Christmas at Pemberley (39 page)

“It's all well, my girl,” her mother coaxed. “Letting one's child go is never easy,” she whispered hoarsely. “Come, let us sit.”And in a rare understanding, very much as she must've done when Elizabeth was a small child, Mrs. Bennet caught Elizabeth's hand and led her daughter to the table. “Let us refresh your tea.” And just like that small child, Elizabeth allowed her mother to tend to her.

Darcy watched the woman he'd never respected give Elizabeth a loving dose of maternal care, and in that moment, he ached for his own mother's touch. Mrs. Bennet won his devotion with that simple gesture. “Your visit has surprised Mrs. Darcy,” he said. “And I thank you for making the journey from Hertfordshire.”

“Well, we would've come before if Mr. Bennet would have agreed to the trip, but the man prefers his study,” Mrs. Bennet said vituperatively.

“You've no more concerns about that matter, Mrs. Bennet,” her husband teased. “Now that I've seen Mr. Darcy's library, I'll return to Pemberley more times than my son may care to entertain me.”

Darcy didn't understand Mr. Bennet's indolent defense in dealing with his family, but he'd developed a fondness for the man. Mr. Bennet possessed a quick mind and a biting wit: two characteristics that Darcy admired in Elizabeth. “Pemberley's door is open to you at all times, Father Bennet. No invitation is needed.” He shot a quick glance at his aunt, but, miraculously, Her Ladyship offered no comment.

“So, once again,” Edward said, leaning forward, “tell us what happened at the Prestwick's inn.You have piqued my interest, Cousin.”

Another glance to Elizabeth displayed her uncomfortable stance, and it occurred to Darcy that his tale might embarrass her before his aunt, but the others would find Elizabeth's courage remarkable. He wouldn't allow Lady Catherine's opinions to define his marriage. With a pause to draw Elizabeth's attention, he began his tale of ice, of overcrowding, of community, of a couple denied a room and then facing the impossible, and of his incomparable wife who brought order from chaos.

“I cannot imagine sharing my room with complete strangers,” Caroline said censoriously. “What a quaint concept. Very far from Mayfair.”

“Sir Jonathan and Mr. Horvak shared a room,” Bingley reminded her.

“But they held a previous acquaintance,” Caroline insisted. “A stranger.” She shivered in disgust. “How did you know the Josephs weren't thieves?”

Darcy eyed Bingley's sister with renewed displeasure. “As we were all unable to travel because of the weather, a thief would've had difficulty escaping,” he said flatly. “Besides, the man holds a living outside Stoke-upon-Trent.”

“And they named the child after my cousin?” Edward taunted. “If I were you, Mrs. Darcy, I would demand satisfaction.You did all the work, and Darcy took the credit.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “I'm certain it would have done the boy irreparable harm had the Josephs named him ‘Elizabeth.'”

“Or made him a world-class pugilist,” the colonel observed.

“Or that,” Elizabeth responded.

Georgiana stood and acknowledged the others about the table. “If you would excuse Kitty and me, we'll make a brief trip into Lambton.”

Darcy frowned. “What's so important, Georgiana? Would not your time be better spent in helping the others hang the holly?”

“Mrs. Foxmour, Fitzwilliam. She lost her long battle with her illness. Kitty and Mr. Winkler aided the family in the lady's last hours. I thought it best that Pemberley is represented at the service,” she said. “I'll not be long. Mr. Winkler arranged an early service because of Christmas Eve.”

Darcy stood. “I'll go.You remain with our guests.”

“But you have just spent hours on the road,” his sister protested.

Elizabeth caught his eye and gave a slight shake of her head. “Allow Georgiana and Kitty to handle it, Mr. Darcy. There are more than enough hands to decorate the house, and our sisters have
performed admirably. You might call on the Foxmours later today.”

Darcy swallowed his need to control every estate detail. “Of course, Georgiana and Kitty are quite capable. Please inform Mr. Foxmour of my intent to call on his family before this evening's service.” Georgiana nodded, and she and Kitty slipped from the room.

“Do you wish for me to accompany them?” Edward asked.

Darcy sighed in defeat. “My sister and Miss Catherine are no longer green girls. They'll represent Pemberley properly.” It hurt him to let Georgiana become a woman; he would miss the young girl he'd raised after their parents' deaths.

Elizabeth sighed also. “Fitzwilliam, I suspect we should change our clothes and then see to turning Pemberley green with holly.”

Darcy nodded his agreement. Turning to his butler, he said, “Have we found a Yule log, Mr. Nathan?”

“It's in the kitchen waiting for Mrs. Reynolds's orders.”

“Then tell the good lady to bring on the troops. I expect Pemberley to glisten with the Christmastide spirit.”

“Mr. Darcy, you be honoring me family, Sir.” Mr. Foxmour led Darcy to a place close to the hearth. Discussing the late lady's exemplary life, several of his other tenants stood about the room. Darcy had accepted their reverence as part of his way of life.

“I apologize for missing the service. Mrs. Darcy and I were stranded in the North because of the weather.”

Foxmour nodded his acceptance with a quick jerk of his head. “Miss Darcy be sayin' so, Sir. She and Mrs. Darcy's sister be treatin' me family well. Miss Catherine taught me wee ones to draw, and she be sendin' a fine dress for me mother for the buryin'.”

Darcy hadn't known those specifics, but he had no objection to his family interjecting themselves into his cottagers' lives. He was in a battle to save his estate. The city's draw had taken renters away, and he appreciated any “debt” which kept a family on the land.

“I'll not keep you, Foxmour. I wanted to pay my respects and to see if you needed anything.”

“We be fine, Sir. Me wife has seen to me mother's things.”

Darcy accepted the man's reassurances. It was a matter of pride on Foxmour's part. “If something arises, please call on me at the main house.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

He had left the decorations to his guests and his staff and had retreated to his study to review newly arrived correspondence and to escape the inevitable confrontation with his aunt. He had addressed a letter to his solicitor and another to his steward, Mr. Lynden, before the room's door opened and his cousin slipped in and slid into the chair across from Darcy.

“I'm busy, Edward,” he murmured without looking up from the instructions he was writing.

“And I'm the cousin with whom you've shared everything since we were boys,” the colonel argued as he propped his booted feet on the corner of Darcy's desk.

Darcy placed the pen to the side. “Then tell me what the hell Her Ladyship is doing at Pemberley,” Darcy grumbled.

“I wish I knew. She swears the weather left her no choice, but before Her Ladyship left Matlock, Lady Catherine sent word to the Collinses to meet her at Pemberley.”

“I thought the Collinses traveled with her.”

“They will return to Kent in the second coach, but Mr.Winkler brought them to Pemberley when the Collinses arrived on the mail coach in Lambton.”

Darcy growled, “Damn! I swear if our aunt ruins the Christmastide for Elizabeth…” Before the colonel could respond, a tap on the door took their attention. “Enter!” Darcy called.

The door opened to a hesitant Lieutenant Southland. “Excuse me, Colonel.” The man bowed. “Mr. Nathan told me where I
might find you. Will you and Mr. Darcy allow me a moment of your time, Sir?”

Edward shot a quick glance at Darcy, who reluctantly agreed. “Come in, Southland.”

“Thank you, Sir.” The lieutenant quickly closed the door and came forward to stand politely beside the imposing desk.

“What may we do for you, Southland?” Darcy's eyebrow rose in amusement. He gestured the man to a chair, one of the lessons he'd learned from his late father—never permit a man the advantage of standing over him.

“I seek your advice, Mr. Darcy, as well as that of the colonel. On a private matter.” Southland had, obviously, added the idea of privacy as an afterthought.

“If it deals with your service, Southland, perhaps we should discuss this at another time.”

“It concerns Miss De Bourgh,” the lieutenant said evenly.

Darcy sat forward with interest. “What of our cousin?”

“I wish to pay my addresses to Miss De Bourgh, and I seek your advice on how to approach Lady Catherine.”

Darcy shot Edward a conspiratorial smile. “This is a speedy arrangement, Southland.” Both men moderated their expressions. “Her Ladyship will question your motives, Lieutenant. Our aunt is quite protective of our cousin.”

The lieutenant stiffened, but his facial expression remained noncommittal. “I expected as much. I possess no title and have only limited connections. Lady Catherine would prefer that her daughter find a more compatible match.”

“You appear to be arguing Her Ladyship's side of the issue,” Edward said wryly. “Trust me, Southland, my aunt will require no assistance in disparaging your suit, and although it is admirable that you anticipate Lady Catherine's objections, your time would be better spent in convincing Her Ladyship of your worth.”

“Why do you not share with the colonel and me the reasons you believe you'd make Anne an acceptable mate?” Darcy coaxed.

This time Southland's discomfort showed. “I'm not certain I can explain—not logically.” The man paused in contemplation. “The colonel will recall that the late Mr. Knight was my father's cousin. I grew up with tales of Rosings Park and of the De Bourghs. I feel as if I have known the family all my life. As if my relationship with Miss De Bourgh is a matter of fate.”

“Her Ladyship will never accept Fate as reason,” Edward declared.

“Absolutely not,” Darcy agreed. “Southland, to win Lady Catherine's approval you must think more ruthlessly. Her Ladyship has functioned admirably in a man's world. Our aunt won't mince words, and you can warrant her ability to poke holes in a weak syllogism.”

The lieutenant shifted uncomfortably. “Then what should I say?”

Edward laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back nonchalantly. “Be brutal. Point out the fact that Anne has never had a suitor and is not likely to ever have one. Present yourself as Anne's last opportunity. Do not hesitate to remind Lady Catherine of Anne's advanced age.”

Southland blustered, “I…I couldn't defame Miss De Bourgh thus. She deserves better than such pettiness.”

Darcy corrected, “Anne deserves a family and a home of her own. She'll never know such happiness unless you're willing to fight for her. Be the swain in our cousin's presence, but with Lady Catherine, treat your suit as a business proposition. What are the advantages of Anne aligning herself with you?”

“Unfortunately, by no fault of hers, Anne has long since lost her bloom. She can recover some of her youth. Her bubbly conversation upon Darcy's arrival this morning proves that.”

“I've never known my cousin to be so animate,” Darcy confirmed.

Edward continued, “Besides providing Anne the opportunity to know marriage, stress your connection to Mr. Knight. Lady Catherine bemoaned her loss when the clergyman passed.”

“Of course, your allegiance to the colonel should serve you well. Her Ladyship will turn to the Earl for advice. I'm assuming,
Edward, that you'd have no qualms in recommending Lieutenant Southland.” Darcy enjoyed this interplay. It had been too long since he and Edward had worked in tandem to solve a problem. Without complex explanations required, they'd always understood each other. It had been Edward who'd first offered compassion and then advice after Elizabeth's initial denial of Darcy's love.