Rose Cottage

by A K Madison

  “How can I refuse such an offer?”

  Dinner was occupied with similar light-hearted conversation, and Darcy found himself able to relax and enjoy it. He had no reason to be on guard against matchmaking mamas or predatory debutantes since he had been willingly and thoroughly captured. He had no reason to be reticent with these people since they had made him welcome. And he found his heart warming in Elizabeth’s presence in much the same way that the earth of the surrounding countryside was warming to the advancing spring. He forced himself to attend more closely to what Mrs. Bennet was saying.

  “My dear Lizzy, I am so sorry that you will not be able to have as beautiful a wedding as Jane.”

  This came as a surprise to Elizabeth, who had always known she was the least preferred of all her mother’s daughters. However, she decided not to take exception. “Do not worry, Mama. Our wedding will be simple out of deference to papa. I hope my sister Mary will do me the honor of standing up with me, and Kitty and Lydia may serve as bridesmaids. Nature will provide us with beautiful decorations for the church and the wedding-breakfast.”

  Mary colored and bowed her head. “Thank you, Lizzy. I had not imagined you would do me the honor of asking me.” Being Mary, she could not resist a platitude. “The wedding will be elegant in its simplicity.”

  “When do you anticipate we might make the move to Rose Cottage, Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Bennet had more to think of than just the wedding.

  “We are now in the middle of February. If all goes well, I see no reason why the cottage should not be ready in another month complete, so we might consider the last two weeks of March. Do you think Mr. Collins might be persuaded to wait that long to take possession here?”

  Mrs. Bennet sniffed. “Let him wait. I am the one being inconvenienced.”

  When the family had adjourned to the drawing-room, Mrs. Bennet recalled another cause for discontent. “Mr. Darcy, I have understood from Mrs. Collins that her husband will not require Mr. Bennet’s collection of books. It has occurred to me that the books might be sold for a tidy sum. Would you be good enough to give me your opinion?”

  Darcy bowed. “May I examine the books, madam?”

  “Lizzy, take Mr. Darcy to the library. Leave the door open.”

  As soon as they had gained the library, they were in each other’s arms. Darcy’s kiss this time was more ardent, as he teased Elizabeth’s lips trying to persuade her to open to him. She learned quickly, and when she got the idea and began to return the kiss, he felt her arms go around his waist. When they finally had to breathe, she sighed and laid her head on his shoulder.

  “You liked that, my dearest?” Darcy took her face in his hands so that he could look into her eyes.

  She looked up at him, and suddenly the look on her face was impudent. “Oh, it was tolerable, I should say. In fact, I found it tolerable enough to tempt me. I had no idea that kissing you could be so delicious.”

  Darcy laughed softly and stepped back, taking her two hands in his. “It is tempting, Lizzy. For me, and I hope for you, it is very tempting indeed. But each of us must look after the other. We must take care of each other because we have a long time to wait. And in reality, we are looking after the child we hope to have someday.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “I will take care of you, my love, and I know you will take care of me, and we shall both take care of our children-to-be.” She colored. “I suspect it will be well worth the wait. Now, let us have a look at papa’s books. Mary and I hope you will find them worthless.”

  Darcy examined the collection, pulling out a book here and there to examine it more closely. “Lizzy, the collection is valuable. I do not wish to deceive your mother, and I think I can say that it is more valuable as a collection and that it should not be broken up. Would that do?”

  “I feel sure it would, and I thank you.”

  The pair left the library with some reluctance and returned to the drawing-room. Mrs. Bennet inspected the couple unobtrusively and was satisfied.

  “Mrs. Bennet, the collection has its greatest value in being the life’s work of one man,” said Darcy as he accepted a cup of tea. “If it were up to me, I would keep it together as a gift and heritage for his children. It is uniquely personal in that respect.”

  Mrs. Bennet nodded, and the talk turned to the pleasant subject of wedding plans. Darcy estimated it would take him a few days to draft the marriage contract. He would depart for London in a few days’ time, offering to take Mr. Emerson in his carriage back to the city. That gentleman would need to settle his few affairs in Town and arrange for his belongings to be sent to Netherfield with his manservant. Darcy would wait until his solicitors had read and copied the marriage contract. He and Mr. Gardiner would sign the contract, and Elizabeth would add her signature when Darcy returned. Elizabeth staunchly maintained that hearing the details beforehand would be enough for her peace of mind, and her mother (somewhat fearful of throwing any upset into the plans) agreed with her.

  “I have written to those closest to me: my sister Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam whom you met at Rosings last spring, and my aunt and uncle the Earl and Countess of Matlock. By the time I depart for London, they will have had the opportunity to read the letters. Once you have written to your relations, we will place the notice in the papers. The only thing remaining is for you, Miss Bennet, to name the day when you will make me the happiest man in the world.”

  “Let us fix the day for the last week in April, perhaps the 27th,” said Elizabeth after some thought. “Mama, have you any objections?”

  “None whatsoever. That should give us enough time to be settled in Rose Cottage, and it is close to the end of your three months’ mourning. It will be lovely to have a wedding to plan.”

  She turned to Darcy. “On another subject, Mr. Darcy, I need to confer again with Mr. Hobbs. Could you send him at your convenience?”

  “I shall bring him with me tomorrow, madam. You may confer with him while I am escorting Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia into Meryton.”

  “Excellent.” She reached into her pocket and withdrew a small notebook and pencil, making a note before replacing it. “You see, sir, with all that needs to be done, you have influenced me to begin writing things down just as Lizzy now does. These were Mr. Bennet’s notebooks. He ordered them by the dozen.”

  With that, the evening ended, and after a whispered farewell to his beloved Elizabeth, Darcy rode happily back to Netherfield by the light of a beautiful three-quarter moon.

  Chapter 15

  Darcy arrived with Hobbs just after breakfast, as promised. Since the day was fine, Lydia and Kitty elected to walk into the village. After a brief interval with Elizabeth, Darcy set off with the two girls, promising to have them back in two hours. Elizabeth noted with amusement that he had persuaded them to walk at a dignified and graceful pace as they proceeded up the lane.

  Mrs. Bennet summoned one of the Hill boys who often helped her in the gardens at Longbourn. He arrived with a bundle of stakes, and they accompanied Mr. Hobbs into the garden. “Mr. Hobbs, many of my plantings are at least putting out shoots, and I should like to hear your instructions regarding their relocation to Rose Cottage. We are somewhat constrained by the fact that the heir will be arriving to take over Longbourn in just a few weeks. Mr. Darcy says we may expect to move into Rose Cottage in another month complete, and I realize that will not be the ideal time to move some of these plants. I know that I cannot simply dig up the entire garden.” She paused and consulted her list. “I have also prepared a list of the seeds I have put by for some of the herbs and tender annuals. And we have seeds put by for some of the vegetables we grow for the table; however, Mr. Bennet always purchased seeds for most of those.”

  Mr. Hobbs peered over his spectacles. “It seems you have considered everything, madam. We might take a walk about the gardens and discuss plants that concern you. This young fellow can mark them with stakes, and you might write them on your list. With your permission, my assistant and I might look over th
e plants here to see what will fit best with the overall design.” Mrs. Bennet nodded, and they set off.

  Elizabeth had settled on the chaise longue in the family parlor when Mary entered with her books. “I thought I might work down here today rather than studying in my room. That way if anything occurs, I will be close at hand.”

  “Thank you, Mary. That is good of you, but I am almost entirely recovered. In any case, I have my own book, and I shall not disturb your studies.”

  Mary sat, and for a few moments, there was no sound but the turning of pages as she opened her Bible to the Sunday readings. She began to write, but in a few moments, she put her pen down and said, “Elizabeth, what think you of Mr. Randall?”

  “Mr. Randall the curate?” Elizabeth marked her place and closed her book. She was unsure of what direction Mary’s question might take. “Well, he seems to be a very learned man. I always admire a clergyman who prepares his own sermons. And he is certainly amiable. I know he will be of great help to our dear Dr. Price.” Dr. Price, the vicar of Longbourn, was troubled by rheumatism, scarcely able to leave his bed on bad days. Yet his devotion to his flock was so great that he could not be persuaded to leave them. Elizabeth went on. “Dr. Price would not have engaged just anyone as his curate. It does speak highly of Mr. Randall that he was chosen.”

  “Do you not think Mr. Randall was helpful and kind to us when papa died?”

  “Well, yes, he certainly was. Very helpful and kind.” Elizabeth smiled at her sister. “What is this about, Mary?”

  “Please, Elizabeth. I beg you not to tease me. You and Jane had each other, but I have never had anyone I could confide in. I—I do not know what it is about. Oh, of course I know what it is about. I believe I may be in love with him.”

  Elizabeth’s face softened, and she gestured for Mary to come and sit beside her. “Mary, I promise that I will honor your confidence as faithfully as I have always honored Jane’s, and that if I can help you in any way, any way at all, I will stand ready to do so.”

  Mary looked at her, and Elizabeth winced inwardly at the flicker of doubt she saw in her sister’s eyes. But whatever the doubt, Mary overcame it, and her words tumbled out. When her sister paused for breath, Elizabeth was convinced that she was truly in love with the young curate.

  “And what do I do now?” Mary concluded. “He probably does not know I exist.”

  “Mary, you do not give yourself credit.” Elizabeth took both her sister’s hands in her own. “You are a well-read and accomplished young lady. You have also worked right alongside Jane and me to visit and see to the needs of our tenants and others who might cross our path. You do your fair share of work on the poor basket without being reminded. And you have never been shy about bringing peoples’ needs for spiritual comfort to the attention of Dr. Price. He has said so himself and has thanked you for it. He called you his eyes and ears.”

  Mary hung her head. “Thank you, but I know that I am not beautiful like you and Jane, or lively and good-humored like Lydia and Kitty. And my accomplishments? Well, I am wondering if I deluded myself.” She stood abruptly. “Oh, I wish I were not so plain.” She grimaced at her reflection in the mirror and sat down again.

  “Mary.” Elizabeth’s voice was gentle. “You are no plainer than any of the rest of us. Of course, Jane outshines everyone. But as for the rest of us, I do not believe there is that much difference among us. We have always relied on Susan for help. But you have hardly ever availed yourself of her services. Oh, I know she takes care of your clothes. But she has a sense of fashion, and she is a gifted hairdresser. She could be a real lady’s maid someday if only she chose to do it.” She took Mary’s hand. “There is not much we can do about these black gowns. They are what they are. Would you not consult with Susan about your hair, perhaps the trim on your bonnets and collars and so on? Oh, I am not saying you should get yourself up outlandishly or cut off all your hair. But perhaps a little more relaxed, less severe style might make you feel as pretty as you are.”

  “I suppose I could do that. Nothing extreme, mind you. Tis all frippery and vanity.”

  “That is true. But if extravagance is kept under good regulation, there is nothing wrong with looking and feeling one’s best.” Elizabeth paused and thought. “Perhaps once we have moved into Rose Cottage we might persuade Mama to invite Mr. Randall and Dr. Price to dine. And with Dr. Price on hand to sing your praises, well, how could Mr. Randall not be interested?”

  “I will do just as you suggest, Lizzy. It cannot hurt, and there is nothing improper or extravagant about your suggestions.”

  “Well, I do have one more, but you may not like it.”

  “We will never know unless you advance it.”

  “Give your second-best bonnet to Lydia and Kitty and ask them to refurbish it in black. If they do a good job, then give them your best bonnet.”

  To Elizabeth’s surprise, Mary agreed.

  Mary returned to her reading, and they sat quietly until Mrs. Bennet came in, frowning over her notebook.

  “Where is Mr. Hobbs, Mama?”

  “He returned to the cottage on foot, Lizzy. We must remember to inform Mr. Darcy.” She frowned again and seated herself at her escritoire, taking up pen and paper. “Now I am not to be disturbed, girls. I must make a copy of this list of seeds and annuals and send it with Mr. Darcy.” She bent her head and began writing, leaving Mary to daydream and Elizabeth to ponder the value of making memoranda in a notebook.

  Quiet reigned for nearly an hour until pleasant, feminine voices were heard in the front hall, punctuated by Darcy’s baritone. Light, gentle footsteps approached the parlor, and Kitty and Lydia appeared, arm in arm, followed by Mr. Darcy himself, encumbered by numerous small parcels.

  “Oh, it is you, girls.” Mrs. Bennet scarcely looked up from her writing. “Did you have an enjoyable visit to Meryton?”

  “Yes, thank you, Mama. Mr. Darcy was very kind to us.” One would hardly recognize the well-modulated, slightly husky voice as belonging to Lydia, who was usually as shrill as her mother.”

  “Very nice, girls. Now, go up and get ready for luncheon.” She looked up. “Mr. Darcy, will you join us?”

  “Thank you, madam.”

  “Your Mr. Hobbs has returned to his work at the cottage, but I will have some lists to send him as soon as I have finished copying them.”

  “I shall see that he gets them.” Darcy finished laying the parcels out on the other side of Mary’s table and went to sit beside his betrothed.

  “Good heavens, Fitzwilliam. They behaved like actual ladies when they came in. How did you manage it?”

  “It was quite simple really. I used a three-tiered approach that has been effective with Georgiana. First, I told them I would be delighted to accompany them to Meryton in future if they would behave like ladies today. Second, they would be more likely to be invited to Pemberley and to London if their deportment were exemplary. And third, if they could refrain from shouting on the street, I would present each of them with a quantity of her preferred ribbon from the milliner’s. In black, of course.” He paused for a moment, clearing his throat before he continued. “But the final triumph involved lengths of the new black crepe which has just arrived at the dry goods store.”

  “Bribery! You resorted to bribery.”

  He nodded complacently. “I did, and it proved to be effective.” He stopped as if forgetting something. “I also required that they take one improving book out of the circulating library in addition to the Gothic novels. They will be reading Mr. Lamb’s “Tales from Shakespeare,” as they both professed total ignorance of the works of the Bard. Each will select a story, and when they have finished reading it, they will read the actual play. Your father certainly had the works of Shakespeare in his excellent library.”

  “I am in awe, Mr. Darcy. Do you plan to test their knowledge of the work at some future time?”

  “I have not yet decided.”

  Darcy stayed to luncheon, and when they had finished, Mrs
. Bennet asked for Darcy’s indulgence. “It will take me another half or three-quarters of an hour to finish these lists for Mr. Hobbs, and I require peace and quiet to get it done. Mary, you may stay where you are so long as you do not open the piano. Kitty and Lydia, you may take your parcels upstairs. It will do you no harm to read for a short time. Lizzy, perhaps Mr. Darcy will walk with you in the garden. It is time you were exercising your ankle a little more.”

  No one said anything about the lack of a chaperone, and Darcy and Elizabeth were soon strolling in the garden. “I shall miss you while you are in London.” Elizabeth was a practical girl, but she did not like to think of the upcoming separation.

  “I cannot imagine it will take above a week, if that.” He stopped and looked down at her. “Will you write to me, Lizzy?”

  “Lizzy?” She put her head to one side and returned his look with a smile. “No one outside the family ever calls me that.”

  “My apologies. I had not realized-”

  “Oh, no apology is necessary. I like it very much when you say it. It sounds different.”

  “Then I shall call you that whenever we are alone together.” He put his free hand over hers where it lay on his other arm. This had the effect of drawing her slightly closer, and he was pleased to see that she liked it. They were approaching the wilderness, and he went on. “Would you care to sit for a moment?” Once they were seated, he put her arm through his and they sat in a comfortable silence for quite some time.

  “You know, I would marry you even without the marriage articles. They mean nothing to me.”

  “I know that, Lizzy. If you had wanted money you would have overcome your scruples last spring at Hunsford. You have done both of us the favor of allowing us to see that we are marrying for love, and I will thank God every day for that. But our love alone will not help if something happens to me and I have not provided for you. I need to see that you are protected after I die, and I need to see that you will be able to take care of our children until they reach their majority—and that you will be able to live properly after that. Your father was unable to do that for your mother, and you see the result.” He puffed out a breath. “For us, the marriage articles are an act of love—love for each other and our mutual love of our children who have yet to be born.”