Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  “I do not think that reasonable. Only yesterday you were unwell, and the ball is tonight, so I think it best if you rest. Besides, Richard and I are travelling by horseback and it would not be comfortable for you to come with us.”

  “I see.”

  William instantly addressed his cousin. “Have you eaten?”

  “Yes, Bingley’s cook has been most attentive. In fact, I may have a hard time choosing whether to stay at his house or yours in the future, for the fare at both is excellent!”

  “I, for one, am glad to hear it, though I fear that Charles will not be able to keep up with your appetite, especially for expensive brandy!” William teased.

  “Thank you for the reminder of where his hospitality falls short. You will be glad to know that I have settled on your house over his, after all.”

  “Perhaps I was too hasty in disparaging Bingley’s liquor cabinet,” William said wryly. “Are you prepared to leave, then?”

  “When you are!”

  Both men turned to Elizabeth, who had been watching their banter and was growing more irritable with each joke. I cannot believe they can be so jovial when they know what awaits them in Richmond!

  Seeing her expression, William instantly became concerned. “Are you well, Elizabeth? You look as you did when you fainted. Perhaps I should cancel my plans.”

  “I am perfectly fine!” Elizabeth exclaimed almost defiantly, her hands coming to rest on her hips. “Go and do whatever it is you must. I have many things to occupy my time, so I doubt I shall even notice your absence.”

  With those words she turned and disappeared into the dining room. That left the cousins to share puzzled looks.

  “Is she ill, or angry, or both?” Richard whispered.

  “I hardly know,” William replied. Then he heaved a loud sigh, holding up his hands in frustration. “I am afraid that I do not understand women. Sometimes it is as though they have a language all their own.”

  “I suggest that you learn the language soon, my friend, or you shall be more miserable than when you were a bachelor.”

  “Please do not remind me.”

  ELIZABETH’S SITTING room

  Several hours later

  With William gone, Elizabeth curled up in the window seat of her sitting room, pleased for the opportunity to record her deepest thoughts in her diary. Since leaving Longbourn, she had kept her treasure hidden in the small satchel that she carried in her lap in the coach. Now it resided in the farthest corner of her cavernous closet underneath her empty luggage. Having written her thoughts until she was satisfied, Elizabeth was not upset when a knock came at the door. Hiding the book under a pillow, she called, “Come.”

  Mrs. Barnes entered, dropped a small curtsey and was followed by another woman who did the same. The unfamiliar lady was of average height and weight, about five and forty, with brown hair and eyes. Elizabeth was instantly reminded of her sister Jane, for her eyes were just as kind.

  “Mrs. Darcy, this is Mrs. O’Reilly. She is to be your lady’s maid.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Mrs. O’Reilly.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Darcy,” the maid said, her gaze meeting Elizabeth’s.

  “Has Mrs. Barnes gotten you settled in, then?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I am well situated, thank you. As I told Mrs. Barnes, I am prepared to help you straightaway with anything you may need. I understand that you are to attend a ball tonight and I shall be glad to assist. In fact, if I might see what you plan to wear, I can decide how to style your hair.”

  Mrs. Barnes broke in, “I shall leave you to your work, Mrs. O’Reilly, and if I may be of service please do not hesitate to ring, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “Thank you, I will,” Elizabeth answered. Waiting until the housekeeper left the room, she then addressed her new maid. “I have something dreadful to confess. I am afraid that I am not used to having a lady’s maid, at least not one to myself. I have four sisters and we shared one maid.”

  Mrs. O’Reilly smiled. “Then we shall each get used to the other.”

  “If you will follow me, I will show you my closet. I fear you will find it quite bare, as I brought few things with me. In fact, I shall wear my wedding gown to the ball tonight, for it is the nicest thing I own. Nevertheless, rest assured that I shall have a full closet before long. My husband has just ordered enough gowns to dress half the ladies in London.”

  The maid chuckled. “He must love you very much.”

  Elizabeth’s lips formed a tight line, which she turned into a smile. She did not reply, however, instead she led the way to her bedroom closet. It did not take long for O’Reilly to go through her few gowns, making remarks about what she could do to update each one. When she was through, she laid the wedding dress on the bed and studied it.

  “This is a very beautiful gown. It is not gaudy, as is the fashion with the ton at present.” The maid now eyed Elizabeth’s hair. “And I know the perfect hair pins to go with it. They have faux pearls attached, fine enough that they appear authentic, and they will highlight your lovely dark hair. They were a present from my last employer, though Lord knows I have no occasion to wear them.”

  Elizabeth blushed. “I am sure I will be pleased with whatever you decide.”

  “If I may be so bold, whoever braided your hair did an excellent job. Seldom have I seen so intricate a pattern, though I have been schooled in braiding myself.”

  “My husband will be pleased to hear it, for he was the culprit,” Elizabeth said. “As you are aware, I have been without a lady’s maid since arriving in London. I had washed my hair and it was so unruly that he offered his help.”

  “Now I understand. In any case, I would say that Mr. Darcy is very talented.”

  Elizabeth and O’Reilly were still talking when Mrs. Barnes returned to announce that Miss Georgiana Darcy was downstairs in the drawing room. Elizabeth froze, unable to speak for an embarrassingly long time.

  Then, with more equanimity than she felt, she said, “Please inform my sister that I shall be down shortly.” As the housekeeper turned to leave, she added, “And have refreshments sent to the drawing room.”

  As Mrs. Barnes rushed to do as she asked, Mrs. O’Reilly said, “Begging your pardon, Mrs. Darcy, but are you well? You look as though you have seen a ghost.”

  “I... I am perfectly well,” Elizabeth responded, assuming a smile she did not feel. “You may return to your room for now. I shall not need your services until another hour or so. That should give me plenty of time to dress and have you style my hair before the ball.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  O’Reilly was out the door in a flash, leaving Elizabeth to ponder why in the world Mr. Darcy’s sister had come today. After all, his aunt had said that they would meet before the ball at Matlock House.

  I suppose there is nothing left to do but find out.

  THE DRAWING ROOM

  Elizabeth paused at one of the large mirrors hanging in the hallway on her way to the drawing room. Frowning at her likeness, she smoothed the skirts of her blue muslin gown in a bid to erase the wrinkles produced by sitting with her feet drawn under her in the window seat. That did not help. Then she smoothed her hair, trying to tame the few curls that had escaped from the braids. A deep breath, followed by the puffing of her cheeks and a noisy sigh heralded her defeat.

  This will have to do!

  Shrugging, she continued on her way. Once at the door, she spied a tall, blond woman standing at the windows, her back to the door. For a brief second, she studied William’s sister silently. Georgiana must have felt her presence, for she turned, and Elizabeth was obliged to greet her. She walked towards his sister with more serenity than she felt, hand outstretched.

  “I am Elizabeth Darcy. I am most pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy.”

  As Georgiana met her halfway across the room, it was evident that she was not as old as she appeared from behind. Elizabeth thought her very pretty, though she certainly did not favour her brother with her dark
blond hair and green eyes. Even her complexion was paler, as demonstrated by the freckles across her nose and cheeks.

  “Finally, we meet,” Georgiana replied a bit sarcastically, though she took the proffered hand. She looked Elizabeth over from head to toe before releasing it. “Please call me Georgiana. I apologise for coming here today, especially since Mr. Barnes informed me that my brother is out. However, I realised that the jewels I wished to wear to the ball tonight are here... in the safe in my room.”

  “There is no reason to apologise. This is your home. You could have retrieved them without informing me.”

  She curled her lip with a defiant scorn. “Now that Brother is married, you are the mistress of this house. I would not dare come and go as I please.”

  “I assure you that—”

  “Georgiana!”

  The sound of William’s deep baritone startled Elizabeth, and she turned to watch him walk into the room. His tone of voice was cautious, rather than welcoming, and a look of trepidation marred his features. He crossed the room to stand next to Elizabeth, slipping his arm protectively around her waist. The gesture brought her a new and unexpected feeling—gratitude.

  Elizabeth began to explain. “Georgiana was just—”

  “I apologised to your wife for coming here today,” her new sister interrupted. “I would never have come, had I known you were out. I only wish to retrieve my jewellery case from the safe in my bedroom, as I plan to wear the necklace Mother gave me at the ball tonight. In the future, I shall leave the case in my room at Matlock House where it will not be in the way.”

  Elizabeth glanced up at her husband, noting how he struggled to appear unaffected. Unmistakeable, though, was the fact that he was not happy with his sister’s attitude.

  “Your room is ready whenever you wish to reside in it and you are welcome to leave your jewellery here if you like. It is certainly no bother.”

  Georgiana tilted her head and raised her shoulders simultaneously, as though dismissing his statement. “In any event, I am pleased to finally meet your wife.”

  She faced Elizabeth. “I fear that Brother failed to inform any of his family that he was courting you, much less that you were to marry. Since we are strangers, would you consider telling me something about yourself?”

  “Now is not the—” William said, only to be cut short by Elizabeth’s protestation.

  “It is normal, I think, for her to be curious.” She felt William’s arm tighten as she began to explain. “I am the former Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, located just outside Meryton, a small village in Hertfordshire. My father is Thomas Bennet and his family has owned the estate for well over eight hundred years.”

  “Bennet? I do not believe I have ever heard the name. Is the estate very large?”

  “Not very—only some eight hundred acres.”

  “I see. And are you an only child, Miss Bennet?”

  William started to correct Georgiana, but Elizabeth swiftly answered.

  “I have four sisters. Jane is the oldest, I am second, Mary is in the middle, and the two youngest are Catherine and Lydia, who is but fifteen.” She tried to lighten the atmosphere. “We are all only a year or so apart, so we are devoted to one another.”

  “No brothers?”

  Aware of the implications, Elizabeth simply shook her head.

  “To be honest, you look barely older than I am.”

  “I am one and twenty.”

  Now the arm around her waist felt like a vice, and Elizabeth shifted to make William loosen his grip. After the next question, however, he gave an audible sigh, as though he had had enough of his sister’s enquiry.

  “And your mother? Would I be familiar with her family?”

  “I do not imagine you would. My mother is also from Hertfordshire, the former Frances Gardiner. Her father was the local solicitor before his death, her sister is married to his former clerk, who is now a solicitor, and her brother owns a warehouse.”

  “A warehouse? In Hertfordshire?”

  “No, in London.” Elizabeth answered. “Near Cheapside.”

  Georgiana’s nose crinkled. “Cheapside? I am afraid to shop in that area.”

  At that point William put an end to the inquisition. “Elizabeth, if we are to be on time for the ball, we must begin preparations now. If you will please excuse us, Georgiana.”

  Georgiana looked triumphant. “Of course, you are correct. Neither of us would want to be late to our dear friend’s ball.” She looked directly at Elizabeth again. “Brother has told you about Lady Susan, has he not? My aunt is honouring her with the ball.”

  Elizabeth’s brows knit. “Lady Susan? No. I cannot say I have ever heard the name.”

  “She is Brother’s lifelong friend... I should say of our entire family. Since her family’s estate is situated next to Pemberley, she practically grew up with us. She recently returned to Derbyshire after being widowed, and we have since grown as close as ever. In fact, she is helping me prepare for my presentation next year. A lovelier person you will never meet.”

  “I am sure I will find her delightful.”

  William took his sister’s arm, directing her towards the door. “This will have to wait until later. If you would, please inform our aunt that we shall not come early, since you and Elizabeth have already met.”

  Georgiana seemed amused. “I shall be glad to.” She looked over her shoulder at Elizabeth. “As I said before, I am pleased to finally meet you.”

  Elizabeth forced a smile. “The pleasure is mine.”

  As William continued to walk her to the door, Georgiana shook off his grip. “I am perfectly able to see myself out.”

  Then she swept out of the room, her sateen skirts rustling as they swept the floors. William stood in the doorway and listened as the butler addressed her in the foyer, followed by the opening and closing of the front door. His entire demeanour relaxed as he came back into the room.

  “Forgive me! I should never have left you here alone. I gave no thought to my sister coming here while I was out.”

  “Coming to her own home?” Elizabeth chided. “She has more right to be here than I do.”

  “No, she does not. You are my wife—the mistress of my homes, Elizabeth. Georgiana has refused my advice and my company of late. That is why she is residing at Matlock House. It follows that she might not treat you with respect, either.”

  “Was I the cause of the breach in your relationship?”

  “You? Heavens, no! It started years before I met you.” Then his expression softened as he tried to lighten the mood. “I do not have the time or inclination to discuss my difficulties with my sister now. We really must begin preparations if we are to attend the ball. I am assuming you still wish to go.”

  “I do.”

  “Then, come! I shall escort you to your dressing room. I understand that your new lady’s maid is to arrive today, but in the event she has not, I am prepared to help with your hair.”

  “She arrived just before Georgiana.”

  “I am sure you are pleased, if only because you will not have to suffer my help any longer.”

  “I cannot disparage your help. You did very well.”

  They were ascending the stairway when Elizabeth remembered where he had been and her spirits fell. “Did... did you complete your business today?”

  “Yes, I did. All is well in Richmond.”

  Would that all was well in my heart .

  ELIZABETH’S DRESSING room

  Dressed and ready to leave, William paced the hall outside of his wife’s rooms. Pulling his pocket watch from its place inside his coat for what seemed the hundredth time, he flipped it open and read the dial. Quickly closing it, he knocked on the door.

  “Come,” Elizabeth called.

  Entering the room, he found her sitting in the chair in front of her dressing table as Mrs. O’Reilly placed the last few pins in her hair. When finished, she nodded, dropped a curtsey and practically ran from the room.

  Elizabeth
was amused. “I think you frightened Mrs. O’Reilly.”

  “Who?”

  “My new maid.”

  “Oh.” William looked at the door through which she had disappeared. “I fear I took no notice of her.”

  As he looked quite dashing in his black coat, breeches, gold waistcoat and stark white shirt, Elizabeth could not suppress her admiration. Nonetheless, as her gaze moved from his boots to his face, she noticed that he wore a strange expression.

  At once, her smile disappeared and a worrying hand flew to one cheek. “Have you spied a smudge on my complexion?”

  “I apologise if I was gaping. It is just... you look so very beautiful.”

  Elizabeth flushed, uncomfortable with his compliment. She suffered no illusions about her looks, for her mother had often lamented her lack of beauty. Besides, Mr. Darcy had never professed to admire anything about her, save her humility.

  “You owe me no compliments, sir. I am well acquainted with my defects.”

  “I can assure you that I have found none.” At that moment, William seemed to remember something and began to fumble in a pocket of his coat. “I meant to give you this on our wedding day, but—” He tilted his head in a shrug. “I hope you like it.”

  He held out a long black velvet case. Elizabeth hesitated only a moment before taking his present and setting it on the dresser in front of her. Lifting the top, a small gasp escaped her involuntarily. It was a pearl necklace, each barely pink pearl perfectly matched to the next. As she looked up through her lashes, she could see William watching her in the mirror, a hesitant look on his face.

  “It is beautiful,” she whispered.

  Reaching over, William picked up each end of the necklace and fastened it around her neck. Elizabeth’s hand instinctively came up to glide over the silky beads.

  “I have never seen anything quite so lovely. I... I did not expect you to give me a wedding gift. I have nothing for you.”

  “You are my gift, Elizabeth. Besides, I enjoy giving gifts, and now that I have a wife, well, you will just have to indulge me.”