Chapter 7: An Underestimated Wife and a Difficult Journey
Mrs. Bennet knew something strange was afoot. Mr. Bennet had been whispering to the staff. No birthday was coming up. He had never celebrated their wedding anniversary. She stared out the window at the big, beautiful, expensive carriage that had arrived with Mr. Darcy. Odious, arrogant man, she thought. How can he just come to her home uninvited? How can he at least not let her know he is coming? That way, she could have done a proper job as Mistress and prepared a good meal for him. Even a room, if he would not think it was beneath him to stay with them. She saw Mr. Bennet leave his study in a hurry and go out of the house, but before she could ask him anything, Mr. Darcy returned to her sunroom.
"Mrs. Bennet," he nodded.
"Mr. Darcy."
"May I speak with you for a moment? Uh… In private?" He said a bit namely.
"Wh-Why?"
Mr. Darcy blinked, a bit perplexed. He was not expecting that. Most people usually went with what he requested. All her daughters stared at him with curiosity. Jane smiled encouragingly. He decided to take half of Mr. Bennet's advice and try to have this conversation in a way that would make Lizzie proud of him, "I… I found the cookies you so graciously gave me earlier were delicious. I would like to know if you would be so kind as to give me the recipe so I can ask my cook to make them for me and my sister."
Mrs. Bennet stared at him for a while. It was as if she expected him to be mocking her. But he was smiling in what seemed to be a sincere fashion. She had never seen him smile. He looked much younger and more handsome when he smiled. She blushed and tentatively returned his smile, "It is a family recipe, but I suppose your cook can have it if you enjoyed them so much. Come, I will write it for you."
Mr. Darcy bowed slightly to the girls. "Ladies."
They curtsied briefly, looking deeply confused. Jane was pleasantly surprised.
It turned out that Mrs. Bennet had beautiful penmanship. He commented on it, and she looked at him as if he were a very strange creature. Her education won, though, and she thanked him regardless. As soon as the parchment dried, he folded it and placed it in his pocket. Mrs. Bennet looked ready to leave the study.
"Mrs. Bennet… I have something else that I need to tell you," Mr. Darcy motioned for her to sit.
"Mr. Darcy, what could you possibly want to tell me? You were talking with my husband for a long time. Any business you must discuss… He is the Master of Longbourne. I am nobody."
Mr. Darcy froze. Her tone was so resigned. It saddened him that she felt that way. "Mrs. Bennet, I know this is very untoward, but Mr. Bennet asked me to tell you this."
"To tell me what?" she frowned, then gasped. "Did Madeline take a turn for the worse?" Mrs. Bennet paled.
"No! No. I left Mrs. Gardiner in good condition this morning."
Mrs. Bennet placed her hand on her chest, "That is good to know."
"Mr. Gardiner needs to return to London to look after his business."
"Oh?"
"So, Miss Elizabeth is staying at Pemberley to help Mrs. Gardiner. As Mr. Gardiner is leaving for London today, he requested that Miss Bennet and Miss Mary travel there to help care for Mrs. Gardiner."
"Mr. Bennet did not say anything to me. I… Oh… Lord. They need to pack! They need to change! They need to-!"
"Mrs. Bennet… Your husband is already in the carriage. He told me your staff prepared your things, and I assume your traveling clothes will be waiting for you in your room."
"Mr. Bennet is leaving? What do you mean my traveling clothes?"
"Mr. Gardiner thinks that you would be able, as a mother, of course, to help Mrs. Gardiner through the most difficult months."
"Months?!" Mrs. Bennet blinked rapidly.
"Yes. The doctor insists that Mrs. Gardiner cannot be moved until well into the quickening."
"Mr. Bennet didn't say it was so serious," she sat back down.
"I am so sorry, madam. We are trying our best to keep her calm and comfortable. There is a fast rider ready to fetch the doctor at any moment."
"What about my other daughters?" she frowned.
"Mr. Bennet said they will stay with Mr. and Mrs. Phillips."
"Do they know that?"
"Your daughters?"
"No. My sister."
He nodded, "I believe so."
"Mr. Bennet will send me into an early grave!."
"I am so sorry, Mrs. Bennet. I did not know you were not aware of this until just now. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, sir. I will fix this. After all, I always do. Mr. Bennet delights in turning me into a nervous wreck that he then complains about."
Mr. Darcy felt genuinely sorry about this, "Mrs. Bennet, I am really sorry for all this rush. We sent a letter a couple of days ago. I do not understand why-"
"No, Mr. Darcy. You would not. A privileged man such as yourself knows nothing of the struggles of wives who are considered stupid, simpleton, manipulable children by their husbands. I will make sure we are all ready within the hour. Please excuse the delay."
"Mrs. Bennet, wait. You are a wonderful hostess. I am really sorry about these circumstances. Do not feel you need to rush. My carriage can get us there in good time so you can see Mr. Gardiner off."
"Thank you, sir," she nodded but hurriedly left regardless of his assurances.
Mr. Darcy sighed and pulled his hair back. He went outside to talk to his coachmen and ensure things were going… as well as could reasonably be expected. But even from outside, he heard Miss Lydia's and Miss Catherine's shrill complaints about how they should get to go to Pemberley, too, so they could meet his wealthy friends. He took deep breaths but kept his expression as neutral as he could manage. Mr. Bennet was watching him like a hawk.
"Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, Stevens?"
"Mr. Bennet wants us to stop by Mr. Phillips' home to drop off two of his daughters," Stevens' tone was questioning. "We will need to change horses to make it back on time."
"I am aware of that. I made arrangements in advance just in case there were any delays."
"Yes, sir."
Once the very unhappy, loudly protesting younger sisters were dropped off, the remaining traveling Bennets could appreciate how fast and comfortable Mr. Darcy's carriage was. Mr. Bennet was asleep within minutes. Mrs. Bennet was still shocked that Mr. Darcy was escorting them on horseback. They exchanged horses midway and had lunch in an inn. Mr. Bennet got up to pay, only to discover that Mr. Darcy had already paid the bill. He was outside, ensuring his horses were cared for while his men picked them up. Mr. Bennet tried not to be upset by this overt generosity. Frankly, he did not know what to make of the once arrogant young man. Mr. Darcy had managed to contain his wife better than he himself could, and that was -he loathed to admit- remarkable.
Lizzie laughed with Georgiana as they tried to play a difficult duet. The younger girl was so giddy to have some friendly feminine company that even hours of just sitting by Mrs. Gardiner were enjoyable to her. Mrs. Gardiner could hear their attempts from her room, where she was having a plate of fresh fruit. Mrs. Reynolds had been so good at keeping her from any strain. Mr. Gardiner was getting ready to leave. Several deals needed his presence. He had been very worried about leaving his wife here, but Mr. Darcy's staff were bending backward to ensure Madeline was comfortable, entertained, and fed. The more days that passed, the more certain he became of the staff's competence and genuine caring for his wife's situation.
"Miss Georgiana?" Mrs. Reynolds came into the music room.
"Yes, Mrs. Reynolds," Georgiana smiled.
"Mr. Darcy sent word ahead. They were delayed but should be here to see Mr. Gardiner off. Would you like to wait for them and then serve dinner?"
"I believe that Mrs. Gardiner should eat at the usual time… But if Lizzie does not mind, I would rather wait for William," Georgiana replied thoughtfully.
"I think that is an excellent idea. My uncle gets to choose whether to eat with my aunt or wait for my mother… I have a feeling that he will prefer to share a meal with his wife."
"That is settled, then," Mrs. Reynolds smiled and left. The house was a flurry of activity, with staff running around arranging further rooms, bringing in more firewood, moving copper tubs around, and arranging items in bathing rooms. They had gone from expecting one extra guest to three, and now, to four. What was Mr. Bennet thinking inviting himself? If Mr. Darcy were not so intent on making a good impression and gaining Miss Elizabeth's favor, Mrs. Reynolds would be almost certain to strongly dislike Mr. Bennet without even meeting the man.
Mr. Darcy dismounted his tired horse and handed his reins to his stable hand.
"Please make sure Zeus rests adequately and gets plenty of food and water. Give him a few treats. Apples and carrots. He did an excellent job," Mr. Darcy patted Zeus' neck.
"Yes, sir."
A footman rushed to open the carriage door, and Mr. Darcy stood outside to help the ladies. Mr. Bennet descended with a grunt and frowned at Mr. Darcy when he grabbed his elbow to steady him. Mr. Darcy let go immediately. Mr. Bennet looked annoyed as he offered a hand to Mrs. Bennet. Jane descended slowly; it was quickly going dark, and she didn't want to fall. Mr. Darcy's gloved hand took hers and helped her down. Once Miss Mary descended, Mr. Darcy took a step back.
"Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Mary… Welcome to Pemberley," he smiled.
Mrs. Bennet felt her knees get weak. She held onto her husband's arm, and he rolled his eyes. She immediately let go and held onto Mary's arm instead.
"You have a lovely home, Mr. Darcy," Miss Bennet smiled.
"Papa! Mama! Jane! Mary!" Lizzie ran out to hug them.
Georgiana stayed on top of the stairs. "Welcome home, brother," she smiled.
"Bennet family, my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy," Mr. Darcy stretched out his arm, and his sister rushed to his side to hug him.
"I missed you, brother. I am so pleased to make your acquaintance," she smiled at the guests. "Please come in. We were waiting for you to have dinner."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Darcy," Mrs. Bennet smiled at the enthusiastic, beautiful young girl.
Mrs. Bennet was struggling to control her nerves. Perhaps it was good that they could not see the house well in the dark. The inside was so well-lit and looked like a work of art. The decoration, the furniture, the flowers—it was all so grand and beautiful. Mrs. Bennet felt inadequate. She also felt sorry for Miss Darcy. Having to run such a home while so young must be very challenging. Their meal was delicious. Mr. Gardiner thanked them for their help in caring for his wife and left in a different Darcy carriage. Miss Darcy handed him a basket in case he got hungry or had delays in his trip. They did not have the traditional separation of the sexes after their meal because Mr. Bennet requested to see the famous library instead. Based on his reaction, Mr. Darcy was sure that Mr. Bennet would not leave that room for most of his stay. He only managed cold civility and asked to be shown to his bedroom.
Miss Darcy guided the family, along with her brother, to their bedrooms. Mrs. Bennet could have fainted at the grandeur of their assigned room. When she saw the steaming copper tub, she sighed happily. Mr. Bennet decided he got to bathe first, of course. Why should she, who was actually invited, get to be comfortable? She sighed as she told the maid where to place their things. The maid, Corinne, looked at her with some pity. Mr. Bennet, as always, was brusque in telling her that she did not matter as much as he did. Corinne treated her gently, helping her take down her hairpins and change them. She also started the fireplace and did not comment on Mr. Bennet's words. Mrs. Bennet was always glad for small mercies. She needed them often with such a husband.
Jane was given a room next to her aunt, and she offered to share it with Mary. Mr. Darcy saw the flicker of sadness in Mary's eyes. She was too shy to protest and well-educated enough not to make a scene in a house where she was a guest.
"Miss Bennet, that is most generous of you, but there is no need. We arranged a room for Miss Mary."
"Really?" Mary asked, pleasantly surprised.
"Yes, of course," Georgiana smiled. "I did not know what flowers you preferred, so I went with lilies."
"I love them, Miss Darcy. Thank you."
"Miss Mary, should there be anything you need, please feel free to ask us or the staff," Mr. Darcy smiled. "Your things have already been brought up, as you can see. A maid will be in to help you shortly."
"I don't need a maid, sir. I can take care of myself," Mary blushed.
"Of course, but you are our guest, and we want you to be comfortable and well-attended. Please, for my sake," Georgiana turned on her bewitching eyes, and Mary caved in right away.
"The same goes for you, Miss Bennet. Anything at all, please let us know," Mr. Darcy smiled.
Elizabeth knocked on Mr. Darcy's door when she was sure everyone was sound asleep. He opened the door, groggy.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, I just wanted to apologize."
"I am not following," he rubbed sleep off his eyes.
"I am sure my father made this the worst trip ever."
"Do not worry. I can handle your father."
"Can you handle my mother?" She apologetically looked up at him.
"I am doing my best, dearest," he smiled.
Lizzie jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly, "You are a wonderful man. Thank you for treating Mary so nicely."
His arms wrapped around her waist. "Dearest, as much as I adore this time of just us. We should not be doing this... Not with your family so close. Or rather, not at all."
"Oh?"
"I don't want anyone to speak ill of you. I don't even want anyone to think ill of you," he said slowly, lowering her to her feet.
Lizzie caressed his jaw, "That is so sweet of you, William, but I really cannot be without these moments anymore... I missed you all day,"
He sighed and leaned into her touch, "So did I, love."
Lizzie smiled when he kissed the inside of her wrist. "I made something for you today."
"You did?"
Lizzie pulled out a handkerchief with his initials embroidered in blue and a small horseshoe embroidered on each side.
His heart squeezed. He caressed the stitching and smiled. "It is beautiful, dearest. Knowing you made this for me makes it the most special gift I have ever received."
"I love you... Please touch this every time you feel like kicking my family out."
He chuckled, "Lizzie… There is nothing I cannot deal with if it means you become my Mrs. Darcy," he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. "Now, off to bed you go. You need your rest."
Lizzie smiled. She was about to leave but then impulsively got on her tiptoes and kissed the corner of his lips. Then, she ran to her room and locked the door behind her. He went to sleep with the ghost of her kiss and a big smile on his face.
"Lizzie!" Jane shook her shoulder to wake her.
"Mmm… Jane…"
"Morning… I was hoping we could discuss how we will divide the days so we could care for Aunt Maddy."
"Of course," Lizzie yawned. "Where is Mary?"
"She wanted to see the gardens."
"She woke up already?"
"Yes. Lizzie, we were wondering why you were not up and about."
"What time is it?!"
"Half past nine."
"Dear Lord!" Lizzie jumped off the bed and ran to the washing basin nearby. She hastily washed her face.
"We just thought you were exhausted from caring for Aunt Maddy, so we did not wake you."
"Oh no. Is Mr. Darcy here?"
Jane blinked rapidly and narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "He is out in the fields with his steward and tenants. Apparently, there were some floods."
Lizzie blushed, "Yes. A few days ago."
"Lizzie, your letter was confusing. What is going on here?"
"I will tell you, but you must swear not to tell anyone. No one at all."
"I swear."
"Mr. Darcy asked me to marry him."
Jane gasped. "And?"
"I accepted, but we must keep it a secret because… well… Because I am living in his house."
"Of... Of course, but Lizzie… Are you happy? Do you want to marry him? I… You hated the man. I don't understand."
"Is Mama with Aunt Maddy?"
"Yes."
"Then, sit. I will tell you everything."
"I have a better idea. I will help you get ready, and you tell me as we work on your hair."
"Oh, Jane! I love you! I have missed you so much!"
Mr. Darcy grunted as he helped move a ruined sofa covered in broken and dirty planks from one of the tenant's houses. When they finally put it down in the burn pile. He heard a horse galloping toward them and went back to his work to try to school his face.
"Mr. Darcy"
"Mr. Bennet," he looked up at the horse he had explicitly requested was allowed to rest.
"I hope you do not mind me borrowing your steed."
"I do not. Zeus should be resting. He was the horse I used for the long trip yesterday."
"I did not think you would care. You have many horses. Do you not?" Mr. Bennet smirked slightly.
"I do. And as a breeder and trainer of horses, I can tell you that tired horses get remarkably cranky and could throw you off their back," Mr. Darcy walked over and firmly held onto the reins. He was glad to see a stable hand riding atop another similar horse toward them.
"Mr. Bennet!" the stable hand exclaimed. "I am so sorry, sir. He left before I could tell him that Zeus was to rest today."
"Well, the good news is that due to your efficiency Mr. Bennet need only dismount Zeus and mount Onyx so he can continue his ride."
Mr. Bennet frowned, "You are not good at socializing, Mr. Darcy. I thought you would want to make a good impression given recent… developments."
"No. Perhaps I am better at caring for the people and animals I am in charge of," he replied before he could stop himself.
Mr. Bennet dismounted Zeus with a groan, "How inconsiderate of you to make me change horses at my age," he sighed dramatically but mounted Onyx regardless.
"How inconsiderate of you to force a horse that you know carried me through our long and hard journey to move you around for a leisurely ride. It is especially vexing when, as you said, I have many horses that could serve you just the same."
Mr. Bennet laughed, then scoffed, "It seems to me that you are trying hard to fall further down in my esteem with each passing minute."
"I am only taking care of my horse," Mr. Darcy caressed Zeus, who nodded, grateful to be relieved. "Roberts, please continue with this. I will walk Zeus back to the stables."
"Yes, sir."
"Mr. Bennet, please stick to the main roads. We have had some bad weather, and some terrain may be unstable."
"Spare me your advice, sir. I have been riding since before you were born. I can handle myself," Mr. Bennet dug his heels into the horse's sides and took off at a fast gallop.
Mr. Darcy exhaled sharply. He whistled to summon someone else from the stables. Soon enough, a stable hand rode to him.
"Yes, sir?"
"Please follow Mr. Bennet at a distance. He does not know these lands and he took off rather quickly. I would not want him to get hurt."
"He called the modiste?!" Mrs. Bennet was astonished.
"He did. He wants me to have some maternity clothes. He said it was a gift to me," Madeline smiled and blushed.
"I… I do not understand, Madeline."
"What?"
Mrs. Bennet frowned, "He is being so… attentive… Almost nice."
"He is very kind and generous."
"Not to us, he is not! I mean… You know he disparaged my Lizzie the first time they met."
"Dear, he has come a long way from that."
"What do you mean?"
Madeline considered the best way to answer that question: "He apologized. They are now... friends."
Mrs. Bennet looked genuinely surprised. "Oh! Only our Lizzie could befriend an important gentleman and not encourage a romantic relationship."
Madeline shrugged, "I think it is quite a compliment that such a man is interested in her regardless. Do you not agree?"
"I suppose so. He patiently waited for us yesterday and brought us here in such a carriage. I almost swooned when I saw the inside. It was so comfortable, and there was so little jostling around. You know how nervous I get on long trips."
"Yes, we had a chance to ride in one of those carriages. He even made sure we were given warm blankets."
"And I did not tell you yet, but I was so shocked, Madeline… He did not get in the carriage with us."
"He did not?"
"No, he escorted us on horseback… As if he was the help."
"Good Lord! He rode all the way there and back on horseback?"
"He did. Oh, and you will not believe this, but he asked me for a recipe so his cook could make my grandmother cookies!"
"Good, Miss Darcy. Now, tell me about your favorite song."
"Oui. Ma chanson préférée est Eine Kleine Nachtmusik composée par Mozart. Je pense que c'est vivant et amusant. J'aime aussi la Cinquième Symphonie de Beethoven. C'est intense et puissant [Yes. My favorite song is Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. I think it is lively and fun. I also love Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. It is intense and powerful.]
"Quelle est votre chanson préférée à jouer au piano ?"
"J'adore le Concerto pour piano numéro vingt-et-un de Mozart." [I love Mozart's Piano Concerto Number 21]
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Ms. Annesley said, blinking her confusion. Mr. Darcy never interrupted their lessons.
"Excuse me… I was told I could sit with you."
"Miss Mary! Do come in! We are practicing French."
"Oh, that is not my forte."
"Parli italiano?" Georgiana asked tentatively.
"Un pochino," Mary blushed.
Ms. Annesley replied with an encouraging smile, "Un pochino è meglio di niente," [A little is better than nothing]
"Grazie," Mary came in and sat across from Miss Darcy.
Mr. Darcy worked as hard as he could until lunchtime. His interaction with Mr. Bennet had him seething. The nerve. He even did tasks he usually left for his staff. By the time he finished, his boots were muddied, and his shirt was soaked with sweat. His hair was a mess, and his hands were roughened and sore. He did not mind much because he was finally a bit less angry. He stopped by the stables and saw Zeus happily munching on a carrot. He caressed his horse's snout, and Zeus did what he had been doing for years. He pulled Darcy toward his neck and pressed him by the shoulder in something akin to a hug.
"Thank you, Zeus. You are the best horse a man can have."
Zeus neighed his agreement.
Mr. Darcy chuckled and took out an apple from his coat. "Here you go. I am sorry about this morning, Zeus."
"Mr. Darcy!"
"What is it?"
"There has been an accident."
"What?"
"Mr. Bennet, sir! He fell off his horse and hurt his head. He is unconscious."
Mr. Darcy went pale, "Where is he?"
While Georgiana, Lizzie, Jane, and Mary descended the stairs to have lunch, the main doors were kicked open, and a disheveled Mr. Darcy came in carrying an unconscious, muddied-up Mr. Bennet. His neck was being supported by a makeshift neck restrain made with rope and some pieces of wood. He was bleeding from his head past a temporary bandage. A footman was holding his legs to help with the load.
"Papa!" the three sisters exclaimed.
"Please, out of the way! We need to put him on a bed."
"Should I call for the doctor?"
"He is on his way!" the footman answered as Mr. Darcy ground his teeth and ran up the stairs.