28. Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

May 5, 1812 Darcy House, London Elizabeth

I t surprised Elizabeth to learn that she did not wholly object to her new husband’s company. His solicitousness knew no bounds, and he took every opportunity to lavish attention on his new wife.

They had no visitors those first two weeks; their knocker was down, giving the couple time to become used to sharing a home. Elizabeth missed her sisters and Georgiana. She missed Charlotte, too, despite knowing her friend resided just a few doors away.

At the end of their time in each other’s exclusive company, Elizabeth received a note from Lady de Bourgh inviting her to tea. They had much to discuss, or so the note said.

“Georgiana is to return today,” Darcy said over breakfast.

“I am glad. I have missed her company.” Elizabeth buttered her scone and took a bite.

“I hope you have had no cause to repine my company.” He winked at her, and she smiled. He is not so objectionable when we are alone, she thought. “I expect we shall have callers soon. Our wedding announcement was published yesterday.”

“Why the delay?” she asked curiously. They had been married for two weeks already. Was he ashamed of her so soon?

“No reason other than a wish for privacy. I had no guarantee that curious busybodies would not stalk our front door, hoping for a glimpse of us.”

“Would they? Are you such a fine catch that they would need to view and dissect the woman you married?”

She said it in jest, but he answered seriously, “Yes they would. I have been ‘on the market,’ as it were, for a long time. I have been approached by more than one peer seeking to broker a marriage between me and his daughter. And do not forget the many misses who have attempted to force my hand.” He took a bite of eggs, pausing before he continued. “The new Mrs. Darcy will be under intense scrutiny.”

Elizabeth felt unaccountably nervous. “And if they find me wanting?”

“Any person who values their connection to me will do no worse than welcoming you coolly instead of with warmth. My family is well-respected. There will be disappointed mothers, but most will curry your favor rather than your wrath.”

His assurance did much to bolster her confidence, and she smiled at him in gratitude. “I am invited to tea with Lady de Bourgh and Charlotte this afternoon,” she said after a few minutes of silently enjoying her breakfast. “She says we have much to discuss.”

“Lady de Bourgh is kind to sponsor you, especially when our connection with her is not familial. Georgiana will not be here until just before dinner, and I have much business to attend to today. You may attend without concern.”

Elizabeth bristled. This was the first time in almost two weeks that his officiousness had shown itself. She almost did not respond, but she needed to begin as she meant to go on, and she would not tolerate such behavior.

“If I may, sir, are you implying that I must seek your permission to make calls or invite guests?”

He looked at her and blinked owlishly. “I do not comprehend your meaning,” he said after a few moments.

“Your words suggested that I must seek your permission,” she continued, maintaining her calm. ‘ You may attend without concern,’ you said. I am simply attempting to understand your meaning.”

“I assure you, I meant no such thing,” he blustered. “I wished only to reassure you that you need not concern yourself about missing Georgiana’s arrival, or with putting me out because I did not have your company. I would not wish you to believe all your time must be spent entertaining me or my sister. That is, we value your company and love to have you here, but…”

His attempt to placate her made her smile, and she wondered if he truly gave no thought to how his words might be construed by others. He likely believes himself to be understood regardless of how the recipient of words feels. “Thank you for clarifying, sir. There is no need to trouble yourself further.”

He nodded in apparent relief and returned to his meal.

“Lady de Bourgh will likely insist on a shopping excursion,” she warned him. She knew her pin money to be extravagant, but she did not wish her husband to be angry when bills from the shops eventually came.

“I have accounts with every major modiste and shopkeeper on Bond Street. Simply put purchases under my name.”

She paused, considering her next words carefully. He had previously expressed disdain for her Cheapside relations but had treated her aunt and uncle with kindness since meeting them. But now they were married. Perhaps he would change his mind.

“My uncle has fabric in his warehouse,” she began. “I wish to peruse his wares first, before having gowns made. It is more economical, and I can ensure the fabric is fine quality if I purchase from Mr. Gardiner.”

Darcy’s fork froze partway to his mouth. He lowered it slowly and regarded her steadily. “You wish to go into Cheapside to find fabric?” he asked.

“Yes, that is what I said.”

“Elizabeth,” he began, “it is not a done thing for a Darcy to venture into that part of town.”

She frowned. “Is it because it would sully your name?”

“As a matter of fact, yes, it would. It is one thing to visit your relations on Gracechurch Street when we were only engaged. Even now that we are married, visiting once a month would do no harm, but to shop at warehouses? It does not speak well of your position.”

“Why? Because a Darcy would never stoop to perusing a merchant’s wares before they have reached the fashionable shops? If I purchase from my uncle, I not only support him, but I will not be subject to the additional price that modistes attach to fabrics after acquiring them from the merchants.” Her voice rose a little, and the irritation she felt bled into her words. So much for unobjectionable company.

Her husband sighed. “It is not so simple, Elizabeth. Everything you say or do, everything you wear, every place you go, they reflect on me. Every person you associate with will either bring approval or disapprobation to the Darcy name. You are already at a disadvantage since joining my circle. You have no dowry and no connections. The ton will ferret that information out and use it against you. If you go to Cheapside, you further disadvantage yourself by openly declaring your low origins. Would you ruin your chances at a successful entrance to society for a few pounds of savings?”

Each word made her bristle, though they made sense in a certain light. Still, she frowned and determined she would find a way to shop as she wished without harming her husband’s oh-so-important image. She did not reply but busied herself with finishing her meal in silence.

When Darcy finished, he stood from his chair and came toward her. He kissed her head. “Please understand,” he whispered in her ear. His breath tickled her neck, sending a thrill through her. She nodded but said nothing. He turned and left, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

An idea struck her, and she left the table for the small, private parlor where her writing box currently resided. Quickly she penned a note to her aunt, hoping Mrs. Gardiner would respond favorably.

Dear Aunt,

How do you do today? It has been two weeks since we last saw each other but I miss you fiercely.

I have a peculiar request. My husband has decreed that I may not come to my uncle’s warehouses to purchase fabric, and so I wish to present a request for you to bring the textiles to me. I shall compensate you and my uncle fairly, I assure you. You know my preferences and my coloring; it should be no trouble for you to find fabrics that will suit my complexion.

Pray, respond with your answer as soon as possible. I am to take tea with Lady de Bourgh this afternoon and wish to tell her what to expect.

All my love,

Elizabeth

She smiled smugly and sanded and sealed the letter. Alerting a footman, she instructed that the missive be conveyed to Gracechurch Street immediately. The footman bowed and took it, and Elizabeth went to her chambers to see to personal matters.

An hour later, her aunt’s reply arrived, and she eagerly opened it.

Dear Lizzy,

We are well here, and I was pleased to receive your letter this morning. I have shown it to your uncle, and he believes we can accommodate your request. I shall accompany him to the warehouse this afternoon and select silks, muslins, and other fabrics for gowns. If you would be so kind as to send word of a date, we can transport these items to Mayfair at your convenience.

Love,

Aunt Gardiner

Pleased, Elizabeth folded the letter and secured it in her reticule to show Lady de Bourgh. She spent her time reviewing menus and household matters until it was time to prepare for tea.

Lady de Bourgh’s house was within easy walking distance. A footman accompanied her, and she walked briskly to a house with a bright blue door. She knocked and was admitted forthwith.

“Welcome, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady de Bourgh said when her guest was announced. “How do you do?”

“I am well, Lady de Bourgh. Thank you for the invitation. And Charlotte, I am so glad to see you!” Charlotte and Elizabeth embraced, and they all sat comfortably while Lady de Bourgh poured tea.

“Now, I wish to discuss the next two months with you,” the lady said, handing Elizabeth a cup. “There are any number of soirees and balls to attend, and I have selected several that take priority. Lady Miller’s yearly ball is well-attended by those who will welcome you warmly. Likewise, Lady Sophy’s musical evening will provide an opportunity for you to mingle with those who would be your friends.”

Lady de Bourgh paused. “My sponsorship will open many doors for you, Mrs. Darcy. Society places much of a person’s worth on their wealth and connections. You had neither, so we must supply them for you. My name carries weight in the first circles, despite my humble beginnings. The welcome that you received from Darcy’s uncle and cousins will also lend you distinction.”

Her words were painfully close to her husband’s, and Elizabeth did not like it. “Will no one see my worth beyond that?” she asked. Had she managed Caroline Bingley well enough whilst she dwelt at Netherfield Park?

Lady de Bourgh regarded her steadily. She slowly placed her cup and saucer on the table next to her. “Let me be rightly understood, Mrs. Darcy. The denizens of the ton will not be merciful. They will look for your every weakness and exploit it. They will wish to put you down, force you to know your place, make you believe that you will never be one of them, be their equal. You must be prepared. I will do what I can to put you in the path of those who will accept you without trying you, but I can only do so much. You must do the rest.”

She paused before continuing, as if contemplating something of great importance. “I believe I shall tell you why my daughter-in-law so despises me,” she said finally. “My story began many years ago, when I had just entered society at eighteen years of age. My father was a lowly country squire. I was his only daughter, one of two children. My older brother was to inherit the estate. My mother was the daughter of the local solicitor. Her father in turn was the third son of a third son and the line had long since deviated from the gentry.

“My father saved diligently for my dowry, knowing that I did not stand a chance at making a good marriage if I did not have funds. I had a respectable ten thousand pounds, which was not enough to see me married into the first circles, but enough to see me well-settled.”

Lady de Bourgh’s eyes looked distant, and Elizabeth wondered if she was lost in her memories.

“My father’s best friend from university married the daughter of an earl. She agreed to sponsor me in spite of my low birth. I had not been long in London before I was introduced to Sir Anthony de Bourgh. He was a baronet of some importance. His mother was the daughter of an earl, and he had a prosperous estate. His family expected him to make a match that at least equaled that of his father’s. But he fell in love with me and married me despite their protests. You see, he had already inherited, and both his mother and father had passed away.

“My entry to the ton as Lady de Bourgh was fraught with chaos, insults, intrigues, and more. No one could believe that a simple country girl had won the heart of a baronet through anything but nefarious means. In truth, he found my nature refreshing. I did not simper or bat my eyes. I did not agree with everything he said.” She cast a knowing look at Elizabeth.Confused, Elizabeth wondered perhaps if Lady de Bourgh knew more than she had let on. She smiled and nodded, encouraging the lady to continue.

She continued. “We were well matched, and though that first season as his wife was a disaster, we moved on and did very well together. I encouraged my sons to find love matches, too. Andrew did. Lewis did not. He married for convenience after the former Lord Matlock approached him, looking for a match for Catherine. I begged him to rethink the matter, but he did not. Of course, I would not trade Anne for anything. She is a sweet girl, though sickly.

“Catherine despised me. She hated that I had come from such humble beginnings, and we never did get along. Now, she will likely never forgive me for sponsoring the woman who, in her eyes, destroyed the happiness of her daughter.”

Lady de Bourgh concluded, picking up her tea again and taking a sip. “And so, we must prepare you better than I was prepared so that you can triumph. Your match will be fodder for gossip, and they will wish to know how a young lady of no connections, no fortune, managed to secure the most eligible bachelor of the ton .”

“I still do not know how Darcy fell in love with me,” she confessed. “I thought he did not like me until he proposed.”

Lady de Bourgh looked at her knowingly. “I wondered if the affection was one-sided. You seemed determined to antagonize him at every turn. Does he know you do not feel the same way?”

Elizabeth hung her head. “No, he does not. I faced an uncertain future if I did not accept him. Surely, you noted my father’s condition at my wedding.”

“I did. But your sister is married to the heir to your father’s estate.”

Elizabeth explained it all again, glancing apologetically at Charlotte who was forced to hear it once more. When she finished, Lady de Bourgh nodded solemnly.

“You were put in an untenable situation, my dear,” she said sympathetically. “I encourage you to find things to admire in your husband. It may be that you come to love him naturally.”

“He is very officious. I do not think he even realizes he is doing it.” Memories of their conversation that morning returned, and she frowned. “Though I must admit, as I have come to know him better, I find more to admire.”

“He is a man used to getting his own way. He has been master of his estate since he was two-and-twenty, and all who depend upon him follow his every command without complaint. Is it any wonder that he behaves as he does?”

Elizabeth sighed. “I suppose not,” she agreed reluctantly.

“It takes practice. Now, we have great need of visiting the modiste. I understand your wardrobe needs supplementation.”

They discussed when they would next meet, and Elizabeth arranged for the fabric to be brought to Lady de Bourgh’s home in two days. After they made their selections, they would go to the modiste.

“We shall need slippers, walking boots, shawls, gloves, underthings…” Lady de Bourgh went on and Charlotte penned down her words onto a piece of paper. “You must tell your aunt to bring heavier fabrics. It is cold in Derbyshire, and you will need warmer gowns.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, ma’am. My Aunt Gardiner hales from Derbyshire, but I shall remind her nonetheless.”

She left an hour later, resolved to follow Lady de Bourgh’s advice and find even more things to admire about her husband than she had considered thus far. I do not give him enough credit, she mused. I ought to more closely consider all that others have tried to tell me about my husband. And her own observations contradicted her previous suppositions. It was foolish to continue ignoring the evidence of her own eyes.