“I lived in Lambton for a time when I was a child,” she said excitedly. “I was a Stratford before my marriage.”
A big smile split Mrs. Gardiner’s face. “I knew your family well, for my best friend when I was young was Mary Stratford. My maiden name is Gavin.”
Olivia laughed. “Mary Stratford is my cousin! And the Gavins were our neighbours when we first moved to Lambton. I do remember your name, though there were so many Gavin siblings that I was better acquainted with the older girls.”
“I understand completely, for I have five sisters and three brothers. Mary and I were the youngest in our families so we became quite close. She moved to Edinburgh, did she not?”
“Yes. Her husband’s ancestral home is there,” Olivia replied. “It is unfortunate that she moved so far away after she married. For years now, we have only corresponded in letters; however, I shall write to her and tell her about our meeting.”
“If you would give her my regards and pass along my address, I should love to hear from her again.”
“I will, and I know she would love to hear from you as well.”
Before long, they were on a first name basis. While Edward, Joseph and Lizzy consumed refreshments and listened, Olivia and Madeline talked animatedly of their childhoods. Lambton was so small when they were children that they learned they had many friends in common, despite the fact that there was more than ten years difference in their ages.
A half-hour later, Olivia stood and addressed her husband, teasing, “We should leave Elizabeth to visit with her family, my dear. Otherwise, I fear I shall continue to dominate the conversation.”
“Perhaps you can persuade them to come again,” Elizabeth ventured. “You could resume your reminiscing at that time.”
“That is a splendid idea, Elizabeth. Madeline, please come again before you return to London,” Olivia pleaded.
“We shall try our best,” Mrs. Gardiner responded. And with that, the Fitzwilliams said their goodbyes and quit the room.
THE DOOR HAD NO MORE than closed when Mrs. Gardiner’s expression changed to one of deep concern as she addressed her niece. “Lizzy, I must be frank. Though I am fatigued, I accepted your invitation to come today because I thought it imperative that we talk as soon as possible. Your uncle had occasion to meet with Mr. Darcy before we left London. We were both stunned to learn that your marriage is in turmoil. Did you heed none of our advice?”
Mortified that her favourite relations were aware of the mess she had made of her marriage, Elizabeth reacted badly. “So my husband felt it necessary to inform my relations of our problems. I suppose he ran to tell Jane and Mr. Bingley, as well.”
Mr. Gardiner stepped forward, a scowl deepening as his hands formed fists and rested on either side of his waist. “Must I remind you, young lady, that your husband cannot run anywhere? He is injured, as you well know.”
Elizabeth flinched at his declaration. Trying to add that her husband had given her no choice but to leave London, she began, “But he—”
“Furthermore, had I not stopped by Mr. Darcy’s house to see why you had not contacted Madeline, we would still be ignorant of it all. To be truthful, Mr. Darcy tried to excuse your absence as nothing out of the ordinary. It was I who detected something was amiss and would not be satisfied with his explanation. He only told me what happened after I demanded that he be honest with me.”
Elizabeth’s bravado collapsed entirely and when she spoke again, her voice was rough with emotion. “Forgive me, Uncle. I had no right to take offense.” Then she addressed her aunt. “As to your original question, I had taken all your advice to heart. I intended to challenge Fitzwilliam about the conversation I heard between him and his cousin, but the house in Richmond burned in the meantime. A child and his mother died... ” She took a ragged breath, adding, “I lost all reason when I heard him speaking of that tragedy as though he had no part in the blame.”
“Which was entirely true,” Mr. Gardiner interjected.
“Which was true,” Elizabeth repeated faintly. “I was so confident that I was in the right that it took Colonel Fitzwilliam telling me the truth during our journey here to convince me otherwise. He informed me that Andrew Darcy was the man who ruined the women and fathered those poor children living in Richmond. It was only after his reprimand that I comprehended my utterly baseless indictment of Fitzwilliam in regards to that matter. And, my hurtful behaviour towards him from the very start of our marriage proves that I have no business sketching anyone’s character.”
“What is done is done,” Aunt Gardiner said sympathetically. “What matters now is that you are truly sorry and that you will try to make amends.”
“I do not know if I shall be given the opportunity. My husband cannot stand the sight of me or else he would not have sent me away. And, it follows that soon all our family will know why.”
She sank down into a chair, her hands covering her face. The Gardiners exchanged worried looks when she mumbled, “I fear that when Fitzwilliam returns to Pemberley, he may send me away from here as well. What will Mama do if he sends me back to Longbourn?”
“Lizzy, I do not believe for a moment that Mr. Darcy wishes his family or anyone else to know of your... difficulties,” Mr. Gardiner offered. “After all, I practically had to draw the story out of him. I just happened to catch him at a very vulnerable time, what with his injury, for it was obvious that he was in great pain and despondent. If I remember correctly, his words were ‘my greatest fear is that this will always stand between us.’”
Silently, Elizabeth rose and walked over to a large bank of windows. Folding her arms, she pictured William’s face the day she had confronted him in his bedroom. He looked so weary and in pain, but she had ignored his wellbeing in favour of pressing her case. The memory brought tears to her eyes, and she began to run her hands up and down her arms. It was a habit—something she always did when she was upset.
With a tilt of his head in his niece’s direction and a doleful look, Mr. Gardiner indicated that perhaps they were being too severe; thus, Madeline crossed the room to stand next to her, slipping an arm around her niece’s waist.
Elizabeth seemed focused on the lawn where a calico cat with kittens trailing behind her was pursuing a bird as it flitted from one place to another. Each attempt to catch the bird resulted in its flying higher—first on top of the fountain, then on a lower limb of a tree and finally to the very top of the tree.
“Do you see how the bird evades the cat?” Mrs. Gardiner asked. Elizabeth nodded. “When your husband returns, he will likely be just like that bird.”
Elizabeth’s expression became puzzled. “I do not understand.”
“From what Edward told me, you must have hurt Mr. Darcy tremendously by having no faith in his character. Most likely he will deal with the pain by avoiding you. However, you must be as tenacious as that cat. As much as possible, be near him, even if it is just to sit and read while he works.”
“I cannot impose myself on him.”
“You can and you will!” her aunt insisted. “That is, if you wish to save your marriage. Mr. Darcy must understand that your opinion of him has changed and that is impossible if you are never in each other’s company.”
“I... I would be embarrassed to—”
“Pride has always been your Achilles heel, Lizzy, and it has served you ill. You have wounded your husband very deeply, and there is no easy way out. Trust between a husband and wife is a fragile thing. Once it is destroyed, it is very difficult to restore—sometimes it is impossible.”
“I have ruined everything,” Elizabeth said softly.
“Do not say that again!” Madeline Gardiner declared, turning Elizabeth so that they faced each other. “If you have given up, then everything is lost already. I do not know Mr. Darcy well enough to make predictions, but in light of his reputation, I know him to be a fair man and not vindictive. That speaks well of his character and leaves hope for the future.”
“He has every righ
t to be despondent over our marriage. For had he readily believed such evil of me from the beginning, I do not think I could ever have forgiven him, or forgotten.”
“That is because it has always been your nature to hold grudges,” Madeline Gardiner said more light-heartedly. “I hate to say that, but it is true.”
Elizabeth could only nod for Jane had often said the same thing.
“On the other hand, you have many fine qualities—one of which is to put your whole heart and soul into whatever you find worth doing. I have faith that you can still find felicity in your marriage, but the burden shall be upon your shoulders. Since he is in physical pain, he is likely to keep to himself as men are prone to do in those circumstances.”
“I have already resolved to do everything in my power to be a good mistress,” Elizabeth said. “Since my arrival at Pemberley, I have gone over the ledgers with Mrs. Reynolds and memorised the procedures for recording expenditures, and I helped with planning the dinner menus. In addition, I recently finished calling on all the tenants and making a list of their needs. I have put into motion plans for addressing them, including providing baby clothes, towels and sheets to a prospective new mother.”
Madeline hugged Elizabeth. “This is the Lizzy we know and love. Taking your duties seriously will convince Mr. Darcy of your sincerity. He will see that you wish to be a good mistress.”
Elizabeth blinked away tears as she whispered, “I would give everything to convince him that I also wish to be a good wife. In fact, I wish that more than anything.”
“All in good time, dear. The opportunity will come, wait and see.”
“I hope so,” Elizabeth sniffled, unable to keep a few of her tears from escaping. “I truly, truly hope so.”
Not too long afterwards, the Gardiners took their leave, returning to their family in Lambton. Elizabeth stayed in the drawing room for a while longer, emerging with red, swollen eyes and quickly seeking the sanctuary of her rooms. Fortunately, she managed to evade most of the servants, as well as the Fitzwilliams, who had decided to visit the gardens after leaving the drawing room.
LONDON
Matlock House
Georgiana’s sitting room
When she walked into Georgiana’s sitting room, Lady Matlock was shocked to find her niece sharing tea with Lady Susan. She had grown increasingly wary of that woman’s motives for being Georgiana’s friend, especially following the episode at the ball. Tactfully, she had suggested that the widow was too old to be Georgiana’s particular friend and expressed hope that she would make friends closer to her own age. It was obvious, though, that Lady Matlock’s ploy had not worked yet, for here she sat. Still, there was nothing to be done but to act pleasantly.
“Lady Susan, I am surprised to find you here!” Surreptitiously, she threw a displeased look at Georgiana, who instantly looked away. “My niece did not mention that you were coming today.”
“I... I forgot she was to visit,” Georgiana sputtered.
“We talked of it the night of the ball, so I am sure it merely slipped her mind,” Susan lied.
Mention of the ball caused the countess’ brows to rise, which said much more than mere words. She had been livid at the rumours flying about Lady Susan and her nephew since that evening. However, as she did not wish a confrontation, nor did she have the time, she addressed Georgiana instead.
“Whatever the case may be, I need to speak to you privately, Georgiana. Would you join me in your bedroom for a moment?” She offered an artificial smile to Susan. “I am sure that Lady Susan will not mind.”
With that, the countess and Georgiana left the room. No sooner had the door closed to Georgiana’s bedroom than Susan ran over to place her ear against it. She was able to hear all that was said easily, for the countess talked very loudly when she was upset.
“Your uncle and I must go to Darcy House this very minute. We received a letter from your Aunt Catherine saying that she would be in London today. She intends to confront your brother about his marriage.”
“I... I do not wish to go with you.”
“That is just as well, for we thought it best to leave you here. I simply wanted you to be aware that Lady Catherine is in town. If she were to come here, you have my permission to send your maid down with your regrets. Just say that you are unwell. I shall make sure that Soames knows.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
“Now, let me be off, or Edward shall leave without me.”
Having said that, Lady Matlock walked back into the sitting room and nodded at Susan, who had barely regained her seat. Hastening into the hallway, the countess disappeared with no further ado.
“My goodness! Is there some emergency?” Susan asked, standing up just as Georgiana walked solemnly back into the room.
“You could say that. She and my uncle are off to Darcy House. It seems my aunt, Lady Catherine, is in town to see my brother.”
“And you are not going?”
“No. When I was much younger, Lady Catherine tried to persuade Fitzwilliam that it was in my best interest to live with her at Rosings. She said that I needed my cousin’s influence, but Brother would have none of it. He knew that I was fearful of my aunt’s temper and that Anne and I had little in common. She got very irritable with him... and me. To this day, I try never to be in her company.”
“She must be here because she is unhappy about Fitzwilliam’s marriage. I heard Lady Matlock say often enough that Lady Catherine wished him to marry Anne.”
“Yes. For years she insisted he must marry my sickly cousin, but my uncle put an end to that. I do not know why she must berate my brother about it again today.”
“I think her visit today will be about berating Elizabeth Bennet. After all, her dowry and connections prior to her marriage render Mrs. Darcy’s status to hardly more than a servant.”
When Georgiana looked down without replying, Lady Susan became suspicious. “I thought that you wanted your family to realise he has made a horrible mistake.”
“I did... I do. But with Brother’s injury... ” She sighed. “There will be plenty of time for that after he is well again.”
“Which brings up another subject—I want to visit Darcy. I must express my concern for his injury and wish him a speedy recovery. But, as you well know, he is still angry with me over that little kiss. Could you not take me with you the next time you visit?”
“Fitzwilliam has forbidden me to bring you, and I will not defy him on that point. He could easily restrict me from the house if I did.”
“He would never go that far.”
“You have no idea. He has changed since Eliz—his wife left for Pemberley.”
Lady Susan could not suppress a smile. “At least we achieved that! She is gone, and he remains in Town. What does that say for the state of his marriage?”
Georgiana looked contemplative. “It is one small accomplishment, I suppose. But it has definitely made his temper worse.”
“Of course, it has! You realise that, if there was any other solution, Fitzwilliam would never have encouraged gossip by sending her to Pemberley while he stayed in London. Can you imagine what a shrew he has married, if the only way he could get any peace was to send her away?”
“That is exactly what I have been saying. He is entirely different.”
Lady Susan reached to pat her hand. “Do not fret, my dear. For when I am his wife, it will be as it was when we were young.”
A small smile lifted the corners of Georgiana’s mouth. “We were all so happy then.”
“And we shall be again. It will not be long until Eliza Bennet will be history, and we shall be sisters.”
“But she would have to die for Brother to marry again, as divorce would take years and still might not be permitted. I know that much from listening to my uncle rant about the unsuitability of his match when they married.”
“Oh, but if she disappeared—say, by leaving on a ship under another name—she could be declared dead after several years and I can make
certain that happens. Once society realises that my son is Fitzwilliam’s child, they will accept that we have been in love since we were children, and that I am the rightful Mrs. Darcy. Ours will be a genuine love story, the kind that poets love to immortalise.”
“I suppose you are right.”
“I am!” Susan quickly kissed the air on both sides of Georgiana’s head. “Now, I must go, for I have many things to accomplish.” She started towards the door then stopped to peer over her shoulder. “Do you still wish me to come again tomorrow?”
“Perhaps it would be better if I called on you. My aunt is worried that I spend too much time gossiping and not enough time on my lessons.”
“If you wish, but I simply must know what Lady Catherine has to say, so please come as soon as possible.”
“I promise to come, but I do not know if Aunt Evelyn will tell me what is said.”
“Of course, she will,” Lady Susan declared cheerfully. “Now, have faith, for we shall see that hoyden out of Darcy’s life before too long. I just know it!”
In seconds, Susan was gone, and for a long time, Georgiana stared at the door. Then she walked over to close it and went straight to the window seat. Gazing listlessly into the Matlocks’ gardens, she considered what the scheming she and Lady Susan had done would actually accomplish.
Once Elizabeth is gone and Susan marries Brother, things will return to the way it was when I was a child. It must or I shall...
The voice of reason spoke. You shall what? What is it that you really want to accomplish? Do you wish to command everyone else about? Is it your ambition to be like Lady Catherine?
She huffed to herself. I am nothing like her!
Her conscience disagreed. You want to control your brother’s life, which makes you no different than she.
Having had enough introspection, Georgiana stood and irately reached for the bell pull. I shall concentrate on my painting.
Before long, Florence appeared and helped her change gowns. After all, one never wore good quality gowns when painting, for the least bit of paint could ruin delicate fabrics and lace. Later, as she hurried to the conservatory where her easel was set up in one corner, her conscience managed to have the last word.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 37
