New Beginnings

by Leenie Brown

  “I must go visit your uncle’s solicitor.” There was a note of regret in his voice. “I would rather send Georgiana and keep you to myself, but I cannot.” He glanced at his sister and seeing that her back was still to him, he gave Elizabeth one more kiss before taking his leave.

  “You will be able to see him depart from here,” said Georgiana motioning for Elizabeth to join her. “We have two hours before the modiste arrives,” she added as Elizabeth took a place at the window next to her.

  “Arrives? We are not going to her shop?” Elizabeth asked in surprise.

  “It is her preference. She is very particular, but her work is excellent.” Georgiana smiled reassuringly at Elizabeth. “Mrs. Cole, the housekeeper, will join us here shortly. She wanted to accompany us on the tour in case there is anything you see that you would like to have changed, or if you have any particular questions about how things are done. Her aunt worked here before she did, so she knows everything about the house and its history, as well as about my parents, my brother and me. She is a dear woman.”

  Elizabeth watched as Darcy entered his carriage. It was not until it drove away that she took a seat near Georgiana. “I admit to being a bit overwhelmed by all that is happening. Not unpleasantly overwhelmed, but overwhelmed just the same.” Elizabeth looked around the room. In one week, this would be her sitting room. In a week, Mr. Palmer would be her butler; Mrs. Cole, whom she had yet to meet, would be her housekeeper; and she was certain there were countless other staff who would be looking to her as their mistress. She imagined curious ladies filling the chairs in this room, and her heart began to beat a bit more rapidly.

  “You will be marvelous as Mrs. Darcy,” assured Georgiana.

  “How can you say that with any amount of certainty? You have only just met me. It is true that it is the second meeting, but our acquaintance is of such a short duration.”

  Georgiana leaned toward Elizabeth. “It was not only you and my brother who were disappointed that you did not marry five years ago. Mrs. Reynolds was impressed with you the last time we met. I have heard her say over the years how she was certain my brother was going to marry you and how fine a mistress of Pemberley you would have made. She will be delighted to hear this news.” Georgiana rose. “Mrs. Cole, I would like you to meet Mrs. Amberly, formerly Miss Bennet, and soon to be Mrs. Darcy.”

  “Miss Bennet, you say?” Mrs. Cole’s eyes fluttered just a bit as a wide smile spread across her face. “A pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I have heard much about you.”

  “Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Cole correspond on a regular basis,” explained Georgiana. “It helps the two houses to run most efficiently.”

  “Oh, Judith will be so pleased to hear you have come to us at last,” said Mrs. Cole, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. It took her a moment to recollect herself and regain her professional demeanor. “As you can see,” she began with a wave of her hand, “this is the yellow sitting room. Callers are entertained here, and Miss Darcy finds it a particularly good room for doing sewing as the windows are so large and allow in so much light.” She paused for a moment to look at Elizabeth, her excitement bubbling up once again. “Oh, I am so delighted. If you follow me, I will acquaint you with your new home.”

  Elizabeth followed the pleasant lady from the room and around the house, trying to remember all the information she was being told and trying not to giggle at the pride with which Mrs. Cole introduced her to the staff, occasionally mentioning that this was the lady Mrs. Reynolds had mentioned and then apologizing for having spoken of it. So the day went until the modiste arrived. Then, as she stood in the mistress’s chamber, Elizabeth was measured and asked to choose patterns and fabrics. By the time the modiste had left, she was feeling quite exhausted.

  “You will stay for dinner, will you not?” Georgiana asked as she and Elizabeth settled into the chairs where they had started their day.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I cannot. Mrs. Amberly has invited my aunt and uncle Gardiner to dine with us tonight.”

  Georgiana sighed with disappointment. “You will stay until my brother returns?”

  Elizabeth smiled sheepishly. “I would not think of leaving until after that.”

  Georgiana clapped her hands. “Good. Then we shall have tea.” She rose and gave instructions to a footman in the hall. She and Elizabeth were just settling into a discussion of music when both the tea and Lady Matlock arrived. Georgiana sighed quietly as the lady was announced.

  “I was not receiving callers today, my lady,” said Georgiana as she rose to greet her aunt with a kiss placed quickly on her cheek.

  “Yes, Palmer mentioned that, but as I told him, I am not a caller. I am your aunt.” She took Georgiana by the shoulders and turned her in a circle. “You are looking well. When shall we hear of a marriage proposal?” She raised an eyebrow as she looked at Elizabeth. “I thought you were not home to callers,” she chided Georgiana.

  “Would you care for tea, Aunt Edith?” Georgiana moved to begin pouring. “We have some of those almond cakes which you so like.”

  Lady Matlock took a seat and indicated that she would indeed have tea, but her eyes never left Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth, a swirling sense of unease growing in her stomach, remained standing, unsure as to whether she should sit until she had been introduced.

  “Mrs. Amberly is not a caller, my lady,” Georgiana finally began the introductions. “She is an old friend. Mrs. Amberly, my aunt, Lady Matlock.”

  Elizabeth dipped a proper curtsey and offered her greeting before returning to her seat.

  Lady Matlock took a small sip of her tea and gave Georgiana a small nod of approval. “Amberly?” She peered at Elizabeth. “A relation of Mr. Gareth Amberly?” She asked the question, but her tone spoke of her already knowing the information.

  “My uncle through marriage, my lady.”

  Lady Matlock’s left brow arched. “Ah, you are Jack’s widow.” Her tone once again told of no surprise at this information. “Your sister is Mrs. Charles Bingley, is she not?”

  “I am, and she is, my lady.”

  Lady Matlock turned slightly toward Georgiana. “Your brother used to be friends with Mr. Bingley, did he not?”

  Georgiana smiled tightly and nodded her agreement.

  “Lord Matlock was not unhappy to see that relationship end.” She looked pointedly at Elizabeth. “Connections to trade and all that, surely you understand.”

  Elizabeth sucked in a breath. She wished to defend Bingley for Jane’s sake, but how could she tout him as a fine gentleman when her thoughts of him were currently less than charitable?

  “It was an unfortunate parting of ways,” said Georgiana.

  Lady Matlock seemed to ignore the comment, though Elizabeth did not miss the slight rise of an eyebrow. “I heard your brother made a bit of a scene last night.” She took a sip of her tea. “Several scenes to be precise.” She shook her head. “Calling on the archbishop at such an hour.” She clucked her tongue.

  Elizabeth’s cheeks grew warm.

  “We expect him to return soon,” said Georgiana. “You may wish to ask him about whatever actions it is which have you concerned.”

  “Oh, is he not home?”

  Peer or not, the woman’s pretense of ignorance was beginning to grate on Elizabeth. It reminded her far too much of Miss Bingley. “He is visiting my uncle’s solicitor,” said Elizabeth, placing her half empty tea cup on a side table. “But, I am quite certain you will not find that a surprise.”

  Lady Matlock fumbled with her cup for only a moment before regaining her composure. “He will have to return and undo whatever he has done.” She levelled a firm stare at Elizabeth and shook her head. “You are quite unacceptable,” she added.

  “Perhaps to you, my lady, but not to Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth’s eyes did not waver from Lady Matlock’s. “You shall, unless Mr. Darcy prohibits it, be invited to family gatherings, christenings, Georgiana’s wedding breakfast, Christmas, and the like. However
, I will understand if you wish not to accept the invitations, and I will not censure you for it. Do not render evil for evil and all that, of course, you understand.” She pulled her spine as straight as she could and squared her shoulders. “But please know that I will not release Mr. Darcy from his promise to marry me, for I shall not live another moment without him.”

  Lady Matlock’s eyes narrowed. “You are not of his sphere.”

  “Is he not a gentleman?” Elizabeth asked with feigned surprise. “I had imagined him to be so.”

  Again, Lady Matlock fumbled with her cup before giving a shrug. “Very well, he is a gentleman, and your father was also a gentleman, even if he was tainted by trade. You are not altogether from separate spheres, though his relations are of the peerage.”

  “Of that I am aware, my lady,” said Elizabeth.

  Lady Matlock tilted her head slightly and pursed her lips. “You will not give him up?”

  “Not until I draw my final breath, my lady.”

  Lady Matlock’s eyes narrowed again, and she drank her tea as if deep in thought. Then she set the tea aside and rose, causing Georgiana and Elizabeth to rise as well out of courtesy. “You are stubborn enough to be a Darcy,” she stated. “Do not expect an invitation to Matlock House.”

  “That will save her the awkwardness of refusing it,” Darcy growled from the door.

  Lady Matlock’s eyes widened slightly before she turned to greet her nephew.

  He held up a hand to keep her from speaking. “The time has come for you to leave.” He shook his head as she once again began to speak. “It is better if we part without words, for I fear mine would be far from kind.”

  She gave him a nod and moved toward the door.

  “Lady Matlock,” he called after her, causing her to turn towards him. “Do tell my uncle of this and inform him that nothing shall move me from my position. And while you are at it, you might remind him that Amberly is not without connections, my lady. He is a graduate of Oxford and a Tory, is he not?” Darcy looked to Elizabeth to answer.

  “Indeed, and very interested in the workings of government,” she replied, earning a truly beautiful smile from Mr. Darcy.

  “Yes, remind my uncle of that also,” he said without looking at his aunt for he was unwilling to take his eyes from his Elizabeth. He waited until he heard the door to Darcy House close. “You are well?” he asked.

  “I am.”

  “And you, Georgiana?” He asked turning to his sister, who smiled and nodded.

  “We should finish our tea,” said Georgiana returning to her seat and taking up her cup. “Elizabeth was brilliant.” She took a small sip of tea. “Aunt Edith rattled her cup twice.”

  “Twice?” Darcy repeated in surprise. “Not even Lady Catherine has rattled Lady Matlock more than once in a sitting.” Admiration coloured his tone.

  Elizabeth chuckled. “You approve of disquieting your relations?”

  “Only the impossible ones,” he said steering her by her elbow to a settee so that he might sit with her. “I was quite enchanted with how you unsettled Lady Catherine.”

  “No!” said Georgiana. “Lady Catherine, too?” Her eyes shone with amusement. “You must tell me the tale.”

  And so with Elizabeth’s hand in his, he did.

  Chapter 5

  Elizabeth was seated at her dressing table when the door to the bedroom flew open.

  “What do you mean you are marrying Mr. Darcy?” Jane held the note Elizabeth had sent in her right hand and waved it slightly to draw her sister’s attention to it. “You have not seen him in five years, and at your first re-acquaintance you agree to marry him?” She tossed the letter on Elizabeth’s table and folded her arms across her chest. “When Jack died, you said you would never marry again, and yet you are betrothed to the first man you are introduced to at a ball?” Her tone was accusing and, for Jane, she spoke loudly.

  Elizabeth sighed. Of course, Jane did not understand. Elizabeth had never spoken of Mr. Darcy after Bingley returned without him. She rose, dismissed her maid, and went to sit on the bed, motioning for Jane to join her.

  “How could you accept him?” Though Jane’s voice had quieted, her tone was no less accusing.

  Elizabeth grasped Jane’s hands, trying to calm not only Jane but also herself. Admitting she had kept a secret from her dearly loved sister was not an easy task. For all their lives, they had shared nearly everything. “I know it appears sudden, but I assure you it is not.” She looked steadfastly at their joined hands. “I love him,” she admitted, daring only to peek up at her sister. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest as it always did when Jane was distraught. “I have loved him nearly as long as you have loved Charles.” She released one of Jane’s hands and brushed a tear from the corner of her eye.

  Jane cupped her sister’s cheek with her free hand.

  Elizabeth gave her a small smile of thanks at the comforting gesture. Even when distraught, Jane found it nearly impossible to refrain from giving comfort.

  “But what of his interference with Charles and me? You were so angry with him.”

  Elizabeth nodded slowly. “I was, and while I cannot approve of his actions in doing so, I do understand his reasons. He has repented of any harm he may have caused, and I have forgiven him long ago.” She covered Jane’s hand, which was still on her cheek, with her own. “My dear sister,” her voice was gentle, “how did your husband learn of Mr. Darcy’s interference?”

  Jane blinked apparently unsure of why Elizabeth would ask such a question. “Mr. Darcy told him of it.”

  Elizabeth nodded and rose from the bed. It was too difficult to stay seated. The topic was not an easy one of which to speak. Her stomach twisted and knotted. Her hands clasped each other tightly and then relaxed before repeating the same process. “Mr. Darcy did not have to tell Charles of it. He could have encouraged Charles simply to return to Netherfield and renew his acquaintance with you without ever divulging his part in your separation.” She stood by the window and peeked over her shoulder at her sister, who was watching her with furrowed brows. “Mr. Darcy told Charles because of me.”

  “I do not understand.” Jane shook her head in confusion.

  Elizabeth drew a deep breath and released it. Why now, after finally being happily reunited with Darcy, must her heart still ache so? She glanced over her shoulder once again at her sister and found her answer. The telling of the tale brought the danger of injuring her sister. The knot in her stomach twisted more tightly, causing her to wrap her arms around her middle.

  “You are not well.” Jane was at her side in an instant. “Let me call your maid again, and we can get you into bed.” She lay her hand on her sister’s cheek and then forehead. “You do not feel feverish.”

  “I am not ill,” said Elizabeth. “I refused him. Five years ago, I refused Mr. Darcy because of what Wickham had told me and because he had caused you pain.” Tears slid silently down her cheeks.

  Jane, with a concerned, yet puzzled, look on her face, held Elizabeth by her shoulders, and once once again placed a hand on her sister’s cheek.

  “Mr. Darcy separated you and Charles,” Elizabeth continued, “because he was afraid Charles was more attached to you than you were to him.” She looked at the floor. “He was sorry when he learned how you had been injured. I believe he wished to make amends by telling Charles of his part.”

  Jane drew Elizabeth into an embrace. “I am still unsure how this has led to your acceptance, but you are trembling. Please, come, if you will not allow me to assist you into bed, you must sit with me.”

  Elizabeth allowed her sister to lead her to the bed where they sat, Jane with her arms around her sister and Elizabeth with her head on Jane’s shoulder. As painful as it was to speak of any of this, there was also a comfort in no longer carrying the secret alone. They sat quietly for a moment before Elizabeth continued. “I came to understand him after my refusal and grew to love him as I began to see our interactions in a different light. I both hoped fo
r and feared an opportunity to see him again. So, when we met again in Derbyshire before Lydia’s marriage, I was pleased that he welcomed Aunt and Uncle and me. And after some time spent in his company, I was hopeful that he would renew his addresses.”

  “But he did not.” Jane stroked Elizabeth’s hair back from her face.

  “He was prevented,” Elizabeth whispered.

  “By what happened with Lydia?” asked Jane.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “That is what I thought, but it is not true.”

  “Then by what?” Jane leaned back to look at Elizabeth.

  “I do not wish to hurt you,” Elizabeth drew and released a shuddering breath, attempting to keep her emotions from overwhelming her. She could not bear to be the one to see her sister disappointed in Charles.

  “You must tell me,” Jane demanded.

  “I cannot.”

  “You must!”

  Elizabeth shook her head and pulling away from her sister, buried her face in her hands. “I am sorry.”

  Jane sighed in frustration. “What would have prevented Mr. Darcy from returning to Hertfordshire to call on you? I know Charles was angry, so Mr. Darcy might not have been welcomed at Netherfield, but there is an inn.”

  Elizabeth heard Jane’s gasp and knew that her sister had discovered the truth of what happened.

  Jane lifted Elizabeth’s face to look at her. “Was it Charles’ anger?”

  Elizabeth bit her lip and nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I am sorry,” she whispered again.

  Jane’s eyes began to widen as she grasped what had happened. “Charles would not allow it?”

  Elizabeth nodded again. “Mr. Darcy hoped he would relent. He sent Charles letters begging his forgiveness, but to no avail.” A sob shook her.

  Jane pulled her close. “Charles did this?” There was a sharpness to her tone. “Five years,” she gasped. “Oh, my dear, dear sister, how you must have suffered.” She rubbed Elizabeth’s back as they sat silently, save for a few sniffles. “But what of Jack?” Jane finally asked when Elizabeth’s tears had stopped. “Surely you were happy with Jack?”