A Spy at Pemberley (3 page)

'Darcy, old fellow, I was coming to see you but it's better that we talk here as neither Jane nor Lizzy will be present.'

What now? He hoped it wasn't bad news about their baby – the thought of them losing their precious daughter made a cold lump form in his stomach.

His friend didn't elaborate but led him through the house to his study. He closed the door firmly behind him. 'It's my sister, Caroline, she's eloped with a damned fortune hunter. I had word by express just now. I should go after her but I cannot leave Jane as she's increasing again and baby Charlotte has only just recovered from a fever.'

'Did you know that both Kitty and Georgiana are also in an interesting condition?' He spoke without thought – and he'd given his word not to mention this to anyone.

'I did know and that's why Jane has gone to see Kitty. You have been involved in this sort of thing twice before, Darcy. I'd not know where to start.' He delved into his pocket and passed over the letter that had given him this disastrous news.

Caroline Bingley had run off with one Robert Forsyth – the youngest son of a baron. They were travelling in a hired carriage and, thank God, she'd had the sense to take her maid with her. Mrs Hurst, Bingley's sister, stated quite clearly the exact routes they would be taking. He looked up from perusing the letter.

'This has come at a most inopportune time. Lizzy and I are going to London in two weeks. She believes it is to find a husband for my cousin, but in fact I have business to undertake for the Prime Minister. You must give me your word you'll not reveal this to Jane or Lizzy.'

Bingley looked even more worried, if that were possible. 'I'll say nothing. Caroline is headed for Gretna Green – she must travel north in order to reach the border. She departed from my townhouse late yesterday and will have had to stop overnight somewhere. You should be able to catch up with her easily.'

'And what do you expect me to do when I find her? Her reputation will be gone – she has no choice but to marry this blackguard or she will be a ruined woman.'

Bingley dropped his head in his hands and Darcy was sorry for his harsh response. He patted his friend on the shoulder. He had no choice. He would have to do what he could – but he didn't intend to do it alone.

'The fact that your wife is increasing and your daughter recently unwell is no reason for you to remain here and leave this matter entirely to me. Bingley, you will come with me. Together we will rescue your sister and do our best to keep the matter from the tabbies.'

'You're right. I'm her brother and protector and I must do my duty. Caroline can come here – even if she is a fallen woman there's nobody to point fingers. As long as there's no bastard born, then she might come out of it unscathed.'

Hearing his friend speak so bluntly was quite shocking. 'I'll explain to Lizzy; you must leave a note for Jane. We'll ride. But I warn you, it's still possible we won't catch up with them. I cannot gallivant all over the country. If we do not waylay them today then they must deal with the repercussions themselves.'

'There's no need to elaborate. As long as we try to find her then I must be content. At least if she is obliged to marry Forsyth, he comes from a decent family. My sister has always been particular in who she befriends so the man must be personable at the least, and move in the same social circles as her.'

Darcy frowned. There was something about this that bothered him. 'Good God! What makes Mrs Hurst think they are going to Scotland to marry? Your sister is able to marry without getting permission from anyone – all they need to do is obtain a special licence and they can be married anywhere.'

'I'd not thought of that. This could be a fool's errand, couldn't it? Caroline has always known her own mind. She will marry the man and then reappear as if nothing has happened.'

'In which case, Bingley, why have you been sent to in a panic demanding that you do something?' Enlightenment dawned. 'There's only one reason why your sister is heading for Scotland – Forsyth must be underage.'

Chapter Three

Lizzy was busy writing a list of tasks to be completed before they moved to London when her husband burst in.

'Caroline Bingley has eloped with a man several years her junior – so young that I believe him to be below the age of consent. They are heading for Gretna Green and Bingley and I are going to make an attempt to prevent them.'

She dropped her pen and jumped to her feet. 'Good gracious! How very unlike Miss Bingley to do something so wild. Of course you should go, my dear, you must do everything you can to prevent her making such a catastrophic error of judgement.'

'I think it to be a futile effort, Lizzy, as the chances of us coming across her are remote. She could be travelling by any one of a dozen routes – but we must make the effort and try to avoid an unpleasant scandal.'

'Shall you be gone for long? Are you taking the carriage and your valet?'

'We are riding and will travel light. It's a good fifty miles to the nearest direct route to Scotland. We know that she is travelling on this so have a chance of stopping her.'

He kissed her briefly and then strode off his mind no doubt already on the search. This morning she had been bemoaning the fact that her life was lacking excitement and now, not only were they to go to London, but Fitzwilliam was off to rescue Caroline.

In her opinion he was chasing a lost cause; for if a lady spent the night with a gentleman without the benefit of clergy their reputation was already gone. Marriage was the only way to rectify the situation. After all, had not her husband persuaded the dreadful Wickham to marry her youngest sister Lydia after they had been living as man and wife for more than a week.

She shuddered as she recalled how that marriage had ended. He had been killed whilst holding Georgiana prisoner in the hope that he could force her to marry his friend. Lydia had been packed off to India with a relative of Georgiana's husband. The last she'd heard was that her sister had already found herself another husband. She hoped this second marriage would be more successful than the first for all their sakes.

Jane was visiting Kitty and would be unaware of the drama unfolding at her home. Charles would have to leave her a note and this would be most unsatisfactory. Her sister must be told in person so Lizzy must go herself to The Old Rectory.

In less than half an hour she was bowling along the lane that led to the village of Bakewell where Kitty lived. This was no more than a short drive and the lane was free of ruts and potholes since her husband and Adam King, Kitty's husband, had set the villagers to repairing it.

She would spend an hour with her sisters and then travel the extra three miles and call in on Georgiana and Jonathan Brownstone. The major had resigned his commission and appeared to be enjoying life as a civilian.

When the carriage rattled to a stop she didn't wait for a servant to open the door but kicked down the steps. Picking up her skirts she dashed to the front door and was unsurprised that it opened as she arrived. Vernon, the butler here, was ever vigilant and would have seen the chaise approaching.

He bowed. 'Welcome, Mrs Darcy. Mrs Bingley and Mrs King are in the drawing room. Shall I announce you?'

'There's no need, I can see myself in.' She was familiar with this house as they had all been obliged to live there whilst Pemberley was being repaired two years ago.

The door was open and she walked straight in. Jane and Kitty were already on their feet. They must have heard her arriving.

'Lizzy, we didn't expect you to come today. Is something amiss?' Kitty ran across and embraced her.

'You look well, my love. Pregnancy obviously agrees with you.'

'It's only if I step into a carriage that I feel so ill – as long as I remain on my own two feet I'm absolutely fine.'

Lizzy turned to Jane. 'How is the nausea? You look less wan today.'

'I'm feeling more the thing, Lizzy dearest, like last time the sickness only afflicts me on waking.'

Kitty gestured to the seat opposite the daybed upon which they had been sitting and reading the latest
Ackermann's Repository
. 'I've already sent for refreshments and they should arrive at any moment. Sit down and tell us why you arrived here so unexpectedly.'

Lizzy explained the circumstances. When she'd finished her tale her sisters were as mystified as she that Caroline Bingley, such a stickler for protocol, had abandoned her principles in this way.

The tray arrived and they were obliged to talk of something else until they were private. It wouldn't do for the servants to hear this piece of gossip – it would be all over the county by suppertime if they did.

'Poor Charles, he will be so shocked by his sister's behaviour,' Jane said as she sipped her coffee. 'Like you, Lizzy, I think it unlikely they'll manage to find them. What I find quite astonishing is that Caroline should fall in love with a man she is obliged to elope with. She is  no longer in her first youth and is certainly what one might refer to as a mature young lady.'

'No doubt we will hear all about it when the gentlemen return. Now, girls, I have some other news to impart.' Lizzy told them about Fitzwilliam wishing her to go to London to find his cousin a wife and they were as astonished by this piece of information as by the previous one.

'The colonel married? I can scarcely believe my ears. I thought him a confirmed bachelor. I cannot think he will make a comfortable husband.' Kitty giggled. 'Mind you, both Georgiana and I married ex-soldiers and couldn't be happier with our choice.'

They talked of this for a further hour and then both Lizzy and Jane took their leave, promising to return very soon.

'I must get back, Lizzy, as you know, I don't like to leave Charlotte for more than an hour or two. Give my love to dearest Georgiana.' They embraced and got into their respective carriages – Jane to return to Pemberley and she to continue to Brook Manor, the estate which Fitzwilliam had given to his sister as a wedding gift.

*

Darcy thundered through the countryside travelling across the fields and jumping hedges and ditches with no thought to his own safety. Bingley, a bruising rider, had no difficulty keeping up the punishing pace.

Their horses were exhausted after three hours of travelling at breakneck speed. They stopped to change to fresh mounts and grab a quick drink and meat pasty.

'We should reach our destination in a couple of hours. With luck your sister and her paramour will not have risen at dawn and should still be en route.' Darcy checked the girth of his rented mount and vaulted into the saddle.

'I'll be dashed glad if we do find them soon. All this galloping about isn't good for a fellow's constitution.'

There was no opportunity for further conversation as they resumed their chase. Neither Bingley nor himself were in their prime and he agreed with his friend's comment.

The coaching inn they intended to wait at was famous for its hospitality and excellent stabling. Darcy tossed the reins of his horse to a waiting ostler. 'Take care of these, we shall need fresh mounts in a while. Make sure they are as good as these two.' He tossed the man a silver sixpence. 'Have any carriages pulled in this morning containing a young lady and even younger gentleman?'

Immediately the man understood why he and Bingley had arrived so precipitously. 'No, sir, nothing so far today. And there ain’t been no one matching that description staying overnight. I reckon you're in good time.'

'My friend and I will be waiting inside – be so good as to send us word if a post-chaise or carriage arrives containing passengers of that ilk.' Darcy tossed him a further coin and the man touched his cap.

The interior of the hostelry was dim, but everywhere looked well-cared for. He had no need to ring the bell on the counter as a tall, elderly gentleman hurried forward to greet them.

'Welcome, sirs, how may I be of assistance?'

'We require a chamber in which to restore ourselves and then a substantial meal. Serve this in a private parlour, if you can.'

The landlord snapped his fingers and a serving maid appeared. 'Betty, show these gentlemen to the empty chamber above the snug. Take hot water and towels to them immediately.'

The girl, little more than a child, curtsied and headed for the staircase in the far corner of the vestibule. Both he and Bingley were obliged to duck their heads as they went in – but apart from that small inconvenience he was well-satisfied with the room he'd been shown to.

The girl scurried off to fetch the water leaving him alone with his friend. 'I think we probably have an hour or two to wait. That's if we've chosen correctly. Your sister, if she is travelling this way, will stop here – if not to take refreshments, then to change the horses.'

'To tell you the truth, Darcy, I'm not sure I actually need to find her. Fond as I am of my sisters, I get on better with them in their absence than I do when we're together. I'll have no option but to take her back to Pemberley and she'll be in high dudgeon and make my life a misery for interfering in hers.'

This was the longest speech Bingley had made in some time and he had yet more to say.

'Jane and I will be obliged to have her stay until the fuss dies down – God knows what we will do if she's with child. I'll have to fetch the erstwhile bridegroom and insist that he does the right thing.' He sank onto a chair and closed his eyes as if wishing to shut out his problems.

Darcy thought for a moment, allowing Bingley to recover his composure. 'Your sister is quite capable of making up her own mind. If she's decided this gentleman is for her, then perhaps instead of blocking her, we should support her in her endeavour to get married?'

Bingley sat up. 'What are you thinking?'

'If we escort the pair of them back to Pemberley then we can have the banns called and arrange for them to be married in the chapel. The marriage would be viewed as more acceptable when people hear about it if it has taken place with friends and family present.'

'I think it might work. It's unlikely anyone would think to look for them in Derbyshire.'

'They will have to reside at Pemberley long enough to claim it as their residence otherwise the banns will have to be called in Forsyth's local church.'

'If Caroline's intended husband is underage then they will have to lie, and that would make the marriage invalid.'

A knock on the door prevented further conversation and two maids staggered in carrying the requisite water. In less than half an hour Darcy was satisfied with his appearance and ready to go down and eat.

*

Georgiana was delighted to see Lizzy as her husband, Jonathan, was away on business until the next day. 'I would much prefer to return to Pemberley when he's away – but I cannot be forever running back home just because I'm lonely.'

'My love, I'm sure that he wouldn't object in the slightest if you were to stay with either Kitty or myself in his absence. Come back with me now. Fitzwilliam and Charles are also away until tomorrow.'

Lizzy quickly explained the drama that had been enacted earlier that day and her sister-in-law was as surprised as Kitty had been at Caroline Bingley's extraordinary behaviour.

'I shall come with you – I wouldn't miss the excitement for all the world. Although I prefer a quiet life, I must own I find domesticity a trifle flat at times.'

'It's a shame that Kitty is unable to travel at the moment or she could come too.'

Georgiana hurried off to ask her maid, Ellie, to pack an overnight bag for them both and to change from her morning gown into something more elaborate.

Soon Lizzy was in the carriage with Georgiana and her maid and returning to Pemberley. 'I'm sure that the gentlemen won't be back before morning. I wonder if they will bring Caroline with them.'

'There must be more to this than we understand, Lizzy, for I cannot believe any family would refuse permission for their son to marry a modest heiress even with the supposed disparity of age.'

'Well, my love, we will have to contain our curiosity until tomorrow when all will be revealed. Jane will be delighted to see you, as will the twins and little Charlotte.'

The remainder of the journey passed in such pleasant conversation that when the vehicle arrived they were both surprised.

'Georgiana, why don't you go directly to see Jane? Ellie can see to your belongings whilst I speak to Reynolds and have two guest chambers made ready in case Fitzwilliam brings the runaways back with him.'

After speaking briefly to the housekeeper Lizzy ran upstairs to check on the well-being of her children. They were, of course, content to be with Nanny and she left them playing with their bricks. She paused at the window at the end of the nursery corridor and stared out at the grounds.

Although Jane hadn't mentioned it, she was almost sure her older sister was increasing too. This meant that she was the only one of the four not be expecting a happy event later in the year. She blinked away tears. There were already two children in the Darcy family – so she must view these new arrivals as her sisters catching up with her.

Why wasn't she having another baby? Had her difficult pregnancy and delivery damaged her internal workings so that she was now unable to conceive? This would be preferable to the conclusion she was coming to, that the lack of another baby was due to the fact that she and Fitzwilliam were no longer as close as they had been.