The Darcys of Pemberley Page 4

  With his wife thus occupied, Darcy closed himself up in the library for a protracted discussion with Mr. Adams, reviewing various aspects of the estate’s business enterprises and the concerns of his numerous tenant farmers. Although Darcy left much of the day-to-day oversight in the capable hands of his steward, he insisted on being kept abreast of all matters of consequence, and reserved for himself the task of every weighty decision.

  When Elizabeth considered how many people depended on her husband for their livelihood and security, it sometimes alarmed her. Along with the power he possessed – as husband, brother, landlord, and master to a host of servants and workers – came heavy responsibility. A less conscientious man might not have felt the burden of this trust. But she knew Darcy was acutely aware of his obligation to protect the welfare of all those under his guardianship, and mindful that his choices in the management of Pemberley could affect dozens of others for good or for ill. Still, he never complained. He was much more likely to brood in silence if trouble threatened.

  When her husband at last emerged from the library, Elizabeth scrutinized his countenance for the telltale signs of strain she had come to recognize. There they were: the tightened lips, the contracted brow, the unblinking gaze.

  “Difficulties?” she asked gently.

  “Nothing out of the common way.”

  “Dinner was just announced and Georgiana has already gone in. Shall we join her?”

  He nodded and offered his arm to escort her into the dining hall. There the three Darcys gathered at the near end of a massive mahogany table sized to comfortably accommodate more than ten times that number.

  After the soup had gone quietly by, Elizabeth observed, “The weather has cleared. Perhaps we might have our ride after all, my dear. I believe the fresh air would do us both good. What do you say?”

  “I don’t see why not. Will you join us, Georgiana?”

  “I thank you, no. I rode Ginger hard yesterday; she has earned her rest.”

  “You cannot expect to be excused on those grounds,” Darcy objected. “The stables are full of horses. Surely we can find you another mount.”

  “Duchess, I daresay, would be happy to oblige you,” Elizabeth suggested by way of a joke.

  Before she came to Pemberley, Elizabeth was no horsewoman. Therefore, Mr. Darcy made a circumspect choice for her first mount, selecting a steady dapple-gray mare of advanced age and decrepitude. It was not long, however, before Elizabeth tired of Duchess’ plodding pace, and begged to be promoted to a horse with more spirit and speed. After much pleading, she was allowed to retire Duchess in favor of a roan gelding of seven with enough vitality to satisfy her and stay the pace with her husband’s mount.

  “Or, if you prefer,” Elizabeth continued, “you shall have my Simba, and I will renew my acquaintance with Duchess.”

  Since Georgiana could not be persuaded to join them, Darcy and Elizabeth changed into their riding clothes and went without her. They started by taking the path that traced the perimeter of the lake and its outlet, following it far downstream to a place where the water was slow and shallow enough for a safe crossing. The trail then took them through the wood, gradually climbing to one of the higher points of the estate. There they stopped to rest their horses and to appreciate the fine prospect of the surrounding countryside afforded by an opening through the trees. Continuing on, they eventually broke out onto a great meadow where they turned themselves and their horses loose for an exhilarating gallop before joining the drive to return to the stables.

  Elizabeth’s visage glowed with high color as she and Darcy strolled back toward the house in the dusky evening light. “What a capital way to end our first day home!” she exclaimed. “I cannot imagine any felicity superior to the thrill of a good ride.”

  “I can think of one or two things to rival the experience,” Darcy murmured. “But it was invigorating, I grant you. And I must say your horsemanship has come a long way, Lizzy. As a rider, you are quite transformed.”

  “In so many other ways as well,” she mused, half to herself, marveling once again at the metamorphosis of her circumstances over the last year.

  Chapter 5

  Colonel Fitzwilliam

  Later that night, Georgiana retrieved a letter that had come for her brother in his absence. “It is from Colonel Fitzwilliam, I think,” she said, handing it over to him.

  “It is indeed,” Darcy replied as he recognized the scrawling handwriting of the direction. He opened it and read the short note aloud.

  My Dear Friend,

  I find myself summoned once again by our aunt to Rosings. Since her disappointment over you, she has relied more and more upon me for company and entertainment. I know that I can be rather amusing at times, yet I can hardly imagine why she requires my presence there so often. Alas, duty calls, and, as you know, a military man cannot shirk his duty. I do at least propose myself the satisfaction of enjoying your hospitality for a few days on my way. According to my plans, I should be with you at Pemberley on Thursday next. You ought to feel an obligation to cheer and fortify me for the journey. After all, it is entirely your fault that I must now suffer these visits alone. Not that I blame you for marrying outside her ladyship’s will. I would have done exactly the same in your position. You are a lucky man, Darcy. You have married the perfect wife and, in so doing, you have cleverly exempted yourself from waiting upon our aunt.

  Yours, sincerely,

  J. Fitzwilliam

  “Poor Fitzwilliam. I do not envy him being Lady Catherine’s new favorite,” said Elizabeth. “At least his errand provides him a reason for visiting us; that is cause for celebration. And what a charming letter he writes. Do not you think so, my dear?”

  “Yes, he pays you a fine compliment, and he accurately summarizes my happy situation. Had my aunt known the outcome of her threat of excommunication, no doubt she would have chosen a different strategy to prevent our marriage. My only regret over losing Lady Catherine’s society is that it has left Cousin Anne even more isolated than before. I am glad for her sake that Fitzwilliam is still prepared to go. No doubt he supplies Anne better company than I ever did.”

  Georgiana added, “I really do feel sorry for Anne. It must be a severe trial having a sickly constitution. If anyone can cheer her, it is Fitzwilliam.”

  Colonel John Fitzwilliam, the Darcys’ cousin on their mother’s side, had a well-informed mind, fine manners, and a jovial nature, all of which made him welcome wherever he went. The ladies, especially, found Fitzwilliam’s affability and humor agreeable. Yet the colonel remained a single man, partly due to lack of funds and partly to his decided indifference over every suitable candidate that came his way.

  As the younger son of an Earl, he could not marry where he chose. Since he would not inherit his father’s estate and yet was expected to uphold the style of living his family enjoyed, he was obliged to establish his own fortune by some other means. The colonel showed no inclination for banking or politics, and an inconvenient state of peace had broken out before he could amass any great sum by distinguished service in the army. His best remaining chance for even a modest fortune seemed to be to acquire one by marriage. This was the course of action strongly recommended to him by some of his relations. As the colonel’s father often reminded him, many a rich merchant would be willing to pay handsomely to have his daughter married to the son of an Earl.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam was on the most intimate terms with the Pemberley family, counting Darcy more as a brother, and feeling a doting fondness for Miss Georgiana. He and Elizabeth had taken to each other immediately when they met at Hunsford two years earlier, their mutual admiration soon settling into a warm friendship.

  On Thursday, the Darcys’ happily anticipated guest arrived as advertised, and was welcomed with sincere cordiality. Mr. Darcy received and returned Colonel Fitzwilliam’s firm handshake. The visitor then turned his attention to the ladies.

  “My dear Georgiana, I think you grow taller and more beautiful ea
ch time I see you. And Mrs. Darcy, may I say you look uncommonly well?” To this he added a gallant bow and a kiss of her hand. “Marriage must agree with you,” and in a lower voice, “though how being married to such a disagreeable man can be at all agreeable, I am sure I cannot fathom.”

  Darcy merely rolled his eyes heavenward and pretended not to hear what Fitzwilliam said entirely for his benefit.

  During dinner, the conversation ranged over the customary ground, that of ascertaining the state of health and welfare of everyone of their common acquaintance. Darcy politely inquired after the colonel’s parents and brother, and Georgiana after his niece and nephew. All these received glowing reports. Then Fitzwilliam asked about Mr. and Mrs. Collins, whereupon Elizabeth delivered the sad story of her cousin’s demise.

  “Having now such a close correspondence with Rosings Park, I am surprised you were not already informed of it,” said Darcy.

  “Yes, it is odd. Her ladyship made no mention of it when she wrote to summon me, and of course everything was fine when I was last at Hunsford three months ago. I called in at the parsonage some once or twice, and the Collinses dined at Rosings frequently during my stay.”

  A quiet thoughtfulness overtook them all and held for some minutes.

  “How was Cousin Anne when you saw her?” Elizabeth asked the colonel, breaking the silence.

  “I am happy to testify that she looked quite remarkably fit, with much better color and energy than ever before. Her spirits are vastly improved as well. She has a new physician now – one of those scientifically educated fellows – and he has done wonders for her. I was quite impressed at the transformation. Did you not see her when you were there?”

  “No, we were denied that pleasure,” answered Darcy. “She was not at the service with her mother, and calling at Rosings was obviously out of the question. Still, I am gratified by what you say of Anne’s improvement, Fitzwilliam. I hope her superior health will allow her to be more out in company. To be relieved, even briefly, of Lady Catherine’s domineering presence must do her a good at least equal to whatever medicine her physician prescribes.”

  “Perhaps I can help accomplish your wish whilst I am there. I shall have my eyes open for some scheme to take me from the house in any case; I will endeavor to help Anne make good her escape as well,” said the colonel with a hearty laugh.

  The evening passed pleasantly with conversation and music. Colonel Fitzwilliam insisted on hearing both Georgiana and Elizabeth perform, and they were happy to oblige him.

  That night, in their private apartment, Darcy surreptitiously studied his wife as she readied herself for bed. At length he said, “Fitzwilliam was flirting shamelessly with you again tonight, Lizzy. If I did not trust him so absolutely, I would never tolerate him taking such liberties.”

  “Your cousin is very charming, but quite harmless,” Elizabeth assured him as she brushed out her hair at her dressing table.

  Darcy came and stood behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders and his eyes on her reflection in the mirror. “Nevertheless, he was quite right when he said you look uncommonly well, my dear. I will grant him that much. I truly was thinking the same myself.”

  “Thank you, my darling … for the compliment and also for the note of jealousy in your voice. Fitzwilliam was right about one more thing, however. If you remember, he very correctly credited my marriage as the source of any added beauty. It most definitely does agree with me,” she said turning and reaching for her husband’s embrace.

  He met her halfway and lifted her to himself. “I am glad to hear it, Mrs. Darcy. Still, I wondered…that is, I hoped…that there might be a more particular reason…,” he said uncertainly. “We have been married almost a twelve-month, and I thought…”

  Then Elizabeth understood him. She took his face in her hands and looked up into his hopeful eyes. “My love, when I have news of that sort, believe me, you will be the first to know. In the meantime, I suggest we not waste energy worrying about it. Let us instead conserve our strength for efforts that have more chance of yielding the desired result.”

  She gave him a playful kiss and, with a lilting laugh, bounded into bed. Taking her meaning, Mr. Darcy instantly assented to the wisdom of her proposal and followed her forthwith. He never was one to procrastinate.

  ~*~

  After three days, Colonel Fitzwilliam took his leave, promising to stop at Pemberley again on his return from Hunsford where he planned to stay about a fortnight. In the meantime, there was plenty of employment for those who remained. Mr. Darcy added instigating inquiries on the Bingleys’ behalf to his regular slate of occupations. Along with her correspondence and normal household responsibilities, Elizabeth began her preliminary plans for Georgiana’s eighteenth-birthday ball, set for January. And, with their guest gone, Georgiana reverted to her pattern of spending a good portion of each day engaged in musical pursuits. Whenever weather permitted, the three took to the outdoors for daily walks and rides.

  Rather sooner than expected, a subdued Colonel Fitzwilliam returned. He smiled and greeted them warmly enough, but his eyes seemed clouded rather than glinting with their usual merriment. In answer to the inquiries his uncharacteristic demeanor produced, he denied that anything ailed him other than weariness from travel. After dinner, however, he asked Darcy and Elizabeth for a private audience.

  Behind the closed doors of the library, Darcy demanded, “What is it, Fitzwilliam? You are plainly not yourself. What on earth has happened?” He and Elizabeth took seats beside each other, but Fitzwilliam kept to his feet, walking up and down as he spoke.

  “Oh, nothing so very dreadful. Please do not be alarmed. However, I do have a delicate and perplexing matter to discuss with you both. No need to trouble Georgiana over it, though, at least not at present.”

  “Of course,” said Elizabeth. “Whatever you think best. Now, how can we help you?”

  “I beg your indulgence. I must go back and start at the beginning.” After a deep breath and one more turn about the room, the colonel drew up a chair and commenced his story. “As you know, Lady Catherine has been demanding more of my time and attention in recent months. Although I may complain, I can tolerate the visits well enough. I had no reason to expect anything out of the ordinary on this trip, except hopefully more liveliness from Anne with her improving health.

  “All began agreeably enough. Her ladyship was on her best behavior – by her standards, that is – and Anne seemed at least as strong as when I saw her three months ago. In fair weather, she and I even took extended walks round the park, something that would have been unthinkable in the past.

  “Just as we discussed, Darcy, I was on the watch for an opportunity to take our cousin out into society when the very thing presented itself – an invitation to a dinner party. Rather than objecting, Lady Catherine nearly insisted I escort her daughter on the outing, declaring that, since it was nearby, it would not tire Anne excessively. Of course, neither Anne nor I objected to the relief of a little variety, so we went.

  “About a dozen ladies and gentlemen of Anne’s acquaintance were there; all very pleasant and congenial. I knew nary a soul, but that is no hardship for me. The evening started well enough. Then I became conscious of what struck me as some very odd looks and peculiar remarks. It was clear that these people thought of us – Anne and myself – as a couple. Well, I could hardly stand up and announce to the whole company that I cared nothing for the young lady beyond family affection, so I let it pass.

  “When we returned to Rosings, Anne retired, leaving me alone with Lady Catherine. She asked how the evening had gone off, and, in describing the party, I mentioned what I took to be the misapprehension of some there present concerning the nature of the relationship between her daughter and myself. Now we come to the point. Our aunt then explained that her friends had been given good reason to regard us as a couple. Apparently, Lady Catherine and my father have got it all worked out; they have agreed between them that Anne and I are to be married.”
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  “No, surely there must be some mistake!” cried Elizabeth. “Is it not at least possible that you misunderstood, Fitzwilliam?”

  Fitzwilliam returned to his feet and resumed his pacing. “If only it were a mistake,” he answered. “Her ladyship was perfectly clear about her expectation that I shall marry her daughter. Since she could not get you for her son-in-law, Darcy, I suppose she has settled on me as the best substitute available.”

  Darcy rose abruptly. “But this is preposterous! She has no more right to expect that you will acquiesce to her designs than that I should have. How did you answer her?”

  “I was so surprised that I could hardly think! I told her she must be in error, for it was the first I had ever heard of such a plan. Her ladyship, of course, reminded me that that she is never mistaken. She said I should have understood which way the wind was blowing from her recent marked attentions to me. At all events, she referred me to my father for any further explanation. I left the place at first light without even waiting to say goodbye to Anne, and here you see me, two days later, still unable to compose myself.”

  “But what of Anne? Does she desire this match herself, do you think?” asked Elizabeth.

  “I have not the least idea,” replied the colonel. “She was cordial to me, certainly, but I noticed no signs of extraordinary regard. It is possible that she is as much in the dark about this plan as I myself was until so recently. Still, I can hardly imagine that she has the courage to defy her mother … in this or in any other matter.”

  “So you will be alone in opposing the idea,” Darcy surmised.

  “Yes, I suppose so,” the colonel said thoughtfully, stopping in place. “Such a match would never have occurred to me. Although, now that I have had time to think about it, I can see that from a certain point of view it makes perfect sense. Lady Catherine wants noble blood for her daughter. If she cannot get one nephew, then the other is almost as good. Anne has a large fortune and does not need money from me. My lack of fortune, in fact, becomes my inducement to accept the arrangement. What could be more logical?” he concluded with a bewildered look.