Chapter 26
Elizabeth could not believe her ears. She was to stay with Lady Matlock.
Were they not upset with Darcy for springing this engagement on them.
Did they not consider her to be an interloper, a highly improper hoyden, for arriving at Darcy House as she had.
Before she could voice all that was going through her head, Darcy came to her rescue.
“I was hoping that Elizabeth could stay with Georgiana. Or maybe Georgiana could move in here at Darcy House and Elizabeth could stay as her guest?”
“Have you taken leave of your senses, nephew?” Judge Darcy spoke in a disapproving tone. “You have been wanting to marry the girl for at least the past six months and now you are suggesting methods to delay the wedding.”
“Your uncle is right, Darcy. If she stays with Georgiana, she could hardly be introduced to society, for Georgiana is not out. I am not even going to comment on your suggestion of both staying here. Georgiana could hardly be considered an appropriate chaperone.”
“I just do not want Elizabeth to be overwhelmed. I am sure she did not come prepared for the social ambush of the ton,” Darcy responded, as he helplessly looked towards Elizabeth.
“She does not strike me as one to be easily intimidated or are you trying to convince me that a timid, demure lady had made the journey to London by post with dubious permission from her guardians and on a whim arrived at Darcy House.” Lady Matlock finished with a smile.
“Maybe I can also move in with you, aunt?” Georgiana finally spoke. “I would like to spend time with Elizabeth and my company may help reassure her in the new environment.”
“Finally, some sensible suggestion.” Lady Matlock looked proudly towards her niece.
“Darcy, I think you should write to Mr. Bennet and inform him of his daughter's whereabouts. It would be better if he heard it from you or else, he may suspect some duplicitousness on your behalf. Better not to antagonise him any further.” Judge Darcy commented with a thoughtful expression.
“You are correct, and then her aunt and uncle in town need to be informed as well. I will pay them a visit tomorrow morning, both Darcy and Miss Elizabeth could accompany me,” Lady Matlock continued.
“You wish to visit my aunt and uncle in Gracechurch Street?” Elizabeth spoke, unable to contain her surprise any longer.
“Well, the location is unfortunate but they can hardly be expected to change their residence overnight. As such that is where I will have to travel.” Lady Matlock said as she patted Elizabeth.
Judge Darcy, taking pity on the flummoxed girl, expounded, “My dear Miss Elizabeth, you may not be aware, but all of us saw Darcy moping about with a broken heart after his return from Kent. It is with great relief that we see this broad boyish smile on his countenance that your engagement has brought. Now since you are to be part of the family, we could hardly escape a connection with your relatives. Lady Matlock here is just trying to be pragmatic. Also, it would not do for society in general to think that we disapprove of any of them.”
“I will be forthright with you,” Lady Matlock continued.
“My husband is not going to be happy, but no matter how shrewd a parliamentarian he may be, he is yet to find the courage to openly contradict me. Lady Margaret, the Judge‘s wife,” she said with a gesture towards Judge Darcy, “is the youngest daughter of a duke, Lady Anne was the youngest child of an earl, we had expected similar connections for the next Mrs. Darcy. But Darcy has always been rebellious and contrary.” Seeing Elizabeth’s incredulous expression, Lady Matlock gave her a conspiratorial smile.
“I know with his haughty and severe demeanour and his insistence on decorous behaviour in all things it is hard to discern. Georgiana is a good example; she was removed from school because she had an interest in science and the school did not approve of ladies studying the subject.”
“I had multiple masters in science after that.” Georgiana spoke eagerly, “and brother never insisted that I learn all the accomplishments that society expects of ladies. It is just that I enjoy music but otherwise I am quite atrocious at painting.”
“I remember you having a very long list of approved accomplishments for women, Sir.” Elizabeth said with a raised eyebrow referring to a conversation they had during her stay at Netherfield last year.
“You are ascribing Miss Bingley’s views to me. The only thing that I added to the list was extensive reading, and I assure you I stand by that.” Darcy replied with a smile.
“I think it is completely in your character Darcy, that you fell in love with the only lady in the whole of the country who would even consider refusing you. Darcy men have always been stubborn,” Judge Darcy commented.
“I need to leave now. Miss Elizabeth, I will have your rooms prepared in about an hour, you should come to Matlock House as early as possible for I would like you to meet my husband and son.” Then turning to Darcy she continued, “Tomorrow I am thinking of arranging a family dinner. Both Lady Margaret and Mrs. Ashcombe could be introduced to Elizabeth and maybe my brother and his wife if they are available. We can also invite Elizabeth’s uncle and his family when we visit them tomorrow. ”
Lady Matlock and Judge Darcy took their leave after they had discussed in some detail Elizabeth’s social calendar.
Georgiana had gone to the housekeeper to give instructions for moving Elizabeth’s luggage to Matlock House.
A servant was sent to Georgiana's accommodation with instructions for her lady’s maid to pack her things and send them ahead.
Darcy knew that he should write to Mr. Bennet but did not wish to be away from Elizabeth and hence decided to show her the house till everything was ready for her departure.
“I hope you will note all that you wish to change. Mrs. Morton can get started with anything that you do not need to personally oversee,” Darcy said, as he walked her towards the ballroom.
“It is an elegant house, if a little too masculine. I am in no hurry to overhaul the household. Everything will happen in its own time.” Elizabeth responded as she walked through the large corridors and elegant halls.
“You are very solemn Elizabeth. I hope my aunt and uncle did not offend you.” Darcy said, concerned with her preoccupied expression.
“Of course not! They were very accommodating of my rash behaviour. I am just worried about the dinner Lady Matlock is planning.”
“You have dined at Lady Catherine’s table; I assure none of my relatives are as fearsome as her.” Darcy answered with a teasing smile.
“The difference being that I was unconcerned with the opinion anyone had at that table while here I do want them to approve of me, at least for your sake.” She said with a heretofore unseen anxiety, as she took his arm. “Will you not tell me who all are to come? Lady Matlock took so many names.”
“They are all family, my uncle, the Earl and his heir Viscount Bainbridge, Judge Darcy and his wife Lady Margaret. Mrs. Ashcombe is my other aunt, my father's sister, and a very prominent lady in society, she and her youngest son would definitely be there. I can tell you that Lady Margaret and Mrs. Ashcombe will not be pleased with you so do not even try. They are not so very high in the instep but are very discerning of the company they keep. In time, I am sure you will get along very well but not tomorrow. If Lady Matlock’s brother also comes then we will have Lord and Lady Hawthorn. The Earl and countess will be as curious as the rest of society but will not care more than that.”
“Mr. Darcy, can I tell you a secret?” Elizabeth said, holding on to his arm.
At his inquiring glance, she continued “I am terrified—truly terrified.”
“Whatever for? I should think it more appropriate for my family to be worried. For you could splash the whole dinner table with wine, and slurp at the soup, if you so wished and will still be Mrs. Darcy.”
“You cannot mean that! What if I were to fall on my face during the introduction?”
“I hope you would not. For, as a doting fiancé, I will have to carry you upstairs and insist that you have the dinner on a tray while a physician is being summoned.” Elizabeth’s expression did soften at this comment as she playfully hit him on the arm.
Their conversation was interrupted by Georgiana who came to collect Elizabeth for their departure to Matlock House.
Once Elizabeth had left Darcy wasted no time in writing a letter to Mr. Bennet.
Knowing that he was away from Longbourn for the day, he asked that it be sent by express rider early in the morning.
That night both Elizabeth and Darcy spent tossing about in their beds yearning for a future which seemed just around the corner.