MR. DARCY'S FIRST ELIZABETH

by John Edwards

  “No Mrs. Kimble. I am astonished by this, for the last three plus years I have not been out socially. I have had no love interests or any suitors. As my time was spent on taking care of my father and our home, there was little time left for myself, but I did so much enjoy our evening tonight, and Lucy is becoming quite the dancer.” Everyone then looked at Lucy who, along side Richard, was now asleep.

  At Hunting Hills, Elizabeth thanked everyone and then left to put the children to bed. Soon she was in her room and fell exhausted into her bed, but sleep was not to come easily. Earlier she thought that she would not easily sleep as she recalled her feelings when Charlotte spoke of Lenore and John Winstead possibly uniting. This unsettled her greatly and she only recovered when it was learned that Lenore was hoping to meet more gentlemen. Now that she knew this was not a worry, what was it that kept her from sleeping? Elizabeth played the evening over in her mind and recalled her dances with John Winstead and she hoped he did not notice her pounding heart or her nervousness when she spoke with him. Why do I think of him so often? And Mrs.Kimble asks if I am a magnet for men. No, I am attracted to Mr. Winstead; he is my magnet. He is the man that has thrown my life into turmoil. It was a warm evening and the assembly room was crowded so she was not so concerned with her many blushes, but she just felt that she may have let on somehow about her growing feelings for her host. These thoughts assaulted her and finally she resigned herself that the evening went well after all. Such was the anxiety she faced as she finally faded into a deep sleep.

  The others were downstairs and talked for another two hours, such was the good time that each had, and so the evening had to be discussed by each in turn. When all were finished, the party was suspended for the evening, but there would be more discussions in the morrow.

  John Winstead slept very well that night and he was happy with the evening and pleased that all had enjoyed the dance, but mostly he thought of a sweet lady that he had danced with and who, not realizing what she was doing or how it would be taken, had reached for his hand as she came up to Mrs. Kimble with Lucy just before they all left the dance.

  Elizabeth awoke early but well rested and threw off the coverlet when she saw the first of the sun’s rays peaking above the horizon. They would soon provide her warmth and she pulled aside the sheer window coverings to take in the early morning sunrise at Hunting Hills. Such a prospect she had from her window that she immediately changed into a morning dress and soon readied herself for a private walk, for now she had time to herself to gather her thoughts of the previous evening and about her feelings and stirrings. She heard others in preparation for the morning meal, but it was too early to expect any but the servants would be awake. Soon she passed one servant as she made her way out the front of the house, but she saw no others. As she stepped outside she experienced the full beauty of Hunting Hills and heard the cacophony of a myriad of song birds singing their praises for the day. The soft breeze kissing her face was fragrant and already held the promise of warmth. The lake where they had fished was glistening and small ripples were seen as fish did their part in celebration of this day by jumping.

  Soon she made her way to a trail that Mr. Winstead had recommended to her which would take her to a hill with a commanding view of the grand house and the surrounding countryside. Elizabeth now thought on these feelings she had never felt before, and she was afraid. “No,” she said to herself. “This cannot be, it is impossible and it shall not be!” Still, she could not restrain her own tears and they came, slowly at first, but in streams later. This was the first time she had broken down since her father’s death, and she took full advantage of this private time to cleanse her soul as she thought on her family, now all lost. That she had picked herself up and started anew brought her comfort, and she was endeared to Mrs. Watson and the Kimbles and Mr. Winstead and Charlotte. They had treated her better than she expected, for she was a governess, and at that, several rungs below them.

  Now she reflected on her lost years. Since she was barely sixteen years she had taken on the role of being her father’s last remaining child, and she embraced her duties to care for him and for their home as best she could. While her friends were circulating and meeting other ladies and gentlemen at parties and other activities, she was at home. Many of her friends were now married and some had started a family, but for her, those years, so beneficial in advancing her opportunities to meet a life’s partner, now those years were gone. She thought herself left with no experience with men that would make her wise to their thinking. If only her mother were alive, she would tell her what to do. “No,” she thought, “this is my problem and I must deal with it as others before have dealt with their own.” She knew she must bear her burdens alone. Perhaps all would work out well in the end. Elizabeth cared not for wealth, fame or position. All she wanted was for her heart to stop aching, so she stopped on top of a hill above the grand home and watched the final act of the sun’s rising against the eastern sky, and felt the cool air refresh her spirit as she prayed for an answer.

  As she started down the path towards the great house she almost lost her footing on the path but heard a sound from below and when she turned in that direction she was startled to see Mr. Winstead. “Good morning, Miss Watkins. I am glad to see you, but should you not be sleeping?”

  “Why sir, I went to bed much before yourself. Also, I was not worn out from playing the host to your family and friends, and then there is all the dancing you did. Finally, I am much younger than yourself. So to put these considerations before you, it is you whom should still be in bed.”

  “That took you a long time to articulate, Miss Watkins.”

  “Well, that is because I am not as educated as yourself, but I believe I convey the truth in my words, though I deserve no credit for being an architect in their use. Still, it is a beautiful day sir, and the grounds of Hunting Hills are the grandest that I have ever seen.”

  “Thank you, Miss Watkins, yes it is a beautiful day. Let me say, I enjoy my conversations with you. I was just teasing you about taking a long time to articulate your thoughts and, truth be known, you are an excellent architect in your use of words. I am quite happy to converse with you at anytime. But are you happy here Miss Watkins?

  “Yes, sir, I am enjoying my visit very much.”

  “Then I am glad. Hunting Hills is a happy place again and you and the Kimbles visit are a big reason for the change Miss Watkins.”

  “Thank you sir.”

  “Miss Watkins, remember our talk earlier, about the business with Stephen Thomas and his friend? I have thought it over and I agree with your recommendations fully. Since the Kimbles will not be leaving before Wednesday, may I suggest you and I go into Hampshire on Tuesday to resolve these issues?”

  “I will be happy to do that, sir.” Elizabeth noticed his sly grin and wanted to thank him, but she held her countenance. He offered her his arm and they soon started toward the home, now gleaming in the sunshine with a clear blue shy above them. Elizabeth held his arm and walked close beside him but he stopped and, excusing himself, helped her rearrange her shawl, for it was about to fall from her. Now he looked at her as he arranged her shawl and, other than a “thank you sir” they started again for the house, but Elizabeth caught her breath and struggled to keep her composure. Her heart beat wildly as though she had run a great distance but she felt secure in holding onto his arm and was comforted by his strength and his gentleness.

  After calming herself, and steadying her voice, Elizabeth spoke. “I am glad you are wishing to set the boys free. It shows you are a man of good character, and I suppose, a real Christian.”

  “It is your suggestion, Miss Watkins. I am adopting it because it is sensible and it is for the best. I also suppose it is what a Christian might consider, but you, not I, are the good Christian, for it is you who were robbed and knocked down and injured, and still you turn the other cheek.”

  “Are you confident that the men will be freed?”

  “Yes, Miss Wa
tkins. I believe others will be persuaded to agree with your recommendations. You will see. I plan on us leaving at nine-thirty Tuesday morning to go to Hampshire. We should be back early afternoon.”

  “Mr. Winstead, did your aunt and your cousin enjoy the dance?”

  He responded that all did, and he singled out his aunt and cousin, and said Lady Anne would be sitting with her friend at church today and that Lenore planned to sit with a gentleman she knew from years ago, before he went to Cambridge.

  “Then it seems that good things are happening for your cousin?”

  “Yes, she danced several times with the young man, and the Kimbles have told me that it appears they each have a regard for the other.”

  “Charlotte seemed happy. I saw her dancing with different partners, some quite handsome. I shall have to talk with your sister about her evening.”

  They made their way back to the house but it was still early so John Winstead asked Elizabeth to come into his study for cakes and coffee, for they both had agreed they were hungry. “This is an impressive room, sir. I recollect it being located next to the library?”

  “Yes, that is so. I have another one next to my room upstairs, but this one I use the most. If you ever want some privacy, please feel free to choose this room. You and I are the only ones allowed to use this room so I ask you to tell no one; consider it to be your secret refuge.” Then he showed Elizabeth a secret entrance as the door to his study was always locked. Only he had the key but Elizabeth could use another door whose access was hidden inside a small closet in the library.

  “This is quite clever, but I do not think I will need to use it. Sir, why would you offer me the use of your study?”

  “Miss Watkins, on my walk up the trail I heard you grieving. I know your grief of losing your father and your earlier losses, then the shock of losing your home and then to find your uncle dead. It is all too much. I just wanted to repay your kindness to me as I too have had my share of grief. Sometimes, when I want to be alone, I come in here.”

  “Thank you Mr. Winstead, you are too good to me. You must know sir that never have I been treated this well.”

  “It is my pleasure, Miss Watkins.”

  Minutes later they exited by the secret door and Elizabeth went upstairs to dress the children for breakfast. She was so befuddled by all these happenings that she could hardly move her shaking fingers when dressing the children. Finally all had breakfast and then prepared for church which was but three miles from Hunting Hills.

  CHAPTER 8

  FIXING THINGS

  On Tuesday, following breakfast, Lady Anne and Lenore prepared to leave and gave thanks and best wishes to all and Lady Anne invited everyone to stay with her if ever they were arrived in Cambridge, but before she left, she visited with Elizabeth alone. What happened next was as surprising to Elizabeth as learning of the secret entrance to Mr. Winstead’s study. First, Lady Anne thanked Elizabeth for helping Lenore. “You and Charlotte did a splendid job styling Lenore’s hair and you all looked so beautiful. Lenore did meet Mr. Duncan, the man you saw at church. He is the grandson of the late Earl of Chesterfield. She last saw him when she was twelve years just before his family moved to Kent. He will be in Cambridge when we return home, and he has asked to call on Lenore. I am very pleased that you have acted so friendly to Lenore and myself.”

  “Thank you Lady Anne. I noticed the two of them together and I saw an attraction.”

  “Miss Watkins, I want you to know that I am aware of your misfortunes with losing your family and other things you have borne. You are quite determined and smart, unlike many other girls your age. I have noticed that my nephew has a much improved personality, and I think it must be due to your presence. Charlotte has told Lenore the same thing. You may think I am being forward, but you are a good woman, and from what I have seen these few days, and since your father was also a gentleman, I do hope to see you in the future under very different circumstances. My nephew, unlike his late brother, is quite clueless about women, though he puts on a good front. Take care of him, Miss Watkins, he is a good man.” She then kissed Elizabeth on her cheek and she and Lenore left Hunting Hills.

  Elizabeth did not expect to hear these words from his aunt. Had she just been told that Lady Anne had expectations of Mr. Winstead and her being together? Though she did not invoke those exact words, their meaning was clear. Indeed, the aunt looked favorably with a match between Elizabeth and her nephew.

  “What say Lady Anne, Miss Watkins?” John Winstead helped Elizabeth into the carriage that would take them to Hampshire.

  “She was kind and thanked me for spending the time helping Lenore prepare for the dance. She was quite sweet to me.”

  “I believe she is hoping that Lenore will soon be married. For myself, she just met the man. Miss Watkins, my aunt is a hopeless romantic.” Then he laughed. “She pictures herself as a matchmaker.”

  Elizabeth did not respond but asked general questions of the meeting that they would soon attend. They arrived at the attorney’s office and several men were waiting for them. After greeting the men and introducing Elizabeth, the men responded that they would release Mr. Steven Thomas and his friend. Elizabeth would sign a letter describing that she had been knocked to the ground as these two boys ran by her and one had tripped and thus fallen against her. She then was to say that her locket, previously believed stolen, had been recovered. The attorneys had drafted the paperwork and only one thing remained. John Winstead and Elizabeth went to the place that the boys were being held. John Winstead explained his plan. For dropping the charges against them, Steven Thomas was free to return to Hunting Hills and farm the land. His father would be sentenced to time, and frankly with his age and poor health, he most likely would die incarcerated. Steven’s mother would be allowed to live with her son and, if they desired, Steven’s girl friend, could live there with him but they would have to be married. Henry, Steven’s friend, was offered a job as a worker at the farm.

  The response from the two boys to this offer was of jubilation. They both, crying, told Elizabeth how sorry they were. John Winstead, noticing Elizabeth’ reaction, soon opened the door and, there was this girl of sixteen years, and she ran over to Mr. Thomas. “Sara, Miss Watkins and Mr. Winstead have pardoned us and have offered to let us work the same farm at Hunting Hills and mother will live with us, that is, if you will marry me.” The young girls face lit up as her tears of happiness escaped down her face and she embraced her friend, “I love you Steven, I will marry you. Mr. Winstead said he would arrange for a small ceremony in the church and would make other arrangements for them. Within minutes, Elizabeth had signed the documents and the boys were taken away with the girl to go tell the people she worked for.

  The wedding was scheduled for Saturday week and Mr. Winstead agreed to give the bride away. Elizabeth was asked to stand up with her and she too agreed, but knew she must get the blessing of the Kimbles. Before they left the boys, John Winstead took them aside and spoke with them and then he reached in his pocket and gave them something. Elizabeth saw this but did not ask Mr. Winstead during their ride back to Hunting Hills.

  “Miss Watkins, I am immensely proud of the way you handled this situation. Seeing the love in Sara and Steven’s eyes was very moving.” He looked at Elizabeth and saw her own tears of happiness, and so he ordered to stop the carriage to dry her eyes. “There, did you know that tears of joy are good for you?”

  “I suppose sir. They are indeed quite superior to tears that come with sadness.”

  “I shall break the news to Frank and Louisa but they will not protest at all. You should plan on my coming to Kimblehouse at ten on the Thursday before the wedding to escort you to Hunting Hills. You shall be returned to Kimblehouse that Sunday. While you are with us you shall stay in our guest room. Mrs. Jordan, who lives in Wakefield and has previously looked after the Kimble’s children, will most likely agree to be their governess for those few days.”

  “That is fine, sir. I will look for
ward to seeing you about ten on Thursday.”

  This was to be the Kimble’s last night at Hunting Hills. Already the weather was showing signs of producing a storm, but they arrived back with minutes to spare before the storm began. That night the friends discussed the day’s events in Hampshire and Mr. Winstead told them of the plans for the wedding.

  “Of course,” Louisa said, “you must attend the wedding Miss Watkins. Mrs. Jordan will look after the children during your absence, and let me say, your and John’s decision is very generous.”

  “Thank you Mrs. Kimble.”

  Soon Elizabeth accompanied the children into the music room and they sang some songs they had worked on. Elizabeth sang the final song which was one of Louisa’s favorites, a love song of such beauty to mist the eyes of all the adults in the room. She then excused herself, and took the children upstairs for bed. It took Louisa some minutes to recover from the beautiful song that Elizabeth had just sang. “Well, Mr. Winstead, we have a special lady as our governess for the children, do you not agree?”

  “Yes, she is quite special.”

  They talked until eleven before they went off to bed. Elizabeth awoke early but was too late this day to see the sunrise, but still she walked and reflected on all that had happened during her stay at Hunting Hills. She would be eager to get back to Kimblehouse but she knew she would soon be back for the wedding. Already, John Winstead had discussed the wedding with Charlotte and the housekeeper.