Authors: Melanie Schertz
The estate had a small cottage which was where
the sisters would live. There was a barn with a cow
and several hens, so they would have fresh milk and
eggs. The maid who was hired had a husband who
would tend the animals, chop firewood, and see to
repairs needed about the place. The disgraced
postilion would serve as footman and assist the maid
in cleaning. The cook was a widowed woman, with no
family. Her main stipulation was that each month, a
delivery of books and sewing supplies be sent. With
those items, she could endure the cruelty of the
sisters.
The staff were also informed to send word
immediately if the sisters made any attempt to escape
the estate. Mr and Mrs Holton, the maid and her
husband, laughed when they received the order.
Mr Holton had lived in the area all of his life. “No
one ever escapes this land. And I do not see the likes
of those ladies walking such a distance or attempting
to ride the cow. But if they make such an attempt, I
will see word be sent.”
With the staff hired, deliveries of supplies ordered
on a weekly basis, and the trio of criminals deposited
in their private jail, Hurst bid farewell to his wife for
the last time and left her.
“I was surprised that Louisa did not complain
during the entire trip. She hardly said two words. But
the pot was brewing, and I am willing to take bets that
there was a fight shortly after I left them.” Hurst
reported to his brother in law.
“To Town. I wish for some culture and
entertainment to cleanse my mind of those foul
sisters of yours.”
“Then you should stay with me at the townhouse.
After my betrothed and her sister have done some
shopping, and we enjoy some entertainment, we will
be making the journey to Longbourn, to prepare for
the wedding.”
Mr Bennet spoke. “Indeed, Mr Hurst, you must join
us at Longbourn as well. There is plenty of room
there, as I have sent word to my housekeeper to
prepare all the rooms.”
Lord and Lady Matlock arrived at Darcy House
before Darcy’s party could even arrive. Lady Matlock
was excited to meet Lady Elizabeth and her family.
She had already made plans to introduce Elizabeth to
the
ton
, planning dinner parties, teas, and the
engagement ball, as well as appointments with her
modiste to prepare Elizabeth’s wardrobe.
Lady Matlock entered Darcy House, calling for Mrs
Jarvis to attend her. “They should be arriving any
moment now. I am certain you have prepared rooms
for them, as you are ever so efficient, but I wish to see
the rooms. And I wish to see the Mistress’ chambers.
No one has used them since Anne’s death, and they
will require some attention. And you should alert
Cook to prepare refreshments for their arrival.”
Mrs Jarvis could not help but laugh at the normally
calm Lady Matlock. “You are a step behind me, Lady
Matlock. I have the rooms ready, and was certain you
would wish to inspect them. And the Mistress’
chambers are aired out, cleaned, and ready for
inspection. And Cook has water heating for both tea
and bath water, cold meats, cheese, fruits and some
fresh biscuits.”
Lady Matlock laughed. “I should have known. Let
us take a quick look at the Mistress’ chambers, before
their arrival.”
An hour later, Lord and Lady Matlock were
standing in the foyer of Darcy House when the Darcys,
Bennets, and Gardiners arrived. Bingley and Hurst
had traveled in Bingley’s carriage, and they went to
their townhouse to freshen up and rest.
Darcy jumped down from his carriage before it
came to a complete stop. He turned around, handing
his betrothed down, before scooping her in his arms
and carrying her up the stairs.
“They will think one of two things. Either I am a
man who is so in love with his betrothed that he acts
in such a silly manner, or they will think that I am
assisting you due to your recent injured ankle. Both
are true, so it matters not to me what others think.”
Darcy laughed.
Jarvis opened the door for his master, and was
shocked at Darcy’s behavior. Behind Jarvis, Lord and
Lady Matlock stood in silent surprise. “Fitzwilliam
Darcy, what do you think you are doing?” Lady
Matlock demanded.
“Rebecca, calm yourself. Remember, Lady
Elizabeth was recently injured. Perhaps the boy is
protecting her from further harm.” Lord Matlock said,
all the while attempting to contain a chuckle from
escaping.
“They will think whatever they think, Rebecca.
There will be plenty said about both of them, and it is
up to us to stand at their side through it. Personally, I
would prefer to hear people speak of our nephew
being in love with his fiancé than other gossip. For if
there is gossip concerning his love for Lady Elizabeth,
the fact is that it is true.”
Darcy did not set Elizabeth on her feet when he
introduced her to his aunt and uncle. It was clear that
Elizabeth was embarrassed by his behavior, yet the
love she had developed for Darcy was also clearly
written on her face.
Elizabeth had not realized it until the morning that
Darcy asked to court her, but she had developed
feelings for him. Having come to know him, she
realized how dear he was to her and that she truly
loved him. When asked when she realized she was in
love with Darcy, she would always say that she was in
the middle before she realized her feelings were even
there.
“Lord and Lady Matlock, it is a pleasure to meet
you. I have heard many wonderful things about you
from William and Georgiana, and of course, from your
son, Richard.”
“Ah, yes, Lady Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to meet
you. Richard and William have written much about
you, and I have been excited to meet you for myself.”
Lady Matlock stated as she welcomed her future
niece.
“Yes, my wife has been so excited, she could not
wait to arrive here, to see that Mrs Jarvis had
everything arranged properly. Darcy, you should give
your housekeeper a bonus, for she had anticipated my
wife’s arrival, and was prepared for everything my
wife asked for.” Lord Matlock laughed. “Lady
Elizabeth, I can see that my son and nephew have not
misled me with regards to your beauty. It is a
pleasure to meet you.”
“You have my thanks, Lord and Lady Matlock. I
am grateful for your accepting me and your kind
welcome.” Elizabeth smiled. She had been nervous
about meeting Darcy’s family members.
Lord Matlock turned his attention to his nephew.
“My dear boy, you nearly gave your aunt an attack of
apoplexy with your antics. Carrying your intended
from the carriage, I thought I would have to send for
the physician before you could reach us.”
Lady Matlock huffed as she swatted her husband’s
arm. “I was only concerned with what people would
say. I do not wish to see Lady Elizabeth’s name
scandalized before she is even introduced to anyone.”
“Have no fear, Aunt. If anyone dares to question
my behavior, you are free to tell them of Elizabeth’s
injured ankle. I will take no chances of her being
injured again and being unable to walk down the aisle
to me on our wedding day.” Darcy teased.
“Then perhaps it is best we can move somewhere
with a chair where you might deposit your fiancé,
rather than having you stand here, holding her in your
arms.” Lady Matlock stated.
Giving one of his dimpled grins which melted
Elizabeth’s heart every time she saw it, Darcy finally
agreed. “Though it is against my better judgment.”
The group made their way into the drawing room,
where Darcy placed his beloved on the settee and
took the seat beside her. He insisted on Georgiana
acting as hostess and introduce the rest of their party
to Lord and Lady Matlock, while he remained close to
Elizabeth.
Lord Matlock began to chuckle, after all the
introductions were made. “I never thought I would
see the day that Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of
Pemberley, would break so many rules of propriety.
And be happy about doing so.”
“His father would have a good laugh at William’s
behavior, I can tell you that. And Anne would have
yelled at him, but laughed later.” Lady Matlock said as
she laughed. “It is good to see him behave in such a
manner. Lady Elizabeth is good for him.”
“Why, I must agree, for I would never have
expected my shy, quiet little mouse of a niece to speak
so animatedly. You are enjoying having Lady
Elizabeth in your life.”
“I am. I cannot wait until I can call her my sister.
She makes Will smile all the time and she is very
intelligent. We have played duets together and it is
wonderful.”
“Goodness, Will, where did you leave your sister?
This young lady could not possibly be Georgiana.”
Lord Matlock declared, as he burst into laughter.
Everyone settled down to the refreshments Mrs
Jarvis had just seen delivered to the drawing room.
Lady Matlock began describing the plans she had
decided to make for the coming week. She listed
several dinners with family friends and a tea with
some of the most important ladies of society.
“Aunt Rebecca, there will be time, in the years to
come, for all of the introductions. It does not need to
be done immediately.” Darcy said.
“You are wrong, William. Your wife will be very
important, and, as such, will require the proper
introductions immediately. There are many of the
ton
who will look down on her for marrying the most
eligible bachelor in England. She deserves to be
respected, and my introductions will pave the way for
her.”
“We are of the same opinion, Aunt.” Darcy said
with a smile to his beloved. “If society does not accept
Elizabeth, then we have no need for society. Neither
of us wishes to be common fixtures at gatherings of
high society. We prefer Pemberley, the country life is
more to our liking. When we come to Town, we
would prefer to spend our time taking in the
museums, theater, and such.”
“But you must think of Georgiana’s future. How
will she be able to make a good match if you are
shunned by society? And your future children, they
will not be accepted if you turn your backs on
society.” Lady Matlock appeared horrified.
“I did not mean we would turn away from society
altogether, Aunt Rebecca. I only meant to say that
there is no need for so many introductions in one
week. We wish to attend the theater and spend time
with our family. And that includes Mr and Mrs
Gardiner.”
“Rebecca, do not use such a tone. The Gardiners
are respectable people and they are a part of Lady
Elizabeth’s family.” Lord Matlock gave his wife a stern
look. “Times are changing, my love. We must change
with them.”
Lady Matlock looked at Mr and Mrs Gardiner.
“Forgive me. It will take some time to adjust. I know
you are good people, my son has told us about you.
He was quite taken with your love and devotion to
Lady Elizabeth.”
Mrs Gardiner smiled. “No offense taken, your
ladyship. You are not the only ones having to make
adjustments. To think my dear niece is taking her
rightful place in the world is a pleasure, yet outside of
what I know of the world.”
“I should not have been so rude. From what I have
been told, you have been a mother of sorts for Lady
Elizabeth. William stated that she thinks of you as
more a mother than Mrs Bennet.”
Darcy blushed. “Well, it is the truth. And I have
watched you interacting with Elizabeth and Jane. The
love you have for each other is obvious. I may not be
the best at judging people, but I would have to be
blind to not see that.”
Mr Bennet laughed. “Helen, you have always
stated you loved the girls as if they were your own
daughters.”
Mrs Gardiner began blushing. “Yes, I do think of
Lizzy and Jane as my daughters, and I am very proud
of both of them. Well, Edward, I believe it is time for
us to make the journey to our home.”
Elizabeth made her way to her aunt and embraced
her. “It will be odd to not have you nearby. These
past weeks have spoiled me.”
“We are not far away, Lizzy. You know you are
always welcome at our home. And you will be very
busy preparing for your wedding. If you require
assistance, send word.” Mrs Gardiner whispered in
Elizabeth’s ear. “I love you, Elizabeth. Never forget
how dear you are to me.”
“Now, hand that young lady over to me, wife.” Mr
Gardiner said with a chuckle. A moment later, he had
his arms wrapped around Elizabeth, while Mrs
Gardiner said her farewells to Jane and the rest of
their party.
Mr Gardiner placed a kiss on Elizabeth’s forehead.
“Promise me you will rest as much as needed, and no
becoming lost again. My heart could not take another
rescue.”
“And I plan to have her close at hand, to keep any
such rescue from being required.” Darcy stated,
standing close behind his betrothed.
“Very good. We will see you in a few days, to dine.
Lizzy and Jane, do not forget to come to the
warehouse to choose the fabrics you wish for gowns.”
Mr Gardiner stated as he said his farewells to Darcy
and Mr Bennet.
The Gardiner children were gathered and loaded
into the carriage, and their parents took their seats
amongst them. Their carriage was soon off in the
direction of Gracechurch Street.