Chapter 8 - Insults
Pemberley, Derbyshire
Elizabeth
Elizabeth awoke late the day after her engagement, which was to be expected as she had remained awake until the early morning.
The preceding day had witnessed her navigating a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions, starting from absolute despair after breakfast to total elation by dinner.
She had to provide numerous explanations as well, as both Jane and Charles had almost dragged her to a chair and sat attentively before her, eager to hear the tale of her betrothal.
She divulged everything, even recounting the proposal she had rejected seven years prior.
The tale unfurled gradually, extending well into the time for dinner.
Unlike the morning's breakfast, where everyone's emotions were uncontainable, the dinner was a joyous affair, filled with laughter and shared jests, even drawing mirth from the typically serious Lady Catherine.
After dinner, during the customary separation of the sexes, which the three gentlemen reluctantly went away, Louisa approached her to ask for forgiveness.
Elizabeth had no difficulty in accepting her apology, recognizing that Louisa had at least come to acknowledge her past errors and tried to make amends, however belatedly.
It was evident to her that her forgiveness was important to Louisa.
She could also see that there was a significant shift in the relationship between Louisa and Mr. Hurst. In the past, Louisa tended to ignore her husband, who in turn remained aloof and ignored everyone.
Mr. Hurst started to change after George's birth, and now Louisa was also starting to develop an attachment to her husband.
They had become a genuinely happy couple, much to the delight of all who knew them.
Elizabeth slowly got up from her bed and strolled towards the window.
The sun was up, and it was already time for breakfast. She glanced at the bench upon which she had sat yesterday, the very bench where her life changed, the very bench where they kissed with passion.
Memories of those kisses warmed her heart, evoking sensations she had never experienced with her late husband.
The contrast was clear; life with Mr. Darcy promised to be different, for beneath his reserved demeanour lay a man of passionate fervour.
His love for her was profound, and he could scarcely contain his ardour.
Returning to her bedside, Elizabeth noticed a letter placed upon the table. There was no need to break the seal to identify the author. Her name was on the cover, and even his handwriting was so distinctive and recognizable, even if Elizabeth had never seen it before.
Elizabeth,
I shall depart for Matlock at dawn, hence, I will not be able to see you until evening. Until then, rest assured, my heart brims with love for you. Once I return, I shall convey my sentiments through means more eloquent than this letter.
P.S: I have asked Mrs. Reynolds to provide you with paper and writing supplements.
Write a letter to your family—your mother-in-law and brother.
Inform them of my desire to meet them. We shall visit them, and they are ever welcome at Pemberley.
Convey my gratitude to them for taking such good care of you, and assure them that you shall be cherished as you deserve.
With love,
F.D.
Gazing upon the heartfelt words, Elizabeth was overwhelmed by the depth of his affection.
To be loved so passionately was truly a marvel.
She pressed a tender kiss upon the letter and carefully placed it within her trunk, treasuring it as a keepsake for the future.
Proceeding with her morning ablutions, she eventually descended for breakfast, where she was met with the welcoming presence of Mrs. Reynolds.
"Mrs. Goulding, I was contemplating bringing a tray to your chambers. All have already partaken their repast and now await your presence in the morning parlour."
"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I shall swiftly attend to my breakfast. You need not linger on my account.
I am aware of the many duties that require your attention," Elizabeth replied with gratitude, but Mrs. Reynolds elected to remain with her.
As she neared the conclusion of her meal, a messenger arrived, seeking an audience with Mrs. Reynolds.
The contents of his message were conveyed, and then Mrs. Reynolds turned her gaze to Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Ashford's carriage has been spotted. Master dispatched a letter to her this morning, but it appears she set out for Pemberley before receiving it."
It took a moment for Elizabeth to comprehend that Mrs. Ashford was none other than the former Miss Georgiana Darcy, soon to become her sister.
Memories of Mr. Wickham's words concerning the former Miss Darcy flitted through her mind, where he spoke of her pride.
Elizabeth knew she could never lend much credence to Mr. Wickham's words, yet a slight trepidation crept upon her heart.
The perceptive Mrs. Reynolds immediately sensed her unease.
"Mrs. Ashford is a dear and gentle soul. If you have finished your repast, I request you to accompany me. She will be overjoyed to meet her future sister," the housekeeper assured.
Though Elizabeth remained uncertain, she followed Mrs. Reynolds. Jane, who was coming to the dining chamber in search of her, trailed behind. Both sisters paused at the threshold of the house, as Mrs. Reynolds ventured forth to greet the arriving lady.
Georgiana
In the usual course of events, Georgiana would receive a letter from her brother every fortnight.
However, due to the inclement weather that had beset the region, she had been bereft of any correspondence for over a month.
In such circumstances, it was customary for her brother to dispatch an express immediately once the weather cleared.
Yet this time, even though communication had been feasible for more than three days, no word had arrived.
Waiting patiently until the eve of yesterday, Georgiana finally sought her husband Hugh's consent to undertake a journey to Pemberley.
Her request was granted with the condition that she be accompanied by two trusted footmen to ensure her safety.
Her husband also proposed the idea of picking up her friend on the way, a plan Georgiana had long intended to execute.
As the carriage traversed the front gates of Pemberley, Georgiana noticed Mrs. Reynolds awaiting their arrival. She noticed the warm smile upon the kind housekeeper's face and she returned the smile in kind.
As she prepared to disembark from the carriage, little did Georgiana know of the surprises that awaited her. Her friend, sitting opposite Georgiana, was also in for a surprise, though of a different nature.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth's eyes were drawn to the lady who had stepped out first. Her initial observation was that Mrs. Ashford is tall, not quite as tall as her brother, yet taller than herself. Witnessing Mrs. Ashford's affectionate embrace of Mrs. Reynolds, Elizabeth felt a sense of relief wash over her.
Mr. Wickham is a liar indeed. Mrs. Ashford is far from haughty.
Her attention then shifted to the tiny hands reaching out from the carriage, tenderly guided by a footman to reveal a young boy of around five years old.
The child, too, darted into Mrs. Reynolds' loving embrace.
There was something strikingly familiar about the young boy that caught Elizabeth's eye.
Why does he seem so familiar?
A sharp gasp from Jane beside her broke Elizabeth's reverie, and she felt her sister urgently grasp her hands.
Turning to face Jane, she was met with a countenance of sheer astonishment.
Following Jane's gaze, Elizabeth whirled back to the carriage just in time to witness the arrival of the third passenger—a person she knew all too well.
What in the world is she doing here?
Her surprise lasted a moment. In the very next heartbeat, clarity dawned upon her.
Oh Fitzwilliam.
Lydia
As soon as Lydia disembarked from the carriage, she hastened to embrace Mrs. Reynolds.
Pemberley had become like a second home to her, a place she preferred over her birthplace, Longbourn.
It had been more than three years since she last visited Longbourn, and that occasion had been for Kitty's wedding.
In contrast, Lydia frequented Pemberley much more often, at least thrice a year, always in the company of her dear friend Georgiana.
While Georgiana inquired about her brother's whereabouts and learned that he had travelled to Matlock, Lydia's gaze was inexorably drawn to two figures standing at the entrance.
In her heart, she was fervently seeking a way to safeguard Fitzwilliam's secret.
Georgiana
Matlock? Why is he travelling to Matlock at this time?
Georgiana was perplexed. She knew that her aunt and uncle were in London. Fitzwilliam rarely ventures to Matlock for any other reason than to visit them.
"Why has he travelled to Matlock, Mrs. Reynolds? Aunt and Uncle are in London," Georgiana inquired, seeking an explanation.
Mrs. Reynolds appeared momentarily perplexed, an unusual sight, before turning her gaze back to the entrance. Georgiana followed her gaze and noticed two beautiful ladies looking their way. The shorter lady caught her attention. Why does she resemble Lydia?
Quickly turning back to her friend, Georgiana found her also staring at the ladies. At that moment, realisation struck her. Oh, no!
"Mrs. Reynolds, are they...are they Lydia's sisters?" she asked, her voice trembling with anguish. Oh, Fitzwilliam, you fled to escape her presence.
"Yes, Mrs. Ashford. They are Mrs. Bingley and Mrs. Goulding, formerly Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Mrs. Reynolds confirmed.
Mrs. Reynolds then went on to envelope Georgiana’s face in her hands, and in a hushed tone, revealed the joyous news.