A Spy at Pemberley by Fenella J Miller

for a special licence and then they could be married immediately.'
    'He could if he was not under age. We cannot tell him the true reason we are going to Town and without that knowledge he would see no reason for us to require to depart so urgently. I cannot think it matters if we arrive a few weeks later than planned.'
    'I have already written to the butler and housekeeper at Grosvenor Square. I have been thinking, my dear, that nobody will know we are in residence until we arrive. How then can we go to the requisite number of events in order to meet the Sinclair family?'
    'My cousin will mention it and word will soon spread. I can assure you there will be dozens of suitable invitations waiting for us when we eventually arrive.'
    'In which case, I cannot think of anything else that needs to be done to make this a successful venture. I still find it incredible that such a confirmed bachelor has finally decided to seek out a wife.'
    'As do I, but we shall do our best to help him in this endeavour. Did I tell you that Forsyth intends to settle in Derbyshire so they can be close to Bingley and Jane?'
    'That will be quite delightful for them.' She pursed her lips and he laughed.
    'There will be no necessity for us to see them any more than you wish to, Lizzy. Caroline might appear to have improved her character but…'
    'But leopards do not change their spots.'
    'Indeed they do not, my love. Now, if there isn't anything else you need to say on the subject I must visit one of my tenants this afternoon. Do you intend to come with me?'
    She gestured towards the rain-filled clouds. 'Thank you, but I've no desire to be drenched.' She stretched up and kissed him but skipped away before he could reciprocate.
    He watched her sadly. He hated having to lie to her and dreaded to think what she would say if she ever discovered his deception.
    *
    Caroline came round every morning – sometimes on her own and sometimes with Jane, Forsyth and Charles. On the day of the dinner party Lizzy was playing with the babies in the nursery and Fitzwilliam was dealing with a letter that had come from London by express.
    The door opened and Caroline drifted in. 'Good morning. On your own again I see?'
    Lizzy didn't see why she should explain her husband's actions so ignored the comment. Her unwanted visitor pulled over a footstool and joined her on the floor. 'I think it sad that Darcy has not taken to fatherhood. One cannot help but notice that Charles spends so much more time with his baby.'
    'He is an excellent father but has more to do than Charles.'
    'I'm sure he does, my dear Elizabeth, and like most gentlemen he prefers to leave the rearing of children to his wife.'
    There was something about Caroline this morning that made Lizzy wary. Was she getting up to her old tricks and doing what she could to cause dissent?
    'Pray don't let me keep you, Caroline. I'm sure you have better things to do with your time than be up here with my children.'
    'It must be a comfort being able to spend time with Amanda and Fabian. It will be hard for you to leave them behind when you go to London – but I shall come every day in your stead so they will not go without loving attention.'
    This would not do at all. Lizzy couldn't get up as she had her son on her lap but she straightened and answered icily. 'That will not be necessary, but I thank you for your offer, only immediate family will be welcome in Pemberley in my absence.'
    Caroline stood up gracefully; her lips smiled but her eyes were hard. 'Dearest Darcy considers me a sister, we have been closely acquainted for many years – far longer than you and he have known each other. I can see that you are drifting apart. I'm certain he regrets his choice and…'
    Lizzy deposited her son on the carpet much to his annoyance. Ignoring his howls of protest she moved until she was an arm's length from her tormentor. 'How dare you come into my home as if you had a right to be here? Remove yourself immediately and do not