by Bray, Ayr
“Lizzy, there you are, my dear. Have all of your guests arrived? When do we get to see them again?”
“You will see them at supper. For now, they are resting,” Elizabeth said as she left Fitzwilliam at the Matlocks’ door and met her mother down the hall.
“La, Lizzy, there is no need to stand upon ceremony and wait until supper. We are practically family! We may as well become better acquainted now.” Mrs. Bennet continued to walk towards the Matlocks’ rooms. She was undeterred by Elizabeth’s repeated requests to allow them to rest.
Lady Matlock and Mrs. Bennet had met at the Darcys’ wedding, and although they did not have a chance to get to know one another well, they were polite enough in one another’s company. Lady Matlock heard Mrs. Bennet in the hall and stepped out to greet her. “Mrs. Bennet, I am so happy to see you again.”
“And I you,” Mrs. Bennet cooed, excited that a lady of rank was addressing her with such familiarity. “I had no inkling we would be spending Christmas together,. Why, what a blessing this is indeed. I was just telling Mr. Bennet how excited I was when I heard you were coming. With both of us here, we will be able to ensure my Lizzy is able to handle her first Christmas in her new position of responsibility with remarkably little trouble. Pemberley is so much larger than Longbourn; I fear she will be out of her element.”
“Mama,” Lizzy scolded her mother in a terse whisper.
“Oh, Lizzy, there is no need to scold me. No one here is going to judge how you keep house, for we all know you are still learning. What with your education taking place at as simple a country estate as Longbourn, no one will fault you for not knowing what is required of you in such a vast estate as Pemberley. That is why it will be agreeable to have us more experience ladies here to help you.” Mrs. Bennet was nodding towards Lady Matlock the whole time as if she knew what was required of managing such a large estate.
“I thank you for your kind offer, but I hope both of you will simply enjoy your time at Pemberley and leave the household matters to me. Mrs. Reynolds has been managing Pemberley for many years in the absence of a mistress, and she is very well able to help me with whatever is required. As much as I appreciate your kind offer to help, I will not need it. Now, if you will excuse me, I must perform some of those duties you have so kindly brought to my attention. I will see you at supper.”
Lady Matlock was already calculating how interesting this holiday would be with such an outspoken woman in their midst, and if she would admit it, she felt a little guilty that she was there for the same purpose as the brash Mrs. Bennet, though she would never have been so bold as to mention her motives aloud, and in front of the lady. A little regret regarding her actions crossed her mind, but she just as quickly pushed it away. She had been surprised when Elizabeth spoke up in her own defense, and not a little impressed.
Elizabeth left the group staring at her back as she rushed off to perform her duties, thankful to leave their criticisms behind, but a little guilty that she had left Fitzwilliam to separate her mother and Lady Matlock.
The whole party had assembled in the drawing room and was ready to enter the dining room for supper. Elizabeth’s gaze swept over the group, falling upon her newest sister, Georgiana. Her heart ached for the young girl who had wept genuine tears of sorrow when her brother had told her about her mother’s vase. Elizabeth had feared she would not soon recover, but seeing her now, well on her way to mending, relieved much of Elizabeth’s distress. Mary and Kitty knew Georgiana had been told of their part in the event and made it their duty to provide solace to her troubled soul. Ultimately, Georgiana was too happy to have them with her at Pemberley to wallow in sorrow and self-pity.
Elizabeth’s eyes continued around the room. She was apprehensive when so many sets stared back at her. Her mind raced at how her little holiday party of six had grown to such monumental proportions. She reached for Fitzwilliam and linked her arm through his, a clear indication it was time to go in. He understood and made the announcement for the company to follow him as he led the way to the dining room. Everyone followed in the proper order of rank as propriety demanded, excepting the Fitzwilliam children who ran hither and thither, weaving between the legs of their parents, grandparents, and everyone else, with high pitched voices of excitement.
The members of the family took their seats, and a hearty supper and lively conversation were enjoyed by all. The children finished their food directly and, like all children, were begging to be excused from the table so they could go play. James and Roslynd encouraged them to stay in their seats until everyone else was finished, but their encouragement only lasted a moment before they were forced to offer another round. The couple’s attention was constantly turned to their children, though they were still able to actively engaged with the rest of the party.
Elizabeth watched the children with pleasure, enjoying the sound of every laugh and giggle. She understood their excitement at being in a new place. If the party was smaller, and her every move not under the scrutiny of everyone, she would join them in their excitement. As it was, she was just considering her good fortune and hoping the tides of the party’s malice were parting when she heard the unpleasant sound of her mother’s nervous complaining.
“How can you allow your children to be so unruly? Do you take delight in vexing me? You have no compassion on my poor nerves,” Mrs. Bennet squawked at Lady Roslynd as her daughter let loose a shrill giggle in response to her brother’s teasing. All eyes turned in Mrs. Bennet’s direction, though no one responded, unsure of what to say. Mrs. Bennet took it as an invitation to continue. “You do not know what I suffer. Why, these little children running helter-skelter all around the manor, screaming and causing a ruckus, has done nothing but disturb my equanimity. Here, I thought we would have an enjoyable holiday in the quiet and solitude of the north, and what do we get? The most ill-behave and unruly children I have ever laid eyes on. Why, even Elizabeth acted better than they do, and I daresay she was a horrid child. Almost the death of—”
Everyone had been sitting in shock, but her final decree regarding Elizabeth put Fitzwilliam to action. “Madame, you have said quite enough.”
Lady Roslynd stood with tears in her eyes and fled from the room before anyone could stop her. Her husband stood to follow, but Elizabeth waved him down. Looking straight at her mother, she said, “Thank you for your visit, Mother; it was nice to see you again. I will be sorry to see you go. However, I understand the company we have chosen to enjoy our Christmas with is not to your liking. I hope your journey home is a safe one.” Then, turning to Lady Matlock, she asked, “Aunt Lillian, I would appreciate it if you would accompany me upstairs to attend Roslynd.”
Lady Matlock said not a word but stood and followed Elizabeth from the room.
It took some effort, but finally Elizabeth and Lady Matlock were able to coax Roslynd from her room and convince her to come downstairs. When she entered the drawing room, she walked straight into the arms of her worried husband. He had wanted to go to her a multitude of times during the course of the past hour, but the gentlemen had urged him to stay and let the ladies work it out.
Elizabeth glanced around the room for her mother and father but did not see them. As she reached Fitzwilliam’s, side he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Your parents are in their room. Your father wishes to speak with you as soon as you are able. He has informed the stables that he may call for the carriage to take them to Lambton, but I believe he hopes a compromise can be reached. Shall we go to them?”
Elizabeth nodded.
Fitzwilliam excused the two of them for a few minutes, stating they had matters to attend to, but the whole party knew exactly where they were going.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and steadied her hands before knocking. It was still on the other side of the door, but no sooner had the echo of her knock ceased than it swung wide. Her father stood on the other side. He must have been standing at the door waiting, thought Elizabeth.
The distress on Mr. Be
nnet’s face was obvious to Elizabeth’s trained eyes. She was her father’s favourite, as everyone knew, and being sent away from her new home on account of his thoughtless wife angered him more than he was willing to admit.
His wife’s foolishness had long irritated him, but he chose to ignore her rather than take her to task for her silliness. Never did he dream her actions would cause him so much pain. For the first time, he felt regret over how he had handled her these past twenty years complete.
“Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet nodded his head to the two standing just outside his room, “would you like to come in?”
“Yes, Father.” Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam stepped into the Bennets’ bed chamber. Mrs. Bennet sat rigid in a chair near the fire, her hands clasped in her lap, a hard expression on her face.
“Lizzy, I am certain everyone misunderstood what I was saying.”
Elizabeth raised her hand to silence her mother. “Mother, no one misunderstood. Everyone perfectly comprehended the meaning of your slight against the Fitzwilliam children. I know it is difficult for you to refrain from upsetting those around you.” Elizabeth frowned at her mother’s reaction. “Do not look at me that way. This is not Longbourn. These people are not acquainted with your ways. You may say and do anything you like in your own home, but here at Pemberley you will refrain from criticizing my servants and guests or you will leave. Have I made myself clear?”
Elizabeth glared at her mother, daring her to question her authority. Mr. Bennet and Fitzwilliam each stood in silence, watching the conversation with rapt attention. Mr. Bennet had known the day would come when Elizabeth would give her mother a sitting-down. He had seen the tension building between the two for years, but never had he anticipated it would happen after such an event. Mrs. Bennet slighting a family of such distinction could damage the Bennet family standing in London and throughout the country. Though Mr. Bennet did not enjoy spending time in town, he needed to sell his produce, and every businessman knows one must maintain a solid reputation to get the best prices in London.
Mr. Bennet’s ears perked at the sound of his wife’s hoarse reply. “Perfectly.”
Elizabeth locked eyes with her mother and nodded at her response. Neither said a word; Elizabeth did not want to scold her mother more than necessary, and Mrs. Bennet feared saying the wrong thing.
Finally, Mr. Bennet’s tentative voice was heard. “Elizabeth, is it asking too much to give your mother one final opportunity to behave herself?”
Elizabeth slowly turned her eyes from her mother to her father. “I do not know, Father. I would love to give Mother another chance, but it has been no more than twenty-four hours since she slighted a servant, not to mention all the times she has demeaned me, which I have been willing to overlook.”
Mr. Bennet bowed his head with sadness. To his chagrin, Elizabeth was correct and had every right to ask them to leave her home. He feared if they left under such circumstances they would never be allowed to visit again, and nothing distressed him more than the thought of losing the right to visit his dearest girl. “You are, of course, correct. We will gather our things and depart immediately.”
Elizabeth let out an exasperated breath. “Father, I do not want you to leave. I prefer that Mother would take the trouble to understand the pain she causes to others and keep her malicious thoughts in her silly head.” Turning to her mother, she spoke directly to her. “If you think you can behave yourself for the rest of your visit, I would be happy to let you stay, but, so help me God, if you misbehave one more time you will be asked to leave and I will not regret it.”
“Oh yes, Lizzy, I promise I will behave. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to prove myself. I will not let you down.” Mrs. Bennet had been relieved when Elizabeth had changed her mind and allowed them to stay. She feared her husband’s response if they were sent away.
“Well, my dear,” said Mr. Bennet, “if your daughter should have reason to be distressed and if she should ask us to leave, it would be a comfort to know it was all because you allowed your nerves to run away with you.”
“Oh! I am not afraid of upsetting her. I have learned my lesson and will be on my best behaviour for the rest of our stay. I dare say she will be glad we have come to spend Christmas together.”
Elizabeth, feeling really very anxious, was determined to leave her parents in their room. Though Mrs. Bennet had offered her assurances, Elizabeth in no way believed her mother would be able to hold her tongue. “Fitzwilliam and I must attend our guests. We would be happy if you would join us when you think you have a proper apology prepared for Lady Fitzwilliam. A simple, to the point apology is best; be sincere, but please do not overdo it or make another scene.”
Mr. Bennet understood his daughter’s meaning and assured her he would help her mother prepare to enter company. He kissed her cheek and sincerely thanked her for allowing them to remain before closing the door behind her and her husband.
As the door closed, Elizabeth melted into Fitzwilliam’s arms. He offered her the support she needed as he wrapped his sturdy arms around her. “There, there, Elizabeth. You did what you must. Your father understands and will not fault you for having to take your mother to task. In fact, I think a part of him regrets that you must.”
“I know, but it is still hard. I wish she did not act as she does. At times, I fear she is sillier and more ignorant than Kitty and Lydia.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Perhaps we should give her credit. It is surely a marvelous feat to be that silly.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes as they walked down the hall. “Your jokes are not funny, Fitzwilliam. A mother should never be sillier than her adolescent daughters.”
Just when Elizabeth was sure there could be no more surprises, she heard her sister exclaim while looking out the window, “La, Lizzy, who is coming up the drive?”
“I do not know; we are not expecting anyone else. For heaven's sake, we were not expecting more than half of you.” Walking to the window, Elizabeth looked out to see an impressive carriage coming up the drive. As it entered the gate, a foreboding sense of doom swept over Elizabeth. Emblazoned on the side of the carriage was the de Bourgh family crest.
Had Elizabeth been alone, she would have groaned aloud, but as it was, all she could do was smile. “It seems we may have the pleasure of having Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, as well.”
Lady Matlock rushed to the window. “I cannot believe it. Catherine rarely leaves Rosings Park, and never in the winter. She would not dream of bringing Anne out in this weather.”
The whole party rushed to the foyer as the carriage pulled up at the bottom of the stairs. The butler opened the door to reveal Miss Anne de Bourgh. The party looked behind her in anticipation of the arrival of Lady Catherine, but she did not appear.
Anne greeted everyone warmly and noticed their surreptitious glances into the carriage interior. “You will not find Mamma with me, for I have come alone.”
“Alone!” exclaimed Lady Matlock. “How in the world did you manage that?”
Anne looked at her aunt, slightly irritated that everyone thought her utterly helpless at eight and twenty. In a bold and uncharacteristic way, she stated, “Simple. I kissed Mamma’s cheek, called for the carriage, and told the driver Pemberley was my destination. Three days later, voilà, here I am.”
Most of the party stood in shock, watching Anne. Elizabeth found her voice first. “Come, we must get you in where it is warm. We shall all catch our deaths standing so close to the door in the cold.”
Mrs. Reynolds helped Miss de Bourgh remove her outerwear. Elizabeth then led her towards the guest chambers, accompanied by Lady Matlock and Georgiana. Pausing a moment, she leaned towards Mrs. Reynolds and whispered, “Please tell Mr. Darcy his cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh has arrived. If you will, please stress she arrived alone. Also, please send up a tray with some tea and light refreshments, and a maid to assist her.”
“Very well, Madame.”
&nbs
p; “I do hope your journey was pleasant, Anne,” Lady Matlock said.
“Yes, it was quite comfortable. We made several stops to rest at inns along the way, and the footman saw that I had plenty of warm blankets and warming stones.”
“I am glad the footman looked after you, though I cannot help but wonder that your mother allowed you to come so far alone, and in such weather. Why did Mrs. Jenkinson not accompany you?”
“Mrs. Jenkinson is visiting her family for Christmas. I received Georgiana’s invitation but four days ago.” Anne looked towards a startled Georgiana, silently begging her to go along with the ruse. Luckily for Anne, Georgiana was quick to agree when the entire party looked to her for confirmation.
“Yes, well, the invitation was sent before I knew how many people would be here at Pemberley. I wanted Anne to come, but I never dreamed Aunt Catherine would allow her. That is why I never mentioned it.”
Anne became visibly relieved at Georgiana’s response. She would be sure to thank her when next they were alone.
Elizabeth looked at Georgiana skeptically but said not a word. She may not know her new sister well, but she had a gift for discerning when her younger sisters were fibbing, and Georgiana exuded all of the same signs.
“I for one am extremely glad you have come. It is about time your mother let you out in the world,” Lady Matlock said.
“Thank you, Aunt. I am very glad I am here, too.”
When they arrived at Anne’s hastily-prepared room, Elizabeth opened the door and allowed Miss de Bourgh and Lady Matlock to enter ahead of her. Georgiana followed Elizabeth into the room. “Miss de Bourgh—” Elizabeth began.
“Please, call me Anne,” Anne interrupted.
“Anne, some tea and refreshments will be up shortly. In addition, I have called for a maid to help you change if you desire. Take your time, and then join us in the drawing room, I am sure Fitzwilliam and the rest of the family will want to see you.”
