The Colonels Timely Bride (Timely Bride Book 1) Read online

  “Believe me, Miss James, I am far from alone. Besides my companion, Mrs. Annesley, there are more than enough servants around to keep an eye on me. And I am perfectly safe here. You are on the Darcy estate. We have been walking on the paths of Pemberley the entire time. I would never venture outside of the grounds alone.”

  Some of the unease melted. She suddenly realized how tightly she held her shoulders.

  “We can say that we are old friends from school. I think that should do nicely, don’t you Miss James?”

  “Yeah … but wouldn’t we be calling each by our first names?”

  “Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some people prefer to be formal always.” Miss Darcy flicked a shy glance at Kenzie under her lashes. “But I rather think I would like to call each other by our Christian names.”

  For the first time in the past hour, Kenzie felt a smile bubbling inside her. She allowed it to sneak its way across her face. “Then please, everyone calls me Kenzie.”

  “And I’m Georgiana.”

  “Not Georgie?” Kenzie teased her, laughing as a mock shudder rolled across Georgiana’s slim shoulders.

  “No, most definitely not Georgie. Only my cousin Richard calls me that. He’s a terrible tease. However, he’s also a colonel in His Majesty’s army, so I dare not complain.”

  Judging from the smile on her face, Georgiana had a soft spot for her teasing cousin. A terrible thought struck Kenzie. If she were ever to meet this colonel, would he see right through their pretense? She thought it highly likely. Especially if she spoke. Which meant she must endeavor to speak as little as possible when he was around. Else she might find herself in a worse situation than she was now.

  Chapter Three

  London

  “I tell you, Darcy, I will not do it! Nothing in this world could make me!”

  “Calm yourself, cousin.” Fitzwilliam Darcy poured his fuming cousin a glass of port and handed it to him. “You are thirty years-old. Not even my uncle the earl could force you to marry where you do not wish.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam scowled. He lifted the port to his lips then decided he wasn’t thirsty. Setting the untouched glass aside, he resumed pacing before the fire place. “He couldn’t force you. You already have your own estate, and are completely free to do as you will. Me?” He swung around to face his cousin. “I am the second son of an earl. And until my brother’s wife is able to produce an heir, I am stuck. For if Henry dies without a son, and I pray he lives a long healthy life, but if he does die, than I will be expected to take his title.”

  Darcy nodded. He knew this. This was the way of their society. Second sons could only inherit if their brother’s died. But with that inheritance, there were other prices to pay.

  “I understand, Fitzwilliam. Truly I do. Remember, I was the one who was under the mistaken belief that I needed to marry to please my family.” Darcy frowned. “Richard…”

  Fitzwilliam looked up in surprise. Darcy never called him Richard. Not unless what he was going to say was very serious. Indeed, when their eyes met, his cousin’s dark eyes were filled with an emotion he had never before been allowed to witness.

  “I do not wish to interfere with your life. I only wish for you to find the happiness I have found. A happiness that I came so close to losing.” Darcy’s eyes closed briefly, as if he were gripped by strong emotions. “Richard, I almost lost Elizabeth, the only woman I have ever loved, because I was too busy focusing on society’s opinions. And I know in my heart I would have regretted her loss for the rest of my life.”

  Fitzwilliam remembered how bleak his cousin had been after they had left Lady Catherine’s a year ago. He had to badger Darcy relentlessly before the man would tell him what had happened. Never had the colonel been so amazed as when he learned that his somber and always-proper cousin had proposed marriage to a lady with inferior connections. And that she had turned him down. His admiration for the very pretty and lively Miss Elizabeth Bennet had increased by leaps and bounds that day. Very few women would have had the courage to turn away such a suitor. Not when their futures often hinged upon finding a husband to care for them. His cousin, however, was devastated.

  Happily, the pair had been able to resolve whatever issues had come between them and married. Now Darcy was the epitome of a happily wed man.

  I want what he has.

  “Gentlemen, were you planning on coming in for dinner?” a laughing voice called form the doorway.

  Both men turned. Elizabeth Darcy walked towards them, a smile gracing her beautiful face. The light caught her chestnut hair and humor danced in her brown eyes. Eyes that glinted with love whenever they looked at Darcy.

  A tightening sensation in his chest caught him unawares. Fitzwilliam rubbed it absently as he watched his cousin stride to his bride and lift her hand to his lips.

  The three headed into dinner. Fitzwilliam shoved his discontent aside, determined to enjoy the evening with his two favorite people in the world. It might not be within his power to marry for love. But he would not give in without a fight.

  It was close to midnight by the time the colonel returned to his parents’ manor. His evening with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy had done the trick. He had all but forgotten the altercation with his father. Indeed, he felt calm and confident again. He knew what he wanted. His strides were long and purposeful as he made his way down the hallway.

  Unfortunately, his feelings of well-being only lasted until he got to his father’s office. As he was passing the door, his father’s bellow halted him in his tracks. Fitzwilliam felt his shoulders tense as he pivoted to face his father again.

  “You called, Father?” he inquired politely, keeping his feelings tightly masked.

  “I hope you were gone so long because you took my advice,” Lord Whitehaven glared at his younger son. “Did you write to Lady Catherine this evening? Is it settled?”

  With an effort, Fitzwilliam kept a tight rein on his growing frustration. Only the ache in his jaw hinted at the fact that he was clenching his teeth.

  “No, Father,” he managed to say. “I went to visit my cousin.”

  Sparks leapt into the earl’s eyes. “Darcy, bah!” he spat. “That cousin of yours has already made a fool of himself. I refuse to allow you to do the same.”

  “I do not understand why you are in such a rush to see me wed, Father.” Fitzwilliam ignored the reference to Darcy’s marriage. “Henry’s wife might present him with an heir before winter.”

  The earl shook his head slowly.

  “Henry’s wife lost the babe,” his father said.

  Shock widened Fitzwilliam’s eyes. Shock and sorrow. He knew how much Henry longed for children. And not just because he wanted an heir. Henry had always wanted to be a father. And now his wife had apparently miscarried.

  “When?”

  “A week ago. The doctor does not know if she will be strong enough to ever carry a babe full-term.”

  The implications slammed into him. If she was unable to carry a child, then eventually, the title would fall to Fitzwilliam. Or his sons.

  Fitzwilliam swallowed as he felt the cage of his duty lock him into a corner. He had no choice.

  “Father, I know what my duty is. All I ask is for a little more time.”

  An inelegant snort escaped Lord Whitehaven. Reaching for his snuff box, he took a pinch and sneezed.

  “Why wait? If you know what your duty is, then why not just do it? Give your mother and me a sense of peace.”

  He sighed. “I wish to find my own bride. You know I like Anne. She is a lovely girl. For a cousin. I have no desire to wed her. Nor do I desire to bring her death on any sooner by forcing her to undergo a difficult pregnancy.”

  The earl raised an eyebrow. Fitzwilliam held his breath as a thoughtful expression crossed his father’s face. He actually seemed to be considering it. Finally, Lord Whitehaven nodded.

  “Very well. I will allow you to have a little more time.” Fitzwilliam restrained his smile. He knew his father very well. His
father did not surrender without a price. As soon as his father started talking again, he knew he had been right. “You have until your birthday. At that time, you will present us with your prospective bride. If you cannot find a lady of noble birth to fulfill the station, then you will marry Anne.”

  A few minutes ago, Fitzwilliam had felt he was in a cage. Now he felt as if a noose had been lowered around his neck.

  Chapter Four

  Derbyshire

  Maybe today would be the day she was able to return home. It had been almost a month, and she was still stuck in the past. How she missed home! The noise, the fast pace, the freedom.

  It was frustrating to be told every day that she couldn’t do something, simply because she was a woman.

  Kenzie walked briskly to the stables. She still had an hour before Georgiana would arise. As much as she cared for her new friend, she could not get used to these hours that she kept. Most days Georgiana stayed in bed until almost 10 AM. Kenzie had always been a morning person. It was rare for her to sleep later than six. She made good use of the time. Georgiana had told her that as long as she stayed on Darcy property, she was free to ride Bea every morning.

  Normally, this was her favorite time of day. She loved the way color washed the sky as the sun rose. She enjoyed the mist that fell each morning. The dew that resulted left even the spider webs sparkly and shiny. She could almost imagine fairies living in these parts. Just about the only thing Kenzie didn’t like about her morning rides was the horrible sidesaddle that Georgianna insisted was what all proper ladies used. She had so generously provided Kenzie with several lovely riding outfits. Although she felt somewhat guilty about it, Kenzie often slipped on her blue jeans under her riding clothes. Such as she had today. She had befriended one of the older grooms in the stable. He allowed her to saddle Bea herself. Or not. He never told on her, or even mentioned, the fact that her sidesaddle was often left hanging up. Although to be honest, her horse was at the other end of the stable, so maybe he had never noticed.

  “You know,” she told Bea, “if we were back home, I think I might have even found trying this stupid saddle fun. Kind of a novelty. But here? I hate that I have to do it or people will think I’m a fallen woman.” She used her fingers to make air quotes. “I can’t imagine being this narrow minded.”

  Bea nickered and rubbed her head against Kenzie.

  “Come on, girl. We need to fly. I’m feeling a bit restless this morning.”

  Briefly hugging the horse’s neck, Kenzie lead her outside. Casting her eyes around to be sure no one was watching, she placed her hands on the horse’s back and pulled herself up and struggled to get her herself settled on the horse. As soon as she was out of sight of the house, she would hitch up her skirt and so she could really move. But until then, she needed to take it slow and easy.

  The past few weeks had been very long. Learning a whole new way of life was exhausting. The servants all thought she was extremely shy, because she rarely talked to anyone except Georgiana. There wasn’t much help for that. She was always aware that one word could damage her credibility irreparably. As it was, they were all probably dying to know why she was wearing Miss Darcy’s clothes. Georgiana had told them only that she would be staying with them for a time.

  “Uh-huh.” She murmured to Bea. “I can’t wait to hear her explanation to her brother when he comes home next week.” She shuddered. If she had any other option, she would leave the manor before Mr. Darcy and his wife returned. But where else could she go? Literally, every one she knew was dead. Or more correctly, wouldn’t be born for at least 100 years. No, she was stuck. Good and stuck. Although she expected to be tossed out on her ear very soon. There was no way Georgiana’s brother wouldn’t see through her.

  After riding a few minutes, she felt comfortable that no one looking out of the windows of the house could see her. It took some maneuvering, but Kenzie was able to hike her skirt up to her thighs and sit straddling the horse. Riding bareback was no challenge for her. There were many times she actually preferred it.

  As she did every time she rode, she headed for the place where she had first appeared. She had run back and forth past the tree so many times she imagined there must be a path forming. Nothing. It never failed to disappoint her that whatever magic had zapped her into the past wouldn’t zap her back to her own time.

  Well, she couldn’t dwell on it all day. She would try again. And she would keep trying.

  “Okay, girl. Let’s run!” Using her thighs to signal the horse, they took off at a trot. As soon as Kenzie was sure that Bea had warmed up enough, she guided her into a smooth cantor. A laugh escaped her. It felt wonderful to be free of the house at last. The past two days had rained, and she had so missed being outside. Apparently most “ladies” were too genteel to walk in the rain. Except for Georgiana’s sister-in-law. Kenzie had heard all sorts of praise for the young woman who had won Mr. Darcy’s heart. And Georgiana’s too.

  Kenzie was so wrapped up in her joy of the beautiful morning, that she didn’t hear the sound of another horse on the path until the other rider was practically on top of her. With a sudden gasp she brought her horse to a brisk halt. Horror flooded through her. Not only was she riding bareback, but her skirt was riding scandalously high and the handsome man staring at her in astonishment had a clear view of her blue jeans. Not a sight he would be familiar with seeing. Her first thought was to pray that this was not Georgiana’s brother.

  At second glance, she realized that this was not a wealthy landowner. His military jacket with its shiny buttons and high boots told her this was an officer in the British Army. Which meant it could only be Georgianna’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. A sinking feeling hit her when she realized that the man seeing her right now was the son of an earl. Her chances of passing herself off as a normal regency lady had just disintegrated.

  Chapter Five

  Beatrice snorted and danced, tossing her head. Using her legs and voice, Kenzie managed to bring the panicked animal under control. The beast gave her head one last toss before settling. Kenzie could feel the horse trembling beneath her.

  “It’s okay, girl. All right.” Patting the horse’s neck, she tried to keep her cool even as her stomach tightened in alarm. Could she risk running? No. Beatrice was fast, but Kenzie would be willing to bet that her old mare was no match for the colonel’s horse.

  The colonel shook himself, and immediately his astonished expression disappeared. His face became blank. Kenzie thought it was the scariest expression she had ever seen. It gave no clue what he thinking. Which meant she would have no warning. He urged his horse closer. Tensing, she held her silence. She would not be the first one to speak. Her mind flew in a hundred different directions. How could she explain things to him? It was hard to think clearly while looking at that cold face.

  Briefly, she turned her attention to the magnificent horse he was riding. If she felt a tug of yearning to try her skill with such a fine animal, who could blame her? Then she turned her attention to the rider. Her breath caught. Dark hair curled to just below his ears. His eyes were brown. Deep, mysterious brown. Almost black. The kind you could drown in. She shivered. They were ice cold, as well.

  “Who are you?”

  The question jarred her. She blinked. It was a legitimate question. But she was feeling a wee bit overwhelmed.

  “I will ask again, who are you?” This time the British accent was clipped.

  Well, she could answer that question.

  “My name is Ma-” Fool! Don’t give him your first name! “I am a friend of Georgiana’s. I am staying with her temporarily.”

  If anything, his eyes grew colder. “I am Miss Darcy’s guardian, along with her brother. I knew of no friends coming to visit her.”

  “It was a sudden visit.” There was no way she was telling this man (who had a sword at his side, by the way) any more lies than she had to.

  Panic seized her.

  “I’m sorry, sir. It’s not proper for me to be ta
lking to you alone. I’m sure we will meet again.” Grasping the reins, she whirled her horse and fled, the pounding of the hoofs matching the blood pounding in her ears. How on earth was she going get out of this mess? A desperate glance over her shoulder eased some of her tension. The colonel hadn’t followed. But then, he knew exactly where she was going, didn’t he? After all, she had just informed him she was a friend of Georgiana’s, staying at Pemberley.

  ****

  Colonel Fitzwilliam watched the young woman’s retreating back through narrowed eyes. Was she truly a friend of Georgie’s? Where could they have possibly met? Certainly not at school. For one, unless he had completely lost his powers of observation, she was several years older than Georgiana. Furthermore, his cousin had been out of school for over a year. His lips tightened as he remembered how he and Darcy had allowed her to be removed from school by her former companion, Mrs. Young. They had been sorely mislead, for that woman had been complicit in convincing Georgiana to consider eloping with George Wickham, the bane of her brother’s childhood. Fortunately, Darcy had saved her. That time. But was this another instance of his cousin’s innocence being exploited?

  In his mind, he played back their brief conversation. Although her few words were rushed and soft spoken, he caught a hint of what seemed closer to a Colonial accent than a British one.

  And then there was the way she rode. As shocking as it might be to some, he had seen ladies riding like a man before. He could recall at least two women who had disguised themselves as men to follow their husbands into war. Neither had rode as well, or as naturally, as the woman who had recently fled. If he were a betting man, he would wager that she never rode with a side saddle.

  He probably should have chased her. After all, he was Georgiana’s guardian. But after being led astray by George Wickham and Mrs. Young, Georgiana had proven to be very unwilling to trust strangers. Not that he minded that. It made his job so much easier. It was difficult enough keeping a beautiful young girl with a substantial dowry away from charming fortune hunters. The very fact that the young woman he had just seen had obviously worked her way into his cousins affectionate heart, so much so that she was willing to allow the girl to wear her clothes and live in her manor indefinitely, made the colonel itch to know what was going on. What was her history? It was no matter. He knew exactly where she was going. The path she was on the lead straight back to Pemberley’s stables. From there he could catch her at the house. And he intended to have a long and thorough conversation with his cousin.