Chapter Forty-Five
O ver the next few weeks, Elizabeth stepped ever more firmly into her role as mistress of Pemberley. She met with all the servants, about two dozen at a time, and polished her speech so that she was able to deliver it with ease.
She brought the accounts up-to-date, and found a number of areas in which profligacy might be reined in with no repercussions for any of the estate’s inhabitants. This made her feel easier about having her rooms redecorated, which she had done speedily. The blue and cream patterns and fabrics made the rooms feel much calmer; she could imagine herself sitting at the seaside. Perhaps she and William really could travel to Bath next summer!
Though she was never happy in the saddle, she understood that visiting tenants would require that she ride. She had several riding habits made in Lambton – the modiste had been delighted with the order – and had asked her husband to select a mount for her. He had conferred with the stable master, and she had been given a mare named Penelope.
Penny, as Elizabeth called her, was a chestnut lady with a white star and white hooves. Though Elizabeth had never before been fond of horses, she fell in love with gentle Penny at first sight. The horse seemed to take to Elizabeth as well, whinnying a greeting whenever Elizabeth appeared. Mr. Darcy insisted that she take a groom whenever she went out, a direction with which she was happy to comply, as she did not know where the tenants were to be found and must rely on the groom to guide her.
She visited only a few tenants at a time, and brought baskets of food, clothing and toys to each house. The first few families were surprised to see her, but word spread rapidly throughout the estate, and her arrival was soon greeted with smiling faces.
***
And then it was the day that Mrs. Annesley was to arrive! Despite her initial misgivings, Georgiana had selected the room next to her own for her new companion, and had placed vases full of flowers on the bedside table and on the mantel of the fireplace. “Will she like it?” she asked Elizabeth several times.
Each time, Elizabeth replied, “She will love it, but more than that, she will love your thoughtfulness.”
When the Darcy coach pulled up to the house, the downstairs maid on duty hurried to tell the upstairs maid, who hurried to tell Georgiana, so that Georgiana was in the drawing room by the time Mrs. Annesley was announced.
Elizabeth had been in the still room, helping to compile a list of the supplies that were running low, but she hurried to take off the apron that protected her gown and made her way to the drawing room. By the time she arrived, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley were already in the drawing room together.
Mrs. Annesley rose to her feet when Elizabeth entered, and the two women curtsied to one another before sitting.
“Mrs. Annesley, how good of you to come to us! You have met Miss Darcy, I take it?”
“Yes, I took the liberty of introducing myself to her, though, of course, normally we would both wait for a third party to perform the introduction.” The woman’s voice was kind and motherly, and Elizabeth noted that in framing her reply in such a manner, she was already providing instruction to Georgiana.
“I know it has been a long and tiring journey, Mrs. Annesley. Perhaps you would wish to rest in your room before tea?”
“I would, yes, I thank you, Mrs. Darcy.”
Georgiana rose with alacrity. “Lizzy, may I take Mrs. Annesley to her room?”
“Of course, Georgiana, particularly as you have selected it for her yourself.”
“Did you, Miss Darcy? That was very kind.”
“I do hope you will like it,” the girl said, her voice soft and hopeful.
“If you chose it, then I am certain to do so.” And with that, the two left the room.
Elizabeth leaned back in her chair with a grateful heart. Mrs. Annesley was the answer to a prayer.
***
Mr. Darcy joined Elizabeth, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley for tea. He was everything gracious and welcoming, hoping that her trip had not been unpleasant and that everything was being done to ensure her well-being.
“I cannot recall a time when I have been so graciously welcomed,” she replied, sincerely. “Miss Darcy had been everything considerate in arranging my comfort.”
“Well done, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said, much to Georgiana’s pleasure.
“Will you not call me Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley?”
“That is very kind of you, Miss Darcy, but I think we must start as we mean to go on, and that means formal address. It is different for your family, of course.”
“Very well, Mrs. Annesley.” If Georgiana’s feelings were wounded, she hid her hurt well.
“Mrs. Annesley, there is another family member who has not joined us for tea,” Elizabeth said.
“Elizabeth,” her husband said, gentle reproof in his voice.
“No, she must be told,” Elizabeth insisted. “Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy’s mother also resides here at Pemberley, though she mostly keeps to her rooms.”
“I hope she is not ill,” was the well-mannered response.
“Not at all; she simply does not prefer my company. Should you happen to see her, she should be addressed as Lady Anne, as she is the daughter of the previous Earl of Matlock and sister to the current Earl.”
“I understand.”
“Miss Darcy frequently visits her mother and must be permitted to continue to do so, of course.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Annesley said. “But do I understand correctly that you, as the wife of the present Mr. Darcy, act as the mistress of the estate?”
“That is correct.”
“Very well; I have no further questions on the matter.” And with that, the estimable lady picked up her teacup.
***
Lady Anne evidently heard of Mrs. Annesley’s arrival, for she made it her business to join the small group in the drawing room before dinner. She was arrayed in a very fine gown, with diamonds at her ears, neck and wrist.
Everyone rose as Lady Anne entered the room; she paused, and then proceeded to seat herself without curtseying in return. Elizabeth saw Mrs. Annesley’s brows go up, but she said nothing.
Lady Anne stared at the newcomer. “And who is this?” she demanded.
Mr. Darcy performed the introductions. “Mother, this is Mrs. Annesley, who has come to be a companion to Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley, my mother, Lady Anne Darcy.”
Mrs. Annesley rose and curtsied again, murmuring, “Your ladyship.”
“Companion? Companion! What need has she of a companion? Is she not companion enough?” Lady Anne indicated Elizabeth with a jerk of her chin.
“Lady Anne, I do not believe this to be an appropriate discussion at this time,” Elizabeth said, quickly. If Lady Anne chased Mrs. Annesley off…well, she would not even think such thoughts!
“I agree with my wife, Mother. Nonetheless, I am happy to see you and hope you will join us for dinner.”
At the table, Lady Anne allowed Elizabeth to take her proper seat at the table, but complained bitterly about having been ousted from her long-held place. She then criticised the food vociferously, explaining to Mrs. Annesley that when she had been mistress, the food had been far superior. By the time the sweet course was served, Elizabeth had a pounding headache. She waited – just barely – until the last spoon was set down before rising to signal the end of the meal.
“I will just sit for a few minutes with a glass of brandy before joining you ladies,” Mr. Darcy said.
“Very well, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said sweetly. It was too sweet, he knew, and her sharp, knowing glance promised a severe talking-to later.
The moment the ladies settled themselves in the drawing room, Lady Anne opened her mouth and Mrs. Annesley headed her off. “I have heard so much about Miss Darcy’s talents on the instrument; might I be permitted to hear her play?”
Gratefully, Georgiana rose and went with alacrity to the piano. She had heard enough of her mother’s voice that evening and was happy – beyond happy! – to escape it for a half an hour or so.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth mouthed to Mrs. Annesley.
“Well, so you have come all the way from – where? And what was your name again?”
“My name is Mrs. Annesley, and I have come from London. I am the widow of Sir Argyll, baronet, and until recently I was the companion for the daughters of Lord and Lady Richmond.”
“Why were you made to leave?”
“I left only because the last of the three very recently married.” Mrs. Annesley’s voice was a miracle of calm reason.
“And what is it you think you can teach my daughter?” Lady Anne’s voice was scornful. “She is the niece of an Earl!”
“Yes, and Lord Richmond is an earl as well. But I am given to understand that Miss Darcy has no French, which is essential for a successful Season. I am certain you speak French, my lady.”
“Of course I do!”
“It is unfortunate that her governess was not able to instruct your daughter in the language, but I have no doubt of her ability to learn it in time for her Season,” Mrs. Annesley said, reassuringly.
“Of course she can!”
“Excellent; we are all in agreement.” Mrs. Annesley’s smile was warm.
Lady Anne stared at her, clearly frustrated at having been out-maneuvered.
Mr. Darcy finally joined the group. Sitting beside his wife, he addressed his mother. “Mother, those are the Darcy diamonds, are they not?”
“What of it?”
“I wondered why they were not with the other Darcy jewels in London,” he said, mildly.
“I took them with me when I was last at Darcy House, as they are mine.”
“They belong to the mistress of the estate, Mother; you know that. By rights, they should now go to Elizabeth.”
“Oh, no, I would not think of taking them,” Elizabeth contributed, easily, watching Lady Anne’s face.
Her husband turned to look at her. “You do not care for diamonds?”
“I do not,” she replied, not taking her eyes off her mother-in-law. “I find them…far too cold.”
Silence greeted this pronouncement.
Then Lady Anne rose. “I believe I shall retire now.”
The other occupants of the room rose politely to their feet as she left the room.
Sitting back down, Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “Cold?”
“Extremely.”
He would not laugh at his mother, but his lips twitched suspiciously. Not wanting to speak further on the subject of the diamonds, he said, “Perhaps Mrs. Annesley would care to participate in a game of First Line?”
Elizabeth explained the game, which was simple enough, and she led off. “ Mrs. Stanhope, a well-bred woman, accomplished in that branch of knowledge which is called the art of rising in the world, had, with but a small fortune, contrived to live in the highest company. ”
After a minute’s silence, Mrs. Annesley ventured, “ Belinda , is it not?”
“Well done, Mrs. Annesley. It is now your turn to stump us.”
Mrs. Annesley thought for a minute, and then said, “ Midnight, and yet no eye Through all the Imperial City clos’d in sleep! ”
Her fellow participants all looked at one another and then shook their heads.
“No?” Mrs. Annesley asked. “Perhaps if I provide the next line. Behold her streets a-blaze, With light that seems to kindle the red sky, Her myriads swarming through the crowded ways! ”
Greeted only with puzzled looks, she smiled and said, “ The Curse of Kehama !”
“Oh! Oh!” Elizabeth said, both delighted and impressed. “I have not yet had the opportunity to procure that work; do you have it?”
“No, my previous employers purchased it for their daughters a year ago.”
Mr. Darcy resolved to buy a copy for his wife immediately.