Page 74 of Obligation and Redemption

“Mrs. Johnson, I see that you have everything running smoothly as usual and my wife has already joined you.” Then turning to Elizabeth, he bowed and said, “Mrs. Darcy, I am at your disposal. What shall you have me do? I have come prepared as you wished.” Darcy had overheard the conversation going on between his wife and housekeeper and knew this was a pivotal moment in the life of his efficiently managed home.

If he were to side with the housekeeper, Elizabeth would lose all respect in her position as mistress; however, if he sided with Elizabeth there was the risk that his home would begin its journey towards a gauche and unfitting dwelling.

He decided for the latter, for Elizabeth could be managed in the privacy of their rooms, but if Elizabeth were to ever find respect as the mistress of the house, she must be shown respect publicly by the master.

Elizabeth smiled kindly at him, unsure if he had heard them speaking before he entered, but thankful for his coming, nonetheless.

“I was just about to begin in the foyer. Mrs. Johnson was just telling me that she has been at this for years and has a thorough understanding of how best to show the home to advantage, but as I also have been festooning Longbourn for many years, I hope to do my part in my new home. I would enjoy your company and assistance, if you are still willing.”

“Indeed, I am at your command.” With Darcy’s consent, nothing more was said concerning the housekeeper, for the point was made.

Elizabeth had won this small battle. They enjoyed the majority of the day joining the servants in trimming the home.

After a time, while the servants partook of their refreshments, Elizabeth sat down at the pianoforte and played the Christmas songs that she had been practising since learning of her husband’s expectations of her playing for Christmas.

Everyone was working and making merry, so that by mid-afternoon, the house was filled to the brim with greens, reds and golds.

When all was completed, Darcy had to admit to himself that Elizabeth’s work on the house was all done with taste and elegance, and he had rarely seen the home look finer. “You did not tell me you were so proficient in this area.”

“Would it have made a difference?” Then she laughed.

“I told you that I have few accomplishments, and that is true, for arranging flowers for Christmas cannot compare to speaking French and painting tables. No, I have very little to offer the marriage, so you will just have to appreciate the meagre contributions I can make.”

“Perhaps you underestimate yourself.”

“That cannot be,” Elizabeth replied as she laughed becomingly. “Well, if I am to be ready to leave for our visit to your family, I must be off to my chamber.”

“I will retrieve you at six-thirty,” responded Darcy as Elizabeth left the music room.

ELIZABETH WORE ANOTHER OF HER NEW GOWNS, this time with a set of pearls that once belonged to Darcy’s mother.

After discovering which of the dresses she would be wearing, Darcy had retrieved them and presented the lustrous strand to her before leaving.

Her hair was held in place by pins adorned with pearls at their tips, contrasting fittingly with her hair, making the pearl set an ideal accompaniment.

Elizabeth still found her husband’s company trying for he always seemed to be casting a stern, fixed stare her way as if to find fault.

But she had been surprised at his acquiescence in decorating that day and supposed rightly that he was trying to make her transition into his life and his home easier.

Elizabeth watched her husband closely in the darkened carriage as they travelled the few blocks to Tromwell House.

“Mr. Darcy, you must stop fidgeting, for you are beginning to make me afraid. Tell me, is it to be that bad?” She appeared amused, for indeed she was, but he missed it due to the limited light and thought perhaps she was in earnest.

“Forgive me, I mean not to alarm you. There is nothing for you to fear, of which I am aware. I am a little nervous for Georgiana’s sake.

She does not often meet people from outside of her sphere and…

. Well, she may have a preconceived idea of you that is unfavourable.

My aunt and uncle will show decorum despite any misgivings, but my sister, well she is still young.

Please understand if she says or does something that might cause offence.

I have tried to give her an approbatory assessment of you, but she will doubtless discover fault as she chooses.

Georgiana loves me dearly and will likely find it hard to forgive you based on her assessment of how we entered into our marriage.

” He said all of this as a matter-of-fact and gave no indication that she should think such behaviour odd.

“You mean your assessment. For did you not explain to her the conditions of our engagement? Did you tell her that I forced you to marry me?”

“I told her what I knew to be true. If she or anyone else construes the facts to suggest that there was any artifice in the match, I cannot counter their assessment. I have told her that you have in no way behaved in a manner that would suggest a deficiency in character. She will, in time, accept you, I am certain, for she is of a kind disposition and sweet nature.”

Elizabeth thought back to Mr. Wickham’s appraisal of Miss Darcy’s being excessively proud, like her brother.

Of course Mr. Darcy would not describe his own sister in such terms for he adores her, but more importantly, she apparently shares his faults, which he could not see in himself either.

There was nothing to do but be herself and hope for the best. It was rare that someone should not like Elizabeth, for she was always a favourite amongst the Meryton populace, at least until the scandal brought her low.

She would try to find her own peace in showing respect when due, kindness when undeserved, and fortitude when attacked.

When the Darcys were announced and entered the drawing room, everyone in attendance stood, anxious for their first glance at the new Mrs. Darcy.

The sentiments of the inhabitants of the room varied somewhat but each was predisposed to think ill of her for ensnaring their beloved nephew, cousin or brother respectively.

Darcy knew this, but could do nothing to change their opinion on the matter without a large dose of time and condescension.

Darcy first presented her to his uncle and aunt Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock and Lady Estella.

Elizabeth curtseyed showing the respect due their rank and thanked them for the invitation.

She found the earl to be a handsome, older man with stern features.

He reminded her of a male version of Lady Catherine.

His wife, still lovely despite her years, wore a dress as fashionable as any debutante and looked at Elizabeth with no indication of her inner reflections.

Next, she was introduced to Patrick Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Langston, and his wife, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam, showing the same deference as was due.

Elizabeth found that the viscount was perhaps more handsome than his younger brother, but had an arrogance completely lacking in Colonel Fitzwilliam.

His wife reminded Elizabeth of Caroline Bingley in her manner and dress but with less to attract.

In truth she was quite homely, but did not seem be aware of her deficiencies.

Under the man’s scrutiny, Elizabeth felt exposed and wished that she had chosen a dress with more fabric across the neckline.

The younger sister, Lady Victoria, stood off to the side and had been whispering to another much younger woman.

They both moved closer for the introduction.

Lady Victoria was an attractive woman of about five and twenty and more closely resembled the colonel in looks and manner than the rest in attendance.

Her husband was not to make an appearance for an undisclosed reason.

Then Elizabeth turned to the younger woman who had been watching her carefully and discovered her to be Miss Georgiana Darcy.

Miss Darcy favoured her brother but with lighter features, more closely resembling that of the Fitzwilliam side of the family.

Knowing that she was being scrutinised most closely, Elizabeth attempted to curtail her teasing nature and appear as respectful as she could, for she understood well the expectations of the peerage and the Fitzwilliams in particular.

The conversation was stilted while Darcy’s family took in her appearance.

She was a pretty sort of girl, but certainly not a beauty like Lady Annette, and they each felt Darcy’s loss most acutely.