Mr Darcy's Cottage of Earthly Delights

by Beth Massey

  “Oh yes, I remember Lord Colton told me she was moving to Derbyshire to be near Lord Blessing.” Elizabeth realized she had not thought of this fact when she was imagining Will and Bella together after their marriage. “I believe she is leaving immediately after my sister’s wedding. What will you do when you retire?”

  “I am opening a bakery in Scarborough with my lover and a friend. I believe you have had some of Max’s baked goods. He is currently Mrs T’s cook.”

  “Yes those buttery, flaky, crescent shaped rolls are one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth. Will you and Max wed?”

  Bella chuckled at her assumption. “No, Max is not my lover.”

  Elizabeth looked a little offended at being the source of humour for this woman. “Where did you meet your lover? Do you plan to marry when you are in Scarborough?”

  “We met at Teasewell House, and no, marriage is not possible. As much as I might like to declare my love before God, no church would allow it.”

  Elizabeth became very curious about the identity of this man, and what the impediment to their marriage was. Did she assume Mr. Darcy would be married to her and hence would not be available to wed Bella? Surely she did not expect Mr Darcy to help run a bakery in Scarborough? Her words were entirely too confusing. Elizabeth decided to be direct. “Who is this man who is your lover?”

  “My lover is no man.” Bella’s face was filled with sardonic humour as she continued, “She is named Susan, and she is another of the women of ill repute who works for Lady Sarah.”

  Elizabeth could not believe what she had just heard. Bella loved a woman named Susan. This was… oh, so very shocking. She wished Will was here to explain the meaning of what she had just heard. Was it possible for a woman to love a woman?

  Bella seemed to know Elizabeth was finding it difficult to digest her revelation. She went back to telling a story. “Mr Darcy and I are very similar in our characters. We are entirely too serious much of the time, and we were both formed by the necessity to honour obligations. For the twelve years of our acquaintance, we have talked of finding a great love that would bring magic to our lives… someone lively, someone who had not developed while mired in duty… a partner for all our endeavours. Four years ago Susan came to Mrs T’s, and three years ago we fell in love. Finally my life was as I had dreamed. I told Mr Darcy how exquisite it was to have found the love to which we had aspired, and I encouraged him to be open to the possibility. When I saw him recently, I did not even have to hear his words of you to know he had been successful in his quest. He could not seem to keep from smiling.”

  Elizabeth found it difficult to form words. She tried several times before she was successful. “He spoke of me as his love?”

  Bella was certain she had accomplished her goal. She and Fitzwilliam had been friends for so long. She so wanted to help him. There was no need to embellish, so she just related his words that day. “Yes, he could not seem to stop talking of you. You were the most handsome woman of his acquaintance… you were more accomplished and intelligent than any other… your wit was beyond compare. I believe he described it as lively barbs delivered with just a dash of sugar. He went on to say he delighted to hear you play and sing… and your fine eyes were filled with the fire of a passionate nature.”

  Elizabeth seemed flattered by his words but something bothered her concerning his words of her passionate nature. She reverted to bluntness when she spoke. “Did he tell you of our lovemaking?”

  Isabel began to perceive another piece of the puzzle. She decided to be truthful but cautious. All she replied was, “He did.”

  “I am sure he did not say I was the most accomplished at lovemaking.”

  “We did not dwell on your skill. Instead, we talked of your boldness. Most importantly, he described the joy in your eyes when you made love. He told me he finally knew that day why his father had insisted he receive an education in how to please a wife… his father’s hopes for him had been fulfilled when he saw your eyes.”

  Bella decided to illustrate the difference between making love and sex for pay. We women who pleasure men for money are actresses. We have gone through the motions with hundreds of men. The emotions we display for our customers are not real. Mr Darcy told me that as he was making loving to you, he thought of the pretend passion in the eyes of the courtesans at Teasewell House… including mine. He described your eyes as being like a child when they see the flaming Christmas pudding… filled with genuine excitement and expectation. Your look was for him alone, and it was the most magical moment of his life.”

  Bella saw tears streaming down Elizabeth’s face. She embraced her, and they clung to each other. Isabel Thornfield smiled with the knowledge she had helped Mr Darcy’s great love attain enlightenment.

  Darcy had watched from his perch by the window as the conversation unfolded between the two women. He perceived Elizabeth’s initial antagonism, but he saw her posture soften as their conversation progressed. He was hopeful when they embraced, but was unsure of the meaning of what transpired next. After a bit, they separated and the conversation continued for at least another half an hour. At times Bella leaned toward Elizabeth, and she appeared to be whispering confidences. At other times they could have been chatting about the weather. Then there was a period where Lizzy seemed to be imitating things Bella was doing with her hands and mouth. Finally, Elizabeth rose from the bench. She kissed Bella’s cheek and proceeded to return to Darcy House. Bella was smiling as she headed in the direction of Blessing House. She waved at Darcy when she was close enough to see him at his post by the window.

  He opened the door for her and quickly escorted her into the parlour. She saw the look of hope in his eyes, but did not tell him the particulars of their discussion. Finally in desperation he blurted out, “Of what did you speak?”

  “Mainly we talked of books. We spoke of novels, but also reflected quite a bit on the bible.”

  Bella seemed to be deriving enjoyment from concealing the outcome of their conversation. She was trying his patience and he blurted out, “What do you mean you reflected on the bible?”

  With a most severe look on her face she said, “We spoke of lessons for life contained in its teachings. Christ forgiving the fallen woman was one topic, Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus was another, and towards the end we talked of Peter denying Christ three times and what his act said about the constancy of his love and loyalty. Our discussion of novels was mainly about The Vicar of Wakefield, and it included the debate you had with Miss Elizabeth with regard its literary merit.”

  Darcy shook his head at her refusal to tell him what he really wanted to know. He had never known Bella to be such a tease. In exasperation he said, “What does she plan to do now?”

  “I believe she said she had a book dedication to write.”

  21

  THE TRUTH WILL OUT

  At precisely two o’clock in the afternoon, Lord Blessing’s carriage arrived at the London home of the Earl of Elderton. Accompanied by young Dr Parton and Mr Bennet, the ailing earl was determined to ensure the marriages of these young couples were neither wrecked nor delayed. During the carriage ride, Mr Bennet had been alerted to Lady Catherine de Bourgh’ s assailment of Miss Elizabeth in the entrance hall of Darcy House. He was incensed when he learned that her words accusing his daughter—as well as Lord Colton and Mr Darcy—of licentious and depraved behaviour, had been delivered within the hearing of his other daughters, Lord Blessing’s daughter, Mr Darcy’s sister and a servant.

  Mr Bennet was relieved to learn of the concerted effort to reassure all the young ladies that Lady Catherine’s words were untrue. He did not share with the other two men his fears for Elizabeth, or the certainty that Lady Catherine’s words had found a fertile field of guilt and anxiety on her part. Despite Mr Darcy’s denial, he knew his daughter too well not to recognize the signs of her wrestling with a moral dilemma. When he returned to the Gardiner’s, he resolved to send Fanny to her. Both of his daughters we
re due a more honest version of the talk he had heard happened between mothers and daughters on the occasion of their weddings.

  The revelation of Lady Catherine’s action unleashed rarely experienced emotions in Mr Bennet. It felt quite good to feel righteous indignation again. The word of Lydia’s elopement had set in motion a re-evaluation of his responsibilities toward his daughters. Recently, during one of his discussions with Mr Darcy, he had concluded he had been negligent in seeing to their education. He had realized that when he had not been granted a son, he had abdicated his responsibility to his children.

  Now, Lady Catherine had twice, most viciously, attacked his offspring. First, she sent his toad eater of a cousin to convey a message that hoped for the death of his youngest. This time, in person and in public, she accused his Elizabeth of licentiousness. When he had been told of Mr Collins confrontation, he had wondered whether he would have been as protective of his daughters as his wife had been. For years, he had poked fun at her less than rational parenting style, yet her priorities had been much more appropriate than his. She had immediately seen the forest, while he feared he might have gotten lost in the trees of trivial pursuits… finding humour in Mr Collins sycophantic bombast. Today, he knew his duty and was prepared to do anything required to ensure the happiness of his daughters.

  Lord Blessing and Mr Bennet were ushered into Lord Elderton’s study. They were shown to guest chairs and port was offered. Mr Bennet accepted the offer, but Lord Blessing chuckled as he replied, “I am afraid I must decline. As I await the inevitable, I find it more pleasant to avoid the distress such an indulgence will cause in a few hours. A glass of water would be appreciated.”

  Across from Lord Elderton’s desk were portraits of three very beautiful young women from a period at least thirty years past. Lord Blessing smiled at the paintings and commented, “Ah the heady times of our youth, Henry. Catherine, Anne and Cassandra… the women of today cannot compare in beauty to those of our time. Is it Romney who did the portraits? It appears to be his style, and absolutely every father of the ton was having him paint his daughters. His house in Cavendish Square was always alive with young ladies having their portraits done during the Season.”

  Lord Elderton’s face assumed a similar nostalgic smile as he replied, “Yes, they are by Romney. My father commissioned the portraits of Anne and Cathy; and Cassandra’s father, Lord Ferncliffe had hers painted.”

  “My sister Sarah sat for one during the same period. Father had it, much as you do, in his study at Blessing. After he died, I left it hanging. It is a pleasant reminder of my youth.” He turned in his chair to gaze once again on the three portraits. He seemed lost in memories for a few moments. Lord Elderton did not hurry the ailing man to get on with his mission. Finally, he broached the subject of his visit with a remark about one of the portraits. “Catherine definitely was the most beautiful of our set.”

  Mr Bennet noticed Lord Elderton’s nostalgic look as he gazed at the paintings. He seemed to be cognizant that the meat of their visit had begun. He sighed deeply, turned his eyes to his visitors and began speaking, “Yes, she was lovely. However, it did her little good. She is neither happy nor loved. Anne was not as beautiful as Cathy on the outside; but she made up for that slight by God with her delightful sense of humour, kind heart, and passionate nature. George fell head over heels when she was but fifteen. He saw her berating my friend Lord Pettigrew for beating his horse and he was lost.” He paused while he turned away from the painting toward his quests. “My father made them wait until she was nineteen to marry. Mother and Catherine were hoping the romance would fade, but Darcy never wavered in his devotion.” Lord Elderton had a catch in his throat when he next spoke. “Anne was taken from us too soon, but her life with George was enchanted right up until she died. Her poor children at least have a legacy that will point them in the right direction to achieve joy.”

  Lord Elderton directed his gaze at Mr Bennet and said, “I believe your daughter is just what my nephew needs. While she is beautiful, it is some of her other qualities I believe that have captured him so. He told me he likes to debate with her.” The two men shared a chuckle as the earl continued with his thoughts, “They also both seem to have a prodigious love of books. Fitzwilliam told me, you gave Miss Elizabeth her love of reading. I am certain you will enjoy your visits to Derbyshire. The Darcy family has spent generations creating one of the finest libraries in the country.”

  With a nod to Lord Blessing, Mr Bennet said, “I do, indeed, look forward to my visits to Derbyshire. It is very fortunate I will be able to visit two of my daughters in that county. I will have books to read, and hopefully grandchildren to tease and cuddle. I plan to teach all of them to play chess. I was negligent with my daughters, and only taught Elizabeth the game.”

  “That is another interest your daughter shares with my nephew. I believe George taught him to play when he was quite small.” Again Lord Elderton seemed to be remembering another time. His thoughts soon became words, “My Cassandra was a minor beauty compared to my sister Cathy, but she is a loyal and amiable companion. I remain happy and contented these many years later, and we are looking forward to our first grandchild. I like your image of teasing and cuddling him or her.”

  Mr Bennet and the Earl of Elderton saw the sadness in Lord Blessing’s eyes with his awareness he would never be able to play with his grandchildren. He shook his head to clear those thoughts and decided to move his agenda, “So very many men were enamoured of Catherine. My cousin, Clarence, was one… he was totally besotted, and she seemed to enjoy his company. I remember they always shared at least two sets at every ball.”

  The Earl of Elderton looked, once again, to the painting of his sister. “Yes she did enjoy spending time with him, but I remember her telling Anne, she could never consider marrying him because he was only the third son of a Duke and had been forced to join the military to make his living. At seventeen, she absolutely refused to consider any man as a marriage prospect without a title.”

  “Henry, the irony is, as you know, that Clarence is one of those whose military achievements have been rewarded with a title. Mr Bennet, he is now the Earl of Clarendon. Had she followed her affection, and not her need for precedence she would, indeed, be a countess. Despite her intention of setting her cap for me, it was obvious her reasons had nothing to do with love or even affection. She never made any effort to learn my interests. Her ploy was to insinuate herself into my every conversation, and position herself near me at every turn. Luckily, my Susan was not a jealous sort. She actually thought Lady Catherine’s antics quite humorous. For years after we married, she referred to her as my ghost, or perhaps it was the woman who used to haunt me.”

  Lord Blessing was beginning to feel a bit fatigued and knew they needed to stop reflecting on times past and address the present problem; in order to ensure the future of his son, Lord Elderton’s nephew and Mr Bennet’s two daughters. “Henry, this morning, Lady Catherine assaulted Miss Elizabeth. Her words were vile, and attacked both her virtue and her sister’s—as well as my son and your nephew. My Jon was able to reassure Miss Lydia that he was not depraved and had no plans to visit courtesans after they marry. Mr Darcy was not as successful.”

  The Earl of Blessing gave a concerned look toward Mr Bennet. He hoped his next words were true. “It appears my sister, Lady Sarah, found a solution to calm Miss Elizabeth’s anxiety. Lady Catherine’s invective was delivered within the hearing of your niece, my daughter and Mr Bennet’s other daughters. Even if your sister truly believed the cruel things she was saying… and I do not believe she did… her indiscretion was appalling. One of Mr Darcy’s servants was present.” Lord Blessing sat as erect as possible before he made his final pronouncement. “We, as the elders of our families, need to allow our children and your nephew to marry in joy. We need to ensure that your sister’s attacks do not become the topic of public gossip. Both Mr Bennet and I have unmarried daughters, and you have an unmarried niece that must be protected
.”

  Lord Elderton directed a smile toward the friend from his youth. “Edward, you are correct. Our families are on the brink of being entwined, and I believe you can add my son, Richard, to the list of those whose hopes could be damaged by Cathy’s actions. Perhaps, you and I should speak to her and let her know we will not tolerate her interference.”

  Lord Blessing was pleased his mission was proceeding without resistance. He had noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam’s interest in his daughter. The Fitzwilliams could, indeed, have an additional interest in good relations between the two families… beyond young Darcy’s happiness. “That was my hope when I solicited your help in dealing with the situation.”

  “I believe though Mr Bennet should join Dr Parton and my family in the parlour. There are things about my sister’s history that, perhaps, should remain secret.”

  Lord Blessings gaze was steady and determined as he replied, “No, I do not agree to those terms. I am very aware of the entire story of your sister’s marriage to Sir Lewis de Bourgh, and if I were not dying, I would keep that information from Mr Bennet. However, when I die he will be father to one and possibly both of my sons—considering the interest my Lawrence has been showing for his middle daughter. He must know the full truth in order to help them in case any of Lady Catherine’s cruel accusations surface in the future. Besides Henry, she made her assault very public—she does not deserve to be treated with such deference.”