The Engagement

by Ola Wegner

  Finally she managed to dress herself successfully, leaving her still-damp hair free, hanging down her back so it could dry. Watching her reflection in the mirror, she smoothed down the wayward curls forming at her ears and forehead. She looked the same as yesterday, the only difference was that her cheeks were unnaturally flushed as if she had fever, and her lips were visibly swollen, the same as her eyes.

  “I was worried,” Darcy greeted her, waiting for her on the other side of the door.

  “I am sorry. It took me longer than usual.”

  He put his arm around her, leading her to the table. “Come, they brought fresh tea only a minute ago.”

  He prepared her tea the way she liked. Elizabeth tried not to wince when she sat down. Her mother did not mention severe backache as the result of marital relations. Her husband moved with his usual grace, and contrary to her, he did not seem to be ailing from any kind of physical discomfort. Must be all those years of horse riding that gave him the advantage she did not have.

  Elizabeth drank her tea, enjoying the fragrant liquid warming her insides.

  “I examined your nightgown while you were sleeping,” Darcy mentioned.

  She gaped at him silently.

  “I was curious why you did not wish me to see it last night.”

  “It is indecent.”

  “It is,” he agreed happily, grinning at her widely, showing all his teeth. “A present from your mother?”

  “No, Aunt Madeline.”

  “I will have to thank Mrs. Gardiner at the very first occasion,” he spoke seriously, with a straight face. “But first I will insist on seeing you in it.”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes, deciding to ignore his remark about thanking her aunt for gifting her a completely see-through item of clothing. They both knew that he would never do such a thing.

  “It would be as good as seeing me without it,” she retorted.

  “I disagree.” He reached to touch her hand, his thumb stroking her knuckles. “It would be most enticing.”

  “Perhaps you should wear it instead of me, then,” she challenged, taking a bit of bread smeared with butter.

  He laughed out loud. He was in a terribly good mood this morning. There was no doubt of that.

  ***

  After breakfast, Darcy made sure that Elizabeth’s hair dried completely. She sat with her back to the buzzing fireplace as he read the fresh newspaper, holding her hand the entire time. It was nearly midday when they finally began their journey anew. Elizabeth feared that in such a pace they would reach Pemberley in a week’s time and not within three days as it was planned.

  The weather was sunny, and Elizabeth tried to enjoy the passing countryside, but her back ached so that it was difficult to even lean over to look out of the window.

  Darcy’s arm wrapped around her. “Come here,” he said, bringing her to him.

  Gratefully she snuggled against him.

  “Are you well?” he enquired.

  “My back hurts,” she acknowledged at last. It was not her intention to worry him, but she was becoming too miserable to care.

  He chuckled. “I noticed you walked funny.”

  With all her might, she pushed away from him. “Funny? Am I funny to you?” she demanded. “It is all your fault!” she accused.

  He tried to bring her back into his arms, but she struggled. “My love, you are simply not familiar with such a form of physical exertion,” he rationalized. “Your muscles are sore, but it is only natural. With time and practise you will become accustomed to it.”

  “You do not seem to be ailing from any discomfort.” She eyed him warily through narrowed eyes.

  “I am sorry that you are unwell, I truly am. Now, come to me, let me ease your pain.”

  Elizabeth leaned back into his embrace. He put his arm around her, bringing her to his chest. With his other hand he began to press his digits to her sore lower back, making her moan in relief as the tension slowly disappeared from her strained muscles.

  Before long she fell asleep with one thought on her mind: How would she survive another night like the last one? She doubted if tomorrow morning she would be able to move from the bed on her own.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Elizabeth looked out of the window at the passing countryside, not being able to take her eyes away from it for even the shortest moment. Everything was white, from the smallest twigs to the vast expanses of the fields and hillsides. She had never before seen so much snow. In Hertfordshire or in London, where she sometimes had spent a part of winter with the Gardiners, the snow appeared, but it was usually a light dusting, melting as soon as it fell. She was more accustomed to cold rain and wind in winter months.

  The carriage rolled slowly, the coach seemingly well aware of the white fluff coating the road.

  At last they emerged from the park and rolled onto the road leading directly to the front entrance of the house.

  Elizabeth straightened her back, her hand running down her torso and legs, smoothing the new, elegant coat which Mrs. Bennet and Jane had selected for her during their stay in London.

  “How do I look?” she asked her husband.

  Darcy smiled reassuringly. “Perfect, Mrs. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth smiled back, but his support did little to take away from her overall nervousness. The servants at Pemberley, at least some of them, had already seen her last summer, but at the time she had been here in a completely different role.

  She felt much recovered after the wedding night. For the last two nights Darcy had allowed her to sleep peacefully. They had kissed and embraced closely, but he did not try to initiate intimacy again. Elizabeth was much relieved and thankful for his consideration. Her backache was mostly gone. Even though the tenderness between her legs was still present, she could at least walk gracefully again.

  At last the carriage stopped. The door opened and Darcy climbed out first before helping her down.

  Instantly, Elizabeth felt the cold wind blowing straight into her face, taking her breath away. She shuddered, and Darcy must have noticed that because he whispered in her ear, “Let us hurry with it.”

  Elizabeth accepted his arm and they walked to greet the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. Behind her there were two long rows of servants, women at the front with the men behind them.

  Mrs. Reynolds welcomed them on behalf of herself and the rest of the staff. However, when she turned to introduce the servants to their new mistress, Darcy interrupted her, “Forgive me, Mrs. Reynolds, but further introductions can be done on a later date. I am sure that Mrs. Darcy will want to meet everyone personally. We are quite tired after a long journey. Thank you all for your warm welcome,” he spoke in the general direction of the crowd.

  Elizabeth wondered if she should add something, but Darcy gave her little choice, pulling her inside. She hoped to walk with dignity, with her back straight and her steps well measured.

  “We will take tea upstairs,” Darcy said to Mrs. Reynolds as he helped Elizabeth out of her long coat, gloves and bonnet, passing it to the curvaceous woman standing close to them. Elizabeth wondered if it was her new maid, but she had no time to ask, as her husband took her arm, leading them away.

  As they walked through the house, Elizabeth tried to recognize the familiar places, comparing it to the memories that she had stored from her summer visit. Darcy led her up to the grand staircase and into the family wing. They walked through darkened corridors until they reached a solid, massive door. Darcy pushed it open and they walked in.

  “The sitting room, our bedroom, my room, and this small room shall be your dressing room,” he explained, walking around and opening different doors. “Those rooms have not changed much since my mother’s death. Everything was thoroughly cleaned and refreshed for us. The mattress, bedcovers, carpets and curtains were replaced, but you can redecorate it according to your own taste.”

  Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bed, gazing around the pale blue room.

  “My mother liked pastel colours,
but you may want to have it changed into a darker shade.”

  “It is lovely as it is,” she assured him. The room was beautiful, but she was not certain if she would not wish to change it in the future. Nevertheless, she felt that it was too early to think about it.

  Darcy sat next to her. “Are you well?”

  She smiled. “Overwhelmed, perhaps.”

  With a smile of his own, he knelt down in front of her, removing her shoes and thick woollen stockings. His fingers kneaded her bare feet.

  “Do you want to meet your lady’s maid now?”

  “Of course.”

  Darcy disappeared for a moment before returning with the same woman who was with them downstairs, the one who collected Elizabeth’s belongings. “Mrs. Darcy, allow me to introduce Mrs. Pike.”

  Elizabeth smiled, nodding her head at the older woman, who in return dropped a proper curtsey.

  “Mrs. Pike served as a lady’s maid for a daughter of our close neighbour, Lady Harriet Cavendish, until she married and moved to London with her husband. Mrs. Pike did not wish to leave Derbyshire, as her children live here. Mrs. Reynolds was lucky to engage her with us.”

  Elizabeth smiled kindly at the older woman, who could easily be her mother.

  “I will leave you now,” Darcy said.

  As she was alone with Mrs. Pike, Elizabeth did not quite know what to say to her. She had never had her own lady’s maid, not to mention one who formerly served the duke’s daughter.

  The woman smiled brightly before speaking, “Would you care to change from your travelling clothes, Mrs. Darcy? I have pressed one of the day dresses for you.”

  “Yes, please,” Elizabeth spoke. Elizabeth disrobed herself quickly as Mrs. Pike gathered her tall boots and stockings, which Darcy had abandoned on the floor earlier on. It was strange to have someone helping her with putting on a dress, but Elizabeth accepted the assistance graciously, not wishing to offend the woman.

  Within minutes she was dressed in a lovely woollen gown with long sleeves in a rich yellow colour. Matching shoes made of thinnest leather were on her feet, and a blue knitted shawl around her arms.

  “Shall we pin your hair again, my lady?” Mrs. Pike asked, causing Elizabeth to reach her hand to the simple bun she had twisted herself.

  “I had no help this morning,” Elizabeth explained herself, justifying the simplicity of her hairstyle.

  “I understand, my lady. You did very well on your own.”

  Mrs. Pike unpinned her hair, brushing it in sure, well-measured strokes. “What lovely hair, so thick, long and shiny. It will be a joy to work with it. Naturally wavy too, no need to wear curling papers for the night.”

  “Thank you,” Elizabeth said, watching in wonder as the woman quickly pinned the long sections of hair, creating an elaborate hairstyle. The most surprising was that she pulled Elizabeth’s fringe back, revealing her high, smooth forehead.

  “Do you wish me to leave some curls down your back?” Mrs. Pike asked. “They would look lovely on your long neck.”

  “I trust you,” Elizabeth assured, curious what her lady’s maid would do. She watched as Mrs. Pike released a few loose strands at the back, brushing them straight before curling them anew with hot pincers freshly taken away from the fireplace.

  Elizabeth gaped at her reflection for the longest moment as the woman finished her task. She barely recognised herself. The new hairstyle made her look more mature, elegant, worldly and sophisticated; even her eyes seemed bigger. Gone was Lizzy Bennet. Some strange woman was looking back at her in the mirror.

  “Elizabeth, dearest.” She heard her husband’s deep voice as Darcy entered the room. “You look beautiful,” he shared his opinion, placing his hands on her arms. Elizabeth blushed, meeting his gaze.

  “Excellent job, Mrs. Pike,” Darcy praised. “I see that what Mrs. Reynolds told me about you was not in the least exaggerated.”

  “Thank you, Master,” the woman answered calmly. “It is a pleasure to serve young Mrs. Darcy. Will you wish for a bath tonight, my lady?” the woman asked, turning her attention to Elizabeth.

  “Yes, please, and thank you,” Elizabeth responded. “You are very skilled. I barely recognised myself.”

  Mrs. Pike walked out, carrying Elizabeth’s belongings in her arms.

  “Do you like her?” Darcy asked.

  “I do,” she confirmed. “She seems kind, tactful and very helpful.”

  “Good. I am happy that you are pleased with her. Now come.” He extended his arm to her. “The tea is waiting.”

  ***

  Elizabeth opened her eyes to the semidarkness created by the tightly drawn curtains around the four-poster bed. She rose on her elbow, reaching for the opening in the thick material. The bright daylight fell through the gap. She wondered what hour it was. She lay back, enjoying the feeling of love and contentment enveloping her like a cocoon. Her husband was pressed to her back, his strong thigh entwined with her legs, his arm draped over her midsection.

  Not being able to return to sleep, she pried herself from Darcy’s hold, mindful not to wake him, and climbed out of the bed. The fire was blazing in the fireplace, making the room comfortably warm despite the severe cold outside. She found her robe and slippers waiting for her on the nearest chair.

  Last night they had stayed up quite late, talking and laughing. Darcy was in an excellent mood, happy to be back in his family home. They did not leave their rooms upstairs, and even had their dinner there.

  Elizabeth found her way to the dressing room and tended to her necessities. She cleaned her face and teeth. Her brush and comb as well as other toiletries had been unpacked and laid down on top of the vanity.

  “My lady, you are up!” She heard the surprised voice of Mrs. Pike. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Mrs. Pike. What time is it?”

  “A quarter past seven. I thought that you would like to sleep in, being tired after the long journey from the south.”

  “I am not tired,” Elizabeth assured.

  The door opened and a very sleepy-looking Darcy, clad only in his long white nightshirt, stepped in. “Lizzy...” His dark eyes found his wife, smiling at her before settling on the other woman. “Mrs. Pike, good morning. Tell Wilkins to have my riding attire ready, and we will eat breakfast here, not downstairs.” Then he stretched his arm towards Elizabeth, beckoning her to him. “Mrs. Darcy.”

  She walked to her husband, slightly surprised with his casual manner in front of the servant, who just then hastily left the room. Mrs. Pike, as Elizabeth’s lady’s maid, and Wilkins, Darcy’s valet, were two people in the household who were the most closely involved in their everyday routine and the intimate side of their life and marriage. Perhaps it was the reason why Darcy was much less formal in their company.

  “How did you sleep?” he asked.

  “Very well.”

  “I am sorry to leave you alone, but I need to check those damages to the roof of the stables.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I understand.” Darcy had been informed yesterday that due to the heavy snowfall, the roof of the stables was endangered.

  He put his hands on her waist, gazing into her eyes. “I should spend your first day at Pemberley with you.”

  “I shall be very well on my own, Fitzwilliam. I should begin learning the names of the servants and discuss household matters with Mr. Reynolds.”

  “There is no hurry for that. You should rest today. In the afternoon I will show you more of the house. During your last visit you saw only the parts that we show to tourists.”

  “I would prefer to meet the servants today,” Elizabeth insisted.

  “Are you certain?”

  “Absolutely,” she answered. She wished to show Darcy that her intention was to treat her new role as the mistress of Pemberley with responsibility and devotion. She was prepared to work hard in order to make a difference as the new Mrs. Darcy.

  “Very well. Tell Mrs. Pike to ask Mrs. Reynolds to assemble all the servants
in the great hall at nine. I will introduce you to the staff. They should be aware that you have my full support.”

  “Thank you, Fitzwilliam.”

  “But remember, the afternoon belongs to me. It is our honeymoon, after all. You will have plenty of opportunity to look into the household affairs.”

  ***

  Darcy walked her to the great hall but did not stay there with her for long. He was in a hurry to see the damages done to the stables with his own eyes. Elizabeth was left alone with Mrs. Reynolds and nearly fifty servants looking at her curiously.

  It took nearly an hour to have all of them introduced. The housekeeper gave the name of every person and shortly explained their occupation in the house. Elizabeth listened intently, trying to remember as many of them as possible.

  After the introductions were made, she stepped back and spoke in a firm, calm voice, “I would like to thank you all for such a gracious welcome. I do hope that we shall work together for the good of Pemberley. If you wish to address me personally, do not be afraid to approach me. However, Mrs. Reynolds, as the housekeeper, should be addressed first with all the troubling matters.” She took a moment to look into their faces. “Thank you. You may return to your work.”

  “Do you wish to see the household accounts now, Mrs. Darcy?” Mrs. Reynolds enquired as the servants hastily scurried away.

  “Not today. I promised Mr. Darcy that we would spend the afternoon together.”

  “Very well, Mistress.”

  Elizabeth smiled at the older woman. Darcy spoke very highly about the housekeeper. He seemed very attached to her. Georgiana also mentioned her often. Elizabeth wished for the woman’s approval of her person.

  “I am very curious of the grounds,” she confessed. “Especially now when everything is covered with snow. We barely have any snow in the south; mostly it rains in winter. Even when it does snow it melts away almost instantly.”

  “This year’s winter is proving to be quite harsh in Derbyshire. Here at Pemberley it is always colder than in the south of the country.”