Pride, Prejudice & Secrets (29 page)

“It was certainly the best choice if you want to wind up a spinster, my dear,” Louisa said mildly, and Caroline looked at her in disbelief. Louisa sighed and set down her cup before looking her sister directly in the eye. “I mentioned this before when you persisted in your pursuit of Mr. Darcy despite any indication of interest on his part. I said you were gambling with your future if you remember.”

“Yes, but…we would have been so perfect! Charles is his best friend, and who would have been a better husband to Miss Darcy than Charles? Equivalently, who then would make a better wife for Mr. Darcy than the sister of his friend! It was so sensible!”

“Except for Mr. Darcy,” Louisa replied unhappily. “I always wondered why he reacted so differently than I expected, and, assuming Colonel Fitzwilliam is correct, now we know. Mr. Darcy is simply not like the usual run of gentlemen that Mrs. Hanover described — nor is his cousin.”

“But that does not make sense!” Caroline said in disbelief, remembering Mrs. Hanover’s assurance and confidence as she described what a gentleman expected in a young lady and how her students should act in order to attract his interest and to fix his affections.

“I know, I know. I remember what she said as well as you, and I believed it the same as you. It certainly worked to my advantage in attracting Mr. Hurst, but my husband is vastly different from Mr. Darcy and his cousin.”

After a moment’s reflection, Caroline nodded gloomily. Mr. Hurst and his failings had often been a point of private — very private — discussions between the two sisters, and she suddenly felt a sense of disquiet at how she had conducted herself with Colonel Fitzwilliam. She had been so sure Louisa would be completely in accord with what she had done, but now she was not.

“I must confess that certain discussions I have had with some of my married friends lead me to wonder whether you and I were as prepared as we thought for what some of my friends refer to as ‘The Hunt.’”

“‘The Hunt’?”

“The search for a suitable husband. I have no doubt you could attract and secure a Mr. Hurst, but fixing Mr. Darcy, as we both unhappily learned, proved beyond your powers. Actually, beyond either of our powers, for I would have conducted myself in the same way. And now you know that you will not have any success with his cousin unless you meet his terms. I think you will have to become more like the elder Bennet sisters, both of whom have made splendid matches.”

“What do you mean?” Caroline asked. “Yes, the insufferable Miss Eliza has done so, but Jane Bennet married another version of Colonel Fitzwilliam — a sailor instead of a soldier but certainly not a splendid match.”

“Mrs. Jane Fitzwilliam will be spending holidays with Lord and Lady Matlock, either in town or at their estate in Derbyshire. And I have learned that her husband has amassed a substantial fortune — perhaps in excess of a hundred thousand pounds. So, yes, both sisters have made splendid matches.”

“But…but Colonel Fitzwilliam is not rich. He as much as said that one of my prime attractions was my fortune from Father.”

“He is a plain spoken man.” Louisa wrinkled her nose in distaste at such inelegant manners. “But he is the son of an earl and the brother of the heir, and he will always be welcome with his relations.”

“But he is insufferable! He needs me much more than I need him!”

“Perhaps, but he is the only man of any consequence who has made an open statement of attraction. It is a desperate game we play, Caroline — we ladies of fashion. What do we have to attract a man of consequence other than our fortunes, our beauty, and our accomplishments? Colonel Fitzwilliam could wait another ten years, and he would still be as attractive a match as now. But in ten years, you will be five and thirty and unmarriageable. Do you plan to live with Charles the rest of your life and teach his children languages and the pianoforte?”

Caroline was struck dumb by the clear, harsh language of her sister and looked at her in something approaching horror. At last she said, her voice low, “Then you think I made a mistake in rebuffing Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

“I think you might have been better served playing for time,” Louisa said gently. “You were surprised and shocked at his forthrightness, which we were both instructed was to be avoided, but you should remember he is a soldier. And you were especially put off by what he said of Mr. Darcy and his blunt statement that he would settle for nothing less in a wife. I believe it would have been more prudent to tell him he had given you much to think on and hold open the possibility of future conversations.”

“Perhaps,” Caroline said unwillingly, and her sister could see she was unconvinced. But Louisa was well familiar with Caroline’s stubbornness and said nothing further. She merely patted Caroline’s hand and left to instruct the cook concerning dinner, leaving her sister to her thoughts, such as they were.

Monday, June 4, 1812: Derbyshire

Despite Darcy’s intention to continue on to Pemberley on Sunday, the newlyweds found it too delightful to simply laze the day away, talking softly and holding each other, partaking of the excellent food offered by Plimpton’s, or satisfying the hunger of a more earthy variety. So it was past noon before Darcy bestirred himself to send a note to Georgiana, consigning her to the company of Mrs. Annesley and the staff of the inn before returning to the outstretched arms of his new bride.

By Monday, their hunger for each other was mollified, not slaked, and despite the attractions of Plimpton’s excellent kitchen, they preferred to continue their explorations in the privacy of Pemberley. So, notwithstanding the attraction of lying abed, they rose early, collected a highly amused Georgiana, and resumed their journey in time for the coach to turn in to the Pemberley Woods while the sun was no more than halfway down to the horizon.

As the luxurious woods swept by the coach windows, Darcy contentedly sat and held Elizabeth’s hand while Georgiana waxed enthusiastic in describing the many and varied points of interest to her new sister.

“The forestland is more extensive than I imagined,” Elizabeth said after some minutes. “I anticipated many a pleasant walk beneath the trees, but this! I am starting to be intimidated, Georgiana.”

“Viewing Pemberley is a task better suited to a small carriage or a phaeton than one’s feet,” Georgiana said gaily. “William said you were a superlative walker, but exploring the whole estate might be beyond even your hardiness. The gardens are wonderful, but even they are ten miles around.”

“That, at least, might be within my powers — but not immediately!” Elizabeth said. Georgiana continued her descriptive discourse until the coach began to slow as the ground rose, the horses working harder on the long, gradual pull through the surrounding trees. When the vehicle emerged from the trees onto more level ground, Darcy abruptly called out the window, “Hold up and let the horses breathe, Hoskins! I want to allow Mrs. Darcy a view of the house.”

“Yes, sir,” the driver answered, and the coach slowed to a halt, rocking on its heavy springs.

“There,” Georgiana said, pointing out the side window. Elizabeth looked across a broad valley with a stream meandering down the centre, widening and narrowing as it followed the low ground. Her breath caught at the sight of the magnificent stone house on the far side of the stream.

This is Pemberley?
she thought.
It is most striking indeed. Like the London townhouse, it is not excessively formal or falsely adorned. I am so pleased the natural beauty has been so little altered by an awkward taste. This is much to my taste — in fact, it is almost too much to my taste!

The large, handsome building was constructed of stone, seeming to sit among the terrain and vegetation of the valley as naturally as if it was built specifically just to complement them. A multitude of tall windows —
though not so many as those my cousin Collins praised at Rosings!
she thought with amusement —  looked out on all sides at the natural beauties, and a heavily wooded ridge rose behind the house, framing it perfectly.

After several minutes of contemplative silence, Elizabeth said archly, “I have changed my mind, Mr. Darcy. I can never be mistress of such an imposing and beautiful home. I belong back at Longbourn. Should we not start back immediately?”

“Then you like it?” Georgiana asked while Darcy simply squeezed her hand, for he was proud, and justly so, of his family’s home.

“Who could not? It is in every respect truly delightful,” she said soberly. “But it is so splendid, William! Intimidation is much too weak a word to describe my present feelings!”

“You know you will do wonderfully, Elizabeth,” Darcy said. “The staff has kept the place running quite well for some years, so everything is not going to grind to a halt because it has a new mistress. My father taught me to make sure the right people are in the right positions, and then get out of the way and allow them to do their jobs. You will find the same is true for you.”

“I suppose so,” she said doubtfully, but she could not deny the appeal the whole valley — the house, the water, the woods, everything — was having on her. Without even seeing the inside of the house, she instinctively felt as if she was coming home. Perhaps it was because the owner sat beside her, holding and comforting her in ways she had not known she needed. But whatever the reason, she was as certain as her husband that this would be her home for the rest of her life.

As the coach continued down into the valley, liveried figures poured from the house, drawing her eye, and Darcy nodded.

“Our arrival has been noticed, Elizabeth, and everyone wants to welcome their new mistress. I told Mrs. Reynolds of your many fine qualities, and she has undoubtedly told everyone that you will give a demonstration of your ability to walk on water as soon as you arrive.”

“William!” cried Georgiana in a kind of horrified delight at hearing such a jest from her staid elder brother, but Elizabeth only laughed lightly, her worries dissipated instantly.

She leaned close and whispered in his ear, “You will pay for that!”

To which he responded only, “I hope so, dearest.”

“Everything is lovely, William,” Elizabeth said, as Darcy proudly showed her the chambers prepared for her. He had already introduced Mr and Mrs. Reynolds, the butler and housekeeper, as well as showing her the house and adjacent gardens. Even that brief tour had taken an hour and a half, following which the three of them sat down to an informal meal in a small dining room.

Afterwards, Elizabeth declared that she was quite tired and wished to retire to her chambers, bathe, and go immediately to bed. The seamed face of the elderly housekeeper, who had hovered nearby during the tour and the meal, broke out in a smile she struggled to suppress. From the fond way the old housekeeper greeted Darcy, as if he were a favourite son returning home, Elizabeth blushed, realizing the experienced housekeeper might have perceived her new mistress’s desire to take the master of the house into her bed.

Now, looking about her well-appointed chambers, she said, “It is almost as if I actually supervised the preparation of this room — other than there being so much of it, of course. But still, I am utterly overwhelmed at how closely you know my taste.”

“I will cheerfully direct that praise to Georgiana, my dear. You gave everything needed and more during your tour of the London house; when you are not keeping your social face in place, your visage is charmingly expressive. She took note of everything you liked and everything you did not and sent Mrs. Reynolds detailed instructions.”

“There were very few items at your house in London I did not like! In fact, I cannot think of any. I thought everything was handsomely done.”

“Georgiana already admires and loves you and, I believe, will learn some of your nature in time. In fact, just talking about that part of Georgiana’s life makes me better understand how your father must have felt about you leaving his home. In the not too distant future, Georgiana will do the same.”

“My father was comforted by the knowledge that I left with an honourable man, William,” she said softly. “We must ensure the same for her.”

“Thank you,” Darcy said hoarsely then brightened. “And you must renew your father’s invitation to visit when you write. You saw our library; just include a description, and he will come.”

“I will wait a few days! Otherwise, we might find him on our doorstep before we are ready! But, at the moment, I need to summon Sarah to help me bathe.”

“And I also,” Darcy said.

“Give me an hour and I will be ready.” She laid her palm along his cheek and felt the incipient whiskers. She knew he would bathe and have himself shaved during the intervening time, and she smiled tenderly. “I will wait for you in my bed.”

Darcy nodded, kissed her lightly on her lips, and departed to his own room. When he returned, opening the door to her chamber quietly, Darcy found his lovely young wife asleep in her bed. And, when he lifted the covers to join her, he found her lightly perfumed, with her long hair braided for sleep, and with no more clothing than God intended.

Darcy smiled at the enticing view, removed his own dressing gown and nightshirt, and climbed into bed.

I am not sure I have kissed her everywhere,
he thought lightly.
I shall have to explore…

Despite Darcy’s many and vocal threats to keep Elizabeth locked in his bedroom, all knew such had never been his intention, and they spent many pleasant hours in the following weeks exploring the gardens and grounds of Pemberley, both by carriage and afoot, sometimes with Georgiana and sometimes without. In fact, Georgiana seemed to get nearly as much delight as they did when shepherding her brother and her new sister back to their chambers.

During this most pleasant interlude, no visitors were received, but the house was not closed up. The word of Darcy’s marriage was abroad, and a number of gentlemen left cards for both themselves and their wives.

The neighbourhood families were naturally excited at the opportunity of extending their social circle, both because of the standing and prestige of the Darcy family and due to the natural progression of the company in the area becoming confined over time as they mixed socially within their own class. Thus, within a month, the young couple was receiving and returning morning visits, which soon progressed to dinners and other social activities.

Darcy was phlegmatic about the demands of society, for such had been true his whole life, and though he would have often preferred to remain at home, the presence of Elizabeth by his side or even across the room made such events more agreeable than he would have expected. She seemed to almost read his mind when discomfort loomed or when he felt close to resuming his grave and distant mask. At such times, she would magically appear at his side, ready to divert the conversation or even gently tease him out of his impending sulk. She knew he tolerated but seldom enjoyed the social events she enjoyed so much, and she was fixed that he should not suffer excessively for her own enjoyment.

Wednesday, July 8, 1812: Pemberley, Derbyshire

Thus matters were settling in as May passed to June, with Elizabeth enjoying all the delights of Pemberley in the summer as she explored the environs on foot and even in a carriage with her husband, for she had been forced to accept what Georgiana had said that first day about exploring Pemberley on foot.

In mid-June, Elizabeth received a letter from her Aunt Gardiner informing her that Mr. Gardiner’s business would delay their departure and keep them from touring the Lakes. Instead, they had decided to substitute Derbyshire and extend their stay at Pemberley from several days to a week and a half. This news cheered both her and Darcy greatly, for he found the company of the Gardiners most agreeable. Elizabeth was also pleased to learn that Kitty would accompany her aunt and uncle rather than Lydia, who had been confined to the house by Mr. Bennet. Her aunt’s letter said Lydia had been invited to accompany her friend, Colonel Forster’s wife, to Brighton with the regiment and, being used to getting her own way as her mother’s favourite, had evidently waxed so wroth at being denied permission that her father went further and restricted her to Longbourn. Elizabeth could well imagine the scene, and though pleased at her father’s display of forcefulness, was even more pleased to be where she was and not be a witness to it.

It was later in the afternoon of that same June day, when she walked along one of the streams and watched trout jumping from the water to catch flies, that she heard Georgiana call her name from some distance. Looking around, she saw her waving from the road in the phaeton she liked to drive. Georgiana appeared so excited she was almost bouncing on the seat, so Elizabeth hastily cut across a field of wildflowers to her.

“Elizabeth, you will never guess who has arrived so unexpectedly!” Georgiana said as Elizabeth neared the phaeton.

In reality, Elizabeth was quite prepared to make a guess. “I believe it must be my father, Georgiana.”

Georgiana’s face fell at the accuracy of the guess. “But how did you know? Did you see him arrive?”

“No, no, sister.” Elizabeth climbed into the phaeton. “But I know my father’s whimsical nature, and when you said the visitor was unexpected, it seemed likely to be him. He would find it pleasing to arrive so suddenly, and your brother did extend him an invitation to visit whenever he pleased.”

“Hmph.” Georgiana was somewhat sorry at the deflation of her surprise, but she got recompense by saying slyly, “It would not have mattered; neither of you would have noticed!”

“Now, now, sister!” an amused Elizabeth said. “You are becoming far too perky! Who has been teaching you such unseemly habits?”

Georgiana, her spirits restored, only laughed gleefully and urged the two ponies into motion, and she had considerable enjoyment describing her brother’s surprise as well as his rapid recovery as he welcomed their unforeseen visitor to the house.

Mr. Bennet’s face was wreathed in a complacent smile as he embraced his daughter in Darcy’s study. A half-empty glass of port rested beside his comfortable chair, and Darcy watched the reunion with an expression similar to her father’s.