A Covenant of Marriage

by C. P. Odom

  “Speaking of which,” her father said, “it is probably time for you to learn exactly what your husband did during your sister’s disappearance. I have my doubts whether Mr. Darcy would ever divulge what occurred—”

  “William?” Elizabeth said abruptly. “How could he even learn of Lydia’s elopement, much less be involved?”

  “Pray, Lizzy, let me continue, or I shall never be able to answer your questions. Now, as I was saying, I doubt whether Mr. Darcy would ever tell you what transpired, but your uncle decided your impending marriage to Darcy made it necessary that I know the truth. I am sure he would have explained the matter to you, but you refused to talk to him.”

  Elizabeth nodded in rueful agreement. “Yes, I remember. I was not listening to anyone at the time as we both know. It was not my finest hour.”

  “Perhaps we all should have done things differently—”

  “No, we shall not linger on our faults,” Elizabeth interrupted. “Pray tell me exactly what Uncle Gardiner told you.”

  “To begin, it seems Darcy did not learn of Lydia’s elopement with Wickham for some months and…”

  Elizabeth listened to the tale in open-mouthed astonishment as her father related what Darcy had done and how her aunt and uncle had first become acquainted with him and later formed a friendship. At the end, she was truly amazed that her husband had managed to find first Wickham and then Lydia, and she was saddened to learn of what had become of her sister.

  “I do not understand why I am just learning of this now. Without fail, Uncle Gardiner should have informed us well before this time.”

  “Lydia demanded that Darcy and your uncle promise to keep her discovery and location secret. She did not want either your mother or me to know what had happened to her. She preferred simply to disappear than to let us know her shame.”

  “Lydia!” Elizabeth burst out. “She thinks only of herself!”

  “So your uncle confirmed,” Mr. Bennet agreed. “It was my fault. Over the years, I allowed your mother to spoil Lydia without limit. I should have simply forbidden her to go to Brighton as you advised.”

  Elizabeth waved her hand impatiently to dismiss the notion. “But why did William agree to her demand? It does not make sense.”

  Mr. Bennet shrugged uncomfortably. “Darcy was only involved because of his search for Wickham. Since he was not a member of our family, he could exert no authority over Lydia. He offered a solution to her and your uncle, but she would only agree to the scheme if he promised to keep her secret. Otherwise, she threatened to disappear.”

  Elizabeth shook her head dolefully. “So much pain, so much suffering. Many things could have been different if we had only known how William had helped our family.”

  “He gave his word. To a man of honour, that was an end to it. I do not know whether he had regrets that his deeds went unrecognised. He would not discuss it, even if it might have helped change your opinion of him.”

  “I did not regret my refusal of his offer at Hunsford. I thought him arrogant and selfish. But I acquitted him of his crimes against Wickham after William informed me of the truth about that varlet’s history with his family. His account made me recognise that I had made a grievous error in thinking him either dishonest or dishonourable.”

  “A man’s honour is vital to him, child. Never doubt it. I believe he would have died rather than break his word. Fortunately, your uncle has a bit more common sense, which is why we now know what Darcy did to help Lydia. I know from watching your husband’s expression as your uncle related his good deeds that he is uncomfortable at being complimented.”

  “And now, I suppose, I cannot even acknowledge the credit he deserves,” Elizabeth said.

  “Alas, likely not. But his solution has the promise of a future rapprochement with Lydia, and I believe we shall have to be satisfied with that.”

  “It does appear so, but it does not seem fair.”

  “Life is not fair,” Mr. Bennet said gently. “We have to manage the lot Fate deals us the best we can.

  Elizabeth was disheartened as she took her leave of her father, for she feared she might never see him alive again. She knew they would not be returning from Pemberley until the spring, and the winter would be hard for him. For the first time in her life, Elizabeth was conscious of her father being old, but she took comfort in his obvious pleasure at learning of the growing attachment between her and Darcy.

  He smiled as he embraced her and kissed her on the forehead. “Do not worry about me, child,” he said gently, somehow able to perceive her worry. “I feel blessed that you and your husband have found happiness and can look forward to a future of hope and joy. And, whatever happens before we see each other again, knowing all of my family will be under Darcy’s protection is a source of vast comfort for me.”

  Chapter 19

  To live without hope is to cease to live.

  — Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881), Russian novelist

  Thursday, October 31, 1816

  Hertfordshire

  The party left for Pemberley early Thursday morning, and at first, Jane appeared shy, hardly able to speak to Darcy, and responded to his questions with only short answers. He and Elizabeth sat across from her, and part of Jane’s reticence was due to the fact that she had not yet grown accustomed to the affection the newly married couple openly showed towards each other. She had never seen it displayed between her parents.

  She was already familiar with Darcy and Elizabeth calling each other by their Christian names, but she was rather surprised by the way her sister sat as close to her husband as possible despite the ample space in the coach. As soon as they were seated, Darcy had taken Elizabeth’s hand, and Elizabeth placed hers on top of his. It was not unseemly, Jane knew, and she was warmed by this obvious indication of love for each other though it was a bit unsettling at first.

  The spirits of both ladies heightened with every mile they travelled, and the journey seemed an adventure since Jane had never ventured that far north. Elizabeth was quick to ask Darcy question after question about Pemberley. Jane’s reserve dissipated due to the interesting topic, and she soon joined her sister in enquiring about estate management, tenant life on their farms, the crops they planted, and a myriad of other topics.

  Darcy was able to speak easily on such subjects, and he painted a picture of the complex workings of the estate, the associated tenants, and the interaction of all of this with the local neighbourhood. The information fascinated both sisters, and it was soon undeniable that much more was associated with managing an estate such as Pemberley than with Longbourn. Pemberley was a complicated enterprise, and Darcy explained the importance of having honest, responsible people to assist him.

  “Some owners spend all their time managing the affairs on their estate, either afraid to allow a steward to act for him or unable to find a man up to the task. Wickham’s father was quite skilled, and that was undoubtedly one of the reasons my father took such a liking to his son. And Williamson, who succeeded to the position after the elder Wickham died, has proven to be just as capable.”

  “Until this moment, I never thought about what Papa does to manage his estate,” Elizabeth said. “He seems to spend all his time reading in his library.”

  “I suspect he did most of his labour at night when the house was quiet,” Darcy said. “He showed me his books, and they were well prepared and complete. He could have used the assistance of a steward, but he said he could not spare the expense.”

  “I must admit that my mother did little to manage the household,” Elizabeth said unhappily. “I have no idea how we would have managed without Hill.”

  “And I also am thankful I inherited my father’s housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, who supervised the management of the house until her death last year. Her successor, Mrs. Benson, possesses the same degree of efficiency, as does my stable mas
ter, Jenkins. It is only due to their excellent work that I am able to be absent for long periods with the confidence that my affairs will continue properly without my personal attention. Still, I cannot bear to be gone too long from Pemberley.”

  Darcy described the social life on the estate when his father and mother were alive, taking pains to guide the conversation to topics in which Jane could participate.

  “I can remember my parents often entertaining at Pemberley, and they hosted more than one ball, though I was too young to attend. But, after my mother died, my father lost all interest in society, and I must confess I have been negligent in much the same manner. Now that I have a wife to guide me, I should like to socialise more with our neighbours.”

  “But would you not prefer to be in town?” Elizabeth asked, teasing him. “After all, you once remarked the country provided but few subjects for an observer of character.”

  “And you replied,” Darcy said with a smile, “that the people involved altered so much there was always something new to be observed. But I shall leave it to you, Elizabeth. If you would prefer to spend more time in town, I would not object. However, I suspect you will find life at Pemberley more to your liking, especially after you become acquainted with our neighbours. I am admittedly more comfortable there, but we still must spend at least a portion of the year in London, for we have many friends and you have relations there. Wherever we live will be agreeable to me as long as I am with you.”

  Elizabeth coloured slightly at the compliment and looked at Jane. “He truly is the most excellent husband,” she said with a smile, “though I do not know how I shall ever grow accustomed to such flattery.”

  “His praise of you only raises his worth in my estimation,” replied Jane, smiling at Darcy with open and unconcealed warmth. “He recognises what I have always known, and no amount of flattery is more than you deserve.”

  “Well spoken, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said cheerfully. “Now you see why I was incomplete without your sister. I did not laugh nearly enough before I married her though she teases me mercilessly.”

  “Which you richly deserve,” Elizabeth said quickly.

  “To be sure,” he replied with a chuckle. “To be sure.”

  ***

  Saturday, November 3, 1816

  Pemberley, Derbyshire

  Darcy had planned an easy pace for the journey with an early halt each day, so their party was three days on the road before reaching Pemberley. By that time, Darcy’s descriptions had prepared both Elizabeth and Jane for their first sight of the woods.

  “Sadly, we are too late to see the trees in their autumnal splendour. Winter’s first snows are yet to come, and soon the fallen leaves will be replaced with fairy-tale coatings of ice and snow. I remember my parents taking me through the woods in one of our sleighs, and it took my breath away. Of course, we shall need to take such an excursion early rather than late since you will find that the snow in this county falls longer and piles deeper than anything in your experience.”

  “Still, the woods look to be very extensive and varied,” Elizabeth said, her voice showing her eagerness. “I begin to believe your warnings that rambling about this country will be somewhat more difficult than at Longbourn.”

  “And far colder,” he said. “You and your sister will soon be grateful your aunt was able to arrange for a supply of warm clothing. It should be delivered from town in a week or two.”

  Elizabeth held up her hand as soon as Jane opened her mouth since she knew her sister was going to protest such extravagance.

  “It will do no good to say such luxuries are unnecessary, Jane. William was adamant that warm clothing is essential, and it was a scramble for Aunt Gardiner to order everything before we left. On some topics, my husband can be quite forceful and will not give over.”

  “Still…” Jane started, but her sister just shook her head and laughed.

  “All we can do is to thank him, and even that will embarrass him dreadfully.”

  Jane looked doubtful but acceded after a moment’s hesitation. “Then, I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Darcy.”

  “Not at all, not at all,” he said.

  The coach had entered the estate at a low point, and the horses slowed and laboured to pull the vehicle up the slope as the road ascended towards the rim of a valley.

  “We shall be able to see the house when we reach the crest ahead,” Darcy said. “We shall stop there and let the team rest before we continue.”

  It was still some minutes before the high point was reached and the coach stopped. The woods no longer blocked their view, and Elizabeth and Jane eagerly looked out to find themselves atop a considerable prominence. Before them lay a broad valley with a wide stream and lake at the bottom. Pemberley House lay beyond the water where the ground began to rise, and the slopes behind the house rose towards another valley rim, well populated with skeletal trees. The house itself was a large, handsome stone building, and thick plumes of smoke rose from the many chimneys in response to the chill of the day.

  Despite the impressive view, neither sister objected when Darcy commanded the driver to continue. The bricks in the firebox below their feet were long cold, and even the blankets in their laps and their warm coats could not completely block the icy air. It would be pleasant to get inside the house and sit before one of the roaring fireplaces promised by the rising smoke.

  “It is a handsome house,” Jane said, amused by the way Elizabeth nestled against her husband’s arm that held her close.

  “It is, indeed,” agreed Elizabeth, glancing out the window again.

  The approaching coach had evidently been spotted, and a number of people were leaving the house and assembling at the foot of the portico.

  “The size of your staff appears even larger than in London, and managing such an establishment looks to be a daunting task,” Elizabeth said.

  Darcy smiled. “Mrs. Benson is quite competent as well as being very fixed in her ways. I dare say she will soon have you toeing the mark.”

  Though Jane looked a bit startled, Elizabeth did not bat an eyelash in trepidation. “You shall not make me fear your housekeeper,” she said firmly. “You grow more adept at teasing me, but you have not yet mastered the art.”

  “But I am improving, then?” Darcy said slyly.

  “You are, but after our tenure in town, I am convinced you keep nothing but the most amiable employees. Trying to portray your housekeeper as a petty tyrant is simply not convincing.”

  “Perhaps not, but I believe I should warn the staff of the playful nature of their new mistress. I have seen the stunned looks that have passed over your sister’s face when you make sport with me. We should not want to distress Mrs. Benson.”

  Elizabeth shared a quick smile with Jane before both of them returned to their perusal of the approaching house and the nearby environs. The coach moved deliberately down the slope and across a bridge before finally coming to a stop on the gravelled drive before a waiting crowd of servants, all bundled against the chill November air.

  Footmen immediately surrounded the coach, lowering the step, opening the door, and beginning to unlash the canvas covering over the luggage on top. Darcy was quick to assist both Elizabeth and Jane out of the coach and to guide them up the steps.

  Inside the house, servants took their coats before Darcy turned to the middle-aged woman waiting beside a tall, elderly man.

  “My dear, this is our housekeeper, Mrs. Benson, and our butler, Mr. Reynolds. This is my wife, Mrs. Darcy, and her sister Miss Bennet.”

  “Welcome to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy, Miss Bennet,” the housekeeper said. Her curtsy was fluid, but the bow of the butler was somewhat stiff due to his age.

  “Thank you both,” Elizabeth said, smiling warmly. “Mr. Darcy has spoken of you in glowing terms during our journey. I look forward to becoming
better acquainted in the coming days.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Darcy,” the housekeeper said. “Mr. Darcy informed us of your arrival, and the rooms for both you and your sister have been prepared. I am sure you both would like to refresh yourselves after your journey, and hot water will be available whenever you wish.”

  “Thank you again. A long, hot soak does sound marvellous.”

  “It does indeed,” agreed Jane.

  Servants passed by them, carrying their trunks and packages to their chambers. The sight was rather overwhelming. The sisters were used to the presence of servants to assist them and to look after the household, but their number was quite small in comparison to Pemberley.

  Yet, Elizabeth easily discerned that the manner of Darcy’s staff was similar to what she had noted in London. Everyone was attentive and interested to see and meet their new mistress and her sister, but there was no evidence of the obsequiousness Elizabeth had seen at Rosings and other estates on occasion. Nor was the staff casually indifferent as was the case at Longbourn. Instead, they demonstrated a marked cheerfulness and ease that would bear future consideration. Darcy seemed to know everyone’s name and usually had a few words or a question or two for each of them.

  In the meantime, as Elizabeth and Jane were swept along, rather than conducted, to their rooms, Elizabeth noted Darcy stood apart with the butler, leaning close to him in quiet conversation. Darcy had his hand on the man’s shoulder in striking departure from his normal reserved manner. It did not seem as though they were discussing some aspect of the household—the conversation seemed too intimate and intense for that—and she made note to ask Darcy about it later.

  Elizabeth put the thought aside as the procession arrived at her rooms. She already anticipated the relaxing comfort of sinking into hot water.

  ***