Chapter 21: Leaving the Darcy house

Lady Katherine stared at the empty room. Her daughter had been her constant worry in life. Right from the time she was a baby, she was never a healthy child. Her sickly disposition made life at Rosings sad and dull. But now, the room was empty.

Anne! I miss you! Why did you have to make this decision?

Without her daughter, her life had been nothing but misery. More than her wretched state of loneliness, Lady Katherine was filled with anger over the years about the decision her daughter had taken.

I have lost everything now. All I have is Rosings. And my own nephew betrayed me. I can never forgive him. I cannot trust anyone now.

She heard a commotion in the drawing-room and heard Mr Collins ranting away.

What does this toad want now?

"What is it, Mr Collins?" She asked as she entered the room

"Oh! My noble patroness, I need to beg your forgiveness for the rest of my life. I will be your servant, slave for life. Please forgive me. I do not know why the almighty Lord has made me commit this horrendous crime of upsetting you."

Idiot! What has he done now? She sat down authoritatively, expecting some problem in the parish.

"I do not have the time to listen to your talks. What have you done?"

"I should have listened to you and sent the Bennets out long ago. I owe you an apology so deep from my heart that I have shed tears all the way from the parsonage."

"Shut up, Mr Collins. What is the matter with the Bennets?"

Mr Collins hesitated. He knew how wild she could get when she was upset.

He handed over the letter from Mr Gardiner to her. He saw her expression transform from shock to rage.

"Fitzwilliam married a pauper? This cannot happen. I will kill her. She cannot be the mistress of Pemberley. It should have been Anne. Clark, I need to leave for Pemberley. Now!"

But unfortunately, as she got up, she fainted and fell. She was getting older, and the shock was too much for her to bear.

Mr Collins rushed to bring the doctor. He knew that his patroness would never forgive him for the rest of his life.

The same day, Darcy was surprised by Richard's visit.

"What is it, Richard? You look troubled."

"Of course, I am troubled. You have not told Mrs Darcy about Emma? Have you?"

Darcy stared at his cousin in dismay.

"I will tell her soon."

"How soon? This is ridiculous. I do not know how your relationship is with her. I do not want to get into your personal affairs. But you are disrespecting her by keeping this away from her. At the ball, she asked so many questions about Georgi. She genuinely wanted to get to know her and our family. I do not want to ask why she has not discussed these with you. Darcy, I know you are fighting hard to forget about the events in Hertfordshire. Please do not live a life of regret. I still cannot believe that Mrs Darcy trapped you."

"That is enough. I do not want to discuss anything about that incident. It doesn't matter when I disclose our family matters to her."

"You are downright headstrong. Are you having doubts about her? Do you think she will treat Emma badly? Can you not see how kind she is towards her cousins?"

"I do not have any concerns. Leave this matter."

Richard sighed. He is so stubborn.

"I have one more news. It is about Wickham." Darcy jolted when he heard the mention of Wickham.

"What is it?"

"I heard that he had an accident in one of the taverns and broke his leg. I think he must be with Mrs Younge."

"As long as he does not bother us, I do not want to think about him. Will you be joining us in Pemberley soon?"

"I do not know, as much as I would like to see Emma and Georgi, I want it to be a longer stay. I shall try to come before Christmas."

As they left the study, they encountered Elizabeth in the hallway.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, I did not know you were here."

"Good evening Mrs Darcy, I had some things to discuss with my cousin. I was just leaving."

"Won't you stay for some tea?"

"No! I am on my way. I thank you. I will see you later this week, with a better appetite for the dinner you plan to give us." Elizabeth smiled at him.

Darcy noticed a level of comfort between his wife and Richard even though they addressed each other formally. Deep down, he wished to have that sort of ease with his wife.

Elizabeth was busy packing for Derbyshire and had a few shopping trips with her Aunt Gardiner.

She took utmost care about the dinner she had planned. Darcy knew that she was taking care of every minute detail. He was impressed by her, even though she came from a humble estate.

He observed her several times enjoying her walk in the garden. She will love the beauty Derbyshire has to offer.

The Gardiners and Matlocks arrived promptly for dinner at the Darcy house.

Darcy was growing fond of his wife's cousins. The youngest girl reminded him of Emma.

During dinner, Lady Margaret expressed her appreciation for the food served.

"Elizabeth, I am truly enjoying these dishes. The soup is one of my favourites and also the pudding. It is such a wonderful meal."

"I am glad you like it. I must thank your son for his assistance."

Darcy looked at her in surprise. What is she saying?

Richard laughed.

"Yes, mother. Mrs Darcy questioned me for a good part of our dance about our preferences in food. She said she did not want to serve anything which was not favourable to our palates."

"I am truly impressed. I never had the idea of asking my guests what they preferred. I simply ask the cook to make my choice of dishes."

Darcy listened in silence. He admired her thoughtfulness in everything she did.

"You will be a wonderful mistress to Pemberley. Fitzwilliam, you have indeed chosen the best bride in England." Lord Matlock said.

Elizabeth could not suppress her mortification at the compliment. Darcy saw her discomfort.

"Yes, uncle. You are right. It is indeed a wonderful meal, Elizabeth." He said without a second thought. He saw the astonishment on his wife's face at his words.

Is he mocking me? I cannot believe his pride would allow him to say such a thing so vehemently opposed to his genuine feelings.

"Now we have to request for your music to end this beautiful evening. I will have to pay a visit to Pemberley to hear you and Georgiana together." Lady Margaret said.

Elizabeth was in a dilemma. How can I refuse to play? I have not even touched the instrument here. Oh! God!

Darcy watched the discomfort on her face. Why does she feel so apprehensive about playing?

She browsed the music books and found everything complex for her skills. She chose a song, which as per her standards, was too difficult.

She took a deep breath. Maybe I can get up and say that if I play, it reminds me of my father, so I cannot.

She looked at her husband's face. He may term that as a drama as well. Even if he understands, the last thing I want is his sympathy.

I can conquer this.

Once she started to play, she realised that she needed someone to turn the pages as the song was new.

Darcy, who was watching her intently, realised her need. Without a second thought, he pulled a chair close to her and offered to turn the pages.

Elizabeth was surprised by his assistance. I guess he wants to play the happily married couple act before his family. As the song progressed, she was grateful for his help.

Darcy felt extremely self-conscious when he sat beside her. He found her to be enchanting. Her elegant fingers played the keys effortlessly. He could not avoid looking at the beautiful curls falling on her slender neck. He remembered the only time he had seen his wife with her hair let down. It was the first time he had stepped into her room on their wedding night.

He remembered her beautiful appearance that day, with her hair reaching her hips. Even in his anger that night, he could not deny his admiration for her beauty. Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief as she ended the song.

She turned to her husband and thanked him.

"It was my pleasure." He said, staring into her beautiful eyes.

"You play beautifully, Elizabeth. Do your sisters play too?" Lady Margaret asked.

"My youngest sister plays well."

"It must have been a happy household with five daughters."

"Yes, it was." She said in a low voice, and Darcy felt the pain in her voice. For the first time, he doubted himself. What if she is a victim just like me in the compromise? Could it be possible?

The evening ended with promises from both the Matlocks and Gardiners to visit them in Pemberley soon.

"Lizzy, please do write to me. I shall miss you dearly." Mrs Gardiner said.

Elizabeth hugged her aunt tightly. Darcy watched her, feeling an undeniable need to comfort her.

When their families left, Elizabeth felt as if reality had finally hit her. Maybe the only reason I was all right with this life was because I was close to Hertfordshire and my uncle's house here. I knew I could find support here any time. Now I will be moving to a country where I have no relations, no support, with a man who despises me. What am I to expect of this life?

Darcy watched her troubled face. She must have felt the same pain when she left Hertfordshire. I must have been in an irritated mood to even look at her after the wedding. He cleared his throat to gain her attention.

"It was a wonderful dinner. Thank you."

"I did nothing. The cook is the one who deserves the appreciation."

"I plan to go to the bookstore tomorrow. Would you like to join me?"

Elizabeth was torn between declining his offer and wanting to go. She personally loved the Hatchards book store.

"I would like to. Thank you." She said and left him. One more carriage ride to endure. She thought.

The next day, Elizabeth and Darcy left for the bookstore. Both of them were aware of their mutual love for books. He reads a lot, just like papa.

She sometimes wondered how the relationship would have been between her father and her husband if the former was alive. Silly me! If papa is alive, Mr Darcy would not be my husband.

At the bookstore, Darcy browsed the music books. Elizabeth looked at poetry.

"Would you help me choose some books for my sister?"

This is the first time he has even spoken about her to me.

"I feel her taste is more sophisticated compared to mine. I think she may like these." She said and handed over a few books to him.

"Thank you. Don't you want to get some for yourself?"

"I want to get some poetry."

Both Darcy and Elizabeth spent more time than they intended at the store. Darcy watched her browse through several books regarding drawing and painting. I wonder if she paints?

They left, happy with their purchases.

"We must leave as early as possible tomorrow." He said to her on their ride back home.

Elizabeth nodded her head in silence. She strangely felt sad to leave the Darcy house. The staff were friendly, and she was able to establish a routine without having to be in her husband's company constantly.

I cannot avoid him all the time in Pemberley with his sister around.

"Lucy, I will miss you. I shall call for you if I get back to town in the future." She said to her maid.

"I will miss you too, Mrs Darcy. I wish I could accompany you to Derbyshire. But my husband is not keeping well. And I cannot leave him."

"That is all right. I hope your husband gets better soon."

She hoped her new maid at Pemberley would suit her. Once her maid left, she pulled the covers and threw them on the floor. It had been her routine for the past three weeks. We may be cordial with each other for day-to-day peace, but I can never forget the look on his face that night when he uttered those words.

It is a very comfortable bed. I hope you have a good sleep, madam.

His words filled with spite and sarcasm echoed in her mind whenever she saw the bed.

She looked at the door which led to his room. At least he has kept his word. I must thank him for not forcing me into the marriage bed.

The next morning, they broke fast early and headed for their journey. Darcy watched his wife embrace the housekeeper, much to her surprise.

She had taken time to thank each of the staff for their work and appreciated everyone. Darcy could see the respect she had gained in the few weeks.

He handed her into the carriage. He was happy to be back to Pemberley but was worried about the future. I need to tell her about Emma, at least before we reach Pemberley. I wonder if she will see her as an inconvenience.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, felt sad and apprehensive about her future. She looked at her husband seated opposite to her. He seemed to be absorbed in his own world.

Elizabeth took one of her books and hoped that she would not fall asleep like the other day. For a newly married couple, they sat like total strangers in their journey towards the most beautiful estate in England.