Page 46 of The Colonel's Ungovernable Governess
“You were correct then,” Edward said. “Showing the child something of his heritage sparked a light in him.”
Darcy paused before they entered the house. “As you well know, my father set me a similar task. Once I realized how much my ancestors suffered for Pemberley House and the estate, I no longer despised the time and devotion it would require.”
“Did the boy show you how he had traced the lines to the de Bourghs in Kent. Sir Louis is not on the child’s chart, but some of those Sir Louis once spoke of to us when we were young lads are,” Edward observed.
“The children were too focused on Annabelle to consider the depths of their family tree. Both were quite distracted,” Darcy explained. “Victoria grieves for her participation; yet, I do not believe she understands the ramification of her actions. Though the boy is awkward at best with people, he is not as gullible as is Lady Victoria. He would have questioned Annabelle until the girl’s ears bled before he would have agreed to such a scheme.”
The door opened to expose Philip Jennings. “Welcome, Darcy,” he called with a well-rehearsed smile on his lips. “I did not expect you.”
“Why should you?” Darcy said with an aristocratic lift of his chin. “Or perhaps I should say, why should you not? My Cousin Lindale’s family was in distress. Naturally, I offered my assistance.”
“Naturally,” Jennings said with a bit of sarcasm in his tone. “Such is the reason we rushed to Babbington Hall when we learned of Annabelle’s arrival. Family ties, and all.”
“Really?” Darcy asked with that “cutting” tone his cousin had perfected when speaking to those he did not respect. “If your nephew escorted Lady Annabelle here, how did you not know ahead of time? I pray the manor’s staff would not have permitted the pair to remain alone in the house. I understood from your gatekeeper that your nephew had escorted Annabelle home from school, which I supposed he did, for I was at William’s Wood when she arrived unexpectedly, but that was without your nephew anywhere in sight. Would it not have been beneficial for the fellow to renew his acquaintance with the twins? Assuredly, it would not have appeared so suspicious if Mr. . .”
“Marksham,” Edward supplied, as he enjoyed watching Darcy in all the man’s glory.
“How did Mr. Marksham think to escort her to the manor, rather than your home or even his? Do the Markshams live nearby?”
Edward kept the grin from his lips. Matlock always said the Commons could use a large dose of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s style of reasoning, for Darcy could twist the real truth out of any statement. Edward wholeheartedly agreed.
“I imagine such was Lady Annabelle’s idea,” Jennings said lamely.
“Odd that,” Darcy remarked with a lift of his brows. “For when he was in Lincolnshire, your nephew told those with whom he stayed of his intentions to deliver Lady Annabelle to her brother’s manor. Anthony Dubrow confirmed your nephew’s plans, as did Miss Mannington. They were part of the young people with whom Lady Annabelle associated while in Lincolnshire at the local fair and, again, at church services. We all assumed as Miss Mannington attends the same school as Lady Annabelle, they met often in Bath.”
Edward stood in awe at Darcy’s boldness. His cousin told Jennings what they “suspected,” but did so as if they knew their suppositions to be facts. His father had sketched Darcy’s character correctly.
Jennings sputtered, “I was unaware Bart had encountered Annabelle in Bath when he decided to take the waters.”
“A young man requiring the mineral waters found at Bath? Surely neither you or his parents believed such a tale.” Edward nearly burst into laughter: Darcy quickly managed to back Jennings into a corner.
“Let us go inside,” his cousin gestured for Jennings to lead. “I am exhausted after my ride. Without a doubt, we may learn the truth of this tale from the young people.” Edward walked comfortably, yet still in a bit of awe, beside his cousin. “Ah, it has been more than a handful of years since I was last at Babbington.” Edward looked on while Darcy pretended to be interested in the architecture. “I remember how much I admired the entranceway. Nothing like my beloved Pemberley, but it possesses a sense of classic grandeur and order, two qualities I cherish.” A frown formed easily on Darcy’s forehead. “Oh, I am sorry to see some of the metal works and paintings have required repairs. I hope they are knowing expert care.”
“Absolutely,” Jennings said with a strained smile. “I pray they will be restored soon, but that type of work can be quite time consuming.” Jennings looked at Darcy suspiciously. “I did not realize you were so familiar with my family’s manor.”
“Your late brother consulted with me on crop rotation and a few business opportunities I have been exploring over the years. Of course . . .”
Whatever else Darcy meant to say was interrupted by Annabelle’s entrance. “Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied nicely. “It is good to see you again. Is there news of my brother and sister?”
Darcy glanced to Edward, and the colonel nodded his permission to speak of the children. “Though I encouraged them to return to William’s Wood, both were concerned with ‘your’ safety and insisted on viewing you personally. They were in tears when I last saw them. Hopefully, you will assure them you never meant to frighten them.”
“I shall,” the girl said softly.
“You must understand how unsettling this experience was for both, though they traveled with Miss Lambert, it was a dangerous undertaking for all, for they had no man to accompany them and to offer his protection.”
“I never . . .” Annabelle began.
“Young people,” Jennings interrupted, “often do not consider such matters when they are caught up in their enthusiasm. Neither Annabelle nor young Marksham meant to cause such a stir.”
“Yet, do you not think, Jennings,” Darcy asked, “that it is up to those who oversee the instruction of ‘young people’ to instill a sense of selflessness, rather than selfishness?”
* * *
“We are at Babbington Hall,” Jocelyn told Vincent when she shook him awake. The boy glanced around in confusion for a few seconds before he realized where they were. He turned to his sister to shake her shoulder. “We are home, Victoria.” The girl opened her eyes quickly, which told Jocelyn what she had suspected was true: Victoria had pretended to sleep rather than address her part in this escapade.
“I have missed this road,” Vincent said sentimentally.
“Somehow one’s home always feels superior to any other place you have ever been,” Jocelyn said to ease Vincent’s sigh of longing, before she reached for his sister. “Tell me which one of the follies yonder was your favorite.” She drew the girl down beside her.
