Chapter 10: London & Letters

Fitzwilliam Darcy, 24 years of age, Master of Pemberley and brother to Georgiana Darcy was sitting in his study at Pemberley after a horribly long day of paperwork, and interviews with two tenants who refused to go along with his terms. It had been a long and excruciating day to say the least.

He was glad he had let Georgiana stay with the Matlock's in London for the month. Now he was sitting in his quiet study and thought back to the way Elizabeth – his Beth – had leaned on his shoulder for support when she learned that her father had left letters for her, how her cheeks had flamed when he kissed her, her intoxicating smile, and her fine sparkling eyes. He had even succeeding in writing a letter to Elizabeth, which he had concealed inside a letter sent to Georgiana.

In London

In London that evening, Georgiana received the letters from her brother and she delivered it to Elizabeth before breakfast the next morning. After breakfast, Elizabeth went outside into the gardens to read her letter in peace.

Pemberley House, Derbyshire

April 1811

My Dearest Beth,

First, forgive me for the opening of this letter without asking you. I came to thinking of you as my Beth. Shall you like it if I called you so?

Secondly, forgive me for concealing it from others. I have not asked of him or of you, but Uncle may not disapprove of our writing to each other. I hope you shall not mind. Please tell me that you shall write to me.

It was such a pleasure to be able to celebrate your birthday properly this year, especially since it was a momentous one. I wanted to tell you how much I look forward to being back in London and in your company, just as soon as I finish my work here and may leave Pemberley. My new steward, Mr. Martin, assures me that everything is set for the harvest and it shall yield plentiful this year. With that taken care of and the problems with the tenants resolved,

I shall wrap up my business here in the next fortnight I think, to be back in London and with you to my heart's content.

I long to see you again, my Beth, how are my aunt, Uncle and cousins? I am hoping you are busy with your companion and enjoying all London could offer at this time of year. Please give my regards to my cousins, aunt and uncle.

I am and will remain, most affectionately

William

As Elizabeth read the letter, she blushed at both the opening and the ending of it. It made her think of the kiss he had bestowed upon her. She touched her lips and could not help but smile.

When Maxwell had told her how he and Richard had teased William he added: "He would be lucky to have you, sis."

Later that morning, Elizabeth asked Madeline what she should do, if it was proper to write to him, to which she replied, "He is your cousin, Lizziebeth. It shall be very proper to write to each other." It was so sweet to see Elizabeth so happy and charmed by her cousin.

So, Elizabeth sat down in her room at her new desk, which also had the best view of the beautiful garden, and began;

Fitzwilliam House,

London

Dear William,

Thank you for your letter. I was so very pleased to hear from you, even if you are kept busy at Pemberley. I am delighted to hear that the harvest looks plentiful this year and the issues with your tenants are resolved.

I am also happy to report that Georgiana is a pleasure to have here, since Mary-Rose and Rachel are always calling on their friends or with their fiancés and husband which leaves me quite alone at home and now have Georgiana for company. We spend our time drawing and sewing together and playing the piano – well, she is teaching me some new techniques. I am happy to report that your sister is a very accomplished player at the pianoforte.

William, I shall tell you a secret - when Madeline took us to the music shop to get new sheet music, I saw her look longingly at a beautiful pianoforte. I suppose I provided you with an idea for her next birthday present!

We then went to a book shop and since you know me, you will not be surprised to hear that the combined efforts of your dear sister and Maddie pulled me out of there within the hour.

Mother had a tea party the other day and I was allowed to sit with her and my sisters. It was a new experience for me to observe and learn 'how women of rank behave' to be honest with you I have never been so bored in my life! Gossip, gossip, gossip, scandal and more gossip! And the way they spoke of others not present there was so unlady-like!

If I ever shall speak of such things, I do hope someone would tell me so and correct me! I really do not understand why some women find gossip so very interesting. It put others in a bad light and I wonder how mother tolerates it for several hours a day. I know for a fact that she merely tolerates them because she discreetly rolled her eyes when nobody was watching, and I had to suppress my giggles.

The family plans to attend the theatre tonight, including myself. I must admit I am quite nervous to be among so many people, but I suppose I shall have to start sometime. I am looking forward to seeing the play, but I shall very much like to attend it with you as company.

I am looking forward to your return to town.

I am yours, most affectionately

Elizabeth

She had the letter sent off with a courier for Pemberley.

That evening at the theatre, Elizabeth sat between Georgiana and Richard, dressed in a gown of a warm red colour which looked very well on her, with her dark hair and eyes. She wore a shawl covering her shoulders and back and the necklace that William gave her with a small gold heart-shaped pendant adorning her neck. The performance was very beautiful, but Elizabeth felt slightly uncomfortable knowing that many people were watching her.

During the intermission, the Fitzwilliam box was visited by a great many people. Elizabeth hated it as she was put on show, but she politely smiled and greeted them. With Maxwell and her father on each side, she recovered her uneasiness and gracefully spoke to them. To those who visited them with their most eligible sons in tow, Maxwell took a protective stance making it known that she was off limits. Lady Marina Campbell, who had accompanied them, stood close to her and introduced her to the ladies she was acquainted with.

Not being experienced with so many people wandering about, Elizabeth grew paler by the moment and suddenly started having dry heaves. Maxwell, who was the closest to her took her to the nearby chair, sat her down said, "Lizzie, calm down. Focus on my voice, sister. You are safe, you are our sister." which had no effect on her as she looked around with darting eyes.

While the rest of the family quickly formed a protective circle around them, Marina said, "Max, my cousin once had a panic attack and I know how to deal with it. Please let me talk to her"

As he stepped aside, Marina sat down across from her and said calmly, "Elizabeth, listen to my voice, dear. You have a very worried family, so you need to calm down. I shall count to three, Elizabeth and when I snap my fingers, you shall calm down." As she did that, Elizabeth's eyes focused on Marina and she calmed down.

"Well done, Elizabeth." Marina commented.

Elizabeth slumped in her chair and her siblings at once embraced her. Her father said, "I think we should get home with you, Elizabeth." With her mother and father on each side and the rest of her family following, she was home and in her familiar surroundings once more.

That same evening, Maxwell sent an express to William, - "William, Elizabeth had a panic attack – Get here as soon as you may! Maxwell"

Pemberley

William had only just gotten Beth's letter – he was happy to hear from her - when his housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds came in and handing him a note said: "An express rider has just arrived, sir."

William quickly read it and said: "Mrs. Reynolds, I shall be leaving to London directly. Do not be alarmed! My sister is well. It is Elizabeth that had a panic-attack and my cousin Maxwell asks me to come right away. Would you have my valet pack a satchel for a day's change of clothes and have him follow with the rest in a carriage? Please also send word to the stables to saddle my horse and bring it to the front."

"Yes, of course, Master William." She replied and left to do his bidding. She had known him since he was four years old and she knew all his expressions. She understood from his expression how dear this young lady had soon become and hoped to see her as his bride very soon.

By the time he collected the papers to be taken with him, and hastened up to his chambers, his valet was ready to fit his master into his riding habit.

"I shall go straight to the Fitzwilliam's and then be at Darcy house around dinner time."

"Yes Mr. Darcy, I shall follow you and make sure Mrs. Seymour gets the house in order by the time you reach there." William set off from Pemberley for London with his valet following in the carriage not far behind.

London, the same day

Maxwell and his father sat in the study with a glass of port each, after everyone else retired when the Earl asked his son. "What did you write to William?"

"That Elizabeth had a panic attack and to get here as soon as possible."

Earl Matlock nodded and asked: "When do you suppose he will be here, son?"

"It is hard to guess, father. But if I know William, he will waste no time after receiving the missive to leave Pemberley and shall come straight here, so … we shall expect him tomorrow at this time." They retired shortly after.

The next day, just as the dawn was breaking, a footman entered the study and announced, "Mr. Darcy just arrived, sir."

"Show him in please, Winthers." Maxwell said as he sat up straight.

William came in and said: "Uncle, Maxwell, how is Elizabeth?"

The two Fitzwilliam men looked at each other; they knew William was lost when it came to Elizabeth.

"She is doing better. She had a panic attack with all the people milling in and out of our box to pay their respects. Initially, she had handled it well, but as there were more and more people, she just broke down it took several minutes before she regained her senses. When we returned home, we sent for the physician and he gave her some calming draft. Georgiana was worried too so he gave her some as well, keeping in mind that she is only fourteen."

"I have never known Elizabeth had panic attacks, how many visitors did you have? I do not understand why all of a sudden she would have one." William questioned.

"Neither did we to be honest. She gave us quite a scare; I have never been so terrified in my whole life, Will. Marina knew how to calm a person during such episode and handled her well." Maxwell replied.

"Do we have any inkling to why?"

His uncle replied, "I had noticed that Elizabeth grew more and more uncomfortable as the crowd grew large and was holding on to Maxwell as if her life depended upon it. But I never would have imagined that she felt so poorly. It was not until the box was empty that she broke down. I intend to ask Miss Moore about it this morning."

Shortly after, they all dispersed to their respective chambers to refresh and dress for breakfast.

An hour later, when the whole family came down to breakfast, nobody was more surprised than Elizabeth as she had not expected to see him and could not stop the blush creeping up her cheeks and making her unable to say a word than stare at him.

William had just greeted his aunt and her daughters with a kiss on their cheeks and a hug to his own sister and accompanied them to their places at the table and so, when he heard a soft 'Oh!' behind him, he knew who was the surprised person at the door. He turned to her bowed on her hand and said: "Good morning, Elizabeth."

"Good morning, William." She curtsied after recalling her surroundings.

She asked: "I thought you were to stay at Pemberley until the harvest?"

"Maxwell informed me of last night and I could not stay away." William said as he looked worriedly at Beth.

"Oh! You came for me?" Elizabeth's blush deepened.

They stood near each other looking deeply into each other's eyes, until they were interrupted by Richard, who came home on leave.

"William! What in the blazes are you doing here?" clapping his cousin's shoulder.

William jumped from his trance, embraced Richard as he explained: "Elizabeth had a panic attack last night, Rich. Max sent for me.", while Elizabeth took the opportunity to turn to the breakfast bar to hide her blush in the pretence of making her plate. After making a plate and greeting Richard with a hug, she sat down to eat.

Richard discreetly whispered to his brother as he made his own plate, "Good call, Max."

Max sent his brother a half smile, "I try, Rich. And welcome home!"

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