MR. DARCY'S FIRST ELIZABETH

by John Edwards

  John Winstead looked as a man that had been gut punched. He did not know what to do except, first, to control the rage that was boiling up in him. Elizabeth saw this and reached for him, “Mr. Winstead, these things happen. I was happy to meet a kind man who shared my coach with me, then I ran up against two men who were not so kind. Perhaps things balance out.”

  “Miss Watkins, I promise you, I shall find the men who have done this and I shall see that they are sent away. Did they take much of value?”

  “I carried some money, not a lot, but they took it and some jewelry, including a locket that father gave to me. He bought it in London at Goldberg’s and had my initials engraved on it. My father died just days before I met you and I was, in truth, expecting to do more than visit my uncle. I know I must seem a heathen for not dressing as a woman in mourning because, frankly, my last three years I have watched my father die of a broken heart. I expected to live with my uncle, but then I learned he had died short months earlier. I confess, sir, I was in an awful state until Mrs. Watson befriended me.”

  “Yes, this is Roberta Watson who was Mr. Charles Brightsome’s head housekeeper, is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir. Presently, she is visiting with friends near the punch bowl.”

  “Now I see her.”

  Charlotte then took Elizabeth aside, “Miss Watkins, I too have a similar locket my brother gave me last year for my birthday and It has my initials on it, see.” She removed her necklace and showed the locket to Elizabeth, and it included her initials. “I would be quite upset if I was mugged and my valuables were taken.”

  “Yes, Miss Winstead, but I try to put it out of my mind.”

  “Miss Watkins, I should like to spend some time with you while we are visiting Kimblehouse. We are to be friends I hope.”

  “Yes, we shall be friends, but now I have to see to Lucy. I have been practicing with her on her dancing, so I have to excuse myself so I can be a governess again. Perhaps we can talk later Miss Winstead?”

  “Yes, later I am sure.”

  Mrs. Watson soon saw Elizabeth with the children and walked over to greet her. Soon Elizabeth was telling Mrs. Watson that the man who shared their coach on that day she traveled to Hampshire was Mr. John Winstead, owner of Hunting Hills. They turned to look his way but he did not see them as he was deep in thought.

  John Winstead was now perplexed. Not only did this Elizabeth calm his senses, but she had drawn Charlotte out of her shyness. Why, he could even laugh around her, he the man who never laughed. John was glad Elizabeth was not wearing her mourning clothes as he thought that the practice was stupid. His eyes then followed this Elizabeth as she now attended to her charge, but then he caught himself and took his eyes away. Better to avoid a scene. More couples were now dancing and soon others gathered to watch the children, acting out the dances as well. Mr. Winstead overheard two women talking. “So she is the new governess. How long do you expect her to last?” The second woman’s reply then came. “She is quite beautiful, and it is good that Mrs. Watson has helped her. She will work out well for the Kimbles, but with her good looks it would appear she too will be married soon.”

  Just then Mr. Winstead noticed Mr. Reynolds walk over to Miss Watkins. His thoughts were many as he noticed her warmly greet the man. It is starting already. I hope she will not be interested in him; he is not good enough for her. Mr. Winstead was practically beside himself. He felt his heart skip as he saw her beautiful smile as she greeted the man. She did not greet me that warmly. How does she know him?

  John Winstead was affected but scarcely knew what to do. He felt excitement at seeing Elizabeth again, then he was hurt to hear of her troubles. Now he was jealous of seeing her talk with another man who everyone knew was looking to marry again. What is wrong with me? I must get my mind off of her. I shall see her later and better understand what is happening.

  Just then he noticed Mr. Reynolds leave and saw Elizabeth again work with the children. He also noticed Frank Kimble and his wife then danced and soon John Winstead chose a dance partner. Mr. Kimble and his wife noticed their friend kept stealing glances at Elizabeth, but she was preoccupied with Lucy and did not see him. “I do not know what to think of this,” said Mrs. Kimble. “John seems affected by Elizabeth.”

  “It is nothing Louisa. I believe he was shocked that she was mugged. You saw his reaction on hearing that news. He would like to correct the wrong done to her; he is just that kind of good man.”

  “Yes, I saw his reaction, but I also noticed how she reacted to calm him. That is the first time I have seen that side of him, and now we see what a calming influence Elizabeth will be for Lucy and Richard. See, even now, several people are watching the young people acting like grownups.”

  Mr. Winstead returned from his dance and later he and Charlotte danced. Soon Elizabeth and Lucy came to join Mrs. Kimble. “Lucy,” said her mother, “you danced very well, I am very proud of you.” Then she looked at Elizabeth and smiled. “Look mama, Mr. Winstead dances so well with his sister.” Elizabeth would not stare at the couple for she caught Mr. Winstead looking in her direction and she did not wish to add to his discomfiture.

  When the dance was finished, Charlotte walked over to Elizabeth and Mr. Winstead went to greet another man who had signaled to him. Elizabeth saw this and wondered silently what this was all about, but some minutes later Mr. Winstead returned, smiling from ear to ear.

  He danced next with another woman and after that met with her friends, but soon he noticed that Charlotte was dancing with an older man. John watched as the man, unknown to him, danced with his sister. Soon Mr. Reynolds came over and spoke to Mrs. Kimble and soon he saw Elizabeth and Mr. Reynolds on the dance floor. The other man walked Charlotte back to her friends and bid her a hearty thank you for obliging him with a dance. Charlotte danced the next dance with Mr. Kimble. Lucy looked at her mother as John Winstead returned, and she said, “Mama, why does Mr. Winstead and Miss Watkins not dance?” This startled Elizabeth, who spoke softly to the child. “Lucy, I am your governess and it is my job to look after you tonight. It would not be fitting for me to dance with too many gentlemen tonight, certainly not one who is visiting your family. Although my late father was also a gentleman, I believe my current position means I must remember my place.”

  “Louisa,” said John Winstead, “I beg you to release Miss Watkins from her duties as your governess for this next dance, and Miss Watkins, I will not accept a no from you.” Then he walked off with Elizabeth. He noticed her flush but also watched her lively dark eyes and her dark curly hair with little ringlets falling about her face. She was as graceful as any woman on the dance floor and he danced as well as any gentleman she had ever partnered with, but she soon saw him flash a big smile her way and though she thought to act indifferent, it was not to be, for she liked dancing with him, but she also thought of his demons.

  That evening all returned to Kimblehouse and Elizabeth got Lucy and Richard ready for bed. Because of the late hour she did not bring the children down and the parents went upstairs to say goodnight to their children. As they passed Elizabeth they expressed their thanks for her help this evening. As Elizabeth had already said goodnight to Mr. Winstead and Charlotte, Elizabeth went to her room to sleep.

  The Kimbles and their guests stayed up some time later and reflected on the evening. “John, I did not know that you were such a good dancer. You never dance at these events. What has gotten into you?” Mr. Kimble awaited John Winstead’s reply.

  “Well, I am getting over my morass and am trying to change my life. I am a fortunate man and this evening was splendid. Charlotte and I enjoyed it.” Yes, I should have enjoyed it more except for a particular gentleman.

  “Yes, Mr. Kimble, I also enjoyed meeting Miss Watkins.”

  “Charlotte, she is too good to be a governess. I hope she will stay with us as long as she wants, but I fully expect she will soon see suitors waiting in line, for I caught the eyes of many men looking her over tonight.” Then Frank
Kimble laughed as he looked at his wife who laughed with him. But neither saw John Winstead laugh; his thoughts were of Mr. Reynolds’ intentions.

  “Now John, what is your opinion of her?”

  “She has a happy disposition and a good way with people, and in those matters she is more than I could ever hope to be, and she is innocent and lovely and quite lively. I too saw the men looking at her. Then he laughed.”

  Soon thereafter, the women left the men so they could discuss the problems on the continent with France. All Europe had eyes glued to the business going on there and many in England and elsewhere were concerned they might be dragged further into a war.

  Elizabeth could not sleep and was at war with her feelings again. She was still confused as to her feelings upon seeing Mr. Winstead earlier. Yes, she had thought of him some, what girl wouldn’t? She had assumed correctly that he was unmarried, yet when she saw him with this other woman, she was upset and not without trepidation. Why? Did she have feelings for him? She remembered him dancing with herself and how she felt as others looked at them as they danced. He was as handsome a man as she had ever known and he had shown an interest in her. She also was happy to meet Charlotte, and looked forward to visiting with her the morrow. These feelings were new to her and she liked seeing him again, but she knew she had to remember her place. Elizabeth had caught Mr. Winstead looking at her as she danced with Mr. Reynolds. Though she danced with that gentleman first, she knew in her heart that her real desire was to dance with only Mr. Winstead. Why does he look at me so?

  It was a long time before she could sleep as she replayed the evening several times. She had never had a social life before, but now she had met a good man whom she liked and whom she hoped had similar feelings for her. Finally, after prayers for all her many blessings, Elizabeth Watkins went to sleep.

  The next morning all attended church. On entering, Mrs. Watson motioned to Elizabeth to come and sit with her and another woman, so she joined them as Mr. and Mrs. Kimble and their guests sat in the Kimbles’ private pew. The sermon was about starting anew, and Elizabeth thought it was well delivered and thought provoking, but now Elizabeth’s thoughts were on Mr. Winstead, who she had caught staring at her during the service. After church, Mrs. Watson introduced Elizabeth to several friends. Elizabeth thought them to be friendly people and she enjoyed the kind words they said about her uncle.

  Elizabeth earlier had told Mrs. Watson that Mr. Winstead and his sister were staying with the Kimbles, when Charlotte came over to her. After introductions, Charlotte asked Elizabeth if she would join her brother and her for a short ride followed by a picnic with the Kimbles. Mrs. Watson saw the inner conflict this had on Elizabeth and insisted that she join her new friends; besides, she thought it was good that Elizabeth was now meeting new friendly people and she knew there would still be many Sundays she could spend with Elizabeth. Mrs. Watson had also noticed during the service that her friend and Mr. Winstead had often looked at each other and she suspected an attraction between them. Both John Winstead and Elizabeth only noticed each other so were oblivious that others had seen them. Both the Kimbles and Charlotte also saw the two of them and on two occasions Louisa nudged her husband to alert him that John and Elizabeth were staring at one another again, and they noticed that Elizabeth would blush.

  Elizabeth asked Mrs. Watson if she could visit Rascal a few minutes and she and Charlotte walked with Mrs. Watson and soon entered and saw Rascal, decked out in his Sunday’s best, and acting quite excited about seeing Elizabeth again as he jumped upon her lap. Elizabeth was good to the cat and Charlotte noticed how the cat was so friendly and, of course, beautiful. After a few minutes and a final petting of her feline friend, both young women left and joined John Winstead for the carriage ride.

  CHAPTER 4

  NEW REVELATIONS

  John Winstead joined his sister and Elizabeth and they discussed the sermon. “Miss Watkins, I noticed you seemed to be quite interested in the sermon.”

  “Why yes sir, being in such a way as I am at present, starting this new life, how could it not move me? I feel it would resonate with anyone who aspires to a new start with their life.”

  “That is what we feel, too,” Charlotte said. “My brother and I are not so very different from you, Elizabeth. You have lost all your family and my brother and I have lost all our family except each other. So we have been starting anew for sometime now. It has been especially difficult for my brother. He has much to sought out regarding our father’s estate and it has taken a toll on him.”

  “Miss Watkins does not need to hear of these matters. Our problems are small in comparison with her own.”

  “I do not know that to be true, sir. You have both lost both your parents and a brother recently. Of course, you have wealth and standing and I do not, but at present I am blessed to be a governess for a good family and I am enjoying your company today, as I did last evening.”

  “That is very kind of you, Miss Watkins.” John Winstead led his sister and Elizabeth to his carriage and helped them inside. He told them that one of his favorite places to visit was a few minutes away and so they rode about a mile outside of town and then made a left turn onto a smallish lane that gently curved and winded up to a tree lined hill that overlooked the village of Wakefield and afforded spectacular vistas all around.

  He stopped the carriage and helped Elizabeth and his sister reach the ground. First he helped Charlotte and then Elizabeth but her foot slipped as she took a step to get out and she fell against him. She felt the heat from her blush as she felt his hands securely tighten about her waist and gently lift her down, all the time feeling faint as his dark eyes searched over her own as he said, “Miss Watkins, I apologize that I did not help you to properly discharge the carriage.”

  Elizabeth was pleased in her thought that he had prevented her from falling. Now she was affected by the scent of his gentleman’s perfume and it took a moment to compose herself. “I believe sir, that I missed the step, so it was my fault.” In this brief moment, Elizabeth experienced feelings that she had never felt before. Just the touch of his hands against her waist had set tremblings about her and the heat she felt from his chest set off her heart such that she felt she did not know what to do. She hoped that he did not see the condition that she was in.

  The three then walked to an overlook that offered a large rock as a seat and they sat and gazed at the surrounding countryside. “Sometimes I would come here and read when I was visiting Mr. Kimble. In those days I did not have the pressure of running an estate, nor was I ever concerned for that burden, because I was not the eldest brother. Father never taught me these things but did teach my brother William. Both of them were two of a kind.”

  “Then sir, are you now improving on your ability to manage your estate?”

  “Yes, I am getting better at it. For one thing, I am loyal to keeping a daily diary and to keep all records and manage them carefully. Further, I shall not allow myself to be cheated by any man or woman. My father and brother, rest both their souls, were not careful with their record keeping. My own perusals of the records I have thus seen indicate that father has allowed himself to be cheated at times and there are other cases of outright thievery and fraud and embezzlement. This information has been provided to the authorities and the noose is now tightening.”

  “My brother works so hard, Elizabeth. Some think he is unpleasant, but would these concerns not affect others in a manner that they too might seem to be unpleasant?”

  “Why yes, Miss Winstead, how could they not?”

  These matters piqued Elizabeth’s interest and she wanted to hear more but she would not press the conversation. Still, Mr. Winstead continued.

  “Even before my older brother died, I realized how little I knew about running an estate. I began to understand my father’s disinterest in correctly managing Hunting Hills, but as my father was failing, I was thrust into the job with no training. Soon my brother died and one month later my father also died. Since
then, I have watched the staff and the tenants and others who came and went. From that study I learned that Hunting Hills had a big problem. That I had a sour disposition was readily observed by all who I met. Yes, I drew inward as I have discovered some who have taken advantage of my father’s honesty and generosity. Beyond that, I can tell you no more but that one day a decision will be made on these people. I am convinced that some of the people involved in these things live near or in Hampshire and others were tenants or were former workers inside Hunting Hills.”

  He then said he would venture a short walk while he asked Charlotte and Elizabeth to entertain each other. Elizabeth noticed he took a walk along a trail to an overlook above their own.

  “Elizabeth, tell me more of yourself and your family. You are very interesting and I am sure so were your family.”

  “Why yes, they were special and our family always showed much love, but my father never got over losing my mother, brother and sister in the same year. He lived almost three more years and I cared for him, but at the end he seemed to lack the will to live and he seemed to lose all interest in managing Windhaven, which was our home. I took on as much of that responsibility as he would allow me. We had small acreages and but three tenant farms, so there was never that much money. Still, we had a few servants and my father was a gentleman and for all of our lives we had a comfortable living. All those good times are locked in a safe place with my other good memories, but for them I shall be ever grateful.”