Her answer was found in the study. When she recollected the old family ledgers that Fitzwilliam had mentioned she immediately searched for them and found five identically bound volumes together in a bookcase behind his desk. They had clearly been transcribed by one hand in a very elegant style of calligraphy from their various original sources.
“Many of the original pages are fading and falling apart. My great-grandfather had them transcribed by a Jesuit priest into the volumes that you see now, so that the originals did not need to be handled any longer.”
Elizabeth looked up and saw Fitzwilliam smiling at her in the doorway. “This is fascinating. I’m reading about a neighboring farm that was purchased by the Darcys and annexed into Pemberley in 1574. Are all the authors your ancestors?”
“Yes, there are roughly five-and-twenty men and five women who have contributed to this historical collection. I haven’t contributed much yet, but I did write about converting the thatched roofs to slate.”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam, I thank you. I am so honoured.” Elizabeth went to him and they embraced for some time. “I know that you have contributed so much to the success of the estate. And this recorded history will show it.”
“Thank you. That means everything to me, my dear. Why were you looking for the old ledgers? Is it because we are going to have a child?”
“Yes. I’m worried that I don’t know anything about raising a baby, much less one that will someday run such an immense estate. How did you know that the nursemaid must be local?”
“It’s mentioned in the ledgers. I can show you.”
“And are there other hints to help us?”
“Yes, our child will be up on a pony as soon as he or she can walk!”
They laughed together and spent the afternoon scanning the various volumes. Fitzwilliam had of course already read the entire history on a number of occasions, but several entries were found that addressed the training of the future heir. They discussed various ideas and Elizabeth already felt a sense of relief that she would receive some guidance. She asked him if she could read his contribution and he assented. She eagerly opened the fifth volume and found the final entry from the late Mr. George Darcy. He had known he was dying and wrote about his precious time remaining with his two beloved children, whom he considered to be his greatest legacy. Fitzwilliam’s first entry was exactly what she would expect from a young recently bereaved son speaking of his beloved father. He later wrote of an estate he had purchased, the war on the continent, continuing his father’s work on the canals, and his concerns about the value of the bank notes issued by the Bank of England. He recorded their wedding date and wrote some very pretty things about his new wife. And he mentioned the decision, at the suggestion of his wife, to replace the thatched roofs with slate.
“I did not realize you were one of the youngest heirs to ever inherit the estate.”
“Yes, three-and-twenty is full young for such responsibility.”
“Do you mind if I start from the beginning and read all five volumes whilst we await my confinement?”
“I would be honoured, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth’s increasing had proceeded in the customary fashion. There was only a little nausea. Elizabeth remained active almost until her confinement, although Fitzwilliam had a footman follow her at all times and had requested that she not jump whilst riding Artemis. She protested to her husband about the footman to no avail. Mary and Elizabeth visited one another frequently to share their experiences. Fitzwilliam fought to keep his emotions in check, but his solicitude for his wife was nearly overpowering. She was his life. Even without having an ancient pedigree, Fitzwilliam believed Elizabeth to be the lifeblood of his family and the estate. She had revived him and brought so much joy to his life and to Georgiana’s as well. They could not do without her. Fitzwilliam had hired the most experienced midwife in the county, Mrs. Herbert. He had insisted on having Mr. Young see Elizabeth monthly. And he had explained to both that his first concern was for his wife. Thankfully, Mrs. Herbert, who was an affable and sensible woman, explained to BOTH Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam what to expect and the importance of cleanliness in the birthing room. Her advice was followed readily. Having met many different types of husbands in her vocation over the years, it was not difficult to determine this prospective father’s state of mind! He was clearly overwrought and searching in vain for some action on his part that would promise his wife’s safety. Perhaps not of any medical significance, but in accordance with the desires of both patients, Mrs. Bennet had been kept out of Derbyshire. With two sisters approaching their lying in, Jane eagerly made her way to Pemberley to offer her support. Mary was brought to Pemberley which afforded a convenience to all that could not be overlooked. Mr. Young and the apothecary had both been summoned. Mary delivered first whilst attended by Jane and with the assistance of Mrs. Herbert, who was also already at Pemberley awaiting Elizabeth to need her. Mr. Thomas Louis Atkins’ arrival was joyfully announced in the local paper and in many letters written to their families. Once Elizabeth’s labors had commenced a week later, Fitzwilliam thought he would wear his boots through with the amount of pacing he had done. He had never felt so helpless in his life. Her delivery had been predictable and without complication and was beyond question the most demanding undertaking of her life. Jane never left her sister’s side. When Elizabeth finally had entered the much longed-for realm of motherhood, it was to the palpable relief of all, for the entire household had been on edge from their master for months. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire announced to the world their great joy at the arrival of their daughter, Miss Catherine Anne Darcy, on January 31, 1815.
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth having discussed the prospective names of either a boy or girl at length sought to honour the late Mrs. Darcy, Lady Anne. They also thought the name Catherine rather clever for it gave traditional acknowledgment to one of Elizabeth’s sisters whilst at the same time recognizing their connection with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. That relationship had been strained throughout their engagement and marriage. The Darcys hoped having a namesake would soften her views of their union. Elizabeth also hoped that if little Catherine was the heir to Pemberley, having her aunt’s name would suggest not only an inherited name, but perhaps an inherited competency, as well.
Jane joyfully met her nephew and niece and delighted in holding each baby. She remained at Pemberley to attend to her sisters and their newborns another week before returning to Barrington.
Chapter 21
Charles, Jane, and Caroline Bingley sat down for supper. It was another awkward evening. There had been arguing again today. Caroline was usurping Jane’s authority with the servants, but the final indignity was when she had mentioned that since the estate did not yet have an heir, she was therefore equal in status with the mistress of Barrington. Supper was quiet with Jane saying little, but managing to eat for the first time in several days.
Later that night, Charles and Jane had gone to bed.
“Charles, I must speak with you, my dear.”
“Is it about Caroline, my angel? I must apologize. She is simply dreadful.”
“Her behavior is not what it ought to be, my dear. But she is moving out, and soon.”
“Jane! What has happened? Was today worse than what I saw? Tell me everything.”
“You saw everything that I saw today. However, you have not endured all that I have. Two precious babies lost, Charles. I cannot bear it again. The nausea, dizziness, and forced bedrest, all while I am treated with complete disrespect in my own home, if not by Caroline then by my own mother or Lydia! And I cannot escape. Oh! that your sister was settled and that my mother and Lydia had more command over themselves! I am with child again Charles. And this time WILL be different.”
Jane’s innate sweetness of temper knew no end. But she was firm where she felt herself to be right.
“Oh my dear, I should have known, you have been out of sorts for several weeks now. I am so happy! Let us plan, then. W
hat are you proposing and how may I help?”
Jane looked relieved. “Thank you, Charles. We must scruple to find somewhere to send Caroline and how to circulate a story that we are from home. The Hursts won’t take Caroline. They are still angry about her last visit, and understandably so.”
“I say we publish her dowry and not allow the prospective bridegrooms to meet her until the wedding ceremony!”
Jane laughed, the first time that day. “If only that would work! I think it’s time we talk with Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam about this. I have an interesting idea to deal with Caroline, my mother, and Lydia.”
Jane wrote to her sister the next day. A reply was promptly received.
Pemberley House, March 7
Dear Charles and Jane,
We offer our heartfelt congratulations on your good news of an impending blessed event! You may be assured of our confidentiality as a means of keeping visitors away from Barrington for the next six or more months. We are impressed by your ingenious idea of closing up your house and spreading a report that you are travelling on the Continent and offer our assistance to that end. Your request pertaining to Caroline is well timed and we believe we have a proposal that will be of some interest. I now have a competency in my role as Mrs. Darcy and am fully recovered from our own blessed event, so please do not worry yourself on that score, my dear sister. Catherine is thriving and thus far seems to have YOUR temperament, dear Jane!
Caroline may stay with us for the duration of your increasing and confinement. Of course, if she were engaged by the end of this period, THAT would be considered a success! We are also willing, as you suggest, to offer her the opportunity to be settled in her own situation with her dowry. But I confess, I am equally interested in affecting a change in her disposition. Though you both may laugh at my naiveté, Fitzwilliam and I intend on treating her as we would a wayward sister of our own, a skill with which I have some experience. It may require exercising some authority over her, and perhaps a muzzle.
Charles, we appreciate the provided details on the terms of your father’s will pertaining to the settlement of Caroline’s dowry. Clearly you have been a most devoted brother to Caroline by endeavoring to grow her dowry whilst covering her living expenses all these years, whether she can accede to that opinion, we know not. Fitzwilliam has the information pertaining to the investment of her dowry at the ready, so that we may speak to her of her options to settle independently with financial oversight or to marry. Both of these options will likely eventually lure our household to London.
Let us agree to Wednesday next for Caroline’s arrival at Pemberley. Your carriage shall be returned to you directly. Write to us as you choose. I shall employ no arts or stratagems for updates on your condition, my dear Jane, write as you will.
Yours, etc.,
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam
Chapter 22
Elizabeth had long since relinquished her original dislike of Miss Bingley. After her engagement and subsequent marriage to Fitzwilliam, she scarcely thought of the woman at all, with one notable exception. The discord that Miss Bingley so assiduously cultivated in her siblings’ homes elicited continued compassion from Elizabeth. She paid no mind to any resentment that Miss Bingley might direct at her, if indeed there was any, but Miss Bingley was abusing the sense of responsibility that Charles and Louisa felt towards her, to the detriment of their households. Unbeknownst to anybody else, Louisa Hurst had keenly felt the consequences of allowing Caroline’s continued attentions towards Fitzwilliam to go unchecked. He had never shown any partiality towards her, as anybody with eyes could see. But his unstinting politeness and Caroline’s willful blindness had bolstered a hope within Caroline where there was no cause to be hopeful. The Darcy and Bingley families had been acquainted for several years and during this time Caroline’s certainty that she would eventually secure Fitzwilliam had elevated her requirements for other gentlemen to be deemed worthy of her consideration. Her object became the standard against which all other men were measured to the exclusion of other more likely or more suitable candidates. Her disappointed hopes had been proportional to her prior exertions and her time spent.
Louisa had quite surprised Elizabeth by writing to her after her marriage to offer her congratulations and continuing her correspondence with some regularity. Her letters were cordial and full of news of town, and the doings in Grosvenor Street. They shared a mutual enjoyment of art and Louisa was able to visit the many local galleries and auction houses far more frequently than Elizabeth could from Pemberley. And Louisa always had some description or other to relate about the various exhibits she toured or whom she saw. She always graciously inquired after Georgiana. And she offered her encouragement, to the extent that she felt was polite, of Elizabeth’s continued efforts to improve her playing of the pianoforte and her riding skills. Elizabeth had initially viewed these letters with some skepticism, but as time went on, her inclination to view them as a sincere effort to mend fences won out. Jane had also been the recipient of Louisa Hurst’s attentions as well and had admitted to Elizabeth that Louisa had gone so far as to apologize to her for her prior interference between herself and Charles and concede that it was plain for all to see how well matched they were. Jane’s heart was touched and her forgiveness was immediate. Her trust however, was slower to arrive. And Jane had a more complicated path to travel. She was frequently to host both of Charles’ sisters in her home. And she was not so naïve as to ignore the possibility they might together wish to cause her trouble. Though suspicion was not naturally found in her character, Jane could reconcile herself to at least being observant during these visits. As Elizabeth had also eventually received a letter of apology from Louisa, she congratulated Jane on her discernment. On this matter, Elizabeth and Jane found their opinions absolutely aligned. Though Louisa loved her sister, she did have a difficult sister. And from their shared experience, Elizabeth and Jane found agreement and sympathy for her.
The Bingleys’ carriage approached the front of Pemberley immediately following Wednesday luncheon, as was expected. With a glance between Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, they assembled in the saloon. Catherine Darcy, who was now two months old, was with her nursemaid, Mrs. Parker, a local woman with an easy laugh and an impeccable Derbyshire accent. She would not be subjected to an introduction to her Aunt Caroline just yet. And Georgiana had similarly been advised to keep to her apartment upon Caroline’s arrival for her own sake. After an appropriate interval, with some discernible scolding from Caroline of their butler and one of their footmen, she was announced and glided into the saloon in her contrived and artificial manner. They had seen her affectations many times before. After a glance of mutual understanding, the Darcys rose as one and greeted their guest.
She was overdressed as Elizabeth had anticipated, indicating her unease at the situation. It was the middle of the day after a coach ride of possibly five hours, yet Caroline was formally attired in a chartreuse silk evening gown with a shimmering translucent overlay fit for a formal dinner. She was wearing many of her jewels, too many, and a feathered headdress that was apparently small enough to fit inside the coach. Elizabeth felt some pity toward Caroline for clearly she felt she must put forth such an impressive display in current company. Elizabeth hoped, in time, Caroline could feel more comfortable in their presence.
As a matter of practicality and convenience, Elizabeth had purchased two new wardrobes upon her marriage to Mr. Darcy; one for London and one for Pemberley. The two wardrobes each served specific purposes and rarely travelled from the location where they were needed. Elizabeth’s London wardrobe was purchased entirely in London, mostly with Lady Matlock’s assistance, and would satisfy the yearnings of most women of fashion within the Peerage. The gowns were much finer and more ornate than was her natural taste; many consisting of silk, cambric, muslin, and satin. Elizabeth happily met her social obligations as Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley when in town and she dressed the part. Even wi
th her generous clothing allowance, one might be surprised to learn exactly what she bought for her time in the country. When Elizabeth was at Pemberley her simpler tastes in style and fabric were adhered to. She had retained and continued to wear all of her dresses that she had worn in Hertfordshire. She seldom wore any jewels beyond her wedding ring. Her duties as mistress of Pemberley also required that she gain fluency as a horsewoman. Therefore Elizabeth now had many riding habits for use at Pemberley which she enjoyed wearing for touring the grounds, visiting with the tenants, and socializing with their neighbors. Elizabeth felt a marked responsibility to purchase some of her Pemberley wardrobe locally. She regularly patronized the local dressmaker’s and milliner’s shops for her dresses, cloaks, pelisses, riding habits, and bonnets. And Elizabeth had found that she required sturdier boots for her extensive walking in the rugged Derbyshire landscape. This might have been challenging because she could not find what she wanted in London, but she finally appealed to the local cobbler in Lambton who was gratified to oblige her. He enjoyed boasting that Mrs. Darcy was a customer and used his half boots for her infamous long walks!
“Caroline, how wonderful to see you. We hope your journey was uneventful.”
“Yes, thank you Mrs. –er Elizabeth. I’ve just been speaking with your butler and footman about my trunks. I want to make sure they are handled PROPERLY. You can never be too careful in such matters as these. It is wonderful to see you both in such good health. You’ve been out riding I see? Have I arrived too early?” she asked with her customary cold civility.
After the proper salutations and greetings were finished the trio found themselves seated in the saloon and Elizabeth requested the tea things be brought in. The irony of the situation was seen by everybody and whilst the greetings were proper, they were hardly sincere.
“Mrs. Darcy, I have always admired Mr. Darcy’s mother’s taste in décor and am pleased that still nothing seems to be altered since your marriage. She had impeccable taste and her home fashions will be quite difficult to improve upon.”
By Charm or by Choice Page 16