Page 69 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
After supper, Georgiana remained with Elizabeth at the empty table, waiting for Fitzwilliam’s return. Elizabeth shifted in her chair. “I need to visit the retiring room. Will you wait here or come with me?”
Georgiana rose and shook out her skirts. “I shall accompany you. Uncle Henry tore my gown, and now it is dragging.” Elizabeth looked at the rent. “It is quite large. I hope we have enough pins between us to repair it.”
They made their way through the deserted hall and entered the retiring room.
After Elizabeth had seen to her needs, she sat beside her sister-in-law and began to pin the hem.
As they worked, someone else entered the room.
They both looked up and saw they were being observed by a striking woman, dressed in a tightly fitted crimson gown.
Elizabeth guessed the lady to be in her early forties.
Still, her beauty, her elegant height, and raven-dark hair were sure to command the attention of any man or woman within her immediate vicinity.
The dress appeared to be of French design, with a daringly low-cut bodice.
Elizabeth rose, finding the woman’s gaze still fixed upon her.
There was no mistaking the bold scrutiny, nor the slight curl of her painted lips.
Georgiana stepped away to use the privy, and the newcomer advanced until she stood but two feet from Elizabeth.
She addressed her in a low, cultured voice.
“So, you are Darcy’s wife. I suppose he neglected to mention me. ”
Elizabeth, taken aback, made no reply. The woman sneered and continued.
“William and I go back many years, and I assure you, our acquaintance shall extend long after he grows weary of you. You must not imagine, my dear, that marriage will prevent his return to me. Darcy is mine. He has always been mine, and be certain, I do not relinquish that which belongs to me.”
Elizabeth continued to stare in silence, not knowing how to reply.
The woman’s lip curled. “Well? What is the matter, little girl? Has the cat stolen your tongue? What is your age? Seventeen? Eighteen? You cannot possibly keep a man like Darcy satisfied. You have neither the experience nor the knowledge to hold him. He will return to me in time.”
At last, Elizabeth lifted her chin.
“I know not who you are, ma’am, but I do know Mr. Darcy, and he is an honorable man. I do not understand why you make these sordid claims against him, but be assured, your fantasies are wasted on me. You appear to be a woman of questionable virtue who seeks to disgrace an innocent man.”
Elizabeth heard a cough behind her and turned to see Georgiana, who was frowning at the stranger. Elizabeth took her hand and said, “Do not concern yourself, my dear. This woman is a liar and a strumpet, and we should not be seen in her company lest others think we are her sort.”
Elizabeth slipped her arm through Georgiana’s, and they left the room. The woman followed but made no further attempt to engage Elizabeth.
After a few minutes, Georgiana whispered, “Lizzy, who was that woman?” Elizabeth shook her head.
“I do not know, but we must not let her upset us. Fitzwilliam would never defile himself with one such as her. I do not understand why she is so angry with him that she sought out his bride to denigrate him.”
Georgiana giggled. “Lizzy, you called her a strumpet. Gentlewomen ought not to use such words, nor know what they mean.”
Elizabeth laughed. “The neighbor’s sons said it once when we were fishing.
I asked my father what it meant, and he scolded me.
After that, I was no longer allowed to play with my friends.
Papa said I was too old and it was improper for me to play with boys.
Years later, I learned its meaning, and then I understood why my father was embarrassed.
But Georgie, where did you learn that word? ”
Georgiana laughed. “From Richard. He had no notion I was in the room.”
Elizabeth pressed her hand. “Well, you know what they say of women like that scarlet viper who attacked us. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
Georgiana covered her mouth to suppress her laughter.
“A scarlet viper? Lizzy, you can be so droll.” The young girl stopped to look into her sister’s face.
“But surely, that must be exactly what happened. Fitzwilliam must have refused her some time in the past, and she has hated him ever since. She tried to get even, but her plan failed. I feel so much better knowing that.”
Elizabeth agreed. “I do too.” She made me feel dirty, Georgie. We both learned something about human nature today. She drew her sister into her arms, and they comforted each other.
Lady Katerina Selkirk watched the two from where she stood in the hallway. Her attempt to sow ruin and distress had failed. The two young women were laughing.
On the carriage ride home, Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand between his own. “I owe you an apology, Mrs. Darcy. I mistakenly believed we would be ostracized by the ton if I married you, but I was wrong, and we both suffered for months on account of my mistaken beliefs.”
She sighed. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam. But it could have gone the other way just as easily. Men have been disinherited for marrying beneath their station. I think what helped us is that many who welcomed me today were charmed by the notion that ours is a love match, especially in the face of your customary coldness.” She laughed.
It was a joyful little laugh, and then she kissed his cheek.