Chapter 9 An Enlightening Picnic #3
“My concern for Elizabeth prompted the question. I believe your mother may intend to cause her harm, and I hope you are not of the same mind.”
“In the past, my answer might have differed.” She cast her eyes down. “But now, I wish my cousin and his wife all the best.”
“That is good to hear. Darcy and Elizabeth are well suited to each other. Anyone who spends time in their company can see that. Yet from my observation, most marriages are not so felicitous. Women are urged to seek husbands, but many are more content to remain single, provided they have sufficient financial means.”
Her brows knitted, then released. “Yes, I believe you are correct.” Chuckles from the Darcy child drew her sight and engrossed her. Across the way, Mr. Bennet stood holding Bennet’s hand. Based upon what I gleaned from his conversation with Elizabeth, he prepared to take the boy on a stroll.
My attention returned to Miss de Bourgh. Ah, she wanted to accompany them but lacked the courage to approach Mr. Bennet and the child, both almost-strangers to her. She needed a little push. Go ahead and join them. They will welcome you.
In a bustle of movement, Miss de Bourgh set down her plate and glanced at me. “Excuse me, but I want to take a walk.”
“Yes, of course.”
She touched Mrs. Jenkinson’s forearm. “Pray remain here and finish your meal.” The elder lady nodded.
Miss de Bourgh rose, approached Mr. Bennet, and the two exchanged a few words.
She took hold of Bennet’s free hand, and the trio set out together with the collie traipsing after them.
I refilled my plate and tucked into the delicious victuals.
Elizabeth
I twisted at the waist to follow the trio’s progression until the path took them into a copse of trees.
My sight returned to Fitzwilliam. “Do you not think this is an encouraging sign? Your cousin Anne would not choose to walk with Bennet and my father if she shared her mother’s malice towards me, would she? ”
“You need not be concerned. Anne has always been more sensible than her mother. She has reason to resent me, though. I shall apologize to her whilst she is at Pemberley.”
On my left, Georgiana approached and raised a hand to me. “Elizabeth, I should like to walk. Would you accompany me on the path along the stream?”
My gaze veered to my husband. “Our sister has made me an offer I cannot resist. May I leave our guests in your capable hands?”
“Yes, you may.” Fitzwilliam stood and helped me to my feet. He brought his hand to the brim of his hat in a military style. “Like a valiant warrior, I shall shield our guests from my aunt’s oppressive presence.”
A short laugh burst from me. “Better you than me.”
Georgiana took my arm, and we ambled in the direction of the stream.
After a few minutes, I glanced back to ensure our privacy. “We have not had a frank discussion for many weeks. How have you been?”
Her gaze snapped towards me, but she soon looked away. “Oh, I am well.”
Hmm. Something troubled her. But it seemed I needed to ease her into revealing the problem. “The improvement in Cousin Anne is remarkable, is it not? She appears much healthier than before.”
“Yes, I am quite happy for her.” Georgiana’s smile, though, failed to rise above her cheeks.
“Now, my dear sister, you must tell me what is troubling you.”
She released an audible sigh. “I never could fool you.” Her gaze fell towards the ground. “This is difficult to say, and I could not reveal this to anyone else.” Her lower jaw wavered in an open position. “I fear that…I think Richard regrets marrying me.”
No! She must be mistaken. “That cannot be, for I know he loves you deeply. What happened to give you this notion?”
She blinked, and her eyes glistened with tears. “This is so humiliating. You must promise not to tell anyone else.”
My stomach muscles tensed. “I am sorry, but I am not comfortable promising to keep a secret from Fitzwilliam.”
Georgiana pulled on my arm, stopping my forward movement. “But you must agree, for I cannot bear the thought of anyone else knowing this, not even Fitzwilliam—especially not him!”
Oh dear, how could I refuse her? I removed my handkerchief and pressed it into her hand. “Very well, I promise.” I guided her to a nearby log, and we sat together with her hand lodged in mine.
Georgiana wiped her eyes and shuddered. “Everything was wonderful until about a month ago.” A quaver marred her speech. “Richard and Henry had gone to a neighbouring county to view horses for sale.”
Richard and his brother Henry, Viscount Berkeley, had embarked on a joint venture breeding hunters and carriage horses.
“Afterwards, he stopped at Bellwood Hall and spent several hours with his family before returning home. When Richard arrived that evening, he told me that he had not been sleeping well and wished to sleep alone in his bedchamber. That had never happened before. His decision disturbed me, of course, but I assumed it would be a temporary measure.”
“Was it not temporary?”
She shook her head. “Since then, he has slept alone and has never once visited me in my bedchamber.”
How odd. I stroked her hand. “Have you spoken to him on the subject?”
“Yes, a week after this separation began, I asked him why he no longer came to my room. He…he turned away from me and apologized. He said it would be better this way.”
“That was all?” I fought the urge to raise my voice. “He would not tell you more?”
A sob came from her. “The answer is obvious, is it not? There is no other logical explanation—Richard is no longer in love with me.”
“Oh, my dear, that cannot be true. Of course he loves you! Of that, I am certain. He did not hesitate to thwart Lady Catherine when her questions grew ever more intrusive and unwelcome.” My vehement statements did nothing to ease the lines on Georgiana’s constricted forehead.
“He is as considerate and protective of me as ever. Perhaps he loves me as a cousin but not as a wife.” Georgiana paused to wipe away new tears.
“I learnt from Lady Matlock that when Richard dined at Bellwood Hall, his childhood friend Miss Alicia Powell was present. She and her mother had been staying at the house.” She gave me a pointed look.
“What do you conclude from that?”
Her lower lip quaked. “Do you not see? He returned home a changed man. Upon seeing Miss Powell again, maybe he came to understand that she is the woman he truly loves.”
I shook my head. “That sort of speculation will only further distress you. This situation has gone on long enough. You must demand a full explanation from Richard.”
Georgiana shifted upright. “You are correct. I deserve to know the reason for the change in him. I shall talk to him tonight. But what shall I do if he refuses to explain himself?”
What indeed? My foot tapped upon the rocky ground as I scrambled to divine the best possible advice. What would I do in her place? “If that should happen, you shall inform him that until he provides you an answer, you will remain at Pemberley with us.”
“But that sounds so…drastic.”
My arm encircled Georgiana’s shoulder, and I pulled her closer. “This way, Richard will know you are serious. If necessary, a little time without you is certain to make him appreciate you again, and we will be delighted for your company.”
She rested her head against my shoulder. “Thank you. I feel more confident now that I have a plan of action. Either Richard and I shall discuss the matter tonight, or I shall have an extended visit with my beloved brother, sister, and nephew.”
“You are welcome.” I patted her back. “I am certain you and Richard will get through this and be happy again.”
By the time we returned to the picnic, Georgiana had recovered her tranquillity. Rory’s robust barks heralded the return of my father, Bennet, and Anne.
My son broke from the other two and ran to me, clutching a handful of daisies. “Mama, Mama, for you!” He took care to separate one from the bunch and present it to me.
I crouched to accept the offering and held the bloom aloft. “What a beautiful flower, Bennet. Thank you.” I pointed to the others in his hand. “Did you pick one for each of the ladies?”
He responded with several emphatic nods. “Cousin Anne said I should.”
My sight shifted up to Anne, who stood nearby. “What a charming idea!” I rose to my feet, and Bennet proceeded towards Jane and Georgiana, who stood together.
Anne took a tentative step in my direction. She crossed her arms then let them fall at her sides. “I have enjoyed this opportunity to become acquainted with your son and father. They are both charming.”
“As you may assume, I am biased, but Bennet and my father are two of my favourite people, so I heartily agree.”
“I hope to find amity with you as well.” Her gaze met mine for a moment before darting away.
Did she mean that? She appeared to be sincere. Could Lady Catherine have been so wrong about Anne, or had her perspective changed along with her health? At any rate, she awaited my reply. “I am glad to hear it. By the time you leave here, I hope you will consider me a friend.”
“Yes, that would be…lovely.” A transient smile brightened her aspect for a moment.
“Pray accept my apology for my unexpected appearance as well as that of my mother. No doubt she has been a distressing guest for you. It is high time she accepted and embraced your marriage to Darcy. It is obvious to everyone but her how happy he is with you.”
I beamed at her. “Rest assured, I am delighted you are here.”
As a group, we played a few rounds of twenty questions before we returned to the house.
Graham
Mr. Bennet handed Miss Anne de Bourgh into the carriage, and I performed the service for Lady Rebecca. The latter female’s stormy thoughts held my attention throughout the ride despite the amiable discourse that continued between Mr. Bennet and Miss Anne de Bourgh.
Soon enough, Lady Rebecca’s financial difficulties became clear, along with her remorse for ever agreeing to Lady Catherine’s scheme against Elizabeth. She had determined to abandon the intrigue—an excellent decision!
When we alighted from the coach, Lady Rebecca held back, lost in her introspection. She flinched when I approached her, straightened her shoulders, and faced me. “Mr. Graham.”
I inched closer. “Pray excuse my presumption, but you appear to be troubled. If you require any assistance, I am at your service.”
She blinked at me, staring into my eyes. “Thank you. I hate to imagine what you must think of me. My conduct here has been shameful and outrageous. I shall depart Pemberley as soon as may be.”
Ah, that would be for the best—Elizabeth would be relieved to be rid of her. I offered my arm. “Shall we proceed to the house?”
“By all means.” She took my arm, and we walked towards the entrance.
“What are your plans now?”
A soft sigh passed through her lips. “I must put my estate up for sale.”
“That is a shame. Is it not possible to retain the property?”
“No, I do not believe so.” Her chin inched lower.
“The former steward embezzled from the estate and left with the stolen funds. I hired a Bow Street runner to find the reprobate, but he has been unsuccessful.” With a quirk of her mouth, she frowned.
“The property is a short distance from Manchester.” She related her tale further, providing pertinent details with regards to the former steward and the Bow Street investigator.
“Well, despite how dour the situation may seem, I hope everything resolves to your satisfaction.” I parted from her at the stairs and went to the library. I chose a comfortable chair and reposed as I worked out the best way to proceed.
Thirty minutes later, I rapped upon the door to Lady Rebecca’s chamber, and the lady herself answered. Her head tilted, her eyes wide. “Mr Graham.”
I gave her a playful grin. “Pardon me, but I happened to be present when an express rider came with this letter for you. I assured the butler that I should deliver this to you at once.” I passed the correspondence to Lady Rebecca.
Behind her, a maid placed clothing into a portmanteau.
“I bid you farewell and wish you a pleasant journey.” With a bow, I withdrew.
“Thank you, Mr. Graham.” Lady Rebecca closed the door. I retreated a few yards down the passage and waited. By and by, a gleeful shriek came from the lady’s room.
With a soft chuckle, I continued to my guest chamber.
It had taken me no little trouble, but I had directed Mr. Notley, the Bow Street officer hired by Lady Rebecca, to the errant steward’s whereabouts, so he could take the embezzler into custody, along with the remaining ninety-five percent of Lady Rebecca’s stolen funds.
I had indulged my fancy with the delivery of the express, since the arrest would not occur until later today.
Yet I could not resist giving her the happy news now.
Thus, I should ensure that no one involved would be concerned with the timing of the notification.
I stood before the looking glass and smoothed my blond locks, whistling a cheerful tune. What other problems might I solve for the mortals whilst I am here? I should remain alert for other opportunities to make myself useful.
Lady Catherine
My face infused with heat at Lady Rebecca’s announcement. Part of me wanted to rail at her for leaving before she fulfilled her side of the agreement. Yet her presence no longer mattered, for I had already decided to abandon the design.
I waved my hand at her. “Very well, then. You may go.”
Yet Lady Rebecca remained standing near the entrance to my chamber.
Her face twisted into a scowl, and she directed her finger at me.
“You brought me here under false pretences. Mr. Darcy is as content in his marriage as a man can hope to be, and his wife is gracious and charming. The only deceitful and contemptible person in this house is you!” She spun round and left the room, slamming the door behind her.
How dare she! With a shrill cry, I threw my walking stick to the floor. It landed on the padded rug with an unsatisfying thud.
With drooped shoulders and a bowed head, I took slow, laboured steps to the chair nearest the window and collapsed upon it. How had everything gone so wrong? And whatever should I do now?