Page 58 of Obligation and Redemption

“Christmas seems as good a time as any. The whole family will be there, so we can take care of everyone at once. Tell me, is Lady Catherine to be in attendance?”

“No, she is to remain in Kent. You know she despises London in winter. ”

“Well, that is good. I am afraid that she has already met Elizabeth, and from what I gather, the ensuing experience was rather unpleasant for both ladies. I will not have my relations making her feel unwelcome.” He looked pointedly at his mother’s brother.

“She is now my wife, and I must insist on your showing her the respect due that position.”

After silence from his uncle, his aunt spoke for them all. “Of course, dear. We understand.”

Darcy asked his aunt where his cousin might be.

“James is at some meeting taking place at the War Office. He was hoping to catch you, but does not want to come to Darcy House. I will let him know you inquired after him. We don’t know how busy he will be in the upcoming weeks since he will only be staying on here for a few more days.

He may very well be unavailable for much of the month. ”

“Then I am grateful I was able to see him in Hertfordshire.”

The visit continued on as they enjoyed topics of import and insignificance until it was time for Darcy to leave, promising that he would come often, to the satisfaction of his sister, for her concerns were in no way mollified by the visit, and she hoped to continue to provide him with solace despite not being in residence with him.

WHILE DARCY WAS PAYING CALLS, Elizabeth went shopping to pick out the requisite shoes, gloves, stockings and other feminine accoutrements.

She was content in having the opportunity to shop without the tedious company of her husband, who felt it his duty to regulate all of the purchases pertaining to her trousseau.

She blushed at the thought of his choosing her undergarments and so was relieved when he informed her of his plans and her mission.

Her temporary maid, Laura, joined her, as well as two footmen who monitored their coming and going from a distance.

With the revelation of Laura’s having once been a friend of Elizabeth’s aunt Gardiner, Elizabeth felt a camaraderie with her not often known between the classes.

They enjoyed the afternoon that was declared a success by Elizabeth.

Laura, too, felt a freedom that she had not enjoyed in years.

Although being a servant was not conscripted, she had few options available to her as a widow.

Her master had been kind in making a position available to her under the circumstances of her husband’s demise; however, the burden of accommodating the likes of Miss Bingley and other privileged women of society, who had visited Pemberley and Darcy House through the years, grieved her on more than one occasion.

The new Mrs. Darcy was fresh, kind and, when not overcome with the enormity of her new life, vivacious.

“Laura, perhaps on one of my visits to my aunt’s home, you could join me and renew your friendship. Would you like that?” Laura’s eyes went big as she searched around her to see that they were not overheard. “What is amiss, Laura? Surely I can share my aunt’s company with a faithful servant.”

“Madam, you are truly one of a kind. Mr. Darcy’s friends, and perhaps Mr. Darcy himself, may not know what a treasure you are, but let it be known, that I see your true worth.

I can tell that you have the love of your Maker in your heart.

” Elizabeth did not know what to make of her remarks, so just smiled and grabbed hold of her hand with a squeeze. ”

“You are too kind. And I am ready for a break! What do you say we return to the house for some rest?” A smile lit Laura’s face as they climbed into the carriage.

THAT EVENING brought Elizabeth and Darcy together for the first time that day.

He questioned her about her purchases wanting to know every particular.

Elizabeth thought it strange that he would care so much about the minutia of her day, but finally concluded that he wanted to make certain that she was fulfilling his mandates to redesign her life.

Elizabeth would play her part until his oppressive ways became unbearable; but until then, she would wear a smile and find amusement in the absurdity of it all.

After the meal concluded along with the accounting, Mr. Darcy proposed adjourning to the library instead of the music room.

He had wanted to get back to his book where he might lose himself in its pages.

Elizabeth readily agreed, but said she was still reading another tome that she had in her room.

She excused herself and went upstairs to retrieve the volume.

When she entered the library, Mr. Darcy was sitting behind his desk going through a few of the invitations that he had set aside.

He thought this might be a good opportunity to review his plans with her for the upcoming month’s activities.

“Elizabeth, please have a seat by the fire. You will find it more comfortable there.” She did as she was told, but what Darcy did not anticipate was her taking off her slippers and nestling her feet under her dress in a relaxed manner.

She did not notice his distraction as he imaged what her feet might look like.

He had moved on to remembering the feel of her legs when she interrupted his reverie.

“Mr. Darcy, will you not be joining me? You look so serious there behind your desk. I begin to be afraid that you might be planning on reprimanding me,” said she, brow raised in drollery, thus shaking him out of his distractions.

“Forgive me. We have received a few invitations that I thought to consider.” Elizabeth watched him, distracted in wondering her role in the planning.

“We will spend Christmas Day with my family here in town, the earl and countess, which I thought would be a good time to introduce you to the rest of my family. I spoke with them today, and they are planning on our attendance.” He paused, “I know you might be uneasy with the prospect, but I can assure you that they will not treat you the way Lady Catherine did. She is not to be there, for she dislikes town in the winter, so you will be safe from her intrusions.”

Diverted by his eagerness to predict her response to his family, she decided to calm his fears.

“I look forward to making the acquaintance of your family. I found Colonel Fitzwilliam to be an amiable man, and I would be happy to be in his presence again. I anticipate finding the rest of his family just as cordial.” Darcy hoped rather than knew that to be the likely outcome.

“There is also an invitation to a ball, and we are to be the honoured guests. This will take place on New Years Eve.” At her smile he continued, “I plan to accept, considering this might be a propitious way of introducing you to society. You will wear the ball gown that I picked out for you, the deep blue one.”

“And how shall my hair be worn?” His puzzled expression led her to suppose that her little bit of mischief had missed its mark. “I am sorry; please continue.”

“In accepting the invitation, I considered when your gowns would be completed. I also wanted to be certain that you would meet my family before exposing you to my other acquaintances. The ball is to be at Tromwell House; my family will be hosting the gathering, and they hope that we will use this opportunity to show society that I am fortunate in my marriage and that I did not marry a savage, as they are want to believe.”

“Well then, I will make sure that I do not eat with my hands, for there may be some in attendance who would snigger at such a sight.” He took in her jest.

“Are you laughing at me, Mrs. Darcy?”

“Oh, no. I could not laugh at someone with such insight and nobility. I bow to your better judgement on the social niceties of your peers. I will only speak when spoken to and will perform the dance with precision and finesse. You see, I have already learnt the art of social engagement from your fine example.”

Darcy rolled his eyes while pursing his lips. Will she ever learn to hold her tongue! That, my dear, is the true menace!

She laughed lightly. “Truly, the look on your face….”

“Enough!”

She looked away in order to hide her countenance, which beheld equal parts mirth and vexation.

“Don’t mind me. I will quietly move on to my book.

” Elizabeth opened its pages and began to read where she had last left off earlier that morning within the privacy of her chamber.

She wished that she could return there now, for her husband’s company always left her annoyed and perplexed.

After about an hour, Elizabeth yawned with a gentle stretch, and closed her book.

She stood and expressed her wish to retire to her room for the night.

After Darcy looked fixedly at her, she became concerned that perhaps he was contemplating joining her later.

Without realising it, the anxiety at such an idea played out upon her face clearly enough that Darcy was not left to wonder what her sentiments would be on the subject.

“Will you at any point be joining me for breakfast? I ask because if you do not desire my company first thing in the morning, I could save my staff and myself the trouble of preparing the breakfast room for the possibility of your gracing us with your presence.”

Her eyebrows knit together. She was ashamed that she had not contemplated how her refusal to join Mr. Darcy for breakfast might affect other people. Elizabeth, always quick to admit her faults, apologised for her lack of consideration and expressed her desire to break her fast in her own room.

Darcy suspected she would convey that to be her wish. He did not mind either way, but as he preferred to have oversight within his home, he at least desired foreknowledge of her intent.

Elizabeth was walking through the door, then stopped and turned back to him.

He had been watching her leave. “Mr. Darcy, as it has been several days since I have had the pleasure of walking, might I be able to take my exercise in the morning? I noticed that Hyde Park is nearby, and I am in much need of trees and sunshine.” Darcy’s initial fears were somewhat allayed when she continued, “I promise not to run, sir. I merely need a long, brisk walk.” At his delay in answering, she continued on.

“I cannot sit idly like other ladies; I will go mad. I beg of you, allow one of your footmen to join me; I will try not to overexert him,” she finished this with an unconscious tilt of her head and a charming smile.

This last statement, said in earnest, amused Darcy.

He was picturing in his mind Clark, his first footman, running behind Elizabeth as she marched onward around the Serpentine.

Then he recalled the idea of such a walk to be uncouth and decided that he would be the one to join her, insuring she did nothing to bring censure upon herself.

“What time would you like to leave? I assume you prefer an early morning walk, but you might want to wait until the sun warms the day.”

“I prefer walking at dawn. Will that be acceptable?”

“Yes, I will make sure someone is waiting at the front door to escort you.”