Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
The day after their visit to the gallery, Pemberley received the news that Viscount Callan had died during the night.
Word came just after breakfast. Elizabeth was present when Mr Darcy opened the note from his cousin, and she witnessed the veil of sadness cross his face.
Her heart ached as she pictured the colonel writing such a terrible, difficult message.
Once Mr Darcy had conveyed the news to the household, Elizabeth spent the rest of the morning with Georgiana, who became increasingly distracted and tearful.
Mr Darcy disappeared soon after breakfast, muttering that he had neglected Pemberley of late, and there were many urgent affairs in need of his attention.
Elizabeth and Georgiana sat in the drawing room while Lady Acaster attended to her correspondence.
Elizabeth had never met the viscount, but the colonel had spoken often of his brother during their summer five years ago.
Georgiana’s memories of her much older cousin were scarce, but Elizabeth could see how acutely any talk of illness or grief distressed her friend, so she spoke of every topic she could think of, hoping that her actions might prove to be a welcome distraction.
But despite her best efforts, Georgiana grew tired and expressed a desire to be alone.
Seizing the opportunity, Elizabeth slipped away to seek out Mrs Reynolds.
Pemberley was oppressively silent, and Elizabeth did not know how best to proceed.
This was not her house; she had no authority here, but there was a need for someone to take charge and soothe its grieving inhabitants.
At last, she reached Mrs Reynolds’s office.
Pemberley’s housekeeper was at a desk, surrounded by neatly ordered papers.
She dropped her quill to see Elizabeth at her door, the silver keys on her belt clinking as she stood in greeting.
“May I be of some assistance, Miss Bennet? I wonder that you did not ring for me.”
Elizabeth indicated for Mrs Reynolds to return to her seat.
“Please do not stop on my account. I came to ask you a private question, and I shall be brief. News of the viscount’s death has upset Miss Darcy, and I wished to know whether there was anything I might do or procure that would comfort her.
I had a desire to ask Mr Darcy, but he has been detained with his work. ”
Deep creases formed around Mrs Reynolds’s intelligent eyes as she smiled fondly at Elizabeth.
“I should say that your presence here has been the very best medicine for Miss Darcy. She was ill, you see, for many months prior to your arrival, and there was not a thing that a doctor could do for her, but ever since you and Lady Acaster arrived, it is as though a weight has been lifted from her.”
“Glad as I am that our friendship has brought Miss Darcy joy, I remain worried that she is not sleeping or eating as much as she ought. What happens when I return with my aunt to London? I could not bear to think of her alone and in need of companionship.”
Mrs Reynolds regarded Elizabeth shrewdly, and she crossed the room to quietly shut the door.
“As you know, Miss Darcy has suffered many losses in her short life. Unhappy tidings such as the viscount’s death can bring all this pain to the surface.
If you wish to help, then I respectfully ask you to watch Miss Darcy carefully.
Her behaviour can sometimes be”—she paused, searching for the best word—“troubling. When the late Mr Darcy died, Miss Darcy did not speak or leave her bed for over two months.”
Tears stung Elizabeth’s eyes. “How dreadful! I had no idea! I wish I could have been allowed to stay—I could have looked after her.”
A shadow crossed Mrs Reynolds’s expression. “At that time, many conversations were happening that were not for the ears of a fifteen-year-old maiden. Returning to your own home was for the best. I am sure your family were overjoyed to have you back.”
Elizabeth fell silent, thinking of how bitterly disappointed Mrs Bennet had been to see her again. “And since then, have there been any other instances of worrying behaviour?”
Mrs Reynolds paused. “Miss Darcy struggles with her sleep. Once I found her curled up at the top of the main stairs. It was a small mercy that she did not break her neck. Her sleepwalking happens when her mood is low.”
“Good heavens! Poor Miss Darcy! Thank you for informing me—I shall raise the alarm if I see anything amiss.”
A bell rang, indicating the housekeeper was needed in Georgiana’s personal quarters.
Elizabeth noted the room. “I shall accompany you.”
“I would be very grateful.” Mrs Reynolds stepped past Elizabeth. Before she opened the door, she regarded Elizabeth warmly. “May I observe how wonderful you are with Miss Darcy. Anyone who watches you together would think you were sisters.”
Elizabeth swallowed away her tears. Georgiana had always been dear to her, but Mrs Reynolds was correct—the young woman held a special place in her heart. And I will do everything in my power to keep her safe.
It was only Elizabeth, Lady Acaster, and Mr Darcy at dinner.
Miss Darcy had retired early, and Elizabeth tried not to look at her friend’s empty place at the table.
Ever since Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s trip to Apollo’s temple, they had dined in the intimate parlour that had once been so cherished by the late Mr and Mrs Darcy.
Knowing that Mr Darcy would be there and wishing in some small way to lift his mood, Elizabeth had that morning cut dark crimson roses and bright marigolds from the gardens, arranging them in little vases around the room to bring a splash of colour to each darkened corner.
Mr Darcy did not pass any remark about her efforts, but once she caught his gaze upon them, and she detected a hint of a smile play upon his lips.
The conversation between them was stilted, and at last they fell silent. All that could be heard was the clattering of knives and forks against plates.
Eventually, Mr Darcy spoke. “I am to leave tomorrow.”
“For the funeral?” Lady Acaster enquired softly.
Mr Darcy nodded before turning his attention to Elizabeth. “There are many affairs to settle. Fitzwilliam needs my assistance.”
Lady Acaster gestured towards Elizabeth. “I wondered whether we should return to London. My business in Derbyshire is almost at an end. You have been the most wonderful host, but we do not wish to intrude upon your family’s privacy at this sad time.”
“No,” he replied with surprising firmness. “If it is amenable to your plans, I would be very grateful if you would stay. Your presence is of enormous comfort to my sister. I would be reassured to know you are close at hand, should she need a friend.”
Touched by his request, Elizabeth replied softly, “It would be an honour to be of assistance to Miss Darcy—and to you.”
He cleared his throat and took a sip of wine. “I thank you.”
“Do you mean to stay away for long?” Elizabeth continued. “Miss Darcy would feel your absence keenly, I am sure.”
Mr Darcy gave a tight smile. “She would do better with you and Lady Acaster.”
His eyes were lined with dark shadows, and although Elizabeth did not want to add to his distress, she could not let his observation pass without comment. “Do not do yourself a disservice. It is my understanding that, for many months, there has been no greater comfort to Miss Darcy than you.”
Quiet gratitude lingered in his eyes. “I do not wish to be at Haddon Court for a prolonged amount of time,” he said, his voice laced with a heaviness that filled Elizabeth with the inexplicable desire to reach out and clasp his hand.
He cleared his throat once again. “I imagine that when I return, Colonel Fitzwilliam may accompany me.”
“I am sure that his good humour will be a welcome addition to Miss Darcy also,” replied Elizabeth, suddenly conscious of how intently Mr Darcy was studying her response.
From the other side of the table, Lady Acaster asked, “Were your cousin and the viscount close?”
“Not especially,” Mr Darcy replied. “There was a gap of about nine years in their ages. Fitzwilliam has sisters, but Callan was his only brother.”
“The colonel always said he regarded you as more of a brother to him than the late viscount.” The words slipped from Elizabeth, and she bit her unruly tongue—now was not the time to talk of the past.
With an almost bitter laugh, Mr Darcy played with the stem of his wine glass.
“I forget, sometimes, how well you know my family, Miss Bennet.” His dark eyes met hers, and her heart raced under his scrutiny.
“You are correct. Our relationship is forged on a strong mutual affection.” A sigh escaped his lips.
“It is for that reason that I go to Fitzwilliam’s side—to offer my guidance when making significant decisions about his future. ”
With one swift action, he drained his glass then stood abruptly, looking every inch the stern, severe man of Elizabeth’s memories. “Forgive my hasty departure, but I must retire early as there is much to be done before I leave tomorrow.”