by Kelly Miller
Following her daughter’s image in the looking glass, she started. Anne was arranging her own hair in a simple, but attractive style. When had she learned such a skill?
“I instructed the cook to dispense with the heavy meat-based meals I had always been forced to eat, but never enjoyed, and switched to a more varied diet. I am firm in my belief that the reason my appetite had always been so poor was that I was denied most of the fruits and vegetables I love in favour of meats and milk, which I detest. My headaches and body aches have disappeared. For the past two months, I have spent much of my time walking outdoors—an activity Dr. Finch had always warned me to avoid. As you may remember, he said the danger was too great of my catching a cold or taxing myself to the detriment of my health. I started with short walks around our grounds and extended the distance over time. In recent weeks, it has not been uncommon for me to travel as much as eight miles in one day. I have never felt so well in my life—not since I was a child.” After pinning up the remaining lock of her hair, she moved to face Lady Catherine.
She covered her mouth with her hand. She could not deny that Anne appeared much improved. Her stomach twisted as an agonizing certainty pushed its way to her recognition: here was more proof of her failure as a mother. “Anne, I—I do not know what to say. Dr. Finch’s reputation among the ton is without equal. The man’s mentor was the most trusted physician to the royal family. All of these years I relied on Dr. Finch and believed he knew what was best for you, but there is no disputing that you seem healthier than I have seen you in many years. I should have sought another opinion long ago!”
Anne’s voice was low and soft. “I believe you, Mother. Dr. Finch had been recommended by one of your oldest friends.” Her face hardened into a determined stare. “You should know that I have written to Lady Matlock, and she provided the names of several physicians I might use in the future. While I am here, I shall seek referrals from Darcy and Richard, but I will never agree to see Dr. Finch again.”
Lady Catherine murmured her agreement. Did Anne expect her to object? Her daughter’s heightened vigour and improved temperament were incontrovertible.
“Furthermore, I have no intention of leaving Pemberley; I have just arrived. I beg you to abandon your mean-spirited plan. I have no wish to live with enmity and hate. Now that I am healthy, I want to participate in activities denied to me in the past. I want to travel, go to concerts and plays. While I am here at Pemberley, I want to get to know my cousin Elizabeth and young Bennet.”
In a flash, Lady Catherine’s face suffused with heat; her lips tightened as she spat, “You would seek a friendship with the woman who stole your betrothed? I forbid it!”
With an audible exhale, Anne rolled her shoulders back. “Darcy was not my betrothed. He never proposed to me, and I do not believe he would have, even had Miss Elizabeth Bennet never come along.”
Her harsh, angry voice boomed throughout the chamber. “I do not believe this; you of all people cannot want to consort with that harlot! You must not know your own mind. Mayhap you have had too much sun, and it has affected your thinking.” Lady Catherine moved around the room, throwing her arms to and fro to emphasize the significance of her words. “Everyone seems so eager to fall in line and approve of the former Elizabeth Bennet when she never had a right to become mistress of Pemberley! The woman should have had the sense to accept the proposal of her cousin Mr. Collins. She ought not to have looked higher than that for a husband. It is a disgrace, I tell you. I shall never accept her. She should not have been so arrogant as to seek to leave the sphere in which she was raised. It seems I am the sole person to see her for what she really is, but I shall make her sorry if it is the last thing I do!”
With a jolting whack of her walking stick accompanying each step, she stormed from her daughter’s chamber, flinging the door shut behind her with sufficient force to jar the paintings on the wall. Lady Catherine entered her chamber, shooed her maid away, and collapsed into an armchair. Anne’s declared change of heart towards Darcy and his wife was disheartening in the extreme. Was all her planning to be for naught? No, she would follow through with her scheme; Anne would come to her senses in time.
***
Later that afternoon, when everyone was gathered outside to leave on the picnic, Darcy made the necessary introductions for the most recent guests. It was decided that Bennet, his nurse, Miss Hunter, Mr. Bennet, Graham, Anne, Mrs. Jenkinson, Lady Catherine, and Lady Rebecca would ride in two carriages while the others rode on horseback to the north meadow.
Those who approached to meet the mare he had purchased as Elizabeth’s birthday present expressed their admiration for the impressive steed he had picked for her. After some consideration, Elizabeth had named the mare “Jemma” after her beloved grandmother who had restored her interest in riding.
Darcy fidgeted and twisted his signet ring as Elizabeth rode Jemma for the first time. His groom Billy had ridden the sorrel mare several times since her arrival without seeing any cause for concern, but one could never be too cautious with a new horse. As might be expected, Jemma took slow, halting steps at first with the unfamiliar rider on her back but did not exhibit any alarming behaviour.
Seeming to sense his gaze, Elizabeth turned to Darcy with her eyes flashing a captivating glint. “Jemma has a lengthy stride for her size. She is alert and observant but does not seem skittish at all, only curious. Shall we canter to the big oak tree ahead and wait there for the others?”
Darcy voiced his agreement. Jemma was less apt to shy or bolt with Regal alongside her; the mare should follow his stallion’s steady lead. He told the others of their plan, and they each urged their horses to a trot and then a canter, maintaining that pace for the next quarter of a mile to the oak tree. His muscles tensed; he was ready to step in if necessary, but his dogged scrutiny of Jemma did not reveal a cause for concern.
They waited on their horses in the shade of the oak. His gaze settled on his wife, who wore a serene smile. A trickle of doubt invaded his peace. She gave every sign of being happy with Jemma. But would she be honest if she did not like the mare? “My love, while I had hoped this mare would be pleasing to you, I understood there was always the chance you might prefer a different sort of horse. If this mare is not quite right, tell me so, and we shall seek another.”
Elizabeth stroked Jemma’s neck as her eyes glimmered at him. “She is wonderful in every way; I could not help but be pleased by her.” She reached over to take his hand. “I shall love her all the more knowing you chose her for me. I want you to know this is already the best birthday I have ever had, and I owe it all to you. Thank you, my love. If I searched the entire world, I could not have found a better husband.”
Elation impeded his breath. It was all he could do to raise his lips in a smile. He fought an inner struggle to stave off the tears of relief and joy that threatened to break through. Whatever happened now, he had at least succeeded in giving Elizabeth a happy birthday. If he was not allowed to grow old with her, at least he could take comfort in that. How long did he have? Days? Hours? If his death was inevitable, perhaps it would be better if it happened soon whilst her closest family members were here to support her.
He drew his mouth into a straight line as thoughts of his aunt intruded. The turbulence of his emotions was great at the image of Elizabeth, in the wake of his death, being forced to deal with such an oppressive presence as Lady Catherine. Would his aunt attempt to cause trouble or distress for his wife after his death? His aunt could accomplish naught legally, yet it would give him relief to have Richard’s assurance that he would protect Elizabeth from her if necessary. He turned at the sound of a horse galloping towards them. It seemed his opportunity to talk to his cousin was nigh.
Richard reined in his horse, creating a small cloud of dust. He flashed a sheepish grin. “I am sorry. Sully was itching to stretch his legs a bit.”
Darcy waved the
dust away. “Richard, it occurs to me that you and I should ride ahead to the north meadow and ensure the servants know where to set up everything.”
His cousin nodded. “Of course, let us go.”
Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s hand before releasing it. “You will wait here for the others?”
“Yes, of course. I shall see you both there.”
***
After the two men took off at a gallop, Elizabeth gazed behind her as Georgiana approached well ahead of the others.
Narrowing her eyes at the sight of her husband and brother riding ahead in the distance, Georgiana queried, “They wished to have a run?”
“I suspect that Fitzwilliam wanted an excuse to talk alone with Richard. It has been a while since they have had the chance. You know how close they are—more like brothers than cousins.” A quick glance assured that Jane and Bingley’s progress was slow enough for them to have a candid conversation. Her sister’s face was compressed in a slight frown. “Georgiana, is something on your mind? I have noticed you seem a bit restrained.”
Her sister’s words flowed with a quick cadence. “Oh, Elizabeth, for most of my life I have avoided Lady Catherine. Her probing questions have always made me feel inadequate, and it is hard to bear her constant scrutiny whenever I am in her presence. I have long believed my aunt disapproves of me. Earlier, when she questioned me about our household, it felt as though I were a child of ten again. I was grateful for Richard’s interference on my behalf.”
Chewing on her lower lip, she took a moment before she spoke. “I am sure your aunt does approve of you. She seems to feel it is her purpose in life to give helpful advice to others. It is unfortunate that her mode of expression can be offensive. In contrast to Lady Catherine’s feelings towards you, she utterly deplores me. If you compare the way she speaks to me, you will see the difference. She is determined to think the worst of me. Being a stubborn person myself, I am no less determined to make her change her mind.”
Georgiana’s gaze was fixed upon her. “I do not know whether you are more brave or foolish, but I admire your ability to handle my aunt’s hostility with such grace. I confess I should not like it if she were staying at Willow Manor.”
Lifting an eyebrow, Elizabeth emitted a humourless laugh, “I never said I liked having her here, much less her friend Lady Rebecca. I am merely not yet ready to give up all hope of winning over the old harpy.”
“How is Lady Rebecca worse than Aunt Catherine?”
Drat! She should have been more circumspect. She could not upset Georgiana by telling her of her aunt’s outrageous scheme. She would think of a much less disturbing explanation for her statement; besides, Jane and Bingley’s arrival was imminent. “That is a story for another time.”
***
After they had galloped long enough for their horses to work up a sweat, Darcy and Richard slowed to a walk. His cousin’s mien hardened as Darcy informed him about Lady Catherine’s sudden appearance, her refusal to listen to reason on the subject of Elizabeth, and her object in bringing Lady Rebecca to Pemberley.
Shaking his head, Richard’s lip curled into a sneer. “How can you let them stay here under those circumstances, Darcy? I should have expected you to care more for Elizabeth’s happiness and peace of mind than to allow our aunt and her bird of paradise posing as a friend to remain at Pemberley one moment longer.”
“It is Elizabeth who convinced me to let them to stay. She does not want Lady Catherine to leave. While she is here, my wife is attempting to sway our aunt from her misguided outlook. I cannot say I am comfortable with it, but since she wants to try, I shall not deny her the opportunity.”
His cousin emitted a long, low-pitched whistle. “Elizabeth is an exceptional woman to want to attempt to coax our crusty, old aunt out of her acrimony under these circumstances. While I am here, you can count on me to add my support in any way I can.”
He gave Richard a sidelong glance before returning his gaze to the road ahead. “I am glad to hear it. A particular subject has lingered in my mind of late. Last week, I had a narrow escape from a deadly fall when I was riding. It made me consider the consequences to Elizabeth if I suddenly died. I am concerned that Lady Catherine would attempt to make trouble for her in some way. You and I know our aunt is capable of using any situation or moment of vulnerability to force her will onto others. I hardly need ask this of you, but if aught happens to me, will you promise that you and Georgiana will look out for Elizabeth and Bennet? Would the two of you consider staying here at Pemberley for a time? Your estate is smaller and could easily be left in the hands of your steward.”
Adopting a stiff posture, Richard’s eyes held him in a probing stare. “I know you, Darcy. You are not telling me the entire truth. Is it to do with your health? Have you an illness that threatens your life?”
Blast! Of course Richard would be suspicious. While brushing imaginary lint from his coat, Darcy used an unstudied tone, avoiding his cousin’s eyes. “No, I assure you. I have always enjoyed perfect health and nothing has occurred to change that. Nevertheless, I know how manipulative our aunt can be. As long as she persists in blaming Elizabeth for stealing me from Anne, I fear she will do all she can to cause her pain or unhappiness.”
Richard stretched his arm out and patted his shoulder. “You know you can rely on me, Cousin. I promise if anything happens to you, Georgiana and I shall provide Elizabeth and Bennet all the support they need.”
As he expelled a deep breath, an abundance of tension escaped from his body. His cousin’s words provided solace, enabling him to smile. “I thank you, Richard.”
***
To Elizabeth’s mind, Bennet’s buoyant chatter set the perfect mood for the picnic. The eclectic group of family, friends, and unexpected guests were gathered in an area of ground covered by a tarpaulin and blankets and furnished with pillows. Large umbrellas provided shade.
Seated between his parents, Bennet was bursting with happy energy, producing an abundance of avid smiles and grins. It was a new experience for him to partake of a meal with his parents and extended family while sitting on blankets out of doors. Pemberley’s cook had been thoughtful in her planning of a tasty meal that included some of the future master’s personal favourites, including food items convenient to eat with one’s fingers, lemonade, and fruit tarts for dessert.
Atop a large pillow adjacent to her son, her father peeled an orange for Bennet. Her papa had a familiar, wry bent evident on his countenance as he addressed her husband. “Bennet appears to have been made in your image, Darcy. Aside from his innate liveliness, which could be attributed to his age, I dare say, were it not for his almost constant smile, the boy favours you in every way.”
Elizabeth shared a smile with her father. As expected, the comment brought levity to Fitzwilliam’s visage. How could her husband not be pleased at such a flattering statement, even if her father said it with as much intent to tease as to compliment?
“I cannot claim to have ever been so lively or joyful, even at Bennet’s age, but I have more reason to smile now than ever before.” His gaze flitted from their son to her as he spoke.
Her darling husband’s tender, burning gaze paralysed her tongue for a moment. Cognisant of the others around them, she wrest her eyes from his. “Papa, Bennet’s tendency to smile may have come from me, but without a doubt, his dimples were bestowed by his father. Fitzwilliam’s dimples were once a vista so rare that I admit to being startled upon first seeing them, but I am privileged to view them with regularity now, and it is a sight I have grown to treasure.”
***
On another blanket a fair distance from the Darcys and Mr. Bennet, Anne de Bourgh sat with Mrs. Jenkinson and Mr. Graham. Her attention was often drawn towards Bennet, who was now accepting a segment of orange from his grandfather. She had met the toddler before leaving for the picnic site. He was an adorabl
e child! His charming, youthful energy was a joy to witness.
An almost equal measure of her attention was drawn by the striking, handsome blond gentleman who had inexplicably chosen a seat next to her—her of all people! He could not have opted to share company beside anyone with less to say for herself. He was bound to be disappointed with his choice. What a remarkable appetite the gentleman had! Darcy was a tall, sturdy gentleman, and he never ate half as much food at once! When the man had devoured his generous portion of food, her worst fear was realized: he spoke to her, inquiring after her interests.
Interests! She had never been allowed to acquire any. Swallowing the food in her mouth, Anne schooled her expression, hiding her discomfort at his attention. A flush of heat flooded her face and neck. How mortifying it was that she had not a word to speak in the way of pastimes or accomplishments. “For most of my life, I have suffered from poor health and have not had the opportunity to pursue many activities I might otherwise have enjoyed. It has been only in the past few months that my health has improved. I have discovered that I love to walk. I should like to take up riding again, which I have not done since I was a child. In the future I hope to travel and see my family more often.”
Mr. Graham gazed at her mother, who sat under an umbrella with Lady Rebecca. “Then you do not share your mother’s acrimony towards Elizabeth?”
Her eyes widened. She leaned back and away from the gentleman. A glance at the others around them confirmed no one was listening to their conversation other than Jenkinson, a woman from whom she kept no secrets. “You and I met less than three hours ago. Why would I answer such an improper question?”
Mr. Graham placed his hands in front of him with his palms towards Anne. “Please forgive me for my rudeness. You do not seem to harbour the same feelings as your mother does. My sole excuse is my concern for Elizabeth’s sake. I believe your mother intends to hurt her in some way. I hope that is not your own wish.”