Elizabeth sighed as she watched the distant horse and rider on the hill behind Pemberley. She would be outside walking in the beautiful woods, breathing deeply if she had any clothes to wear. She had never been cloistered in her bedroom before, except for the few times she had been ill.
She shook her head as she watched the rider let his horse graze. "It is the day after I have been rescued from working for no wages at that horrid inn, and I am already pining to be outside."
The horse and rider cantered across the hill to the far side of Pemberley and out of her view. They had been too far away for her to make out any features, other than it was a man. "He must be a local landowner or perhaps a relative visiting."
She turned away from the window and climbed into her bed using the small stool. She had nothing else to do while she waited for her clothing to be delivered. Elizabeth looked around the room again at the ornate wallpaper, heavy draperies, gilded brush set, and heavy mirror on the vanity. How wonderful it would be to stay there forever, but Elizabeth knew that was not possible. Mr. Darcy had offered for her already in Collin's parsonage near Rosing Park, and after being rejected so thoroughly, he was unlikely to offer again.
She started at the knock at the door. Mrs. Reynolds entered carrying clothing which she set carefully on the bed. Elizabeth leaned to the side but she could not see the servant who had opened and now closed the door.
"Some of your wardrobe has arrived. Dress for supper, then I will fix your hair."
Elizabeth stared at the housekeeper, waiting for her to leave the room. "Pardon me, but could you turn around until I am behind the screen?"
Mrs. Reynolds frowned, blinked then turned. Elizabeth quickly climbed down, grabbed the top dress off the pile on the bed, and walked behind the changing screen.
The fabric was of a higher thread count and such an ornate design that Elizabeth knew it could most likely only be worn by those of high society. How would her family ever repay Mr. Darcy? She would tell him to use the cheapest fabric for the rest of her wardrobe, but how would she broach the subject without giving offense?
She did not want to wear the beautiful red and gold dress without a chemise, but she found that the dress was lined. How much did that cost? Elizabeth was sure she had seen this very fabric design and dress style in one of the fashion plates of The Lady's Magazine.
"Could you button me up, please?"
Mrs. Reynolds quickly appeared behind the screen and did the work of a lady's maid. Why was that? The housekeeper must find it upsetting that she is doing the work of a lower servant. Surely a large house such as Pemberley had several female servants that could serve as a lady's maid.
Elizabeth followed the housekeeper to the vanity and sat before the ornate mirror. Mr. Darcy could not be thanked enough for his rescue of her. She had begun to despair that she would never leave that life.
Mrs. Reynolds fashioned her hair in a simple style, but one that highlighted her now prominent cheekbones and large eyes.
"There is only one pair of slippers, in cream. It was the only pair available. More slippers and a pair of walking boots are on order with the cordwainer and should be delivered tonight yet." Mrs. Reynolds turned away from the vanity and walked to the door. "I need to see to my duties now. You will find the dining room at the bottom of the main staircase."
Elizabeth dragged her eyes away from the mirror in time to see the door shut. She stared at the image in the mirror, almost unable to recognize herself. Then she stood, admiring the dress which had been cut by an expert to flatter her large hips and breasts. She shook her head at the vision and turned away to follow the housekeeper's directions.
The hallway was long, filled with landscape paintings and sitting areas in between the doors. She considered the debt now owed to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth knew not how her family, that had no funds, or her uncle would repay him. Only a member of the demimonde or mistress accepted gifts from men when unmarried, and Elizabeth Bennet was no mistress.
Her dress rustled as she walked down the marble main staircase. No servant was in sight so she pretended that she was entering and presented to a crowded ballroom. Elizabeth's smile dimmed as she remembered that society might still be beyond her. If word of her predicament at the inn got out, or any traveler from the inn recognized her in society ...
All the doors on the main floor were closed, except for one. Elizabeth stood on the threshold and stared, even though she had seen luxurious splendor before at Rosings Park. Thankfully he had better taste in furnishings than his aunt. The wallpaper was not a simple design but it was beautiful and multi-colored with flowers and birds. She sighed at the beauty of the chandelier sparkling above the table. A long polished table stretched down the room, with a silver candelabra on display. There were only two places set for supper.
"Miss Bennet?"
Elizabeth turned her gaze to Mr. Darcy who stood before her with his arm bent. She accepted his arm as he escorted her to her place at the table, next to his. "I remember that you mentioned a younger sister?"
Mr. Darcy settled in his chair and pulled it forward. He opened his serviette and settled it upon his lap. "You are correct. My sister, Georgiana, is staying with our aunt and uncle near London. She wanted a change of scenery, but I believe the scenery she desires is the interior of the shops in London."
His smile set her heart to racing. She swallowed then focused on the soup that had just been placed before her. It was delicious, truly the most divine soup she had ever eaten. Elizabeth had to consciously remind herself, often, to slow down and not behave as if she was starving. Though she had been well fed since she had arrived at Pemberley, she was still quite hungry all the time.
Elizabeth felt his leg touch hers as she put a spoonful of soup to her mouth, nearly spilling it. Confused as to why he had not moved his leg, she angled her body so that her leg was no longer touching his. It was awkward sitting as such, but she would not have her virtue called into question by Mr. Darcy. She had kept her virtue through the nightmare of working at that inn and she wanted him to know it. He may never, no, he would never offer for her again but she respected him and valued his good opinion. If she still had it after Hunsford.
The rest of the meal passed without further incident. Duck was the entree and its flavor was sublime. The pudding was one of her favorites, custard tart. Mr. Darcy must have paid a king's ransom for his chefs. She would get crummy if she kept eating like this.
"Since there are two of us, we can dispense with the tradition of women retiring from the dining room. I would like to give you a tour of Pemberley. You do not object?" Mr. Darcy helped her stand.
Why was he being so conciliatory towards her? Her failings, the reasons he should have discarded her at the nearest inn were at the forefront of her mind.
"No. I desire to see your beautiful home."
Mr. Darcy grew alert and stepped closer, staring at her. She stepped back confused at this sudden change of behavior.
"I am glad." He bent his arm.
Elizabeth placed her hand on his forearm still pondering his odd behavior.
Had to take it down as I published it on Amazon. All parts are in one book in Kindle Unlimited on Amazon now! It's Mr. Darcy's Pursuit of Elizabeth Bennet by Demi Monde.