice was honey sweet. “My lips shall make the sacrifice, Mr. Darcy.” She puckered good-naturedly.
Darcy removed two berries from the wreath before he caught her chin and lifted it gently. Her placid taunt faded quickly. Gentlemen didn’t kiss their ladies in public, but he intended to kiss her, to tell the world of his love. Darcy’s mouth touched hers—not a brush of his lips—but a tender acknowledgment of their devotion. Without an audience, the kiss would’ve led to a more intimate encounter, and everyone realized it, especially Elizabeth, who blushed thoroughly. “Very nice,” he murmured as a cheer arose among the onlookers.
Throughout the evening, Darcy noted how often Edward had stolen a kiss from Georgiana. Although he knew his cousin’s suit sincere, the reality caused his heart to lurch uncontrollably. “May I claim the next dance?” he asked as he stepped beside his sister.
“I thought you’d never ask.” Georgiana slid her hand into his, and he placed it on his arm. Before Elizabeth, they’d attended the Tenants’ balls together.
He placed her at the line’s head—a place of honor such as she would always hold in his heart. “I’ve missed you, Sweetheart. I feel you’ve grown up overnight,” he whispered close to her ear before stepping backward to assume his place in the line.
“But I have not, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly. “I’ve suffered all the humiliations of a green girl. Now, I wish to claim a different life.” They’d come together for the dance’s first pass.
As they circled one another, Darcy asked, “And Edward can provide that life?”
“The colonel is what I seek,” Georgiana said with a tilt of defiance to her chin. He recognized it as one of Elizabeth’s traits. Did his sister mimic his wife or was it an innate female trait?
They wove their separate ways through the opposing line.When they came together again, he said, “Elizabeth says you’ll carry our mother’s quintessence into the world, and Edward will nourish that lifeblood in you. I know that’s true, but as your brother, I’m forlorn with the possibility of losing you.”
“You’ll never lose me, Fitzwilliam.Your influence and love have molded me into the person I’ve become.” On the next pass, she added,“As much as I wish to remain at Pemberley forever… ”They parted again, and it was several more dance turns before she could finish. “…a woman must leave behind her parents and her loved ones to join her husband.”
With resignation, Darcy murmured, “At least, Edward means you’re still close.”
