RECAP:
Chapter 7 – Lizzy read Darcy's letter and decided to forgive him, Anne and Richard visited Lizzy in the Dower House and found out about Mr Price, they then informed Darcy of everything they found out and the Netherfield Party was invited for tea by Lizzy. Luckily for Darcy, Anne made excuses for everyone so only the three of them would be attending. Lizzy and Darcy made amends; Anne and Lizzy are on a first-name basis, and Mrs Winters arrived.
© 2019 Zest Layne
With a bright smile on her face, Elizabeth turned to them one by one. "Lord Ashbourne, Anne, Colonel Fitzwilliam, this is Mrs Sarah Winters, my governess and companion. She has known me since I was a little girl. And just like Cook, by the countless of times, I tried to sneak out from her, Mrs Winters also doubts – from time to time – if her affection for me was wise or not."
The cousins expressed their pleasure at meeting Mrs Winters. The three of them agreed that aside from wanting to establish a good relationship with Elizabeth during this visit, they will also take note of every little detail that could help them figure out what was going on with the Bennet family. Perhaps, Mrs Winters could help the cousins find the answers to their questions.
"Mrs Winters, these are my friends; Lord Ashbourne, Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"I am delighted to meet you all." Mrs Winters replied. "If you do not mind, I would go and refresh myself in my room."
As soon as Mrs Winters curtsied and left the room, Anne began playing once again and Darcy was amused to see Elizabeth crane her neck from side to side before looking seriously back at him and speaking in a low voice. "You promised to make it up to me, earlier, correct?" When he nodded, Elizabeth continued. "Well, here is what you can do, Lord Ashbourne. Please do not mention of our acquaintance in London with anyone else – especially Mrs Winters."
Before he could reply, she spoke again, fear and panic lacing her tone. "I am not asking you to lie, your Lordship, just to prolong the revelation of the truth."
"May I ask why, Miss Elizabeth?"
Looking up at him with guilt, she replied. "Other than Alexa, no one else knew that I was meeting you in my Uncle's Warehouse."
Not satisfied with her answer, he asked her to elaborate further. She looked at him pleadingly, "Next time we meet, I will explain. But please do not ask me about it now." Then, she turned away from him again and craned her neck to the direction where Mrs Winters exited earlier.
Darcy couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh at her antics. Upon doing this, she faced him once again. This time, with eyes narrowed and arms crossed against her chest. The only thing revealing her real feelings was the slight twitch of her lips. "Are you laughing at me, my Lord?"
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who thought me to amuse myself at other people's antics back in London when we first met." He made sure on emphasising the last six words which earned him a glare from the delightful lady before him to which he smiled at. He missed this, their teasing and banters. It was like nothing bad happened between the two of them and they were back to the way they were before.
On second thought, perhaps he had gone too far. She was actually glaring at him this time. "Miss Elizabeth –"
"Lord Ashbourne, I am proud of you because I can see that has improved your skills on how to tease, I really am." She softened her look. "But my request to you is no teasing matter. Well, as of now, it is not. Perhaps, in the future, it will not be the same. In the meantime, please, do take my request seriously. If my Aunt and Uncle found out, my freedom will be even more limited and they might even separate Alexa from me. I don't want to lose a friend nor do I want to lose my Aunt's trust in me. London is my only escape from Longbourn. If I lose my freedom there, then my visits there would make little difference."
"Escape from Longbourn? Of what are you talking about, Miss Elizabeth?"
"As much as I love the country, I also like to venture in Town Mr Darcy. That is all I meant." The evenness in her tone would have him believe her if she had not looked away from him so quickly. 'Why are you lying, Elizabeth?' He wanted to ask. But knowing that she needed more time to open up to him, he let the lie slide.
"Of course." He did not miss the way she released a small sigh of relief at his response.
-p&p-
Sarah Winters hurried towards her room and changed her clothes as quickly as she could. She did not know that Lizzy would have guests today. She knew it was a bad idea to leave for London yesterday morning, but what could she do? Madeline Gardiner had summoned her. There were things they needed to talk about everyone's safety which could not be achieved by just a simple correspondence.
She should have left immediately after breakfast earlier. But then again, the Gardiners had an emergency in the Warehouse and the nanny for the children was unwell. She needed to stay there.
But how could she not know about Lizzy's new friends? Judging on the way her charge had smiled at the visitors, she seemed very fond of them. That wouldn't just happen in a span of short meetings. No, it wouldn't. Sarah tried to think of the gatherings that she had allowed Lizzy to attend: the Meryton Assembly, the gathering at the Lucases – two. If she added the time Lizzy was asked to go to Longbourn and the one time Lizzy sneaked out, there would be a total of four meetings.
Was that enough to make Lizzy so attached? Sarah did not think so but it was also not impossible. But one of them was a Lord! What would she do? What if those newcomers would bring danger towards them?
Pulling herself together, Mrs Winters decided that she would write a letter to Madeline Gardiner later. For now, she would go downstairs and observe Lizzy's visitors. If she found them alright, then she would let them visit Lizzy. But, if in any way, they would bring any danger to her charge, then she would do everything in her power to stop their acquaintance.
With this in mind, Mrs Winters made her way to the drawing room.
-p&p-
When the carriage her friends boarded became too far for her to see, Elizabeth went back to the house. To her surprise, Mrs Winters seemed to be waiting for her there. Her companion was sitting on the settee, a serious look on her face.
"I thought you would have retired by now, Mrs Winters," Lizzy said, sitting beside the older woman. "I know that travelling from London to Longbourn could be quite tiring. Shall I send for some tea in your room?"
Instead of answering, Mrs Winters looked at her sternly. "What were you thinking, Lizzy, befriending a Lord of all people?"
Elizabeth frowned and looked at her companion with glassy eyes, her voice quivering as she asked, "Am I not qualified enough to be their friend, Mrs Winters? Am I really that lacking?" Lizzy was not particularly fond of manipulating the people around her but it was also her only way of getting a bit more freedom. Her question, though, was half-true. The way Mama and Papa treated her made her feel unworthy and lacking at times so she often wondered if that was the reason why her Gardiner relations and Mrs Winters kept her from befriending those with titles.
"Of course you are enough, my dear." Mrs Winters took hold of her hands. "More than enough, Lizzy, and they were lucky to have you as a friend." Lizzy's frowned only deepened at her companion's words. It was just like as she feared; what happened to Lady Amelia was happening once again. Only this time, she knew how to use her emotion against the Gardiners and Mrs Winters' overprotectiveness. She hoped to meet Lady Amelia again, someday, to thank her for teaching Lizzy this particular trick.
"If that is the case then I do not see any reason why I couldn't be friends with them, Mrs Winters."
"But you cannot stop me from worrying, Lizzy." As if to put emphasis on her words, Mrs Winters' grip on her hands tightened. "You know that all these started because of a Lord as well. I just want you to be wary."
Lizzy huffed. "But my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner are friends with the earl who indirectly was the root of these 'dangers', are they not?" She wanted to hide her annoyance and be polite but why was she always deprived of having friends? They had already taken Lady Amelia from her; she's not going to let them do the same with Lord Ashbourne, Anne, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Yes, your Aunt and Uncle remained partners with him in terms of business but they never let him truly become their friend." Mrs Winters spoke each word slowly as if willing her to understand the situation. "You know how much your Aunt Gardiner worry so easily."
Lizzy could not help but soften her features at her companion's last statement. "I understand, Mrs Winters." She said gently, looking into the older woman's eyes. "But please do not stop me from befriending Anne, the Colonel and Lord Ashbourne." Releasing her hands from Mrs Winters' hold, Lizzy stood up and walked near the fireplace. She turned her back on Mrs Winters to hide the tears threatening to escape her eyes. "They are my friends and I am very fond of them." Looking at the glowing embers, Lizzy hugged herself. "And I'd like to think that they were very fond of me too."
Before Mrs Winters could reply, Lizzy turned to face her again. "They won't be staying permanently in Hertfordshire and I just want to spend time with them while they are still here. I know my Aunt and Uncle would never let me accept an invitation to visit them in their houses, so please, Mrs Winters…"
When the older woman sighed, Lizzy knew that she got her wish. However, knowing her companion, there would be a new set of rules regarding her new friends. She was proven right when Mrs Winters held a finger up and said, "But first, since the threat of Mr Price was still out there, you have to inform me of every visit and gatherings you will spend with these new friends of yours."
Lizzy nodded seriously, not wanting to give Mrs Winters any idea that she had already found a loophole in the first condition. This meant that she would not have to tell Mrs Winters any meetings if she ever encountered her new friends on the pathways or perhaps in Meryton if she was allowed to go out beyond Longbourn.
"Also, Alexa will be with you at the times that I will not be able to accompany you."
Lizzy had no problem with the second condition. After all, she knew that Alexa was more loyal to her than to anyone else. Nonetheless, Lizzy was careful to maintain her gloomy demeanour as she answered, "Yes, Mrs Winters."
"Lastly, only two visits per week are allowed."
"Could it be three?" She asked hopefully. It was not in her nature to be confined in the house. The least that could cheer her up was looking forward to her friends' visit. Usually, Charlotte would visit Lizzy every other day, but ever since Colonel Forster began courting her, her visits were not as frequent as they used to. Lizzy could not blame Charlotte, though. Her friend had long waited for a match and now that she had, Lizzy was happy for her.
"Two visits only and that's final." Mrs Winters' reply brought Lizzy out of her thoughts. As a response to her companion, Lizzy sighed and nodded her head. Inside, however, she was already making plans on seeing her friends four times a week. They may only be allowed to visit twice a week but that does not mean that those were the only times they could see each other. She was just going to have to go to Longbourn whenever her friends visit. She could also sneak out with Alexa's help and journey to Oakham Mount whenever there was an opportunity. And since the first condition only required her to inform Mrs Winters of only the gatherings and visits she would spend with her friends, she's not really going to disobey any rules.
"Will that be all, Mrs Winters?"
"Yes," her companion answered. "I will go rest in my room now but I shall come down for dinner later."
Lizzy waited a couple of minutes before going to her own chambers. She had a letter to write.
-p&p-
The Fitzwilliam cousins did not get to talk much after visiting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Inside the carriage, all Anne and Richard got from Darcy was that Miss Elizabeth had forgiven him and was willing to resume their friendship. Anne and Richard then asked about Darcy and Miss Elizabeth's meetings in London to which Darcy happily answered and told them a few of his encounters with Miss Elizabeth.
By the time they reached Netherfield, Bingley needed to talk to Darcy about estate matters and Anne was dragged away by Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. Richard, having nothing to do, joined Mr Hurst in drinking brandy.
Whilst in his cups, Richard began contemplating everything he saw during their visit at Longbourn Dower House and of what he heard from Darcy during their ride in the carriage.
Richard always knew that Darcy was interested in the mysterious lady he had met in London, but after watching him interact with Miss Elizabeth this afternoon, it seemed that 'interest' was no longer the right word. By the way, Darcy looked and talked with Miss Elizabeth, it was apparent to Richard that Darcy felt deeply for the lady.
And if Richard was going to add to the list of Darcy's protectiveness and mood swings, then Richard was absolutely positive that Darcy was in love with Miss Elizabeth. In love! Richard used his cup to hide the smile that graced his lips at the thought. He'd never imagined that he'd see the day Fitzwilliam Darcy – Lord Ashbourne – fell in love, but he was and Richard was happy for him. His cousin's 'mask' seemed to disappear when Miss Elizabeth Bennet was around. If Richard was to guess, the two would probably be courting in less than two weeks.
Perhaps he should write to his siblings and bet with them… Knowing his older brother, Henry would be willing to wager with him and would probably ask their mother about the social gatherings Darcy had attended. Henry was busy with his responsibilities as the Viscount and Richard knew Darcy better so he'd win against him. Matilda, his younger sister, on the other hand, would probably write a letter to Darcy personally, inquiring everything she could possibly know regarding the bet. Richard had also no doubt that his younger sister would not hesitate to write to Darcy's parents and sister as well as to Anne and Aunt Catherine. Despite being a girl and younger, Matilda had won half of the things the Fitzwilliam siblings had previously wagered about. Nonetheless, Richard thought it would be fun. It was the way he and his siblings bonded after all.
Heading to his room after finishing the contents of his cup, Richard was ready to write to his siblings. However, just as he was about to sit in front of the writing desk in his chamber, he thought of his Uncle Derbyshire. If he wrote about this new bet to his siblings, specifically his younger sister, there's a huge possibility that Darcy's father would find out. If there was one word to describe his Uncle, it would be the word 'strict.'
Would the Duke of Derbyshire allow his son to marry an unknown country miss with few connections (for Mr Gardiner was a well-known businessman) and (probably) little dowry? Richard knew that his Uncle loved his son, even if he had a strange way of showing it. Why else would his Uncle always ask Richard to take care of his Marquess cousin?
Granted, his Uncle would not ask about his cousin directly but being a military man, Richard could easily tell if someone was prying answers out of him. Even if his Uncle's way of checking on his son was harsh, using statements like: 'Nephew, what has Fitzwilliam been up to lately? It better not be something that could disgrace our family name.' or 'Keep an eye on your cousin and stop him from making possible mistakes, Richard.'
His Uncle's words were hurtful to Darcy, Richard knew. However, no matter how much Richard tried to assure his cousin that his father loved him, Darcy would not listen. The greater part of Richard understood how Darcy was feeling and why he doubted his father's love for him. After all, Richard saw how much Darcy would put his effort into every single thing his father wanted – in his studies, in horse-riding, fencing, shooting, managing the estate, doing his responsibilities as a Marquess, and many more – but the end was always the same. Uncle Derbyshire would tell Darcy how 'It was not enough' or 'It still needed improvement' or 'You can do better than this.'
For years Richard saw the same cycle and he always wished for Darcy to do something for himself and not for his father – or family honour or whatever it was that Uncle Derbyshire had been telling him to. Now, Richard's wish had been granted. His cousin had met someone with whom he didn't have to wear his mask. All that's left for Richard to do was help his cousin maintain that someone in his life.
So, instead of writing to his siblings, Richard went back to the drawing room and waited for dinner.
The next morning, the three cousins agreed to go for a ride. The others, except for Bingley who declined their offer to join them, were still asleep. The cousins had never been more thankful that they were used to waking by country hours.
Anne was counting her blessings and was thankful for escaping Netherfield on such an early morning. She feared that Miss Bingley might purposely get up early just to talk to her about the ball they were planning to host. Apparently, the youngest Bennet sister had requested for a ball when they had visited and Mr Bingley acquiesced.
"I've been thinking last night, cousin," Richard started once Darcy finished explaining the problem that Bingley was having with the drainage system. "I figured that you have deep feelings for Miss Elizabeth. How far are you willing to pursue her?" When Darcy did not answer, Richard continued. "Are you planning to marry her?"
Seeing Richard's serious expression, Darcy let out a small sigh before looking his cousin in the eye. "Yes, Richard, I wish to make her my partner in life. However, those thoughts are the furthest thing in mind right now."
"Why?" Richard asked in a hardened tone. "Are your affections for her inconstant?" Richard knew that his accusations would offend Darcy but he did not stop. This was his way of knowing how strong Darcy's feelings were. Besides, if his cousin could not face him, then how would Darcy be able to face his father? "Are you only playing with her feelings?"
Running a hand through his hair in frustration, Darcy glared at the Colonel. "No! Why would you even think that, Richard?" Calmly, he said, "I want her someday to become my wife because I love her. Do not insult me by questioning my feelings or my character."
"Then why is marriage the 'furthest' thing in your mind?"
"Oh, do not be a hypocrite, Richard," Anne said pointedly. "Marriage was also the furthest thing in your mind until we had a thorough discussion of everything and I'm sure Ashbourne has his reasons, which he would now tell us."
Darcy then took this as an opportunity to relay everything he had remembered from his conversation with Elizabeth yesterday. From her being afraid because she thought that he would physically hurt her to the supposedly limited freedom she had and London being apparently her 'escape' from Longbourn.
"Someone must have physically hurt her before." Even though he had thought of the same thing, Darcy couldn't help but flinch at Anne's guess. "I remember Mrs Jenkinson being frightened of Mama once. You see, about ten years ago, Mrs Jenkinson was supposed to ask permission if I could go outside but Mama had a visitor who claimed to be my father's mistress and mother of his child." Anne's voice slightly faltered at the last words and Richard was quick to place one of his hands on top of hers. "You can only imagine Mama's anger."
Darcy looked wide-eyed at his cousin. Not knowing how to respond he guided Boreas to go to Anne's other side and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I do not remember Uncle Lewis but I was told he was a kind man."
Anne smiled sadly. "I was sickly and almost died at three. When I recovered, my father left for a business trip outside England."
With furrowed brows, Darcy asked, "I thought you have never met your father. Was he not dead before you were born?"
"Yes, that was what I thought too. But the next evening after the gathering at Lucas Lodge, I went into Mama's assigned chamber at Netherfield. I was confused at her behaviour – why had she not accompanied us at the Assembly? Why did she leave me with the two of you? – You both know how Mama is, she never let me out of her sight… and while I am glad for the freedom I am experiencing these past weeks, it is so unlike her. So I thought, I'd sneak in her room and find out what's going on."
Richard squeezed her hand in support and Anne gave him a small smile before continuing. "On our second night at Netherfield, I went to check on Mama and I saw her pushed something under her bed – so that was where I searched first. It seemed that Mama never changed her hiding place for I found a box under her bed. Unfortunately, it was locked."
"So she asked me to help her unlock it." Richard continued Anne's story. "After several minutes of trial, we succeeded in opening it. Inside we found letters…"
Anne spoke again before Richard could say more. "In those letters, I found out that my father left three weeks after my fourth birthday, after my recovery. He went on a business trip outside England and he and Mama exchanged letters. The ship he was on encountered a terrible storm. Many people died but my father managed to survive and he ended up on some nearby island with no money or belongings. That was why he couldn't get back. It took months but he found a way to earn money and he continued his journey on his business. They lost communication when I was six and my father died before I could turn eight."
When he heard her voice cracked, Richard took over the storytelling. "Everything was in the box, including the letter informing Aunt Catherine of Uncle Lewis' death. I believe the reason why Anne forgot her earliest memories was an aftermath of frequent fevers. I also think that my father knew the whole story for he refused to bring up Uncle Lewis in front of Aunt Catherine and he was always vague whenever he told Anne about him."
"So Uncle Lewis really had a mistress?" Darcy asked.
"I do not know," Anne answered, shaking her head. "According to Mrs Jenkinson, the woman who visited Mama could not present a child. Her reason for this was that she already gave her daughter to a distant relative. I was told that my supposed sister was about seven years younger than me."
Darcy could not understand the motive of the woman. "If that was the case, why would she introduce herself to Aunt Catherine as Uncle Lewis' mistress?"
"She wanted money so she could have her daughter back. At least, that was what Mrs Jenkinson told me. Of course, Mama gave her nothing and ordered a footman to assist her outside."
Knowing that Anne was upset at their current subject, Richard directed his question to another topic. "Mrs Jenkinson tells you a lot of things. Is she more loyal to you than to Aunt Catherine?"
"She is not. I followed her to Mama's office that time. When I heard some shouting, I eavesdropped. At the end of the day, Mrs Jenkinson found out that I listened to the conversation Mama had with that woman so she explained everything to me. I think her goal was to assure me that my father could never betray my mother. However, after discovering Mama's hidden box, I do not know what to believe."
"Perhaps you should ask Aunt Catherine when she gets back," Darcy suggested.
"Perhaps," Anne echoed. "Now, enough about me and let us get back on talking about how to help Ashbourne's future bride."
"You really should not refer to Miss Elizabeth as that." Darcy protested.
"Yet," Richard teased with a smirk.
"What is wrong about it cousin? You did tell us that you had intentions of making her your wife." Anne said. "Besides, Richard and I are getting married sometime around next year as well. Isn't there a saying that a wedding begets another wedding?"
Darcy pulled Boreas so he could get a few yards away from his cousins. "Anne, you and Richard both knew each other for years. Miss Elizabeth and I had only known each other for two months. Even if I wanted to marry her soon, she is only eighteen and since she spoke of freedom I think that she wanted to experience the world first, before committing herself to someone."
"While that may be right, Lizzy is only about seven years younger than I – which means that her opinion of marriage and mine may be more similar than you think." Darcy was about to contradict her again but Anne continued on speaking. "However, I see your point. Before you sweep her off her feet, we need to clear the obstacles on your way to a happy ending. Starting with her family…"
Richard, having thought about ways to gain more information about Miss Elizabeth last night, was the first to tell his idea. "Her companion might be a reliable source of information. Miss Elizabeth did say that Mrs Winters have known her since she was little."
Before Anne or Darcy could comment on Richard's suggestion, another voice joined them. "Mrs Winters would not help you, but I will." The cousins immediately turned their heads to the newcomer. It was a young woman – a servant, judging by her clothing – with black hair, olive skin, and brown eyes.
"Who are you?" Anne asked, eyeing the stranger suspiciously, though Anne knew that she had seen the girl somewhere before.
"Forgive me for interrupting and listening to your conversation Madam, Sirs." The young woman then curtsied politely. "I am Alexa Digby, Miss Lizzy's abigail. I was on my way to Netherfield to give Miss de Bourgh a letter from Miss Lizzy when I overheard you talking about her. If you're going to help her, then I am going to help you do it."
"Yes, I remember you now," Darcy said. "You were the one who was always with her in the Gardiner Warehouse. Miss Elizabeth told me you are very close."
The abigail nodded.
"What makes you say that Mrs Winters will not help us?"
"Because, Colonel, while Mrs Winters cares for Miss Lizzy as her own child but she is still more loyal to the Gardiners."
"The Gardiners?" The cousins asked in unison.
"Yes, Miss Lizzy's Aunt and Uncle. The Gardiners love Lizzy as if she was their daughter, but they were very overprotective of her that it limits Miss Lizzy's freedom." Not wanting the Gardiners to be seen in a bad light, Alexa continued. "Miss Lizzy told me that you already knew the details regarding Mr Price." When the three nodded, Alexa spoke again. "You see, the Gardiners had once been attacked by highwaymen causing Mrs Gardiner to lose her unborn child."
Anne gasped but recovered enough to say, "I can understand their overprotectiveness."
That was a start but Darcy still had many questions. Luckily for him, Richard was not afraid to voice them out loud. "But what is going on at Longbourn? Why is Miss Elizabeth staying at the Dower House?"
"All I can say is that Miss Lizzy was mistreated by her Bennet family, all except for Miss Kitty and Miss Mary. I am sorry if I cannot provide you with more specific information but they have to come from Miss Lizzy herself. I wanted to help you but I would not betray her trust. However, I could help you three in seeing her more often."
So... what do you guys think? We'll get to see more characters soon.
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