The Only Way: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice

by Ola Wegner

  “These are all your usual excuses, Elizabeth!” Mrs. Bennet interrupted harshly. “You made me the laughing stock of the entire neighborhood because you could not say your vows in a church full of strangers? These people are not strangers! They are our friends and neighbors. You are a selfish and ungrateful girl who thinks only about herself!”

  With those words, Mrs. Bennet stood up, and not giving a second glance to anyone, stormed out of the room.

  Elizabeth sat frozen in her place, trying hard to fight the tears coming to her eyes.

  “Do not fret, Lizzy,” Mary walked to her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Mama will forgive you; only some time must pass.”

  Elizabeth nodded, but did not dare to lift her head up.

  “Thank you for the books and music sheets, sister,” Mary added.

  “You are welcome,” Elizabeth’s voice cracked. She rose to her feet. “I will go.”

  “Stay, Lizzy, stay with us a little longer.” Mary took her hand to stop her. “You must tell us about your trip to Brighton.”

  “Oh, how I would wish to go to Brighton and try sea bathing!” Lydia cried, turning in their direction. “You are so fortunate, Lizzy, that Mr. Darcy took you there!”

  Elizabeth managed a pale smile. “I should go; Mr. Darcy awaits me.”

  The carriage was waiting for her in front of the house. As soon she emerged on the graveled path, Mr. Black, the driver, began to climb to his high place, the other servant opening the door for her.

  She stopped them in their tracks with her words.

  “I will not need you today,” she said, trying to give her voice a decided note. “Please return to Netherfield without me. I will return on foot later on.”

  “Mistress,” Black climbed down, standing in front of her. “Master gave us the direct instructions to bring you to Netherfield.”

  “I want some fresh air,” she insisted. “Tell Mr. Darcy that I wish to visit my father’s grave.”

  She marched past the carriage, hurrying across the small park surrounding Purvis Lodge towards the fields she knew so well.

  ***

  Darcy had a bad feeling about Elizabeth visiting her mother alone. He was decidedly against it. God knew what that horrible woman would tell his wife this time. Sometimes he wished he had wrung Mrs. Bennet’s neck for being so insensitive and unloving towards her second daughter.

  Elizabeth seemed in good spirits these days, despite her obvious upset about her ‘inadequacy in the bedroom,’ as she phrased it. She was so worried about their failed second attempt at lovemaking, blaming herself. She gave the impression that she was scared to death that he would run to the nearest brothel because she was not giving him what he needed. He could see why the situation was upsetting for her, but he was not overly concerned about the slow progress of their marital relations.

  He had no doubt that when the right time came, they would do brilliantly loving one another. Her passion was there, but buried under the fear and apprehension. He liked to think that her body refused to cooperate because she had not yet admitted to being in love with him. One day in the future, she would open herself to him, both figuratively and literally. Then he would have the proof of her love for him. She was not one to share her body without true and honest love for her husband. He could only admire her for that and be proud that he had chosen such a woman for himself.

  He was in awe with himself over the fact that he did not mind terribly that physical closeness was postponed between them for the time being. He desired her, there was no question of that, however some newfound patience developed in him. It was astounding that it was almost enough for him to simply hold her chastely in his arms while she slept.

  Nevertheless, the unpleasant encounter with Mrs. Bennet could only set Elizabeth back to her previous bleak frame of mind. It was the last thing he wished for her, for both of them. Over the last months, he had learned that the outspoken and confident Elizabeth, with her witty ways and sunny personality, the one he had fallen in love with, was in truth, a very sensitive and fragile being. She felt deeply for her loved ones, and had a rather complex perception of the world and the people around her. There were moments when, in his opinion, her sensitivity stretched too far, making her worry about mostly irrelevant matters, or even create new dilemmas for her to fret about with no rational background to them.

  At last he spied through the window that his carriage had returned. He ran out of the room, and soon was in front of the house.

  “Mrs. Darcy said that she wanted some fresh air and time alone,” Black spoke without preamble. “She ordered us to return here without her.”

  Darcy opened his mouth to scold his man, but then he realized that there was very little they could do, apart from putting her in the carriage by force, when Elizabeth set herself on something. They must have tried to stop her from returning to Netherfield on foot, but she probably did not listen.

  “Did she say anything more?”

  Black nodded, his expression compassionate. “She was sad, crying almost, and she said that she wished to visit her father’s grave.”

  “Ask to prepare one of the horses for me. I will look for her. It may start to rain at any moment.” He frowned in concern, looking up at the grey skies.

  Black nodded eagerly. “Right away, Master.”

  ***

  The first drops of rain fell over his hat as he rode along the wall of the graveyard where Mr. Bennet had been buried. To his relief, even from a distance, he could see a small, all too familiar figure, kneeling on the ground in front of one of the graves.

  He tied the horse beside a spot grown with tall, juicy grass. The animal started to graze instantly, entirely oblivious to its surroundings.

  He expected her to hear him coming and acknowledge him as he approached her. She did not make a move though, or give any indication that she was aware of someone’s company.

  “It is time to return home, love,” he said, putting a hand over her shoulder, hoping not to startle her. “The downpour will come any minute,” he added worriedly.

  Slowly, she stood up, hiding her face behind the wide rim of her bonnet. He leaned down to see how much damage his mother-in-law had done.

  At the sight of her tear-streaked face, his heart clenched in rightful anger. “What did she say this time?” he asked, pulling her to him.

  “Nothing which I did not expect her to say,” she answered hoarsely, her voice cracking.

  He wished to say something to make her feel better, but he lacked the right words. Having this kind of relationship with a parent was a completely new experience for him. His father and he had had their disagreements, but the man was grief stricken over the death of his wife. When his mother had been still living, he had been the best father a boy could wish for.

  He cleaned her face with his handkerchief the best he could before placing a chaste kiss on her salty lips.

  “I am well,” she assured, attempting a weak smile.

  “Come.” He gathered her to his side, directing them to his horse. The rain was getting heavier with every moment. Without second thought, he removed his great coat, placing it over her head and around her.

  He untied the animal and led him closer. He lifted her up, sitting her sideways on the saddle, before mounting himself behind her in one practiced, fluid movement.

  “Let us go home,” he murmured, his arms wrapped securely around her as he kicked the horse into a faster pace.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Mrs. Reynolds stood by one of the windows in the spacious foyer of Pemberley manor. Through narrowed eyes, she tried to recognize the shapes outside where a moonless night, combined with drizzling rain, created pitch darkness.

  Master Fitzwilliam and his bride should have arrived hours ago. It was nearly ten in the evening. Mrs. Reynolds began to believe that their plans must have changed and that they had decided to delay their arrival for a day or two. She was not allowing herself to think that something dangerous might have
happened to them on the road. Mr. Black was the best coachman they had ever had, and he had driven the family safely to various destinations in much worse conditions.

  “No sign of them?”A sweet voice called from behind.

  The housekeeper turned to look at the young girl. Georgiana was like a daughter to her, the one she had never had. She had raised her from a toddler after Lady Anne’s premature death. Her two sons had lived their own lives for many years now away from her. She could not be more pleased for them, or more proud. Both of them had gained respectable professions, one being a solicitor in Bath and the other, with the help of Colonel Fitzwilliam, doing a fast career in the army. However, she had seen them only a few times in recent years; and even though her older son had invited her to live with him many times, she had always refused. The Darcys were her second family, equally dear to her heart, and she felt that the siblings still needed her more than her own children.

  Mrs. Reynolds could not wait to watch the new generation growing up, small children running the wide halls of Pemberley again. She could only pray that the boy had picked for himself a woman of a good heart, someone who would love and appreciate him the way he deserved.

  Master Fitzwilliam had been very vague so far in divulging information about his bride, which was not in the least surprising. He was a man of a few words, and very private about his personal life. All Mrs. Reynolds knew was that her name was Elizabeth, she was a daughter of a gentleman from Hertfordshire, and they had met last autumn when the boy had visited Mr. Bingley’s new estate. Other information was that she had lost her father a few months ago, which was the reason for a very quiet wedding.

  Fortunately, Georgiana, contrary to her brother, was quite eager to speak about her new sister. She was all but enchanted by ‘Lizzy’ as she referred to her. She had never been so enthusiastic about anyone else, including Mr. Bingley’s sister. It gave hope that the new Mrs. Darcy was nothing like Caroline Bingley. Mrs. Reynolds had disliked her from the first sight when she had come to Pemberley with her brother. Even though it had been obvious to everyone that the boy would never touch her with as much as a very long stick, not to mention considered asking for her hand in marriage, she had already behaved as if she owned the place and had been his Mistress. Her calculating eyes had looked with greed at every piece of furniture, every painting on the wall, and every piece of silverware on the table, as if adding in her head their combined value.

  “It must be them!” Georgiana exclaimed, bringing Mrs. Reynolds instantly from her thoughts to the present moment.

  Indeed there were noises of tired horses heard, followed by the not so subtle banging on the door.

  The servants were running with umbrellas, and soon the doors were wide open, and the Master stepped in, carrying a small figure.

  “Brother, what happened?” Georgiana asked first. “We were so concerned.”

  “Shush,” he spoke in quiet voice, looking down at the sleeping person nestled in his arms.

  Mrs. Reynolds followed his eyes. It was not a woman but a girl! She was not sure what she expected, but definitely someone older, and bigger. She could not see the girl’s face well, as it was hidden against her husband’s chest, but she appeared to look younger than Georgiana. She hoped that her Master had not decided to rob the cradle, marrying a fifteen-year-old. It would be so unlike him. What would they do with a child as a Mistress of such a grand estate?

  “She fell asleep in the carriage,” he spoke with obvious tenderness, his eyes glued to the unmoving figure of his wife.

  With that one look, Mrs. Reynolds knew that he was head over heels for that girl. There was nothing rational in the way he stared at her, nothing sane. He would do anything for her should she ask him. The housekeeper sent a quick prayer to the heavens, hoping that the new Mrs. Darcy was not a spoilt brat.

  “Is she well?” Georgiana whispered worriedly.

  “Yes, only tired,” he responded, whispering as well. “One of the horses lost its shoe, and it took us three hours to restart our journey. Black deserves a large pint of the very best ale for delivering us safely in such weather.

  “We will talk tomorrow,” he added, leaning to place a kiss on the top of his sister’s head.

  “Mrs. Reynolds, it is good to see you,” he acknowledged her with a smile, before directing himself towards the staircase.

  The housekeeper followed his retreat with her eyes, the same as all the others gathered around her. Their livelihood depended on that small lady cradled in Darcy’s arms. Should she turn moody and selfish, there would be no peace and happiness in the house. She could only hope that the girl would prove to be worthy of the Darcy name and make the boy happy.

  ***

  Mrs. Reynolds woke up early the next morning, as was her custom, eager to learn more about the new Mistress. The little lady whom the boy had brought home last night had very large shoes to fill after Lady Anne.

  For breakfast, she made sure that the cook prepared a large variety of dishes, not being sure what Mrs. Darcy’s tastes were. However, when she peeked into the breakfast room, to her disappointment she only saw only the Master and Miss Georgiana, talking animatedly.

  Darcy explained that his wife was still sleeping, tired after the long journey. He excused himself quickly, and went upstairs. A bath was to be prepared for the Mistress, and a tray with breakfast delivered to her room.

  Mrs. Reynolds was not certain what to think about it. She did not wish to judge the girl too harshly nor unfairly, but Lady Anne had never slept so late. She had started her days early, dealing with many household affairs from seven in the morning, and sometimes even earlier. On the other hand, the girl had indeed looked exhausted last night. She looked so small and frail, perhaps she tired easily? What if she was a weakling, sickly and cross? Would she be able to bear an heir to Pemberley with such a weak constitution? Perhaps she was already with child, which could explain her exhaustion.

  It was nearly one o’clock when Mrs. Reynolds caught the first sight of the new Mrs. Darcy. The boy was touring his wife around, showing her the house.

  “Mrs. Reynolds,” he cried jovially, gesturing for her to come closer.

  As he made the introduction, the housekeeper’s eyes rested greedily on the girl’s face. What first struck her was that she was so plain… not pretty enough for her handsome boy. At least she was not a child, she looked around twenty years of age, and there was a certain maturity in her face. Unfortunately, she was not only short, but thin, all skin and bones. She was tanned as well, which could be explained by their recent stay at the seaside. Mrs. Reynolds instantly made a firm resolution to do everything in her power to fatten the girl up.

  She had a beautiful voice though, sweet and uplifting with singing quality to it. She was probably a good singer. Georgiana mentioned that her brother had said that Elizabeth could play the pianoforte and sing very well, and with great feeling. Mrs. Reynolds was little impressed with that intelligence, finding it not surprising and most expected. It was natural that the boy had picked someone accomplished like his sister and bookish like him. Mrs. Reynolds had managed to look discreetly through Mrs. Darcy’s trunks sent to Pemberley in the last weeks. The main reason for which they were so heavy was that most of them contained many books, journals and music sheets. The fact that she liked books, gave hope that she was a rational creature, not empty headed like many of the young females nowadays.

  The young Mrs. Darcy did not seem shy, but neither was she overly confident or conceited. She was polite, but outspoken at the same time, and not in the least intimidated. The longer Mrs. Reynolds talked with her, the more she was convinced that her first impression had been wrong. While not a classical beauty, Mrs. Darcy possessed a lot of charm, especially when she smiled. Her big, dark brown, cat-like eyes showed many emotions. It was difficult to take one’s gaze from her animated face.

  The housekeeper talked with her for about five minutes, mostly exchanging pleasantries, before the boy cut the conversation short. H
e excused them, saying that he had much yet to show to his wife. He sounded very proud when he said the word wife.

  The way he looked at her… It made Mrs. Reynolds's heart beat a little faster. She remembered the times when she had been young and her late husband had courted her over thirty years ago.

  The boy’s eyes devotedly followed his wife’s every move, her every expression. He smiled when she smiled, became serious when she listened intently. His arm was casually draped around her back with his fingers gently grasping her shoulder. It was so very unlike him to be so open with his affections in public. It all confirmed what Mrs. Reynolds had already guessed when they had arrived the day before. He was completely and utterly besotted with her. Still, the housekeeper was unsure whether the girl reciprocated his feelings with equal ardour.

  She gave the impression of being at ease in his company, leaning into his side trustingly, that much Mrs. Reynolds could judge from the first encounter.

  ***

  Mrs. Reynolds saw little of her new Mistress that first day, the same as the second and the third. Master commanded her entire time, showing her the house and the vast grounds of Pemberley. In the evenings, they were closed together in the library, or they listened to Georgiana’s singing and playing.

  Even though the housekeeper had little contact with Mrs. Darcy during those first few days, she gained much coveted valuable information about her from the servants who interacted directly with her. The maids claimed that she was kind, smiled at them and was very undemanding, doing many of the tasks by herself. She rarely summoned for their help.

  Moreover, Mrs. Reynolds learned a little from their coachman, Mr. Black. He did not divulge any details, even though his face told her that he could tell a lot about the girl and her family, if he only wanted. It was clear that he approved strongly of the new Mrs. Darcy, and would not say one bad word about her. All he said was that the girl had had a hard life so far, but was good to the core and very kind. According to him, she had inner strength and was not afraid to stand up to Mr. Darcy, telling him what she did not like.