Chapter 8: Winter coming
The Bingleys and the Darcys were equally shocked at finding out Wickham was dead, though it was safe to say Mr. Darcy did not much dwell on it, or suffer immensely. In fact, no one shed tears, but for Kitty and Lydia.
Their shock was much greater, however, when they received news of the youngest sister being pregnant. Though none bore an affinity with Lydia, all had some pity for her in those moments, for her fate seemed most horrid.
Charles wrote to the Bennets to air his grievances and to try to comfort them as best as he could, but in this letter he mentioned Mr. Prowler being "very much sad indeed of the happening and quite shocked himself".
The family thought he was referring to James' pity for them and probably for Kitty, who, he supposed, was suffering and to whom he was attached.
Only Mary and Lydia knew different and many a times Mary tried talking with her sister about it, but never found the opportunity since Kitty and she were inseparable and the youngest sister was keeping a most busy schedule what with her mother's hunt for a husband.
She thought it ridiculous not to be able to talk to her sister, but then again, even if chance came up, she knew she couldn't simply ask her the details. She might suspect and that would not end well.
Kitty in the meantime occupied herself with the garden once a week, tending to her chrysanthemums and helping out her mother.
It was upon such an occasion, that she found herself in front of the house, trimming some bushes when she saw a young person approaching across the meadow.
It was a young woman. She walked fast and briskly, with an air of timidity and irritability which puzzled Kitty.
'Miss Lucas! Good day,' she smiled and bowed. 'What brings you to our humble dwelling?'
Maria Lucas stopped short and made a stiff bow.
'Miss Bennet…' she said bluntly and without warning she slapped Kitty on the cheek hard. Catherine fell back shocked as she touched the red skin which now bore the shape of fingers on it.
'How dare…' she started.
'How dare I?' she asked ironically and threw a letter at Kitty after which she departed in a rush.
Kitty bowed down to get the letter and as she skimmed through it her face lit with joy and mirth. Though her eyes had a mischievous glint she seemed to be good-naturedly happy.
Mary found Lydia sitting in the parlour, examining some ribbons, quite alone and undisturbed. She knocked on the open door and entered quietly.
'Mary! Dear me, you barely go out of that room of yours, this is a surprise!'
'I'm sure it is…I meant to discuss something with you Lydia.'
'Discuss it then, I am occupied but my ears can hear perfectly well,' she replied indifferently.
Mary parted her lips to speak but no sooner did she make this vain effort than Kitty burst into the room, laughing with joy.
'Kitty what is wrong with you?' Lydia asked irritated. 'You are disturbing my peace, now kindly share the news if you have any.'
'Oh, just read this,' she managed to say and put the letter on the small table in front of them.
Both sisters bowed to read it and while one simply started giggling and making ironical innuendos, the other turned serious and looked worriedly at Kitty.
'Oh, amusing indeed, Miss Lucas will be the new spinster of the Shire,' Lydia exclaimed. 'And she needs not go to a nunnery, I am sure her home is the perfect institution for that!'
Mary read the letter again. There was no doubt about it. It was from the Colonel informing Miss Lucas, with sad regrets and guilty thoughts of having made her miserable, that he could no longer, for the sake of his and her happiness, keep the engagement. He hoped though, that she might find a man worthy of her kindness.
There was nothing amusing about this letter, or so Mary thought but she guessed Kitty was much happier that she had caused it rather than that Miss Lucas was now considered an old maid.
'Stop it you two, this is puerile,' Mary ventured to say.
'Oh, well, I suppose now, it is official. The Lucases can start sulking for all I care, since this is the second disappointment from their expected son-in-law,' Kitty replied.
Mary glared at her but remained quiet.
'Oh, but I simply must visit! I must see the looks on their faces whilst still fresh!' Lydia bellowed. 'And you must join me, Kitty!'
'No!' Kitty quickly whispered.
'Why ever not?' Lydia said getting up.
Catherine touched her cheek and turned away.
'If we go we will be expected to comfort Miss Lucas and I abhor complying with such demands…'
'Oh, very well then, I shall go with mama, I simply must hear what they have to say,' Lydia said skipping to her room.
Silence engulfed the parlour.
'What? Why are you looking at me like that?' Kitty asked nonplussed. 'You think I am to be blamed, don't you?'
'…I only wish you could be honest to yourself Catherine. Producing such pain to the Colonel, to Maria…to you, ah, it's all so foolish.'
'Foolish?'
'You are rejoicing in the prospect of him not marrying her, because then he would be available for whenever you changed your mind.'
'Oh, hush, what trifles you speak! Why would I want the Colonel to be single? After all, plenty of married men can allow themselves to offer attentions to young ladies…'
'That's preposterous! It's a terrible way to consider matters…if you had a husband you loved dearly you would want him to flirt with other women?'
'My dear Mary, if I ever had a husband he would never do that to me. It may happen to other ladies, but not I, for I know I must be everything to him.'
'So you would not mind the Colonel paying you attentions even if married?'
'Quite so…why should I? It's his fault only, for having such feelings.'
Mary got up and pulled some strands of hair from her face.
'Do you not care about him at all?' she asked quietly.
'I...you do not understand, it's true I …'
A shrilly and brash voice, followed by loud thumps on the stairs interrupted her. Lydia came down, in very high spirits, trying to tie her bonnet while with the other hand she pulled at her gown which could not hide the curves of her stomach.
'Ah, wretches!' she exclaimed.
'Not even a bit do I care about the Colonel,' Kitty said quickly. 'In fact, I think he's a miserable fool who should tie his fate to a woman past her prime rather than chase nuns.'
Lydia smirked. 'Not to mention, with his small yet considerable fortune, he could probably have in his service a younger maiden for some of …his attentions,' she said.
Kitty blushed and tried to laugh softly, but soured at the thought of such perversity.
'Ah, I would believe him capable of that, stupid man…' she muttered and went upstairs without another word.
'Lydia…' Mary started.
'Oh, I would take you with me, Mary, but I know the Lucases bore you so,' she said indifferently and exited the parlour as she went in search for her mother.
The elder sister sighed and looked at the letter again, then, with little consideration, threw it swiftly in the fire.
When Mary entered her sisters' room, she saw Kitty making her bed, puffing the pillows with anger and pulling at the mattress.
'What has gotten into you?' Mary asked amused.
'Nothing much.'
Mary sat on the other bed and looked out the window, where the wind was blowing hard.
'But Lydia did him justice…he's probably like that, I know he is!'
'The Colonel?'
'Who else? Oh, he must have another lover somewhere…perhaps Derbyshire. A small country girl, with plump breast and red lips!'
'Why do you think so?'
'Why else would he have left like that? He probably couldn't stand it anymore.'
'Yes, he couldn't stand it anymore,' Mary said sternly.
Kitty turned abruptly as if her sister knew something she did not.
They seem to be the only ones who do not notice it…she thought amused.
'He could not stand your impertinent and cold behaviour, when he had tried his utmost to please you.'
'Impertinent? He was an insolent man, not I!'
'Do you realise how ridiculous you are sister, to be jealous of a non-existent mistress of the Colonel's?'
'Non-existent? I should think not,' she said angrily.
'And I am not jealous,' she added. 'In any case, what of it?'
'It proves you have some feelings which you'd be embarrassed to admit.'
'I only feel pity for such a man,' she said flatly and with that went out of the room.
'Oh, Mr. Bennet, the weather is odd for such a time, no rain, no snow, just wind and it's to be December soon!' Mrs. Bennet exclaimed a few days later as they were sitting at dinner.
'My dear, it is quite the perfect weather for me then, for I can conduct my business without inconvenience…' Mr. Bennet muttered sipping from his glass of wine.
'But it's awfully boring…'Lydia said playing with her fork. 'Ah, and this child is tedious and cruel to me…'
'Why do you say so?' Kitty asked curiously, reaching for the bread.
'It makes me feed myself constantly…I'll never have my slim waist again,' she mumbled darkly.
'What shall you ever do…' Mary said sarcastically.
'Oh, Mr. Bennet it's almost December, I had forgotten!' Mrs. Bennet exclaimed all of sudden.
'What of it, dear?' he asked bored.
'Oh, how you tease me so! You know we are soon to be invited at Pemberley! Lizzie promised a grand party and all the family would be reunited, with Jane and Charles as well and now my dear Lydia, with us!' she said looking at her warmly.
'Surely we must go soon,' Lydia added thoughtfully.
'An invitation you say?' Mr. Bennet said chuckling.
'Well, of course, we cannot simply impose this on them, even though it would be normal to visit our children we cannot…if they do not want us to come…' Mrs. Bennet spoke in shy tones as if she were twenty again though Mr. Bennet recognised the slyness in her voice immediately.
'Well then, if only an invitation makes you go, then be happy to have a reason to…impose your stay on them, as you say,' he added, his eyes twinkling.
Mrs. Bennet looked up surprised.
'Mr. Bennet…you do not mean?'
'I'm afraid I did receive an invitation this morning from Lizzie and Mr. Darcy to join them at Pemberley as soon as the first of December. Jane and Mr. Bingley are coming as well…and many other good friends. So there, your wish is fulfilled. This is why you married me, my dear, I can make everything you wish come true and all I need is a terrible headache to accomplish it…'
'Oh, Mr. Bennet, such a tedious man you are! How you made my heart flinch just now!' she said getting up and rushing towards him to give him a kiss, but he simply took the letter from his pocket and gave it to her.
She read it with trembling hands and exclaimed her happiness by praising the handsome aspect of the writing and its contents.
'Oh, girls this is most wonderful! A Christmas in the family, like we used to have, when all of us used to be together, not parted from each other to God knows where,' she said seeming quite flushed. 'Lizzie and Jane and you, sweetest Lydia, ah it shall be marvellous!'
The evening thus passed in happy tones though it is safe to say Kitty was quiet and withdrawn, smiling only complacently at such news.
Lydia laughed and made jokes with her mama and even Mr. Bennet smiled without anger or spite at his youngest daughter, though he mostly indulged himself in playing backgammon with Mary and discussing town affairs with her. Mary thought with joy they no longer seemed odious to her.
The days that followed passed in such turmoil that everyone was busy preparing for the future journey that would be longer and more gruelling than any made before.
Kitty dared not go outside the house, for fear of encountering Maria Lucas and receiving another slap, though she planned to give her a piece of her own mind if that should happen.
She could not help but fret at having to meet the Colonel, for he certainly would be there and she tried to persuade herself Mr. Prowler would be there as well and she would no longer suffer from loneliness and bad company.
'Pitiful of me…' she told herself when she caught herself thinking about the Colonel. 'Mr. Prowler, who loves me truly and is such a good-natured gentleman, will surely make up for all this foolishness…'
Lydia in the meanwhile had grown such an appetite that she needed three plates of the same course to be considered enough for her. She complained of her weight but at night, many a times she used to soothe her fat belly, caressing it softly.
Mary was employing her time as efficient as possible, trying not to consider what a Christmas with the entire family would be like when only Kitty and Lydia seemed more than enough to her. She had heard of Georgiana Darcy and was very curious to meet her, especially since she was a proficient musician, who could produce such happy tunes…unlike her.
On the thirtieth of November, the Bennets set out for Derbyshire, leaving their safe and warm Longbourn once again, all with hopes and wishes concerning the coming winter.
I shall not torment the reader with other frugal and tedious details of their journey, for having Lydia, Catherine and Mrs. Bennet together in one carriage is more than enough to make one understand it could not have been a pleasant trip for Mr. Bennet or Mary. I should only remark that, just like in the previous journeys, each found adequate occupation, though the carriage had to be stopped several times even before exiting Hertfordshire, Lydia always discovering at the last moment that she had forgotten her fan or some ignorant piece of jewellery.
At last, they arrived in Derbyshire on a cold yet dry, late afternoon on the first of December, all tired and irritated, which was the common charm of such a family.
The road to Pemberley estate woke them up from their drowsiness as not even Mr. Bennet could ignore the impressive beauty of such elegant and perfect a haven when they passed the oak forests and the breathtaking lake that guarded the massive estate.
The mansion was perhaps the jewel of jewels, seeing as it seemed a chateau of gothic and romantic stories of past centuries, all buried in the Renaissance paintings of the Halls and drawing rooms, in the ancient books adorning the huge library; even found in the pleasant smell of nature and noblesse surrounding every trifling object there.
Mary was stunned and could not help gaping at such luxuries. Lizzie was lucky indeed. The Bingley estate was splendid, but the Pemberley mansion was beyond words.
Though, she considered she would not like to live there for a long time, for it seemed such a large estate and it would be too much for a small person like her. She did however want to be the possessor of such fine a library.
Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana, who looked charming and sweet in her white apparel, welcomed them with as much cordiality as possible and were happy to announce they were the first to come, so they would be at leisure for a while.
They had few servants and little distress with them as Lizzie had gotten the hang of being a mistress faster than anyone would have suspected. Mrs. Bennet was pleased with her daughter and kissed her warmly, though she still kept most of her attention for Lydia who was found to be the main interest of all the persons there, what with her situation and child in her womb.
Lizzie and Darcy were a degree or two colder to her as they refrained from alluding to the past and simply were pleased to ask her of her condition and give her some words of comfort, assuring her she would have her share of entertainment, even though she was a misfortunate widow.
Lydia did not pay heed to her status and considering herself but a young girl of seventeen, found much fun in acting as if she were to be launched in society on such occasions.
No one minded her however, as they all were in high spirits at having been reunited again. It took more than two solid hours to make them all acquainted with the house and its grounds, but Mr. Darcy promised Mr. Bennet a promenade or an outing to fish on one of those days when the wind would be kinder.
Lizzie too knew that Lydia and Kitty would be restless until they discovered all that the estate had to offer and walks all over the lands surrounding the house would come most useful in the days to follow.
Lydia tried her best to impress Georgiana with the awful story of her deceased husband and with all the sufferance she had undergone, but the young girl seemed unaffected as she had been warned of Lydia before and could not form too favourable an opinion of Wickham's wife.
Kitty and Mary had not much to say to her though the elderly Bennets were very respectful and warm to her, Mr. Bennet considering her a very well behaved young lady, especially since she was of Lydia's age.
Georgiana herself spoke little and looked at the ground when spoken to, most of the time. She only glanced at Mary once or twice out of curiosity but dared do nothing else.
At last, they all settled to dinner on that fair evening, in the imposing dining room which amassed three bright chandeliers, marble and mahogany decorating its lavishing furniture.
Candles burnt softly and a sweet smell of delicious cuisine filled the air as all sat to eat merrily.
Mary noticed that while Lizzie was still her old self, she seemed more composed and less eager to make fun of and irk those she did not agree with. Her husband's demure attitude had served her well.
She was feeling peckish and only Lydia seemed to enjoy the food thoroughly as they all rather talked than ate.
Georgiana, who sat next to her, ate in silence and only smiled politely at her whenever Mary decided to say something bland about the room and weather.
'We are to expect Jane, Caroline and Charles tomorrow, along with Mr. Prowler, they say,' Lizzie told her father.
'Is that so?' Kitty inquired. 'Mr. Prowler is to come tomorrow?'
'I suspect so and I also suspect that news is much to your interest,' Lizzie said smiling slyly.
Kitty blushed and looked away.
'Colonel Fitzwilliam is to come on the third I suppose,' added Darcy warmly. 'I miss a companion like him to save me from my wife's charms.'
Lizzie huffed and threw him an amused look.
'Is he really?' Kitty suddenly asked, but other voices drowned her own and she had to be pleased with the worried glances Mary gave her.
'And is that all of our party?' Mrs. Bennet asked curiously.
'Certainly not, most of our acquaintances will come here for New Year's Eve, to celebrate with us, but for Christmas we shall have only close friends and family, it was my dear Fitzwilliam's wish and I perfectly agree,' added Lizzie warmly.
'Then, are we to expect a Ball on New Year's Eve? Will we really have a feast at Pemberley?' both Lydia and her mother asked.
'I suppose it is according to tradition and I dare say we all would not mind…' Darcy said, addressing Mr. Bennet though he had not said a word of it.
'But then we must have a Ball at Christmas too!' Lydia exclaimed impolitely.
'That is very tedious, Lydia, at Christmas we shall simply reunite and spend our evening with good food and entertainment, or at least I hope it will be so, Mr. Darcy,' Mr. Bennet spoke silently.
'And you are quite right Sir, we shall have it as you please,' he said kindly.
Mrs. Bennet threw her husband an obfuscated look, but said no more. The dinner passed happily and all of them made schemes regarding the way they were to spend their time, though Lizzie reassured them she had prepared everything to their wishes and there would be much to entertain.
When they all retired to bed they could safely see the superiority of the house as the Bennets spent half an hour praising and gaping at the lavish surrounding them.
Mary this time had a room of her own prepared, Lizzie considering she deserved such a nicety for being the eldest single sister. Mary, however, did not appreciate the gesture. It reminded her too much of home, though the room was as large as the Longbourn dining room.
'And what use can I make of such a large room?' she asked herself sadly.
Mary arranged the contents of her luggage neatly and placed her books on small tables and chairs around her. Her own small library had followed her here and she was happy for that at least.
Kitty and Lydia stayed together in a room one floor above Mary's, just as large and beautiful as hers, only that it had two beds and two beating hearts that made it cheerful and full of life.
Mary looked up at the ceiling and she could hear their small feet on the floor, their gregarious laughter and whispered gossip. She could portray how they would both jump in their beds and brush each other's hair.
She wanted none of those things…but she wanted another soul to talk to and she had no one. Suddenly, everything felt cold, but as a true heroine of a tragic novel, she went to the window, to feel the cold sink deeper in her bones.
She hugged herself as she leaned on the curtains and looked onto the dark lands that engulfed her, the room, the house, everything.
A loud knock woke her up from her reverie. She quickly went to the door, but no one was there to be welcomed in.
'I must be hearing things…' she mumbled sleepily.
She sat on her bed and pulled her tight knot from her nape, letting her hair fall carelessly on her shoulders.
The black ebony of her strands spread as a dark waterfall as she watched it fall into stillness once again. Not even one curl adorned her hair; it stood straight and proud, intense in colour and playful in spirit.
She heard another knock. Sighing she got up once again, yet there was no one at her door.
She surveyed her room carefully but she could see no source of such a sound.
Another louder knock made her jump out of her shoes.
'Who is there?' she asked meekly.
'Come here…' a soft voice called her.
Mary looked at her large wardrobe. The sound seemed to be coming from the interior of it, but when she opened it she only found her plain clothes.
'No, here…' the voice called again.
She saw the outline of a small door behind the wardrobe and using all her strength she pushed the piece of furniture out of the way.
And indeed, she had been right. It was a secret door, a secret opening that connected her room with another.
She gently pushed the door open and in front of her she saw an angel in a long, white petticoat, with dark blonde curls falling to her waist.
'Miss Darcy…' she whispered stunned.
Georgiana bowed politely.
'Miss Mary Bennet…you are…I presume…'she said shyly.
They both stared at each other.
'Is that your room, Miss Darcy?' Mary asked at length.
'Georgiana, please, call me Georgiana. Yes, it is my room. You did not know they put you up next to mine?'
'I was not aware of it, no.'
'Well, it seems we are neighbours,' she said smiling.
Mary ventured a soft smile.
'It seems so…though, this small door…I did not notice it.'
'Of course you didn't, no one does unless they know the estate like I do. When you are well accustomed to all its secrets you tend to laugh at such mischievousness. That is what I like best about it, all its secrets,' she said laughing.
Mary now grinned relieved and welcomed her in.
'Oh, no, I know the room too well, come in mine for you do not know it,' she said.
'I hope it's not too impolite of me…but I shall not bother your privacy when wanted, do not fret, I appreciate such a thing, believe me,' Georgiana added.
'Oh, it's no bother at all, you can call in whenever you please,' Mary assured her in a soft voice as she stepped into the other girl's room.
It seemed warmer and not lonely as hers as she noticed two large paintings on the opposite walls.
'Mum and dad…'she said silently.
They both sat on her large bed.
'I must say Miss…Georgiana, I was under the impression you were very withdrawn and did not much like my talking.'
'Oh, I am like that with new people, especially when my brother is there to watch. I simply find myself incapable of opening my mouth. But…it's much more pleasant this way. And I must say I am quite curious. Lizzie has told me you love reading and play the piano.'
'Oh…thank you…I do enjoy reading very much…but I'm afraid I don't play the piano anymore.'
'Why ever not?' Georgiana asked alarmed. 'You have not gone off it, I hope?'
'It is nothing of such kind…but one must be honest to oneself when one has no talent…one should stop trying to prove anything.'
'No talent? I don't believe so…I fell in love with my pianoforte and I thought I had no talent at the beginning too, but even now, I might have no talent at all. I simply worked hard and became better. One shouldn't give up easily. It is not all about talent, it is more about passion.'
Mary looked at her impressed.
'Very wise words indeed, but I really did try…'
'You didn't try hard enough, Mary,' she said addressing her by her first name. 'One of these days you must show me how you play and then I will be the perfect judge of it. We shall practice together, if you like.'
Mary said nothing, only looked down shyly, feeling happy and sad at the same time at such a prospect.
'You are very kind Georgiana…though I must say it is very peculiar how you can trust me so and be so friendly to me when you have barely met me,' she said smiling.
'Oh, it may seem naïve, but it is nothing of the sort. Believe me, I have a special sense about this and I can feel you are a kind, sensible person.'
Mary chuckled. 'You give me too much credit, but let us hope I don't give you any less. If I am kind and sensible then you are quite magnanimous and caring, I should suspect.'
'And you would suspect right. Now, to prove my skill, I shall give you an example. When Lizzie first visited this house, I knew instantly she was the big sister I had always wished for. I also knew she was one of very few, if not the only one who could stand up to my brother.'
Mary nodded amused.
'Well, when I first met Miss Caroline Bingley,' she continued, 'I knew instantly she would end up an old hag with worms for companionship and her own insipid words to listen to.'
Mary knew not if she should be shocked or amused, but without thinking, she burst into a fit of laughter as Georgiana kept repeating "detestable spinster…"
'I suppose she is your favourite,' Mary added mirthfully.
'Indeed, I could not sleep well without knowing she is here with us, entertaining us thoroughly.'
Mary was surprised to find at Georgiana such a sharp tongue and for a moment, she felt not so alone anymore.
They talked of many things, Georgiana spoke of Bath and of her childhood, whilst Mary spoke of her books and crazed mother and sisters.
They both laughed when either mentioned something amusing, they were both serious when one was telling a sadder story and they were both wondering how one could become friends with another so easily and so fast in just one night.
The next morning brought the Bingleys and Caroline as promised and the warm welcomes were repeated though no one could be too kind to Caroline, who seemed to think one was in love with her at a mere 'I hope you are well'.
Georgiana smiled at Mary and whispered "old hag" as she bowed to Caroline, which made Mary stifle a laugh and Kitty look at her strangely.
Mr. Prowler made his appearance later in the afternoon, sporting his own simple yet fast carriage which was praised by Mr. Darcy to be an excellent vehicle.
Everyone was pleased to see him, but for Mary and Lydia. The first instantly stiffened in his presence and watched him suspiciously, whilst the other refused to address him and spent most of the time when he was with them in her room.
When they did encounter each other, Mr. Prowler seemed apologetic and polite, trying to repair his past mistakes, but Lydia simply huffed and paid him no importance.
Mary wondered again and again as they all sat in the drawing room if others knew of what had happened between him and Lydia and was tempted to talk to Mr. Bingley, but decided she would follow such course later on.
James was less eager to please and be jolly however, since it was said his cousin's death had affected him. Mary was sure Charles knew James was related to Wickham but was in a quandary as to the reasons of his secrecy.
Lizzie and Mr. Darcy are certainly ignorant of it, they seem to be simply acquainted with the fellow. Mr. Darcy seems to trust him as he probably values Mr. Bingley's opinion. Jane seems to know nothing as well…If papa and mama suspect something in Mr. Prowler's behaviour it could only be too strong an attachment to my sister. But then…Lydia has said nothing of what happened…not to mama, not to anyone… Does she suspect I told everyone? This is all very confusing... I must speak to Mr. Bingley of it. He and Lydia seem to be the only ones who know.
Mr. Prowler seemed very much pleased with Kitty and their "strong friendship" was rekindled, though the entire party could see the obvious warmer feelings involved.
Kitty seemed to have forgotten about the Colonel and was completely charmed by the young man as they talked and played together. James seemed more reserved, but nothing stopped him to be as good natured as possible to Catherine.
The day went well as Kitty, Lydia and Lizzie all went on a short ride in Mr. Prowler's fine carriage, though the youngest sister had been forced to comply as she could only be reserved and cold with the gentleman. They all were impressed by the simplicity and commodity of the vehicle.
'Yes, carriages make for excellent companions, though I am much more of a horse-lover. I prefer those noble animals to these fine carriages. It is most refreshing and useful to ride horses and my own is one of the best breeds out there. That is not of much importance, but such a beauty makes it all worth while. It is sad we waste our times inside, when we could be admiring the nature that is offered to us,' he added languidly.
'You must be an excellent rider,' Kitty remarked.
'I do not profess to be so…'
'Yet you are lucky, I cannot ride a horse.'
'That is, you haven't tried yet. I can teach you Miss Catherine. In fact one of these days I will take you on a few rides to be able to get the hang of it. Horses are gentle creatures, I am sure you will feel partial to them.'
'I'll have the best teacher I can learn from, I shall be indeed pleased,' she said shyly.
'Well, I hope your sisters will join you, riding should be exercised by all.'
'Oh, Sir, only Lizzie could do so, my sister Lydia is to be with child and Mary cannot even run two miles. Quite sad actually.'
'I believe she is much occupied with other things then,' he added politely. 'Nonetheless, she should practice in any case, she seems ambitious and if she doesn't succeed the humiliation shall teach her well.'
Mary and Georgiana remained at home as they spent some of their afternoon in the large library, searching for books and rare objects Miss Darcy had noticed in some shelves and drawers.
'You are so lucky Georgiana,' Mary said tiredly as they arranged some books on a small table near the window. 'You have all this to yourself, how pleased you must be.'
'Not quite…I'd be much more pleased if I had someone to share them with…would you be that person then, Mary?'
'I would be honoured,' she replied chuckling.
'I am serious, you can take whichever you like, I'm sure brother wouldn't mind at all.'
'I wish I could take them all.'
'Not even you can do that Miss Bennet,' Georgiana said laughing.
The doors of the library opened and Charles came in smiling warmly.
'There you are! We've all been looking for you two. It seems you've decided to make this your hiding place. And quite an excellent one I should say…'
'Yet we were here first,' Georgiana said shyly bowing politely.
'Indeed and I shall not disturb you, I merely wanted to get something,' he said going to the other side of the room, at a far-away desk where some papers lay scattered.
Georgiana made to leave, but Mary looked back at Charles and decided to stay. She wanted to talk to Mr. Bingley and this could be a good chance as they were alone. She nodded to Georgiana, who looking puzzled, nodded back and left the room.
When Mr. Bingley came back he was surprised to find only Mary but he smiled saying he knew Miss Darcy to be quite shy.
'Not quite, Sir, she is very amiable, I should say.'
'I've noticed you have become friends and I am very much pleased, you will be a good influence on her, Miss Bennet.'
'Or the other way round…in any case, there was something I wanted to discuss with you, Mr. Bingley.'
Charles' face became serious.
'Has something occurred?'
'No, nothing alarming, do not fret. I meant to ask you some things about a certain gentleman.'
Mr. Bingley sat down in the armchair near the window, putting his papers aside and Mary seated herself on a stool in front of him.
'Go on, Miss Bennet.'
'Sir, I know of Mr. Prowler's connections,' she said bluntly.
'Ah, so that was the gentleman,' he said sadly.
'Is it true? Is he Mr. Wickham's cousin?'
Charles folded the papers and started fidgeting nervously.
'Where did you hear this account?'
'Lydia told me in one of her letters.'
'Oh…so, there is no use denying it.'
Mary stared at him.
'Then…'
'I shall be frank with you Miss Bennet. James is Wickham's cousin as you well affirm. It is all true. However, the blood relation makes them as different as chalk from cheese. Mr. Prowler has become a renowned and respected lawyer in London, while Wickham…well I should not go on.'
'But then why all this secrecy? If he has nothing to hide…'
'Yet he does. Miss Bennet, only I and Mr. Darcy knew of it. Lydia had to know at some point, but he wanted this to be kept quiet because he did not want to be associated with his cousin. Not after all he did. He would still help him when in trouble, but with the price of Wickham keeping his mouth shut about them being related. After all, James has a reputation to maintain in London. It is no easy business being in his position. He's a top barrister and needs to take care.'
Mary pondered over what was said, but could not be calmed.
'Jane does not know? No one else?'
'Well, to the best of my knowledge, yes, no one else.'
'But why has not Lydia said anything?'
'Your sister and her husband were both informed that would be the price of Mr. Prowler's help. Their keeping quiet that is. If she told you in a letter however, she must have had some reasons.'
'She was very angry and upset in that letter, perhaps she let it slip,' added Mary pensively.
'It might have been…but what letter do you speak of?'
'…Mr. Bingley…Mr. Prowler was injured because of a fight with Mr. Wickham, back in August, is not that right?'
He sighed.
'I'm afraid it is. Or so James told me. He would not however tell me the reason for such a thing. He did tell me that he was very much angry with his cousin and that the fight had begun because of his wife. It seems Lydia was involved somehow, but he would not elaborate. Since then I suppose they broke connections and now…his death had some effect upon him.'
Mary tried to keep still on her stool as she looked attentively at Mr. Bingley's face.
'Did your sister's letter to you bear any information about it?'
'No, she did not say anything about it either, though she told me of the fight and of him being Wickham's cousin,' Mary lied quickly.
She could not understand why she did it, but for some reason she felt she should keep quiet. She now was certain only she and Lydia knew what the cause of the fight had been and for the time being she preferred it that way. She fretted that, should Mr. Bingley know, a scandal would ensue and being it near Christmas she wanted no such thing. She would observe him attentively, she told herself.
'Well, I suppose we could find out from one of them only, though I do not think James would enlighten me upon it, he seems very much against the subject, though I confess I am very curious myself. Wickham's death has closed this matter, however,' he added.
'So it seems…' Mary said bitterly. She did not want to approach Lydia on this matter, but if Mr. Prowler strengthened his attachment to Kitty she would have to act responsibly.
The party now being bigger and merrier, dinner lasted longer than expected that evening. Mr. Prowler and Kitty talked of their ride in the carriage and of their scheme of riding horses as Lizzie told her husband of what they had seen and how well-made the vehicle was.
Caroline surprisingly found pleasure in talking to Lydia and Mrs. Bennet, all three having a competition of seeing who could talk faster and louder. The noise produced was unbearable to Mary or would have been had it not been for Georgiana, who kept her spirits up.
Jane and Charles were trying to entertain Mr. Bennet, but with little success as the poor man had come down with some sort of cold and did not feel up to any conversation.
Mary watched Kitty and James from time to time, but except a certain reserve in his tone that showed he was still "in mourning", there was nothing out of the ordinary.
As she listened to Georgiana talk quietly next to her, to the clutter of cutlery on the plates, even to her mother's brash tone and to the laughter erupting from Kitty's lips once every five minutes, she remembered something.
In that warm and dry atmosphere, in that loud room full of life she remembered Mr. Fowler was but miles away at his estate in Huntington Park. She remembered well what Mrs. Collins had said, what he had said himself.
He was there and she was here. She wondered if he had been invited to stay at Pemberley or to attend the Ball. But more importantly, she wondered why, then and there, she was thinking about someone she knew nothing of and who probably was not thinking of her, right then…and there.