Christmas at Pemberley (37 page)

“Mr. Darcy.” The Matlock butler hid his surprise as he opened the door to Darcy and Elizabeth. “I was unaware of your arrival, Sir.” He took their wraps and handed them to an equally bewildered footman.

Darcy glanced about the shadowed hallway. “My uncle knew nothing of my visit, Mr. Eldon. Might you inform the Earl and Lady Matlock of our arrival?”

Mr. Eldon stammered, “His… His Lordship and the Countess are at William's Wood, Sir. Lady Lindale has taken to her bed.”

“I see. Then there's no one to receive us?”

“No, Sir. His Lordship released much of the staff to celebrate the opening of Christmastide with their families.”

Darcy frowned. He didn't want to return to the road so soon. “Can you accommodate Mrs. Darcy and me for the evening? We left Harrogate earlier this morning, and Pemberley is still too far for travel after dark. The road conditions are too unpredictable.” He didn't mention the possibility of highwaymen. As the neighboring community had suffered with governmental regulations, a larger number of men had turned to thievery. “A clean bed and a meal will suffice. Mrs. Darcy and I mean to be on the road early in the morning.”

Mr. Eldon bowed. Upper-class English servants always responded with efficiency. “Of course, Sir. Lord Matlock will be sorry he missed you and Mrs. Darcy. Would you care to take your evening meal in the dining room?”

Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and noted her weariness. “We'd be happy with a simple meal in our room. It's been a harrowing journey. There is thick ice in the North.”

Mr. Eldon appeared relieved. “If you'd care to escort Mrs. Darcy to your usual chambers, Sir, I'll send up the maids to turn down the bed and to light the fire. Meanwhile, I will speak to cook about a tray.”

“Might I also request some tea while we wait?” Elizabeth added as she removed her bonnet. “And Mr. Darcy would prefer a decanter of port.”

“Certainly, Mrs. Darcy. I'll see to it immediately, as well as sending word to the stables regarding your carriage.”

“Walk me out,” Thorne whispered as Kitty offered him another sandwich. Everyone, including Lady Catherine, had gathered in the main drawing room to recapture his afternoon to each person's delight.

Kitty's eyes grew in size, but she responded with a simple nod and then moved on to share the plate with others.

“It was a superb afternoon,” Mr. Bingley declared, “and I'm thankful that the colonel had such entertaining foresight.”

“We should be thankful to Lieutenant Southland and Mr. Manneville who took my suggestion and made it a reality,” Edward corrected.

Manneville sipped on his preferred coffee. “The lieutenant deserves the lion's share of the gratitude. He executed the colonel's plans with typical military efficiency,” he said smugly.

Thorne, who had watched the exchange with interest, noted the flick of the colonel's wrist, which stifled the lieutenant's stiffened response. “It has nothing to do with military effectiveness,” Edward corrected. “Southland is an honorable man.” The implication lay clearly between them, but Manneville didn't accept the bait.

Winkler used the slight pause to come quickly to his feet. “I'm afraid that I must return to Lambton.” He bowed to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, your graciousness is commendable.”

“We'll see you for services tomorrow,” the colonel returned the bow. “Thank you for seeing Mrs. Darcy's cousin safely to Pemberley.”

Winkler bowed to the room. “It'll be my pleasure to attend you for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, my day will start with less secular activities. Mr. Foxmour's sent word that the ground has been prepared for his mother. A terrible event for such a glorious day.”

“Celebrating a life is never terrible,” Kitty added from where she stood near the door.

Thorne couldn't hide his affection. “As always, you see the obvious, Miss Catherine—what the rest of us overlooked.”

“Thank you, Kitty.” After a brief pause, Georgiana said conspiratorially, “I understand it shall be a joyous service tomorrow evening, Mr. Winkler. I'm looking forward to it.”

“A bit non-traditional,” Winkler said truthfully. “Few Anglican churches celebrate on Christmas Eve, whereas the Catholics flock to their masses. We'll combine the best of both. There are many practicing Catholics still in the area, so I'll deliver a short sermon, and then the children's choir will share a few hymns. It'll be a simple way of welcoming the Christ child.”

Lady Catherine harrumphed her disapproval, and Mr. Collins thought to vocalize his own objections, but Mr. Bingley said, “It sounds a delightful way to usher in a solemn recognition—much better than wassailing and carousing.”

“I agree,” Edward added. “I never understood why St. Stephen's Day takes precedence.”

“Our celebration was Mrs. Darcy's idea. The lady recognized my desire to involve the village children more in the church service. Mr. Lancaster, my curate, has taken on organizing the group and bringing them together for practice.”

“Calvinism,” Lady Catherine intoned in disapprobation.

Winkler simply inclined his head. “I've neglected my duties long enough.Again, Miss Darcy, I thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment.”

“You'll join us after services on Christmas, Mr. Winkler. I'm certain my brother would insist.”

With a quick glance to Kitty, he said, “I can think of nothing I would enjoy more, Miss Darcy.”

“Stay seated, Miss Darcy. I'll see Mr. Winkler out,” Kitty announced to the room.

Winkler followed Kitty through the main corridor until they reached the top of the staircase; then he caught her hand and pulled her to him.

“Mr. Winkler,” she gasped, but relaxed against him.

“Say my name, Kitty,” he whispered hoarsely.

She leaned closer. “You'll be missed, Thorne,” she said coyly.

“I shouldn't wish my life away, but I'll count the minutes until I see you again.” He kissed her forehead. “It will be your angelic face I seek among the congregation tomorrow.”

“Would it be inappropriate for me to attend Mrs. Foxmour's service?” she asked.

He advised, “Take your cue from Miss Darcy. She'll know her family's wishes.”

Kitty silently agreed. “I should return to the drawing room,” she said reluctantly. Impulsively, she touched his cheek. “You're such a good man, and I'm in awe that you believe me a proper mate.”

“You're more than that, Catherine. I cannot speak everything in my heart without overwhelming you with my desires, and you need time to know your own feelings before we commit ourselves to one another.”

Kitty swallowed hard before saying, “It's so much so soon.”

“I know,” Thorne said reassuringly. “But you must take your time. Marriage is forever. Being apart until tomorrow may be for the best. Without my presence, you'll have time to consider what I ask of you. I'll never be rich, Catherine—not like what Manneville or others can offer you. All I can promise is my complete devotion and a life of comfort.”

“I don't want Mr. Manneville,” she protested.

Thorne smiled happily. “I needed to hear your denial, and I thank you for it. I don't like to leave you in this house with that man.”

“There are many to protect me, and I'll make an effort to avoid Mr. Manneville. He and the colonel shall leave for London soon.”

“Not soon enough for my taste,”Thorne grumbled.

“We'll be at Pemberley in time for a late breakfast,” Darcy told her as Elizabeth brushed her hair. The Earl's staff had done an admirable job of meeting their needs on such short notice.

“At the moment, all I care about is a full night's sleep.” She had relaxed in a tub of hot water and now languidly prepared for bed.

Darcy thought of those who waited for them. “Yet, being home will be exhilarating, will it not?”

“It shall.” She smiled with a stir of regret. “However, I wouldn't mind a week with my husband in quiet solitude.”

A flicker of alarm caused him to avoid her eyes. “As delightful as that sounds, we must first see to our Twelfth Night duties.”

“Afterward, you promise to sequester us away for an extended holiday?” she pleaded.

“If that's your wish, Elizabeth, then I'll make it so.”

Elizabeth shrugged away her embarrassment. “It's not as if we don't possess enough quiet at Pemberley. It's just as I acknowledged at Harrogate: the only thing I need to make me happy is you.” She stood and walked into his welcoming embrace.

AS HE HAD PREDICTED, Darcy's coach rolled past the Pemberley gatehouse just before breakfast. Elizabeth, as if she knew what awaited her, had awakened with the dawn and had insisted that they leave immediately. “Do you believe Georgiana is awake?” she had asked anxiously as they stared at the familiar landscape.

“I hope so,” Darcy said flatly, wondering again if the Bennets had arrived safely.

“So do I,” Elizabeth said softly. “I've missed her terribly. You've no idea, Fitzwilliam, how thankful I am to share Pemberley with Georgiana.”

“Last evening you spoke of wanting solitude,” he teased.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy,” she warned. “Do not twist my words. I'm a woman and can change my mind on a whim.”

Darcy chuckled. “So you may, my love.”

They both turned to behold the first appearance of Pemberley Woods as the sun danced across the bare branches in spring's promise rather than winter's demise. “I never cease to feel awe at moments such as this,” Elizabeth whispered.

They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of the valley, into which the road, with some abruptness, wound. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on high ground, and backed up a ridge of high
woody hills; and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. There was never a house for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. “Our child's heritage,” Darcy murmured from beside her.

Elizabeth's hand automatically splayed against her stomach's swell. “The master of Pemberley.” Her other hand reached for Darcy's. Never taking her eyes from the imposing structure, she interlaced her fingers with his and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

Darcy brought her ungloved knuckles to his lips. He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “I know you sometimes feel everything's out of your control, but you must trust in God and trust your heart. Only your own doubts limit your abilities, Elizabeth.”