Elizabeth's Ordeal

by Charlotte Browning

  “She exaggerates, Miss. But I believe I do a very good job.” The girl said with flushed cheeks, clearly pleased with the compliment.

  “Now, Jane, change into this dress.” Elizabeth demanded. “I want to see how it looks on you.”

  “But it is your dress.” Jane Protested.

  “I would never wear it. The colour would not suit me and you know that.” Elizabeth assured her.

  “It is true, Miss. I was surprised Mrs. Darcy picked it for this trip, but now I can see she had you in mind for the dress.” Maggie intervened, walking to Jane and starting to help her get off her worn evening gown.

  “This feels wrong.” She still protested.

  “Of course not. Wait until you see the one I will be wearing.”

  With Maggie’s help, Elizabeth had Jane in the new dress and combed perfectly in no time. She looked more beautiful than ever and Elizabeth was sure Mr. Bingley would not resist her charms.

  Jane was mesmerized with her own image reflecting on the mirror in front of her.

  “Elizabeth was right, Maggie, you are a true fairy.”

  The girl chuckled. “It is easy when you have the perfect canvas to work with, Miss.” She assured her.

  “Now, you can wait for me at the library. I will take a quick bath and meet you there as soon as possible. Maggie will take you there.” Elizabeth suggested as she started to undo her hair.

  “I could wait here.”

  “Nonsense, I am sure you will find a good book to kill time. I shall not be long.” Elizabeth insisted.

  “Very well.” She finally accepted. “You have become bossier than ever, do you know that?” added she, before she left the room.

  Elizabeth laughed, but did not deny her sister’s words.

  It took her more than half an hour to get ready. Maggie had pulled her a burgundy velvet dress that enhanced her fair skin and made her look beautiful. Dark colours suited her best and she loved them.

  She was walking down the corridor to meet her sister at the library when she heard a male voice.

  “Perhaps we should leave them alone for a few more minutes.” Darcy whispered in her ear, coming up from behind her.

  Startled, Elizabeth turned to look at him. “Who is in there with Jane?” she asked, managing to hold back the small cry she had been about to let out.

  “Bingley. He arrived a few minutes ago and Mrs. Donaldson guided him to where your sister was waiting.” Explained he, with a wicked smile.

  “You planned this?”

  “Let us say things turned out better than I expected.”

  She chuckled and slid her arm on his. “Very well then, let us get something to drink while those two get acquainted again.” Suggested she, with a wide smile.

  “Of course. My friend Jonathan should be about to arrive.”

  “Tell me more about him.” Asked she, curious.

  “He went to school with Bingley and me. He is the middle son of a count that joined the army as soon as he left school. Unfortunately, he was badly injured and though the doctors managed to save his leg, he walks with great difficulty.” Darcy explained as he walked to the small table with the liquor bottles. “White wine?”

  “Yes, please. I have grown addicted to it.” She chuckled. “And now you tell me he is a successful businessman?” asked she, more and more curious about the man.

  “Yes, he is. He bought a ship at first and now I have heard he has several. He trades all sort of merchandise from the four corners of the world.”

  “Hmm, quite impressive. Perhaps we should have introduced him to Jane. He sounds like the resolute kind of man that she needs.” Said Elizabeth, with a scowl.

  “Please, do not be so harsh with Bingley. I am sure he will prove to be the best man for Jane.” Replied Darcy.

  “I truly hope so. She has been through enough ordeals on his account.”

  The doorbell announced the arrival of their guest and soon the butler was announcing Jonathan Pierce.

  A man, about Darcy’s age walked in, leaning on an ebony cane, walking with some difficulty. His copper hair was a perfect frame for his fair skin and his bright green eyes. He was a very attractive man, that was for sure and the cane keeping him standing did not do much to overshadow that.

  “Jonathan, welcome.” Darcy took a few steps to meet his friend and greet him, before he turned to Elizabeth and made the introductions. “Elizabeth, darling, please meet my good friend, Jonathan Pierce. She is my beloved wife, Elizabeth.”

  “A pleasure meeting you, ma’am.” The man greeted her. “I can, now, perfectly understand my friend’s rush to marry you. It would have been foolish of him to allow you to escape.”

  Elizabeth chuckled, feeling a little heat colouring her cheeks. She was not used to being flattered that way. “Thank you, sir, it is very flattering of you.”

  “Once you get to know me, ma’am, you will realize I do not flatter. The truth is always the best choice.” The man assured her.

  At that moment, Lady Catherine walked into the room, accompanied by Georgiana. The girl had put on a beautiful white dress, with tiny blue flowers embroidered all over the dress that gave her an angelic look that had a particular effect on Mr. Pierce.

  Elizabeth was still looking at the men when the girl walked in and she had the feeling the man had been struck by some sort of lightening. It took him a few seconds to recover and regain decorum.

  “Lady Catherine, it’s always a pleasure seeing you.” He greeted the old woman.

  “Jonathan Pierce, it has been a while since I last saw you.” The woman replied his greeting, stretching her hand towards him. “How is your dear mother? Still buried up north with your father?”

  “Yes, ma’am, last time I checked they were having a good time taking care of their gardens.” There was an amused smile on his face.

  “Oh, I am sure of that.” Lady Catherine said, as she took a seat on the sofa.

  “Do you remember my sister, Georgiana, Jonathan?” asked Darcy, picking up his sister’s hand and guiding her to where his friend was standing.

  “Georgiana? Your sister? How is that possible? She was just a little girl last time I saw her.” The man was shocked. He clearly was having trouble conciliating the image he had in his mind with the young woman standing in front of him.

  “Years go by for all of us, Mr. Pierce.” Georgiana stated, with an amused scowl.

  “So I see. Do you remember me?” he still sounded astounded.

  “Yes, of course. You used to pull my braids and rush me to grow up.” Georgiana’s cheeks were now slightly reddened and Elizabeth observed the couple with amused curiosity.

  He laughed out loud and nodded. “God, yes, it is true. Well, I have to say you have done a great job growing up.” He assured her, with a smile on his face.

  “Thank you, it is very kind of you to say that.”

  In that very moment, Jane and Mr. Bingley joined them.

  The introductions were made and despite Jane’s radiant beauty, Mr. Pierce seemed mesmerized with the change in Georgiana to see anything else.

  After a few minutes, drinking an aperitif and chatting, the butler announced dinner was served and they all walked to the dining room.

  The meal was simply delicious and with the hostilities set aside, they actually had a great night. After dinner, men joined the ladies immediately in the drawing room and Darcy asked his sister to entertain them with her musical talents.

  The girl smiled, pleased and immediately took a seat at the piano. Mr. Pierce joined her and leaned against the piano to hear her play.

  Jane joined her sister on a small sofa slightly away from the rest of the group. “You could have told me.” She scolded her, but the smile on her face said she was far from mad at her sister.

  “I did not want to get your hopes high in case he decided not to show up.” Elizabeth whispered back as the music filled the room.

  Georgiana had a true gift and she played like the angels.

  “Thank yo
u. He explained he had been fool enough to follow misguided advice, and that he wanted to visit me again, while I am still here in London.” There was a broad smile on Jane’s face now. “He even insinuated he would follow me home, if I decided to go back to Longbourn.”

  “I am very happy to hear that, sweetie. I am sure he will propose very soon.”

  “Do you think so?” there was still doubt and fear in her tone.

  “I am sure of that. Have a little faith this time, Jane and do not be afraid to show him how you feel.” Elizabeth advised her. “That was what got you in trouble the first time, your restraint and the way you hide your feelings.”

  Jane sighed, but nodded. She was aware of that truth and though she tried hard, she still had trouble showing her feelings. “We shall see where this ends.”

  Elizabeth nodded and turned her attention to the couple at the piano. There was such an expression of rapture on Mr. Pierce’s face that Elizabeth prayed his feelings found an answer in Georgiana. Loving someone that does not correspond your feelings was quite painful and she did not wish that kind of pain, not even to her worse enemy.

  The rest of the night was quite pleasant as well, and by the time they said goodbye to their guests, Elizabeth was feeling quite happy and pleased.

  She had invited Jane to spend the night over, so she would not have to cross the city at those late hours but her sister turned down her invitation.

  “Aunt likes to go to the market in the early hours of the morning and I have made a habit of accompanying her.”

  Mr. Bingley was just behind them when she was explaining the situation to her. “I do not think it is a good idea for you to go all alone back to your uncles’ house.” He protested.

  “Mr. Darcy has kindly offered me his carriage, so there is no problem, I am sure,” insisting in leaving.

  “At least, allow me to drive you in my carriage. I would be tremendously worried otherwise.” Asked he, taking a step closer.

  Jane looked at her brother in law, not sure what to do.

  “I believe that is a good idea, Jane,” We would feel much better knowing you were not alone.” he answered her silent question.

  “Then I would be more than happy accepting your company, kind sir.” Accepted she, with a faltering smile.

  Elizabeth and Darcy bid them goodbye and soon they were walking up to their chambers.

  “I believe it was a very nice evening, do you feel not the same?” asked he, as he guided her to her room.

  “Yes, I really enjoyed it. Your friend is a very interesting man.”

  “Yes, he is.” But there was a slight frown on his forehead. “Though I considered he showed too much interest on Georgiana.”

  Elizabeth chuckled. “She showed similar interest in him. I believe you could not ask for a better brother in law.”

  He was silent for a few moments as he helped her out of her dress. “Yes, I know you are right. I guess I still see Georgiana as a little girl.” Admitted he.

  “I know how you feel. But Georgiana is quite mature for her age. At least, you would know he is not after her dowry.”

  “You have a point there.” He kissed her naked shoulder, before he helped her out of her undergarments.

  Elizabeth loved when he decided to play Maggie’s role, helping her to disrobe. Taking off her clothes gained a whole new meaning.

  “Of course I do.” She turned around to face him and soon they were lost in each other’s arms, igniting the passion they conjured every time they were together.

  The next few days went by with no news and things between Darcy and his aunt were getting tenser.

  Chapter Eleven

  Five days after he had asked for Jonathan’s help, his friend came to pay him a visit.

  “Jonathan, what a pleasure seeing you here.” Darcy received him in his study, showing him a chair in front of his desk.

  “I hope you do not mind me coming here.” He took a seat.

  “Of course not, you are always welcome in my house.”

  “Thank you. I am afraid I bring bad news regarding the task you entrusted me.”

  Darcy tensed up. He really didn’t need bad news right now. Things were becoming unbearable with his aunt and his patience was running thin. “What happened?”

  “I found the man you are looking for, or should I say, I know where he can be found.”

  “Those are not bad news.” Replied Darcy, with a slight frown.

  “Yes, they are, since he is onboard a war vessel, one that is only expected to touch an English port in a couple of weeks if everything goes according with plans.” Jonathan explained.

  “Jesus Christ, what else can go wrong?” Darcy cursed, pounding his fist on his desk.

  “I have stationed one of my men on the port where they are supposed to dock and he has orders to bring our man back to London as soon as he sets foot on land.”

  Darcy got up and walked to the window, trying to hold back his nuisance. “Thank you, Jonathan, that is more than I asked you and I really appreciate all your help in this matter.” He said, turning to face his friend.

  “I am at your service.”

  The clock in the hallway announced the time. Tea was about to be served in the drawing room. “Will you join us for tea? I am sure Elizabeth would love to see you again.”

  “I am not a man of tea, but I would hate to offend your lovely wife.” The other man said, with a self-deprecating smile as he got up.

  “I am not very fond of tea either, but the pastries are delicious and the company even better.” Darcy assured his friend as he guided him to the drawing room.

  They were reaching its door when Georgiana appeared at the top of the staircase.

  “Ah, Mr. Pierce, how nice of you to visit us. You shall join us for tea, I hope.” Said she, with a wide smile on her face, as she quickly descended the stairs.

  Darcy had not seen her this happy ever since he had returned from his honeymoon.

  “Miss Georgiana… yes… your brother has already asked me.”

  “Then you must stay, of course.” He offered her his arm and she slid hers in it as she guided him to the drawing room where Elizabeth was already waiting, accompanied by his aunt.

  Jonathan’s presence lightened the atmosphere in the room and they had a peaceful tea, for the first time in the last days.

  Darcy had no idea how was he supposed to contain his aunt for so much time. Things were very hard as they were.

  When tea was over and Jonathan had left, Elizabeth followed her husband to his study. She knew Jonathan’s presence in the house could only mean there was news on the good doctor, but judging by her husband’s face she was sure they were not good news.

  “What happened?” asked she, as soon as he closed the door behind them.

  “The good doctor sailed out on a war vessel.” Explained he, in a few words.

  “Oh… and when is he expected to dock?” disappointment was written all over her face.

  “Approximately in two weeks. Jonathan has a man waiting for the ship so we should know about him as soon as he sets foot on dry land.”

  “The problem will be your aunt. She has become more and more impatient.” Elizabeth pointed out.

  “I am aware of that and I also know she has turned your life into a living hell.” He let out a deep sigh.

  “There is not much we can do. If we antagonize her, she will start spreading her venom and all this would have been in vain.” She warned him, though he was quite aware of it.

  “Yes, but I am running out of ideas.”

  “We just have to hold on. Perhaps it would be better if we returned to Pemberley. There, she will be at the Dower House and we shall have some respite.” Suggested she, rubbing her forehead.

  “Yes, that could be a good idea. But I am sure she will insist she has not managed to hire a new doctor.”

  “Of course, but then she should stay here, on her own, until she hires one.”

  “You know she will ask for my help, ev
en when she needs it not.”

  It was Elizabeth’s turn to sigh. “Yes, I know. Then, you have to help her find the right person as soon as possible. We shall have better opportunities to avoid her attacks at Pemberley.”

  “I know that, and I am sure she does too.”

  “Oh, this is so frustrating. Why does she not understand you will never accept her plans?” she ranted, raising her hands, feeling a bit desperate.

  “Because so far, she has done things her way and she is used to people obeying her smallest desires.” Explained he. “But this time, that shall not happen. I do not care about the scandal. The only reason I am putting up with her tantrums is Anne. She has been through a lot in her life to have her life dragged through the mud by her own mother.”

  She closed the distance between them and hugged him, resting her forehead on his chest.

  “I know… I know… I guess I am just missing the blissful days we lived in Scarborough.”

  He embraced her and kissed the top of her head. “I missed them too, believe me, my love.”

  Three more days hearing Lady Catherine finally made a dent on Elizabeth’s mood. After a particularly tense breakfast, she announced she was going for a walk in the nearby park. She needed some time away from the house and the women living in it.

  “Can you not stand the heat, darling?”

  Lady Catherine’s sarcastic tone behind Elizabeth almost made her lose her temper. Gathering all her strength, Elizabeth turned around as she put on her gloves. “There is no heat, Lady Catherine, just a stubborn old woman, unwilling to see much further than the tip of her own nose.” Said she, in an amazingly calmed tone, considering the rage boiling inside her. “You must be the most selfish person I have ever met in my life, and believe me I have met quite a few.”

  “How dare you…” heat coloured the old woman’s cheeks as she let fury take over her.

  “Of course I dare, after all this is my house, and frankly, ma’am you are able to tire a saint, and that, I am not.” Grabbing her shawl, Elizabeth opened the main door and left the house.

  She knew she was going to pay for her outburst dearly, but patience had never been one of her virtues, that was for sure. But Lady Catherine had been insufferable, and she had simply exploded.