by Leenie Brown
“For another year, my lord, and not a day longer,” said Richard as he pushed past his father.
Glancing quickly at the clock on the mantel, Darcy rose to greet his uncle. He knew that in less than an hour, his aunt, who had insisted on being seen in town with Elizabeth would be arriving for tea, and Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Mary would be with her. He did not wish for his uncle to still be here when they arrived, but he doubted that any interview would be short in duration.
“You are still allowing my son to use your workshop?” Lord Matlock waved the butler away.
No, this was not going to be short or pleasant. “I am.”
“I do wish you would not encourage his foolish notions.”
Darcy waited for his uncle to be seated before taking his own. “Perhaps I encourage it because I do not see it as a foolish notion. Women stitch and net. I do not see why a gentleman cannot carve and join wood.”
“It is not done is why. And to compare a man’s pursuits to that of a lady.” He shook his head. “Preposterous! But I am not here about that foolishness. I am here about a completely separate but equally concerning piece of news that I have had from my sister, Sophia.”
Darcy waited uneasily for him to continue, which he did after taking a moment to straighten his jacket so that all the fastenings were in a perfectly straight row. “She has informed me that you are to be married, but I cannot believe this to be true since I have not had word from Kent proclaiming the event.”
“She is not mistaken. I am to be wed, but as I have said many times, I will not be marrying my cousin Anne.”
“But you have a duty…” began Lord Matlock.
“Yes,” interrupted Darcy, unwilling to give his uncle the upper hand in this conversation, “a duty to see to the proper management of my estate and to see my sister well-cared for, things which I have not and will not neglect.”
Lord Matlock clucked his tongue and lifted his chin a bit higher, so that he might look down his nose at Darcy. “You forget…”
Darcy did not let him continue. “I forget nothing. Both Pemberley and my sister shall be well-cared for, and if the good Lord so deigns, I shall have an heir to take my place when I am gone.”
Lord Matlock leaned forward and placed both hands on the edge of the desk. “You forget your duty to family position. With your wealth and land holdings, you could have made a very advantageous match.”
“I believe I have.” Darcy knew that there was far more advantage to having Elizabeth for a wife than some lady of the ton ─ no matter the lady’s connections in parliament or the size of her dowry. With Elizabeth as his wife, he would be happy. Georgiana would have a sister of sense, and his estate would flourish with Elizabeth’s intelligence and dedication.
Lord Matlock snorted. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” he said with disdain. “She is nothing. I have inquired about her. Ties to trade. A father of no significance, and very little to add to your coffers.”
Darcy felt the anger welling up and fought to control it. “She is to be my wife. I will not discuss your opinion of her. If that is what your purpose was in coming here today, I fear you have wasted your time.” He stood and moved toward the door.
“I have not finished,” said Lord Matlock.
Darcy stopped and folded his arms across his chest. “I believe you have, for I will not listen to any disparagement of Miss Bennet. She will be my wife.”
“She will not be accepted,” he paused, “by society,” he concluded, but Darcy heard the underlying threat.
“A breach would be most unadvantageous, Uncle. I may not have a seat in the House of Lords, but I am not without influence.” His eyes narrowed. “Do I need to remind you of my father’s reaction to your father’s attempts to keep him from the woman he loved?”
The momentary look of concern which passed across Lord Matlock’s face let him know that his uncle did remember the pressure, both societally and politically, that his father had been able to apply through his sphere of influence — people who held strong and long ties to the Darcy family.
Darcy pulled open the door, indicating that their interview was indeed at an end.
“So you are saying you love her?” His uncle stood before him, nearly in the doorway but still inside the room.
“Most ardently,” said Darcy firmly.
“Love does very little to build an estate, my boy.”
“You are mistaken, my lord. My father’s estate was strengthened by love ─ love for his wife, for his children, for his land, for his servants and his tenants.” Darcy shook his head. “You have only to compare Pemberley to Matlock to see how love has improved one while the other falters.” He saw the anger spark in his uncle’s eye, but truthfully, he did not care. He knew he was not wrong in this. He had a point to carry, and carry it he would. “How many of your peers have estates teetering on the brink of ruin?” He shook his head again. “Perhaps, if they had married for love instead of position, they would spend more time tending to their estate and less time and money on cards, drinking, and mistresses. It is not love which has destroyed their estates and families but rather a lack of it. Such will not be my lot.”
Darcy could tell by the clenching of his uncle’s jaw and the narrowing of his eyes that he wished to debate the point. “My invitation for dinner should reach Matlock House later today. It is in honour of my betrothed. Her relations will attend with her.” He stepped a little closer to his uncle and lowered his voice. “Do not accept the invitation unless you come with a welcome on your lips. I will not abide any disparagement of either Miss Elizabeth or her relations. I am not above having you removed from my home if you are anything less than welcoming. Do I make myself clear?”
Lord Matlock’s face was a brilliant red, but his voice was cool. “Do not cry to me when you have realized the error of your choice.”
“I have no intention of doing so, for I have not made an error.” Darcy stepped back and bowed slightly. “Good day, Uncle. ”
Darcy watched his uncle leave and then returned to his study to attempt to finish the work he had started.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth wandered the room, looking at one sculpture and then another. The detail was exquisite. It was as if the men and women had merely turned to stone. Mary sat with Georgiana. Both had their sketchbooks in hand and were busy drawing. Elizabeth was happy to just be looking at the exhibits. Drawing was not a talent she possessed, and the act of drawing was more of a frustration for her than it was for Mary, who found pleasure in the exercise. She smiled. It was a lovely feeling to be affording an opportunity for her sister to experience drawing amongst the Townley collection. It was one of many opportunities she might be allowed to offer her sisters as a result of being Mrs. Darcy. She paused as the name passed through her mind. Strange how it was starting to sound familiar and not unwelcomed.
“You appear happy,” said Lady Sophia.
“I am,” said Elizabeth. “I have wished to visit the museum but have not had the opportunity until now. It is filled with so many wonderful things about which I have only read. It is utterly delightful.”
“So, you are a lover of learning?” Lady Sophia had already guessed it to be true. In fact, it was why she had suggested the outing to the museum. The main purpose, of course, had been a public show of support for Elizabeth, but she also wished to find a place where she could begin to form a bond with her. She knew that Elizabeth’s acceptance in society and even by Darcy’s relations would be difficult. Elizabeth would need someone to help her through such trying times. And as lovely as she thought Mrs. Gardiner was, Lady Sophia knew that Elizabeth’s aunt was not familiar with the ins and outs of the ton as she herself was.
Elizabeth gave a little shrug and ducked her head as if embarrassed. “I am, and my mother bemoans the fact on a regular basis. It is not the thing for a lady.”
“Oh, I disagree,” said Lady Sophia. “But, then again, I disagree with a great many things that are the thing.” She linked her arm with E
lizabeth as they walked. “I am a lover of learning, as was my husband. It is a glorious thing when a lady can find a gentleman who not only tolerates but encourages his wife to learn ─not just as most ladies do but as a capable, rational human being should.” She paused in front of a statue. “My nephew is such a man. You are a fortunate lady.” She pretended to admire the figure for a moment. “I love my nephew as if he were my own son, and I know he will love and protect you with every fiber of his being. It is his way.” She turned to face Elizabeth. “But he is not a lady, and sometimes a lady needs advice from another lady. I am familiar with the ways of the society in which you will be moving, and I would be very pleased if I could stand beside you this season as you make your debut.”
Elizabeth felt a mixture of apprehension and delight mingle in the depths of her stomach. The thought of being introduced to London society was not something to which she looked forward, but to have Darcy’s aunt, the sister of an earl and a countess in her own right, at her side made it seem more manageable. “I would be most grateful for the guidance.”
Lady Sophia gave her an approving smile. “I like you, Miss Bennet. And not just because you are to marry my nephew and likely irritate my brother and his wife, but I feel a kinship of spirit.”
“But we have only just met,” protested Elizabeth.
“One does not always need to know another for an extended period of time before knowing these things.” They were strolling amongst the sculptures again. “I would dare say Darcy knew you were perfect for him from the moment you met. He is much like me in that regard.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I am not so certain. We spent much time arguing, and his first comments about me were not exactly complimentary.”
“My nephew was rude? To a lady?”
“He was not so purposefully. I believe he was distracted by much weightier matters than the suitability of a dancing partner.”
“Ah,” said Lady Sophia. “I was concerned that the whole nasty business with his sister had addled his brain. It seems my fears were not unfounded.”
“I can understand how the concern for a sister could occupy one’s mind.” Elizabeth felt a strange need to defend him.
Lady Sophia smiled. She had hoped to be able to talk about the events surrounding Darcy and Elizabeth’s betrothal. “It is why you agreed to marry him, is it not?”
A bit of colour crept up Elizabeth’s neck and onto her cheeks. “It is. I could not bear to be the cause of disappointment for any of my sisters.”
“But, you did not like him?” Lady Sophia suspected that such was no longer the case but wished to hear her suspicions confirmed.
Elizabeth’s face grew warm. She looked around, but there were few visitors and the ones that were present were a good distance away from them. “I did not know him.”
Lady Sophia nodded her understanding. “And now that you are becoming familiar with him, how do you find him?”
“He is most surprising. Not at all as I imagined him to be.” She covered her mouth with her fingers.
“You have not misspoken, Miss Bennet. He was rude so you expected a boar. It is only natural.”
“It was ungenerous,” said Elizabeth, “to come to such a conclusion based on one comment.”
“Perhaps, but it is still a very natural response to bad behaviour.” Lady Sophia leaned a bit closer to Elizabeth’s ear and whispered. It was not so much that the information she had to tell Elizabeth needed to be guarded any more than what they had already shared, but she had seen a couple of well-known gossips watching her. It would do well for them to think that she was sharing a great confidence with Elizabeth. “He grumbles and snaps when he is distressed. He has all his life. I know he tries not to do so, but his restraint only stretches so far.” She saw one of the ladies who had been watching them whisper something to her friend and then both glanced in her direction. “Come. We are expected for tea, and I am always early. If I am not early, he will worry that something has become of me.”
Elizabeth laughed causing the two gossips to look once again in Lady Sophia’s direction. “He does fret excessively, does he not?”
“Indeed he does.” She motioned to Georgiana, who spoke briefly to Mary. “I believe,” she said to Elizabeth, “that you are about to become the talk of the town. Believe only half of what these ladies say. The more dramatic and sensational a piece of news, the better they like it.”
“Much like my aunt,” said Elizabeth softly.
“And my sister.” Lady Sophia winked at Elizabeth before turning to greet the two ladies who were approaching. “Miss Ivison, Miss Pearce, might I present my soon-to-be niece, Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet, this is Miss Ivison.” She motioned to the slightly plump lady who was wearing a deep shade of green and had a rather large feather accenting her bonnet. “And this,” she motioned to the shorter of the two ladies who was wearing a lovely shade of blue, “is Miss Pearce.”
“So it is true?” asked Miss Pearce. “Mr. Darcy is to marry?”
“He is indeed,” said Lady Sophia. “And I, for one, am exceedingly pleased.”
Miss Ivison gave Miss Elizabeth an appraising look. “You are from Hertfordshire?” She did not wait for Elizabeth to answer. “Near Netherfield, I understand.” Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply, but Miss Ivison was not planning to let her speak. “I have had the full story from Miss Bingley. I must say I was surprised that Mr. Darcy would fall for someone of such low standing ─ not that there is anything wrong with being of a lower station, it is merely the idea of a higher rank and a lower rank being united that is a bit shocking. But, I can see why he would be tempted to leave his realm. You are very pretty, Miss Bennet.” She gave Elizabeth another appraising look. “Very pretty,” she mumbled.
Elizabeth smiled to hide her displeasure. “I thank you for the compliment,” she said. “But I assure you I am not so pretty as my sister Jane. Did Miss Bingley mention her, too? I would be surprised if she did not, for her brother appears to be quite fond of my sister. Which I suppose, if things go well, might result in another lower rank being joined with a higher rank. A fortunate circumstance for Mr. Bingley,” she paused, “and his sisters.”
Lady Sophia smiled to herself. Standing at Elizabeth’s side during the season could be a delightful experience.
“I understand,” said Miss Ivison, “that you are fond of libraries.” There was no mistaking the insinuation in her voice. Lady Sophia thought to put an end to Miss Ivison’s meddling, but before she could utter a word, Elizabeth had replied.
“I admit I do find a certain enjoyment,” she paused again, “in reading.” She leaned a bit toward the women and spoke in a hushed voice. “I suppose it really ought not to be done so often as I do it, but books are such great sources of pleasure, are they not?” She did not allow either lady to reply. “I regret that I will be in town for so short a period of time and with all that needs to be done, I am not able to receive callers. However, you must call on me at Darcy House after the new year.” She smiled at Lady Sophia. “You will have to pardon us, but we are late. Mr. Darcy expects us for tea, and I would hate to disappoint him or cause him to worry needlessly by being tardy.” She dipped a curtsey. “It has been a pleasure.”
“Indeed,” said Lady Sophia. It had been a pleasure to watch Elizabeth handle the situation so effectively. “Well done,” she whispered to Elizabeth as they joined Mary and Georgiana.
“Who are your fine feathered friends?” Mary asked Elizabeth.
A small burst of laughter escaped Lady Sophia. “They do rather look like a couple of preening parrots, do they not?” Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Miss Ivison is in the green, and Miss Pearce is in the blue. They are two of the ton’s best gossips.”
“And apparently friends of Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth. “They have had news from her.”
Mary rolled her eyes.
“You do not like Miss Bingley?” asked Georgiana.
“I do not like her behaviour,” Mary said very primly. �
�She is always trying to elevate herself by lowering others. It is not right. ”
“No,” agreed Lady Sophia, “putting another down to raise yourself up is not right and often ends in embarrassment and disappointment. But, it is, unfortunately, a common trait within the ton, and a disappointed lady with such a fault in character can be very cunning and cruel.”
Georgiana smiled at Elizabeth. “I imagine Miss Bingley is very disappointed since she can no longer claim my brother for herself.”
“As are Miss Ivison and Miss Pearce,” said Lady Sophia. “I fear you will have to face several jealous ladies, my dear.”
Elizabeth sighed.
“Do not fear, Miss Bennet. You have already given a strong signal to the ton that you are not weak.”
Elizabeth’s brows pulled together in question.
“You rose to your own defense and that of your intended. News of your defense will circulate. Those two cannot keep a bit of news to themselves even if it does show them in a poor light.” She noted the look of shock on Elizabeth’s face. “It is a strange world which you have entered.”
Elizabeth agreed. She was not unfamiliar with such behaviour. It was, after all, the work of gossip which found her now betrothed to Mr. Darcy. Gossip spread by her aunt, someone who did not consider the effects the gossip might have on her niece. She shook her head. “I believe it is the nonsensical nature of gossip which continues to surprise me.”
“That, my dear, is because you possess what they do not ─ sense. And,” she continued as she climbed into the carriage, “it is why I am so pleased that you are marrying my nephew. He cannot abide the nonsensical and needs a woman of sense which he will now have.” She pulled her skirts in to allow Elizabeth to sit next to her. “I am beyond happy to have you as a niece, my dear. Beyond happy.”
Elizabeth settled into the seat and attempted to listen to the conversation around her, but her mind kept wandering back to the exchange with Miss Ivison and Miss Pearce. She had felt a need to defend herself, but it was not what truly inspired her to speak as she had. What was it about Mr. Darcy that made her feel a need to see that he was well and that his name was not harmed?
