by Wells, Linda
“If you were gone, I think that your absence would be noted rather quickly.” She said dryly and he coughed. “I was raised in a much smaller household, Mr. Evans, things were different there. Mr. Darcy may feel that a good servant is one who blends into the background, but he also has certainly proven he is as concerned for your welfare as much as he is for his tenants’.” She smiled when he nodded. “Now then, if Mr. Parker and Judy cannot bear whatever is whispered about them by their peers, then I leave it to them to decide their next course. They have proven themselves to be quite capable. I hope that you do not object to our tolerance?”
“It is not for me to have an opinion at all.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Mr. Evans! This entire conversation was begun because of your opinion!” He looked down and nodded. “Are you speaking to me on Mr. Parker’s behalf? It is easier when the rules are very clear, I know.”
“That is precisely the situation, madam. I think that Mr. Parker would enjoy a rule or two.”
“Very well, I will speak to Mr. Darcy on it if Mr. Parker is too shy to question him. Now, if this was not your original reason for approaching me, what was?”
“Yes … Mrs. Annesley.”
Elizabeth nodded, “She is new to service, please help her.”
“I understand, she is used to being a wife … I am afraid that she is unsure of her place. I only have had experience with a governess in a household when I was a young footman, and I am afraid that her position was … of a duel nature.” He said carefully. Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “She was a striking woman, as was the governess who preceded her.”
“I am afraid that I do not understand.” Elizabeth watched a very unbecoming flush spread over the elder man’s face. “What did her look have to do with her position? Was she not there to care for … Mr. Evans!” She gasped and her face quickly matched his in colour. “I dislike this conversation even more than the last! I hope that you are not suggesting … what I … oh, Mr. Evans! How could you even think that Mr. Darcy … ”
“No, madam, no, certainly not! Mrs. Annesley is a mature woman. I would not think …”
“Perhaps you should leave before you say anything more.” Elizabeth said coldly.
“Please, Mrs. Darcy, you misunderstand me! I was only speaking of my experience, madam! I am only concerned that Mrs. Annesley is not sure where she belongs or how to act. For example, this morning she was not certain if she should dine with the family or with us, or in her rooms alone.” He shook his head and spoke pleadingly, “I am terribly, terribly sorry, madam. I would never suggest such a thing for Mr. Darcy. He holds with the teachings of the church very closely.”
Elizabeth nodded curtly and dug her fingernails into the palm of her hand. “Forgive me, I … I had never heard of such behaviour before and it shocked me.”
“I apologize, madam.” He said gravely and tried to redirect Elizabeth’s thoughts. “My concern was for Mrs. Annesley. Like all persons of her position, she is neither family, nor servant.”
Containing her affront, she focussed on the problem at hand. “She lives in a sort of limbo, then.”
“Yes, madam.” He breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well.” Elizabeth lifted her chin. “I will go speak to her. I appreciate your expression of concern.”
“Thank you, madam. I do apologize …”
“That is enough.” Evans bowed and went to the door, then looked back at his mistress. She was staring fixedly at her wedding band. Shaking his head, he opened the door and left the room.
“What was that all about?” Mrs. Reynolds asked him as he walked past without a word.
“I am afraid that I forgot how sheltered and innocent our mistress remains.” He said softly. “We all see how close she and Mr. Darcy are, but she is simply a young girl from the country, is she not?”
“That is what I like best about her. She does not have those pretensions and affectations like the girls who came here to entice the master. And I admire how fiercely she holds her affection for him.” Mrs. Reynolds followed him past the dining room and down to the buttery. “What did you say to her?”
Evans spoke quietly. “I alluded to my time working at Matlock House, when his lordship kept governesses.”
“I am surprised that the Countess tolerated them in her house. Or did she know what he was doing?” Evans shrugged. “From what I heard he paid a handsome pension when he grew tired of them. No wonder they had financial problems.” Mrs. Reynolds clucked then seeing his continued embarrassment, she put her hand to her mouth, “You did not suggest that the master would do such a thing? I remember Parker saying how attractive Mrs. Younge was, but I never considered her serving anyone but Miss Darcy.”
“Neither did I. It was probably a disappointment to Mrs. Younge, too. She could have been expecting a great future with Mr. Darcy’s largess. Perhaps that is why she was let go, she might have made a suggestion that he rejected …” He sighed. “I did not mean to imply anything with Mrs. Annesley, either, and I am only glad that I did not mention how Lady Matlock was so fond of calling me to her rooms to move a chair or some such nonsense after the colonel was born.” Seeing Mrs. Reynolds’ smile, he straightened. “I cut quite a dashing figure, then. Nothing came of it, thankfully. I dare not try to apologize again.”
“Mrs. Darcy knows the master well enough that he would never do such a thing.” Mrs. Reynolds assured him. “It was the shock of the conversation that upset her.”
“I certainly hope so, but I can imagine him being blindsided if Mrs. Darcy has her ire up one day.”
“Perhaps a word of warning to Parker would be in order?”
Evans closed his eyes. “He will laugh at my predicament, but I fear the master will not be so amused.”
“I THINK THAT I shall have to take a trip.” Darcy murmured softly as he and Elizabeth stood in the foyer waiting for the Gardiners to enter the house. “And then I shall be the recipient of this barely contained excitement I see upon my return.”
Elizabeth’s eyes lifted from her concentrated study of her wedding band, “Perhaps I will have to paste a pleasant smile on my face while inwardly cursing your arrival.”
“Ah, so you would discover that life is far better without me?”
“No, just with smaller doses of you.” She rubbed her thumb over the ring.
“Do you think that I might discover the same, wherever I may wander? Who knows what fascinating characters I might meet?” He glanced down at her and seeing the incredulous stare, he laughed. “It is possible, you know.”
“I suppose.” She grew quiet again and turned her head to look towards the door.
Darcy watched as her arms came up to hug herself. I wonder if you will always be so insecure about my opinion. The thought recalled the day he first met the Gardiners. “Do you know what I think would be an excellent idea?”
“What is that?” She asked softly.
“If you and I were in the midst of a spectacular argument when your aunt and uncle step across the threshold, a grand one, with both of us saying senseless things that neither of us mean; laden with misunderstandings and hurt feelings. And then as they approach, we could each run off in opposite directions to lick our wounds and attempt to justify our stances, proving to them that absolutely no growth has occurred between us since the first days of our obviously impetuous marriage.”
“Leaving them standing lost in the middle of the foyer?” Elizabeth looked down at her hands smoothing her dress.
He studied her closely, “Precisely. Let us make sure that they are not only as uncomfortable as possible entering this home, but also because they do not know what is wrong.”
“But … their worry would probably send them in search of us …”
“True, and then they would have their hands full calming the foolish behaviour of their hosts, and acting as mediators to bring us back together.”
“It is not so foolish; there is always a kernel of truth in any argument.”
“Is
there?” Darcy tilted his head. “You mean the one that becomes lost in the hurt feelings and senseless declarations?”
“Yes, that one.”
“I see.” Nodding, he folded his arms around his chest and stared at the door.
At last she looked up to his expressionless face. “Well?”
“Hmm?”
“Are we to have this fight?”
“I thought that we already began one …”
“When?”
“When I teased you about discovering I was happier wherever you were not.” Turning his head, he raised one brow.
“Oh.”
“You said almost the same thing to me, and yet I took no offense.”
“Am I thin-skinned?”
“On certain subjects, yes.” Darcy’s arms dropped and he took her hand in his. “Why is it that you can take a tease from anyone but me?”
“You tease me all of the time, Fitzwilliam.”
“Ah, but I teased you about something different this time.”
Darcy waited and Elizabeth suddenly demanded, “Would you really look at other women if we were apart?”
“When did I say that?” He stared.
“You … you …” Elizabeth closed her eyes. “I am sorry, you said interesting characters.”
“I did. I was teasing you on the enjoyment you take observing people, particularly when sitting in a tavern.” He put his arm around her. “What would make you think such a thing?”
“It is not important.”
“Yes, it is. You are near tears, I think.” He kissed her temple. “You were crying this morning, too. I saw it in your eyes, but you clearly wanted me to make no notice of it. What was wrong?”
“I do not know. I am a mass of nerves today. I am jumping at every little thing. You would think I was Mama. Please, Lord, do not make me like Mama!”
“Yes, please, Lord!” Darcy laughed and kissed her. “What is this? Nerves over your aunt and uncle coming? I would think that this was a thrilling occasion for you?”
“I keep thinking of our first encounter with them after we married.” Darcy took her hand and rubbed over her ring as she whispered, “We have seen them so rarely. I wonder if that is how they will always think of us, so stupid and prejudiced. I was so naive and you were so …” She reached up to stroke his the soft hair on his cheek. “You really have not changed at all, have you?”
“I believe that I have.” Darcy spoke softly and looked down to her hand in his, “Have you noticed?”
“What is that?”
“The engraving on your ring. It is significantly brighter than the rest of the band.” She stretched out her hand. “I would say that in fifty years, this band will be rubbed down to a whisper-thin halo.” Drawing her into his arms, he said quietly, “Whatever is wrong, it should not be.”
“Nothing is wrong.” She said softly against his coat. Darcy rubbed her back and thought worriedly over what could possibly be bothering her. Near the door, Evans and Mrs. Reynolds stood, and he noticed the butler sending far too many surreptitious looks at Elizabeth. At last the two men’s eyes met and Darcy looked to his study and back to the butler pointedly. The elder man inclined his head and blew out his cheeks.
Well, that answers something of the mystery. Looking down at Elizabeth, he saw that her face had become very peaceful, her eyes were closed and she was resting her full weight upon him, a comforting feeling that he loved. “How can you be tired? We have not had an evening of interrupted sleep in days.”
“Are you complaining?” She looked up to him.
He laughed and before she could speak, he put his fingers to her lips. “No, I am not complaining. Are you well, dear?”
“I am not tired, I was thinking of you.” Elizabeth considered him as he waited, “You married me.”
“Yes …”
“You would have married me even without … the situation.” Darcy nodded. “That is an extraordinary thing, to marry so far below yourself. You married me because you love me.”
“Well … yes.” His brow creased and he was at an utter loss for words. “I did. I do.”
Elizabeth looked at him speculatively, “Most marry without that feeling, and most live quite separate lives, do they not? Did you not say that you expected something of the sort had you married Anne or some other woman of your circle?”
“I … I believe so …” Concerned, he tried to understand. “Elizabeth … where is this leading?”
“Nowhere.” She sighed and relaxed back into his embrace. “I do not believe it will ever lead anywhere at all.”
Darcy gave up trying to understand and rested his cheek on her hair. “I am glad that your aunt is visiting. You have had no lady to confide in all of this time.”
“There was Aunt Susan …”
“She had her own troubles.” He said softly. “You have had nobody removed from the situation.”
“Neither have you.”
“But I had Richard, Samuel … Uncle … And they are all my family. You have not even had Jane.”
“I would not tell Jane. You have never said a word to Charles, even when Georgiana was missing. She does not need to know. But, may I speak to Aunt?”
“My first reaction is to say absolutely not, but your uncle’s letter about what he overheard at the tobacconist’s shop and his sincere concern for us and Georgiana makes me feel confident of his discretion. I am sure that he discussed the subject with Mrs. Gardiner before he wrote to me.” He drew a breath. “If you trust her … then I shall as well.”
“I do, Will. And thank you.” She looked up to his worried eyes. “I am fine.”
“Forgive me for disbelieving you.” He kissed her gently.
“Pardon me, sir, but your guests are just pulling up.” Mrs. Reynolds called.
Darcy glanced at the door and back to her. “Can you bear the thought of me leaving you for a few days?”
Elizabeth’s mouth gaped open. “You are going? Where?”
“Richard asks me for help.” He waved at the study, “You should see the letter he sent, begging for my counsel.”
“But we have guests!” She let go and stared at him. “My family! I have hosted and entertained all of your relatives how many times, Fitzwilliam Darcy! And now when my family comes you want to run off to that … that … thief of a cousin of yours? I hardly know what to say! I … I thought that you just finished saying that you trust …” Elizabeth stopped. Darcy’s eyes were twinkling merrily. “You just picked a fight with me on purpose!”
“I did.” He laughed, and taking her hand, squeezed tightly. “That has the roses back in your cheeks!”
“You are like a bulldog!”
“Noooo,” Darcy raised her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Bulldogs are not handsome.”
“Heaven help me!” Elizabeth cried.
“You sound like me.” Looking to the door, he waved his hand. “Dearest?”
“Where is a candlestick when you need one?” Elizabeth tore her eyes from her smug husband and spotted her gaping relatives cautiously entering. She shot him a glance and said in a hiss, “I am not through with you.”
Darcy lifted his chin and murmured, “My every dream come true.”
“IT IS QUITE A JOYOUS REUNION.” Mr. Gardiner observed as he stood alongside Darcy and watched Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner both speaking animatedly. “Lizzy has always been our favourite niece, she has charmed us since she was barely able to walk. I have looked for signs of her spirit in our girls, with luck, a bit of their elder cousin will reside in them. Look at how my wife responds to her …” His eyes were lit up, watching Mrs. Gardiner.
“Elizabeth has anticipated this visit from the moment she finished your letter, sir.” Darcy said quietly, but a small smile played across his lips. “I think that it is best to leave them to their effusions. Eventually my wife will remember we exist.”
“I expect that she has not forgotten. They have a great deal to discuss; Lizzy has missed much in the past months.”
Mr. Gardiner smiled and looked around the drawing room. “Your home, sir, leaves me without words. My knees were knocking when we stepped inside. I was grateful we were taken to our rooms first so that my wife and I could express our first impressions privately. As you see, we are now taking on the decor with the calm of ones who are used to such beauty.”
Darcy eyes flicked over the room critically, “I understand that you were to visit a great many estates on your travels.”
“A few. Each is unique to its owner.” He watched Darcy nod and look down at his boots then back up to watch Elizabeth. He asked carefully, “I trust that all is well with you?”
“As well as it ever will be, sir. Fortunately, nothing came of the conversation you related to me.”
“I am glad of it.” He clasped his hands behind his back and nodded towards the sofa where Georgiana sat watching the ladies talk. “Your sister looks very well.”
“Does she? We are too close to notice. In a few weeks we will be with the extended family …” Darcy bowed his head and murmured. “Can you tell that she …”
“No, if I had not knowledge, I would think that she simply appears a little soft. She is young; some exercise will cure that quickly. There must be an abundance of possibilities here. Just walking your park …”
“The park is ten miles around. That would be quite a walk.” Darcy smiled and seeing Mr. Gardiner trying to take that in; indicated the door. “Why do we not leave the ladies to their talk?” He stepped behind Elizabeth’s chair and gently touched her shoulder. “Dearest, I will take your uncle on a little tour.”
“Oh Will, I am sorry.” Elizabeth reached her hand up to take his.
“Do not be.” Leaning, he kissed her cheek. “Just do not use up all of your stories in the first hour!”
“I think that would be impossible.” Laughing, she squeezed his hand.
“I love seeing you so happy.” He nodded to Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana, and then the men left the room.
“You are very happy with your husband, I think.” Mrs. Gardiner caught a wink from Mr. Gardiner when he looked back at her.
