Page 15 of A Maid of No Consequence (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
ASTONISHMENT BEYOND EXPRESSION
T hey arrived at Pemberley as the evening sun was starting to set.
If Elizabeth thought the outside impressive, she was even more captivated when she saw the inside of Mr Darcy’s stately home.
Everything was pristine and polished and gleaming, vases filled with flowers on every surface of every ornate piece of furniture, gilded frames surrounding handsome portraits and glorious landscapes, each impressive and pleasing to the eye.
There was a reason Mr Darcy was proud to show off his home: it was elegant and stylish beyond anything Elizabeth had seen.
Yes, Lady Pollard’s house in town was grand, but in an ostentatious and grandiose way.
Here, as she was being led by the housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, to the room that was to be hers this evening, she could sense a quiet majesty within the house. Grand indeed, but welcoming.
They entered through a door to a suite of rooms on the second storey of the home. The room had been decorated with spring florals, blues and greens, with a touch of yellow here and there. Compared to Longbourn’s rooms, it was positively luxurious, but not pretentious.
“The master hopes it is to your liking.” Mrs Reynolds looked at her with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes.
Elizabeth recalled the conversation she had had with Mr Darcy about the housekeeper’s longstanding loyalty to the Darcy family.
No wonder she was watching her warily, as if she knew Elizabeth was a dissembler, pretending to be a lady.
She had been conveyed here as a lady of means, with a companion, in fine clothes that were not hers.
Even Elizabeth felt very much an imposter in this scheme.
But looking around the fine room, and feeling the safety within the walls of Pemberley, she was grateful for the pretence.
After all, Elizabeth Bennet was a gentleman’s daughter somewhere in her not-so-distant past. At the moment, however, she was penniless, without a home or a means to survive.
She was very much at Mr Darcy’s mercy; much as that rankled her pride, she knew she was indebted to him.
Elizabeth wondered at his motivations. Surely there was nothing nefarious or dishonourable in his charitable behaviour.
Nodding to the footman, Mrs Reynolds said, “Ah, I see that your portmanteau has arrived. Thank you, Marcus.” Next a maid came in, carrying a tea tray with small sandwiches and tarts.
Though Elizabeth was hungry, her stomach was in knots.
“You may discuss your wardrobe with Addy,” the housekeeper continued, nodding at the maid.
“She will make sure at least one of your gowns is pressed quickly.” And with that quick exchange, Mrs Reynolds left.
Addy pulled out her borrowed dresses that were folded in her bag. “Is there a preference for which gown you would like this evening, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth’s head was in a muddle, tired from her journey, and wondering how the next few days of her life would proceed while sheltered here in this home. “The blue, please.”
“Yes, miss.”
“Would you be so kind as to tell me where my…companion, Sarah, has been taken?”
“Yes, miss. As there were no rooms yet available on the upper floor, she has a room down below, near Mrs Reynolds, just off the kitchen. Would you like me to give her a message?”
“Thank you, no. I will see her soon enough, I am sure.”
“If that is all, miss, I will see to your dresses. Is there anything else you need at this time?”
“No, Addy. Thank you.”
The repast was more than sufficient to reinvigorate her. Addy returned quickly with the blue gown, as well as thick, soft towels and warm water in ewers, so that Elizabeth might wash and rid herself of the dust from the road.
The maid quickly cleared the tea tray, left a note on the table, curtseyed, and left. Elizabeth walked over to open and read the note, which caused her stomach to flip strangely.
I hope you have enjoyed the refreshments and are situated comfortably. Once you have sufficiently rested, Addy will escort you to the library .
FD
Darcy strode towards his study, looking for some peace and quiet so he could read the newspaper announcement in detail. He had changed from his dusty road habit and taken some refreshment in his rooms as well, but he needed a place to think things through on his own.
Walking in, he found, much to his disappointment, this was not to be. Instead, there sat his Matlock cousins: Colonel Fitzwilliam and his brother, the viscount Landon, and his wife, Lady Landon.
Darcy addressed his eldest cousin first. “Landon, what is the meaning of this?”
“I sent an express for them to meet us here,” Fitzwilliam said.
Darcy turned to find his cousin in his typical comportment, leg draped over the arm of the chair, with a drink in hand. “For what purpose?”
Before Fitzwilliam could answer, his brother declared, “We have been summoned for the purpose of keeping your reputation intact,” Landon informed him.
“Fitzwilliam has been concerned, and we have come to offer you our…support,” Lady Landon told him.
“You have come some fifty miles to protect my virtue?” Scoffing, Darcy straightened his shoulders. “I have done nothing to besmirch the Darcy or Matlock names; you can be assured of it.”
“I know you have a noble heart, cousin, but conveying a maid across the country—” Landon rose to refill his glass, “Darcy, if my parents hear of this, or Lady Catherine for that matter…”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet is an honourable gentleman’s daughter, and a family friend.” He turned to Fitzwilliam and levelled a severe look at him. “And you of all people know that.”
“She was in service,” Landon said.
“Can a man not keep possession of his own private conversations?” He stared crossly at Fitzwilliam.
Disregarding Darcy’s glare, Fitzwilliam asked, “Did you see her settled into her sister’s home?”
Darcy said nothing.
“Darcy? Please tell me she is in her sister’s home now?” On his cousin’s silence, Fitzwilliam groaned. “Surely you did not bring her here?”
Darcy walked to the window and tried to take a fortifying breath. “Her sister has been called away to Scotland for a matter of her husband’s family. She knows no one else in Lambton.”
“You have brought a maid to Pemberley? For what purpose?” Landon asked. “To initiate a scandal? To destroy your reputation?”
Lady Landon put her hand gently on her husband’s arm. “Let the man speak.”
Darcy turned to face them, arms spread. “Where was I supposed to take her?”
“Who else knows of this?” Fitzwilliam asked.
“Everyone will hear of it soon enough, I suppose. And, may I remind you, she is not a maid. She is a gentleman’s daughter who held a position as a governess after her father’s death.” Darcy ran a hand over his face.
“If she worked as a maid, then she is indeed a maid,” Landon said emphatically.
“My father made me muck out stalls, does that make me a stable-hand?” Darcy shot back.
“She has been in service, it is true, but only briefly. And if Fitzwilliam had told you all, you would know that her relegation to maid’s work was ultimately because of our acquaintance. I take full responsibility for it.”
“I do not see how the decline in her fortunes had anything to do with you,” Landon replied.
“Because his attentions towards her years ago created spite in Miss Caroline Bingley, who became Lady Pollard,” Fitzwilliam supplied. “And Miss Bennet had the misfortune of landing in Lady Pollard’s house.”
“Where she and another maid were being routinely abused,” Darcy concluded with a sigh. He dropped heavily into a chair. “Thus, have I brought them both to Derbyshire. The maid, Sarah, will have a position in the household here.”
There was a short silence until Lady Landon spoke in a gentle voice, “If Miss Bennet is here, then I must stay. I can lend respectability to the situation, put out some story about Miss Bennet being my particular friend from long ago.”
Darcy turned to her, surprised, but pleased.
“Are you certain?” Her husband leant into her and spoke quietly. “You are in a delicate way, my dear.”
Darcy could see Lady Landon bristle slightly at this remark. “I am going to be a mother, Landon, but I am not a fragile piece of crystal.” She patted his cheek. “I will be well. Besides, some time away from your parents and Lady Catherine and Anne would be a blessing.”
“Lady Catherine is at Matlock?” asked Darcy.
“She is. Do not worry yourself, Darcy. We were very discreet in our leave-taking. No one knows we are here.”
“I would not be so sure. Our aunt has a way of knowing all.” Darcy noticed the deep frown on Fitzwilliam’s face, and he stood to pace the room .
Always the voice of reason, Lady Landon offered her thoughts, “If Miss Bennet truly is a governess, we can help her to be situated in any?—”
“She will remain here, under my protection.” They all turned to stare at him; Darcy coughed.
“I hold Miss Elizabeth Bennet in very high regard. Yet there were times in the past when I disparaged her, and indeed her family, with unkind and thoughtless words. I will never forgive myself for that, and feel a duty to her now.”
“Was this when you proposed to her?” Lady Landon asked.
Darcy sent a glare to Fitzwilliam, but it was Lord Landon who spoke, in a voice marked by disbelief. “Please tell me you did not propose to the maid.”
“Landon, pray attend the discussion,” Darcy said severely. “Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter. She was not a maid when I proposed to her and she is not a maid now.”
“But she was in service for a time,” Landon persisted, looking aghast. “No matter whose fault it was, or why, or how, she was a maid!”
“Was her wish to secure a position as a governess in Derbyshire?” Lady Landon enquired. “What was your plan when you set out from London?”
“The original plan does not signify. Her sister is not here and we must make adjustments. For tonight, she will remain at Pemberley,” Darcy said firmly. He had lost her for five years and he did not intend to let her slip away now for the scruples of society.
“You have no need of a governess,” Landon said. “I know I have been away from Pemberley for some time, but I had not noticed a wife and children roaming about. ”
Lady Landon patted him playfully on the arm. “Sarcasm is not your strong suit, my love.” Turning back to Darcy, she said, “But Landon does have a point. For whom shall she serve as governess?”
“She will be a teacher, a headmistress of sorts for the children of the area whose parents wish them to be educated. Miss Bennet has the qualifications, kindness, and patience, to fill this position.” He exhaled as details of his plans spilled forth.
“It was my mother’s dearest wish to see a school on Pemberley’s land and now that wish can be fulfilled. ”
“A school on Pemberley’s land,” Fitzwilliam repeated thoughtfully. “Admirable as that is, I still cannot see the wisdom in having her stay here.”
“Settle her in a little cottage somewhere,” Landon advised. “But pray be discreet. It would not do to have her seem like your mistress.”
“I have no doubt that we shall work together to make sure all is done with the utmost propriety, for your sake, Darcy, as well as for hers.” Lady Landon’s calm voice eased the collective tension among the cousins.
“If she has been known as a maid in London, we cannot change that. Lord knows Lady Pollard’s vile tongue will show no restraint if she hears of Miss Bennet being at Pemberley. ”
Darcy nodded to Lady Landon, “I will apprise Mrs Reynolds. She will see that no rumours are spread among the servants.”
“And I shall remain here, your hostess of sorts, to ensure propriety.” She turned to look at her husband, now reclining on the divan. “We will stay until Miss Bennet is settled elsewhere.” Turning back to Darcy, she continued, “But it cannot be here under your roof. You know this. ”
Infuriating as such advice was, Darcy knew it was correct.
Elizabeth’s reputation was endangered along with his own.
He nodded. “For tonight, she will be my guest. Tomorrow, we will find a solution to her living arrangements. There will be no further discussion on this.” He gave his harshest glare to his two cousins.
Lady Landon faced him with a meek smile, and he could not help but grin.
“With that problem resolved I fear I must broach another topic of concern,” Fitzwilliam said with raised eyebrows. “Darcy, have you seen the latest on dit in the London papers?”
“I suppose you are referring to my name attached to Anne’s?”
“Not just an attachment. An engagement!”
Darcy tried to speak in a calm voice, so as not to betray the ire within. The sordid absurdity of the situation upset him more than he cared to show. “Lady Catherine will have to retract it.”
“You know it is not as easy as that, and if I may be so bold as to say?—”
“You do not need my permission to be bold, Fitzwilliam. If you can think of anything I can do for it, pray let me know what it is, for I confess I see no other recourse but to force our aunt to recant. In all honesty I am not excessively concerned for it. Lady Catherine has been spouting nonsense about my supposed engagement to Anne for two decades. I do not know anyone who takes her very seriously.”
“I hope you are correct,” said Fitzwilliam. “My best wishes to you as you attempt to make Lady Catherine do anything she does not wish to do.”
Landon coughed loudly, and Darcy saw his wife elbow him ever so slightly. After giving her a quick smile, Landon said, “Then I suppose the only thing left for us to do is to meet Miss Bennet.”
With a sigh Darcy rose. “I beg you all to treat her with the utmost respect. None of this ‘maid’ nonsense. She is a gentleman’s daughter and no less.”
There were answers in the affirmative, and Darcy turned to leave, but not before hearing Landon tell his wife, “She must be quite something if she caught Darcy’s judicious eye.”