I stepped away from the window and left my guest chamber to seek a private word with Lady Rebecca.
When I entered her room, Lady Rebecca rose from the dressing table and dismissed her abigail. Unlike the last time we met, she appeared hale and wore a flattering gown of fine muslin. I approached her. “Based upon my observation of Darcy over the past two days, I do not believe he will betray his wife with you. So, I have decided to settle for the next best option—we shall set up an apparent seduction this evening. Additional guests have arrived, and the more witnesses to the event, the better.”
Lady Rebecca’s shoulders folded inwards. “Are you determined to go through with this scheme?”
“Yes, of course. One way or another, I shall have my revenge.”
Her head dipped lower. “What do you wish me to do?”
“I shall have a note given to Darcy late this evening indicating that I have urgent business and need to see him alone in my room. I shall admonish Darcy not to tell anyone of this meeting but to come at once. When he arrives, I shall not be here, but you will. My footman will be waiting to let him in. You will offer yourself to my nephew.”
“But he—”
I raised my hand to forestall her. “If he refuses you, then you will kiss him. You must act in haste to take him off guard and be certain to get your lip salve on his skin. When he pulls away, you will scream and tear your nightgown. I shall open the door and raise a rumpus, disturbing everyone in the family wing. When the others arrive, I shall declare to have found the two of you in an embrace and my footman will say the same. You will state that Darcy attacked you.”
“Very well. I shall do as you ask.” Lady Rebecca wrapped her arms around herself and raised her sight to me. “Then you will pay me the money you owe me, I shall leave here, and we shall never meet again.”
“As you wish. Mind you, your performance must be convincing.” I strode from her room. Soon my daughter would be avenged, and I anticipated the look upon Elizabeth’s face when—
“Cathy, what are you doing? This is wrong. You know it is wrong.”
With a harsh gulp, I spun round. Who had spoken? No one had entered the passage. Could I have imagined the voice? That must be the explanation. I secured my grip on my walking stick, willing my racing heart to calm. When I continued on, I kept to a careful, unhurried gait.
Elizabeth
Upon my announcement of the picnic planned for later that day, almost all my relations expressed enthusiasm for the idea. Papa displayed no partiality for the scheme. Still, he agreed to participate.
I sat between Jane and my father at the breakfast table with an incessant grin. My sight flitted around the table, taking in eachface as though to reassure myself of their continued presence. Fitzwilliam had gathered the people most precious to me, and with my heart so full, it could almost burst from my chest. What had I ever done to deserve such a wonderful man?
Fitzwilliam maintained a conversation with Bingley and Richard, but our eyes met across the table, and I sent him an ardent gaze meant to convey my love. I did not impart anything new, yet the sentiment bore repeating.
My sister Jane paused her narrative long enough to munch on a muffin. “And so, I wrote to Papa and mentioned Fitzwilliam’s plan for your birthday in case he might wish to come. To my delight, he arrived at our home three days ago.” Two years earlier, Jane and Charles had moved to an estate in Staffordshire less than forty miles from Pemberley.
I shifted towards my father. “I am grateful you came despite your disinclination to travel.”
“Multiple inducements influenced my decision. Not only do I love a surprise, but I have missed you, Jane, and my grandsons very much. Besides, Pemberley’s library provided an additional enticement.”
“Indeed, my husband’s collection of books could keep you well occupied for years.”
He wagged his forefinger at me. “Do not tempt me, Lizzy. If not for my responsibilities at home, I should be content to remain here and test the veracity of your declaration—and the extent of your husband’s forbearance.”
“Oh, Papa!” A soft chuckle came from me.
In a discourse interspersed with giggles, Georgiana related her sense of misgiving when she needed to devise a plausible excuse for missing my birthday. “Richard came to my aid with the suggestion that I pretend he had several of his military friends staying with us.”
“Ah, I used my husband in my excuse as well.” Jane displayed a sheepish look. “I told Lizzy that Charles had suffered a leg injury which prevented his travel for the next month. Of course, I could not bear to leave him whilst he suffered in pain.”
I turned back to Papa. “Pray, what tidings do you bring from home?”
He sat back and adjusted his spectacles. “Kitty has an admirer. Since young Joshua Lucas returned from university, he has been a frequent caller. Your mother is already planning wedding clothes.”
“My goodness! Does Kitty love him?”
“I should say so. The girl cannot speak a sentence without mentioning his name, and she wears a constant smile.”
“That is delightful news.” Sir William’s eldest son, Mr. Joshua Lucas, had been a dear friend since my childhood. He had grown into an amiable and intelligent gentleman. If he married Kitty, he would make her a kind and responsible husband.
“As for Mary, she remains your mother’s favourite companion and appears to be content with the situation.” Papa stroked his chin.
