Darcy's Adventures

by Zoë Burton

  “Good evening, Winslow,” Mr Darcy greeted the butler as he entered. “Let me introduce to you Miss Bennet and her aunt, Mrs Gardiner.”

  Winslow bowed. “Good evening, Mr Darcy, Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet. If you will follow me, please.”

  The Matlock’s butler led the group to the drawing room, where the earl, the countess, and their eldest son had gathered before dinner, announcing the visitors and closing the door behind them after they entered.

  The family stood as their guests entered. Once the announcement was out of the way, Lord Matlock strode forward to shake Mr Darcy’s hand.

  “Darcy, so good to see you!” Turning his smiling attention to the rest of his nephew’s party, he asked, “Would you be so good as to introduce me to your friends?”

  “Certainly Uncle.” Gesturing to Mrs Gardiner, he began, “May I introduce Mrs Gardiner of Gracechurch Street? And this,” he paused to take the hand of the beautiful young lady standing beside him, tucking it into the crook of his elbow and covering it with his own, “is my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”

  The ladies curtseyed to the earl. He grasped the hand of each and bowed over it, saying, “Welcome, ladies. Leave it to Darcy to find two of the most beautiful women in London to grace his arms. I did not know he had it in him; it’s always the quiet ones, you know,” he continued, winking at them and causing Elizabeth to giggle and her aunt to smile.

  “Indeed, Uncle,” Darcy intoned. “Please stop flirting with my betrothed.”

  “Ah, Darcy, you take the fun out of everything,” Lord Matlock laughed, before turning back to the ladies and gesturing for them to accompany him across the room to be introduced to his wife and son.

  Once Elizabeth and her aunt had been presented to the countess and the viscount, everyone took a seat. Lady Matlock opened the evening’s conversation by expressing her delight in meeting Darcy’s intended.

  “Miss Bennet, I have heard so much about you. My son Richard, Colonel Fitzwilliam…” She paused to look at Elizabeth, making sure she knew about whom she was speaking. When her guest nodded, the countess continued, “…wrote us a long letter, praising your good qualities. And of course, Darcy here added his effusions when he accepted our dinner invitation.” She smiled at her nephew, who blushed, then turned back to Elizabeth, who was also blushing.

  The conversation continued, with Elizabeth and her aunt contributing effortlessly, even as the group relocated to the dining room. Lord and Lady Matlock asked probing but tactfully worded questions, with their guests giving succinct and polite answers. It was obvious that both women comported themselves well, and were able to converse on any number of subjects. Their table manners were lacking in nothing; in fact, if one did not know already that Mrs Gardiner was the wife of a man in trade, one would have mistaken her for a gentlewoman, so graceful and refined was her behaviour. Miss Bennet’s behaviour was exactly as the colonel had described to his parents—above reproach in every way.

  After the meal, the ladies left the gentlemen to their port, walking back into the drawing room to enjoy some tea and conversation. Lady Matlock took this opportunity to probe even further into Elizabeth’s background and accomplishments. The answers she received from the young lady were honest and forthright, and were delivered in a respectful way. She was not cowed, however, by dining and conversing with a countess. Lady Matlock could see a strength in the young lady that would serve her well as she faced the ton as Mrs Darcy. The longer she spoke to Miss Bennet, the more certain she was that this girl was perfect for her nephew. She would wait to confer with her husband, but the countess was sure they would be welcoming Miss Bennet to the family with open arms, despite what Lady Catherine wanted.

  The separation of the sexes did not last long and soon the gentlemen rejoined the ladies. Darcy was heartened to see his aunt conversing freely with Miss Elizabeth. He knew from speaking with his uncle in the dining room that Lord Matlock was pleased with his choice. To see his aunt so open and amiable was a good indication that she shared her husband’s opinion, and that they would help her make her way in society. He strolled to his betrothed’s side, anxious to be in her company once again. He sat in the chair next to hers, smiling at her before speaking to his aunt.

  “Lady Matlock, I trust you have enjoyed your visit with Miss Bennet?”

  “Yes, Nephew, I have. She is delightful,” Lady Matlock paused to smile at Elizabeth before continuing. “You have chosen well. She will be magnificent moving amongst our society.”

  “Thank you, madam,” Elizabeth blushingly replied. “As long as Mr Darcy considers me magnificent, I will be pleased.”

  “I do, Elizabeth, have no fear of that.” Darcy looked deep into her eyes.

  “Thank you, sir,” Elizabeth blushed at his words, caught in his look. She stared back, soon losing all sense of her surroundings.

  Lady Matlock laughed, breaking the spell that had bound the couple together, and startling them into awareness. They each visibly jumped, and then blushed further when they realized what had happened.

  “I can see that we will need to keep an eye on the pair of you to keep you from becoming abominably rude,” she teased as the pair turned even redder.

  After their guests left later that evening, Lord and Lady Matlock met in their shared sitting room. This was not an unusual activity for them; they had long enjoyed a quiet cuddle on the settee after a long day. Their purpose at this time, beyond enjoying the closeness of a loving relationship, was to discuss their soon-to-be-niece.

  “I like Miss Bennet a great deal, Henry,” Lady Matlock began, not waiting longer than it took to nestle herself in her husband’s arms on the sofa.

  “I do, as well. She is quick, and intelligent. Not afraid to use her wit, either. She will keep Darcy on his guard, I think.”

  “Yes, and he needs that. Too often he believes he is right when he is not. He needs someone to check him now and then.”

  “As you do me, my dear Audra?” Lord Matlock replied with a smile, leaning down to kiss his beautiful wife.

  Kissing him back and giggling like a young girl, Lady Matlock replied, “Indeed, Henry.” Squeezing his middle tightly for a second, she continued their discussion. “I am of the opinion that we should support the union. More than that, I think we should publicly support it. Miss Bennet has not had a curtsey before the Queen; as Mrs Darcy that will be imperative, and I will sponsor her in that endeavour.”

  Lord Matlock smiled as he gave her a squeeze. How he loved watching her delineate her plans. She would have made an excellent general in the army. Her ability to see a whole, section it into pieces, and then lay out a course of action to conquer each piece never failed to amaze him. She was a formidable woman. And she was all his. He kissed her again and said, “Come, my dear, let us leave the details for tomorrow. I have a better way of spending this time with you.”

  With those words, he rose, pulled his smiling wife to her feet, and led her into his bedchamber.

  Rosings, Kent

  Lady Catherine had never been so angry in her life. Even hours after reaching her home estate of Rosings, she seethed. Her brother, her very own brother, had ejected her from his home. He had accused her of shaming the family name. Her! Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam De Bourgh! Who did he think he was? She was trying to prevent Darcy from shaming them! She continued to rant in this manner, sometimes silently, sometimes loudly. Her servants and daughter tiptoed around her, fearful of her actions should they receive undue notice from her. It was not until dinner that she noticed them flinching when she spoke and serving her from further away than was usual. However, it was Anne who finally gathered up enough courage to speak to her.

  “Mama, what has you so flustered? I have never seen you in such a high state of agitation! Whatever can be the matter?” She spoke quietly but firmly. Her mother in this condition was a frightening thing, and while she did not want to worsen the situation, if she could amend it, she would.

  “Your unc
le is the matter! He told me he is ashamed of me, and sent me home like an errant schoolgirl!”

  Anne’s mouth fell open in shock. Shutting it up again quickly, she replied, “Ashamed? What could you have possibly done to make Uncle ashamed?”

  At her daughter’s question, Lady Catherine suddenly saw the events of the previous day in a new light. How was she to tell her only living child what she had done? Anne expected her mother to behave as a gentlewoman at all times, and she had not. Still, she tried to reason with herself, it was done for her protection. Drawing herself up, she replied, “I went to Hertfordshire and offered Miss Bennet’s father money to break her engagement to Darcy so that he would offer for you.”

  Anne was astounded. “Mother! Tell me you did not! Did my cousin not tell you that I do not wish to marry him?” She could see the guilt mixed with anger on her only parent’s face.

  “You do not know what is best for you. I do. You will do as I say.” Suddenly, Lady Catherine threw her napkin down beside her plate and stood up from the table. “Not that it matters now. You uncle has refused to back me up. No one will force Mr Bennet to do anything, and Darcy will marry the girl. I, however, refuse to acknowledge her. The pair of them have used us ill, Anne. They have used us very ill.”

  “No, Mama, they have not. I would have refused to marry my cousin, regardless of Mr Bennet’s acceptance of your bribe. Mama,” she pleaded, “please listen to me. I do not want to marry Darcy. I do not want to marry anyone.”

  “Well, you must marry, and I do not want to lose the life I have now when you do!” Suddenly, the fears that she had not even admitted to herself came pouring out in an angry torrent. “I have no intention of living in the dower house on one thousand pounds per year. I will not lose control of this estate, nor the funds to which I am accustomed!” She stopped, appalled at her own words.

  “Mama,” Anne pleaded, tears beginning to overflow her eyes. “I would never force you to live anywhere but here. I do not need to marry. Even were I to meet someone and fall in love, I would not push you out of my life in that manner.”

  Suddenly, Lady Catherine slumped a bit, the fight going out of her for the first time since hearing of her nephew’s engagement.

  “You would not have a choice, my child,” she stated softly. “Your father’s will specifies that upon your marriage, I must move to the dower house and live off the interest from what is left of my dowry. I wanted you to marry Darcy because my sister and I agreed to it, but also because I did not want to lose my home and my income, and the benefits that come with them.”

  “Does the will indicate that I must marry? What happens if I do not? I know that I have inherited, as you have often said the De Bourghs did not think it necessary to entail the estate to the male line. May I not leave it to anyone I chose? And should I not marry, why can I not leave it to you, Mama, if I were to leave this mortal coil before you do? Do you not think I would assure your health and happiness? You are my mother; I love you!”

  As she spoke, Anne had crept closer to her mother, reaching out her hand, and finally grasping the one that had held hers through many a trial and tribulation. Lady Catherine squeezed her daughter’s hand tightly. Finally letting go and heaving a huge sob, she broke down in tears. Anne helped her back into her seat before sitting on the arm of the chair and wrapping her own arms around her parent. She held her mother close while Lady Catherine cried out all the pain and sorrow.

  When the tears let up, Anne tightened her hold and spoke softly into her mother’s hair, “It will be alright Mama. We will ask the attorney to come to Rosings. He can explain things to us more fully. Regardless of what the will says,” she finished softly, “I cannot imagine forcing my dearest Mama to live somewhere she is not happy and on little income. I trust that you will have trained me to be mistress well enough that you will be able to step back from your place and allow me mine.” Letting go a little bit, she leaned back and looked her mother in the eye and smiled. “I love you, Mama.”

  “I love you too, Anne. Thank you for reassuring me. I am proud of you for forcing me to have this conversation. I think I needed to express my fears.” She chortled, “I did not realize I felt some of those things. I needed you to draw them out of me. Thank you, Daughter.”

  “You are welcome Mama. Come; let us get you upstairs. I think you could do with a long, relaxing bath. What say you?”

  And so, the Mistress of Rosings and her beloved daughter went upstairs together after their very trying discussion, each with a better understanding of the other and of themselves. In her bath a little while later, Lady Catherine reflected on the events leading up to that conversation. She felt an incredible amount of shame for the manner in which she behaved, starting with her angry words to her nephew when he spoke of his engagement to Miss Bennet. Her brother was correct. She had shamed the family and cast a slur upon its name. She must make amends.

  Dressing in a nightgown and robe after leaving the tub, she sat down at the table in her bedchamber and opened the small portable writing desk she kept there. She would start with letters of apology to Darcy and to her brother. Those would not be easy to write, she knew, but harder would be the ones her conscience dictated she write to Miss Bennet and her father. Some would argue that she did not directly insult the young lady, and therefore no apology was necessary. However, Lady Catherine felt convicted to write them. She had directly insulted Mr Bennet in any case, and she had roundly derided Miss Bennet in every conversation, not to mention attempting to interrupt the young lady’s wedding.

  In an effort to heal the breach between herself and Darcy and his betrothed, she issued an invitation to the pair to visit Rosings after they were married. Time would tell if this olive branch was accepted. In the meantime, Lady Catherine vowed to herself to spend part of each day reflecting on the feelings that led to her actions, in an effort to identify and conquer her remaining fears.

  Rosings, Kent

  Lady Catherine slowly approached the stone marking her husband’s grave. This was the first time she had visited in the more than two years since his death. It had been too painful; she had been too full of anger. Now, however, her pain was eased and she desired to make peace with his memory. Kneeling carefully down, she gently laid the bouquet of roses, peonies, zinnias, stonecrop, and yew greenery at the base of the marble marker. Each item in the nosegay was chosen carefully, to describe her feelings. She knew Lewis was not present to see the blooms; the symbolism was more for her than for him.

  “Lewis,” she whispered. “I am so sorry.” Tears began tracking down her face as she began to unburden herself before him. “I allowed myself to be hardened by our losses, then failed to trust in the love of our daughter. I was so angry with you when I heard the provisions in your will. I was grasping at things that should not have mattered. I forgot what was important. I am at peace now, Lewis. I know that Anne will never leave me alone. She has said I could live with her if she marries, and she trusts me to teach her to run Rosings. I have learned that I will not lose my place.

  “I’m so sorry, my dear, for not trusting you and for causing such shame amongst our families. I miss you. I miss your gentle spirit and your tenderness. I love you. Thank you for giving me Anne, and for caring so greatly for me while you were here. I promise to be a better mother and to give up my role as mistress of the house when the time comes. I promise to honour you in all things. Goodbye, husband.”

  With that, the great lady of Rosings slowly gained her feet, wiped her eyes, and returned to the carriage that waited to deliver her back to the house.

  Longbourn, Hertfordshire

  Late June

  The doors to the Longbourn church swung wide as the wedding guests swept out and lined the walk leading away from the building. The sound of the pianoforte preceded the newly-married Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy as they exited. The gathered relatives and friends of the couple showered them with rice, greetings, and well-wishes as they hurried into their carriage. Following, after a d
elay of a few minutes, came a second bridal couple—Jane and Charles Bingley—to be greeted with the same cheers and congratulations.

  As soon as Darcy settled into the open-top carriage after handing his new wife in, he signalled the driver to proceed. Feeling it start to move, he reached over and took hold of Elizabeth’s hand.

  “At last, darling! I am beyond happy to finally give you my name and my ring. I love you.” He lifted her gloved hand to his lips, bestowing a lingering kiss and revelling in the look of love in her eyes.

  “And I love you, my handsome husband. I thought this day would never come! If I had to listen to Mama’s effusions one more day, I would have run mad,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

  Darcy chuckled, thinking of the daily chaos Mrs Bennet had created with her excitement and insistence that every aspect of the double wedding be perfect. Certainly more than once his Elizabeth had rescued him from the endless, piercing exclamations of her mother over the course of the last six weeks.

  “Do you recall, my love, the day she insisted on reviewing the menu for the wedding breakfast with me? How many times did I tell her it did not matter to me what she served?” The two laughed at the memory.

  “You quickly acquiesced, though. I believe you realized the quickest way to silence her was to give her what she wanted.” Elizabeth’s wink caused Darcy to laugh outright, which in turn made her smile wider and squeeze his hand.

  The carriage pulled up in front of Longbourn Manor and came to a stop, startling the couple out of their tete-a-tete. They disembarked quickly so their carriage could move away, allowing the Bingley carriage room to pull to the door. Once the foursome was together again, and congratulations exchanged, they entered the house to await the guests. They proceeded to the dining room, where a profusion of lavender and roses decorated the room, complementing the colours of the brides’ dresses.