Chapter 35
On the return to the house they were told that three ladies were waiting to visit with Mrs Darcy. Lady Digby and her two daughters Miss Janet and Miss Cecil Digby were three of the very ladies that Elizabeth did not enjoy visiting. Barbs were exchanged and insinuations that Miss Janet would have been a more fitting Mrs Darcy. Elizabeth grew quite tired of it all. Why they continued to visit was beyond her.
"Mrs Darcy, how kind of you to join us" began Lady Digby, she looked down her dress "why what a fetching riding habit, it looks brand new have you had much occasion to use it yet? But of course, you would not have had a riding habit before marrying"
Elizabeth barely refrained from rolling her eyes "why thank you Lady Digby, this is indeed new. Part of my trousseau, how discerning for you to notice it."
"And how are your riding lessons progressing Mrs Darcy?" Cecily entered the conversation
Elizabeth wasn't sure how the news of her needing lessons had progressed so rapidly around the neighbourhood but from most it was good natured chat. Not so with these ladies "quite well I thank you. And how are your music lessons progressing?" she stressed the word lessons for the ladies had hired a London master fearing that their performance on the piano was not up to the ton's standards.
The ladies did not have to answer for refreshments came at that point.
"Mrs Darcy, we came today to see if there were any details we could help with for the upcoming ball? I understand from some correspondence that you have some notable peers attending and I do so hope that Derbyshire can be displayed to its best advantage. I have hosted many a large party in the past and have attended more than a few of Lady's Anne's harvest balls and am sure I could help you with the finer details which are probably only thought of by someone who has spent time in London."
Elizabeth once again suppressed an eye roll "I thank you Lady Digby for your thoughtfulness. However, I am perfectly happy with all the details of the upcoming events and have all the help I need in my sisters."
At that point a little bell rang signaling the 15 minute visiting time was up. Not a custom Elizabeth employed often as it was a London tradition, however with certain visitors it was most helpful. As the bell finished ringing she rose
"Always a pleasure to see you ladies, but if you'll excuse me I have some matters that need attending to. I look forward to seeing you on the 11th for our first event here at Pemberley."
She dipped a curtsy and the ladies were forced to curtsy in return and withdraw. Obviously put out that they could not stay longer to review the events of the days leading up to the ball.
.
Elizabeth fumed slightly and headed towards her room to change from her riding habit.
Darcy had been in his room refreshing himself after their ride. He remembered he had not talked to Elizabeth about his worries of the previous night. When he heard her move into her rooms he hastened to follow her only to come across her muttering to herself
"Is everything alright? The Digby's are not becoming rude, are they? I will have words with Sir Digby if you wish?"
"No, it's nothing I cannot manage. I just was hoping for a reprieve today"
"My dear" started Darcy cautiously "are you sure about these harvest events? It's not too late to make it a simpler affair? I don't want you to feel overwhelmed?"
On the back of her reflections of yesterday and Lady Digby's insulting comments the idea that Darcy was questioning her hostess ability pushed Elizabeth too far and she found herself snapping back
"I am perfectly capable of hosting such an event." It was the tone rather than the words that cause Darcy to pause
"I did not suggest otherwise"
"I know." She paused and took a deep breath "Truly I am fine with the organisations. I just found the visit today trying. Lady Digby offered her help suggesting I might not be aware of all the necessary things that need doing." she sighed and sat down.
It was not long before Darcy sat down behind her and his warm arms snaked around her waist. She melted in to his warm embrace and sighed in contentment.
"You are doing a fantastic job Mrs Darcy."
A knock at the door interrupted Elizabeth and Darcy's embrace.
"Beggin' your pardon sir, madam, but a carriage has been spotted on the driveway. It appears to be travelers comin' 'ere" The maid said all with a rush when she beheld the way Darcy was sat behind Elizabeth with his arms around her. She bobbed a curtsy and quickly withdrew.
Elizabeth looked quizzically at Darcy "no one is expected for four days, who could it be?"