Another update. I hope you enjoy.
"Are you sure you wish to go downstairs?" Mr. Darcy asked when he collected his wife from her room after she had dressed. "We could dine in the sitting room again."
"I am sure."
"You fell this morning."
"I was half asleep." Elizabeth replied. "I feel fine now."
"Your legs are not sore at all?"
"They will not improve if I do not walk."
"So they are sore."
"Only a little but that is to be expected."
"Elizabeth, I think you are pushing yourself too much."
"If you agree to allow me to walk downstairs then I shall sit in the library until your aunt arrives."
"With your feet up."
"If you insist."
"I do."
Elizabeth nodded, "Very well then."
They walked together downstairs and at the bottom of the staircase he picked her up.
"William..." Elizabeth began as he carried her toward the breakfast room.
"I agreed to you walking downstairs which you did." he replied.
Their arrival in the breakfast room surprised two of the maids who were bringing in trays of food. They both blushed at the sight of the master of the house carrying his wife. He stopped at the chair nearest his own and let her back to her feet. She murmured a 'thank you' as he helped her with her chair.
"Is there something you would prefer this morning, dearest, or should I surprise you?"
"Surprise me." she replied with a grin.
He returned it with a grin of his own. Their plates were both quickly filled and they settled in to enjoy their meal.
Once they finished, they moved down the hall to the library. Elizabeth smiled bemused as her husband carried her into the library and settled her on the settee. He collected a footstool from the corner and brought it over.
"This is truly not necessary." Elizabeth said as he settled her feet on the footstool.
"Perhaps not but I am glad you are indulging me all the same." he replied. "Are you comfortable? Would you like a blanket?"
"I am content at present."
"Would you like me to read to you or would you prefer to read your own?"
"I would not want to keep you from anything, you need not think you need to entertain me."
"Growing tired of my company already?" he asked.
His tone seemed light but Elizabeth saw the uncertainty in his eyes.
"Not at all. If you truly do not mind, I would be delighted to have you read to me." she replied with a smile.
He smiled in return. After a quick discussion, a book was chosen and retrieved. Mr. Darcy took a seat beside her and she shifted a bit closer. They were soon lost in the story.
The couple remained undisturbed for most of the day. A footman came to inform them when Lady Matlock arrived with Anne and Georgiana.
"Miss Darcy seated them in the front parlor." the footman said.
"Thank you." Mr. Darcy said, marking the page in the book.
The footman bowed and departed. Elizabeth rose and stretched a bit.
"Elizabeth..." Mr. Darcy began, rising as well.
"I agreed to sit until your aunt arrived." she remarked.
He was thoughtful for a moment then replied, "So you did."
He offered his arm and she took it with a smile. They made their way to the front parlor. They stopped as they entered. Two side tables had already been moved and Lady Matlock was directing one of the footman on the placement of a third. Georgiana and Anne noticed the couple's arrival and moved to greet them.
"Aunt Rachel has brought a few things for you to look over." Georgiana said.
"More than a few." Anne remarked. "I believe she has more than just your chambers in mind, Lizzie."
Mr. Darcy sent his wife a knowing look. Lady Matlock turned and smiled broadly.
"There you are, my dear." Lady Matlock said. "Come sit. The footmen should have the sample books here in a moment...here they are. Place them on the tables, please."
Two footman came in, each carrying a stack of thick books.
"Lovely. We should begin." she said once the books were deposited on the rearranged table. "Darcy, are you planning on joining us? You could help us decide on the upholstery for the dining chairs. I have a few suggestions depending on which wallpaper Elizabeth prefers."
He looked to Elizabeth, a slight panicked look in his eyes.
"William has some correspondence to attend to." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Yes, correspondence." he said, turning back to his aunt. "I am sure whatever Elizabeth chooses will be wonderful."
He escorted his wife to the settee, "If you need me I shall be in my study."
The other ladies took their seats.
"Very well."
He kissed Elizabeth's hand, bowed to the other ladies, and departed.
"I thought it would have been far more difficult to get him to leave us to our business." his aunt remarked once Mr. Darcy's footsteps disappeared down the hall.
The younger ladies gave her surprised looks.
"Do not look at me so. I know what I am about. Men will chose anything to be done with the task. Your uncle would have green wallpaper, red rugs, and white chairs in his study if I let him choose."
"What is wrong with white chairs?" Anne asked curiously. "I like white."
"They are difficult to keep clean though." Elizabeth remarked.
"Indeed." Lady Matlock agreed.
After a quick inquiry about Elizabeth's health, Lady Matlock outlined their tasks for the day.
"Once you have decided on what you want for your chambers and sitting room, the formal dining room should be decided on. If all the work can be done while you are visiting your family you can begin entertaining once you return to Town."
The sample books were quickly arranged. Elizabeth flipped through the pages, admiring the different fabrics and designs. She had never been particularly interested in decorating beyond the holidays. Her room at Longbourn had not been redone since she was ten. Her mother had made the choices then with little input from Elizabeth. The variety of choices was nearly overwhelming.
"With so many choices, how shall we decide?" Elizabeth asked.
"Do not worry, my dear, we will find something perfect."
Elizabeth nodded, grateful for the reassurance.
"First, your chambers, do you have any colors in mind?"
"I had considered blue or green. Not too dark though. I want it to be relaxing."
The ladies set to work finding samples that matched Elizabeth's choice. Georgiana seemed to be enjoying the process. She would run her fingers over the fabrics and comment on the colors and patterns she liked. Anne seemed to be as overwhelmed as Elizabeth.
"Once everything is settled, I expect you all to come to Rosings to assist me with the redecorating. I will not be able to do it all on my own." Anne stated.
The ladies assured her they would assist.
"The key is to choose a few rooms to start." Lady Matlock said. "The rooms you plan to use the most are the best place to start."
"I believe I have found the perfect wallpaper, Lizzie." Georgiana remarked.
The sample book was passed over and Elizabeth agreed, "It is the perfect shade of blue."
"I just saw a upholstery sample that would look perfect with that." Lady Matlock declared, turning pages back in a book on the table. "Yes here it is."
"That would look lovely." Elizabeth replied.
Lady Matlock made a quick note of their choices for Elizabeth's bedchamber before moving on to the sitting room. Surprisingly, the decisions for the sitting room were made quickly as well. Again, Lady Matlock made note of the choice before they moved on. The process slowed as they began discussing options for the formal dining room. Lady Matlock offered several opinions on wallpaper and upholstery combinations.
"Perhaps it would help if we moved to the dining room. It might be easier to choose if we can see the room."
The other ladies agreed. A servant was called. Arrangements were made to have the formal dining room lit and to have refreshments brought in. Two footmen arrived a short time later to inform them the room was ready. The books were collected by the footmen then they followed the ladies out.
They settled in the formal dining room. Tea and refreshments were being enjoyed when Mr. Darcy arrived in the room.
"I thought you were staying in the front parlor." he remarked.
"We decided to take some refreshments in here to help us better decide what should be done in here." his aunt replied. "Come, join us for a bit of tea."
"Elizabeth should not be walking without proper support. She is still recovering."
"I walked with Georgiana and Anne." Elizabeth assured. "They made sure I did not fall."
Mr. Darcy gave a nod and moved to join them. They shared with him their progress thus far.
"I do not think I have ever been in this room." Anne mentioned offhandedly. "I like the way it is done. It seems much more open than the one at Rosings."
"Lady Catherine has many more ornaments in the dining room at Rosings." Mr. Darcy commented.
"I quite dislike the paintings in the dining room."
"Do you not like paintings in the dining room, Anne?" Georgiana asked. "Or is it the subject of the paintings that you find objectionable?"
"The ones in Rosings's dining room are all portraits. I do not dislike all paintings in the dining room, only portraits. I do not think portraits should be in the dining room." her cousin replied. "I feel as though I am being watched while I eat."
"That does sound a bit unnerving."
"Indeed." Mr. Darcy retorted.
"I have it." Elizabeth said rising quickly.
She moved to the other end of the table to the sample books. Grabbing the table, she steadied herself as she swayed slightly. Her husband hurried to her side.
"Are you well?" he asked, helping her to the nearest chair.
"I think I merely moved too fast. No need to worry." Elizabeth said.
"Are you feeling well? Perhaps you should finish the rest of this another time."
"We are nearly done. I promise to rest upstairs once we are finished."
He gave a nod, "Now what caused your hurry?"
"I realized I had seen the perfect pattern for the wallpaper for this room."
She opened one of the books and paged through it quickly.
"Here. What do you think?" Elizabeth asked.
She was pointing at a a delicate floral pattern in pink and gold. He looked at it thoughtfully then nodded.
"It's lovely." he replied.
"And we would not have to change the chairs. The upholstery already matches quite well."
Lady Matlock rose to look as well. She added her agreement. Collecting the paper that held her notes, she added the wallpaper to it.
"That should do for now." Lady Matlock remarked. "I will send the orders in and have the workers come next week."
"Thank you Aunt Rachel." Mr. Darcy said. "I will inform Mrs. Taylor to expect them."
"We will allow Elizabeth to rest now."
"Before we go, Lizzie, do you think you will be well enough to join us for a carriage ride in the park tomorrow?" Anne asked as she and Georgiana rose.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Elizabeth replied. "I would be delighted to join you."
"You may come along as well, William." Georgiana remarked noticing his apprehension.
Mr. Darcy nodded and forced a small smile.
"We will see you directly after breakfast tomorrow then." Lady Matlock said. "I will have the open carriage ready when you arrive."
"We can use my carriage." Mr. Darcy said quickly. "That way Elizabeth would not need to trade carriages."
Lady Matlock gave him an understanding look, "As you wish, William."
The couple walked their guests to the door. Farewells were made then they stood alone near the door. Mr. Darcy turned to his wife and picked her up without a word.
"William, I am well enough to walk."
"You need your rest." he replied moving toward the stairs.
"Perhaps tomorrow after the carriage ride, we could visit my aunt. I do wish to see my cousins again."
"Do you not think that is too much for one day?"
"A carriage ride and one morning visit? Certainly not." Elizabeth remarked. "If you have something that needs to be done tomorrow we can postpone the visit to my aunt."
"I have no fixed plans at present."
They reached the upper floor and moved down the hall. Once they reached her bedroom door, he placed her back on her feet. He kept his hands on her hips. She looked up at him.
"Are you well, William?"
He nodded, "I worry, that is all."
"I am getting stronger by the hour." she replied caressing his face. "Besides I will have you beside me."
He captured her hand and kissed it. Elizabeth smiled opening the door and they disappeared inside.
Dinner was once again eaten in their private sitting room. The book they had been reading earlier in the day was brought up and they passed the evening away pleasantly. Wednesday morning dawned sunny and warm.
"It is perfect weather for a carriage ride." Elizabeth remarked as they sat in the breakfast room.
"I suppose it is." her husband replied.
"You suppose?"
He considered his words for a moment.
"I did not expect to share you with anyone but family until we reached Netherfield. I know you have many in Meryton who would like to visit you but I did not want to share you with London yet."
"We need not speak to anyone. That is one of the joys of a morning ride, there are few people in the park. I would not want to take a ride at the fashionable hour." she replied. "Morning rides are for enjoying nature not for seeing and being seen by others. It is likely the only others in the park at this hour are children and their nannies."
He considered this for a minute.
"You are likely right."
Once they finished, they headed out to the waiting carriage. Mr. Darcy assisted his wife carefully down the stairs and into the carriage. The trip to Matlock House was short. The carriage had barely come to a stop when the front door opened. Anne and Georgiana emerged. Mr. Darcy climbed down to assist them into the carriage. Once the ladies were settled, he rejoined them. The carriage started off, heading for Hyde Park. The ladies chatted happily as they turned into the park.
"It is so beautiful." Anne said with a bright smile. "Look at all the colors. Next year I shall have the gardeners plant so many colorful flowers."
"Rosings has many lovely flowers." Elizabeth remarked.
"Yes, but not in the formal gardens. There are just roses and trimmed hedges. I was never allowed to walk beyond there. Mrs. Jenkins did not even allow me to stop when I was out in my phaeton to pick a few wildflowers."
"That is terrible, Anne. I am so sorry." Georgiana said. "It is no wonder you enjoy the garden at Matlock House."
"Yes. It is quite different to see all the different colors in bloom. I have been able to spend some time each evening in the garden. Aunt Rachel let Georgiana and I help with flower arrangements yesterday after we returned."
"I love flower arranging." Georgiana commented. "I did not have much interest in it when I first learned it at school but Mrs. Annesley has made it much more fun than it was then. Do you like flower arranging, Lizzie?"
"I enjoy it when it is my turn." Elizabeth replied.
"Your turn?"
"I have four sisters so we must take turns making arrangement or Longbourn's gardens would be bare before the summer began."
"Do your sisters all enjoy flower arranging?" Anne asked.
"Yes, Kitty the most though. She very good at it so I often allow her to take my turn. Sometimes I bring her wildflowers from my walks so she may make an extra arrangement or two."
"It must be lovely to have so many sisters." Georgiana said a bit wistfully. "I have always wanted a sister."
"Am I such a poor sibling?" her brother asked.
"You are a wonderful brother, William. I did not mean anything against you."
"I know you did not, Georgiana, I am only teasing."
Georgiana blushed and nodded.
"Now you have a sister and I am quite envious." Anne acknowledged.
Elizabeth reached across to take Anne's hand.
"You are as much a sister to me as those I was raised with. You and Georgiana are sisters of my heart. Nothing will change that."
Anne smiled broadly, "Thank you, Lizzie. I feel the same for you."
The conversation turned back to the scenery. The ride was brought to a halt when they passed a particularly large patch of flowers. It was decided that the ladies would descend to smell the flowers and walk a bit. Mr. Darcy gave a slight protest to the plan.
"William, you must understand." Anne remarked, "Birds must fly, fish must swim, and Lizzie must walk. It is the natural order of things."
"You cannot argue with the natural order of things." Georgiana added.
"Perhaps not, but it is likely that I will try for a bit longer."
"We shall go slowly." Elizabeth promised. "And I will stay close to you."
He acquiesced. They descended the carriage with Elizabeth stepping down last. She took her husband's arm with a smile which he returned.
The flowers were compared and discussed as they walked. The carriage followed slowly behind them. Several trees were in bloom as well. Their flowers were compared to the others growing near by. Another carriage rolled past them. Mr. Darcy recognized the occupants. From the look on their faces they had recognized him as well. Elizabeth noticed his distraction.
"William, are you well?"
"The carriage that passed belonged to Gabriel Fletcher. His mother and sister were in it. They are terrible gossips. They turned down the right hand path so it is likely they are going to turn around and come back past us. It will only take them a few minutes to return. They will likely stop since we are acquainted. I do not see a way to avoid introduce any of you to them without causing offense which would inspire gossip."
Elizabeth nodded then turned to the other ladies, "Let us return to the carriage. I am sure there is more to see before we have to return."
Anne and Georgiana readily agreed. Elizabeth was assisted in first. She sat down on the rear facing seat.
"I will sit with you two." she remarked as the other ladies ascended.
Her husband took a seat on the forward facing seat. He gave Elizabeth a questioning look. She just smiled as the carriage started off again. As they moved down the path, Mr. Darcy realized the wisdom of his wife's change in seating. The Fletcher's carriage passed them going the opposite way. The two ladies within turned slightly in their seat to look back. Since all the ladies had their backs to the other carriage as it passed it could not be discerned who Mr. Darcy was escorting in the park. Though they looked back, the two Fletcher ladies could not make out any faces as the carriages were moving away from one another. Mr. Darcy had acknowledged them with a nod as they passed so they knew they had been seen so they could not turn again without causing gossip about themselves for following a gentleman's carriage through the park. As he had been sitting alone on one seat while the ladies all sat on the other showed propriety was being adhered to. Since word of their marriage was not out yet, it would not do to behave in a way that may cause gossip. If they were seen riding together alone, it would likely be assumed Mr. Darcy was riding with his sister. With other ladies in the carriage it is possible that the imaginations of gossips could run wild if one of the ladies was sitting by his side.
They completed their circuit of the park and returned to Matlock House. Mr. Darcy stepped out to assist his sister and cousin down. A footman came out. He informed Mr. Darcy that his uncle would like to speak to him. Elizabeth moved to the door. Mr. Darcy assisted her down and offered her his arm. They followed their relations inside. Elizabeth went with Anne and Georgiana to the sitting room to visit with Lady Matlock while Mr. Darcy went to his uncle's study.
I hope you all enjoyed this. I haven't had much time to write the past few days and this story has nearly caught up to where I am. I have several future scenes planned out so I am hoping to get them written soon. Thanks for reading.