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“My lord?” William said, bowing to the elderly man. “What brings you to Pemberley in this storm?”

“We were headed home but got caught in the deluge and feared to travel further,” Lord Greenwich replied as he tried to judge Mr. Darcy’s reaction to their sudden appearance. “There were no rooms left at the inn, and I realise it would be impossible to cross the bridge that fronts my estate. It always overflows in this type downpour. We were hoping we could impose upon you for the night.”

William silently cursed the fact that the guest rooms were being refurbished because a tree limb had fallen during the last storm, causing a hole in the roof squarely in that hallway. It had been his decision to close that entire wing and paint all the rooms during the repairs, especially since no guests were allowed while Elizabeth was in residence. Consequently, the unexpected company would, of necessity, have to be housed in the family wing.

As he pondered the dilemma, Lady Greenwich interjected, “Gwendolyn reminded us that your estate was nearby, and we agreed with her that it would be prudent to stop at Pemberley tonight and travel on to our estate tomorrow. We hope you do not mind our imposing on you, Mr. Darcy. After all, she explained that you and she are old friends.”

A bad feeling began in the pit of William’s stomach. “Gwendolyn?”

At that moment, Lady Waltham stepped from behind the open door and came towards him, grinning as though she actually believed she was welcome. “Fitzwilliam!”

She reached out to clasp his hand, but William stepped back, leaving her thwarted. Once more she stepped towards him, and again he stepped back. Now completely out in the hall, his hand went out to grasp Elizabeth’s, bringing her forward, and alerting her to his discomfort by the stiff way he held himself, his iron grip and the tone of his voice.

“Lord and Lady Greenwich...” He hesitated as his eyes flicked to Lady Waltham. He continued after a few endless seconds. “Lady Waltham. Allow me to introduce my cousin, Miss Elizabeth Lawrence, from Essex. Miss Lawrence has been visiting us this summer.”

Elizabeth fell into a perfect curtsey. “It is an honour to meet you, Lord Greenwich. Lady Greenwich.” As she rose, she turned to greet the woman so obviously infatuated with William, and to her astonishment Gwendolyn huffed and walked several feet away, throwing orders over her shoulder.

“Fitzwilliam, I would like a word with you. I shall wait in the library.” She started in that direction but stopped in a few feet when he did not reply.

Lord and Lady Greenwich looked stunned, not knowing what to make of Gwendolyn’s behaviour. They chose to ignore her conduct entirely as they greeted Elizabeth politely, if hurriedly, and begged to be excused, citing their long journey and the lateness of the hour.

Ignoring Gwendolyn, William assured his guests that they were most welcome to retire and nodding to his housekeeper, added, “Mrs. Reynolds will send a tray to your rooms.”

The Master’s discomfort with this rude woman was not lost on Mrs. Reynolds. As his eyes sought hers, she nodded her understanding of how much this lady was welcome at Pemberley. She summoned Martha to escort the couple to their rooms. “Take Lord and Lady Greenwich to the green room.”

After the elderly couple were out of hearing range, William turned to Lady Waltham. “We have nothing to discuss, madam. I suggest you retire as I intend for you to leave at the earliest possible moment tomorrow.”

Mrs. Reynolds stepped forward instantly. “I shall show you to your room.”

Gwendolyn huffed, “As you well know, I am quite familiar with Pemberley, since my late husband and I were great friends of George Darcy.” She looked pointedly at Elizabeth. “And with Fitzwilliam. Just put my things in the blue room. I know where it is.”

William was furious at her audacity. His response was quick and harsh.

“The blue room is out of the question!” Gwendolyn’s chin rose, her anger clearly visible. “While I have no objections to aiding Lord and Lady Greenwich, I feel no such obligation to you! You will never be welcome here. Nevertheless, because of the severity of the storm, I will allow even you sanctuary for one night and one night only!”

Addressing his servant, though his steely eyes never left Gwendolyn, he declared, “Mrs. Reynolds, I trust you to decide on appropriate housing for this lady.”

The housekeeper nodded in response. She understood exactly. Lady Waltham would be at the far end of the hall.”

After Elizabeth had risen from her curtsey, William had grasped her hand again, caring not what his elderly neighbours or Lady Waltham made of his show of affection. Now, still holding it tightly, he turned to head back to the library with her. Having this harridan insinuate herself in his home shook him to the core, and he needed a few minutes alone with Elizabeth to regain his composure. As they reached the sofa where they previously sat, a sound caught his attention, and he turned to see Gwendolyn sweep into the room. Behind her, Mrs. Reynolds stood at the door with a look of consternation, her arms folded across her chest.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 26

Netherfield

The Drawing Room

As Charles Bingley arrived in the room, he immediately sat on the sofa next to his wife, slipping an arm around her shoulders. Jane was knitting something for their son and he waited until he had her full attention before he spoke. As she turned trusting violet eyes to him, Charles swallowed hard. How he hated to inform her of this news!

“I have something to tell you, sweetheart. I would have done anything to spare you this worry, especially in your delicate condition, but I know you would want to know.” She nodded her agreement and he was encouraged to continue. “You remember the letter that came this morning as you were going upstairs to feed Peter?” Jane eyes widened, but she did not reply. “It was from Darcy.”

His voice was strained as he began to tell her everything regarding the letter and the fact that it pointed to Caroline’s involvement in trying to elicit an invitation to Pemberley. “It is a good thing that Darcy was not fooled and realised almost instantly that it was not from me. But Caroline did mention the cousin staying at Pemberley, Elise Lawrence, so she has evidently read our correspondence.”

Jane sat stunned for several moments before saying softly, “Caroline knows.” She shook her head side to side—as if by denying the words she could keep them from being true. “This cannot be. We were so careful. How could she—”

Charles interrupted. “I have no idea. I suppose she gained access to my study somehow and read my letters from Darcy, or she could even have eavesdropped while we were talking. Either way, she has proven once again that we cannot trust her. She does not care for our family or wish to be a part of it. If she had not left for London, I fear I would strangle her with my bare hands!”