Page 55 of Obligation and Redemption
Laura looked somewhat flustered but knew her place. The servants of Darcy House and Pemberley were not accustomed to their master being denied. “Yes, ma’am,” she said as she curtseyed and departed.
Darcy was a little peeved at Elizabeth’s obvious avoidance of him, but was just as content to spend the day alone catching up on letters of business and pleasure.
He went through the stack of invitations and requests that he had only perused the day before.
Far too many so-called friends of the ton were anxious to meet the new Mrs. Darcy.
He moaned inwardly by the weight of it all.
Of course they would have to forgo the vast majority of the invitations, if not all, until Elizabeth obtained a new wardrobe.
He would have to schedule time in the next few days to get her to a modiste capable of completing a large number of gowns in a short amount of time.
She would also need outerwear that could sustain her through the cold Derbyshire winter.
Darcy reflected upon the fortunate wisdom of remaining in town for the next month, for it would take no less time to complete the momentous undertaking.
AT SEVEN-THIRTY, Darcy again knocked on his wife’s door prepared to take her down to dinner.
She opened the physical barrier that lay between them, looking rather flustered, and as he offered her his arm, she paused a split moment before lightly taking hold.
She flushed scarlet, remembering her mortification the last time she had been in his presence.
Elizabeth had been talking herself into accepting her role and bringing her natural confidence with her, but all was for naught when she heard the gentle rap on the door.
She reluctantly joined him in walking to the dining room where they had taken their meal the night before.
She had eaten scarcely a bite of food in the past two days and although weakened by lack of nourishment could not bring herself to consume any part of the feast before her.
Elizabeth had not had the pleasure of enjoying the exercise to which her body was accustomed, and between that and her aversion to her circumstances, she could not move herself to eat.
Darcy again noticed her lack of zeal at the table and questioned her about it.
“I simply find that I have no appetite. You must know that I usually exercise in the countryside, and since I have not had that pleasure in more than a week’s time, I simply am not hungry.
I woke up late and have since taken my meals late, so I find that I am unable to eat dinner.
” She sighed and then continued, “Please, sir, at least give me the freedom to know when I am hungry.”
He stared at her for a few moments as she pushed her food around, then continued eating. If she chose to be stubborn, he would let her reap the consequences on her own.
Silence reigned throughout the meal. Elizabeth could not bring herself to look at her husband, and he was content to sit in peace.
But then, at the conclusion of the meal, he decided to discuss with her his plans for the week.
“Elizabeth, we were unable, as you know, to get in the tour of the house today. I assume you would like to become familiar with your new home.” He paused, awaiting a response.
When she realised he was expecting one, she nodded.
“Very good, perhaps tomorrow then.” When Elizabeth indicated that she would indeed enjoy the prospect, he continued on.
“That will not take so very long, as will your tour of Pemberley, so I have scheduled an appointment for you to meet with the modiste in the afternoon in order to begin the task of procuring a new wardrobe.”
Elizabeth looked directly at him in confusion. “A new wardrobe, sir?”
Darcy assumed that she would enjoy the endeavour and reiterated his plans with upturned lips knowing at least in this he could please her. He was shocked to hear otherwise.
“I need no new wardrobe, Mr. Darcy. To be sure, two to three gowns for entertainments would suffice, but other than that, I am perfectly content with the wardrobe I brought with me.” Elizabeth was offended that he would think that she endeavoured to use his wealth to gain new clothes and comforts.
She wanted nothing from him but solace. And she did not want to feel beholden to him in any way, as might a kept woman.
Darcy could not understand her meaning, for it was beyond him to consider a woman who would not desire more clothing, especially when the coffers seemed limitless.
“Perhaps, I was unclear. Tomorrow, I have scheduled an appointment with the modiste for you to be fitted for new clothes. You no longer need to limit yourself to the clothes that you wore at Longbourn. Moreover, you need new gowns in order to attend the numerous gatherings that will take place within the next six months, over the festive season and also the Spring Season in London. Not only that, but you need outerwear for the winter in Derbyshire. You will find it to be much colder at Pemberley than what you are accustomed to since Pemberley is situated in the area of the Peaks.”
“Like I said, l agree that a few new gowns would be beneficial and perhaps outerwear; however, I do not desire a complete change in my wardrobe. I am perfectly content with the gowns I currently own.”
“You cannot continue to wear the same clothing that you did as Miss Bennet. You are Mrs. Darcy now, and Mrs. Darcy does not wear dresses two years out of fashion.” Her eyes flashed in anger at him. “I do not understand the problem. Surely you see the need for new gowns.”
“I do not. I like my current clothes, and I will continue to wear them. I did not marry you so I could go on a shopping expedition,” Elizabeth said with conviction.
“Are you always this contrary? Of all things….”
“No, I am not. I simply like the dresses I wear, which is why I wear them, and no matter how much you desire it, I will not be turned into some fashionable paragon who adorns your arm.” She looked away affronted.
“I in no way need a wife who hangs on my arm.” I get enough of that with Miss Bingley and the rest of her sort. “What I need is a wife who is cognisant of her new station in life and dresses the part.”
“Like an actress in a performance.”
“We are all of us on stage, Elizabeth. You can learn the lines and play the role intended for you, or you can flirt with chaos and bring condescension upon your name. But since your name is now Darcy, I will not have you dressing like a country hoyden. You will purchase new clothes, and that is that,” Darcy ended with a petulant huff.
Elizabeth, although offended greatly at his remarks, chose to remain silent, slightly amused, as his countenance betrayed that of a spoilt child. Her best course of action would be inaction. She would have time enough to prudently reflect upon his request and her own reaction .
Darcy stood, and a footman immediately moved behind the chair of Mrs. Darcy, ready to assist her when she followed suit. “Elizabeth, I would like for you to play for me again.”
This simple request on this night brought panic to Elizabeth’s mind. Please, God, don’t let this be a replay of yesterday!
Darcy noticed her brief look of discomposure and could not fathom the reason. He thought she enjoyed performing and would welcome the diversion. “Unless you would rather not?”
“I was just hoping…. That is to say… Of course, I will play. Perhaps something more lively today.”
“You may choose as you like.”
They walked down the passageway to the music room and Elizabeth immediately went to the pianoforte and began a lively song that she hoped would raise her spirits. However, after about half an hour, she attempted without success to hold back a yawn.
“You are tired? I thought you had slept most of the day.”
“Indeed, I have had very little sleep.” He studied her while she looked down to the instrument and began playing again.
“Since you are tired, why don’t we retire?
” A look of alarm overtook her countenance that did not go unnoticed by her husband.
“You need to rest and I have a book I have been meaning to return to.” She gazed his way, trying to determine if he were communicating that he would not be visiting her on this night.
He did in fact realise her discomfort, and the likely catalyst, and meant to calm her fears.
Darcy did not wish to cause her agitation; on the contrary, he wished to have a wife who welcomed him into her bed.
He knew she needed a little time and was willing to give it to her.
He always considered himself a gentleman, no matter the reception.
Darcy also apprehended that a wife who did not fear him would welcome him readily enough.
There would be more awkwardness for Elizabeth eventually, but for now, he could wait.
ELIZABETH SLEPT BETTER THAT NIGHT, mostly out of sheer exhaustion.
She had eaten very little. Her body told her that she needed food, but every time she took a bite, nausea precipitated by her distress would overcome her.
Again, she slept in, and again she missed breakfast. Her lady’s maid began to feel some concern for her, knowing that she was not eating throughout the day and hoping that perhaps she had eaten a good dinner.
The thought of beginning a new day disheartened Elizabeth, but she did look forward to the tour of the house that Mr. Darcy had promised.
She requested tea from Laura who suggested she take a muffin as well, which Elizabeth declined.
Elizabeth chose a simple morning dress and sent word to her husband that she could begin a tour at his convenience.
Fifteen minutes later, she heard a knock from the sitting room. Elizabeth opened the door to Mr. Darcy’s expressionless visage. She curtseyed and said, “Good morning, sir.” He bowed in return.