A Spy at Pemberley (4 page)

When they had first been married they had spent every minute together, he had been vigorous in his attentions in the marriage bed. However, since the arrival of the twins things had changed. He no longer spent every night beside her. Sometimes he didn't come to her but remained next door in what had once been her domain.

This wouldn't do. She loved him as much as she had always done and he returned her affection in full measure. No doubt things changed between a married couple once there were children. It was impossible to pay one's husband the same amount of attention as before. In her opinion a mother must always put her offspring first – at least until they were old enough to take care of themselves.

She sniffed and wiped her eyes on her cuff. Fitzwilliam would be horrified at such behaviour but she cared not for such things. At least she wasn't blowing her nose on her sleeve which would be far worse. On the way downstairs she called into her rooms and collected her reticule so she would have her handkerchief to hand if it was needed again.

Jane had her baby on her lap and Lizzy was delighted to see the little girl was looking well. She had roses in her cheeks and was more animated than she'd been for weeks. Georgiana was playing peekaboo with Charlotte and the baby was screeching with joy and clapping her hands.

'I should have brought Fabian and Amanda with me. I love to see the three of them playing together.' She smiled sadly at Jane. 'I wish I was having a child this year like the rest of you.'

'I didn't like to tell you my news, dearest Lizzy, because I know how much you desire to add to your family. I'm sure in God's good time there will be more babies in your nursery as well.'

Georgiana laughed. 'You already have a boy and a girl – it's only fair that we catch up with you before you produce another set of twins.'

'I sincerely hope I don't – I'd much rather have them one at a time. Anyway, I was at a loss at what to tell Peterson and Reynolds about the possible arrival of uninvited guests. They must be aware that Fitzwilliam and Charles have rushed off and must be wondering why they did so.'

'I think it highly unlikely that my brother will actually locate the runaways. Therefore it must be better not to mention any names and possibly start rumours spreading throughout the county. Servants are always the first to hear and the first to spread a juicy titbit of gossip.' Jane handed her baby to Georgiana.

'I've been thinking about your task, Lizzy, and I think the names of this year's eligible young ladies are written somewhere in one of the periodicals.'

'Unfortunately, Jane, this list will only tell us the status and wealth of the family. In order to provide a selection of young ladies for Cousin Hugo I must see for myself that they are suitable.' Lizzy hated having to lie to her sisters but had no choice.

Chapter Four

After a substantial luncheon Darcy was feeling more optimistic about this adventure. 'I think it might be wise to take a turn outside, Bingley, it's possible your sister might only stop here to change the team and not come into the inn.'

'I suspect that you're correct. She'll not wish to be seen.' He tossed his napkin onto the table. 'I'm replete – I've no intention of getting on a horse again until my food has settled.'

Black clouds had rolled in whilst they'd been inside. 'Let's hope the rain holds off for a while. I've no inclination to get drenched on our return journey.' Darcy frowned. 'Perhaps it might be wise to reserve a room for the night just in case the weather turns nasty.'

'I've no intention of being away overnight, my friend, I've not been apart from Jane since we were wed and don't want to set a precedent today.'

There was no point in arguing with Bingley on this point – where his family was concerned he was obdurate and could never be persuaded to change his mind about the smallest thing. It had been far easier to alter his viewpoint in the past.

They strolled around to the stables and selected two mounts for their return journey. 'Our own horses will be sufficiently rested by the time we reach them. You do realise, Bingley, that it will take far longer to return than it did to arrive here. We shall also have covered more than sixty miles.'

His friend nodded. 'No need to risk our necks, we can stick to the lanes even if it takes more time. I expect it will be dark before we even set off at this rate.' He gestured towards the gloomy sky.

'I'm going to book a room for us. Do you honestly believe that Jane would like you to ride through the night in pouring rain just to be with her? Think about it, man, she'll have retired before we could be halfway home.'

As he was about to go inside a travelling chaise turned in through the archway. The blinds were drawn and the horses flecked with sweat. The coachmen shouted for attention and two ostlers hurried across to unharness the exhausted team and replace them with fresh nags.

He exchanged a glance with Bingley and together they strode over. Darcy stepped aside and allowed Bingley to fling open the door of the vehicle.

'Bingley, Darcy, whatever are you doing here? This is none of your concern.' Caroline looked and sounded as she had always done. Sharp-tongued and completely in command.

The gentleman sitting opposite her must be Forsyth. His exact appearance was hard to discern in the dimness of the interior. Was he eloping because he was less than one and twenty years of age?

The shadowy figure at the far side of the carriage scrambled forward and tumbled out. 'Thank God! I'm Forsyth, you must be Caroline's brother.' He looked so pleased to see them Darcy was at a loss to know what was going on.

'I'm Darcy, a word with you, sir.' He indicated that they step away from the carriage where they could converse without being overheard. Bingley jumped into the carriage to talk to his sister.

The young man was tall with a shock of corn-coloured hair. He was certainly an attractive gentleman and he could see why she might have been infatuated with him. 'Forsyth, what madness is this? Nobody in their right mind elopes to Gretna Green.'

'I told Caroline it was a ramshackle thing to do but we could think of no other way. Only after we set out did I consider the repercussions of doing something so foolhardy, but by then it was too late. I was praying that somehow her brother would hear of this venture and come to intervene.'

'Why would your parents feel the need to stop you marrying Miss Bingley? She is a personable young lady and from an excellent family. The fact that she is also an heiress must be in her favour too. Is her age the problem?'

'Not at all – I will reach my majority next month. They object because I've been promised to the daughter of my father's closest friend since I was in leading strings. Eleanor has no more desire to marry me than I do her, but neither her parents nor mine will listen.' He stretched out a hand and was about to grasp Darcy's arm but then thought better of it. 'I love Caroline, we might be considered chalk and cheese, but I knew the moment I set eyes on her she was the one for me.'

'Might I enquire, sir, if you would be prepared to accompany Bingley and myself to my home, Pemberley, and get married in the family chapel once the legal requirements have been settled?'

'That would be ideal. I didn't see the need for such a havey-cavey business, but Caroline decided we must take matters into our own hands as my parents were about to announce my forthcoming nuptials to Eleanor. Why would be in breach of promise if they did so.''

'If we set out immediately your team is changed, and the weather holds off, it's possible we will complete the journey today.' Darcy saw his friend emerge from the carriage looking far happier than he had when he'd got in.

'My word, Darcy, I never thought to live the day when my sister should risk everything for love. She is overwhelmed by your kind offer and would much prefer to marry with her friends and family present than do it over the anvil.'

'Excellent. I'll pay the shot whilst you send for our fresh mounts. You never know, we might get home this evening.' Before he went inside he thought he'd better pay his respects to Caroline. As he reached the chaise she appeared in the doorway and beckoned him over. He'd never seen her look so pretty – her smile was radiant.

'Darcy, I cannot thank you enough for your generous offer to allow Robert and me to stay with you and marry at Pemberley. To have dearest Georgiana and her new husband present will make my day even more special.'

He took her hand and held it for a moment remembering the many years that he'd known her. At one time he'd thought he might even make her an offer – but then he'd met Lizzy and everything had changed.

'I'm delighted to be able to help. I like young Forsyth and believe that you might be happy with him. I'm not sure if we will reach our destination today – but if not, we’ll overnight and arrive first thing tomorrow. Lizzy is expecting you both. Once you have fulfilled the residency requirements you can arrange for the vicar to call the banns.'

Forsyth bounded up behind him and he stepped aside to allow the young man to rejoin his future wife. By the time he'd settled with the landlord Bingley was mounted and his new horse, a rangy chestnut gelding, was waiting for him.

He would have to delay the departure to London until after the wedding – but leaving a few weeks later would hopefully make no difference to his plans.

*

When Lizzy awoke the rain was rattling against the windowpanes. She hoped Fitzwilliam and Charles had had the good sense to stay overnight and had not attempted to return in such foul weather. Her maid had yet to come in with her morning chocolate and sweet rolls so the hour must be early.

As she was now fully awake she might as well rise and begin her morning ablutions. She was quite happy to use the cold water from last night. After stripping off her nightgown she rubbed a little of the rose-scented soap onto her washcloth.

'Good morning, my darling, I thought I heard you stirring.'

Lizzy dropped both items and spun round to see her husband approaching with a wicked glint in his eye. He too was unclothed.

'I'd no idea you had returned last night. I'm so glad to see you. Is Caroline with you?'

His arms encircled her waist and he lifted her from her feet. 'I'll tell you later – I've more interesting things to do at this moment.'

He carried her into the bedchamber she'd just left and tumbled her between the sheets. After a delightful interlude she finally caught her breath and eased herself away from him so she could see his dear face.

'Is she with you? Have you brought Mr Forsyth as well?'

His smile was tender and he smoothed a damp tendril of hair from her cheek before speaking. 'I can answer in the affirmative to both questions. They are to be married in our chapel as soon as we can legally have the banns read. This means we cannot depart for Town before their nuptials have taken place.'

She relaxed into his arms delighted with his reply then sat up abruptly jabbing her elbow into his chest. 'How did our guests find their rooms? What time did you return? Peterson was already locking up when I retired at ten o'clock last night.'

'There's no need to panic, my love, we were able to rouse him and Reynolds conducted Caroline and Forsyth to their apartments. Fortunately we got here before the heavens opened and so avoided a soaking.'

'I can hardly comprehend that you were able to waylay them and also persuade them to come here. Why did you travel in the dark? Surely it would have been better to stay overnight than risk an accident?'

'That was my intention, sweetheart, but Caroline refused. She insisted that they would be recognised and word sent back to Mr Forsyth's family. If Bingley and I hadn't continued as well, she would have arrived here unannounced and I couldn't allow that.'

Lizzy stretched up and kissed him intending this to be no more than a thank you gesture but he took it as licence to begin another enjoyable episode of bedroom sport. When they eventually emerged it was after eight o'clock.

'The babies will be awake now and I always go up to spend time with them.'

He nodded and smiled. 'I didn't know that, but I intend to make it my business to accompany you every morning in future, my love.'

She couldn't help her tart reply. 'You would have known if you remained at my side all night as you had used to and hadn't started sleeping next door on numerous occasions.' She wished her words unspoken when she saw his eyes narrow.

'Where I choose to sleep is my business, my dear, and I believe that I spend far more time in your bed than most husbands.' He stopped. 'Forgive me, I must send a note to the curate asking him to attend me here. I shall see you downstairs in due course.'

He was gone before she could apologise. How could she have been so foolish as to ruin what had started out as such a wonderful day? She couldn't remember the last time they had made love so passionately and now she had offended him.

Spending time with her babies was as pleasurable as always and when she headed for the breakfast parlour her good humour was restored. She was eager to speak to Caroline and be introduced to her future husband.

The sound of laughter and voices echoed from the room – she was tardy and everyone was there before her. She paused at the door and watched unobserved for a few moments. Caroline was a woman transformed. The habitual sneer and supercilious look had gone to be replaced by a smiling happy countenance.

The young man who had brought about this change was a veritable Adonis – small wonder she had fallen in love with him. To Lizzy's surprise he appeared as besotted with Caroline as she was with him. The fact that he was somewhat younger than her made not a jot of difference to either of them.

Fitzwilliam became aware of her presence and looked over. She stiffened expecting him to have remained cross with her. Instead he dropped his cutlery with a clatter and bounded to his feet. In two strides he was next to her and pulled her almost roughly into his arms.

'Darling, I apologise most humbly for my bad temper. Put it down to lack of sleep and overexertion…'

'Fitzwilliam – you must not say such things.' Her cheeks were scarlet thinking they might have been overheard.

His laughter did draw the attention of their guests. 'I was referring to having spent almost a day in the saddle. Come and meet Forsyth.'

He kept his arm around her and guided her forward. Both Caroline and her betrothed were also on their feet. After cordial introductions they all resumed their seats. Her husband collected her breakfast for her as he always did and the remainder of the meal was spent in convivial conversation.

'I hope I may come up to the nursery and meet your children, ma'am?'

'Please call me Lizzy, we stand on no ceremony here.'

Fitzwilliam choked into his napkin and his eyebrows disappeared under his hairline. Pemberley was renowned for its formality and he for being the most formidable of hosts.

Caroline smiled. 'Thank you, that is most kind of you. Do you spend much time with your little ones or leave their upbringing to their nanny?'

For some reason her husband chose to answer this question for her. He was no longer smiling. 'My wife spends an inordinate amount of time with our offspring – if I had not refused they would have their cribs in our bedchamber.'

Their guest chose to ignore the implied criticism. 'How splendid! If Robert and I are fortunate enough to have children of our own I intend to be the most devoted of mamas.'

'I know it's unfashionable to be so involved, but I believe that the more time spent with one's babies the more they thrive.'

She pushed back her chair and nodded to the gentlemen. 'Pray excuse us, Caroline and I are going to the nursery.'

*

Darcy watched them leave and wished he kept his opinion to himself. When Lizzy had eventually agreed to marry him he had been determined not to be a proud and dictatorial husband. Why was he now behaving like his father?