Enjoy!
Chapter Summary: Elizabeth meets Darcy.
Track Recommendation: "Love and the Hunter" - The Chamber Orchestra (Downton Abbey)
"Miss Bennet, I presume?" Mr Darcy said matter of factly as he helped Elizabeth to stand upright. Once she had found her footing he released her from his hold and stepped back creating distance between them.
"I am so sorry sir," Elizabeth uttered, panicked. "Please know I am not in the habit of doing this. I did not mean to sit or touch or play. I was merely admiring. I am afraid I got carried away...admiring," Elizabeth finished rather pathetically.
Mr Darcy only stared at her, blue eyes narrowed and his annoyance reflected in the slight stiffness of his jaw. It did nothing to ease Elizabeth's nerves.
"I really am sorry," Elizabeth added, unsure of herself. She scolded herself for not having exercised more patience to wait for Mr Darcy without exploring his home uninvited. She imagined that if she looked in the mirror her face would most certainly resemble the colour of a tomato. She felt a concoction of mortification, guilt and utter bewilderment as to how her fortune could have turned so easily.
"Take a seat," Mr Darcy commanded, ignoring her apology. He moved to one of the sofas exuding the confidence one has when they are comfortable in their own home.
"Do you need to admire the sofa before you take a seat?" Mr Darcy asked looking at Elizabeth incredulously when she did not move from where she was standing. Elizabeth was still too unsettled and so did not respond in an equally condescending manner as Mr Darcy had exhibited.
"No sir, it is just that -," Mr Darcy raised his hand, ending any further words from Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, I am sure you know who I am correct?" Mr Darcy asked, looking like he had lost the very little patience he already had.
"I am sorry?" Elizabeth was surprised at the line of questioning. The progression of this introduction could not be further from her imaginings. When Mr Darcy remained silent, clearly expecting her to respond to a question that was both insulting and puzzling, Elizabeth uncertainly offered a response.
"You are my employer," Elizabeth said although her delivery was more akin to another question rather than a true statement of fact.
"Good. You at least understand something. You will do well in future to listen when I command or make a request. I am a man of very little patience and I do not enjoy repeating myself. And seeing as you have already tested that patience with your earlier display I would do well if I were you to do as you are told. Now, please be seated," Mr Darcy's tone brooked no further argument.
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, forcing herself to hold any retort she might have had had she not been the subordinate. She stalked rather than walked to the sofa across from where Mr Darcy was standing and was annoyed further when she realised that Mr Darcy still observed protocol by allowing her to sit before he proceeded to do the same. The nerve, Elizabeth thought and this time she could not help rolling her eyes but she was grateful that Mr Darcy was not looking at her as he had started addressing a man whom until then Elizabeth had not noticed had been in the room. The man, who was slightly older than Mr Darcy, proceeded to take a seat on the other end of the sofa occupied by Mr Darcy. Unlike Mr Darcy who was now sitting stiffly looking away from Elizabeth, the man faced her and started speaking.
"Miss Bennet, I am Mr Thorpe. I am Mr Darcy's steward. We corresponded about this position," Mr Thorpe said, offering Elizabeth a smile that was a welcome gesture unlike that of his Master. "I trust you travelled well?" Mr Thorpe asked. He did not miss Mr Darcy clearing his throat as if to indicate that the question was unnecessary. Mr Thorpe had been under Mr Darcy's employ long enough to be comfortable to occasionally defy orders if he thought it best. This was one such occasion as Mr Thorpe knew what it was like to misstep on the job and did not wish to prolong Elizabeth's misery any longer. After all Mr Darcy had instructed him to lead the proceedings.
"I did, thank you very much sir," Elizabeth said. She also cleared her throat although in her case she was attempting to calm herself. "The coach ride was lovely," Elizabeth offered a small, toothless smile that did not reach her eyes. Her anger had subsided but she could not shake the nervous energy that made her want to walk out of the room, back on to the coach and head straight back to Longbourn. She could admit her guilt and acknowledge her impertinence to have touched what did not belong to her but it did not seem to warrant Mr Darcy's cold manner. Even her apology was not sufficient to thaw it.
Mr Thorpe continued noting Elizabeth's reticence. "As I said in the letter, your position will entail caring for the children and seeing to their education. The children are already in bed so you will be meeting them tomorrow. Their names are Rosalind and Archibald or "Rosie" and "Archie" as they insist on being called," Mr Thorpe noticed how Elizabeth's countenance changed at the mention of the children's preferred names. Her smile now reached her eyes. Mr Darcy, who had been trying his best to ignore Elizabeth, was also drawn by this change in her manner but quickly looked away again when she spoke.
"What beautiful names. I will be sure to adhere to their preferences" Elizabeth said.
Mr Thorpe was encouraged by this. The previous governess, Miss Hayworth, had always been at odds with the children as she had insisted on calling them by their formal names. Archie at one point had proceeded to scream, "Are you deaf or something? I said call me Archie!," to which the governess had responded by slapping him. That was effectively her last day.
"They would appreciate that," Mr Thorpe said, stifling a chuckle at the memory of his Master's son. "Rosie is strong with her arithmetic, reading and writing. Archie needs a bit more prompting as he is prone to be distracted as most boys his age would be. Perhaps he might enjoy learning music and French a bit more. Their schedule will be relayed to you tomorrow including your other daily duties. We do not want to prolong this meeting, I am sure after such a long journey you want to rest," Mr Thorpe said. He did not miss his Master's raised brow. Mr Darcy, especially considering the circumstances under which he met Elizabeth, no doubt did not care whether Elizabeth needed rest or not.
Elizabeth, unaware of the implications of Mr Thorpe's considerate action, smiled appreciatively. Mr Thorpe had to remind himself that he was happily married as he found himself admiring Elizabeth in a manner not befitting a married man. It was not helpful that her beauty was more pronounced when she smiled. Mr Thorpe wondered how some young man had not yet secured her. Mr Darcy, who had noticed Mr Thorpe observing Elizabeth, cleared his throat again prompting Mr Thorpe to continue.
"There is also the matter of your wage. Your income will be 50 pounds a year," Mr Thorpe said.
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the mention of her wage and she could not help her next statement.
"Thank you, sir. That is very generous," she said, addressing Mr Darcy. Her previous employers had not been this generous and she knew that many employers would not pay beyond 20 or 30 pounds. Mr Darcy did not acknowledge her gratitude but he did look at her directly for the first time with an unreadable expression.
"You will receive your wages quarterly although this can be negotiated if there are any issues you or your family might be having," Mr Thorpe said. "You will be reporting to Mr Darcy and myself if Mr Darcy is not at Pemberley. If either of us is unavailable Mrs Reynolds or Mr Mason can assist you depending on the inquiry. Like I said, more will be relayed tomorrow," Mr Thorpe finished and looked to Mr Darcy, uncertain of whether his employer wanted to say any more before Elizabeth was dismissed. Mr Thorpe was certain his employer was not happy with Elizabeth but he could not understand whether that was entirely due to the events that had preceded or because he thought Elizabeth was wholly unsuitable. Whatever the reason, Mr Thorpe knew there would be some questions. Mr Darcy gave a slight shake of his head and Mr Thorpe continued.
"Do you have any questions Miss Bennet?" Mr Thorpe asked.
Elizabeth had plenty. The years she had worked as a governess had taught her to be prepared and in her small purse was a notebook with questions she would normally want to ask. Presently though her questions were anything but professional. To start with, she wanted to ask why Mr Darcy was not just reprimanding her for her actions instead of punishing her with his silent anger. She wanted to ask why he did not simply send her on her way if he was so repulsed by her presence. She wanted to ask why he could not find it within himself to understand that she had made a mistake, apologised for it and now simply wanted to end the mortifying moment.
Elizabeth though only said, "Yes I do Mr Thorpe, but it is nothing that can not wait until tomorrow."
"Well then, I say welcome to Pemberley Miss Bennet. I will ask the footman to take you to Mrs Reynolds who will show you to your room," Mr Thorpe said standing up and walking to the doorway. This left Elizabeth alone in awkward silence with Mr Darcy who was still looking away from her.
Elizabeth resorted to picking at the loose threads of her purse, if only to avoid looking at Mr Darcy. Had she not been experiencing a different reality to how she had imagined meeting her employer for the first time, she might have complimented Mr Darcy on the beauty of Pemberley. She feared though that uttering anything might actually provoke him to reprimand her and she was not certain she was as prepared for that as she had earlier thought. However, while Elizabeth's gaze had shifted downwards, her employer's has now fixed firmly on her.
Mr Thorpe returned with a young footman and Elizabeth followed him to the door. Before she left the room she turned to face Mr Darcy whose eyes had not left her.
"I am sorry again sir for my transgression. I promise you that I will not be exhibiting such behaviour again," Elizabeth said and left before Mr Darcy could respond.
...
"This is why I do not advertise Thorpe," Darcy said as soon as the door had closed behind Elizabeth. "A gentleman's daughter she said? Well I would be ashamed if Rosalind felt at such liberty to observe another's home in such a familiar manner," Darcy stood up crossing over to turn the bench at the piano upright.
"I apologise for her behaviour sir. I take any blame. I should have ensured she had waited in the entrance hall," Mr Thorpe said, his tone reproachful.
"You were not the one taking liberties, Thorpe. There is no need to apologise on that account, or for anything. I am concerned that we may have been tricked into hiring someone who is more qualified on paper," Darcy said looking back at his steward. Darcy trusted Mr Thorpe, more than some in his circle and he knew that Mr Thorpe was not to blame for his latest employee's actions. Both men had reviewed the numerous applications that had been sent by candidates. Advertisements had been posted in newspapers of various counties as Thorpe believed this would allow for a wider choice. There certainly had been a few who presented potential but Elizabeth's application stood apart from others as she appeared well rounded. Her experience on the continent was balanced with her experience caring for children of Rosalind and Archibald's age. Also, after Miss Hayworth, Darcy had thought a younger candidate would be better suited to the children. Now Darcy was doubting his decision.
"It was definitely poor judgement on the part of Miss Bennet sir, but I do not believe we were tricked. Unless she enjoys making up stories I think her experience is genuine. However, I can inform her that her services are no longer required if that is what you wish Sir?" Mr Thorpe said.
Darcy pondered this proposition. He did not want to make another mistake as he felt he had with Miss Hayworth. She had seemed sweet and tolerant towards the children until they pushed her limits.
"No, that will not be necessary," Darcy responded. Part of him wanted to instruct Mr Thorpe to send Elizabeth on her way but he also knew he did not have the luxury nor the patience to seek another governess. "I will have to be more vigilant that is all. If her former employer allowed her to take such liberties, she will have to understand that this household is different," Darcy said.
Mr Thorpe nodded. After a brief pause Darcy dismissed him with the promise of meeting again in the morning. Now alone in the drawing room, Darcy allowed himself to reflect on Elizabeth. Save for her youth, Elizabeth was far removed from the image Darcy had always had of governesses since his late parents had employed his first governess. He had anticipated a timid woman, who was eager to please and less inclined to acting so liberally.
He knew he would have to keep an eye on Elizabeth. His annoyance had not been at Elizabeth touching the piano; he was not so protective of it as it was only an instrument and was not his possession, but his sister Georgiana's gifted to her on her 16th birthday. Rather he was opposed to Elizabeth possibly influencing his children to act in such a manner. He did not want to be issuing another dismissal.
As Darcy was interrupted by a footman advising him of supper, he refrained from dwelling on how his annoyance had also been induced by recognising the fine image Elizabeth had made sitting in front of the piano or how she seemed to awaken in him a desire he had not been privileged to entertain for some time.
...
After a bath and a much needed supper, Elizabeth sat in front of the desk in her new bedroom and began writing a letter to her family and a separate letter to Jane. To her family, Elizabeth relayed generally how the journey had been uneventful and exaggerated how warm the reception had been on her arrival. There was some truth in that after all since Mrs Reynolds had been cordial towards her. She did not need to mention her mistake with the piano, nor Mr Darcy.
To Jane though, Elizabeth relayed every detail about her journey, the beautiful views around Derbyshire that Jane might one day enjoy painting, the splendour of Pemberley and the horrible encounter with Mr Darcy.
"... I fear I did not start on a good note, dear sister. What must Mr Darcy think of me? Perhaps that I am a fool. Regardless, I wish he had been more receptive to my apology for it was genuinely expressed. Alas, he was not to be swayed. I also fear that my mistake was not the only thing that made him so cold. I believe that is just his nature. I can only imagine you would wish to first meet Mr Darcy before casting your judgment. That is why you are the best sister one could ask for. However, I am afraid you won't find any study of him to result in any redeeming assessment. He is a man who believes himself above his subordinates. After all, his pride could not allow him to accept a humble apology.
In other news, I will be meeting his children, Rosalind and Archibald tomorrow morning. Mr Darcy's steward, Mr Thorpe advised me that the children like to be called "Rosie" and "Archie". If they are anything like our cousins Gardiner I have a feeling that we will become good friends or at least I hope they will possess that sweetness of manner which makes children amiable and as such easier to befriend.
I have also written to the family but in case this letter arrives earlier, please give my love to them. I trust you will not disclose more than the general details of my journey.
Your loving sister,
Elizabeth."
Elizabeth set the letters aside to be posted at her first opportunity. She looked around the fine room that would be hers for the foreseeable future. When she had initially been shown in, Elizabeth had believed it to be a mistake. Mrs Reynolds, who had relieved the footman of the task of showing her to her room, had explained that Elizabeth would be sleeping in the children's nursery. She had expected nothing more than a single bed in the corner, not her own room which was apparently in the wing of the house that was the children's nursery.
This room was considerably larger than her shared bedroom at Longbourn. There was more than enough wardrobe space for her few belongings. The windows featured window seats where Elizabeth knew she would be trying to spend any spare time to read while soaking in the view. Even with the darkness now enveloping the Pemberley grounds, there was the promise of beautiful views. Along with the desk and chair situated near the fireplace, there was also a dressing table and a washstand in another corner of the room. The jewel of the room was the bed, which was framed by four wooden posts and white curtains that were draped loosely around the frame. Elizabeth appreciated this small feature. Despite the winter months rolling into spring, keeping warm was still a necessity. Also adorning the bed were luxurious pillows that promised a good night's sleep. Elizabeth gave in to an unexpected giddiness and ran to the bed hopping backwards onto the mattress.
Elizabeth giggled at her own silliness wishing Jane was there to enjoy the moment with her. As her mind turned to her family Elizabeth hugged one pillow, the loneliness from early in her journey returning. No matter how many times she had now left home, part of Elizabeth was tethered to Longbourn and no amount of luxury or the promise of adventure could stave that feeling. Perhaps it was more pronounced tonight owing to her less than successful meeting with Mr Darcy.
Elizabeth was still troubled by their encounter and sensed that working for Mr Darcy would prove to be more difficult than she had anticipated. After all, his treatment of her had reduced her to feeling like an imbecile. Elizabeth though resolved that she would not cower at the prospect of a challenge from Mr Darcy. She consoled herself with the thought that she had already overcome her greatest challenge by choosing to become a governess; after all her financial needs could withstand her wounded pride.
As she wished sleep to steal away her worries, Elizabeth pondered on how in another life Mr Darcy might have been a prospective suitor. She would be a fool to deny that Mr Darcy was a handsome man despite his air of superiority which made it difficult to find him cordial. Perhaps he might have visited Meryton seeking to acquire another estate and they would have struck up a conversation at many of the town's assemblies. Elizabeth knew that women were not dissuaded by his status as a widower. Would she have been one of those women? Remember your station Elizabeth. Entertaining such thoughts does no one any good, Elizabeth thought as her heart secretely yearned for a life where money did not dictate her situation.
A/N: The reference to Darcy visiting Meryton and potentially interacting with Elizabeth at an assembly is me paying homage somewhat to P&P. Anyway, thank you once again for taking time out of your day to read this. Until next time.