Page 63 of Obligation and Redemption

During the course of the meal, she teased in a light-hearted manner and gave him the attention that she would of anyone sharing scrumptious fare amongst friends.

He began to think that perhaps tonight would be the night he could return to her room.

Then she said, “I have discovered the most delightful intelligence. My aunt Gardiner and my lady’s maid, Laura, hail from the same town in Derbyshire and were once friends as young girls.

I could not believe the coincidence.” She did not notice the look of hauteur that overspread his countenance as she continued on, speaking of the hope that they would soon have a chance to renew the acquaintance.

“Elizabeth, desist from this line of talk. Do you not know that it is unseemly for a servant to fraternise with family in this way?”

Elizabeth was silenced by the unexpected retort.

After a few moments of reflection, she found her voice.

“I fail to see how one’s station in life determines her value as a friend.

My aunt and Laura were playmates, no different than you and Mr. Wickham, I suppose.

But perhaps that is the problem. You look down upon anyone with disdain, no matter the previous intimacy of the affiliation, when that person no longer has anything of significance to offer you. ”

“Do not mention that man’s name in my house again.”

“Oh, don’t worry; I can be silent on whatever issue it is that earns your disapproval.

I can avoid speaking of my family’s residence, my maid’s history, my love of walking, my distaste for ostentatious show, my lack of breeding and connections and my opinion of you.

In fact, I feel quite able to take your lead and not speak at all.

” Elizabeth then set her fork down upon her plate, daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin and said, “I find I have lost my appetite, if you will excuse me, I wish to retire early after such a pleasant and eventful day.” She stood as the footman rushed over to assist, and departed.

Had she looked back, she would have seen Darcy’s mouth in a tight line with eyes aflame with ire.

How dare she speak to me that way in my own house?

She must learn some humility and respect.

After the display, Darcy himself had lost his appetite and decided to go to his study for a brandy and reading to calm his anger.

He had a fleeting thought of going to her room anyway, as he felt it was important for her to understand who was master of this home and master of her, but quickly left that notion, recognising it for what it was and the poison that would begin to fester in their marriage if he went down that path.

THEIR ONE WEEK ANNIVERSARY came and went as any other day might, Elizabeth in her rooms most of the day and Darcy taking care of his letters of business with visits to his family and friends.

Elizabeth did meet briefly with the cook as planned but could not give any input into the week’s meals for she herself had no appetite and everything seemed to be in hand.

She also had more shopping to be done, but decided to put it off until she knew not when.

Elizabeth had no mind for the activity and could not force herself to take on the task.

Instead, she and Laura spent the afternoon sharing tales of their respective youths.

Elizabeth marvelled at her aunt’s former antics, laughing outright when Laura told the story of their getting stuck in a large tree near the blacksmith’s place of business.

“Mrs. Darcy, you should have seen the look in Margaret’s eyes when her father marched up with the ladder.

Oh, we were a sight. I don’t believe her father let her near a tree for a six-month. ”

“I can well believe it! Now I see why my aunt, more than any other, seems to have more patience with me!” Elizabeth looked distracted as she smiled.

“My aunt and I have always been close, kindred spirits as it were. While growing up I felt as though she understood me more than anyone else, be it family or friends.” Then she turned to Laura, “Please, Laura, will you go with me on Sunday to visit?”

“Oh, I don’t know if that would be wise, ma’am. Mr. Darcy might not like your putting me in the company of those outside of service. He might suppose I am trying to raise myself above my station.”

“Well, you and I know the truth of the matter. Surely he cannot object to your spending time with friends while in the company of your mistress.”

At about five, Elizabeth received a note from her husband informing her that he would not be joining her for dinner that evening and that he was to eat with his sister who begged his company.

Elizabeth’s husband was often away from home pursuing his own pleasure.

Although content to be left at home, she could not help but be curious as to his whereabouts throughout the days and evenings or with whom besides his family he spent his time.

Darcy had at first declined his sister’s request, but Georgiana’s pleading eyes swayed him to join her.

Darcy knew that he was not welcome company for his wife at his own home, and so was easily persuaded to stay.

Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived for dinner and was surprised at Darcy’s presence in the dining room of Tromwell House.

“Darcy, what brings you to my parents’ table for dinner? Does your cook no longer have the special touch?”

Darcy looked at him with a smirk and replied, “Can a brother not spend time with his sister without further motive? I have missed Georgiana, and plan to spend a little extra time with her this evening.”

Fitzwilliam knew his cousin well and surmised that there was more to tell, but left the questioning for another time.

They just exchanged a look of understanding and moved on to less obtrusive topics.

Georgiana continued to worry for her brother and took every opportunity to express her affection and esteem for him.

During the separation of the sexes, while the colonel, his father and Darcy remained alone in the dining room, cigars and brandy aplenty, the subject that was on embargo with Georgiana present was soon broached by the colonel, “So, Darcy, last I was in your company, you were in need of some physical exertion to assuage the frustrations of married life. Have things improved for you?” He was guessing not, based on the fact that Darcy was at Tromwell rather than Darcy House.

“I have no complaints.” Then Darcy went on to change the subject asking his uncle what he had heard about an investment into which they had mutually entered.

Fitzwilliam decided a more private interview was in order and planned to go by Darcy House on the morrow to see for himself how things fared for his cousin.

Fitzwilliam loved him dearly, but knew that unless Darcy let go of some of his fastidious ways and resentful temperament, he could not be content with a vivacious woman, especially Elizabeth.

Fitzwilliam genuinely found her delightful on the occasion of the ball and wedding and knew that she could make a fine wife for such a strong personality as Darcy possessed, but going from loathing to loving would be a rocky road for each of them.

Perhaps he could help them along with some gentle prodding.

He would call at Darcy House and see the two of them together and decide for himself if the struggles of matrimony had indeed calmed.

Elizabeth had not seen Mr. Darcy since the evening of the disagreement over dinner.

She was disappointed with herself for the way she had spoken to him.

Even though she felt that he was unreasonable and arrogant, she should not have lowered herself to speak to him so.

She had never in her life found her tongue so difficult to tame.

The loss of control of her life left her feeling like a dog being cornered in an alley, gnashing out at its owner who tried to put a leash over its neck.

But knowing she was behaving inappropriately and doing something about it were two entirely different matters.

She knew deep down that she would lash out again given equal provocation.

THE NEXT MORNING CONTINUED Elizabeth’s now usual routine.

She had begun sleeping later and later, as she did not have a walk to look forward to.

Of course, she could have taken a short stroll with Mr. Darcy but was not equal to his company and decided to wait until another time.

Breakfast was brought in by Laura, which Elizabeth ignored, choosing to take only tea.

Tired of being in her room, Elizabeth decided to go downstairs to the library and pick another book, perhaps a novel this time, to while away her day.

She was apprehensive about possibly interrupting Mr. Darcy, but she found that he was not in the room.

After picking a book from the large assortment, she went to the family sitting room on the same floor as the library to read.

She needed a change in scenery and this room was comfortable and opened to the east for good morning light.

While ensconced in the sitting room, a visitor was announced. Elizabeth rose. In walked Colonel Fitzwilliam whom Elizabeth greeted with true pleasure. “Colonel, welcome. What a delight to see you again. I almost didn’t recognise you without your regimentals on. Have you been long in town?”

“I returned with Mr. Bingley. I believe he had pressing business that he was anxious to perform, and he graciously allowed me to join him. I daresay, that man is like a puppy with a new toy. His exuberance was infectious, and I find I am just now calm enough to pay a call to the staid Darcy.”