Chapter 1 #2
Lady Anne Darcy’s apartment was as impressive and elegant as one would expect. Mrs Reynolds announced the presence of the ladies, and they entered together with the two male servants carrying the packages, who immediately departed.
Mrs Gardiner, although no stranger to people from high society, felt intimidated and nervous. As a child, growing up in Lambton, she was well aware of the reputation of the Darcy family of Pemberley and had even seen Lady Anne a few times — always looking vibrant, elegant, and poised.
Her recollections, however, were far from the image in front of her: a woman still young, dressed in a silk gown and robe, her brown hair falling over her shoulders.
Her features were flawless by the standards of beauty, but there was a paleness that emphasised her blue eyes, from which light and life itself seemed to be missing.
She was very thin, almost ethereal, sitting in an armchair by the window.
In a corner, a gentleman of middle age with a grave countenance, introduced as Lady Anne’s physician, was packing his bag.
She appeared not to have heard Mrs Reynolds’s introductions at first, so the housekeeper spoke again.
“My lady, Mrs Clarke is here. Her great-niece Mrs Gardiner has accompanied her to help.”
“Please come in,” the lady’s low voice invited them.
“Mrs Clarke, I am sorry you have had to come all the way to Pemberley, but I have not been feeling too well recently, and some of the dresses must be ready by the end of next week. Of course, you and Mrs Gardiner will be properly compensated for your effort.”
“Your ladyship, coming to Pemberley has always been a pleasure, and you must know we would do anything to help,” Mrs Clarke said, stepping forwards with some difficulty. “As for compensation, nobody has ever complained about your generosity.”
Moving closer, Madeleine Gardiner was even more impressed by the lady, and she watched her with an aching heart. Lady Anne turned to the window after bidding farewell to her doctor, who exited the room after greeting the ladies.
“Mrs Reynolds, who is the young girl playing with Georgiana?”
“Her name is Lizzy, my lady. She is Mrs Gardiner’s niece. I took the liberty of allowing her to play with Miss Darcy. I hope you do not mind.”
Mrs Clarke added quickly, “The girl’s father is a gentleman from Hertfordshire.”
“How lovely. Georgiana is running and rolling in the grass,” Lady Anne continued in a subdued tone.
“I hope you do not disapprove of it, your ladyship,” Mrs Gardiner said, unsure what Lady Anne felt. “Lizzy can be quite animated and energetic. She might be too much at times.”
“Oh no, not at all. It is so lovely to watch my daughter playing like any other child. My son is more than ten years her senior, and so are most of her cousins. Poor Georgiana is too shy and too well behaved for her age. I believe she could do with some energy and liveliness.”
With much care, Lady Anne was helped to stand by her maid, another servant, Mrs Reynolds, and Mrs Gardiner.
She appeared weak, but she tried to bear the trying on of the dresses stoically.
However, she stopped after the first two and declared it was enough for that day.
The encounter had lasted less than an hour, but both Lady Anne and Mrs Clarke looked exhausted.
“We shall return again the day after tomorrow,” Mrs Clarke said. “By that time, I shall have both these gowns finished.”
“Thank you.” Lady Anne forced a smile. “Mrs Gardiner, how long are you staying in Derbyshire?”
“A fortnight, your ladyship. That is what we have planned.”
Mrs Clarke and Mrs Gardiner curtseyed to bid their farewells, but to their amazement, Lady Anne said, “Mrs Gardiner, if it is no imposition, would you be so kind as to bring your niece again when you next come with Mrs Clarke?”
“Of course, my lady! I am sure Lizzy will be delighted.” The brief exchange appeared to have fatigued Lady Anne extensively, and one of the maids hurried forwards to help her settle back into the armchair and place her feet on a stool.
The visitors, understanding the need to allow her to recover with dignity, left her presence at once.
As expected, Lizzy was reluctant to leave Miss Georgiana and her puppies so soon.
With amusement and some concern, Madeleine Gardiner noticed spots of dirt on Lizzy’s gown — which was quite expected — but also on Miss Darcy’s, whose cheeks were crimson and whose hair had escaped from its pins.
Both girls were in high spirits, animated by the fresh air and movement.
The governess, who was much alarmed by such agitation, adjusted Miss Georgiana’s bonnet, but the girl seemed more interested in her new companion than in making herself presentable.
The promise to meet again in two days made the separation easier, and on the way back to the inn in Lambton, Lizzy spoke of little else except Georgiana and her puppies, counting the hours until she could return.
For Mr and Mrs Gardiner, the conversation over dinner — as soon as Lizzy had been sent to her chamber — was engaging but rather sad. The couple shared observations and reports and reached the same painful conclusion: Lady Anne’s health was a reason for immediate concern.
“My aunt Honoria has been making gowns for the Darcy family and servants since long before Lady Anne came to live at Pemberley. In the last few years, the lady has spent most of her time in Derbyshire, so my aunt has had the privilege of becoming her main seamstress. Mr Darcy was the one who invested in my aunt’s little shop and encouraged her to hire as much help as she needed. ”
“Yes, Mrs Clarke mentioned it to me,” Mr Gardiner said. “A customer as illustrious as Lady Anne must have led to a huge increase in business.”
“Yes, but my aunt does not care much for that. At her age, she passes most of the work to her granddaughter. Aunt Honoria is mostly interested in pleasing Lady Anne.”
“From what I have heard, the people of Lambton are extremely fond of the lady. It is such a tragedy that she has taken so ill.”
“Aunt Honoria says the lady’s health has been declining for the last three years, and none of the doctors brought in by her husband have been able to help. They have spent the summer months at the seaside every year and purchased medicines from all over the world, but it has mostly been in vain.”
“How very unfortunate, my dear. May God watch over her.”
“I cannot help but think of her family too. How they must suffer. Though I am sure everyone is putting on a brave face. A daughter so young — imagine! You know, I admire her so much. She strives to create the illusion of an ordinary life for the sake of her family. She does not need the dresses Aunt Honoria is sewing for her — that is evident — yet she is continuing to do all the things she has always done. Being the mistress of Pemberley.”
“But I hear she has a son as well.”
“Of course, my dear. I have been told he is studying at Cambridge and resembles his father very much — both in appearance and in character. He must be eighteen now. Aunt Honoria speaks highly of him too. He is seemingly intelligent, diligent with his studies and his duties, and very fond of his parents and little sister. Everyone has a high opinion of him I have heard, which is quite a rare thing these days.”
“Quite a family, the Darcys!” Mr Gardiner declared. “I am surprised they are not titled, though.”
Until they retired for the night, the discussion continued, mostly centred around the Darcys, and the tiring day finally ended with a glass of port.
The following day, the Gardiners had the extraordinary surprise of being visited by Mr Darcy himself, who had come to make their acquaintance.
The master of Pemberley — tall, handsome, and impressive in figure and manner — intimidated everyone at the inn, including the Gardiners and young Lizzy.
The girl immediately hid behind her aunt when the gentleman entered — a very rare response on her part.
“Both my wife and my daughter were delighted with the visit from you and your niece, Mrs Gardiner,” Mr Darcy said. “I believe it is the first time they have shared the same pleasure in anyone’s visit.”
His voice was deep and grave, but his expression was friendly enough.
“We were honoured and happy with the chance to see Pemberley, sir,” Mrs Gardiner answered sincerely.
“I understand you grew up in Lambton. I must admit I do not recall you.”
“Oh, I am sure you would not, Mr Darcy. I left when I was Lizzy’s age, and I do not believe we ever exchanged a single word,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“I see. Miss Elizabeth, do you enjoy travelling with your uncle and aunt?” the gentleman enquired.
She nodded, glancing at her uncle.
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“I have four sisters,” she said quietly.
“How lovely. I am sure you miss them. Would you like to come and play with my daughter again?”
“Of course!” Lizzy said with increasing determination. “I promised Georgiana that I should come again tomorrow, and I must keep my promise! Papa says a gentleman’s daughter always keeps her promises!”
“I could not agree more, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Darcy declared.
“Then it is agreed. We shall be very happy to have you at Pemberley again. My Georgiana has talked extensively about you, much to my wife’s joy.
Mrs Clarke,” Mr Darcy went on to address the seamstress, “Lady Anne has told me that you are in need of…”