Chapter Eight #2
Although surprised the colonel was not aware of the whereabouts of his cousins, Elizabeth did not ask further questions. That could lead to the very alert colonel asking his own and she was not ready to dodge any further intrusions into her private life.
They finished eating and the colonel took his leave.
Elizabeth went upstairs to grab the letter she’d written late last night, then slipped outside and hailed a hansom cab, paying the driver to take it to Mr. Gardiner’s house on Gracechurch Street.
She promised the driver a guinea on the completion of his task to ensure he did her bidding.
She then waited on tenterhooks by the upstairs window for his return.
A little over an hour later, she spied him and once again slipped out of the house.
As she paid him the remainder of his fee, he handed her a note from her aunt, and she hurried into the house and went straight to her room to read the sealed reply from her aunt.
Mrs. Darcy,
Thank you for your inquiry into my husband’s business. Gardiner Emporium has the best materials for any undertaking you are considering. I would be pleased to meet you at the place and time suggested.
Yours,
Mrs. Edward Gardiner
She knew Aunt Madeline had couched the letter in such a manner on the off-chance Mr. Darcy discovered what she had done and demanded to read the note.
She then rang the bell and asked the maid to have Mrs. Whittaker attend to her in the main drawing room.
It was time to begin her duties as Mrs. Darcy and take a tour of the house.
***
Darcy shook out the paper he had been trying to read for the past half hour in a feeble attempt to pass the time after fleeing his house that morning.
A quick check of the society pages revealed nothing had appeared in print – yet – about his ill-timed wedding.
He had just started reading about the unrest in the north when Bingley arrived.
He felt a measure of happiness at the sight of his friend alongside a measure of dread over telling him about marrying Elizabeth.
He had planned on giving his friend the news, just not at this juncture.
His embarrassment over Georgiana’s righteous anger was still fresh.
Also, he did not want to give Bingley a reason to return to Hertfordshire and continue his pursuit of Miss Jane Bennet.
Darcy may be shackled to a fortune hunter, but his good friend did not need to be saddled with one as well. To that end, he decided to say nothing.
“Darcy, I say, this is a pleasant surprise. I was under the impression you and Miss Darcy might have repaired to Pemberley for Christmas.”
“No, Georgiana has asked if she could stay with my aunt and uncle for the next little while.”
“Still angry with you, eh?”
“She will get over it.”
“I do not know about that, Darcy. My sister holds a grudge like it is her best friend. She brings it along with her to every function and family meal.”
“That is your sister, Bingley. Georgiana does not have a rancorous bone in her body.”
“True, but I must say, I was quite impressed with the way she stood up to all of us the last time we attended Darcy House.”
“I should apologize in her stead. It was ill-done on her part.”
“Oh no! I should apologize for my sister, bringing up all that dreadful business in the first place. I see nothing wrong with how your sister reacted. It reminded me of how charming she truly is, to defend someone she had never met.”
“Thank you, Bingley.”
“I say, what are you doing this evening? Would you care to join us for dinner so that you do not have to rattle about that big house all by yourself?”
Thoughts of Elizabeth eating alone jumped into his consciousness.
They had only been married for two days.
Just as quickly, he shrugged off the image.
She would have to learn how their marriage was going to proceed.
He would not curtail his activities because of their marriage and would do as he saw fit.
“I will join you, Bingley.”
“Capital.” Bingley stood. “We shall see you around seven then?”
“Yes.”
***
The carriage arrived at Darcy House and he stepped out, unconsciously squaring his shoulders before mounting the stairs.
Upon entry, he asked Burke where he might find his wife and was told she was with Mrs. Whittaker.
He handed off his outerwear and began his search, coming across them in the music room.
Upon spying him, Mrs. Whittaker curtsied and Elizabeth stood, hands clasped in front of her.
He dismissed his housekeeper and turned to address his wife.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Mr. Darcy,” she replied with a nod of her head.
“Have you canvassed much of the house?”
“Only the first floor and we have now proceeded to the second floor and family wing.”
“What do you think of the music room?”
Elizabeth glanced about the room.
“Very bright and I see you have a fine instrument, but knowing your sister is a proficient pianist, I am not surprised.”
“Yes, Georgiana spends much time in this room.”
“I look forward to meeting your sister. Is she in Derbyshire?”
Darcy shifted on his feet, uncomfortable about where the conversation could lead.
“No, she is in town, staying with my uncle the earl, for the time being.”
He was surprised by the cold look his wife bestowed on him.
“Keeping your sister away from the vulgar, poverty-stricken filth you married?”
“I do not view you like that.”
“Do you not? Your behavior in Meryton clearly showed you held a low opinion of my family and everyone knows that you found me barely tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt you.”
His uncle was proved correct. She’d heard what he said at the assembly.
“I was wrong to say that to Bingley.”
“And yet, you did, Mr. Darcy. Your opinions were set that first night and you executed your belief to its fullest with that sham of a document you forced Mr. Bennet to sign.”
His chest burned with anger and he sought to change the subject.
“Shall we continue the tour you started?”
He dared not offer his arm, but with a wave of his hand, indicated they should proceed toward the family parlor.
Once they had finished touring the various drawing rooms and he had shown her a little office his mother had used for her correspondence, he then led the way to the family wing and various bedchambers.
“This is Georgiana’s room. I will not open the door as this is her private sanctum.”
“Might I ask when I will meet my new sister?”
“She will stay with my uncle while you and I adjust to our married life.”
He thought he heard her murmur – that long? – and chose to continue the tour.
“These are my rooms.” He did not open the door, unwilling for his wife to see his private sanctuary. “And, as you well know, these are your rooms.”
He noted how she wrinkled her nose when he mentioned her rooms, but just as quick her features returned to one of calm.
“You do not like your rooms?”
“The rooms are delightful.”
“But…?”
“The furniture is far too large for the space.”
“Beggars cannot be choosy over where they lay their head, Madam. Either live with what you have, or you can choose to sleep in one of the servant’s quarters. I will not advance one farthing to the decoration of your chambers.”
“I will never ask you for money, you may stake your life upon that promise.” She turned a bit to her left and looked toward the staircase. “Are we finished, Mr. Darcy? I had plans to speak with Mrs. Whittaker about the menu for tomorrow.”
“You are undermining my housekeeper’s decisions?”
“Undermining?” That impertinent brow rose again. “Am I not mistress of this house?”
“No. Yes, but?”
He wasn’t ready for her to become the mistress of his house. He wasn’t prepared for her to be in his life in any way other than his dreams.
“I see. I am Mrs. Darcy in name only.” Her tone had hardened, as had her eyes. They glittered like a pair of faceted emeralds. “Very well. You could not have shown me, with more clarity, where I stand in your estimation. Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
She pivoted and strode down the hall without looking back.
He cursed under his breath as, once again, he stared after his wife’s retreating back.
While he dressed for dinner, he asked Jenkins to tell the cook that he would be dining out and she needed only to prepare a meal for his wife.
A slight thinning of his valet’s mouth was the only indication of his displeasure. Wisely, he said nothing.