by Wells, Linda
“Ah well, marriage can do that to you.” He chuckled. “It is one of my indulgences.” He waved his hand at the shelves weighted with books. “This is my other.”
“It is impressive. My father is fond of his library as well. This is a familiar atmosphere.”
“Your father is an Earl, I understand?”
“Yes, the Earl of Moreland, in Nottingham. He encouraged me to study the law and I see much of him in London when I am in court.
“A barrister.”
“Yes.”
“So do you spend your time hanging about the court looking indispensible and hoping to impress potential clients by your supposed industry?” Mr. Bennet’s lips twitched, “Or do you follow the circuit judges around the countryside?”
Stewart held back the retort he wished to throw at Mr. Bennet for his insult, and found it difficult to believe that this man would consider laughing at the position of a potential suitor. “Sir, I wonder, are you familiar with the steps involved in becoming a King’s Counsel? Like any goal, it is a long process to earn my place. All men of law must endure their time at the bottom, and work their way up.”
“So you have been called to the bar already?”
“I have.” He said stiffly.
“Well done.” Mr. Bennet saw the ire in the man’s eyes, and did not push further. “I must thank you for not listening to my wife’s invitation to take all of our birds from our coveys.”
Stewart relaxed a little. “I assumed that she was simply being very hospitable.”
“No, after nearly twenty years of marriage, she still has not grasped that to take all of the birds in this season’s shooting will leave no birds for the table in the next.” He smiled and laughed at Stewart’s astonishment. “My wife was not raised on an estate. Her meals came from the butcher or the chickens her mother raised. I doubt that her father ever set foot in a field to hunt. Of course, he was merely a solicitor and had not the leisure time to wander the countryside.”
“I see.” Stewart stared down into his glass uncomfortably. With each new visit to Mr. Bennet, it became increasingly difficult to ignore the qualities that were wanting in this family. He thought of his father and tried to convince himself that the bright jewel that was Elizabeth would overcome all of the Earl’s objections to her family. It would be a difficult. He focussed on his hopes instead. “Miss Elizabeth seems to be very well-read. She must have made good use of this room.”
“She has. I have spent many hours with her, debating books and challenging her thoughts. It has been a joy to see her grow in understanding and confidence. She is worthy opponent.” He smiled fondly out the window where Elizabeth and Mary could be seen gathering the last of the lavender before the hard frost arrived.
“I have been on the receiving end of her opinions, sir. She delivers her views very charmingly.” He looked out to her. “She is unique.”
“That she is. I will be sorry to see her leave me.”
“My father felt the same of my sisters. He delayed their presentation as long as possible.” He smiled at the memory.
Mr. Bennet snorted. “My wife pushed them out at the first possible opportunity.” Stewart’s brow rose. “The entail has her concerned.”
“Well, of course, but surely her settlement will care for her?”
“Of course.” Mr. Bennet looked away and Stewart understood what was not being said. The girls were being pushed to marry, and the lucky son-in-law would inherit the other girls and their mother to support as well. It was a very expensive prospect for a second son.
“Sir, I think that I have trespassed on your time long enough for today, and will greet Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary then return to Netherfield.” He stood up and Mr. Bennet did as well. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You are always welcome. It is pleasant to have a male to speak with for a change.” Mr. Bennet bowed and Stewart escaped the bookroom. In another part of the house he could hear the shrill notes of Mrs. Bennet’s voice as she berated Kitty for some offence. He slipped outside unseen and stood for a moment in the sunshine, watching the two girls at work. It was a pretty sight.
“Good afternoon ladies, I am pleased to have not missed you today.” Stewart said as he approached.
The girls curtseyed and Elizabeth smiled. “I am pleased to have not missed you as well, sir. I was just considering a stroll in the garden.”
“May I join you?” He bowed and looked to Mary. “Both of you?”
“Oh, I would rather read, you go ahead, Lizzy.” Mary smiled a little and Elizabeth nodded her thanks. Stewart offered his arm and they began to stroll the paths, well in sight of the house.
“I hope that you enjoyed your talk with Papa.” She looked up at him and bit her lip.
Stewart smiled. “It was informative and challenging all at once. Although after three visits, I think that I am becoming familiar with his style.”
“You are too kind. I know how difficult he can be.” Elizabeth said quietly. “I appreciate your patience.”
“Well, I suppose that patience comes when one spends their time waiting.” He laughed. “Actually my father can be rather irascible as well. He was definitely born for politics.”
“Does he win his point often?”
“He does more often than not. He knows the value of exploiting his connections.” He smiled and saw a frown form. “Miss Elizabeth?”
“It is nothing.” She smiled back up at him and he studied her soft gaze.
“I was just telling your father how much I have come to admire your education.” She shook her head and he laughed. “Come now, you can easily best me in so many topics.”
“There is no need to build up my good opinion of myself sir; however, your statement does help to build my good opinion of you.” They both laughed and Stewart squeezed her hand. “I understand that barristers often move from the courts to government service.”
“Yes or become a judge, but ultimately that is my goal, to win one of those lucrative and well-funded positions. My father will intervene if needed, but I am attempting to earn my way there on my own.”
“I respect that, but cannot look down my nose at your father’s help if necessary. Are there many young men hoping to achieve the same?”
“Certainly.”
A thought struck her. “When you began, did anyone outside of your family ever come to your aid, give you a helping hand?”
“No, I never needed any help; my name was useful, which in all honesty was good because there are few who are generous enough to offer any assistance.” He smiled. “You are very much out for yourself.”
“I see.”
“Is that wrong?”
“No, it only makes he who does offer help to those who do not have the useful family name that much more valuable.” She said thoughtfully then noticing his gaze, laughed. “Forgive me, did I offend you?”
“Not at all, Miss Elizabeth, if anything I admire you more.”
“Mr. Stewart, you make me blush with such kind words.” Their eyes met and she looked down. “You are fortunate to have such a caring father.”
“He is a very great man, and very proud of our family. My brother is well-versed on the legacy he must continue.”
“As are you, no doubt.”
“Yes.” He said softly as their eyes met, and Elizabeth looked away.
Chapter 6
Four weeks after the Meryton Assembly, Stewart determinedly paid his first official call on Elizabeth. On his previous calls with Mr. Bennet, he had unwittingly witnessed the household’s functions as he entered and left, and had become increasingly discouraged. However, his pleasant strolls around the garden with Elizabeth at the conclusion of each visit gave him the impetus to return again and enjoy her company. No stroll would occur this day, the weather was poor, and a call to a daughter required a drawing room and tea with her mother and all four sisters. As the lone man in the room, he should have enjoyed the attention, instead, he felt increasingly trapped. “Show Mr.
Stewart the cushion you embroidered, Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet ordered. She turned to her guest to smile and simper. “It really is not the best quality, but she does well enough with the mending.”
“I am certain that she does.” Stewart murmured and looked up to see Elizabeth’s mortified expression. “My sisters were not particularly fond of their needlework, as I recall. They excelled in other areas.”
“No doubt that they did! Why they must have had the best of everything! Our girls have made do with the education that I have provided, but some lessons they simply refused to learn. Now, Lizzy for example, she was always asking to be sent to school, but I said what can a school teach that your own mother cannot? Do I not know how to run a household? Well, my girls are well-acquainted with the important areas of study, sir. Do not doubt that! Lydia, show Mr. Stewart the bonnet you redecorated this morning!”
Lydia jumped up and ran from the room and moments later a bonnet was thrust in his hands and he found a little girl of twelve hanging over him and whispering in his ear. “Is it not pretty?” He looked at her with his mouth agape and saw her batting eyelashes.
“It is …very nice, Miss Lydia.” He pushed it back in her hands and Mary spoke up.
“What do you feel is the proper age for a girl to marry, and what sort of attentions should a suitor bestow upon her to make his interest known while preserving her modesty?”
He stared and stammered. “I believe that the young lady should be out and he should follow the rules of propriety …” Lydia chose that moment to start an argument with Kitty, fighting over the bonnet with a tug of war. Mrs. Bennet ignored the two and smiled invitingly to Stewart.
“More tea?”
Mr. Bennet appeared in the doorway, and bellowed. “What is all of this noise? A man cannot think!” Stewart looked at him, hoping he would take control of his household and was dismayed to see him turn and leave, then heard his bookroom door slam shut. He turned to find Jane staring at her needlework, working industriously and attempting to blend into the furniture, then looked to Elizabeth who met his eye. He saw the pain in her expression and wished to relieve it, but before he could, Mrs. Bennet leaned in again. “I understand that a man in your position brings home a good income?”
“I am comfortable, madam.” He bristled. “I am a barrister, not in trade.”
“I did not mean to imply that, sir! Not at all! No, I know that your wife may be presented at court!”
“Mr. Stewart, the day is fine; perhaps you would enjoy a stroll in the garden?” Elizabeth finally spoke. Stewart glanced out of the window at the grey day and nodded. “I would enjoy that Miss Elizabeth.”
She stood and went to the hallway for her coat and bonnet, Jane appointed herself as chaperone, and Stewart followed after enduring a litany of compliments. Elizabeth looked at Jane and bit her lip. They stepped outside and Jane remained on the porch while Mr. Stewart offered his arm and tried to keep his hat in place in the strong breeze.
“Yes, the weather is fine today, Miss Elizabeth.” He laughed a little and looked down to her.
Elizabeth stared at her feet. “Sir, I would like to apologize for my family’s behaviour; it was …”
“No, stop there.” He paused and looked down at her. “Miss Elizabeth, I have enjoyed meeting you and your sister, Jane. You are both very lovely and …”
“Sir, please.” She looked up. “I have been made aware once before of my unsuitability to aspire to a higher social circle. I felt at the time that I could write it off as the behaviour of an arrogant man who did not know me, but I cannot use that excuse for you, since we have enjoyed each other’s company.”
“It is not you, Miss Elizabeth.”
“It is my family.”
“I am afraid so. I wish it could be otherwise, but I am a second son and I must have a very good reason for choosing without consideration of fortune, and unfortunately my family …”
“Would not support accepting a dowerless girl who has nothing to offer but herself, at least one with a family such as mine.” She said dully.
“I am very sorry for having raised your expectations, Miss Elizabeth.” He said sincerely.
She shook her head, then raised her chin. “No sir, I never had any.” Letting go of his arm she stepped back, and held in the tears. “I thank you for your honesty, sir.”
“Miss Elizabeth …”
“Please go.” She whispered.
Stewart squeezed her hand then walked over to where his horse was tethered and mounted. He took a long look at her lonely figure and with great regret for what might have been, rode off. Jane stepped off of the porch and hugged Elizabeth while she sobbed. “He did not love you Lizzy, or he would have stayed.”
“He would not be allowed to love me, Jane, even if he did.”
“Mama scared him away.”
“It was all of them, Jane. I once thought highly of myself. Papa told me how intelligent I was. You have been told how beautiful you are.” She lifted her face from where it rested on Jane’s shoulder. “But now it has been made abundantly clear that no man of quality will want us because wit and beauty are not enough to overcome small fortunes and poor relations.”
“Lizzy, do not give up yet, surely there are men for us.”
“If there are we will have to meet them in London.” Elizabeth hugged her tightly. “When you go again, remember, that will be where our future lies. We must introduce any suitors to those relations before they meet the Bennets.”
“Would that be dishonest, Lizzy?” Jane murmured.
“No Jane, that would be prudent.” She sniffed, and patted Jane’s face. “Do not feel sad Jane. I did not love him either, but I did enjoy being liked.” They slowly made their way back into the house to face the disappointment of their mother.
THE HUNTING PARTY RETURNED to Pemberley full of conversation over their victorious ride against the fox. The dogs were braying loudly, and the temperamental hunters danced as their riders attempted to control their mounts. Darcy felt surprisingly good, the hard ride, and the freedom he experienced after each jump was exhilarating and eased some of the burden that he carried. Lord Matlock came up beside him and grinned. “That was excellent, Darcy. I enjoy the hunt at Pemberley far more than at Matlock.”
Darcy chuckled. “And why is that Uncle? Your park is just as beautiful as mine.”
“Ah, I should not say this as my ancestors will likely come to attack me in my dreams tonight, but that is not true. I have been envious of this estate since I first laid eyes on it, when I visited the Christmas that your mother was engaged to your father.”
“That was some time ago.” Darcy smiled. “Five and twenty years?”
“About that, you were definitely a honeymoon baby.” He laughed to see Darcy’s flush. “Speaking of which, it is time to get you out and looking at the ladies.”
“Yes, I know. Aunt Helen made that abundantly clear last night.”
“She will do so again tonight, be warned.” He raised his brows and Darcy closed his eyes. “Come on, Son. You do not have to marry this year, but you must admit that having a woman about the house would do you and Georgiana some good.”
“I am doing my best with her.” He said stiffly.
“I am not criticizing.”
“I know.” He shook his head. “I am performing my duty.”
“Hmm. Well, be that as it may, you are not a monk, and should not live as one. I want you to enjoy the Season, and be open to the advances of the ladies. Their mamas will be pushing, their papas will be encouraging, the girls will be charming …so you simply have to decide to play the game.”
“I find it all rather distasteful.”
“It is a market to be sure.” Lord Matlock rubbed at his chin thoughtfully with his gloved hand. “Just do not allow some social climber to catch you before you have had a good look at all that is on offer.”
“So I should not fall in love on the first day? I assure you, that will not be a problem.” He looked down and watched th
e horse’s breath freeze in the winter air.
“Layton tells me that someone got under your skin this summer.”
“I do not wish to speak of it, Uncle.”
“Very well.” He looked at him carefully. “Do you remember what your father told you of marriage?”
“Sir, please, I do not wish to speak of it. I know my duty.” Darcy’s face was unreadable and he stared fiercely ahead. Lord Matlock dropped the subject and the two men rode into the Pemberley stables. The rest of the guests dismounted and followed them to the house for refreshments before leaving for their homes. Darcy saw them off, made sure that his houseguests were comfortable and after changing clothes went into his study, and closed the door.
21 December 1808
I hosted my first hunt today, and it was a great success, I think. At least everyone said so. I asked over my neighbours, the Henleys, and of course the family was here. Uncle Henry asked his friend the Earl of Moreland to come along. It was so good to see him and my old classmate Daniel Stewart. It was a small hunt, but as it was my first attempt, I was happy to keep it that way. Perhaps we will try again in January. I hoped that Richard might have returned by now, a hunt with a cavalryman is exceptional to behold and since it is considered army training for him, he does not rein in his mount. I pray that he is safe.
I had a curious conversation with Stewart. He seemed heartbroken. I suppose that I recognized the face he presented to me, although I really have no right to even claim such an emotion since I never had the opportunity to give my heart away. He said he had spent several months in Hertfordshire, and had come under the spell of a beautiful girl. The way he described her was so familiar, which made it painful to hear. I asked what had happened and he said she had no fortune and questionable family, but that the girl herself would have been a joy to court. I asked her name and he would only say Miss Elizabeth, and that he regretted leaving her behind. I asked if he had indeed loved her, and he said not then, but now that he had abandoned her, he was full of regret. I understand the feeling. I know a Miss Elizabeth in Hertfordshire as well. If it is the same, I will selfishly say that I am glad she remains at home. Wherever that is.