Page 103 of Obligation and Redemption
After saying their goodbyes, Elizabeth and Laura climbed back into the carriage and headed for the home of Patsy Hargrove.
After a thirty-minute visit, it was settled that the young woman would start in the morning.
Elizabeth could see how the extra money would be a welcome aid.
What she did not know was that just that morning, the family had taken inventory of their ration of wood and food for the rest of the winter and found it wanting.
They had counted on Patsy’s being needed at Pemberley with the new mistress but had heard nothing.
Patsy’s father, a God-fearing man, prayed that their needs would be met somehow.
“Mrs. Darcy, you are an answer to my prayer.” Elizabeth smiled, happy to be able to help two families. During the visit she had resolved to use her own pin money to provide the service; this was her idea, and she was unsure how Darcy would take her interference. Hopefully, he would never know.
Just then, the footman, Clark, who had accompanied them opened the door and said, “Excuse me, ma’am. There looks to be a storm coming in from the south. We should be getting back.”
Elizabeth felt pleased with the opportunity she had to aid these two families who contributed towards making her husband’s estate thrive and endure.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
My son, do not walk in the way with them;
hold back your foot from their paths
Proverbs 1:10, 15
IN LONDON, Darcy had surprised his skeleton staff at Darcy House by arriving without prior warning.
He had considered sending an express ahead, but instead decided to avoid the commotion that would undoubtedly occur.
He planned on taking most of his meals at his club, thereby obviating a fuss in the kitchen.
It would take no more than an hour to prepare his room, so he felt an express would be counterproductive to his goal of a quiet entry into town.
Darcy gave no explanation for his unexpected return to his staff or his family.
Darcy’s visit to Tromwell House the next day provided unforeseeable delight for his sister.
It was not until later in that first visit that Georgiana began to suspect that her brother might not have come into town for felicitous reasons.
When she was able to focus on his appearance, she saw that he looked tired and worn.
He made a good show of his complacency, but she soon suspected the opposite.
Georgiana encouraged him to confide his struggles she knew were related to his conniving wife, but he continued his stance that all was well.
Darcy discovered on this visit that he would see little of Colonel Fitzwilliam for he was no longer in residence.
Also, the viscount had remained in town rather than go to Matlock but was residing at his own London home.
From Tromwell House, Darcy went to Angelo’s.
He needed to work off his abiding anger in physical exertion and was pleased to find that the exercise truly helped his equanimity.
Like many of his peers, Darcy had taken meals many times at Whites to avoid eating at home alone.
While Elizabeth was living at Darcy House, he had remained there during most mealtimes in order to eat with her, at least the meals during which she chose to join him.
With his wife at Pemberley and limited staffing, Darcy planned on eating at his club most of the time, which would give him some companionship but would not necessitate extended visits.
He had no desire to let anyone know of his troubles and hoped to avoid the prying questions.
This became his routine in town: a visit with family, exercise at Angelo’s and evenings at Whites.
This kept his mind and body engaged, thus avoiding too many unpleasant remembrances.
DARCY WAS READING IN THE LIbrARY when he heard someone at the door.
A few moments later, he noted a familiar voice approaching the room.
Bingley was always friendly with Darcy’s butler and nearly everyone else he met.
Darcy stood in greeting. “Darcy, I had no idea you were in town. I hope you don’t mind my coming by.
I know that your knocker is off the door, but Jackson was so kind to let me in, risking your disapproval. ”
Although Darcy admired his friend’s easy manners and affability, he dreaded having to bear his company on this particular trip. “I have been here for not quite a week now.” Then Darcy motioned to the chair by the chimneypiece. “Have a seat. I’ll call for tea. Or would you rather have coffee?”
“Tea would be just the thing.” Darcy rang for the footman and ordered tea before returning to his seat.
“How have you been?” Bingley asked his dearest friend. “I feel like I have seen so little of you since our time in Hertfordshire. —You, with being married and me, trying to stay busy.”
“I am well, as you see.”
“Did Mrs. Darcy return to town with you?”
“No, she stayed at Pemberley as we only just arrived. The journey is quite long and there was no reason to uproot her when she was just getting settled.”
“I am surprised she did not go to Longbourn then. I imagine she misses her family. I believe they were quite close, at least Miss Bennet and your wife were.”
“I do believe you are right.” Very smooth, Bingley. Not a minute has gone by, and we are already at your favourite topic.
“I suppose you went to Longbourn recently though, did you not? For their sister’s wedding? I seem to recall Miss Mary was to wed that Mr. Collins. Odd fellow, he was.”
“You remember correctly.”
“And how was the wedding?” Darcy knew his friend was fishing for information about Jane Bennet, but he was unwilling to take the bait.
“A simple affair really. Elizabeth and I left before the conclusion of the breakfast. I do believe the couple enjoyed themselves, but no one more so than Mrs. Bennet. She seems to be an expert at marrying off her daughters. No detail was left undone. I do believe she would give some of the mamas of the ton a run for their money, and the grooms.” He finished with a roll of his eyes.
“Darcy you are their family now. Do you still think Mrs. Bennet to be so mercenary?”
“Bingley, I have yet to meet another mother more so.”
“But her daughters, they cannot be so.”
“Whether they are or not, they must follow along or she will force the issue. You were lucky to get away when you did. Even if Jane Bennet had feelings for you, which I saw no evidence of whatsoever, her mother would make your life miserable trying to subject you with the task of marrying off her younger daughters. Not only would society frown upon such an endeavour, they would likely scorn the younger Bennets – and you as well for helping. Marrying into that family would ruin you and destroy Miss Bingley’s chances for a good marriage. ”
“I believe your marriage did more damage to Caroline’s pursuits.” Bingley said with a smile. “I know you are right. Of course you are. But have you experienced any of that yourself?”
“In part, but not as much as you would, Bingley. And of course, I will ensure there is no opportunity for attempting to foist the younger, brazen sisters upon me,” he said in derision.
“I have a well-established presence amongst society that will not so easily diminish. I cannot know now what affect my marriage will have on Georgiana, but I hope for the best. She will not come out for another year at least. In time perhaps most will have forgotten about our unfortunate alliance. But I would not have that for you. You cannot afford society’s acrimony. ”
They sat quietly for a few minutes staring at the fire, each deep in thought, Bingley about what he might be willing to risk for his angel and Darcy trying to keep in mind all the reasons he felt justified in keeping his friend away from the Bennets.
Bingley broke the silence with an unexpected question.
“Darcy, did I do something that offended Mrs. Darcy? When last I saw her at the ball and before that at the theatre, she seemed rather piqued with my family. I can understand why she might harbour ill feelings towards Caroline, but she was quite put out with me as well.”
“Bingley, my wife has had a difficult time transitioning to married life. Elizabeth has some good days and some not-so-good days. I cannot always predict what might cause her displeasure. What I can say is that you are not alone as a target of her ire.”
“I see. I am sorry. Is that why you are here… without Mrs. Darcy? No, I do apologise. Please don’t answer that.” Bingley paused, and then said, “She always seemed so cheerful before.”
“And I am sure she will again. It will take some time. For Elizabeth, it could not be helped. I know you would not wish the same for Miss Bennet.”
“But, I am not so sure the same would happen with her. Jane, rather Miss Bennet, is such a sweet-tempered lady.”
“As is Elizabeth. Bingley, you must not look back.”
“But Mrs. Darcy may have gone into your marriage with a prejudiced view of you, unlike how Miss Bennet would have felt with me.”
“I know she did not care for me. That was clear.”
“Well, I cannot say I blame her after what you said about her at the assembly in Meryton when we first came into town,” Bingley said nodding his head with a little chuckle. “I am certain she overheard you.”
“What are you talking about? What did I say? ”
“You remember. I was trying to encourage you to ask her to dance and you said something like, ‘She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.’ Then you said something about not being in a humour to give consequence to ladies who are slighted by other men. You were unhappy about something, which can be your only excuse, because, I daresay, your wife is a lovely woman.”