Chapter Twenty One
Elizabeth kept her word to Matthews and said nothing to Mr. Darcy about her visit to Wilmington Hall, although she noticed from the frosty reception she received from Mrs. Reynolds later that day that Matthews must have confessed where they had been.
Elizabeth found it difficult to banish from her mind her encounter with the Wilmingtons.
Lady Wilmington was very beautiful, but beneath the hard-blue eyes, she was cold and calculating. Elizabeth had not expected her to deny that she knew Mr. Wickham, although having met Lord Wilmington she was beginning to understand why his wife might lie. Mr. Gardiner had told her that Mr. Wickham had a solicitor and she could only surmise that it was Lady Wilmington who was paying for the solicitor's services. She did not believe that Mr. Wickham had another generous benefactor.
And as for Lord Wilmington himself, she still shivered at the madness she had witnessed in his eyes. He was not a pleasant man and she hoped never to see him again. She wondered whether she should try and talk to Mr. Darcy about it once more, but she was reluctant to so. He had been so adamant that they should not interfere, she did not want to risk eliciting his anger.
The next day when she received a letter from Jane with news from London.
I have heard that Mr. Wickham's trial will start in two weeks' time. Lydia continues to worry about her clothes and says she's not sure whether her new bonnet is suitable for the occasion.
Elizabeth sighed. Poor silly Lydia. She did not seem to understand the seriousness of her husband's situation. If convicted, he would hang.
Perhaps she will enjoy playing the merry widow, thought Elizabeth and then chided herself for being so ungenerous.
It is difficult to keep Lydia occupied as she is constantly looking for entertainment. I have tried to interest her in reading or embroidery, but nothing catches her fancy.
Elizabeth sighed. It was ever thus. Lydia was one of those people who could never settle to anything for very long. She constantly wanted something new to capture her interest. Elizabeth carried on reading.
Lizzy, the most exciting new is Mr. Bingley has informed me that he has now purchased Fearnley Park and we hope to move in as soon as possible. I[AM1] am so excited because it will not be long before we will be living closer to each other. When we are settled, you must be our first visitor. I am sure there will be much for me to do and although Miss Bingley has kindly offered her help, I will surely need your wise counsel in these matters.
Elizabeth wasn't sure what advice she could offer her sister. She had made no changes to any of the rooms at Pemberley since Mrs. Reynolds had constantly told her the house was virtually unchanged since Mrs. Darcy (Mr. Darcy's long dead mother) had been alive. It was true she had made some changes to Vernon Place, but they had been very few. She had no doubt that Jane would receive plenty of advice from Miss Bingley on any plans she had. Elizabeth often wondered how Jane tolerated the sneering tone Miss Bingley often used when addressing her. Jane was just too sweet.
Because I will have much to do our dear aunt and uncle have invited Lydia to stay with them. I'm not sure Lydia was very keen, but it is kind of them and I reminded her that if she stayed with us, she would be unable to attend Wickham's trial.
Elizabeth thought how generous the Gardiners were. Silly, wilful Lydia would surely test their nerves.
So my dearest Lizzy, I will be travelling north by the end of the week and Caroline and the Hursts will follow a week later.
Elizabeth smiled as she finished the letter. Although Jane had produced four children since her marriage and she had none, they still remained as dear to each other as they had always been. She rejoiced that Jane and Mr. Bingley were so very happy together. Elizabeth carefully folded the letter and laid it aside planning to reply later.
Elizabeth also had a letter from Anne, Lady Trentham.
I am feeling a little better, though I am finding London rather tiring and depressing, wrote Anne
Lord Trentham has suggested I take a trip abroad in search of better weather, however I do not wish to be alone with only the servants for company.
Poor Anne, thought Elizabeth. Anne had made a number of acquaintances since her marriage to Lord Trentham and her life was so much better than it had been at Rosings, but Elizabeth suspected that Darcy's cousin was often rather lonely. A thought formed in her mind and she went in search of Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy was busy in the library, seated at his desk surrounded by some papers. "Is something wrong?" he asked.
Elizabeth smiled. Why did he always assume something was wrong if she came to talk to him?
"Nothing is wrong, but I do have a request," she said quickly.
"What is it?" he asked putting down his pen and giving her his full attention.
"I have had a letter from Anne. She is feeling a little better, but struggling in London. I thought it would be nice for her to come here for a while, even until the baby is born should she want to. She could have her own set of rooms and bring some servants with her. She would not be so alone if you and I could see her. Would you mind?"
"It is an idea, but I'm not sure Lord Trentham will agree."
"He will. He has already suggested Anne go away for a while for her health, so why not here at Pemberley? The air is so much better than London."
Mr. Darcy did not immediately answer and Elizabeth wondered what was on his mind. She waited patiently for him to speak again.
"If it's what you would like, but…"
"What's the matter, sir?"
"Elizabeth, I only hope Anne's presence will not be too much for you. It is only…"
Elizabeth stifled her irritation as he did not complete the sentence. She knew what he alluded to, but every day she was beginning to feel a little better in spirits. She still mourned the loss of her son, but she was physically healthy. It irked her when he tried to treat her like an invalid.
"I shall enjoy Anne's company, especially with Georgiana away. Pemberley does not feel the same."
"Then indeed invite her."
Mr. Darcy picked up his pen again, but suddenly realised that Elizabeth had not moved.
"Is there something else, Elizabeth?"
"As well as Anne, I was wondering if I could invite another guest."
"Elizabeth, Pemberley is your home. If you wish another guest invite them. It is you who runs the household."
Not for the first time, Elizabeth thought how untrue that was.
"Well it's someone you do not find very easy," she said, trying not to smile.
She could see Mr. Darcy trying to think who she meant and then he suddenly groaned.
"It's not Mrs. Wickham, is it?"
Elizabeth was tempted to say yes, but she did not on this occasion want to tease him. "No, sir. It is my sister Kitty."
She saw Mr. Darcy relax immediately.
"Katherine has much improved since she is not under the influence of Mrs. Wickham. If you would like to have your sister here, then invite her."
"Thank you."
"But are you sure it's not too much with Anne, and Katherine?"
"Mr. Darcy!" There was a warning note in her voice.
He smiled at her and she felt her legs go weak. Despite the troubles there had been between, when he gave one of his rare smiles she still found herself attracted to the handsome man she'd married.
"I shall not mention it again. I promise you," he said.
"Thank you," said Elizabeth, giving him a little mock curtsey.
"Now if there is nothing else, I must get ready for my meeting," he said rather pointedly. "I'm due in Lambton later."
The tender moment between them was over and Elizabeth took her leave. She would write to Anne and Kitty immediately. She only hoped that Anne would be fit to travel. She had decided to invite Kitty as well as she had been feeling rather guilty about her younger sister. It was nearly nine months since she'd last seen her and she knew Kitty would be eager to have a break from Longbourn.
Having them both to stay would help distract her from what was going on in London and with Anne present she was keen to invite some of the influential ladies in the borough to tea. She hadn't told Mr. Darcy that she wasn't feeling her best. She had experienced several headaches and a feeling of nausea was never far away, but it was very mild and she refused to countenance that she might be ill. It would pass and in the meantime, she would enjoy preparing for the arrival of her guests.
Mr. Darcy was thankful that Elizabeth appeared a little happier. The first few days after their return from London had tested his resolve so annoyed she was with him. He wished she would understand that he did not want her involved with Wickham. No good had ever come from that man, and now that he was on trial for murder he did not want her involved. He kept abreast of what was happening with frequent missives from Mr. Gardiner and Lord Trentham, but he was eager to keep his distance. George Wickham had only ever brought trouble.