The Portrait of Elizabeth

by Jane Angwin

  Darcy had no interest in speaking to anyone, so they sat together in a quiet corner, away from prying ears. He knew that he was being watched and tongues would be wagging that evening when word got out that Darcy was in Town. Darcy explained to Bingley that he had unexpected visitors arrive that morning and that he had to postpone their journey to Hertfordshire until he had helped with their travel plans. They quietly discussed the property that Bingley had located, and they agreed to leave in two days to view the estate and the surrounding land. "Thank you for assisting me with this decision, Darcy. I have no experience with this endeavor, and I can think of no one better than you to provide advice."

  "I am pleased to help you Bingley, but do not depend on my opinion to make this decision. This is your future, not mine. However, I do believe that leasing any property first before making a major purchase is prudent, and for that I commend you on not making an impulsive decision. Let us see this estate together, and I will give you my honest thoughts on its viability, but the ultimate choice will be yours. I believe your biggest challenge will be convincing your sister to agree to this plan." He shook his head, looking dolefully at Bingley. Bingley just hung his head and breathed a deep sigh.

  They enjoyed a leisurely glass of brandy, and after Bingley promised to arrive at Darcy House in two days time to transport them to Hertfordshire in his carriage, they parted ways. Darcy knew that as soon as he had completed the travel plans for the Chastain brother and sister, the sooner he could leave London the better. Now that he had been seen at White's, many desperate mothers in many townhouses across London were planning how their daughters' could be introduced to him at balls, the opera, or perhaps as he walked in Hyde Park. While proud of his position and his wealth, he hated the attention and wanted nothing to do with the ladies - and especially the mothers of the ton.

  The dinner conversation with Nicolas and Janine that evening was full of details regarding their harrowing journey from France to America and their subsequent lives in South Carolina. Janine had a difficult time reminiscing about the night of their mother's death and their decision to leave France immediately afterward with little time to bury her. "I pray that one day we can go to her grave and have a proper service to honor her life. I was quite young, but I do remember the shock of losing her, and I miss her every day."

  "We will do that one day, little sister," Nicolas answered. "I must admit that it is a blur to me to recall how quickly we were whisked away by our Uncle and put on board a ship. We had little understanding of how dangerous our journey would be, and it was probably best that we didn't know." He turned to Darcy and continued. " The voyage was long and miserable with sickness all around us. Some people became so ill they died on board, and their loved ones cried and mourned for them the entire journey. Others were seasick and fearful, and the atmosphere was quite dismal. Our uncle never told us that it would be at least a three month voyage, and every day when we asked if we were close to America, he lied to us and said that we were almost there. After awhile, we just stopped asking him."

  Nicolas shifted in his seat, and continued. "We were lucky to meet a few other young people on board the ship, and we passed the time by playing small games and cards. I felt extremely sorry for Janine because she was only a little girl, and it was hard to include her in our games, but she was so sweet that many of the ladies watched her during the day, and one woman taught her how to crochet. Another kind young woman even read small children's books to her in French. She spoke English very well and taught Janine some English words and how to write the English alphabet. It helped her when we arrived in America as everything was so different for her, and at least she could understand a few things. I must admit, it took me a little longer to understand and speak English."

  "What happened to you when you arrived in South Carolina? What did you do to earn your way in your new life?" Darcy asked.

  "We arrived in a place called Charleston. Our family had distant relatives that owned a large cotton plantation there, and we were offered a place to live with them to start over. They were quite kind to us, and they made no demands on us, but my Uncle was weakened by the voyage and couldn't work, so I offered to work on the plantation, learning the business. They had a large number of slaves that did the hard work , but I wanted to work alongside them to see the planting and cultivating of the crops. I must admit that I was quite shocked at the concept of slavery, and I had a very difficult time with it, but it wasn't my place to speak of it. I apparently impressed my new family with my willingness to work hard and learn, and I was soon assisting their steward in the running of the property. Janine was able to attend an English school there, and she is now quite proficient in your language, much more than I am!"

  Darcy watched this handsome young man tell his story, and in many ways, he reminded him of himself at the same age, making his way alone in the world without the guidance of a mother and father, taking care of his young sister.

  "Brother, why don't we allow Mr. Darcy to tell us about Francois and Papa. It has been so long since we have seen them, and other than letters that came from time to time, I have little knowledge of their lives here in England."

  Darcy did his best to fill in the years that they missed, and although he knew their brother, he admitted that he only just met their father. He did not mention the fact that he had known their brother by a different name, deciding that he would leave those details up to Frederick to explain to them. After a long dinner and an emotional conversation, Nicolas and Janine claimed fatigue and decided to retire for the night.

  "I will begin helping you with your journey arrangements in the morning. Please get some much needed rest." Darcy wished them a good night, and he also retired.

  Darcy awoke early in the morning and began sending letters to inns that he was familiar with to reserve rooms for the brother and sister during their three day journey to Derbyshire. He also wrote a letter to Mrs. Reynolds explaining the circumstances of their pending arrival, but with strict instructions not to spoil the surprise. He gave his letters to Albert and went to the breakfast room where he met Miss Chastain on her way there as well.

  "Good Morning, Mr. Darcy," she said. "I realize it is quite early, but I couldn't sleep once the sun came up, and I am excited to plan our trip today."

  Nicolas also entered the breakfast room right behind her, and said "I see I am not the only early riser. I cannot remember when I slept so well. Good Morning, Janine. Good Morning, Mr. Darcy."

  "Good Morning to you as well, Miss Chastain," bowing to her. "Nicolas." I have already written letters to the inns for your journey, and they are quite comfortable. I also wrote to my housekeeper to prepare rooms for you at Pemberley, but she will keep your arrival to herself. I wish I could be there to see your brother's face when you arrive, and I hope that he can prepare your father sufficiently so as not to give him a shock!"

  "We are quite excited to see them both after all these years," Nicolas said. "It will be wonderful to be together again. Janine was so young, but she claims to remember them quite well. " He cleared his throat and said, "You mentioned that you have a sister, Mr. Darcy. Is she closer to Janine's age or mine?" He blanched when he realized that it might not have been an appropriate question.

  "Yes, Georgiana will also be delighted to meet you both. She is sixteen years old, and while I do not know your ages, she is probably a bit older than Miss Chastain, but somewhat younger than you, Nicolas. I daresay, she will enjoy having another young lady at Pemberley. Your brother's friend, Angelique, is definitely older than Georgiana, but she has enjoyed her female companionship since your family arrived. They met Angelique on their treacherous trip to England, and she was quite instrumental in assisting them with accommodations in London at her cousin's boarding house. Her own father had been killed in Paris, and she too was fleeing France, and ever since they arrived in London, she has taken care of your father as if he was her own. I will let your brother tell you all about it when you assemble in Derbyshire, but I th
ink you will like her very much." If they wondered at her being with their brother and father and any deeper reason, they didn't ask.

  After their morning meal together, it was decided that Darcy would give them a short tour of London before leaving the city the following day. He took them by coach to various places in the city, including Soho where their brother had lived when he arrived in England and where many of the French immigrants had established businesses. They rode past Buckingham House, St. James Palace, and then entered Hyde Park, riding along the carriage path on the northern bank of the Serpentine. After a few hours, Darcy instructed the driver to take them to Berkeley Square to visit Gunter's Tea Shop for ices and sweet meats. He explained that this confectioner shop was a fashionable spot in Mayfair where the ton flocked in their curricles and barouches to see and be seen.

  Janine was enthralled with the ladies in their beautiful gowns and feathered turbans and large hats, but she looked quite concerned. "Will I be required to dress like that here in England?" she timidly inquired. "I do not have fashionable clothing like that, Mr. Darcy."

  Darcy assured her that his sister Georgiana would be happy to help her with her wardrobe when she reached her destination. "Georgiana is a bit taller than you, but I know that she has many things that she would be delighted to provide for you during your stay. There is also a capable modiste in Lambton, a small village not far from Pemberley, and your brother will surely want to make sure you have a proper wardrobe. It is colder there than London, and certainly much colder than South Carolina!"

  Janine seemed pleased with that knowledge, and she returned to her observation of the hustle and bustle of nearby shoppers and the constant flow of patrons of Gunter's. After a pleasant respite, the group agreed to return to Darcy House to prepare for their respective journeys the following day. Darcy was pleased to have made their acquaintance, and he had enjoyed their short time together. He was quite impressed with their bravery embarking on this difficult and emotional mission, and particularly with Nicolas. Whatever they had endured in America, it was obvious that Nicolas had grown to be a fine young man, and he had not allowed the tragic experiences of his youth to break his spirit. On the contrary, he saw a strength and sensibility in Nicolas, and he admired his poise and maturity. He watched him take care of his younger sister, and he recalled how it felt for him to take on the daunting responsibility of his own sister at about the same age.

  That evening, they had a quiet dinner together, discussing the towns and villages they would pass through on their way to Pemberley, and Darcy gave them a brief history of his ancestral home. He told them he would return to Pemberley when his obligation with his friend was complete, but he assured them that they were welcome to stay as long as they wished. He bade them a goodnight, and they all went to their separate chambers for the night.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Netherfield

  The following morning, Darcy loaded the Chastains and their belongings into one of his coaches and sent them on their way with a driver who he trusted and who knew the way quite well. Soon after, Bingley was announced by Albert in Darcy's breakfast room, where he was finishing a second cup of coffee. Bingley had a strange look on his face as he entered, and Darcy had the feeling that he knew what was to come. "Darcy, I am sorry to tell you that my sisters and Mr. Hurst will be accompanying us to Hertfordshire. Caroline insisted on coming along as she is convinced that I am taking her to some primitive dwelling in the middle of nowhere, and she insists on seeing it to provide her 'expert' opinion. She is not making this easy for me, and I must apologize to you in advance, as I am well aware how she imposes herself on you."

  Darcy was extremely disturbed that Caroline would be joining them. She would point out all the reasons why the estate would not suffice for her high society requirements, and he knew that Bingley was not strong enough to put her in her place. It would be up to him to steer Bingley in the right direction with this or any other property, and he shuddered at the thought of her inevitable objections. "Don't worry, Charles. I will be able to deal with Caroline. It is you I am concerned about. You know she will find fault with everything about Netherfield and the surrounding area, and without a doubt, she will be appalled at any less than sophisticated neighbors she comes across. You and I will have no objections, but you know your sister. God help them all."

  "Yes, I know Darcy. I have prepared myself for the inevitability of that occurring, but with you along, I feel that we can overcome her objections." He gave a pleading look to Darcy, and said "I know that I must make this decision myself, and Caroline should not have a say, but she will live with me until she marries, and I will need her to serve as my hostess in order to entertain, so we both know that she will do her best to sway me." He shook his head and turned to depart. "They are waiting for us in the carriage, so have your things brought outside, and our driver will help load your cases.

  Darcy stopped him before he left the room. "Bingley, forgive me, but I believe that it will be necessary to have horses to ride the grounds of Netherfield, so I think you and I should ride horseback instead of traveling in your carriage. You can ride one of my horses." Darcy had no intention of riding in a small carriage with Bingley's sisters. Mr. Hurst was no problem, as he usually slept and didn't contribute to any conversation, but Caroline and Louisa were another story. Darcy knew that by the time they arrived, he would be sorry that he agreed to accompany Bingley, and Caroline would have put a damper on Bingley's usual optimistic outlook. Having his horse would be the perfect and only way to escape from Miss Bingley. Bingley understood that there was a good reason for this change of plans, and he readily agreed. Darcy excused himself to go and request that his horses be prepared for the trip.

  They departed as soon as the grooms brought the horses around from the mews and the footmen were finished loading their trunks on the carriage. Miss Bingley poked her head out of the carriage loudly exclaiming, "Charles, what is the meaning of this? There is ample room inside our carriage for you and Mr. Darcy, and I see no reason why you have to ride horseback on such a short journey. You will make a terrible impression on the inhabitants of the town if you arrive dusty and windblown. They will expect their esteemed potential neighbor to arrive in a carriage with dignity. Mr. Darcy, please explain this to Charles."

  "I didn't think you cared what the country folk thought, Caroline. And I don't think it would be the first time they have seen town gentlemen riding horses," Bingley said. "Let us not dally any longer." He firmly shut the carriage door, and nodded to the driver sitting atop the carriage to be on their way. The driver snapped the reins and the horses forcefully moved the carriage forward. Bingley glanced at Darcy, smiling as they both realized Miss Bingley had probably not settled into her seat yet when the carriage lurched ahead. She would not be pleased.

  As they rode alongside the carriage on their way out of London, Darcy was pleased that Bingley had spoken up to his sister. She could be very strong and convincing, and he normally took the easiest way with Caroline, typically letting her have her own way. His personality was so pleasant and agreeable that he was frequently swayed by other people's opinions, and Caroline took full advantage of his affability. Darcy could only hope that this was the beginning of a new and stronger Bingley.

  The trip was an easy one, no more than one half a day, and they made it into the small town of Meryton by lunchtime. They pulled up to the Meryton Inn, a small but well appointed establishment, and Darcy went inside to see if there was a place to have a meal. It looked clean and well kept, and the proprietor was able to seat their group of five. Darcy asked a young boy at the next door stable to water and feed their horses, and they helped the ladies down from the carriage.

  "Charles, this is horrid. The hem of our dresses will collect dirt from the streets of this town, and this establishment looks like it is deteriorating. I would prefer not to dine here." Neither Darcy or Bingley replied to her, and they entered the building ignoring her complaints. Louisa and Gilbert followed them
in, and Miss Bingley had no choice but to join them. They were escorted to their table, and she puckered her lips as though she had eaten a sour fruit, turning up her nose at the table. "Louisa, look at this. This cloth needs laundering, and the silver is in need of polishing." She looked around the room, and sneered at the other guests who were enjoying their repast. Without lowering her voice she said "And these people have no manners whatsoever. They eat like barbarians."

  Darcy glanced around, noticing nothing of the kind. There were three men dressed for travel at one table quietly drinking ale and enjoying bowls of steaming stew. At another table were a man and woman with a small child, eating a small lunch of cold meats and cheeses. None of these people looked at all barbaric.

  "Caroline, there is nothing wrong with the other guests here, and please lower your voice. If we are going to lease an estate nearby, we must not make enemies before we have a chance to make friends." Bingley shook his head, and gave another apologetic look at Darcy. They ordered a small lunch, and then inquired about directions to Netherfield.

  "You must be the new gent who is leasing Netherfield" said the innkeeper. "This is a nice town, Sir, and the people here are not used to you town folk coming in and making remarks about our lack of manners", he said as he frowned at Caroline. "We live our lives the best we can, and we are proud of our neighborhood." He turned around and walked away, audibly muttering under his breath, ending their conversation.

  Bingley glared at his sister. "You see, Caroline! You have already made a bad impression on the first person we have met here in Hertfordshire. I must insist that you keep your thoughts to yourself. If this estate is acceptable, I intend to make friends here, and you are not helping my plan."