A Spy at Pemberley Read Online Free PDF Page B

returned her affection in full measure. No doubt things changed between a married couple once there were children. It was impossible to pay one's husband the same amount of attention as before. In her opinion a mother must always put her offspring first – at least until they were old enough to take care of themselves.
    She sniffed and wiped her eyes on her cuff. Fitzwilliam would be horrified at such behaviour but she cared not for such things. At least she wasn't blowing her nose on her sleeve which would be far worse. On the way downstairs she called into her rooms and collected her reticule so she would have her handkerchief to hand if it was needed again.
    Jane had her baby on her lap and Lizzy was delighted to see the little girl was looking well. She had roses in her cheeks and was more animated than she'd been for weeks. Georgiana was playing peekaboo with Charlotte and the baby was screeching with joy and clapping her hands.
    'I should have brought Fabian and Amanda with me. I love to see the three of them playing together.' She smiled sadly at Jane. 'I wish I was having a child this year like the rest of you.'
    'I didn't like to tell you my news, dearest Lizzy, because I know how much you desire to add to your family. I'm sure in God's good time there will be more babies in your nursery as well.'
    Georgiana laughed. 'You already have a boy and a girl – it's only fair that we catch up with you before you produce another set of twins.'
    'I sincerely hope I don't – I'd much rather have them one at a time. Anyway, I was at a loss at what to tell Peterson and Reynolds about the possible arrival of uninvited guests. They must be aware that Fitzwilliam and Charles have rushed off and must be wondering why they did so.'
    'I think it highly unlikely that my brother will actually locate the runaways. Therefore it must be better not to mention any names and possibly start rumours spreading throughout the county. Servants are always the first to hear and the first to spread a juicy titbit of gossip.' Jane handed her baby to Georgiana.
    'I've been thinking about your task, Lizzy, and I think the names of this year's eligible young ladies are written somewhere in one of the periodicals.'
    'Unfortunately, Jane, this list will only tell us the status and wealth of the family. In order to provide a selection of young ladies for Cousin Hugo I must see for myself that they are suitable.' Lizzy hated having to lie to her sisters but had no choice.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    After a substantial luncheon Darcy was feeling more optimistic about this adventure. 'I think it might be wise to take a turn outside, Bingley, it's possible your sister might only stop here to change the team and not come into the inn.'
    'I suspect that you're correct. She'll not wish to be seen.' He tossed his napkin onto the table. 'I'm replete – I've no intention of getting on a horse again until my food has settled.'
    Black clouds had rolled in whilst they'd been inside. 'Let's hope the rain holds off for a while. I've no inclination to get drenched on our return journey.' Darcy frowned. 'Perhaps it might be wise to reserve a room for the night just in case the weather turns nasty.'
    'I've no intention of being away overnight, my friend, I've not been apart from Jane since we were wed and don't want to set a precedent today.'
    There was no point in arguing with Bingley on this point – where his family was concerned he was obdurate and could never be persuaded to change his mind about the smallest thing. It had been far easier to alter his viewpoint in the past.
    They strolled around to the stables and selected two mounts for their return journey. 'Our own horses will be sufficiently rested by the time we reach them. You do realise, Bingley, that it will take far longer to return than it did to arrive here. We shall also have covered more than sixty miles.'
    His friend nodded. 'No need to risk our necks, we can stick to the lanes even if