Page 13 of Chivalry & Chauvinism (The Victorian Vagaries #2)

Thankfully, the following day was Sunday. Elizabeth instructed the butler to take the knocker off of the door when they returned home from the Matlocks. Mr Banks and Timothy briefed the Darcys on the fate of Sir Daniel, followed by Elizabeth informing Charlotte of all that had happened while the two ladies took Diane, young William, and Beau into the back garden for some exercise and fresh air. Elizabeth spent the rest of Saturday alone with her husband in their apartments, an unheard of opportunity during the season, but Elizabeth felt they all deserved a rest.

On Sunday morning, Mary was ready to rejoin the family and serenely broke her fast, talking quietly with Richard, who had walked over from Matlock House, at one end of the table. The family walked to church together with their neighbours, and met the Matlocks at the door to the church. Richard joined the Darcy household in their pew. Mary took special comfort in being at church after her unpleasant experience, and lifted up her voice during the hymns. She murmured to Elizabeth as they made their way outside after the service and at her request, Elizabeth invited the curate to join them for luncheon.

The rector was otherwise engaged, having his favourite noble households that he preferred to visit after services. He used the services of two young curates, who were always grateful to be invited to dine after services on Sunday. Elizabeth had not had any of the clergy in town to dine since before her marriage, but the curate she asked today, Mr Linfield, had dined with the two ladies several times, when the Gardiners joined them. She found him an intelligent and worthy gentleman who was very knowledgeable and persuasive when discussing theology and scripture with Mary. Elizabeth was sure Mary made the request because it would comfort her to talk with the clergyman after her experience. She knew Mary would not share any details that could threaten her reputation, but she could discuss with the curate her feelings upon meeting a man who was wicked enough to harm a lady.

Richard seemed less than pleased as they walked back to Pemberley House and he questioned Elizabeth, “Is it wise to invite the curate, considering your unusual arrangement with your servants on Sunday?” Richard inquired.

“Mr Linfield is not above a humble family meal in a home where all are observing the Lord’s Day,” answered Elizabeth. “He has joined us on a number of occasions in the past, and Mary enjoys speaking with him about scripture. I expect she asked me to invite him today so that she might seek some spiritual guidance regarding her feelings about her experience. Mary has always been very devout, as you know.”

“Mary asked for the curate to be invited?” Richard asked, perplexed.

“Is that a problem?” asked Elizabeth, and not in an amused way. She was not impressed with Richard’s possessive and prideful disposition since the previous morning. “It is not unlike Mary to relish a discussion with a devoted clergyman, and considering her recent experience, she may benefit from speaking with a spiritual advisor that she knows and trusts.”

Darcy was quiet during the exchange, not entirely certain about Richard’s disposition himself. The man was grumpier than a bull with a bee sting upon his snout, and Darcy felt it was rather excessive to continue on with his wounded pride, when the matter had been managed easily and effectively. Richard seemed to feel unmanned by Elizabeth’s actions, and was of the opinion that Darcy ought to feel the same way.

The only thing Darcy could think of was that Richard must have been under the impression that after their marriage, Elizabeth would become much more compliant and submissive, and was shocked at Darcy’s mild response to Elizabeth’s managing an affair that should have been the men’s business without so much as consulting them. “More of the same behaviour as when she went after Wickham in Kent. Your wife is too heedless Darcy. You must insist that she stay out of the men’s affairs in the future. She puts everyone at risk, and will make a laughingstock of you among society if she continues in this manner,” Richard had insisted yesterday after breakfast while Georgie and Kitty were preparing to return home. That Elizabeth’s insanity might infect his Mary was no help to his anxiousness.

Darcy did not agree and said so. This was nothing like the matter with Wickham, and Elizabeth had put no one at risk by her actions. Darcy did not feel remotely unmanned to find that his wife had effectively and adeptly protected their family while he was away, and had said so explicitly. “What do you prefer, Richard? That she sits in the corner and flutters her handkerchief while I am away, and allows the wolves of the ton to make off with our sisters? I am glad to know I married a woman who knows how to help me protect our family and our interests. It has taken me many years to find her, and I would not change her for the world,” he said firmly, putting an end to the subject.

He could not understand. Richard had known of Elizabeth’s ways since long before Darcy had known her himself. She was not a domineering woman by any stretch, but nor was she submissive, and that suited Darcy just fine. Indeed, it was an equilibrium that well suited them both in the intimacy of their bedchamber. He had never thought he would prefer a wife who argued with him. Now he saw that he had the good fortune to find a woman of intelligence who did not shrink at doing or saying whatever needed doing, and he thanked the stars for his blessings.

As they walked, Richard stepped back, grumbling, to attempt to remove Mary’s attention from the curate. When they returned to the house, they were let in by one of Elizabeth’s security, whom she had insisted upon retaining for her London house even after her marriage. They were obscenely wealthy, newly titled, and had a multitude of vulnerable young ladies to protect. Elizabeth believed it was prudent to continue having the doors watched, particularly at night or on Sunday when there were fewer servants about. Will and Richard led the curate to the library, where they sat and made small talk while the ladies changed their attire, and Elizabeth and Georgie put their dinner in the oven. The younger ladies had begun taking turns helping Elizabeth prepare the meals for the sabbath each week and had all learned how to prepare a number of delicious meals.

After a time, Elizabeth, the ladies, and the children joined the gentlemen in the library. Elizabeth had checked the small dining room, where the staff had set a few extra places at the table the night before, as was their habit, in case Elizabeth invited someone to luncheon unexpectedly. Elizabeth seated Richard and Mary together at Darcy’s end of the table with the curate at her own side, hoping to smooth Richard’s ruffled feathers. She only hoped that he could behave for the entire afternoon, for she was certain Mary would eventually wish to speak with the clergyman quietly.

Darcy served from one end of the table, and the party passed plates heavy with food down the table. After the curate said the blessing, the party had an enjoyable meal. Elizabeth could see that Will was strained in keeping the conversation moving at his end of the table, but it was managed. The curate was a friendly man, and engaged Elizabeth and the younger ladies in a discussion about the nursing school in Derbyshire. They all had much to share with him, Elizabeth and Kitty had been instrumental in its founding and preparation, and Georgiana was heavily involved since she had recovered her health.

The party cleared away luncheon in good cheer, particularly the curate, who enjoyed having Lady Darcy in the parish for even part of the year. This was the best sort of family, he thought. Noble and of good quality, yet down to earth and unassuming, unlike so many of the upper class. Lady Darcy’s family was authentic, and joyful, and pleasant to spend a simple Sunday meal with.

Soon, the family and their guest returned to the small library, and settled down to quiet activity and discussion. Georgiana and Kitty sat in the corner with Diane to tell Bible stories and coo at young William. Elizabeth and Darcy relaxed in comfortable chairs by the window with Charlotte and Mr Linfield, while Richard and Mary sat in a corner and talked amongst themselves. After a half hour or so, they rose and joined the party sitting by the window and Mary asked Mr Linfield if he would read from the book of sermons that they had discussed at his last visit. The party listened quietly, and with varying degrees of interest to the sermon, which had several mentions on the topic of forgiveness. After Mr Linfield finished reading, Mary moved with him to a table across the library, and they fell into deep conversation.

Elizabeth sensed Richard becoming impatient with the situation, but she could not imagine why he would be unhappy that Mary was speaking to a curate. Nothing should have changed about their relationship after Mary’s experience from two nights ago. Yet Richard seemed to have taken exception not only to the entire situation, but also to everyone around him, and Elizabeth could not fathom why. After about fifteen minutes of Charlotte and Darcy attempting to engage Richard in sensible conversation, he went over to Georgie and whispered in her ear. Georgiana turned beet red and started at whatever he had said to her in surprise, then shook her head vehemently. Richard seemed to argue with the girl, who continued shaking her head sternly at him in disapproval. Elizabeth and Darcy observed Kitty becoming alarmed as Richard and Georgiana fell into disagreement.

Elizabeth gave Charlotte a raised brow as Darcy rose to go mediate the situation. Elizabeth watched as her husband pulled Richard and Georgie away and Georgiana spoke to her brother unhappily. Will also began shaking his head at Richard, who seemed to be getting angrier by the minute. Mr Linfield noted the exchange from the other side of the room, determined the family could do with privacy, and promised Mary he would call later in the week to continue their discussion. He interrupted all of the conversations happening in the room while taking his leave of the family and departed.

Elizabeth sank back into her chair. “Well, I have no idea why a Sunday afternoon with the curate must be so fraught with tension, but I hope you all have a sensible explanation for it. I am exceedingly mortified.”

Georgiana tossed her head. “Richard was jealous, and wanted to remove Mary’s attention from the curate, so he demanded that I open the door to the music room and play a reel so he could ask her to dance.”

Everyone in the room gasped. “Richard… It is Sunday,” Mary said, perplexed.

Richard turned bright red and began admonishing Georgiana. “And you should have obeyed me, young lady! Is this disobedience what you are learning from your new sister?”

Elizabeth stopped the exchange. “I would never teach Georgiana to be disobedient; however, if by following any example I may have set, she has found the courage to say no when she is asked to do something she knows is wrong, then I am satisfied. That being said, I am shocked you would think my sister Mary would be persuaded to indulge in such unseemly, and inappropriate activities on the Lord’s Day.” she looked at Mary, who shook her head in confusion, and then continued. “I do believe it is time to lay Diane down for her nap and I do not wish for any more strife in my home on the Sabbath. Ladies, perhaps we should all withdraw upstairs.”

The females of the house all gave Richard icy looks and a wide berth as they collected their belongings and children and left the room. When they were alone, Darcy looked at Richard and sighed. “You are going to have to accept that the matter has been resolved and that you did not get a say in it, Richard. I realise that the family has ever come to you when bold action must be taken, and you feel as if your toes have been trod upon, but you must let this go.”

Richard snarled at him. “You shouldn’t have married her. She is taking on more than is her place as a woman, and is teaching Georgie to be disobedient. The young ladies will all be running wild soon. I no longer want Georgiana learning to fence with Miss Carmichael either. It is unseemly. By the time your wife has finished, the whole family will be notorious.”

“And that signals the end of this conversation, although I must point out that you and your father were most insistent in promoting Elizabeth to me,” said Darcy firmly. “I believe you should return to Matlock House now. I hope your mother can talk some sense into you.” Richard stalked out of the room and slammed the front door behind him as he left.

*****

Darcy checked on Georgiana, and found her talking quietly in her apartment with Kitty. She assured him that she was not overly distressed. He then checked on Elizabeth, who, as per her usual habit, had laid Diane and Beau in Elizabeth’s bed for a nap, and was sitting down to talk privately with Mary in their sitting room. Darcy ensured they had everything they required, and then returned to the library to read, as was his usual practice for a Sunday afternoon.

Elizabeth had no answers for Mary’s confusion regarding Richard’s behaviour, but she was as caring as she could be and listened supportively as Mary attempted to make sense of the events of the last few days. Eventually Mary talked herself out, and went to her room to nap. Elizabeth slept with Diane for an hour and then woke the child, and took the girl and the dog downstairs to find Darcy. He was in the library, as he always was when Elizabeth spent time alone with Diane on a Sunday afternoon. He went with them to the back garden, and they spent a pleasant hour playing with the dog and the little girl.

When they returned to the house, it was nearly time for Diane and Beau to have their dinner, but first they returned to the library, where they spent a happy hour listening to Darcy read a fairy story from a book of children’s tales. It had become tradition for Diane’s new papa to read to them for a while each Sunday afternoon. Elizabeth was happy that the two had become close so quickly, and knew Sir Christopher would have approved.

The little family then went to the kitchens. This was the one time of the week that the three of them sat alone for Diane’s meal. During the rest of the week, Diane joined the family for breakfast, and for luncheon as well, as long as there were no guests, which was not often during the season. It was too early for Darcy and Elizabeth to have their dinner, but they each enjoyed a scone and a cup of tea while they talked with Diane about her lessons and new games she was learning.

When the child and the dog were fed, Elizabeth took them back up to the nursery, where she assisted Diane with her bath, read her a story, and then Darcy, always as punctual as a clock, looked in to say goodnight. Diane and Beau were asleep when the nurse returned for the night. Charlotte was still maintaining her own separate nursery until William was weaned, so that Diane and the household would not be disturbed with his feedings. The nurse returned, Elizabeth bid the woman a good evening, then went to the kitchens to find Darcy, and make a tray for their dinner. She smiled when she found Darcy had already piled a tray high with their favourites, and a generous carafe of wine.

Elizabeth had curbed the household consumption of wine when she had taken over management of Pemberley. No longer was there a different wine served with each course at dinner, nor was wine served with luncheon, nor ale at breakfast unless there were guests. Indeed, food waste had been curbed significantly as well. Elizabeth had pointed out to Darcy that the majority of the nightly courses went uneaten. The kitchens were serving so much food that only a few bites of each dish and perhaps a sip or two of wine were managed with each course.

Elizabeth believed that a hearty one course meal ought to be sufficient for any daily family meal if they had no guests, no matter what the family station, and that simple wholesome food was healthier than fancy dishes, which henceforth were mostly served for special occasions or when they entertained. The Darcy family still ate extremely well. But at least Elizabeth did not feel as if the family was grotesquely wasteful in a world full of hunger. She also maintained that daily consumption of wine and spirits was unhealthy, and insisted the young ladies and Darcy abstain other than the smallest serving at dinner. Elizabeth was not a temperance follower by any means. She had nothing against imbibing at a ball or celebration. She just did not believe that a healthy and productive day ought to include the consumption of multiple glasses of wine, spirits, or ale.

Instead, she instructed the cook in boiling the water for use in beverages to make it safe for drinking, like they did in America, and made certain there were ample lemons and oranges ordered regularly to add to what was grown in the orangery, so that the kitchen could always have lemonade and orangeade prepared in the summer. With the expenses that were spared by the lessening of food waste and alcohol consumption, Elizabeth made certain that the servants’ meals were generous and healthy. Even Darcy, seeing the improvement of his physical disposition after abstaining from so much wine for several weeks, eventually reduced the amount of brandy he drank, which was not very significant to begin with, considering the habits of most gentlemen. Now when he visited his club, he accepted a glass to be polite, then drank very little of it unless he was enjoying a particularly engaging conversation with a good friend.

That being said, the Darcys were accustomed to sharing a carafe of wine alone in their rooms in the evening once or occasionally twice a week, when their social schedule permitted it. Darcy carried the tray up behind her as they made their way to their sitting room. Darcy set the tray down upon the table in the corner and they both retreated momentarily to their dressing rooms as they changed into more comfortable attire. On this particular night, when they had both returned, Darcy had prepared Elizabeth a plate of food and a glass of wine and the two of them sat and talked about the situation with Richard and Mary.

Elizabeth confided that Mary was beginning to become apprehensive of Richard’s jealousy and newfound misogyny. There had once been a tenant on their father’s estate who was very possessive and jealous over his wife. Eventually the woman had run away with her child, and Mr Bennet terminated the man’s lease so as not to have such low behaviour occurring on his estate. Mary remembered the situation, including the young woman’s black eyes and bruises well, and was beginning to worry about Richard’s possessiveness. He had said today before Mary had risen to rejoin the group that he blamed the entire event from the ball upon her sister Elizabeth, to which Mary saw red, and it was supremely difficult not to lose her temper with him on the Lord’s day.

Mary expounded upon this for some time when the two spoke earlier in the day. “How dare he blame you! It was you who saved me. He insists that you will put my sisters and I in danger with your boldness. How could he say such a thing? Why is he not happy that I am safe and that nothing more untoward happened?”

Darcy believed Richard would eventually be sensible, but his pride had been trod upon and he must learn to get over it. Elizabeth admitted to her husband that her feelings were rather hurt. Long before Will and Elizabeth married, Elizabeth had considered Richard her friend, and to find him so resentful of her made her quite unhappy. Eventually the couple finished their meal and their wine. Darcy recalled his wife’s attention from her sister’s affairs, and the two retired together for the night.

*****

The next morning, Mary received a call from Lord Rutherford who came bearing lovely bouquets of hothouse flowers for both Mary and Elizabeth. Georgiana and Kitty were having a lesson with the art master so the pair were joined by Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy had known Rutherford throughout school, having been in the same year, and had great respect for the man although Rutherford was more reserved than even Darcy, and usually kept his own company. Henry Clinton, the Earl of Rutherford, had mostly focused upon his studies while in school. He was a bit of a conundrum, being a solitary, scholarly sort of gentleman, yet also being a man’s man, with impressive talents in masculine pursuits such as fencing, boxing, riding and shooting, when he chose to employ them. He could hold his own in academic debates on many subjects if he felt compelled to participate in a conversation at all, but many did not realise that his main interest was the study of theology.

Darcy was aware of this interest, having had the man admit to him in their youth that he would have preferred to have been a younger son, so that he could have entered the church; sadly he had no brothers or even cousins to inherit. After several moments of pleasantries, and a few discreet enquiries and answers regarding Mary’s recovery from her unpleasant experience, and Mary’s profession of gratitude to the man for his assistance, Darcy asked Rutherford his thoughts on a book of theology by a clergyman he knew Mary had recently taken an interest in. Rutherford and Mary were immediately drawn into a spirited discussion on the man’s writings, and continued for a quarter hour until Richard arrived bearing a bouquet of beautiful hothouse tulips.

Richard’s expression darkened when he found Rutherford in the drawing room. Rutherford stood, greeted Richard reservedly, then stated that he had remained too long for a polite call, wishing them all a good day, before departing. Elizabeth took to the pianoforte while Richard sat to visit with Mary, displaying her meagre talents, and lamenting her lack of practice. Darcy rang for a fresh pot of tea, and then sat next to Elizabeth, turning the pages for her in order to give the young couple privacy. Elizabeth did her best not to look over too often, but when she did, she observed that Mary did not seem to be enjoying the conversation. Darcy seemed to have observed that fact as well.

At length, Mary stood abruptly and said, “I do not have to put up with this. Just because you are related to my brother and everyone has come to have expectations for us, does not mean I will consent to be bullied. I shall converse with whomever I like, and I shall allow no one to curb my acquaintance against my wishes nor to turn me away from the advice and support of the most loving and kindest of sisters. I am no Jane Bingley. You have offended me, sir.” She raised her chin and left the room in a huff. Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged looks. Elizabeth had no desire to quarrel with Richard, so she followed Mary out of the room. Darcy sighed and gave Richard a stern look. “Perhaps we should continue this in my study, Cousin.”

They entered the study and Darcy poured a glass of brandy and handed it to his cousin. “I thought you were good with women, Cousin. What has happened? Last year you could have the haughtiest ladies eating out of your hand. This week, you cannot manage more than a quarter hour with the woman you claim to love without causing her to flee in distress. Out with it. What is the problem? And please do not start in about the matter of Lewis. That matter has been managed most effectively to everyone’s satisfaction, and I am finished hearing of it. What have you done to distress Mary now?”

Richard glowered at Darcy. “I pointed out to Mary my concern in Elizabeth taking on tasks that are unfit for women and neglecting her true duties. If Elizabeth had been paying attention to Mary the night of my mother’s ball, she never would have been led out of doors. I suspect Elizabeth was distracted talking to some gentleman about business. She has a conceited independence about her that puts her and all of her sisters at risk. Now she is allowing Mary to be called on by and spend time with even more gentlemen who could potentially harm Mary in some way. I also pointed out that Elizabeth’s insistence upon the marriage settlement is preposterous. Mary is a devout and sensible woman. She understands that a woman must obey her husband. Mary does not have a business of her own to run, and I pointed out to her that we do not need Elizabeth’s dowry. I have enough now to provide for a family admirably. We have no need to allow Elizabeth to determine the terms of our union.”

“Richard, please, please tell me you did not discuss with Mary the terms of your union, and demand she go against her sister and forfeit her dowry without ever actually having proposed,” begged Darcy, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he were getting a headache.

“You know we have an understanding, Darce,” replied Richard. “We ought to be able to discuss our future together.”

“Richard, I have gained a tremendous intuitive understanding of the sensibilities of the delicate female creature since my first unsuccessful proposal to Elizabeth. You would be all amazement at how offended a lady can become by your taking such things for granted, Cousin,” said Darcy. “Worse, you know how close Mary is to Elizabeth and how she feels about Mrs Bingley’s treatment of her. You cannot ask her to go against her sister. She will never do it, no matter how she feels about you.”

“If she loves me as I do her, she will,” insisted Richard.

“If you love her as you ought, you should never ask such a thing of her! Would you wish Georgiana to do the same to either of us on the whim of a suitor just because he proclaims to love her? Are you so ready to break with Georgiana and I, because what do you think will happen if you attempt to turn my wife’s sister against her when she is loved so dearly by all of us? I am amazed at you, Richard. Elizabeth serves Mary as you and I do to Georgiana. She is the only real guardian Mary knows, for her father is completely disinterested in her, to which I understand is a blessing. Her mother was cruel to them both when they were young.

“Georgiana might have been persuaded to go against us when she was young and lonely and unsure of herself, but Mary is none of those things.” Darcy continued. “She is a woman on the cusp of her majority, who has a large, supportive family who love her, and the means to make her way independently in the world if necessary. You have fallen short of proving yourself worthy of her so far, Cousin. You must know how wrong you are to demand such a thing. Georgiana would be appalled to hear the content of this conversation,” ended Darcy firmly.

“I am muddling the whole business, Darce. I have no desire to be married to a woman who does as she wishes with no reference to me, but damned if I know how to make her understand how I feel about it. And now there are all of these men calling upon her. How am I to feel about that?” said Richard miserably.

“I have yet to see her do anything she wishes without reference to you, Richard, besides refusing to cast aside her sister. All these men you say? All these men, consisting of a gentleman who has recently performed a chivalrous service for her, and the church curate, with whom she was attempting to speak with on a matter of spiritual guidance. It is nothing new if she has callers. She has received gentlemen callers ever since her debut, and you have never been seriously intimidated by it. Not even when that idiot Farnsworth gave her that ridiculous bird.”

The two men chuckled, “What became of that stupid thing?” Richard inquired.

“We named it Farnsworth after the ridiculous booby who gave it to her, and Elizabeth sent it to Lady Catherine as a gift. She thought a talking bird might give our aunt some conversation. They have surprisingly struck up a cordial correspondence. Georgiana and I have been induced to write to our aunt regularly as well, and so should you for that matter. Even Mary corresponds with Lady Catherine.” answered Darcy.

“But let us not be distracted from our previous conversation.” he went on, raising an eyebrow at Richard. “You seem to find yourself above the practice of courting Mary properly, yet you take exception when another gentleman does. All Rutherford has done is bring her flowers. All these gentlemen calling upon her and squiring her to the museum and the park are doing it correctly. You seem to think you have won her just by kissing her in my garden at Pemberley and dancing the supper set with her.

“It is no wonder Mary is worried about your behaviour if she cannot speak to a clergyman without raising your ire. Elizabeth confided to me that while they were growing up, there was a tenant on their estate who was jealous and possessive of his wife. Eventually the woman ran away, but Elizabeth says Mary still recalls her bruises. You are making her afraid that she will not even be able to speak to a vicar without provoking you.”

“I would NEVER harm Mary!” spat out Richard vehemently. “She must know that I would never hurt her!”

“She probably never imagined that you would attempt to coerce her into going against her sister or be irrationally jealous of the curate either, Cousin, yet here you are, as demented as I have ever seen you,” replied Darcy irritably. He was beginning to tire of Richard’s pigheadedness.

“Darcy, you must see that Elizabeth has completely unmanned you. Have you looked about you lately? You no longer live in your own house! The woman has bullied you out of Darcy House, your rightful London home. She reassigned your valet, she makes all of the household decisions, and she is leading the young ladies to ruin. How can I not be concerned for Mary and Georgiana? I must beg your pardon if you do not see why I am not eager to shackle myself to a similar situation,” Richard insisted.

“You are treading on thin ice, Richard!” said Darcy forbiddingly, his face thunderous. “You have always been as a brother to me, but you shall not go farther in insulting my manhood, lest I demand satisfaction for the insult!”

Richard looked at Darcy in shock for even suggesting such a thing as Darcy continued on, his temper roused considerably. “You know nothing of a true marriage, to a true partner, who is not your inferior in intellect and understanding, but instead is a true helpmeet in all things. My wife has not unmanned me, nor has she bullied me into or out of anything. As the mistress of my homes, the household decisions are hers to make, although she defers many of them to Georgie and the other girls, to prepare them to run their own homes. I reassigned my valet, after Elizabeth pointed out that his talents were being wasted, and I agreed with her. This might shock you, but I actually talk with my wife. We discuss decisions regarding our estate and our family together . We listen to each other. We respect each other’s principles and we compromise . It is work, and it is hard, but it is worth it every day . I have been blessed beyond measure with such a partner and pray each day all my sisters will find equally fulfilling matches. I thought Mary already had, but it seems her first inclination might be unworthy in that regard.

“You can be absolutely certain in two respects, Cousin,” Darcy continued, “First, Mary was absolutely correct. She does not have to put up with this. Your close connection, and the family’s expectations will make no difference, and she will not be bullied under any circumstance. Second, the very next time you speak of Lady Darcy in anything less than glowing and complimentary terms, you will find yourself denied access to this house and all of our properties permanently. My wife has been sorely grieved by your behaviour toward her. She thought you were her friend, long before she ever met or thought of marrying me. Now I am done with this. Good day, Richard. Give my regards to your mother when you return home.” Richard looked at Darcy in horror, then his face hardened and he stood and left.

Elizabeth followed Mary upstairs to her room, but her younger sister was stern and composed. “I do not wish to speak of it, Lizzy. It doesn’t matter what he said or what he wanted. It was an unacceptable demand, and I will not give into it. I do not wish to speak of it again.”

“But are you certain you aren’t upset, dearest?” asked Elizabeth, worriedly.

“I am certain, Lizzy. I do not know what has gotten into Richard, but if these are the sort of demands he will make, it is better I know it now. What I truly would like would be to go visit Aunt Gardiner today. We have the Montclair’s ball tonight. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to just go enjoy a morning with the children before we must be in society again?” answered Mary.

“It would be quite pleasant. Allow me to order the carriage and collect Diane from the nursery.” said Elizabeth. They visited the Gardiners, and had a lovely time with the children at the park. They had luncheon with their aunt and uncle, who came home from his warehouses each day to dine with his family. Diane was always eager for the company of her cousins, and Aunt Madeleine encouraged Elizabeth to allow Diane to visit for the night. Elizabeth agreed, as long as the Gardiner children came to visit the Darcys the following week.