Chapter 9 - Darcy House - A New Life
The next few days were relatively uneventful, giving Elizabeth a chance to get used to her new home and Mr Darcy a chance to catch up on some estate matters.
Mr Darcy was struck by how quickly the staff took to his new wife. The whole house seemed uplifted, and it was hard to believe the brevity of Elizabeth's stay at Darcy House, when one observed her interactions with the household. Once again, Elizabeth had exceeded his expectations. In addition, he was constantly fielding congratulations and compliments about his wife.
Once he had sufficiently caught up on his estate matters, Mr Darcy was looking forward to escorting Elizabeth on a shopping trip. He had often escorted Georgiana in the past, so he knew of the fashionable stores and warehouses, and he had also written to Lady Matlock for advice. His aunt had expressed her disappointment at not being able to accompany Elizabeth herself, due to her many engagements, but she was looking forward to meeting her new niece in the coming days.
Mr Darcy knew that Elizabeth's mind was not consumed by fashion to the extent of Miss Bingley, but he was also aware that in the Bennet household, she would not have had the means to buy as many dresses and bonnets as she may have wished. He was quite looking forward to providing her with everything she might desire.
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Elizabeth had never had the experience of being able to purchase anything she liked, and while it was somewhat overwhelming, she found she quite enjoyed it. In addition to the dresses and bonnets she had ordered for herself, Mr Darcy had also insisted on purchasing several pieces of jewellery for her.
After a few stops, she had expected the carriage to be taking the two of them back to Darcy House, so she was surprised when her husband advised her that they had a few stops yet to go.
"I don't know if that's necessary, Fitzwilliam," she said.
"Are you sure you've bought enough?" Mr Darcy asked.
"You do not think so?" Elizabeth asked in return.
"There will be lots of events to attend in London," Mr Darcy replied, "Then dinners and balls when we're back in Pemberley. Most mistresses of large estates have extensive wardrobes for these occasions."
She frowned. Was Fitzwilliam ashamed of her? Did he think she would not measure up to the ladies of the ton? She felt tears prick her eyes.
She had never cared for dresses and jewels in the same way other ladies had, so why should this bother her? Perhaps because it was clear her husband would have preferred to marry someone of fashion.
"I'm sorry that you do not think I will measure up, Fitzwilliam," she replied, turning away from him and crossing her arms.
"Elizabeth!" he exclaimed, sounding concerned.
He touched her shoulder, but she did not turn around.
"Elizabeth, please," he said, "Look at me."
She turned around, her eyes slightly red. Mr Darcy's face softened.
"Elizabeth," he said, gently, "I'm sorry, but you have it perfectly wrong."
"Excuse me?" she asked, confused.
"I care nothing for fashion," he continued, smiling, and taking her hands in his, "And I'm sure you will dazzle the ton with your wit and beauty anyway. I was concerned with your comfort, not mine or anyone else's."
"Oh," replied Elizabeth, mollified.
"While I don't think the… circumstances of our marriage are widely known, I thought it might be best not to draw suspicion. My income is widely known, and if you were to appear not to have the benefit of that, people may draw their own conclusions."
Elizabeth blushed. Why did she always ascribe the worst motives to Fitzwilliam's words and actions?
"I'm sorry, Fitzwilliam," she said, looking down at their joined hands.
"I forgive you, Elizabeth," he said, then raised one eyebrow at her.
"But do you think you might give me the benefit of the doubt in future?" he asked, pointedly.
"You're right, of course," Elizabeth sighed, "I seem to have been judging you quite harshly."
"I know it will take time for us to build trust," replied Mr Darcy, "Especially when it comes to matters of gravity. But perhaps we might start to trust each other on small matters?"
Elizabeth laughed.
"You are being overly generous with me," she said, "In sharing in the fault when you know very well I'm the guilty party. But you are right, it is not much to ask for me to trust you on day to day matters, and I will try to do better."
She smiled at him, and he kissed each of her hands before letting them go.
"Shall we head to another warehouse, then?"
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Mr Darcy was pleased with how the day had gone. After his discussion with Elizabeth, during which he felt that they had made some progress with their communication, Elizabeth had seemed to derive more enjoyment from the shopping experience.
He had not been able to help himself - he loved being able to buy her whatever she desired, as well as several gifts of jewellery, and he had spent an enormous sum over the course of the day.
He was most excited, however, about one final stop he had planned.
As the carriage pulled up in front of a grand looking book shop, he found he could not cease smiling. Elizabeth looked at him with surprise and delight.
"A book shop?" she asked, "Is this our next stop?"
"I thought it might be a nice way to end the day," he replied.
As they stepped into the shop, Elizabeth looked around in wonder.
"I try to add to the collection at Pemberley each year," Mr Darcy said, "So choose whatever you wish, and as many as you wish."
"Truly?" asked Elizabeth, her eyes wide.
"Truly," he replied, smiling, "Whatever your heart desires. If you desire a hundred new books, you shall have them!"
"And how would we carry a hundred new books home?" Elizabeth laughed.
"For you, Elizabeth, I would find a way," Mr Darcy replied, his eyes twinkling.
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Elizabeth had initially been overcome by Mr Darcy's thoughtfulness and generosity, but she quickly found herself drawn in by the selection the bookshop provided. An hour later, she had selected two dozen books and Mr Darcy had added another six.
"I'm quite impressed with your selections, Elizabeth," Mr Darcy said, "I think I should also like to read most of these."
"Oh, I hope so!" replied Elizabeth, "My choice of reading material did not excite many in Hertfordshire, so I did not often have a partner with whom to discuss my thoughts. I hope we can discuss these together."
"I would be delighted, Elizabeth," replied Mr Darcy.
As their packages were being prepared for the trip, Mr Darcy went to help Elizabeth into the carriage. She turned to face him.
"Thank you, Fitzwilliam," she said, "It's been a wonderful day. You've been so generous and thoughtful. And the book shop visit was a wonderful surprise. Thank you."
She kissed him on the cheek, then looked up at him shyly. He was glowing.
"It was my pleasure, Elizabeth," he replied.
She smiled in return, then turned back, so he could help her into the carriage.
As they travelled home, Elizabeth thought back on the day. Mr Darcy's kindness to her was undeniable, and the extent of his love for her was becoming clearer each day. She recalled his face after she kissed him on the cheek - he had looked so happy, and she her heart seemed to flutter when she thought that she had been the one to make him feel that way.
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A few days later, they were joined for dinner by the Matlocks, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the elder Mr Fitzwilliam and his wife, and the Bingleys and Hursts.
Both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy had anticipated this dinner with trepidation. Elizabeth was concerned that the Matlocks would not look upon the match with kindness. She worried about making a good impression on them and avoiding any awkwardness with Miss Bingley. However, she was looking forward to seeing the Colonel again. Mr Darcy hoped that the Matlocks would see how wonderful Elizabeth was, and that Elizabeth would enjoy their company.
Mr Darcy was once again captivated by Elizabeth as she arrived downstairs in readiness for the dinner. She smiled at him, and he felt in that moment that maybe their situation was not so terrible - having Elizabeth smile at him, kiss his cheek, tease him… it was better than a full marriage to any other woman.
His admiration continued throughout the evening, and he found he needn't have worried about the reception Elizabeth might receive. She had charmed the Matlocks, and they were friendly and welcoming in return. He was looking forward to many gatherings with them in future.
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Elizabeth had been pleasantly surprised by how friendly and relaxed the Matlocks were. The evening had been thoroughly enjoyable and she was hopeful that she had made a good impression on Mr Darcy's family.
While the men talked business, and Miss Bingley attempted to ingratiate herself with Mrs Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock took Elizabeth aside.
"Mrs Darcy," she began, "I cannot tell you how pleased I am that my nephew has found such a wonderful wife. I have never seen him this happy."
Elizabeth blushed.
"Thank you, ma'am, you are too kind," she replied.
"You are exactly what he needs," Lady Matlock continued, "He had to become a man much too fast and he can be a bit too serious for his own good. You bring liveliness and levity to his home, and he seems like a young man again."
"I think you give me too much credit, ma'am," replied Elizabeth, "As I have surely received the greater benefit in this match. Every day I learn more of my husband's kindness and generosity. He is so caring and considerate to all, and especially to me. He is a truly good man."
Lady Matlock smiled at her with a curious look on her face.
"Ma'am?" Elizabeth asked.
"There are few women who would not mention his income or Pemberley as the chief benefits of this match. My fear for my nephew was always that he would be taken in by someone mercenary or someone chasing his status."
At this, she glanced knowingly at Miss Bingley, and both women stifled their laughter.
"I am so pleased that he chose someone who truly sees his worth" she finished.
They both looked at Mr Darcy, smiling, and he looked up, slightly confused, but smiling at them in return.
Miss Bingley chose that moment to approach Lady Matlock and Elizabeth.
"I hope, Lady Matlock," Miss Bingley began, "That you are giving Eliza some advice on her fashion. She has the pin money now, of course, but after living in the country with limited funds, she does not yet know how to spend it appropriately."
"I think her dress is quite becoming," replied Lady Matlock.
"Oh, it is not ugly," continued Miss Bingley, drawing the attention of the room, "But it is not a fashionable colour or style at all! I would be happy, of course, to give her some of my advice."
Miss Bingley smirked, and Mr Darcy frowned, approaching the group as if to defend Elizabeth, but she simply smiled.
"Thank you, Miss Bingley, for your kind offer," she began, "I do own that I know little of the latest fashions."
Miss Bingley nodded, looking quite satisfied with herself.
"However," Elizabeth continued, catching Mr Darcy's eye, "I console myself in the knowledge that while I do not know how to impress the ton with my appearance, I do know how to impress Mr Darcy."
She smiled, demurely, but Mr Darcy grinned in response to the twinkle in her eye. He walked over to her and kissed her hand.
"Indeed you do, Mrs Darcy," in a decidedly seductive voice.
Lady Matlock smiled at the two of them, leaving them to converse, while Miss Bingley flounced away.
"I find your dress is made even more appealing by your impertinence towards Miss Bingley," he laughed. Elizabeth laughed in return.
"But do not worry," he continued, "I know enough of fashion to know that your dresses will be more than acceptable in company in London. Besides, as everyone knows, it is the woman who makes the dress - not the other way around."
He looked at her appreciatively, and Elizabeth blushed.
"I was not worried," she replied, softly, "I spoke the truth to Miss Bingley - I care more for your opinion on this matter than that of others."
She smiled up at him and he looked delighted.
Before they could continue their conversation, they were interrupted by the laughter of Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam. Mr Fitzwilliam had pulled his wife into an alcove, only partially hidden from the rest of the room, and the two were standing very close together, kissing and talking.
"Husband!" laughed Mrs Fitzwilliam, "We are with company!"
"Darce will understand!" he replied, kissing her neck, "He's a newlywed - I'm sure he can't wait to retire for the evening either."
"Oh, you know I can't resist you when you do that!" she said, in a low voice, "But your parents are here! We need to behave," she laughed again.
Elizabeth knew her face was burning, and she could see Mr Darcy's face was red as well.
To her own surprise, Elizabeth found that she was envious. Suddenly, she was desperate to know what that kind of passion felt like. Would she ever get to experience it? She was once again acutely aware of what she had lost in marrying Mr Darcy. Not everyone got to marry for love, but she had wanted to, desperately.
What would it feel like to kiss a man? Or to have a man kiss her neck? She shivered involuntarily at the thought. She glanced up at Mr Darcy again. Would he ever do those things? It shocked her slightly to realise that the only man with whom she could imagine doing those things, the only man who she wanted to do those things, was her husband.
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As Mr Darcy overheard his cousin and his cousin's new wife, he was wracked with guilt once again at what had been stolen from Elizabeth. And from him.
But as Elizabeth looked up at him he saw… desire? Was it possible that her feelings for him were changing? He felt light with hope - maybe they would one day have a love marriage after all.