Chapter 1.18 #3
“Thank you; indeed, I am feeling much better.”
“You seem to be in a good disposition, as well.”
“Yes, I am, and I must give thanks to my friend for that. Aunt, please allow me to introduce to you my dear friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet; Elizabeth, this is my aunt, Lady Matlock.”
“It is an honour to meet you, Lady Matlock.”
“Well, Miss Elizabeth, I am glad to meet you at last; I have heard so many things about you lately, and might I say, they have been quite astonishing. But Georgiana, from what I have heard, Miss Elizabeth is not just your friend but soon to be your sister; am I correct?”
“Yes, Aunt. I did not know whether William had informed you. Is it not wonderful? I am so exceedingly happy! I could not hope for a better sister.”
“I can see you are happy, dear,” the lady answered, turning to Elizabeth, who wore an embarrassed smile. She did not fail to notice that Lady Matlock neither expressed her own opinion nor congratulated her.
“I must say I am impressed, Miss Elizabeth. My nephew, my niece, and even my son seem to hold you in the highest esteem and admiration. I have not heard such praise about a lady in quite some time.”
“Thank you, Lady Matlock.”
“Do not thank me; I only repeat what I have heard. However, I must say you seem to be…less talkative and voluble than I had expected. Are you as happy as Georgiana about this engagement? I can hardly imagine what a young lady of your situation must be feeling when she is honoured with a marriage proposal from such an illustrious gentleman.”
The hidden meaning of Lady Matlock’s words did not escape Elizabeth.
She could not say whether Mr Darcy’s aunt was displeased about the engagement or disliked her personally, but it was certain that she did not approve of his decision or her.
The lady’s sharp, inquiring look could not be misunderstood.
She was not rude but of a coldly superior politeness, all the more striking compared to the tender manner of addressing her niece.
After the first moments of confusion and discomfort caused by Lady Matlock’s unexpected visit and the clearly negative impression she had formed of her, Elizabeth quickly regained her wit, and her spirits rose as always when confronting a challenge.
Lady Matlock was indeed Mr Darcy’s aunt and one of his nearest family, but she, Elizabeth, was the woman he had willingly chosen to be his wedded wife.
She had every reason to feel proud and no reason to feel inferior in any sense.
Quite daringly and looking straight at the older lady with the hint of a smile—much as she had when arguing with Mr Darcy at the beginning of their acquaintance—she did not delay her answer.
“Though I am grateful for all the praise that has reached your ladyship, I am sure much of it was biased by the partiality of Mr Darcy, Georgiana, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. However, if I might venture to guess what you have heard, I can confirm at least one truth—that I am indeed very talkative—but I am not sure whether this can be counted as a good quality!”
Lady Matlock’s surprise was obvious, as her perceptiveness allowed her to sense the teasing riposte in the young woman’s words. In a more serious tone, Elizabeth continued.
“But I am indeed happy about the engagement, and I thank you for asking me.”
“Well, I am glad we clarified that. I do not want to impose upon you; I should leave and let you continue your conversation. Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall meet again soon. I asked Darcy to invite you to have tea with me.”
Her voice was as impersonal as before, but Elizabeth became easier at this proof of amiability.
“I would be honoured, Lady Matlock.”
“Oh, Aunt, please do not leave so soon. You have not even taken a seat since you arrived. Can you not stay a little longer? I have truly missed you. And I am sure Elizabeth would enjoy your company too.”
“Georgiana, I spoke in earnest when I said I did not want to intrude. You seemed to be having a pleasant and private conversation when I interrupted you.”
“It was not at all private! In fact, I would love to share it with you. Would you mind, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth coloured deeply, and she again felt ashamed and embarrassed. What had been a reason for amusement and jokes with Georgiana, suddenly turned into a failure when on the verge of being exposed to her aunt. She tried to keep her countenance and even to smile, making sport of herself.
“No, I would not mind. After having heard so much praise of me, it must be time for her ladyship to learn the truth about my lack of accomplishments.”
For the second time, Lady Matlock’s surprise was clear from her expression as she looked at Elizabeth, intrigued. “Well, then I shall stay a few more minutes.”
“Lady Matlock, would you rather sit beside Georgiana? I trust it will be comfortable enough.”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. You are very kind.”
Elizabeth offered her the armchair she had previously occupied and, since no servant was in the room, took another chair for herself and moved it closer to the bed.
Though Lady Matlock never would have considered moving a chair around the room by herself, she was pleased with Elizabeth’s doing so.
It was a natural gesture—not humble, not meant to impress, but to make the situation as comfortable as possible for all of them.
“We were talking of Pemberley, Aunt.”
“Ah…indeed not a private subject but an interesting one. And may I inquire what was so amusing about it?” She was delighted to see her niece so well recovered and lively after her dreadful illness.
“Georgiana was telling me about the beauties of Pemberley and about the pleasure of riding, and I confessed that I am not much of a rider. Moreover, I am not quite inclined to learn, as I prefer to walk whenever I have the chance.” Though she tried to maintain a light tone, Elizabeth expected that Lady Matlock would not be amused by her deficiency.
And indeed, when their eyes met, she could see she was correct in her assumption; however, the reaction was not at all what she expected.
“Well, I hope you are aware that, as Darcy’s wife, you will have to learn many things, inclined or not, and quite often you will have to do what must be done instead of what you might prefer.”
They held each other’s gaze a few moments, searchingly, in a silent confrontation, and even Georgiana’s face changed a little, sensing the tension.
“I am aware of that, your ladyship, but I am grateful to you for reminding me. However, I trust that, most of the time, what I prefer will not differ from what must be done.”
Accustomed by her character and rank always to be in control, Lady Matlock was both disturbed and disconcerted by Elizabeth’s tone and countenance.
She could not be sure whether the girl was courageous and witty or merely impertinent.
However, as a fair combatant, she could recognise that she herself had been the one to provoke the confrontation and consequently Elizabeth’s reaction.
She also noticed Georgiana’s distress. She decided to change the conversation to a more neutral topic for her niece’s benefit and to delay her evaluation of Miss Elizabeth’s character for a later time.
The conversation, however, was not yet over as Elizabeth continued.
“Lady Matlock, I beg you to believe me when I say that I appreciate my good fortune and the honour of entering into Mr Darcy’s family.
I fully comprehend that there will be many things I shall have to learn, and I shall spare no effort in my attempt to improve myself so as to be worthy of my future position. ”
A brief glance was enough for Lady Matlock to understand how sincere and respectful that statement had been, and she thought she recognised a trace of fear and uncertainty in the young lady’s eyes.
No impertinence was there—only dignity and determination.
A hint of a smile lifted the corners of Lady Matlock’s lips and brightened her eyes as she looked at Elizabeth.
“I am glad to hear you say that. However, you absolutely must learn to ride and very well indeed if only because Miss Bingley is a proficient rider, and she will not stop chasing Darcy if you give her such an opportunity.”
Elizabeth’s surprise made her laugh at this unexpected change of topic and the evident change in her ladyship’s disposition. Moreover, she was pleased that the lady took her hand gently, looking at the ring that was glowing on her finger.
“I assume this is your betrothal gift?”
“Yes.” She turned her hand, allowing the ring to be admired, the emotion and pleasure obvious on her face.
“It is beautiful, would you not agree, Georgiana?”
From that point, the conversation went neutrally and pleasantly; Lady Matlock asked a few more questions about Elizabeth’s sisters, her father’s estate, and her aunt and uncle in town with the usual curiosity for a new acquaintance and never displaying any sign of disapproval or disdain, not even when it was mentioned that the Gardiners lived in Cheapside.
Moreover, the lady asked a few particulars about Mr Gardiner’s business as it appeared that the colonel had expressed a great enthusiasm for his abilities and knowledge.
Half an hour later, she rose, expressing her intention to leave and, after she took her goodbyes from her niece in a tender and caring manner, turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, would you like to take a stroll with me downstairs? I promise I shall not detain you more than a few minutes, for I know Georgiana is desirous of your company.”
“Of course, your ladyship, I would be happy to accompany you.”
Before exiting the room, both could see an expression of distress and concern on Georgiana’s face, and at the same time, they smiled reassuringly to comfort her.
∞∞∞
“I am sure you know my reason for inviting you to accompany me,” Lady Matlock began as soon as they left the room.
“I think I do. I assume your ladyship would like to speak to me privately.”