Christmas at Pemberley (36 page)

“Thank you for joining me, Miss De Bourgh,” Roman said as he braced her balance with his arm.

Anne laughed nervously as she watched her footing. “You may be sorry, Lieutenant. I haven't skated since I was a child. I may take you with me when I fall.”

He leaned a bit closer and tightened his hold. “I could never be sorry for your company, Miss De Bourgh, and you'll not fall. I refuse to consider the possibility.”

Anne smiled in surprise. “You're a most unusual gentleman, Lieutenant. I fear I don't know what to expect with you.”They slid to a wobbly stop near one of the small benches encircling the icy surface. “May we sit for a moment while I adjust my skating blade?”

Roman smiled agreeably. “As long as you agree to return to the ice with me.”

Anne allowed him to assist her. “These metal blades are so much faster than I remember my old skates being.”

He seated himself beside her and turned where he might watch the other skaters. It would not do to see the lady's ankles. “Has it truly been so long since you've partaken of the sport?”

“As you well know, Kent's climate is warmer. Chances to skate are less frequent there, and even when in London, Her Ladyship would never condone my joining those skating on the Thames or on smaller ponds. The last skates I owned were wooden ones with thick iron runners.”

“Were they not terrible?” he said with a laugh.

Anne said quietly, “For me, they were freedom. They were happy times with my father.”

“You miss Sir Lewis very much.”

“I do—sometimes more than I can express. Life was easier when Papa was with us. Her Ladyship had someone upon whom to depend. My mother did all she does now, but Papa was there, and she didn't have to be so visible. People considered my father the consummate landowner.”

Roman nodded his understanding. “I see such situations often among the officers' wives. It sounds as if Sir Lewis found a woman who humored, or softened, or concealed his failings, and who promoted his real respectability. One cannot fault a man who recognizes his own shortcomings and finds a partner who complements his life with her strengths.”

“If Papa hadn't died so soon, things might've been different,” she said wistfully. After a pause, she added, “Let's rejoin the others, Lieutenant. If I'm to make a fool of myself, I'd like to do so early on in hopes that someone else shall create a larger scandal.”

Roman stood and extended his hand. “I suppose that I should take advantage of this surface. After all, I spent enough time creating it yesterday.”

“We're all in your debt, Sir.” Anne edged closer to the concrete border.

Roman stiffened his stance and braced her first step. “I need no one's gratitude, Miss De Bourgh.”

“Then what do you require, Lieutenant?” Anne asked boldly as she placed her feet shoulder-width apart and let him pull her along beside him.

Roman paused and switched to her other side. “Today, I simply need the pleasure of your company.”

“And beyond today?” Anne frowned.

“A chance. An opportunity to be more than I am.”

 

Manneville guided her around the struggling Anne De Bourgh. “Would you care to confide in me your other manipulations to order your world?” he said with a smirk.

Caroline bristled. “I do not know of what you speak, Sir.”

The man laughed easily. “I do not criticize, Miss Bingley. In fact, I find the concept quite alluring.”

Caroline's mouth line tightened. “You're very impertinent, Sir.”

Manneville skated closer. “Others will gladly share the gossip, Miss Bingley.Would you not wish me to know the truth as you see it?”

“I would not,” she declared just as her brother joined them.

Bingley smiled widely at them. “May I steal my sister away for a time, Mr. Manneville? Mrs. Bingley fears falling.”

Caroline fought the urge to roll her eyes, but to do so would prove what Manneville had asserted. “I'm certain it was your idea for Mrs. Bingley to sit out the exercise, Charles.”

“I must claim purchase,” he said jovially. He caught Caroline's hand. “Come. It has been too many years since I pulled you across an icy pond.”

 

Manneville watched the brother and sister move away before turning to take in the rest of the scene. Miss Bennet and Mr. Grange crawled around the pond's edge. Southland still catered to Miss De Bourgh, and the colonel courted his cousin. Then he spotted Kitty Bennet sitting alone on a nearby bench. “Well, well,” he said as he headed her way. Coming to a halt before her, Manneville extended his hand. “Would you skate with me, Miss Catherine?”

The girl bit her bottom lip in indecision. “I suppose a few times about the ice might be acceptable.” She placed her hand in his.

Together, they slid into a side-by-side turn about the pond. “I was sorry to have you take your leave last evening, Miss Catherine. The company felt your absence.”

Kitty rested her hand on his arm, but she propelled her own progress on the ice. “I'm certain that no one found the entertainment lacking.”

Manneville noted how she kept Winkler in sight. “Do you favor the clergyman, Miss Catherine?”

Kitty blushed before saying, “I hold Mr. Winkler in the highest regard.”

“Is that why you chased him from the room last evening?” Manneville steered them away from the others.

Kitty's brows lowered in a scowl. “I don't believe my feelings for Mr. Winkler are your concern, Mr. Manneville.”

“Ah, but they are, Miss Catherine. I'm looking for a wife, and I find you very enticing. Could you not see yourself as the mistress of a fine house? I would drape you in silks and diamonds and little else.”

 

Thorne had dutifully asked Mrs. Bennet to take a turn on the ice with him. He preferred her daughter's company, but he was determined to win over the mother.

“You are very kind, Mr. Winkler, to indulge an old woman, but I'm content to chaperone my daughters.”

She clung tightly to his arm—so tightly that he thought she'd cut off the circulation. “I'm honored by your company, Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Darcy has been most kind to me over the past two years. Without your daughter's benevolence, many in the neighborhood would suffer.”

He waited for her response, but instead a gasp of surprise brought him to a halt. Thorne turned his head to see Kitty accept Manneville's hand, and he couldn't help but stiffen. “Would you mind…?” he began, but before he could say more, Mr. Bennet appeared by his wife's side.

“There you are, my dear.” Mr. Bennet said as he approached. “I thought we might return to the house for some hot tea.”

Mrs. Bennet's eyes remained on Kitty, but she said,“That sounds pleasant, Mr. Bennet.” She laid her hand on her husband's arm.

“Let's find a safe place to remove these skates.” Mr. Bennet caught her elbow. “Mr. Winkler, why do you not reclaim Kitty's hand?”

Thorne nodded his agreement. “Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I believe I'll do just that.”

 

“Could you not see yourself as the mistress of a fine house? I would drape you in silks and diamonds and little else.”
Thorne had heard the end of Manneville's conversation, and rage raced through him. “Yours isn't an appropriate conversation,” he hissed from behind Manneville.

The American turned slowly toward him. “With whom should I speak?” Manneville moved closer.

Sliding forward to meet the man's challenge, Thorne said, “A gentleman would first speak to the lady's father.” He'd always abhorred violence, but at the moment, he wanted to separate Manneville's head from the man's shoulders.

“Did you first speak to Mr. Bennet, Winkler?” Manneville dared.

Thorne's hands fisted at his side. “To whom I've stated my addresses is none of your affair, Sir.” He shouldered his way past
the American. “Your father asked that I reclaim your hand, Miss Catherine.” He offered Kitty his arm. When she slid her hand into the crook of it, Thorne breathed easier.

“So, this is how it's to be, Winkler? Do you believe your little vicarage and bestowal can compete with my wealth?” Manneville dared.

“Miss Catherine knows what I offer that you do not—what you can never give her.”

 

“Edward,” Georgiana's voice grew strained as she turned toward her friend. “Something's not right with Kitty.”

The colonel's gaze followed hers. “Bloody hell,” he growled. “What's Manneville up to now? Stay here, Sweetling?” Edward moved away toward the posturing duo.

Georgiana followed at a distance, needing to protect both him and Kitty. “Be careful,” she warned.

Gliding to a stop beside Manneville, Edward eyed the possessive stance Winkler had taken with Mrs. Darcy's sister. “I say, Miss Catherine,” he said as if he didn't understand the situation's dynamics. “Miss Darcy and I were wondering if you might see to refreshments for everyone. If you and Mr. Winkler would lead the way to the main drawing room, we'll send the others to follow.”

“We'd be proud to be of service, Colonel.” Kitty followed Winkler to a nearby bench.

 

Edward slid closer to the American. “What the hell are you doing?” he challenged.

“Just skating with a beautiful woman.” Manneville nonchalantly shrugged.

Edward edged closer. “Please remember, Manneville, that our English women are far more innocent than anyone to whom you've been exposed previously, and even a man of God must protect them.”

Manneville snarled, “You act as if I had debauched the lady, Colonel.”

“If you'd touched her, it wouldn't be Winkler with whom you would deal, Manneville,” Edward threatened. “I suggest that you wait until we arrive in London to pursue your marital aspirations.” He used his position to tower over the man. “Have I made myself clear?”

“Perfectly,” the American said sullenly.

Edward turned to those gathering around and purposely placed a smile on his face. “Miss Darcy and I have asked Miss Catherine and Mr.Winkler to precede us to the main house. They will arrange for hot tea and refreshments in the main drawing room for those who wish to follow. Of course, you may remain and enjoy the ice pond if you please. My cousin and I will take a few more spins around the birdbath before we return.” He extended his hand to Georgiana, and she slid into the comfort of his arm.

 

Edward and Georgiana completed their second loop around the concrete pond. They'd said nothing to each other, but Georgiana was well aware of the anger coursing through her cousin. “Would you care to confide in someone?” she asked softly as they slowed for the rougher curve.

Edward's head turned sharply toward her. “What makes you believe something is amiss?” he asked with forced evenness.

Georgiana edged closer. “Either something is of concern, Cousin, or you wish to throw me into the nearest snowdrift. Someone with lesser experience on the ice would have difficulty keeping to your agitated pace.” She smiled widely to diminish the criticism.

Edward spun her to a halt. “Georgiana, my dearest, forgive me. I'm acting foolishly—taking my unfounded suspicions out on you.”

“Who else should share your most inner thoughts than those who most love you? Who else may one trust with his hopes and dreams but those who know him best and see no flaws—only the face of a beloved?”

“Do you see my flaws, Georgiana?” he asked huskily.

She gave him a slight shake of her head before glancing away.
Georgiana couldn't look at him without betraying her feelings. “I see only the face of a man I respect and honor above all others,” she said earnestly.

Edward brought her hand to rest over his heart. “Georgiana,” he began, “there are so many things I don't understand. Upon my return to England, I had thought everything would revert to the normal: I would resume my duties without questions, Darcy and Elizabeth would welcome me to Pemberley, and you'd be Georgie, my young, precocious cousin. Instead, I'm saddled with a man I've tried to like, but cannot, and I'm expected to deliver him to my commanding officers and not express my concerns. I arrived at Pemberley to find Her Ladyship in residence rather than Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, and you…” He paused to cup her chin in his palm. “You're the most breathtakingly beautiful woman I've ever seen.”

Georgiana flushed with happiness. He considered her beautiful. “You'd wish me to remain a little girl?” she teased.

“I would wish to lock you away in a tower so that I can be the only one to enjoy your beauty. How am I to fight off all your suitors? And there will be many of them, Georgiana. Your handsome face and excellent dowry will drive the men to distraction.” With a frown of discontent, Edward released her. Frustrated, he turned to the empty pond and skated away.

Georgiana wanted to call to him—to tell him that she wanted no other suitors but him; instead, she watched him go: the familiar slant of his shoulders, the distinctive gait, and the formidable stance. There was little about the man that she didn't find pleasing, except for the fact that he denied their connection. With a sigh of exasperation, Georgiana removed her skates. Gathering her belongings, she stood slowly and followed the colonel's retreating form.