by Bray, Ayr
“For my part, I cannot but agree with you. Thus far I have found Aunt Gardiner’s statement last summer to be exact. She declared Derbyshire to be the most majestic county.” Jane and Charles nodded in agreement with Elizabeth’s assessment. “Our parents told me you stopped at the peaks to see the view. Did you like it?” Elizabeth asked.
Jane smiled shyly and then looked to her husband, who nodded again. Jane turned in her chair and reached for Elizabeth’s hands, which she held in her own. “Lizzy, Charles and I did not stop just to witness the view; we were looking down upon a particular piece of property.” Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide, but she sat quietly while her sister continued. “In just these few short weeks married, I have determined that a woman may be settled too near her family. Charles and I have decided that we will not extend the lease at Netherfield, but instead Charles’s solicitor has found us a property here in the north, closer to Pemberley. I must admit, I have missed you dearly, and since Charles and Fitzwilliam are such loyal friends there could not be a better place for us than an estate nearby.” Jane was rambling a bit, but Elizabeth loved it. She knew her sister well enough to know she only rambled when she cared whether the person she was speaking to agreed with her decision. She too often tried to defend herself, but it was not needed. Elizabeth was extremely excited at her sister’s news.
“Oh, Jane, do you speak the truth? Nothing would make me happier than having you settled close. Where is it? How far off will you be?”
Jane laughed at her sisters delight. “It is but seven miles from here. Just two miles on the other side of Lambton.”
“So near! Why, Jane, I am so excited.” Then, turning more serious, she asked, “Does our family know?”
Jane portrayed a sternness Elizabeth had never before witnessed in her. “No, and you will not tell them either. Mamma has not left us alone, not one single day since we married. I suspect she will not be happy, but we do not care. She is interrupting our life too much. I have spoken with father about asking her to visit less, but it has had no effect. Her constant visits are a disruption to my new home. How am I to earn the respect of the household when Mamma is constantly telling them to do things differently than me? It is too much, and already I am tired.”
“Dear Jane, how much you have had to endure. I am sorry. Here I have been enjoying wedded bliss, and you have had nothing but grief.”
“Do not worry, Lizzy, it has not been all bad. Charles and I have been quite happy getting to know one another.” Jane blushed again and looked down at their hands still clasped in a sisterly bond.
The three talked amiably for more than an hour until Elizabeth witnessed Jane’s stifled yawn.
“Come, we must let you rest. I will take you up and then I must speak with Mrs. Reynolds and our cook. Mrs. Reynolds assured me the added guests are no burden, but I still worry. We have quadrupled our company, and on a day no one was expected.” Jane tried to apologize again, but Elizabeth would hear none of it. She stood and led them from the room just as Fitzwilliam was briskly coming up the hall towards them.
“Elizabeth, I am sorry I have been gone so long. I see your sister and Charles are here. Is it true your parents and younger sisters are here too?”
Elizabeth reached up on her toes and greeted him with a kiss upon his cold cheek. “It is true. They are already in their rooms, resting. I am just sending Jane and Charles up.”
Fitzwilliam and Charles grasped hands pounded each other on their backs, a brotherly embrace the women had often witnessed during the months of their engagements and wedding. It warmed the hearts of Elizabeth and Jane to know they had found husbands that were best friends and as close as two brothers ever could be.
A few more greetings were exchanged then Charles led Jane to their room. A guide was not necessary once Elizabeth explained they would share the room Charles normally occupied during his previous visits to Pemberley.
Elizabeth sent Fitzwilliam to freshen up with a promise that she would be along shortly to change for supper. She then called upon Mrs. Reynolds and confirmed the meal was well under control.
Looking at the clock on the wall as she left the housekeeper’s room, Elizabeth was well pleased that she had time to call upon her sisters Mary and Catherine, whom everyone called Kitty.
“I hope you enjoyed your trip, Mary,” Elizabeth said when Mary opened the door and allowed her in. Mary had a beautiful room that overlooked the garden paths below. The walls were covered with an ivory paper with little pink and yellow flowers. The curtains were a thick, dark brown material that aptly blocked the morning sun. The furnishings were lovely, though not overdone as they were in so many houses in England. Elizabeth already appreciated the simplicity of the Darcys’ impeccable taste and style. It was a design she could easily find comfort in.
“Yes, it was a fine journey, though one none of us expected.” Mary looked at her sister with an air of suspicion. She knew that inviting themselves to Pemberley was not proper, but secretly she was glad they had come. She had kept her ears tuned to every conversation regarding the place and had been anxious to see it in person.
“I am glad it was tolerable for you. The weather is quite cold and the roads rough. When I heard you were all coming I feared it would be a little too much.”
“As you can imaging, a carriage with three fewer sisters is a great deal more comfortable for extended travel.”
Elizabeth laughed softly at her sister’s reaction. “I can well believe that.” Offering her sister a hug, she said, “I am glad you are here, Mary. My first Christmas away from Longbourn will be more bearable with so many of my family here.”
Mary returned Elizabeth’s hug and, not with a little reluctance, confessed her feelings, “With three sisters recently married, there have been many changes at Longbourn. I must admit, I was feeling a bit despondent as we began decorating the house. It is very lonely without you, Jane, and Lydia.”
Elizabeth hugged her sister tighter, offering what little comfort she could. The two understood one another perfectly. Elizabeth released her and turned towards the door. She opened it, but before she left she addressed her once more. “Supper will be at six o’clock. I will see you there, Mary.”
Next, Elizabeth sought out Kitty’s room. The moment Kitty’s door opened Elizabeth could feel the excitement exuding from her young sister. Kitty was seventeen, but sometimes Elizabeth wondered if she had aged at all since twelve. Kitty reached out and gripped Elizabeth’s hand. Pulling her into the room, she exclaimed, “Oh, Lizzy, what a splendid house you have. I have never seen such a gorgeous place. May I come and stay with you often? I think my new brother must have lots of rich friends. I am confident I could come stay here and meet some pleasant men.”
“We will see, Kitty,” was all Elizabeth could get out before her sister spoke again.
“I hope you have gotten me a fine present.”
“I did; however, they were sent to Longbourn just this week. It is likely you passed them en route.”
“Oh, fiddlesticks! I guess we will just have to see what you have that I want.” Elizabeth was shocked at her sisters audacity. “La, Lizzy, you cannot expect me not to open any presents Christmas morning.”
“Kitty!” Elizabeth scolded.
“What? You know as well as I how much I enjoy receiving presents. Well, it does not matter much anyway. Our presents from Lydia arrived, and I am sure she knows me better than anyone else; she will have bought me something I am certain to love.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her silly sister, gave her a quick hug, and turned towards the door before informing her of supper as she had done their sister Mary.
Finally, Elizabeth stopped at their parents’ room. She hesitantly knocked upon their door. Her father answered. He looked tired and worn, but when his eyes saw her they lit up like they always did.
“Ah, Lizzy, you have come to check on us. I assure you all is well. Your mother adores her room. In fact, she wonders if the King himself has stayed in it. She li
kes it so much that twice already she has tried to seek out Mr. Darcy to inform him of her approval.” He smiled wryly as he continued, “I assured her she could pay him her compliments at supper.” He winked at Elizabeth as her mother was heard in the background.
“Oh yes, tell Mr. Darcy how marvelous it is. Why, look here,” she swung her arm, beckoning Elizabeth to enter. “He has had everything made up just right for us. We have these wonderfully soft towels, lovely smelling soaps and salts, as well as pen and ink should we care to write a letter. Our trunks were brought up by the smartest servants, and already he has had your lovely housekeeper send me flowers from the Orangery. What a good son-in-law he is.”
Elizabeth looked around. It was just as her mother said. There on the table in front of her was a lovely display of all the flowers she had just seen in bloom when they last visited the place. She was proud of Fitzwilliam’s thoughtfulness and was glad her mother was satisfied with her situation.
“I am sure Fitzwilliam will be more than happy to accept your compliments at supper. As it is, supper is nearing and I still need to dress. Please excuse me. I will see you in the drawing room at six o’clock.”
“Oh yes, Lizzy, make sure you put on your red dress. It is quite festive and looks so well with your hair. I am sure your Mr. Darcy will approve.”
“Mamma,” Elizabeth scolded as she held the door open, ready to leave, “I need not wear a specific gown to catch my husband’s approval. He and I are already married. Besides, he approves of all my gowns.”
“Do not be so sure, Lizzy. You have only been married a few short weeks, and Mr. Darcy does not yet have an heir. You had best retain his notice, or he is apt to send you packing and find himself a better wife.”
“Mother!”
“Now, Lizzy, do not over-react at your mother’s silly musings. You know as well as I that she is slightly mad. Go get yourself dressed. We will see you at supper.” Mr. Bennet shut the door behind Elizabeth, who stood in place for a moment while the fury within her subsided. In the past, the little tiffs she overheard between her parents had never brought her any pleasure, but now as she leaned her head near the door and heard her father scold her mother, she felt a little better.
Elizabeth entered the master suite and stepped through the sitting room doors into the adjacent rooms. She saw Fitzwilliam stepping out of his warm bath. Her eyes roamed his body and she sucked in a deep breath, remembering every sensation she had experienced in their few weeks of wedded bliss. A sultry smile crossed her lips when she saw him react under her watchful gaze.
“Fitzwilliam, you are a handsome man. I could look at you all day.”
“I am glad you think so, my dear.”
He reached for a towel and dried his body. Elizabeth stepped to her vanity and watched him in the mirror while she removed her earrings and necklace. His shoulders flexed as he reached behind to grip the towel and dry his back. When he raised his arm to dry his neck and hair the musculature of his abdomen rippled. She truly appreciated his body.
“Thank you for sending my mother flowers. She cannot stop prattling about how wonderful they are.”
“Flowers? Oh, I told Mrs. Reynolds this week to make sure Jane was sent a spray. She must have had another put together for your mother. Very good, I will make sure I thank her for that. Mrs. Reynolds is a saint; she never misses anything. You will see, my dear. No matter what, she will make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Our holiday will be perfect, even with this unexpected increase in the number of guests.”
“I am sure you are right, but you know I cannot help but worry something frightful will happen. It is in my nature.”
Reaching behind her back, Elizabeth unbuttoned the top three buttons of her gown. Seeing her struggling, Fitzwilliam stepped over and helped her with the rest. “As much as I adore helping you dress and undress,” his eyes met hers in the mirror, “you should consider allowing Gracie to come help you more while everyone is here. I can already tell you will be over-extending yourself; her assistance will likely be a relief.”
“I know I should call her in, but she will change everything. You will no longer be able to remain here with me, sharing conversation while we prepare.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled, but he agreed. “You do have a point.” He wrapped his arms round her and bent low to kiss her neck. Elizabeth melted into his arms.
“It may not be preferred by either of us, but it is likely the most rational decision. We do not have to maintain this state forever, just until everyone leaves again. Here, I will call her while you rinse in the tub.”
Elizabeth smiled at the retreating figure of her husband, now dressed in his robe and house slippers. He certainly was a man of action.
Elizabeth finished undressing, stepped over the side of the ornate tub, and immersed herself in the warm, sudsy water. She was not dirty enough to require a bath, but the warm water was already there. Why should she not indulge for a few minutes? Elizabeth’s head was leaning against the curve of the tub, her eyes closed, when Gracie entered and began silently preparing a few of her mistress’s items.
Elizabeth had interviewed five lady’s maids her second week at Pemberley, Fitzwilliam had all but insisted she select a maid and have one ready should she need her services. Elizabeth liked all of the girls, but Gracie stood out from the rest with her smile that did not just linger on her lips but rather lit up her entire being. Elizabeth was sure the two would get along splendidly.
Hearing movement in the room around her, Elizabeth opened her eyes and noticed Gracie. “Gracie, you have come. Thank you for attending me on such short notice.”
Gracie discontinued the task of setting out her mistress’s clothing and turned all of her attention to Elizabeth. “It is my pleasure, Mrs. Darcy. Do you have a specific gown you prefer tonight or should I make a selection for you?”
“My mother has arrived and all but demanded I wear my crimson gown, but I was saving it for Christmas morning.” Elizabeth let out a sigh, “What do you recommend? Do I have another that will do in its place? My hope is not to garner my mother’s wrath. In order to avoid it, I need a gown that is sophisticated enough to retain my husband’s attention until I have produced him an heir.”
Gracie stood, staring at her mistress, unable to respond to such a statement.
“Do not look at me that way. You have not met my mother. I am not mocking her when I speak so; she honestly believes Mr. Darcy will soon lose interest in me.”
“Mrs. Darcy, if I may be so bold, I doubt very highly the master will lose interest in you. I have never seen a man so devoted to a woman.”
“That is what I think, too. I am sure he loves me as much as I do him. There is no chance I will put him away, rather I would marry him again in a heartbeat,” Elizabeth gaily responded.
“I think you should wear your green velvet gown. I know its design is simple, but with the right shawl, hair accessories, and jewellery, we can make it every bit as stunning.”
“I agree. The green gown it is.”
Elizabeth stood up and then stepped over the edge of the tub, accepting the offered towel. Gracie helped her dry and then held the dressing gown for her. Elizabeth picked up her hairbrush and sat down upon the chair near the fire to brush out her hair while she waited for Gracie to finish setting out her attire. She had been careful not to get her hair wet in the tub, but there were a few strands that had come loose from the simple bun she had fashioned high on her head and gotten wet.
“I have your clothing articles prepared, Mrs. Darcy.” Gracie curtsied as she addressed her mistress.
“I am coming,” Elizabeth stood reluctantly; she was not looking forward to a meal with her entire family. She had planned this evening to be special. The last night of privacy with her husband before their guests arrived.
Gracie did not know her mistress well, but each time she waited on her she learned a little more of her lighthearted playfulness. Tonight it was not as prevalent as it had been in the past, but rathe
r had a sense of bitter sarcasm. Gracie remained silent as she set about her task of dressing Elizabeth for supper.
They were nearing completion when there was a knock upon the door.
“It is open,” Elizabeth called over her shoulder.
Fitzwilliam opened the door and stepped into Elizabeth’s room. “You look lovely, my dear. I love that dark green colour upon you. It reminds me of a particular outing we recently experienced when we were out looking for an evergreen.” His eyes sought hers and she noticed his roguish smile.
Elizabeth glanced at her maid, who normally would have considered the comment innocent except she noticed the blush upon her mistress’s cheeks, neck, and chest. Gracie continued to arrange Elizabeth’s hair, trying to act as if she did not realize her master had even entered the room.
“I am glad you like it. You may as well know my mother all but demanded I wear my red gown. Be prepared to listen to her opinion on the matter when we go below stairs.”
“I do not care what your mother thinks, and neither should you.”
Elizabeth let out a snort-laugh that reminded Gracie of one of the barnyard animals. She looked upon her mistress’s face, a little shocked at first, but when it did not faze the lady, she relaxed and delighted that the mistress was finally at ease enough to enjoy herself. The master certainly did not mind. “Pft … not care! Oh, I do not care what she thinks. I never have. What I care about is what she says, and who she says it in front of. It is her manner that disturbs me.”
“Elizabeth, do not dramatize your mother’s theatrics. It is just going to be us, your family, Richard, and Georgiana here for Christmas. Certainly with all of us being so close, and already understanding your mother’s antics, we can pass the holiday with little tribulation.”
“I hope you are right,” she said aloud, but the truth was she doubted his words.
Gracie finished Elizabeth’s hair and picked up the shawl for her mistress. Placing it on her shoulders, she asked, “What time should I come help you prepare for bed, Mrs. Darcy?”