Chapter 10 #2
Realizing he was still awaiting a response. “Not at all, sir. You spoke very well. I am pleased for you.”
She continued pensively, speaking her inner thoughts aloud.
“There is something very disappointing about Society. I now understand my father’s dislike of Town.
There seems to be a superficial element to it, mayhap even selfish.
They chase the next event, or on dit, thinking rising higher or being spoken about with envy will bring happiness, but it can never be found thus.
True happiness comes from giving; it is the very essence of love.
“True love is not when someone makes us feel good about ourselves. It is when the recipient of our love is one to whom we wish to give everything within our power, and more.” Elizabeth had gotten caught up in sharing her thoughts. To her dismay, Darcy was staring at her in wide-eyed astonishment.
Lowering her gaze, she curtseyed. “Forgive me. Now I have prattled on. I must return home.”
“May I walk with you?”
“I thank you, no. It is close and the footman is here.”
Elizabeth slowed her walk to a normal pace on exiting the park’s gate.
Her shock at Darcy’s confession accompanied her return to the Gardiners.
For him to freely confess to his actions based on her words yesterday was unfathomable.
Could there possibly be more to the vexing man than she had first judged?
~ / ~
That night in their chambers, Mr Darcy described their son’s request to his wife. “He was made to be an estate owner. Our boy had no trouble comprehending the business, in fact, he had a different perspective and fresh ideas, in some cases.
“I am very pleased for you both. I know you have long awaited this.”
“If I had enforced it–the learning and chores, he might have come to resent it, to see it as a burden of duty. By waiting until he came to me, it became his choice.” Mr Darcy flattened his lips.
“I never wished for Fitzwilliam to see in me a man such as my father was.” He sighed, “Perhaps we took it a bit too far.”
Lady Anne rose from her seat and shifted to sit on his lap. Her hand threaded into his hair. “My dear… I barely knew your father, but I will say one thing to his credit. His son is an admirable man.”
He responded with a soft kiss, “Why now? What could have occurred to bring about this change?”
She rested her head on his shoulder, snuggling closer. “Could it be Elizabeth? Though I do not believe he has seen her recently. She is certainly the only young lady he has taken notice of and attempted to converse with,” she chuckled, “of his own free will.”
Her husband slowly shook his head, “I am not complaining. To be sure, it was a pleasant surprise.”
“Intriguing. Perhaps this mother should have a conversation with her son?”
He kissed her on the base of her throat, moved his lips up towards her ear and whispered, “Tomorrow, my love.”
~ / ~
The next morning Lady Anne encountered her son at the base of the staircase. “Fitzwilliam. Come take a stroll with me in the back gardens. I need to check on the roses and would be happy for your company.”
Darcy readily agreed and escorted his mother into the garden, in the direction of the rose bushes.
“How have you been? Your father mentioned you have been working together on Pemberley’s business.”
“A man must realise when it is time to grow up and see to his future responsibilities”
“Indeed. Your father and I are delighted with your decision.”
Lady Anne stopped to examine a specific plant, before continuing.
“Mother?”
“Yes, dear?”
“Am I–Am I selfish?”
Lady Anne halted to regard her son before framing his face with her hands, “You are not selfish. Not… in the strictest sense of the word.” She sighed and released him, “I am afraid your father and I did you no favours. We raised you with good principles, but let you go your own way in pride and conceit. We did not wish to burden you with duty at a young age, but… well, that is someone else’s story to tell.
Still, it warms my heart to see you moving away from your blinding arrogance. ”
She took his arm, moving them forward. “Where has all of this come from? Your desire to learn from your father and now this self-reflection?”
Darcy mumbled something incoherent.
“Do not mumble, Fitzwilliam. Kindly repeat what you said.”
“I have walked with Miss Bennet in the park. She mentioned something about being privileged and not fulfilling my potential.”
“You have what?” The hand on Darcy’s arm pulled him to a stop.
“Pardon?”
“You meet Miss Bennet in the park? Why?”
He was not sure how to answer, as he was not altogether sure himself. “I like being in her company. She is different from the young ladies of the Ton. There is no insincerity or artifice about her.”
“But to what end are you meeting her?”
“I am not meeting with her. She walks in Hyde Park with either a maid or footman.” He shrugged. “I have accompanied her a few times.”
The look she bestowed in him was stern. “These are not assignations?”
“Of course not! I happen to come across her now and again.” His cheeks suffused with colour.
“I am not sure I approve.”
At her son’s expression, she flapped her hand, “Oh, I have no issues with Miss Bennet, she is a wonderful girl. But if someone should behave in such a way with Georgiana, your father and I would be quite put out.”
Darcy’s face paled, “I had not thought of it in such a way.”
Lady Anne squeezed the arm she was still holding to garner his attention. “To what end do you accompany her? Need I remind you of your own words regarding her connections? Or that I asked you to keep your distance?” She gave him a stern look.
“I wanted to be with her.”
Lady Anne raised her brows. “And does she enjoy your company on these walks? I did not think she liked you.”
His body stiffened, “Of course she does. She teases me, and it was her idea to spend my time less frivolously. She is the first young lady to speak her mind freely and not say merely what she thinks I want to hear. We have spoken of life, love, and responsibilities.”
Lady Anne’s brows shot up. However, she forwent scolding further, merely commanded, “Find another way to do so.”
~ / ~
7 May, 1808, Gardiner House, London
Dearest Jane,
Of course your new neighbours approve of you. How could they not see what a sweet and kind woman you are? It is their privilege to now count you as one of their own. Pray believe your husband when he reassures you of everyone’s regard.
The weather in Town has been glorious. It is quite a boon for our uncle and aunt’s new home to be so close to Hyde Park. I am sure they did it simply to please me and my penchant for walking out in nature.
I have met many new people recently. It feels as though there is some conspiracy to introduce me to as many eligible men as possible.
To thwart them all I am just as pleased to be introduced to young ladies as well.
Several of my new acquaintances extend their congratulations on your wedding.
It must have been my imagination when I saw disappointment on one, or perhaps two of their faces.
You break hearts wherever you go, my dear sister.
I met an army captain who had seen combat overseas.
It was thrilling to hear first-hand knowledge.
Yet, at the same time, it grieved me. It was not a ladylike topic of conversation, I am aware.
If you should feel the need to tell Mama, pray add that he is the son of an earl, albeit a second son.
It will distract her from her vexation towards me.
I wish I had your goodness, Janey. I find myself too easily irritated at men who confound me at every turn.
I have decided I shall not marry. I will be your spinster sister and teach all ten of your children to play the piano very ill.
Just give me a little corner to sit and sew their clothing and I shall be content.
My deepest affections,
Lizzy