Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  Regrettably, Mrs. Bennet had not been impressed with Elizabeth’s wishes for the dress, protesting that, while the silk was pretty, it would be too plain without adding yards of lace. While not opposed to some lace, Elizabeth was not in favour of covering the entire dress with it, which led to a disagreement. The dispute finally became so loud that Mr. Bennet left his study to learn the reason. Afterward, he forbade his wife from entering the sewing room until after the dress was finished. Though thankful for his intervention, by now her mother’s hysterics and the hours spent standing perfectly still had given Elizabeth a pounding headache, and for a moment, she closed her eyes. A sudden touch on her hand caused them to fly open again.

  “Well?” The look on Mrs. Gardiner’s face meant that she was expecting an answer. “I asked if you had any preferences for the lace. Edward happened to bring home a lovely bolt of Belgium lace, three inches deep, that I have been embroidering with pink roses across the top. Embroidered lace is highly sought after by the ton, thus I add flowers to some of the best pieces that come through the warehouse. I believe the piece I am working on now will complement this dress beautifully.”

  “I care not. I shall leave it for you to decide.”

  Mrs. Gardiner seemed unhappy with her reply. “Mrs. Hill, would you excuse us, please?” The elderly housekeeper curtseyed and left the room, giving Elizabeth a concerned look as she pulled the door closed.

  “Elizabeth Bennet! If you do not care about your appearance, I certainly do. Many wealthy men have portraits done of their wives in their wedding dress, and there are indeed enough at Pemberley to support my claim. Do you want to be ashamed every time you pass your portrait in the great hall?”

  “How do you know so much about Pemberley?”

  “I grew up in Lambton, if you remember. When I was a child, they allowed the public to tour the house in the summer months, and I went every year.”

  “Is it really that grand?”

  “I think it the most beautiful house in all of England. Even nicer than many of His Majesty’s palaces, according to some who know, for it is not ostentatious, and the grounds... the grounds are lovelier than Hyde Park. I venture to say that you will love discovering all the wonders of Pemberley, especially during your walks.”

  “If I am allowed to walk,” Elizabeth sighed. “Mama says that proper ladies do not traipse all over the country afoot; they ride in carriages or on horseback. And while I do not mind an occasional horseback ride, I dearly love to walk.”

  “Surely Mr. Darcy will not forbid something that you love so well.”

  “Oh, I do not know about that. He agreed with Caroline Bingley that he would not want his sister walking to Netherfield, as I did when Jane was ill.”

  “I imagine that he would not want you walking from Pemberley to Lambton, either, especially if the roads were muddy. But keep in mind that the people of Lambton speak well of him; he cannot be too unpleasant.”

  Lizzy cocked her head to the side and scowled. “Not ALL the people.”

  “Elizabeth Rose Bennet, you promised me!”

  “I am trying, but surely you do not expect me to change overnight,” Elizabeth said sheepishly.

  “What if, after you marry Mr. Darcy, he begins to note and resent all your imperfections? After all, you are not without fault.”

  “You have always made me feel faultless,” Elizabeth tried to tease.

  “That is because I am your aunt, and aunts are supposed to spoil. But, you know of what I speak.”

  “Yes.” Elizabeth became serious. “I suppose both of us had better look for the silver lining if we are to survive.”

  “Precisely my point.” She took her niece’s hands and rocked back on her heels to examine her. “Oh, Lizzy! I think your bridegroom is going to be very impressed when he sees you come down the church aisle.”

  Turning her niece so that she could see her reflection in the large mirror that stood in one corner, she was pleased when Elizabeth whispered reverently, “It is going to be beautiful. Thank you.”

  She held out her arms, but Mrs. Gardiner only gave her a peck on the cheek. “I fear it would be too painful to hug you with all the pins.”

  Mrs. Hill came into the room again, having been summoned to help unpin the gown and then re-pin it on a dress form used for that purpose.

  “I must begin the supervision of dinner, but I shall be glad to sew the front to the back once I have the preparations well in hand.”

  “Thank you, Hill,” Madeline Gardiner said. “Your help has been invaluable. Between us, I believe we shall finish this dress in time for the wedding. I will continue working on the lace and, hopefully, once I am done with it, you will have the gown in one piece.”

  Mrs. Hill beamed, proudly dropping a curtsey before leaving. As she exited the room, Jane came rushing in, untying her bonnet as she walked.

  Breathlessly she exclaimed, “I wanted to see you wearing your dress, Lizzy, but it seems I am too late!”

  “You shall have a better view of it tomorrow, for I believe Mrs. Hill will have finished the seams by then. Hopefully, the next time I try it on there will be no pins to avoid.”

  “How was your luncheon with Mr. Bingley’s sisters?” Mrs. Gardiner asked Jane.

  “Mrs. Hurst was nice enough, I suppose. Though I have to wonder at her inviting me in the first place, for she never listens to anything I say. But it was a bit odd, for Miss Bingley was nowhere in sight. According to her sister, everything she has eaten disagrees with her.”

  Lizzy and her aunt exchanged glances. Caroline’s tantrum in response to Mr. Darcy’s impending nuptials was the talk of Hertfordshire.

  “Mrs. Hurst tried to blame her sister’s behaviour on spells she alleges Miss Bingley has suffered all her life. However, in my opinion, she is simply acting childish over your impending marriage.”

  “Good for you, Jane!” their aunt declared. “I believe you have assessed the situation adeptly.”

  Jane smiled at the accolade, blushing a bit because she was not used to being so forthright. “Well, let me change out of these clothes. Then you can tell me all about your dress and what I may do to help you.” With that, Jane kissed both ladies before rushing from the room.

  “I worried that Jane would try to smooth over Mr. Bingley’s sister’s outrageous behaviour. Apparently all that has happened has made her bolder.”

  “Or cynical.”

  “Not cynical, but perhaps more pragmatic,” replied her aunt, “and I, for one, am relieved. Jane was too apt to try to find good in everyone before this happened.” Suddenly she began chuckling. “I know I should not laugh, but I find it amusing that Miss Bingley is sick because Mr. Darcy is marrying you.”

  Lizzy could not repress a smile. “If she only knew that I was sick at the thought of marrying him.” The smile on her aunt’s face quickly vanished, and Lizzy rushed to add, “I was only making light of the situation.”

  “Teasing can be another way of showing resentment.”

  Elizabeth thought about that for a moment. “You are right. Though Papa and I have perfected the art, teasing can be used to do great harm.”

  Her aunt beamed. “That is why I love you. You are willing to listen and to change if proven wrong.”

  “Let us pray that Mr. Darcy is willing to change as well, for I fear he has no idea what he is getting into by marrying me.”

  “I will pray that you both are pleasantly surprised.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “So will I.”

  LATER

  That evening a different kind of weariness washed over the occupants of Longbourn, for as they sat around the parlour after dinner, Mrs. Bennet was back to reasserting her authority and making plans. If she was to be shut out of everything to do with the dress, she would not be overruled when it came to the wedding breakfast; thus, she proclaimed to one and all her ideas on how to impress the gentleman from Derbyshire.

  “I shall have Hill fix a nice salmon. Oh, and a joint of beef must be provided—all g
reat men love roasted beef! And of course I shall have Hill round out the fare with mutton, fowl and tongue. Surely, Mr. Darcy will favour one or more of those.”

  She went on to describe all the vegetables and sauces, droning on for so long that even Lydia and Kitty had quit listening by the time Mrs. Bennet began to describe the desserts. Elizabeth, who was sitting in her favourite upholstered chair with shoes off and feet drawn up under her, wanted nothing more than go to her room in order to have peace and quiet. Moreover, as her eyes met Madeline Gardiner’s across the room, there was no doubt that she wished for the same. Nonetheless, both were aware that her mother wished to have an audience and would take offense if they retired. So they remained, though they added nothing to the conversation.

  At some point, Elizabeth managed to completely block out her mother’s voice while she considered her aunt’s counsel. Madeline Gardiner had been like a mother to her for as long as she could remember, always concerned for her wellbeing, and she trusted her completely. In addition, the advice she gave reinforced all that Elizabeth had learned from reading the Bible and listening to sermons every Sunday. At last resigned to her fate, she silently vowed to put forth her very best effort to be a good wife.

  After all, the good Lord says we should love our enemies and bless them that curse us.

  The absurdity of applying that verse to her upcoming marriage almost made her giggle, and she covered her mouth. Seeing that no one had noticed, Elizabeth assumed a solemn expression while trying to recall a more appropriate one to adopt as her motto.

  Turn the other cheek? No, that will never do! I know! Love your neighbour as yourself! Surely I can love Mr. Darcy as much as I love Charlotte.

  Suddenly her heart was lighter. At least God said that He shall not put more on me than I can bear.

  She glanced up to heaven. I am counting on You to keep that promise.

  Chapter 10

  Matlock House

  As Georgiana awaited her guest in the spectacular library at Matlock House her expression fell, for she was reminded of how much this room resembled the one at Pemberley. It had the same magnificent, polished wood panelling and wall-to-wall shelves rising all the way to the ceiling, with ladders to access the books on the top shelves. Despite the fact that the carpet was emerald green instead of royal blue, the likeness was remarkable. Closing her eyes, the smell of books, both new and old, transported her back to her childhood home, and she longed for it. Oddly, she also found herself longing for her brother.

  After she had decided to punish William for making Andrew move to Winfield Hall, their once close relationship had deteriorated. When first she had stopped speaking to him, it was to be for only a few days. Certain that he would relent quickly, she was surprised when William distanced himself from her because of her petulance. And because he did not beg her forgiveness and she was too proud to admit culpability, she had expanded on her protest. Instead of seeking his advice, as in the past, she began writing her uncle and aunt for their opinions. William was very hurt when she flaunted their counsel, and from that moment on, he had stopped trying to reason with her. Now recalling all that had transpired between them, tears filled her eyes, and she blinked to keep them from falling.

  What do I care if you do not fawn over me as in the past? Uncle thinks I am right to ask his opinion. Besides, when I was a child, Andrew was more of a brother than you ever were!

  Her mind flew to the day her world had turned upside down—the day Fitzwilliam had left for Eton. All that she had shared with him—horseback rides, swimming, fishing and exploring the grounds—had suddenly come to a halt. Some time afterward, Andrew, George Wickham and Lady Susan, their nearest neighbour, had begun including her in their activities, though it was never the same as being with her brother. For years afterward, even after going to Eton himself, Andrew would make time for her when he returned to Pemberley each summer. In contrast, when William was home from school, his time was spent locked in their father’s study. It was not until their father’s death that any semblance of closeness had returned.

  Only Andrew truly cared to spend time with me when I was a child. The small voice of her conscious whispered a rebuttal. You remember overhearing your father insist that Andrew watch you while he instructed your brother on estate matters. Besides, when given the opportunity, Fitzwilliam never failed to ask if you wished to join him for some activity. But you refused because Andrew was a livelier companion and, truth be known, because you wanted to punish Fitzwilliam for deserting you.

  Tossing that thought aside as easily as she would an outdated gown, Georgiana lifted her chin. If Brother truly cared to reconcile with me, he would! I shall think on this matter no longer.

  Just as she made that resolution, the Matlocks’ butler appeared in the doorway.

  “Lady Susan has arrived.”

  Stepping aside, a tall young woman who closely favoured Georgiana, only with lighter blond hair and blue eyes, rushed past him. She almost bumped him in her haste. His raised brows showed his disapproval and Mr. Soames sniffed with indignation as he quickly turned to resume his post.

  “Georgiana!” Lady Susan kissed the air on either side of her head. “How wonderful to see you. You look lovely!”

  Blushing, Georgiana replied, “You say that every time we meet.” They both giggled as Georgiana pulled her over to a beautiful brown leather sofa. “Let us sit here while we plan our strategy.”

  Lady Susan glanced across the room. “Should we not close the door?”

  “My aunt would wonder what we were hiding if we did. We shall just talk softly so as not to be overheard.”

  “As you wish.”

  “I am optimistic that my brother will be in town the night of your ball. When my aunt told him of the event, she emphasised her desire that he escort you.”

  “I hope he was listening,” Susan replied. “He can be so slow-witted at times! It is as though he does not wish to comprehend.”

  Georgiana sighed. “I know exactly what you mean, though he is anything but dull. He remembers what he wishes to remember.”

  “Agreed.” Then Lady Susan’s face became animated. “Tell me what you have planned for the ball. Your note was so intriguing. How do you plan to spur him into offering for me?”

  “It is simple. My uncle has agreed that I may attend, even though I am not out yet. Of course, I cannot dance, but I shall attend in any event. So, right after supper, I thought that I would send a note to William via a footman, saying that I must speak to him and will await him in the gazebo. Only you shall be there, not me. I shall hide until I see him walk towards the garden. Then I will find my aunt and persuade her to accompany me to the garden, saying William is there and I fear he is ill.”

  “But if you and his aunt are the only witnesses... ”

  “Oh, there will be others. Before the ball begins, I will solicit several young women of my acquaintance to follow when my aunt and I exit the ballroom, letting them think it is a game of sorts. When we find Brother holding you in his arms—and you MUST manage to fall into his arms—he will have no choice but to marry you. Is that not clever?”

  Susan’s brow furrowed. “Your brother may rebuff me, should I try to fall into his arms. From what I hear he has avoided being caught in compromising situations many times before.”

  “You simply have to act the part of a helpless woman. I have found that his stoic facade crumbles the moment I begin to cry. Just fall into his arms crying.”

  “I shall impress everyone with my theatrics.”

  “Excellent!” Georgiana declared.

  “What is excellent?” Lady Matlock enquired as she entered the room, her expression all anticipation.

  For a moment Georgiana faltered. “I... I... ”

  Susan rose to greet the countess, answering effortlessly, “I was just describing the gown I am wearing to the ball, Lady Matlock. It is the most gorgeous shade of blue. My modiste assures me that it will bring out the colour of my eyes.”

  The
countess took both of Susan’s hands. “Oh my dear, I do not think you need anything to make your eyes more beautiful. You will look lovely regardless of what you wear.”

  “If only your nephew thinks so.”

  “My nephew needs an heir, and I am certain that, with a little prodding, he will act now that you are available again. After all, you have known each other all your lives, and since Fitzwilliam is reluctant to meet new people, he cannot object to you.”

  Without awaiting an answer, Lady Matlock turned back to Georgiana. “I have just now received a note from Madam Bouvier asking us to revisit her shop. It seems your measurements have changed substantially, especially your bosom, and she wants to be sure that her assistant did not make an error before she proceeds.”

  As Georgiana blushed, her aunt glanced at Lady Susan. “I apologise for interrupting your little tête à tête, but it could not be helped if Georgiana’s gown is to be finished in time. You are welcome to accompany us if you wish, and we shall make a day of it—visiting the millinery, the coffee shop and the confectioners.”

  “That sounds wonderful!” Lady Susan exclaimed. “I cannot think of anything I would rather do today.”

  Privately, she was not as enthusiastic. I cannot believe I have to spend the rest of the day with the two most boring people in Town. After I marry Fitzwilliam, I shall immediately find you a husband, Georgiana. Hopefully, one who lives in Ireland or, at the least, Scotland. And once I am a member of the family, I shall invent excuses for not spending time in your company either, Countess.

  Shortly thereafter, they were all ensconced in the Matlocks’ carriage, headed for Madam Bouvier’s, with neither of Darcy’s relations the wiser regarding the woman who accompanied them.