Chapter 29
Saturday, 29 February 1812
London
Elizabeth and Darcy presented themselves at Lady Matlock's the day before they were expected. They had spent the previous day at the townhouse, with Darcy introducing her to the servants and helping her accustom herself to the house before they began receiving guests. Having seen Pemberley, Elizabeth expected an impressive, though tasteful, home and was not disappointed. Just as at the manor house, everything was elegant rather than ostentatious, comfortable rather than imposing. While there were a few things that needed updating, she was overall pleased with her new home. The two months at Pemberley had done much to make Elizabeth feel more comfortable with her husband's wealth.
Upon arriving at Matlock House, Elizabeth was pleased that her husband's family had preferred unobtrusive displays of their wealth. The earl's home was fine; there was no question of that, but it was ornate, bordering on gaudy. Elizabeth considered this could be a result of the family's status because as they were shown into a family sitting room, she realised this room was far more simply decorated.
"Good afternoon, Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth. I am surprised to see you so soon; I expected to delay your journey to town as long as possible."
Elizabeth smiled at her new aunt and embraced her. "As tomorrow is the Sabbath, we believed we would do well to present ourselves today so we could keep to our intention to use Sundays as a day of rest and rejuvenation. We have an appointment with your modiste on Monday for the final fittings of the dresses you and my Aunt Gardiner ordered. Will my sisters be accompanying us? William and I discussed having Georgiana and Mary join us at Darcy House unless they prefer to remain here."
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard the sound of rushed footsteps. Anne, Georgiana, and Mary all appeared in the doorway. "We heard what you said, but we have already decided to go to Rosings to visit Anne," Georgiana cried. Then, remembering herself, she dropped her eyes and spoke in a subdued tone. "That is, if you agree, Brother."
Darcy smiled at his once shy sister's exuberance. "If you and Mary would like to go with Anne to Rosings, I will approve it. You know that we will be very occupied with attending events and unable to spend as much time with you as we like, so if you prefer the country to town, I cannot fault you. Have you already decided when to depart?"
"Uncle has nearly finished helping me have Rosings transferred into my control. Both you and he will remain as trustees, and I will rely upon your advice, but I am ready to return home. I believe another fortnight should be enough to ensure that all is prepared," Anne offered. "Mrs. Annesley is in favour of this, as is my new companion, Mrs. Whitman. Richard has offered to escort us, assist with any staff issues, and stay at Rosings for a sennight."
Darcy nodded. Before he could speak, Lady Matlock indicated they should all be seated. Darcy and Elizabeth sat next to each other on a settee while the others scattered around the room. Finally, Darcy replied. "Yes, he mentioned in his last letter that he intended to accompany you to Rosings. Is there anything that I can do?"
"Yes, cousin. Please continue to make your annual visits at Easter to review the books, though you are welcome more often. I know Mother made it difficult for you to visit more frequently, but she is no longer there, and you are married, so you can have no more reason to fear me." This last was said in such a solemn tone that it was difficult not to laugh at the face she made.
"Thank you, Anne. I am glad to continue my annual visit, and I do hope it will be more pleasant in the future — in part due to my wife and the fact that with you and so many of my sisters there, it will be far more lively than in the past."
Anne grinned mischievously at him. "It should be far more lively. Also, did anyone tell you about the fate of our former rector?"
"Former?" Elizabeth cried. "I confess, I had not thought of Mr. Collins since he left Lambton. Did he never return to Hunsford?"
"He did; however, he disappeared only a few days later, shortly after the news arrived at Rosings that Mother was no longer in charge. As I understand it, he attempted to 'rescue' my mother from the manor in Wales, though how he discovered she was there, I do not know since none of the staff at Rosings was informed of her location. The staff our uncle hired made it clear that no visitors were permitted without his express approval, so when Mr. Collins attempted to force his way into the house, he made it fair as the main stairwell before some of the footmen accosted him, only knowing he was an intruder. In the struggle, he fell, breaking his neck in the process."
"Oh, my!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "How terrible."
"Is it?" Darcy asked cooly. "He was not sensible, Elizabeth, and was attempting to assist Lady Catherine, who we believe is responsible for two deaths and for keeping her daughter ill for years. Perhaps I should feel sorry for the fool, but is the world not better off for his not being in it?"
She sighed heavily and leaned against him. "You may be correct, but it is sad that he died in such a way. He was distantly related to me." She sat up suddenly. "Has anyone notified my uncles? Particularly my Uncle Phillips? Who will inherit Longbourn now?"
"As I understand it, James has been in contact with Mr. Phillips and Mr. Gardiner. I do not believe anyone has bothered to inform Mr. or Mrs. Bennet unless Mr. Phillips took it upon himself to do so," Lady Matlock informed the group. "Mrs. Gardiner or Miss Bennet may know something when you see her on Monday."
Elizabeth smiled and acknowledged her words, though she remained quiet. The conversation continued around her, with discussions of events they would attend and some shopping excursions. Darcy noted Elizabeth's silence and placed his arm around her. "Are you well, dearest?"
"I am," she sighed. "I was thinking of my father and wondering how he reacted to this news. The letters from Longbourn's steward indicate that he is just as indolent as before. He simply sits in his study and reads, though he expressed frustration when the shopkeepers denied him any credit. My mother has written to my sisters, though not to me, which I cannot understand. She has not demanded that any of them return home, but she complains about how lonely she is."
"Your uncle's letters say she has bragged to the entire neighbourhood about her new connection to the Earl and Countess of Matlock and how all her daughters will marry well as a result. I do not know why she has not written to you, though I suppose it is possible your father has done something to letters you. Is he angry enough to have done something like that?" Darcy asked quietly.
Elizabeth stared at him in surprise. "If he did, it would not be out of anger but out of pettiness. I will have to write to Aunt Phillips to ask her. She is not capable of subtly, but perhaps she would be able to find out if Mama has written to me."
Suddenly, Elizabeth's attention was pulled into the larger conversation by a question from Lady Matlock. "Elizabeth, you and Fitzwilliam should be seen out together as soon as possible. Will you attend church on the morrow?"
Replying in the affirmative, Elizabeth leaned against her husband as a way to indicate that they would continue their conversation later. The talk turned to the various shopping trips the party would make over the next week to complete Elizabeth's wardrobe. While the ball would be Elizabeth's official introduction to the ton, there would be other unofficial events. Once Elizabeth had what Lady Matlock deemed an appropriate evening gown, they would attend the theatre and a small dinner party or two with close friends and associates. Of course, the entire group would be seen shipping in Bond Street over the next few days and at church, allowing Elizabeth to meet people ahead of the ball. Other than the trip to the modiste, Darcy would accompany her.
Darcy felt Elizabeth sag slightly against him. She already hated the artifice of the ton that made all of this necessary, though she went along with it for his sake and Georgiana's. Her acceptance would also eventually influence their children, so she listened to all the plans and nodded along, hoping it would not be as daunting as it seemed right now.
When they arrived home later that afternoon, Darcy returned to the conversation about her father.
"Would you like to visit Longbourn, my dear?" he asked, surprising her with the question.
"Yes and no. I feel we must visit for a day or two before we return to Pemberley, if for no other reason than to check on the tenants and to ensure that everything is being taken care of. I would also like to see Charlotte Lucas and a few others in Meryton, and I hope that Mama would enjoy a visit. Since I am of age, there is nothing that my father can do now, but if he is petty enough to take or destroy letters sent to me by Mama, then I cannot imagine seeing him will be pleasant. He has always been sardonic; now, the full force of his biting wit will be turned upon me."
"I will not allow him to abuse you, Elizabeth, nor will I let you face him alone. Whatever he has to say, he will say it to both of us."
She smiled at him tenderly. "Thank you, William. I am so appreciative of your support for me. You will make an excellent father."
He looked at her in askance, and she laughed. "We have been married for more than two months, William. I have not had my courses even once. I have not yet felt the quickening, but I did receive a letter from my Aunt Gardiner today in which she answered a few questions I had. Not only have my courses ceased, but my breasts are tender, and I have noticed of late that certain smells make me queasy. I have not yet cast up my accounts, but surely you have noticed I am a little more tired than usual."
Darcy was surprised; he had not noticed any of those things. "Do you truly think…?" He trailed off, unwilling to say the words out loud.
"Yes, my dear, I think it is very possible you will be a father before the year is out. What … what do you think of that idea?"
He did not speak for a moment. He could not — his heart was too full. "Truly, Elizabeth?"
She only nodded.
He stood suddenly, bringing her with him. He gathered her in his arms and twirled her about. "Truly, Elizabeth? I will be a father? You are … you are with child?"
Again, she nodded, smiling down at him lovingly. "Yes, William. It is not certain, but it is very likely."
Darcy bent his head and kissed her passionately. Still holding her in his arms, he carried her into the bedroom, where he proceeded to show her exactly how pleased he was with her news.