Chapter Thirteen

Diamond Springs.

Monday, May 25th, 1896.

"Ugh… why must I?" Fitzwilliam grumbled.

The physical therapist looked at Fitzwilliam as if his nickname "the Beast" was true as the man replied.

"Mr. Darcy? Doctor Sterling notified me and explained your condition. How it's worsened and you're breathing spells as well as the inability to walk have only increased. I'm here to help show you the exercises you'll be doing to prevent them from occurring again."

"And if you were as annoying as my previous butler was," Fitzwilliam bellowed, "I would have expressed that I don't need a therapist!"

"Master Fitzwilliam?" Another voice asked.

Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes but as any obedient patient… he returned his attention to "his therapist" as the man continued to explain the next movement for his part of the lesson. To keep his mind off of this, though he was inclined to listen, Fitzwilliam thought about the add in the paper he'd written, which wrote that Diamond Springs would be needing another butler and he hoped someone out there would reply to it! He'd done this the week before and after attending Mass with the help of Anne as well as a few of the other servants… Fitzwilliam now found himself back at the manor – listening to Doctor Sterling's instructions to better himself with therapy!


"Which gown would you like to wear this morning, Miss Beauty?" Sophie asked.

That same morning, as Elizabeth stared out of the window, she had her hands on her hips while she was frowning. Rising early, she couldn't push away what her cousin told her about.

"Mr. Darcy fired Francis?" She thought as she turned but her expression didn't change. "And Caroline is working for him now? And she traveled all that way to tell me about that? Is there a reason why she would do so?"

"The one which I wore, Sophie. Most of the parties I've been invited to are postponed for the moment. I wish to do something while the day is still fresh." She gestured over towards her closet and when the maid walked over, she opened the doors and standing to the side, once Elizabeth approached, scanned the selection of dresses as she said.

"I believe the Bennet Residence should start spring cleaning, Sophie. Once I'm dressed, I'll head down and we'll discuss what needs to be done. I would like it to start today so I can finish my other obligations."

"Right away, Miss Beauty," Sophie answered.

Then Sophie turned as she added.

"But which dress should you wear today?"

"The one which is the most worn," Elizabeth replied and when she heard the woman gasp, Elizabeth ignored her as she turned around and started to go about her daily routine. As her custom, Elizabeth would normally bathe or have her breakfast in the dining room but today: she intended on doing something a little out of her routine. After she was dressed, she made her way down to the main parlor, she took out the list of instructions for the maids, before she made her way into the kitchen. When Olivia heard her, she stood to attention when Elizabeth appeared.

"You need something, Miss Beauty?"

"Yes. Olivia? Today: I would like spring cleaning to begin. I know it would take place at the end of this month but I wish to have it done before this week is over. And today is Monday and I trust that all of you know what to do."

"Yes, Miss Beauty. We do."

"Very well," Elizabeth replied.

Making her way over towards the table, she scanned the instructions before she looked at Olivia. The woman was preparing the meal but Elizabeth shook her head. In response, she added.

"I'll be out in the gardens if you need anything."

"Miss… Beauty…" Olivia began but Elizabeth was too much engrossed to be moving along to answer.

Elizabeth also knew her appearance didn't look like "the beauty of Newport" as she placed the papers down, before she made her way over towards a part of the kitchen where a broom stood. As some of the servants watched, Elizabeth could only guess what they were thinking as she took hold of a very old broomstick and holding it in her hands, she smiled before she nodded. Then she turned and ignoring the stares from all present, some with slacked jaws, others with their eyes as wide as Lizzy buds, Elizabeth exited the kitchen and stepping out into the fresh air, softly said.

"May as well begin sweeping the leaves surrounding the foundation. The nurseryman told me that it needs to be tidied and I for one don't like viewing all those dead leaves myself!"

The broom was in her hands as Elizabeth approached the foundation. She remembered her time with Mr. Darcy back at Diamond Springs and learning that he'd fired Francis, for whatever reason it was, gave her hope she would one day see him again. She'd also hidden the fact she'd read in the paper he expressed a desire for another butler. Wondering if she knew anyone who was currently unemployed, as Elizabeth started to sweep, she thought about anyone who was needing to be employed. Most of the male friends' she knew were in the "high status" range so none of them were willing to step down for a job. And for most of them: Elizabeth knew they would never wish to work as a butler! Even footman wasn't appealing!

"Hmm," she thought as she recalled the nurseryman had a son.

"I wonder if he would like to work for Mr. Darcy?"

Then a song sang and when Elizabeth glanced up, she smiled when the familiar Yellow Breasted Chat made his song known to her. As if he were swooning his own mate, Elizabeth paused her work as she listened to the bird sing. He was charming and the way he ruffled his feathers when he was finished reminded Elizabeth of a dove. The one which always remains silent but beautiful even under harsh situations. As she reflected on this, Elizabeth recalled what papa used to teach her about flowers and the Catholic Faith. Feeling a memory return, Elizabeth resumed her work as she the day progressed along. Part of her knew something more which pertained to her desire to see Mr. Darcy again… while another side of her screamed at her not to give in.


"You wish to take the position of butler?" Fitzwilliam asked the gentleman.

The man stood awkwardly but he kept his expressions in. Fitzwilliam could tell anyone would hunch over whenever they would see him. But he was used to it. As he leaned forward, he raised a brow when he asked.

"You sure you're willing to take this position along with your other duties?"

"Yes, sir." The other answered.

He'd undergone another one of his tormenting exercises earlier so the pain in his back didn't hurt as much but it returned. As Fitzwilliam leaned back, he reached over and taking hold of the quill, he nodded in agreement as he said.

"Then it is yours. I will expect you to be here on Wednesday morning so I can announce it to the rest of the household."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy." The voice of the butler replied.

"I appreciate it greatly."

With some struggling, Fitzwilliam stood and extending his hand, he shook hands with the newly employed butler as he answered.

"It's what I can do until my brothers' return."

When the man's hand gripped, Fitzwilliam could have promised himself his fingers would have snapped as the other "new butler" replied.

"Indeed, sir."