The Transformation of Georgiana Darcy Page 7

  “Hmm... that name sounds familiar. Ah yes, it was the name on the portrait we saw in the gallery. Did Fitzwilliam show you the family tree that my mother made? It really is quite something. We have yet to add Elizabeth. I fear that I lack the ability of my mother in the painted arts and don’t want to ruin the piece.”

  “I would love to… if it is not too much trouble.”

  “It is no trouble,” she replied and went to a drawer set in the largest of bookcases. Withdrawing a flat canvas, he peered at what could only be defined as a master work of art. Each family head, spouse and child had been carefully painted in a variety of colors. The tree itself, bore a multitude of green shades and elaborate leaves that twined around each family cluster. It would take a truly fine hand to make any additions. From what he could ascertain, there were others who had been born with his condition. Their absent death dates giving evidence as well as the tiny miniature portraits next to each name. The resemblances were definitely there, but only as an inheritance. There were no married couples sharing the same affliction. Only at Polwys was there evidence that an outsider could change. It would seem that the Pemberley Darcy’s had been very careful to keep it hidden or had not chosen to change their spouses. Satisfied that he’d not have to suffer crawling through dusty attics, Gareth needed no further information.

  “At Polwys, there is a similar one, albeit far more rustic, set on deer hide that hangs in the library. It too needs a bit of updating. The last entry was the birth of my cousin Ewan.”

  “It seems both our families have become remiss in keeping our obligations to the family history.”

  “One I hope to rectify once I return home. With mother gone now, the responsibility falls to me.”

  “All great families have their burdens… we must endeavor to find joy in the task… much easier to do when the burden is shared.”

  “Indeed… you are a wise one Miss Georgiana.”

  ~Nine~

  The closing ball of the Pemberley autumn festival had traditionally been a masquerade. Costumes for the event had been designed with a harvest theme. The only rule being, to not spend any money, and use as many ‘found’ objects as possible. It had never been one of the current host’s favorites, often viewing it at rather silly. However, this year he saw it in a different light. Undoubtedly, this was due to the enthusiasm of the new mistress of Pemberley. Lizzie Darcy had found the idea wonderful as she believed that too much formality often made for a boring event. Promising that she’d choose something for her husband that would respect his dignity, she had thought long and hard about what would be most appropriate. In the end, she had settled on matching scarecrows. At first, Darcy had balked at the idea, but after seeing her creations he relented with one request.

  “I must refuse to have straw stuffed in the sleeves. Once, my mother came in a dress made completely from corn husks. It was quite the sight. She itched for days afterwards from where it had chaffed her skin. Not to mention the creatures that had been living in the husks prior to her acquisition,” Remarked Fitzwilliam Darcy as he and Elizabeth dressed for the evening.

  Lizzie Darcy had planned for such a problem and had fabricated fake straw out of yellow wool yarn. Once ready, they were a sight to behold. Going below, they met the Bingley’s in the hall. Appropriately so, Jane Bingley was dressed as a squash. It did much to hide her expanding pregnancy. Not to be outdone, Charles had chosen a matching orange ensemble, complete with green hat and vining leaves decorating his shirtfront. Only Caroline had not gotten in the spirit. Her costume was quite obviously professionally made. The black velvet defining the queen of the goblins was expertly cut to show her figure to its best advantage. Plumes of peacock feathers, dyed almost black waved from the jet tiara set in her elaborately coifed hair. Charles only rolled his eyes at Darcy when they appraised his sister as she preceded them down the main stair. He had learnt long ago that it was a waste of time to tell Caroline anything. Besides, her appearance would only add to the already low opinion many had of her. Perhaps it was time that she had a comeuppance.

  Georgiana, along with Mary and Kitty Bennet, had kept their own costumes a secret, not offering the slightest hint of a clue. The trio stood near the entrance of the already filling ballroom, the Bennets assisting Georgiana in the receiving line. When they were spotted, the Darcy’s did their best to hold their mirth before bursting into laughter. The girls had dressed as the three blind mice, from the well know nursery rhyme. Each wore matching grey ears and tails of an exaggerated size, complemented by dark spectacles. They added to the festivities by constantly pretending to bump into each other and asking to feel and guess the faces of the arrivals.

  Once relieved of their duties, the girls went their separate ways in search of their favorite gentlemen. Mary easily found Matthew Morrigan, in complementary dress as a rat catcher, suffering through a pained conversation with her mother. Understanding his need for rescue, she quickly reminded him of a promised walk in the gardens before the dancing began. Seeing what she believed to be her most difficult child take the arm of a most eligible bachelor, Mrs. Bennet waved them off with glee, the mobcap of her milkmaid costume tipping sideways in her enthusiasm.

  Kitty too found her desired partner. Ewan Devlin had deliberately decided to cause a sensation. His pale countenance was accentuated by his rendition of a character often featured in the new gothic novel rage. Many books had come out recently with a dark and supernatural theme. Clad in the deepest black, with silver trim and matching cape, Ewan was the very image of a fictional vampire.

  Across the crowded room, Gareth Devlin was not amused by his cousin’s choice and did his best not to go and confront him. Too many times throughout his family’s history, they had been accused of being such creatures. While he had never been given a name for their affliction, Vampire was not the one he would apply. If literary renderings were to be considered in any way accurate, his family certainly did not fit the description, they were more guardians of the past than anything else. Yes, they drank blood, but so did many others. It was a common ingredient in many foods to stave off malnutrition. Hunting was also a common pastime. However, despite many similarities to the fictional creature, his family, whatever they may be… were not vampires!

  Setting his sights on Georgiana as she made her way across the room in his direction, he lost much of his anger. Tonight would be one of festive pleasure. He vowed to concentrate on being happy. Tomorrow, when he began his journey home, was soon enough for serious matters.

  “Is it you Gareth? I fear that I am quite impaired this evening,” she asked in affirmation, putting her hands before her to playfully touch his face.

  “Yes, and you know it, despite my clever disguise!” he replied with a laugh as he removed her probing fingers to a more appropriate place at his elbow.

  Gareth had completely forgotten about the masquerade and had to hastily compose his costume just an hour before. Having solicited the advice of Elizabeth Darcy, he was wearing borrowed cast off from her husband. While silver grey only served to complement his host’s dark hair, it was a shade he normally avoided.

  “Truly Gareth, it will be wonderful. What better way to end the autumn season than with a bit of winter?” was her logical argument. Indeed, he had to admit that he did make a wonderful Frost, but it did feel a bit strange to not try to hide his pale skin and hair. With some irony, he realized that he stood out more than Ewan.

  “You look dashing,” agreed Georgiana as the music began and she followed him to the dance floor. Soon, all was forgotten as he moved through the steps with her.

  *****

  While Gareth and Georgiana glided along the ballroom, Ewan Devlin was orchestrating his own maneuvers with Kitty Bennet. Convincing her that he wanted to show her a particularly beautiful late blooming rose, he led her into the garden maze. Alone, yet not, the rose hedges had been planted by a Darcy ancestor for his bride. Now, some six feet high and covering near an acre in size, it was the pride of the gardener who to
ok great pains to ensure its continued state of wonder. Leading Kitty along the gravel path, he walked quickly to the appointed spot he had selected to test her willingness. He refused to be saddled with some mewling woman child for life. It was necessary to have her become like him for it to have any chance of success. He hoped Kitty would not be like the women of his past, and not only accept the change, but embrace it. From what he had seen in the past two weeks, Gareth may beat him to the altar with Georgiana Darcy. He could not allow that to happen.

  “It is just up here a bit, around the next bend. I spied it a day ago when it was still in bud, by now it should be perfect. It reminded me of the roses in your cheeks.”

  Kitty blushed at the compliment, happy that the darkening twilight hid her face. A full moon was rising and torches had been lit along the pathways, but it cast strange shadows instead of a comforting light. Ewan’s haste was slightly off-putting as she almost tripped to keep up, but perhaps he had something more important to discuss. Would it not be wonderful to announce an engagement tonight? She was sure her parents would approve. The connection to the Darcys would only strengthen, and where exactly was Polwys Tor? Imagine being mistress of a castle? It was the stuff of fairy tales. Finally he stopped, allowing her the opportunity to catch her breath as he made his intentions.

  “Kitty… Katherine… over the short time in which we have been acquainted, I find myself compellingly drawn to you. It as if I have found the other half of my soul…”

  Kitty, having regained her composure, only stared at him. His voice had taken a strange tone when he spoke. It was as if there was an echoing in her ears that made her head ring with dizziness.

  “What does that mean?” she whispered, breathlessly awaiting his response. Her heart was beating loud with the anticipation of a proposal.

  “I want to make you my bride… but first there is something that I have been waiting to do…”

  Ewan dipped his head and met his lips to hers. At first it was gently, a teasing play of his mouth. Giving her a moment to respond, he deepened the pressure, nipping his teeth slightly to judge her acquiescence. Feeling a bit of resistance, he placed his hand around the back of her head and continued despite her whimper of pain as he bit down again.

  Struggling against his advances, Kitty beat her fist against his back, but her flailing only served to increase his plunder of her mouth. Twisting her face free, she attempted to scream but was cut off by his hand over her mouth.

  “Oh no you don’t, we were just getting started” he snarled as his eyes suddenly glowed with the nocturnal reflection of a cat. The piercing blue light momentarily served as a paralytic and she was unable to move as he now put his mouth to her neck.

  Struggling against his grasp, Kitty kicked out at the shrubbery and bit down on the hand covering her mouth. Wrenching the pained limb free, Ewan slapped her heavily just as the sound of feet running on the gravel stopped him from a further assault.

  “Hey there! What do you think you are doing to Miss Bennet!” shouted Matthew Morrigan as he and Mary entered the alcove.

  Mary and Matthew had sought the early evening air from the heat of the ballroom and had been examining a rare form of holly that had taken up a symbiotic existence in the rose maze. The sight of Kitty being roughly handled in a way that was clearly not consensual sent Mary in to a rage and she leapt at Ewan raking her ungloved nails across his face.

  “No one treats my sister in such a way!”

  Ewan, having returned to a semblance of normal, now that his attempt to infect Kitty had been interrupted stepped back against the hedge as Matthew sought to restrain Mary.

  “I assure you… Kitty was quite receptive, until you interrupted our private moment, “he argued with the self-assurance of one long used to having his way.

  To this, Kitty did not reply, but took off running towards the house, Mary close on her heels.

  “Receptive or not, it was quite inappropriate behavior in such a place. I shall be forced to inform Mr. Darcy of this incident if Kitty has incurred any harm.”

  “Do as you wish…” Ewan replied and then disappeared into the maze, leaving Matthew Morrigan wondering at the strange events. Returning to the house, he would make no mention of the event until after speaking with Mary. He had been surprised by her physical defense of her sister. Such a reserved young lady, and so studious in nature, it was a reaction to which he had been unprepared. Shaking his head, he wondered what else the Bennet sisters kept hidden.

  He did not have long to wait, as Mary reappeared less than fifteen minutes later, just as a number of the ladies were going to treat the guests to their talents on the pianoforte. When the crowd was suffering through the first arrogant display of musical ability by Caroline Bingley as she pounded on the keys, Mary tugged gently at his elbow. Following her out onto a curtained balcony, she offered explanation.

  “Please don’t tell anyone what happened out there.” She pleaded.

  “Kitty is quite mortified. As you may have heard, our youngest sister made a most unfortunate marriage because of her indiscretions. Kitty fears that her reputation will be that of Lydia’s if it were known.”

  Matthew understood completely, but he could not condone such violence towards a lady.

  “I was quite impressed at your defense… should I ever need it,” he said, wanting to judge her reaction.

  Blushing, she looked away before replying. “I cannot bear the thought of anyone being forced to do something they don’t want.”

  Taking her gloved hand to his lips, he placed a gentle kiss on the back. “I promise, you have nothing to fear from me… ever.”

  To this she responded with a gentle squeeze of her own hand and suggested they rejoin the party before their absence was noted.

  “I don’t want to be the food for the gossips, they already have enough to chew on. Besides, it appears that Georgiana has replaced Caroline. Her ability is natural and one of which I must admit to being rather jealous.”

  “Mary Bennet, your talents are many… do not be jealous of anyone ever again.”

  Mary smiled and allowed him to lead her back into the stuffy ballroom. Where had this man been hiding all of her life?

  *****

  Ewan Devlin stalked away through the maze until he found an opening. Taking a path that led through some outbuildings, he attempted to quell his temper. He had been so close! He had been sure that Kitty would have accepted her new existence after a period of adjustment, but that was lost now. He was not about to saddle himself with a woman whose family would interfere. He did not even care if that doctor ran to Darcy telling tales. By morning, he’d be halfway home to Wales. He’d had enough of polite society for now. Besides, upon reflection, even if Gareth managed to become engaged to Georgiana, weddings in her social circle took a great deal of planning. It would be months before any ceremony would take place. He had plenty of time to find a replacement, perhaps a trip to London was in order. It was well known that many of London’s society preferred rougher courting. What was immediate was his need to feed. The exertion of the evening had left him quite famished, but this time he’d not settle for a cow or rabbit. Human blood was in need tonight. Seeing a dim light on in one of the small stone buildings, he went in search of prey.

  *****

  Georgiana, seated in her most favored place in all of Pemberley, the pianoforte, did her best to please her audience. Feeling unusually energetic, she played three songs before offering up her seat to Mary Bennet. However, in a rare moment, perhaps due to her handsome companion, Mary declined to play, insisting that Georgiana continue. Turning to a duet, she demanded Gareth accompany her. Taking the empty space beside her, he tried to focus on the notes, but there seemed to be a faint pulse radiating from Georgiana. Blaming it on his attraction to her, he moved a few inches away as he flexed his fingers before they began. Up until now, Georgiana still wore the silly dark spectacles of her mouse costume. He wondered how she could possibly read the music through the painted lens
es as she easily played a difficult passage with ease. They were midway between the piece when a commotion near the ballroom door caused them to cease playing. Suddenly, one of the great doors slammed open and arguing could be heard. Looking over to the entry, one of the Pemberley dairymen stood holding his crumpled hat in his hands. The man was pale and twisted his hat as if to vent some sort of unknown emotion. Something terrible must have happened for a servant in work clothes to come into the ballroom on such an occasion. Darcy was striding quickly over to where the Pemberley butler had restrained the man, Elizabeth following close behind. After a few moments of conversation, Darcy, wearing a grim expression, left with the man. By now, all the guests were chattering about the possible cause for the interruption. Music forgotten, Georgiana rose and went to Elizabeth.

  “I am sure it is just an estate issue. Please continue to enjoy yourselves,” Mrs. Darcy announced and signaled for the orchestra to play a lively dance. He could not hear what they discussed, but Georgiana returned and grabbed his hand, starting the steps and encouraging everyone to join. The distraction was successful and soon, the guests, many well into their cups had forgotten the incident.

  “What happened?” Gareth asked as they took their turn through the lines of dancers.

  “I don’t know… but it sounds like we may have had another wolf attack.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Elizabeth did not hear the details. The dairyman had not wished to cause her distress. I suppose we shall find out on the morrow.”

  Gareth let the topic drop, but a sinking feeling now filled his bones. He had not seen Ewan… or Kitty Bennet for that matter, in hours. Where could they be? He desperately hoped that Ewan had not done something foolish. Close to midnight, Darcy returned in time to close the ball and wish his guests a good night. He did not make mention of his absence and none dared to question him. As Gareth escorted Georgiana to her room, she paused before entering and placed her hand on his arm.