Chapter 3.11
The October day was bright but unexpectedly cold. The wind was blowing, and some clouds were threatening from afar.
At Elizabeth’s request, they walked toward the Matlock Residence while the carriage followed them.
“These shoes are more beautiful and expensive than they are comfortable for walking,” Elizabeth said.
“Because ladies who purchase them do not usually walk, and think less of their comfort than of being admired. Although I do not remember ever admiring a woman’s shoes,” Darcy replied pensively.
“Men have so many benefits in this world! Even when it comes to shoes, they can wear thick, heavy and comfortable boots to protect them from cold, water and snow,” Elizabeth jested.
“Mrs. Darcy, should I order you a pair of men’s boots? I will do it, if you wish.”
“You may do so, Mr. Darcy, if you have a trustworthy shoemaker, to keep the secret. I would like to wear warm boots from autumn to spring, although I am sure the ladies of the ton would be appalled.”
“Do not tease and do not tempt me, Mrs. Darcy, as you might be surprised. And I admit it is a really good idea. I expect you will walk many times in rain or storm at Pemberley, so you will need something to keep your feet protected.”
Their jesting conversation continued to the Matlocks’ door. They met several people who greeted Darcy and looked at them with puzzlement. Mr. Darcy’s broad smile was something they had never witnessed before.
“Oh, finally! Here you are,” Lady Matlock exclaimed when they were introduced in the drawing-room.
Inside were Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and they immediately hurried to greet Elizabeth.
Appropriately, she first curtseyed to Lady and Lord Matlock, then embraced Georgiana and gave her hand to the Colonel, who kissed it.
It was another part of Elizabeth’s manners that Darcy greatly admired. She always paid attention to the small details that showed respect and consideration for his relatives and made the Matlocks accept her into the family rather easily.
They did not approve of his marriage to Elizabeth and even attempted to change his decision. But once they understood his determination, they wisely decided it was best to accept what they could not change, instead of causing a break and pushing their nephew away, as Lady Catherine had done.
Colonel Fitzwilliam had supported Darcy and expressed his admiration for Elizabeth from the very beginning and so had Georgiana, with a strength that impressed Darcy.
And here they were, having tea together, and Elizabeth graciously claiming her place within the family.
“You look exceptionally well, Elizabeth,” the Colonel said. “It seems marriage suits you well.”
“Thank you. I feel exceptionally well,” she replied.
“I am glad to hear it. And I am pleased to see you have not neglected your appointments. I was wondering if you would call today,” Lady Matlock said.
“I would never neglect an engagement that I had already settled. Even more so if your ladyship is part of it,” Elizabeth answered.
“Good. Responsibility is of great importance for someone of your position,” Lady Matlock added.
“You must present yourself as beyond reproach, so the ton will be obliged to accept you, even if reluctantly. They will look for every reason to reject you, and you must give them every reason to fail in such an endeavour!”
The Colonel laughed. “Come now, mother, you sound like Elizabeth is on trial! She is Mrs. Darcy now. People will talk, will gossip and will forget as soon as another unexpected event piques their curiosity. However flawless Elizabeth’s behaviour will be, they will still find something to reproach her for, until they satisfy their desire for prattle. ”
While Lady Matlock attempted to scold her son, Darcy interjected severely.
“Elizabeth’s behaviour is always flawless, and she has nothing to prove to anyone!
She is a woman of her word, and she takes her responsibilities more seriously than any other young lady I know.
She is kind-hearted and genuine; whoever doubts her is not worthy of her company, nor of my interest!
I shall not impose upon her anything that would make her uncomfortable, only to please someone else. ”
Lady Matlock became irritated and her expression turned to a frown.
“Well, I feel blamed for only wishing the best for Elizabeth and for you. Both of you, being born and raised within this circle, are oblivious to the harsh judgment and rejection inflicted upon those from outside. I have not doubted Elizabeth’s worthiness, since she became your wife, but I cannot be reproved for providing her with knowledge that she does not possess yet, regarding the demands of her new position.
Mrs. Darcy’s position in society will influence Georgiana and later on, your children. ”
Elizabeth turned to the lady and said respectfully, “Lady Matlock, please have no doubts that I am grateful for your support, and I will take any advice and suggestions to heart. I am aware that I have much to learn, and I could not hope for a better role model than your ladyship.”
The Colonel concealed a smile, glancing at Darcy, whose expression was still cold and disapproving. With proper words and a friendly tone, Elizabeth had ended an argument that Darcy and the Matlocks would have carried on for hours.
“Very well, then. We have an appointment with Madame Claudette tomorrow before noon. You should have the first gown finished for the day after tomorrow, ready for the theatre. I would suggest the gold one. I imagine Darcy has given you the family jewels – among them, there must be a gold and citrine set that will match the gown perfectly.”
Elizabeth blushed and looked at her husband briefly. “No, we have not had time to discuss the jewels yet. But I will look for the set that your ladyship has recommended.”
“Very well. Although I find it rather peculiar. The family jewels should have been among the first subjects to be discussed after the wedding, since they would be passed to the new Mrs. Darcy. Their situation should have been mentioned even in the settlement.”
“We will look at the jewels tonight,” Darcy concluded.
Indeed, most women would have asked about the jewels, but not Elizabeth.
Besides, they had barely worn anything else but nightgowns during that time, so no jewels were needed, he mused.
He felt the Colonel’s meaningful gaze on him and realised his cousin could read his thoughts, so he turned his attention to his drink.
“We should leave now – the Gardiners are waiting. We will bring Georgiana back this evening. And perhaps it will be time for her to return home next week,” Darcy added.
“Oh, you are still newly wedded, let her stay with me a little longer,” Lady Matlock pleaded. “It is such a pleasure to have a young lady around, after raising two impertinent sons.”
“Yes, since Georgiana is here, I have the liberty of spending more time at my club,” Lord Matlock jested.
“I will stay another week,” Georgiana concluded, and her statement met the general approval of her family. The conversation continued for a few more minutes until they finished their drinks, then the three Darcys departed for Gracechurch Street.
Outside, it began to rain, and the wind turned stronger. Darcy considered postponing the visit, but quickly abandoned the thought, as he knew everybody was eagerly waiting for this meeting.
Elizabeth and Georgiana sat on the same bench, covered with a blanket.
The hour was early but heavy clouds covered the sky and it seemed already dark. The streets were almost empty.
“Look, there is Madame Claudette’s shop. Even in this weather, she appears to have appointments,” Georgiana indicated. Elizabeth glanced outside, at the elegant and apparently large shop, in front of which there were three carriages waiting.
As she stared through the carriage window absently, Elizabeth’s attention was drawn by two men carrying some packages from one of the carriages and taking them inside, by the back door.
What struck her was a young girl doing the same, struggling to walk with a package in her arms, fighting the rain and wind.
She narrowed her eyes to see better, then turned to her companions.
“Is there a little girl carrying something? With the two men. She looks so small!”
“A little girl?” Darcy asked. As the carriage moved further forward, from his present position the shop had almost disappeared from his sight.
“I did not see any little girl,” Georgiana answered. “Where?”
“Right in front of the shop. She was with those two men.”
“What could a little girl carry in such weather?” Georgiana asked.
“That is what worried me, too. But perhaps I did not see it right,” Elizabeth admitted, while the horse ran forward and the wind was shaking their carriage.
Eventually, they arrived in Gracechurch Street and were received with joy and warmth, to cheer them after the freezing journey.
“I am so sorry that you had to bear this weather,” Mrs. Gardiner said, embracing them. “We are exceedingly happy to see you, but we would not have minded if you postponed the visit to another day.”
“Dear Aunt, since winter will come soon, we might have waited for the spring before we called on each other,” Elizabeth joked.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner offered them drinks and refreshments and the children came to greet them.
“Aunt Gardiner, Lady Matlock has invited you and Uncle to the theatre opening. She has purchased a box and insists we are all invited.”
The Gardiners were stunned. The Theatre Royal opening was an event that kept the whole of London in trepidation and sitting in Lady Matlock’s box was an honour they never imagined.
“Please convey our gratitude to Lady Matlock. Of course, we will come if we are not intruding.”
More plans were made for the next few days and later on for Christmas, and after a most enjoyable time, the guests finally left.
As dear as the Gardiners were to him, Darcy was happy to be back in the carriage. It was the first day since their marriage that he had spent little private time with Elizabeth. They exchanged glances, and he knew she was of the same opinion.
While Georgiana expressed her delight with the visit, the two newlyweds eagerly anticipated the comfort of their apartment.
It was dark outside, and the rain had stopped when they passed by in front of Madame Claudette’s shop again. The shop was closed, but inside maids could be seen attending to their duties. And among them, Elizabeth spotted a little girl carrying a bucket so big that she could barely move it.
With a tightening in her chest, Elizabeth looked at her companions.
This time they had seen the girl too, yet neither said anything.
What was to be said about one of the many children working for a living in London?
However, the image of the little girl followed Elizabeth until she arrived home and stayed with her throughout the evening.