Instead of returning to the couch and sitting down to do some needlepoint, she grabbed up the sewing basket and took it to the window seat. She sat down and looked out at the cloudy sky. It would rain soon. She hoped her aunt’s trip to the hotel in Meryton would be safe.
She sat in silence, wishing for someone to visit, when she heard the front door of Longbourn open. Footsteps came into the foyer and chatting voices filled the hall. Her family had returned. She was glad but sat back down on the window seat and put her needlepoint in her lap, waiting for them to enter the room.
She pulled thread through the fabric and looked up when the door flew open.
“Lizzy!” Her younger sister, Lydia, flew into the room on light feet, twirling around in a circle. “Do you like my new hat?”
Elizabeth smiled at her. “It’s lovely, Lydia.”
“Thank you! I do hope to capture the attention of some of the most handsome officers who have arrived in Meryton.”
“Oh?” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “There are officers in Meryton?”
Lydia laughed, a tinkling sound that made everyone who heard it smile even if they were in a dark mood. “Oh, Lizzy, you’re too silly! Yes, the militia regiment has arrived in Meryton and they’re to stay the entire winter! They’re using Meryton as their headquarters. Isn’t that terribly exciting?”
“I’m quite sure you and Kitty think so. You do admire the officers more than the average gentleman, don’t you?”
“Oh, I do, I do!” Lydia responded. “I would love to capture the heart of an officer and become a military wife.”
“You know nothing of the military life, my dear. You shouldn’t rush into that which you know nothing about.”
“Oh, you’re just a sourpuss, dear Lizzy! You’re going to be married to a handsome, wealthy man. You can’t speak for me and my desires.” Her tone was amused and friendly, despite the words she was saying. She didn’t realize how they affected Elizabeth, who was once more dismayed that she was forced to think of her upcoming marriage. One more day, and she would no longer be Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She would have a different name, a different life, and would be living in a different home.
The thought made her look around the room, making a visual memory of the room where she had spent so many wonderful evenings with her family. It made her sad, which was difficult to feel when her sister was around, jumping in an excited fashion.
“Mother purchased this hat for me for your wedding. Are you excited? I would be so excited. Captain Carter will be going to London in a few days, and I’m pleased he’ll be attending your wedding at the behest of our father.”
“Captain Carter?”
Lydia nodded vigorously. “Yes, he and Colonel Forster were often seen with Miss Watson when they first arrived in Meryton, but now they aren’t there as frequently.”
“That must be good news for you.”
“Oh yes, very much!” Lydia cried, laughing. “It does mean there’s a chance I’ll catch his eye at your wedding. I’ll be visiting Clarke’s library much more often, I dare say.”
Elizabeth laughed. She didn’t speak it out loud but had to assume that the gentlemen Lydia was referring to must not frequent the library, which gave Lydia a much better chance than if they had remained, going to Miss Watson’s to visit.
Lydia continued spinning around the room, making Elizabeth feel a bit nauseated. She didn’t answer, and Kitty came bursting into the room in much the same way as her sister.
“How was your afternoon, Lizzy?” Kitty inquired. She was a bit less excited than their sister, and came to sit with her on the window seat.
“It was comforting, as I got to see Aunt Gardiner. You must have passed her on your arrival home.”
“Oh yes, we did.” Lydia said, discontinuing her spinning and throwing herself on the couch where Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner had sat. “She stopped and spoke with Mother for a time. We would have been home sooner if we hadn’t stopped.”
“It is just as well Mother stopped to talk to her,” Kitty said, sounding more reasonable than usual. She turned her eyes to Elizabeth. “Mother is trying to convince her to come to Longbourn and spend the time here before and after your wedding. It’s tomorrow, and we must be prepared and all together as a family. That’s what Mother says.”
“Oh, Lizzy.” Lydia sat up, her legs dangling over the arm of the couch. She swung her legs back and forth as she spoke, kicking her skirts up as she did so. “Father is having a difficult time with this wedding. He even said on the way back from Meryton that he didn’t wish to be at the wedding.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Pardon? That doesn’t make sense to me, as this arrangement was his idea.”
Lydia nodded, the brim of her new hat flapping forward and back. “I agree. But it’s still a fact. I heard him telling Mother that he won’t have an easy time at Longbourn without you here. You’ll be living in Pemberley House, which isn’t even in Hertfordshire.”
“It’s in Derbyshire, which isn’t a far distance.” Elizabeth countered.
“Oh yes, but it’s not the same, is it? He’ll miss you tremendously.”
“I’ll miss Longbourn,” Elizabeth admitted, looking to Kitty, whose face was sympathetic.
“I won’t miss it, when I’m married,” Lydia said, casting her eyes upward and staring at the ceiling in a dreamy fashion. “I’ll be happily married to a wealthy, good-looking man who will treat me like a queen.”
“You’re certain of this, are you?” Kitty asked, using a snappy tone as if to warn her sister that Elizabeth didn’t want to think about her upcoming marriage. “Perhaps you’ll be unhappy and scorned and unloved.”
“Kitty!” Elizabeth shook her head. “There’s no need to say such things. With a countenance such as Lydia’s, it’s unlikely she’ll choose a man who doesn’t appreciate her for her characteristics.”
“She’s being catty,” Kitty complained, frowning. “She isn’t being considerate of your feelings.”
“I was only looking forward to a happy future, Kitty,” Lydia responded, sounding hurt. She gave her sister a narrow look and dropped herself back down onto the couch, out of sight from her sisters.
Kitty looked to Elizabeth again. “Father will miss you, Lizzy, and I know you will miss him and the rest of us. We’ll all miss you. I don’t know why you must get married so soon after only courting for a short time.”
“It was Mr. Darcy’s decision to do so,” Elizabeth said.
Kitty raised her eyebrows and Lydia’s head popped up again, looking over the couch at her sisters. “I was under the impression Father made the date.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I discussed it with Mr. Darcy, and upon his insistence it was settled on tomorrow evening. I believe he wants to return to Pemberley soon. He isn’t enjoying his time at Netherfield.”
“I thought he was good friends with the Bingleys. It’s a surprise to me that he wouldn’t want to stay there.”
“He finds the sisters annoying, though he does enjoy his time with Mr. Bingley.”
Lydia scrunched her face up and dropped back down onto the couch, disappearing from sight once more.
Kitty made a face similar to that of Lydia’s. “You agree with him about them, don’t you?”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise. Her sister had pointed out something she hadn’t already realized. “Yes, as a point of fact, I do agree with him on that. I… I hadn’t thought there was anything we truly agreed upon.”
“I know you think he’s arrogant and sometimes to the point of foolishness, Lizzy,” Kitty said. “But you’ll find common ground. I’m certain of it.”
Elizabeth, still surprised by her sister’s sudden sensible logic, smiled at Kitty. “I will continue to try.”
Chapter 6
Elizabeth woke in an unfamiliar place. Immediately, memories of the past few days flooded her mind: the wedding, traveling to Pemberley, seeing the house for the first time in all its wondrous glory. If she hadn’t been s
o apprehensive about becoming Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, she would have been in complete awe of its beauty. The surrounding countryside caught her attention immediately. The house was very large, made of stone, and stood well at the top of a hill that could only be reached by a winding road. On the back side of the house, a wooded area set atop rolling hills spread as far as the eye could see. In the front, near the road and seeming to wind along with it, a long stream of bubbling water ran, the sun glinting off its small rippling waves as they made their way up to the house.
The natural beauty that surrounded the house made Elizabeth feel more welcome than even her husband did. She felt at home, even though her heart would always miss Longbourn.
When Elizabeth dressed and went down to breakfast she was fascinated to see that Darcy had a grand breakfast laid out for her, far more than she ever could eat by herself. He was seated at the end of the table and stood up when she entered, holding his hand out to the chair to his left.
“Good morning, Mrs. Darcy,” he said, his voice kind and gentle. “I trust you slept well.”
Elizabeth nodded, unwilling to tell him that she had tossed and turned for much of the night but, once asleep, slept like a rock. It had taken many stretches for her to regain her muscular movement when she woke. She assumed she had slept in one position without moving the entire time. It was the only explanation for her morning stiffness. Her youth should have combatted that feeling. “And you?” she asked, returning his kindness by using an equally gentle voice.
“I slept well, thank you. Much better, in fact, than I have in some time.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“I do have some news, however, that you must become aware of.”
“Oh?” Elizabeth looked at him in alarm. What news could he have for her first thing in the morning on the third day of their marriage?
“It appears that your sister, Jane, who was called to Netherfield just after I left, has taken ill. She requests your presence.”
Elizabeth frowned. “How did you become aware of this situation?”
“I received a note from the footman this morning. Here.” He held the folded paper out to her. She took it from him and unfolded it. She read it quickly and handed it back to him, pushing herself back from the table. He held up his hand and stopped her from standing.
“You must eat your breakfast first. Then we’ll travel to Netherfield to see about your sister.”
“You’re coming, as well?” Elizabeth asked, somewhat surprised.
“I resided with the Bingleys for some time and I wish to see them again. Do you object?” He narrowed his eyes and looked at her in confusion.
“I don’t. I’m just surprised that you would want to return there so soon.”
“I don’t wish to, but if my wife is to be traveling I feel I must travel with her. I was unsure whether you would be interested in even going, seeing as you don’t care for the Bingleys.”
Elizabeth wanted to get up and leave the table to prepare herself for the journey, but stayed seated at the request of her husband. She frowned slightly and looked down at her plate of eggs, ham, and toasted bread. “This looks delicious, Darcy, but I’m no longer hungry.”
“You must have your nourishment. It’s necessary for you to stay healthy.”
“I am healthy,” Elizabeth huffed but took a bite, trying to relieve herself of her stubborn nature. She didn’t want to argue with Darcy so soon after they married. It would prove to be an adjustment for them both.
“You can’t arrive at Netherfield looking unkempt. You’re a married woman and you must be accompanied by your husband. It’s no longer acceptable for you to scamper about the countryside like a wild child.”
“I have never…”
He held up one hand, and once more she was silenced, clamping her mouth shut and pressing her lips together.
“I have seen you, looking like an untidy mess. You must renounce your independence and be a woman of high consideration. You’re my wife. It will be to your benefit to remember that.”
Elizabeth was at a loss for words. She picked up her fork and began to eat her breakfast, thinking about what he had said. Her concern for Jane weighed heavy on her mind, but she felt obligated to respect Darcy’s authority as her husband. She waited patiently until he finished his breakfast and made himself ready for the trip to Netherfield.
Once Elizabeth stepped across the threshold of Netherfield she immediately went to her sister, who was resting in one of the rooms in a large bed. She was quite ill, and Elizabeth sat with her in silence, ready to do whatever she was asked to do to help. She didn’t feel as uncomfortable as she thought she would. She sat in the light of the fireplace, doing needlepoint and listening to the rattled breathing of her sister as she slept.
As she pressed the needle through the fabric, she thought about Darcy. He was downstairs with Mr. Bingley and the Bingley sisters. She had no idea what he was doing or what he was talking about. She wondered if he would speak of her and what he would say. Would he be judgmental of her character? She shook her head, as if to get rid of the insecure thoughts and feelings.
After an hour of sitting alone, the door was pushed open. She looked up and felt a jump in her heart as Darcy came in. He looked at Jane, lying in the bed and then at her, sitting on the couch in front of the fire, her legs pulled up under her and the needlepoint resting in her lap. He approached on silent feet and sat next to her.
“How is she faring?” he asked in a quiet voice.
The concern in his voice touched Elizabeth’s heart. She glanced at Jane. “She’s resting.”
Darcy sat back, placing both hands flat on his legs, once again moving his eyes to the sleeping young woman. “Not peacefully, it seems,” he said. “Her breathing is labored. It doesn’t sound as though she’s doing well.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Hence why we were told, I’m sure. I don’t want to leave her side until I know she’ll be all right. I sit here, doing my needlepoint, thinking about the times we spent as young girls at Longbourn. We ran through the fields, chasing each other and laughing at leaves and flower petals that blew in the wind. There’s a large tree on our land, so large we would huddle together underneath its huge branches to get shelter from a sudden rainstorm. I fear we’ll never make memories like that again.”
Darcy grabbed her hand and squeezed it, looking into her eyes sympathetically. “I understand your pain, my dear. I felt a similar way when my father died five years ago. Mine was different, because I no longer had my father with me on this earth and I looked up to him. I wanted to be like him. He was ill before he passed, and I was afraid; the same way you’re afraid now. I don’t want you to think that Jane will die, that’s not what I’m trying to say. I do understand the feeling of fear that grips us when we love someone who’s facing a terrifying illness. Her breathing concerns me and I’m glad that you’ve come to be by her side. I won’t leave Netherfield until you’re ready, nor will I pressure you to leave before Jane is better.”
Elizabeth smiled at him, the first genuine smile she had been able to muster in his presence since the announcement of her courtship and marriage to him by her father.
“Thank you, Darcy. I do appreciate your kindness.”
Darcy sat with her for a long while, only speaking when he felt the need to comfort her. Her heart began to melt as his kind words settled on it. His behavior was unexpected, and very different from what she was used to. She didn’t return to her needlepoint immediately, but instead rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, napping in the comfort of his arms.
Chapter 7
“What are you doing, Mr. Darcy?” Miss Bingley plopped herself on the couch next to him, looking over his shoulder. He narrowed his eyes at her and tilted the notebook away from her so that she couldn’t read the words he had written. There were few, but he wasn’t interested in her commentary on them.
“I’m writing to my sister,” he responded. “And I don’t need your assistanc
e.”
Miss Bingley’s eyes were also narrowed as she turned them to Elizabeth, who was seated nearby, once again intent on her needlepoint. “You should be letting your wife do your letter- writing for you. I’m sure she is well-versed, is she not?” The sarcasm dripped from her voice and didn’t go unnoticed by everyone else in the room.
“Don’t be cruel, Caroline,” Charles Bingley said from his seat near the fireplace. “You know well Mr. Darcy is capable of writing his own letters. He has written many in his time here at Netherfield before he was married.”
Miss Bingley looked disdainfully at her brother, barely suppressing a snort when he mentioned the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth. She lifted her nose in the air and pursed her lips. “Oh yes, I do know that. I do recall helping him with several of them in the past. I suppose you don’t need my assistance any longer because it would be disrespectful to your wife?”
Elizabeth closed her eyes and pressed her lips together to keep from saying something she would regret later to the awful Miss Bingley. She could see Charles’ and Caroline’s sister, Mrs. Louisa Hurst, staring intently through the window, not wanting, it seemed, to be involved in the conversation. Elizabeth would allow Darcy to fight this type of battle for her, as she knew that nothing she could say would change the young woman’s mind about her. She held a particular dislike for Elizabeth because of her middle-class background, and it was something that Elizabeth was fully aware of. How Jane hadn’t been able to see through the young woman was beyond her. She was certain Miss Bingley didn’t change her behavior very much when Jane was around, though she did speak with a kinder tone. Mr. Bingley wouldn’t have allowed different.
“There’s truly no need to be petty, Miss Bingley,” Darcy said. “Your brother is correct. Though I may have asked for your assistance in the past, I’m qualified to write a little to my own sister without help. I must say, I didn’t use a great deal of your words when you did assist me. But I thank you for the help you gave. It was uncharacteristically generous of you.”
Arranged to Darcy Page 3
