Chapter 21
Lord Matlock went home a little calmer after meeting his nephew's young wife. The new Mrs. Darcy was quite pretty and spoke like a genteel lady. Furthermore, despite their modest origins, her sister and uncles behaved like people from high society. Although he was still upset with his nephew Darcy, Lord Matlock thought that things could be much worse and tried to settle with that thought. His nephew's wife was poor and unconnected, but at least she was pretty and educated.
As expected, once the Countess knew about her nephew's sudden wedding, she immediately went to Darcy House to meet the new Mrs. Darcy.
Lady Matlock reprimanded her nephew for marrying in such a scandalous fashion and put together a plan of action to try to contain the rumors in the best possible way.
Therefore, the following day, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and the Countess would go to various shops to select a new wardrobe for the new Mrs. Darcy and to be seen. The idea was that all the gossiping ladies who saw them would understand that the family unconditionally supported the new couple. Finally, in the evening, the new couple would be the guests of honor in Lord Matlock's box at the premiere of the new season of the opera.
Lady Matlock was aware that for the subsequent weeks, her nephew's imprudent marriage would be the talk of every high society drawing room. But she knew that if the family sponsored the Darcys and showed themselves united, gossiping about them would not be entertaining anymore. So, they would look for other scandals to talk about.
"Elizabeth, you will need more than two ball gowns. You will have to attend at least three balls this season, and you cannot wear the same clothes. Also, I want a special one made for you for the end-of-season ball I host every year," explained Lady Matlock as she looked at some silk gloves.
"My Lady, I do not feel comfortable spending so much money in a day. Also…" Elizabeth tried to explain how she felt but Lady Matlock interrupted her.
"Elizabeth, you cannot expose my nephew to malicious rumors because of your false modesty. When everyone discovers that my nephew secretly married a young lady with no dowry or connections, we shall all be exposed to gossip. Please do not add more problems to this situation," said Lady Matlock and continued looking at the fabrics.
"I am sorry, my Lady, but I do not mean to create rumors or cause trouble," Elizabeth replied, trying to remain calm.
"I understand, and please do not think I blame only you for what is happening. But you must understand that from now on, you have to follow my advice even if you do not like it. Since I know you are an intelligent girl, I want you to answer a question: How do you think the gossip in our circles will react when they see Mrs. Darcy wearing the same gown? Elizabeth, you are married to one of England's wealthiest men, and everyone knows it. If you always wear the same clothing, that will not speak ill of you but of your husband. Everyone will say that he is a miser and a bad husband or that he is already tired of you, and that is why he does not care how you dress."
"I understand, and I believe you are correct, my Lady. It is just that this is all new to me…" Elizabeth tried to explain.
"Do not worry, Lizzy; Aunt Esther and I shall be by your side to support you," Georgiana said, taking her sister-in-law's hand.
"I am glad you understood, Elizabeth. Please do not forget that you are now part of this family and that what you do or say affects us all. I am eager to help you, but I need you to trust me," Lady Matlock said sincerely.
"Of course, my Lady. I appreciate everything you are doing for me and my husband," Elizabeth replied. She could tell that the Countess was not happy with the situation but that she was doing her best to help.
"Since we have agreed, I want you to stop calling me 'My Lady.' Please, call me Aunt Esther," Lady Matlock said. Then, she continued looking at catalogs of imported fabrics for the dresses she wanted for Elizabeth.
They were in one of the most exclusive shops in London owned by a renowned French modiste of whom Lady Matlock was a client. While in the store, some people observed the group, but none dared to approach and interrupt them. Like any important client, the Countess had personalized attention while she chose fabrics and selected models.
"My dear Alice, you don't know how pleased we were to receive your message," said Louisa.
"We have long wanted to have Madame Dupont's services, but she does not accept new clients unless they come recommended by one of her favorite clients," Caroline said as she looked around her.
"Yes, Caroline, Madame Dupont only helps people from the first circles," Alice Spencer replied sarcastically. She did not like that pair of social climbers, but she knew it was the only way to reach her prey, Charles Bingley.
Louisa and Caroline sat in elegant chairs near the hall while Alice spoke with one of the shop assistants. They were amazed by the elegance and planned thinking in the social calls they would make the next day to boast about their new social triumph.
But all of Caroline's thoughts of success were interrupted when, on the other side of the room, sitting in some elegant armchairs, she thought she saw Eliza Bennet with Georgiana Darcy and another very elegant and refined lady. Unfortunately for her, when she stood to observe the group better, they entered another room. Caroline, without hesitation, headed in that direction, but a shop assistant intercepted her.
"I am sorry, miss, but Madame Dupont is busy with an important client."
"Caroline, I will ask you to please wait where I asked you. Madame Dupont is busy with Lady Matlock and her nieces," said Alice Spencer angrily. She will not let that new rich embarrass her.
"I am sorry, my dear. I am very close friends with Georgiana Darcy, and I wanted to greet her," Caroline explained.
When Alice went to talk to Madame Dupont's secretary, Louisa took the opportunity to question her sister. "What were you thinking, Caroline? You cannot go and bother the Countess with the pretext that you will speak with Georgiana."
"Louisa, I swear I saw Eliza Bennet with Georgiana and Lady Matlock," Caroline explained in disbelief.
"Caroline, my God, are you well? How do you think that Eliza Bennet will be in one of the most exclusive shops in London with Georgiana Darcy and the Countess," said Louisa, unable to help but laugh.
"You are right, Louisa," Caroline replied unconvinced. She was sure that woman was damn Eliza Bennet.
Unfortunately, Madame Dupont's secretary told Alice Spencer that the prestigious modiste could not receive them because she was busy. But she made them an appointment for two more days. The ladies went to a tea room to talk, but Caroline could not stop thinking about why Eliza Bennet would be with Georgiana and the Countess in that elegant shop.
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Elizabeth was very nervous because she knew many people would be curious to know who the woman accompanying Mr. Darcy was. But she remembered everything the Countess had told her and understood that she must be worthy of her husband. She would not do anything that would generate negative rumors. She knew that the situation was already complicated enough.
Mr. Darcy was very impressed when he saw Elizabeth coming down the stairs. She was wearing a dress that Georgiana had never worn and that a skilled dressmaker had managed to modify in a few hours.
"Elizabeth, you look beautiful. But please come with me to my study; I have something for you."
When they finally arrived at the study, Mr. Darcy took a case from a safe and put a beautiful gold and diamond necklace on Elizabeth.
"William, this is not necessary," Elizabeth said. She had never worn something so expensive.
"Elizabeth, these are Mrs. Darcy's jewels. They belong to you now, and you must wear them on occasions like these," Mr. Darcy explained.
"I suppose you are right, but I want to warn you that adjusting to this part of my new life will take a while."
"I know, and it does not trouble me. I can be very patient for certain things," replied Mr. Darcy, laughing.
"It is good to know that my husband has patience for some things," Elizabeth replied, smiling.
Twenty minutes later, they left for the theater. While they were on their way, Mr. Darcy took the opportunity to tell Elizabeth what the theater was like and where they would be located. Elizabeth asked a few questions and remained silent for the rest of the trip.
In less than half an hour, they arrived at the theater and when they entered, Elizabeth noticed how everyone was watching them. But also, she noticed that her husband took a protective attitude and did not let anyone come close and ask indiscreet questions.
Before entering the Fitzwilliam box, Baron Anthony Duxbury and his wife, Anastasia, approached the Matlocks, intending to learn who the pretty woman with the contagious smile was. They did not remember seeing the serious Fitzwilliam Darcy in public with a lady on his arm. The Baron and his wife were the greatest gossip of high society, and the Countess knew they would be in charge of spreading the news about Mr. Darcy's wedding.
"My dear Lady Matlock, you do not know how pleased I am to see you," said the Baron, kissing the hand of his supposed friend.
"The pleasure is mine, my Lord," Lady Matlock replied.
Afterward, the rest of the group members cordially greeted the Baron and his wife. But the Countess knew very well why that pair of gossips had approached them and she gestured for her husband to do what they had planned. It was better to get out of it and stoically tolerate the rumors and curious glances for the rest of the evening.
"Duxbury, my dear Lady Anastasia, you already know my nephew, but please allow me to introduce you to the new member of my family. This is Elizabeth Darcy, the wife of my nephew Fitzwilliam," said Lord Matlock.
Elizabeth noticed the astonished faces of the Baron and his wife and said in a cordial voice and curtsied, "It is a pleasure to meet you, my Lord, my Lady."
"Darcy, I did not know you were married," Lady Anastasia said as she looked at Elizabeth from head to foot.
"I got married three months ago, but we could not travel to London for family reasons, so I had to postpone my dear wife's debut in society." After answering the Baroness's question, Mr. Darcy took his wife's and kissed it tenderly. He wanted Lady Anastasia to have no doubt about how much he adored his wife.
"Mrs. Darcy, I do not remember seeing you before; where is your family from?" the Baron asked with interest.
"I am from Hertfordshire, born and raised on Longbourn, my father's estate. Unfortunately for his daughters, my father does not like the city. Hence, we never frequent London society," Elizabeth responded calmly.
"And how did you meet if you do not frequent our social circles?" Lady Anastasia asked.
"I spent some time in Hertfordshire on a friend's estate. There we met and after a few months, my dear Elizabeth made me the happiest man in the world by accepting me as her husband," replied Mr. Darcy.
Fortunately, the announcement that the play would begin in five minutes ended the interrogation. Then, everyone entered their boxes to enjoy the opera.
Mr. Darcy hardly paid attention to the play because he noticed all eyes were on him. He could see the women murmuring behind their fans despite the dim lights. Fortunately, Elizabeth did not know how poisonous people in those circles could be, and she was enjoying the opera.
Mr. Darcy could not stop looking at Elizabeth and feeling proud of her. "My dear, you look so beautiful tonight," He murmured in his wife's ear.
"Does that mean I am pretty enough to tempt you? Your aunt is planning to organize a ball in our honor, and I believe it would cause a lot of commotion if you refused to dance with me," Elizabeth replied with a mischievous smile.
Mr. Darcy could not help but laugh and replied in the same tone, "Of course, I shall dance with you; in fact, I would dance with you all night if I could," said Mr. Darcy. Then he kissed his wife's hand and continued watching the opera. He held Elizabeth's hand in his for the rest of the play.
The Darcys were the talk of that evening. Before the first intermission everyone had learned that Fitzwilliam Darcy had married the daughter of a country squire from Hertfordshire. Furthermore, seeing how the always-serious Mr. Darcy behaved, everyone assumed he had decided to marry because he was in love with his young wife. After watching how he laughed and could not stop looking at or kissing his wife's hands, there was no doubt about the reasons for such an untimely wedding.
Furthermore, it was evident that the family supported the new couple, which was a point in their favor. Of course there were malicious comments that tried to insinuate other reasons for that surreptitious union, but the general opinion was rather favorable.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth had successfully passed that first test, and the Countess was satisfied with the result.
P&P
At breakfast, Georgiana questioned her brother and Elizabeth about everything that had happened the previous evening. Mr. Darcy was not the type of person who paid much attention to details, so it was Elizabeth who described the events. For that reason, Mr. Darcy took the opportunity to check the newspaper in the society section while his wife and sister conversed. He wanted to see if there was any mention of the opera's premiere. But his surprise was great when he saw the headline of that section, and he could not help but be concerned and angry at the same time.
"Elizabeth, you should read this," he said, handing her the newspaper.
With great curiosity, Elizabeth looked at the newspaper's page and read the headline in amazement. 'Fitzwilliam Darcy introduces his wife to society.'
"I need to go to my study to sort out some matters," Mr. Darcy said. Then, he stood and left the room.
Georgiana did not understand her brother's reaction, so she sat beside Elizabeth, and they both read the article. First, it said that the wealthy and handsome Fitzwilliam Darcy had married an unknown young lady, the daughter of a minor landowner. But as they continued reading, the article mentioned inaccurate and malicious details. It also implied things that had never happened.
We have learned from good sources that Miss Elizabeth Bennet did everything possible to attract the attention of the Derbyshire gentleman. We cannot blame the Lady; after all, her devious schemes helped her get what she wanted. Today, she is the Mistress of one of the most beautiful and prosperous estates in the north of the country and...
"Elizabeth, I feel so contrite… If it had not been for me, you and my brother would have had the wedding you deserve, and no one would dare suggest something like that," Georgiana said.
"No, Georgiana, please do not repeat that. What those people say should not matter to us. If we stay together, in a few months no one will remember how or when we got married," Elizabeth replied very seriously.
"You are correct, Lizzy. We must not allow malicious rumors to ruin our peace," Georgiana said more calmly.
"Yes, we shall not allow anything to interfere with our family life. Now, I shall talk to your brother, Georgie," Elizabeth said, leaving in search of her husband.
Georgiana preferred to go to her room to rest and write a letter to Richard to tell him that he felt better and that his brother and Elizabeth had resolved their differences.
Mr. Darcy was furious and wanted to go to the office of that newspaper and face the cretin who wrote that article. He felt guilty because he knew that Elizabeth did not deserve any of that criticism and that he put her in such a difficult situation.
"William, I would like to talk to you if you are not too busy," Elizabeth said as she entered the study.
"I am sorry, Elizabeth. I do not know what to do... Perhaps I could buy that newspaper and close it for good... I should talk to my solicitor and demand that those infamous retract and offer you public apologies," said Mr. Darcy as he walked around his study.
"William, the best thing you can do is accompany me and Georgiana for a walk in the park this afternoon. We have a sunny day, and it is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the little sun we have during winter," Elizabeth said, smiling.
"Elizabeth, this is something serious. I do not want..."
"William, for me, it is also something serious. I want you to understand that the best thing we can do is ignore all malicious gossip. If we go to the park, everyone can see that nothing they say matters to us because it is not true. Nothing is better to contradict what they say than to see us united and happy as a family. Why should we give importance to those rumors if we know they are lies?"
Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and could not help but smile, too. "I think once again, you are right. We will not allow them to ruin our day. They can say whatever they want because none of that will ruin this beautiful day with my wife. This afternoon I shall walk around the city with my wife on my arm so no one can doubt how much I love and respect her."
Mr. Darcy approached his wife and kissed her cheek tenderly while Elizabeth could not help but blush. But she had another matter to discuss with him.
"William, I think that article in the newspaper may have other consequences. It seems that you should travel to speak to my father as soon as possible," Elizabeth said worriedly.
"Yes, my dear. I had not thought about that. I shall take care of it tomorrow. Do you want to travel with me?"
"No, I do not want to talk to my parents yet. I hope you do not mind," Elizabeth said, unable to hide her sadness.
Mr. Darcy hugged her and tenderly said, "Do not worry, my dear. Now you have Georgiana and me. Do not forget that you are now a Darcy and have a husband who adores and will always protect you."
"William, I…"
Elizabeth was so excited that she raised her head and kissed her husband on his lips. Without thinking, he responded to that innocent kiss full of tenderness. Then he caressed her beautiful wife's cheek and began to kiss her, first tenderly and then very passionately.
After almost half an hour of kissing, Mr. Darcy again told Elizabeth not to worry because he would take care of everything. "Never forget how much I love you."
"William, my dear William… I do not know if what I feel for you is love, but I want you to know that I admire you, and I feel pleased that we have resolved our differences... William, I...," Elizabeth said. Then, she snuggled into her husband's arms as he stroked her hair and kissed her cheeks.
Mr. Darcy was so happy and excited that he had no words to express everything he felt at that moment. He wanted to stay forever with Elizabeth in his arms without thinking about the future and all the challenges they had to face.
P&P
Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
I want to remind you again that this story has only a few chapters left and that it will only be available for a few more days once I finish writing it. Therefore, I suggest you check the site frequently if you do not want to miss the last chapters.
And for those worried about a future publication due to the poor quality of the story, you must know that I am not planning to publish it. My daughter publishes my stories, and she decides when and what stories. If I download it from this site, it is not because I plan to sell it but because I do not want it stolen. It happened more than one time!
In the next chapter, we will see the multiple reactions the newspaper article provokes. Furthermore, Mr. Darcy will travel to speak with Mr. Bennet.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo