I am glad you enjoyed the previous chapter about Mrs Bennet. Keep the reviews coming. Stay safe.
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Chapter 15: The Darcy house
Darcy was in deep thought as the carriage sped away. I hope I shall never have to endure her family again.
He could not look at his wife. How am I to even talk to her, with such anger within me?
At that moment, the carriage hit something on the road, and the sudden jerk brought Elizabeth and Darcy to look at each other. On any other day, Elizabeth would have felt it amusing.
But when they locked eyes, the intensity of displeasure in his eyes tortured her.
He must assume that we are shameless, after the display by Mamma during breakfast.
She could not go on any longer in silence. It suffocated her.
Shall I ask him about my letter? No, that topic would only aggravate his anger.
"Mr Darcy, my uncle told me about your plans to leave for Derbyshire soon. Do you have a date in mind for the travel?" She asked, breaking the silence.
"The plan is to leave in a week." He replied curtly.
"Will I be meeting any of your relatives at that time?"
"You will. My uncle and aunt are on their way from Scotland. You will meet them in a couple of days."
His tone indicated that he did not want to extend the conversation. Elizabeth did not know what to make of her situation. It was plain that they had no affection for each other. She sat in silence.
When the carriage reached town, she immediately noticed the stark contrast in the houses when compared to the ones in the locality of her uncle's.
She was not intimidated by anything in life, and she knew his wealth would not rattle her.
When the carriage stopped at the Darcy house, Elizabeth could not help but feel apprehensive about meeting the staff.
Darcy handed her out of the carriage and offered her his arm. He led her inside the house.
The staff were delighted to see their master back with the new bride.
"This is Mrs Elizabeth Darcy."
He introduced her to the housekeeper, Mr Hudson, and his wife.
The couple liked Elizabeth. She was introduced to all the servants. Elizabeth noticed how her husband did not carry any animosity in his manner in front of the servants.
He asked Mrs Hudson to give her a tour of the house and left them alone.
"Would you like to see the mistress chambers first, Mrs Darcy?"
"Honestly, I have no preference."
"Then we can tour the lower part of the house, and then I can take you to your room. I will introduce you to your maid as well."
Mrs Hudson gave her a tour of the drawing-room, music room, kitchen, and the library.
"I hope you will enjoy the vast collection of books here. I believe the library at Pemberley is almost ten times bigger than this."
Elizabeth was astounded by the library and the vast collection it held. He must be a good reader.
She remembered something about their conversation at Netherfield. "And to all this, she must improve her mind by reading."
Yes! He said something like that about an accomplished woman.
She followed the housekeeper upstairs. She found the mistress chambers to be beautiful and well furnished. Throughout the house, she saw taste and elegance in everything.
"This used to be the room of the master's mother, Anne Darcy. Please let me know if you would like to change anything here."
"I do not find anything unsuited to my taste. But am I allowed to make changes?"
"Yes, Mr Darcy personally told me to accommodate or change anything you may want."
I cannot believe it. His actions only prove that he wants me to be respected as the mistress of this house. He has not belittled me in front of his staff.
Elizabeth was introduced to her maid, a young girl named "Lucy."
"Dinner will be served at 12. I am sure you would like to rest after the long journey." The housekeeper left with the satisfaction of having a polite mistress.
Thank God it was not the horrible sister of Mr Bingley, she thought.
Elizabeth changed into a new gown. She liked her maid.
So far, so good. She thought.
The moment she spotted the door inside her room, she was brought back to reality.
No, everything is not all right. That door that leads to his room. He may be on the other side this very moment. She sank into the chair, terrified at the thought of her wedding night.
Darcy had been in the study for some time. He tried to employ his mind at work, but he could not get away from reality. He could not come to terms with being married out of a compromise, and his self-respect did not allow him to accept Elizabeth.
He was utterly humiliated during the wedding breakfast when Mrs Bennet boasted about her daughter's good fortune. He was a man of principles. His good opinion once lost was lost forever. He did not know if he could forgive her ever.
Elizabeth found her way to the dining room at 12 and saw her husband waiting for her.
She sat down without a word, and they ate their lunch in silence.
She almost jumped when she heard his voice.
"You can change your maid if you want to. I can arrange for Mrs Hudson to look out for another one."
"I thank you, sir. I do not think it is needed." She bit her lips when she addressed him in such a formal way.
I do not know how to address him.
She knew his given name was Fitzwilliam. He has not taken the liberty to address me by my given name, I better stick with "Mr Darcy". She thought.
After dinner, he rose and offered her his arm. Elizabeth took it. She wondered where he would take her. He led her out of the dining room and stopped at the stairs.
"You may rest if you would like to. I will see you at supper."
Elizabeth was furious about his treatment. Am I to meet him only for meals?
She headed to her room and sat on the bed. She was tired and deprived of sleep. She fell asleep, unable to comprehend the reality of her married life. She woke up after a few hours. It was not close to supper, and she was by no means hungry.
She looked out of the window, and she was tempted to go for a walk in the garden.
She was accustomed to leaving the house for walks without being questioned by anyone at home. I do not know if that sort of freedom is possible as Mrs Darcy. She thought.
Supper was in no way different than dinner. Elizabeth felt agitated about the night and could not look at her husband's face without betraying her fear.
After dinner, Darcy led her upstairs. Elizabeth almost shivered at the thought of spending the night with him. To her surprise, he stopped at her door, bowed, and left to his room.
What does he mean? What am I to expect from him?
She was confused and distressed.
When she saw her nightdress laid on the bed, she was embarrassed. It was a beautiful satin gown in her favorite peach color.
I can never wear this. Never!
"Shall I help you dress, Mrs Darcy?" The maid asked once she was done with Elizabeth's hair.
"No, thank you. I do not need help. Good night."
Elizabeth paced the room after the maid left, not knowing what to expect of the night. She could not imagine wearing the nightgown.
She half hoped that he would leave her alone and never demand anything from her as a wife. It was almost ten O clock. She started to ease a bit, thinking he would not come.
But suddenly she heard a knock. Elizabeth froze. She heard the knock again. She did not know what to do.
"Come in." She said feebly.
She saw him enter her room with the same fierce look on his face. Instinctively, she took a step backward as he entered the room.
For the first time in her life, her courage did not rise to the intimidating situation she found herself in.
The look on the face of the man standing in her bedroom terrified her.
Oh! God! What now?