Chapter Nine #2
“Am I given to understand my husband did not inform you of his joining the name Darcy to Bennet?” Elizabeth could not help but dig at her nemesis with a turn of her own phrase. “Such a shame. And here I thought you were all such great friends.”
Before Miss Bingley could speak, Lady Matlock deliberately stared her down and Caroline’s mouth clamped shut.
“Elizabeth, would you introduce me to your companion?”
“I would be honored. Mrs. Edward Gardiner, I present to you, Lady Matlock.”
“Is that Gardiner of Gardiner Emporium?”
Aunt Madeline had also risen to her feet and deliberately stood in front of Miss Bingley, effectively making her stare at her back. Elizabeth struggled not to smile.
“It is, my lady,” Aunt Maddy said with a polite curtsy.
“I have been to your husband’s warehouse. He has the most delightful products.”
“We are both very proud of his business, my lady.”
“And for good reason.” Lady Matlock turned to the owner of the shop, who stood mouth agape. “Would you please add two more chairs to my table? Mrs. Darcy and her companion will join me and Miss Darcy.”
It was at this time the countess gave Caroline her undivided attention, and even though she leaned into the younger woman and spoke low, Elizabeth heard every word.
“Heed my words, Miss Bingley. Never, ever, denigrate a member of my family. Do not even whisper the vitriol you feel splashing about your tongue. Swallow it and move back into the shadows where you so rightly belong. Do I make myself clear?”
All color had leached from Miss Bingley’s face during this exchange.
She audibly swallowed and gave a slight nod.
Lady Matlock pivoted on her heel and without even acknowledging Miss Bingley or her sister further, returned to her table.
After a glance at Aunt Madeline, Elizabeth followed and they took their seats.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst stood completely motionless, staring at one another before they exited the shop.
The four ladies sat without saying a word until fresh tea had been provided and a vast array of treats were piled on the table.
“Lady Matlock,” Elizabeth decided to break the awkward silence. “This was not how I envisioned meeting my husband’s family, nor his sister. I am so sorry it happened this way.”
“You are not responsible for that vile woman’s outlandish behavior.”
“Regardless, it was less than ideal.”
“Everything about this, Mrs. Darcy, has been less than ideal. I am of a mind that given your candor in front of Mrs. Gardiner, she is aware of most things.”
“She is, Lady Matlock.”
“Then, she will not be surprised if I introduce you to your sister?”
Elizabeth dared smile.
“No, she will not.”
“Mrs. Darcy, may I introduce you to Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Darcy. I am pleased to meet you, even under such trying circumstances. I have heard nothing but good things about you from everyone.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth could barely hear her; the voice was so soft.
“Miss Darcy, I would also like to introduce you to Mrs. Edward Gardiner. Mrs. Gardiner is aunt to my cousins and also my closest friend, next to my cousin Jane Bennet.”
Elizabeth took stock of her new family members.
While Lady Matlock, seemingly at ease with Aunt Madeline, dominated the conversation, Elizabeth carefully watched Miss Darcy.
She recalled the one time she had a conversation with Mr. Wickham, his derision of the young lady.
He had hinted quite strongly that she was proud and aloof but from what she could tell the poor girl was terrifyingly shy.
“Miss Darcy, I heard from quite reliable sources, that you enjoy playing the pianoforte.”
Life sparked in Georgiana’s eyes. Bless Miss Bingley. At last, she was good for something.
“I do. It is somewhat of a passion of mine.”
“How delightful. As much as I love music, I am not terribly proficient.”
“But William wrote more than once how much he enjoyed your playing and singing.”
Elizabeth drew back in surprise.
“He did?”
“Oh, yes! If you knew my brother, he was almost profuse in his praise. He has never done that before.”
Miss Darcy’s eyes widened as though she realized she’d shared something she should not have. Elizabeth laid a hand over hers.
“Fear not, Miss Darcy. I will not tell him that you spoke of this. I am sure you are aware of the hasty manner in which we came to be married and I would never have you feel uncomfortable in my presence.”
Through all this, Lady Matlock had watched, as did Aunt Madeline.
“Mrs. Darcy…” Lady Matlock paused, “May I call you Elizabeth?”
Startled, she nodded while saying, “I would be honored.”
“Then you must call me Aunt Lucinda.”
“My lady—” she stopped at the teasing frown Lady Matlock bestowed on her, “Pray, excuse me… Aunt Lucinda. You barely know me. I do not want you to offer something you may have to retract.”
“I have navigated the shark-infested waters of the ton for many years. At times, it is exhausting. The one skill I have honed like a fine blade is the ability to see who has true class and manners. You, my dear, have them in spades. I will be more than happy to sponsor you and introduce you to other ladies who hold my esteem.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth glanced toward Aunt Madeline for support, who gave her a smile and a small nod of the head. “I do not wish to go against my husband’s express wishes and ask that you relay your interest through him.”
“Stubborn. He can be quite stubborn,” Lady Matlock muttered with a quick look at Georgiana. “Well, my dear, I am tired of waiting for William to initiate our official first meeting. Shall we invite your new sister for tea?”
“Yes, Aunt Lucinda. I would like that very much.”
“Consider it done.” Lady Matlock assessed Elizabeth carefully and her gaze kept straying to her cheek. “Before we depart, may I ask how you came about with a contusion on your face?”
Involuntarily, Elizabeth’s hand flew to cover the bruise which had faded to a soft yellow. Miss Darcy, who had not noticed the discoloration until it was pointed out by her aunt, gasped.
“As Mr. Darcy and I departed Longbourn after our wedding, I fell forward when the carriage started and hit my cheek.”
“How was it possible for you to fall forward when the carriage started?”
Elizabeth found herself looking to Aunt Madeline for direction, who gave a slight nod, knowing the truth of the matter as it had been the first thing she’d asked when they’d initially met.
“I was seated backward, my lady.”
“Backward! Your husband made you sit backward like a servant?” She could only nod.
Lady Matlock stood, clearly indicating their time together had come to an end.
“My nephew has much to explain. I will send a note with a date and time for a day next week. The bruise should have fully abated by then – in case we are joined by others,” she explained when Elizabeth’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
“No need to heap more nonsense on the garbage pile of gossip.”
Lady Matlock moved around the table, drawing on her gloves with Miss Darcy close to her side.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Gardiner. I look forward to your continued company and will tell my friends about your husband’s warehouse. Elizabeth” – she took one of Elizabeth’s hands in hers – “I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have finally met you.”
She released Elizabeth’s hand and both ladies exited the shop with Miss Darcy casting a longing glance at them. Elizabeth looked at Aunt Madeline, who was smiling widely now.
“I can scarcely believe that happened.”
“Believe it, Lizzy. I must be getting home or the children’s nanny will think I have abandoned them.”
“Shall we meet at the seamstress after my tea with Lady Matlock?”
“You forget dear, we are off to Longbourn for Christmas.”
“I had forgotten.” Elizabeth blinked back tears and forced a large smile to grace her face. “Give everyone my love and Jane an extra big hug from me.”
“I will.”
Aunt Maddie kissed her on the cheek before saying her farewells.
Elizabeth soon found herself back at Darcy House and hurried to her rooms. Once safely within the privacy of her bed chamber, she brought out the letter from Jane that her aunt had given her earlier in the day.
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Dearest Lizzy,
I was so happy to have received your letter. As I had not thought to hear from you so soon, my heart and mind were eased with the news that you made it safely to London and are not so far away. I worried about you going to Derbyshire alone.
Mr. Collins and Miss Lucas have set the date of January 10th for their wedding.
She says to thank you for all the effort you expended in helping her find her happiness and I know she would be most gratified if your husband allowed you to attend the ceremony.
Mamma remains perturbed that the heir to Longbourn did not find a bride from within the walls of Longbourn, but finds solace in the fact she has one ‘daughter’ well married.
Lydia and Kitty remain enamored with the officers of the ____shire Militia.
If you remember Mr. Wickham, he has become a regular visitor to Longbourn, along with Captain Carter and Mr. Pratt.
I cannot tell at this time whom the girls favor more, Mr. Wickham or Captain Carter.
Poor Mr. Pratt is, at times, grievously ignored.
Mr. Wickham tends to ask after you a fair bit.
I believe though he is more interested in your husband than in yourself and is quite frustrated with the lack of news in that area.
Papa has promised dire consequences if we dare gossip about your misfortune.
Aunt and Uncle are scheduled to arrive on the 23rd for Christmas and once again, Longbourn will ring with the excited chatter of children. As expected, I shall return with them after the holidays. I truly hope we can find a way to meet. I need to see your smiling face not only in my dreams.
Mary bids me to give you a warm greeting. She has been very prodigious in her practice of Christmas hymns and is looking forward to when we all gather around on the eve of Christ’s birth and sing songs of joy. How I wish you could be here. Longbourn is not the same without you.
I shall sign off, sister of my heart. Lydia has stolen another of Kitty’s ribbons and I must go be the peacemaker. Of this behavior, I am sure you do not miss it.
Always with love,
Jane
Elizabeth did miss their behaviors. All of them, good or bad.
She folded up the letter, placed it in the top drawer of the desk and breathed deeply, trying valiantly to not cry openly at the thought of her family all gathered for Christmas, failing miserably.
Tears flowed unrestrained down her cheeks.
All too soon, the agitation and tears brought on a headache, which grew steadily worse.
So much so, she asked Betty to bring her a tray for dinner, not willing to take the chance her husband might have returned to dine at home, rather than his club – if that was where he fed his physical needs, let alone his carnal ones.
She needed her emotional armor to be in pristine condition when she faced him again.
***
Days melded into weeks and Darcy kept to his study, coming out occasionally to eat a silent meal with his wife, followed by a quiet evening with them both reading or her playing the pianoforte or sewing.
More often than not, he removed himself to his gentleman’s club, and rare was the day he joined her for breakfast. He knew he had behaved abominably and until he could right the wrongs of the marriage settlement, he could not look his wife in the face or bear to be in her company.
And so it was, before Richard’s trip to Meryton, Darcy made an appointment with his solicitors.
He sat across from Mr. Kemper, one of the senior partners from the firm of Kemper and Bedway, solicitors to the Darcy family for the past twenty-five years.
Mr. Kemper looked up from the aged parchment in his hands and said, “Let me clarify. You would like to prepare a new marriage settlement, using your fathers as a guide?”
“That is correct.”
“Mm hmmm… and I am to remove the clause which specifies upon your death your wife must vacate all residences owned by you, taking with her only that which she brought into the marriage and will receive a thousand pounds upon your death and an allowance of two hundred pounds per annum.”
“I also wish to increase the death benefit to twenty thousand pounds and her allowance to three thousand pounds per annum.”
“The article your father had for the heir and other children, shall that be added to yours verbatim?”
“Yes, my father’s template is a sound one and I should have used this from the very beginning.”
“Frankly, Mr. Darcy, I was surprised when you did not. Even your previous mistress received better legal reimbursement when you terminated the arrangement last year.”
Darcy’s cheeks burned with embarrassment at the reminder of his broken liaison.
Not only had Georgiana almost eloped with Wickham, but Celeste had taken a lover behind his back.
Another nasty discovery he had made when he dropped by unexpectedly to tell her he was off to Ramsgate for a few days and would not be seeking her company until he returned.
Mr. Kemper’s gaze moved down the document. “As for your wife’s pin money, am I to assume we are going to increase that as well?”
“Yes,” he said gruffly. “Exactly what my father had for my mother.”
“Splendid. I believe that takes care of everything, except…” Mr. Kemper paused. “Shall we still include the clause your wife’s father created?”
“Absolutely. He was adamant in having it added, and I see no reason for not allowing it to stand as is.”
“We shall have this prepared next week, sir.”
Both men stood and Darcy gave Mr. Kemper a polite nod of the head and hurried to his carriage. Glad that nasty business was out of the way, he told his driver to take him back to Darcy House. As the carriage trundled through the busy streets, he worried the pinkie ring on his finger.
He had not pressed Elizabeth into performing her wifely duties for two reasons.
One, he still did not know if she and Wickham were involved intimately and would remain in the dark on that score until Richard returned from Meryton.
The second reason being, he was fairly certain now his wife actively hated him, further fueled by his arrogant behavior.
If she were innocent of all wrongdoing, he had a very long road to forgiveness ahead of him.
He well knew she had a caring personality, much in evidence when she attended Netherfield Park to look after her sick sister. How many women did he know that would walk three miles, through fields and mud, all in the name of sisterly love? One. He knew only one and had married her.