Mr. Darcy's Secret (5 page)

Thomas Butler, the apple of his mother's eye, was twenty-one years old and generally convinced those on first acquaintance to the impression of dashing good looks by his lively disposition, rather than by the evidence of a handsome countenance, though most would agree that he was a very good-looking young man. He was possessed of a fine figure and gentlemanly appearance which, combined with his happy manners, resulted in the appearance of wholesome affability. After the inevitable introductions and Mrs Gardiner's enquiries as to his health and well-being, he disappeared momentarily before returning with a dining room chair, which he placed in careful proximity next to Miss Darcy and sat down. Georgiana felt disquieted by this rather bold behaviour but was relieved when he neither spoke nor looked in her direction.

Mrs Gardiner spoke again. "Your mother has told me that you have been in London and Richmond of late, Mr Butler."

"That is correct, Mrs Gardiner. I have been trying to make my way in the world by seeking my fortunes abroad. I suspect my mother has not told you of all my ventures, but after having been a drawing master and artist, I decided to try my hand at landscape gardening, for which I have discovered there is a great demand by those who are blessed with lots of land. I am fortunate that amongst my father's friends were those who were eager to help me make suitable introductions, and Lord Featherstone decided to take me on. He seems delighted with the improvements I have made to his estate and I too am much pleased with the whole experience, which has been profitable in more than one direction."

"And what sort of improvements did you offer to Lord Featherstone for his estate, Mr Butler?" asked Elizabeth. "Are they all picturesque?"

"I would like to think, Mrs Darcy," Tom answered carefully, "that although I take into consideration many of the ideas that influence my clients as to their wishes, that the practicality and usefulness of a design are my first considerations. I am sure you are aware, ma'am, that not all design based on the 'picturesque' is either entirely functional or sensible. I do not think the landscape at Pemberley was created on such principles."

Elizabeth laughed. "No, indeed. I think the designer of Pemberley's grounds did an excellent job; the whole effect is natural without pretension. I believe the majority of the work done was executed many years ago. Did you ever look over the estate?"

"No, Mrs Darcy, I have not had that pleasure, though I would dearly love to see a landscape I have heard much talked about," answered Mr Butler.

Elizabeth turned to Mrs Butler. "You must come, you must both come and visit us. I do not know enough about the gardens myself, but I know Georgiana would be only too happy to show you around. Georgiana is something of an artist herself and has executed many sketches of Pemberley grounds."

Georgiana cast her eyes down to her lap and immediately answered, but in a timid voice scarcely audible to her audience, "Oh, but Lizzy, you praise me too highly, they are just the drawings of an amateur."

Tom turned to Georgiana. "I am sure if Mrs Darcy commends them to us all they must be good. Do you paint as well, Miss Darcy?"

"I love to draw and paint, though I think I find pastels most satisfying," Georgiana managed to answer, blushing as she regarded young Mr Butler, who leaned forward so as not to miss any of her quiet speech.

"I would be very interested to see your vision of Pemberley," Mr Butler added. "You are very fortunate to have had such wonderful inspiration for subject matter on your doorstep."

"I am indeed. I never was so happy to draw or paint if I was outside in the countryside I love so well. I have not had the opportunity lately as I have been in London for some considerable time, but now I am home I hope to start work on my portfolio once more."

"Ah, yes, London has its amusements but it is not so conducive to the creative spirit, I agree. And in London there are so many diversions and other distractions that one runs out of time for leisurely pursuits. I only associate London with work, Miss Darcy, I confess."

"Do you have much chance to pursue your own painting, Mr Butler, if you are busy designing gardens?" asked Elizabeth.

"I paint whenever I can, Mrs Darcy, and especially when I am at home here in Lambton, for it not only gives me immense pleasure, but it is essential that I keep my hand in it for my work. I use my paintings as a way of presenting my work to my employers."

"I see, how very interesting," Lizzy replied. "I'm sure we would all like very much to see how your designs are executed."

"I have one of my books here, but forgive me, I feel rather as if I have taken over the conversation. Mama, I am sorry to be commandeering your guests."

Martha Butler smiled indulgently at her son. "No, indeed, it is a pleasure to see you young people talking about the things you enjoy. And I have missed having a house full of people with such lively conversation. Tell me, Mrs Darcy, do you share this love of painting?"

"I enjoy looking at paintings very much," said Elizabeth, "but I have to tell you that I am only tolerably capable with a pencil and nothing I ever produced was good enough to put in a frame." She looked toward the young couple who were still engaged in conversation on their favourite pursuit. "Two artists with a love of drawing," said Elizabeth. "How I envy them. Now what I should like to see is how they each perceive the same scene. Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Elizabeth was so pleased to see Georgiana emerging from her usual shy state of being. Still quiet, but with more animation than she usually displayed, she looked to be entirely engrossed with Mr Butler's conversation.

"I'm sure we would all love to see your designs, Mr Butler," interrupted Mrs Gardiner.

Tom looked up and grinned amiably before begging his leave for a moment. He returned minutes later with a large book bound in green cloth which he placed on the dresser where they all gathered to inspect it.

"I like to present my clients with a view of their grounds as they are at this moment in time and with one as they might be once altered by my design," he began, turning the pages of the book to show how he achieved this through overlays on the original paintings.

"How very clever," enthused Elizabeth, "and your work is exquisite. I would love Mr Darcy to see what you have done. There are many fine works of art at Pemberley, some of which have been collected by my husband. I know he would appreciate your fine talent."

"Mrs Darcy, you do me a great honour by your praise," Tom said quietly, as if taken aback and unprepared for such an admiring speech.

"Well, it is not often that one meets with such passion or dedication and application, Mr Butler. I wish you every success in your endeavours."

The conversation turned back shortly after this exchange to reminiscences of old times between Mrs Gardiner and her friend. The workbox was fetched out for Miss Darcy's inspection, and they all admired the skill and handiwork of the lovelorn sailor who had carved such affection into an object his wife still treasured. After another half hour passed, it was time to go home. The party rose to say good-bye, everyone agreeing that they hoped it would be possible to meet again very soon.

Elizabeth repeated her wish of seeing Mrs Gardiner's friends at Pemberley. "I do hope you will make a visit soon, Mrs Butler, and do come too, Mr Butler, if you are free to do so."

As the Pemberley ladies gathered their belongings together, Tom observed that the weather outside had taken a turn for the worse. The skies were grey and it had started to rain.

"Do not worry," said Elizabeth, "I have my umbrella which we can share. We have only to walk to the end of the path."

"I'll fetch another," cried Tom, reappearing in a second with a large green silk umbrella. Mrs Darcy and her aunt followed the maid to the front door. "Please allow me, Miss Darcy, to escort you to the carriage," Tom insisted, stepping out and putting up the umbrella before Georgiana had a chance to pass through the doorway into the rain. It was coming down very fast now, dripping off the eaves and gurgling in the gutters.

"How kind he is, even if he strikes me as a little bold," thought Georgiana, as Tom held the umbrella over her head down the length of the path, insisting that she take especial care on the wet flagstones. The other ladies could be seen being settled in the carriage by the coachman and as Georgiana stepped up to take her place, Tom held out a small package, which he pressed into her hand.

"I thought you might like to make a study of this," he said, smiling down at her. There was no time to look at the contents of the rumpled paper which she hastily pushed into her pocket and besides, Miss Darcy's confusion made it impossible to look, let alone speak any words of gratitude. Once inside, she steeled herself to look out of the window to make the effort of returning his smile and managed to wave as the carriage moved off. The small package felt hard and knobbly, but though Georgiana was most curious to know what lay within the wrappers, she did not want to draw attention to it. She had a feeling that her sister Elizabeth might take the opportunity to tease her about Mr Butler and she did not think such raillery could be borne at present. Besides, Tom Butler, though kind and gentleman-like was rather too sure of himself for her liking. And that was part of the trouble. Georgiana did like him, but his charm and manners reminded her too well of someone else she had at one time preferred to any other and too much for her own good. Men were not to be trusted, she decided, as they trotted along away from Lambton village, and was thankful that it was unlikely that she should see much of him in the foreseeable future.

Once home, Elizabeth could not wait to tell Mr Darcy all about their new acquaintances and rushed along to the room where he spent a portion of his day working on estate matters with his steward. Lizzy was glad to find him alone and ran to his side, stealing a kiss before there was any chance of them being disturbed. She had soon told him all about their visit to the Butlers' house in Lambton and about how impressed she had been by young Thomas. "I'm sure you would like him, my love, and it would be something to help the family. I do not know how Mrs Butler fares financially and whether her husband left her well provided. I am sure she has a comfortable home, but that she is not wealthy is plain to see. The fact is that her son Thomas provides for her and he is only just starting off in his chosen profession. What do you think, would you be prepared to meet him? I'm sure we could think of something that needs doing on the estate."

"By all means, my dear. If they are friends of Mrs Gardiner's I am sure they must be decent people. A widow's lot is very hard and it would seem her husband was a commendable gentleman. Let it be your scheme, my love. You decide what should be done; I'm sure we could do with another prospect and a temple or two up on the higher reaches of our grounds. Perhaps we should give your proposal a name. What do you think? Mrs Darcy's Dell has a good ring to it, don't you think?"

"Fitzwilliam Darcy, I believe you are teasing me. Well, I shall take on the challenge and you shall see. Mr Butler and I will make something quite new for posterity that will combine elegant improvement with sense and economy."

Mr Darcy turned back to his desk and picked up a pile of papers waiting to be dealt with.

"I know what that shuffling of papers means," cried Elizabeth. "You have a lot to do and are trying to get rid of me. Very well, I shall go, but on one condition only," she said, standing next to him and giving him the benefit of a long look from her fine dark eyes.

"I have conditions of my own, you know," Mr Darcy said, taking her with a swift movement into his arms and holding her so tightly she thought she might stop breathing altogether. "If you will kiss me, Mrs Darcy, I promise never to shuffle another piece of paper as long as I live."

Elizabeth willingly submitted, allowing Mr Darcy to kiss her as many times as he wished. She did not consider herself to be artful, but she did wonder as she gazed up at him if now might be a good time to try and talk to him about his aunt and how he might write to her with an invitation to Pemberley. A further fifteen minutes of temperate persuasion, gentle reasoning, and considered rationale punctuated with the caresses of a loving wife did the trick.

"You must show your aunt that you are undaunted by her behaviour and forgive her folly, for you are the greater person for not allowing such a resentment to take hold. Please invite her to Pemberley, Fitzwilliam. I do not want to cause a permanent rift between you and your family. After all, Lady Catherine is your dear mother's sister. I am sure Mrs Darcy would have expected you to do what is right. Ignore her pettiness: Georgiana is quite correct. You'll see, Lady Catherine's bark is worse than her bite; she will not be able to resist coming to see us, if only to observe what she perceives as the downfall of Pemberley under my influence."

"It is one of my greatest faults, I know: implacable resentment. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself."

"I know you can and will, my darling. Please promise me that you will write to Lady Catherine this very afternoon and attempt a reconciliation."

"At one time I used to say that once lost, my good opinion was lost forever, but you have taught me not to be so rash, so decided in my pronouncements, my outbursts of temper. I promise, Elizabeth, I shall do what I can."

Mrs Darcy's arguments were so tactfully debated and so charmingly delivered that as she left him, Mr Darcy could be seen by anyone who chose to pass by the study door sitting in deep and docile contemplation with pen in hand engaged in the very task Elizabeth had anticipated.

By the afternoon, Elizabeth was full of ideas and suggestions, which she had great enjoyment talking over with her aunt and uncle, her cousins, and Georgiana. It was proposed that a walkabout be had on the upper slopes just before thick woodland made it too difficult to achieve very much and with a view to finding a suitable spot for Lizzy's plans. Georgiana was invited to accompany them all but declined, saying she had some drawing to do, an exercise she was inclined to start, which could be accomplished most comfortably at her desk in her sitting room by the warmth of a fire.

Elizabeth set out with the Gardiners and their children, who were soon running up the slopes and watching their breaths on the cold air turn into puffs of smoke. The scene was noisy and playful, Elizabeth happy to help pull along the little ones who held out their hands eagerly for her assistance.

"It is very kind of you to try and help Tom and Martha in this way, Lizzy. The Butlers are the most deserving people I know," said Edward Gardiner. "Her husband left her reasonably well off, but any assistance that can be made for young Thomas to help him make his way can only be of benefit to both of them."

"It is my pleasure, Uncle. I am determined to help anyone deserving if I can. Between you and me, I also think it will be good for Miss Darcy to have the company of a young friend with similar interests. Did you notice, Aunt, how well she and Mr Butler got on? I have never heard her speak so well to another soul."

"I did notice. Forgive me for saying so, but do you think it altogether wise to be encouraging this sort of friendship? Mr Butler is a very pleasant, if rather forward, young man, but to speak plainly, Elizabeth, he does not belong to Miss Darcy's class. He has no money and has yet to make his fortune, and besides, I am sure Mr Darcy must have plans for Georgiana's future that do not involve penniless gentlemen."

"Aunt Gardiner, I am very surprised at you. He may not have money, but she has; in fact, Georgiana has enough money to take on any prospective husband that she wishes. Besides, they have only just met and I am not suggesting that she marry him, merely that she spend some pleasurable time in his company."

"She seems to me to be a girl that might be easily persuaded," Aunt Gardiner commented, "and though I am reasonably certain of Mr Butler's character, I would not like to see such a vulnerable girl easily influenced. And I must say, Elizabeth, I did not like the familiar way he sat next to Miss Darcy on so slight an acquaintance. His manner was perhaps a little too forthright."

"Oh, Aunt Gardiner, he is just young and suffering from over enthusiasm, I am sure. I thought Tom Butler quite delightful. I cannot put my finger on it, but I kept thinking I knew him, almost as if we had been previously introduced, though I know that cannot be. His manner of talking, so utterly charming and artless, somehow..."

Elizabeth hesitated as the realisation of the person to whom she had been comparing him came to her mind. Mrs Gardiner arrived at the same conclusion at the precise moment. "Oh, no, Aunt, I do not believe it. His manners may be similar and he has that same goodness of expression, but I refuse to believe that in essentials he is the same."

"Of whom are you talking?" butted in Mr Gardiner, who had paused to catch his breath as they gained the top of the hill. "I have to confess I am quite baffled by this turn in the conversation."

"It's probably just as well, for Mr Butler is not advantaged by this comparison," Elizabeth replied. "Poor Tom has the unhappy fate to resemble someone we once thought was of good character, a man we were completely deceived in as to the worthiness of his nature, though I live in hope that he is improved sufficiently for my sister's sake."

"Oh dear, you mean Mr Wickham, I suppose," uttered Mr Gardiner rather breathlessly. "No, I cannot believe it. Tom's father was an excellent man and I'm sure his son is the same."

"I'm sure you are right, Uncle," said Lizzy, taking his arm, "it is just that I have become prejudiced against good-looking young men, which surely cannot be fair in Mr Butler's case."

"And we do know of one very handsome gentleman who is not only of excellent character but who also married a splendid girl, do we not?" Mr Gardiner went on.

"And despite what she says, she hasn't a prejudice she ought not to possess," agreed Mrs Gardiner, looking directly at Lizzy.

Elizabeth turned to regard her uncle and aunt who were smiling at her. She laughed and shook her head before gesturing toward a clump of trees in the distance. "Now, what do you think of that vista over there? Is it a handsome enough spot for Mrs Darcy's Dell?"

∗ ∗ ∗

On their return from what Elizabeth decided was a very successful mission, she went in search of Georgiana to tell her about the place she'd found for Mr Butler to create a new design. Lizzy wanted Georgiana's opinion and approval, hoping to persuade her to take a look on the morrow. She found her as expected, still at the desk before the window surrounded by drawing paper and pastels.

"We'll take a walk up there on the morrow just the two of us, what do you say, Georgiana? We haven't had a chance for a tete-a-tete for so long and I do so want your approval of the idea. Let it be our secret; I do not want to tell Fitzwilliam about the place I've discovered just yet, if at all. Do you not think that it will be a wonderful surprise?"

"Oh, Lizzy, that is exciting and I am sure I will love the spot you have found. Tomorrow I shall wrap up and we will go walking."

Elizabeth sat down to observe the drawing that had occupied Georgiana all morning. Several discarded, crumpled sheets of paper were lying on the carpet. Her eyes alighted upon the object that Georgiana was studying. "What an unusual shell," she remarked. "May I look?"

She glanced at Georgiana who instantly blushed a deeper pink than the pretty shell itself. Elizabeth immediately guessed from whence it had come and smiled. "Did Mr Butler present you with the shell? That was very kind of him to notice how much you admired them. He must have thought that you might like to draw one."

Georgiana bit her lip and nodded, not once taking her eyes from her sketch or the paper on which she worked so fine a drawing that Elizabeth thought she had never seen such delicate workmanship.

"You'll have to show him when he comes. I am sure he will be interested to see your work," said Lizzy, patting Georgiana's back in a reassuring fashion.

Georgiana immediately looked up, her expression a mixture of astonishment and fright. "Is he to come here?"

"Why, yes, I thought that we had already mentioned that possibility when we were visiting the Butlers."

Elizabeth looked directly into the eyes of her sister. "Poor girl," she thought, "the prospect of seeing him again appears to give her some distress."

"Would you not like to see Mr Butler again?" she continued. "I thought you two seemed to enjoy one another's company. Indeed, I have rarely seen you so at ease with someone you know so little."

"It is not that I did not like Mr Butler..."

"But? What is it, Georgiana? Are you afraid of seeing him again?"

"Oh, Lizzy, I do not know... that is, I do not feel at ease with any young man; there is the truth of it and, I confess, there was a boldness about Mr Butler which puts me on my guard."

"It is as well to be careful where gentlemen are concerned, but my advice would be to give him a chance. It will be good for you to have the company of a young fellow who is closer to you in age than your brother and myself. You have so much in common and I am sure you will have lots to converse about and share. I expect he will want to see the drawing you have made when he comes. Indeed, I rather suspect that his motive for giving the shell to you was a belief that he may in future have a reason to legitimately strike up a conversation with you on the subject."

Georgiana blushed deeper than ever as Lizzy kissed the top of her head before departing, saying, "Don't forget our walk tomorrow, Georgiana. I shall want to know what else Mr Butler had to say to you."

In the quiet of her room, Miss Darcy picked up the shell and turned it over in her hands. Despite her misgivings, she had to admit she was almost looking forward to seeing Mr Butler again.

∗ ∗ ∗

On the day that Martha and Thomas Butler returned the visit to Pemberley, they were at last very pleased to meet the man they had often observed in Lambton but never met before. Mrs Butler was almost overcome by the sense of occasion, but Tom, who instantly realised the opportunity that Mr Darcy was conferring on him, rose to the challenge of presenting his work with confidence and aplomb.

Mr Darcy was clearly impressed with Tom's green book, and after they had talked about the possibility of working on some designs for the estate, they were all able to relax a little. "You must come as often as you choose, Mr Butler. I am sure there will always be someone willing to show you round the grounds. I know Mrs Darcy has already fixed upon some places which she thinks might be of interest to you."

"I have taken the liberty of finding a site, but I must confess I have no idea as to its suitability for such a scheme," said Elizabeth. "I hope you will advise me, Mr Butler."

"I will do the best I can, Mrs Darcy," Tom promptly answered. "May I say how very grateful I am to you for giving me this chance to prove myself. If I may come tomorrow with all my equipment, I can start work immediately."

"That is splendid," said Mr Darcy, shaking hands heartily with Mr Butler. "We shall look forward to seeing you on the morrow."

The Butlers' visit was brief. Georgiana, who had been present during the short half hour they were there, could not help but feel a little disappointed. Mr Butler had barely glanced in her direction, nor made any communication with her apart from what could only be described as a hint of a smile on admittance to the saloon. But she guessed that might, in part, be due to the presence of her brother, who had an alarming effect on most people when they first met him. Mr Darcy's stature, his mien and bearing were such that she had seen other men almost diminish into nonexistence when meeting him face to face. On the other hand, she had not witnessed any such timidity on Tom's part. Far from it, he had been composed, very civil, and self-assured. More likely, he was not really interested in her at all, she thought. When she had seen him at the Butlers' he had been merely polite, and what she had mistaken for a curious attention in her favour had been simply courteous behaviour after all. Perhaps she should have entered into the conversation a little more, she wondered, but no sooner had the thought popped into her head than she knew she had not been equal to opening her mouth at all, let alone joining in any discussion. Georgiana had felt at her shyest, compounded by the fact that Mr Butler had seemed not even to notice she was in the room. Well, Lizzy was wrong after all, she decided. Mr Butler must have enough friends of his own without wishing to add her to the list.