Page 75 of Obligation and Redemption

Elizabeth was determined to put the burden of conversation upon her hosts for a truly accomplished woman, as the four in attendance, should have the social skills needed to direct and manage what was to be said.

Lady Estella had desired to make Elizabeth uncomfortable with the laconism of the group, to see how she held up in the face of awkward silence, but finally after about half a minute that seemed more like ten, the Countess began to ask Elizabeth about her family, her home and interests.

Elizabeth answered politely but directly, not perturbed by the reserve or the impropriety.

The countess’s daughter did not contribute to the conversation but politely listened in.

The daughter-in-law stood off to the side with her husband, whispering while cutting glances to the new member of the family.

When she was not looking in Elizabeth’s direction, she studied the large mirror above the fireplace.

Indeed this set the tone for the entirety of the evening where a mirror was to be found.

Lady Susan would look at herself, adjust a curl, pinch her cheek, or pucker her lips to her best advantage then return to the group, only to repeat the endeavour.

Although Elizabeth paid rapt attention to whomever chose to speak with her, she could not help but find amusement in the woman’s self-absorbed eccentricities.

Dinner was called and they adjourned to the dining-parlour.

A formal seating arrangement was used despite the gathering being of a small, family nature.

Elizabeth was placed directly across from her husband.

Georgiana was her usual silent self when in the company of someone whom she had never met.

She observed every remark, look and gesture made by her new sister, who had not failed to notice her staring.

Elizabeth could not help but compare the brother with the sister.

They both appeared reserved, taciturn and formidable to the onlooker, but their eyes seemed to speak for them, whether it be with disdain or approbation.

In this current instance, Elizabeth saw distrust but could not fault Miss Darcy.

Given the circumstances of the acquaintance, she could well imagine her apprehension and meant to put her at ease, as she was able.

So Elizabeth decided to address her with a sincere yet neutral comment.

“Miss Darcy, your brother tells me that you are quite accomplished on the pianoforte. I look forward to hearing you play, if that is agreeable to you.”

Georgiana looked up sharply and attempted to formulate a response to her understood question. She glanced at her brother, who answered for her, “My sister does not usually perform in public, but she will, of course, play Christmas carols with the rest of the family in a few days.”

“Then I look forward to Christmas,” Elizabeth said looking to Miss Darcy with a congenial smile.

Lord Langston then said, “I believe my brother has already made your acquaintance. He tells me that you are a lively kind of girl. What can he mean by that?”

Elizabeth looked a little flustered, then responded, “I cannot speak for the colonel nor can I comprehend his meaning, but we have enjoyed spirited conversations. Or perhaps he refers to the reel we danced during the engagement ball at Netherfield.” The viscount had other ideas of what lively meant and made his sentiments clear as he yet again took a quick look down to her décolletage.

“James was always one to stick by Darcy, no matter the justification,” replied the viscount, earning a look of reproach from Darcy, which caused the man to smile slyly.

Then it was the earl’s turn, “Mrs. Darcy, my nephew tells me that you have four sisters.”

“Yes, I am the second of five.”

“And no brothers?”

“No, my lord. My parents had always planned to have sons, but the execution of their plan went awry. My mother blames my father, but I am sure that he cannot be at fault,” Elizabeth replied with a sparkle to her eyes having always thought the idea absurd, but then, too late, she thought back to her mother’s advice on the day of her wedding and coloured, ashamed of where her mind had gone, yet still not really sure what it meant.

“Your father’s estate is entailed away, I believe.”

“This is true.”

“And to a man who was in Hertfordshire seeking to rectify the burden upon your family by an offer of marriage to one of your father’s daughters.”

Elizabeth glanced at her husband, not knowing if he had shared this bit of information, or perhaps his uncle had spoken to Lady Catherine herself, as she had been the one to encourage her parson’s interest in her family.

Darcy remained impassive, apparently expecting such an inquiry.

“My father’s distant cousin, a Mr. William Collins, who is also the rector of Hunsford and appointed by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, came with the intention of offering for one of us.

And he found success, for he is to marry my sister next month. ”

“Did he not offer for you first? That was what I was told.”

“He was making his intentions towards me clear; however, my sister, Mary, was more suited as a parson’s wife and had an inclination towards the man, so to our mutual satisfaction, he changed loyalties with the alacrity of a man full of fanciful devotion.

I believe that it was the day before I met your nephew that he made the new object of his ardour clear. ”

“So my nephew is to be the brother of my sister’s parson?”

“As you say.” A look of unfeigned irritation passed over the earl.

Elizabeth could neither say nor do anything to change the facts of the matter.

She was just glad that her absurd cousin was not in attendance, for she would have keenly felt the humiliation of the situation.

Fortunately for Elizabeth, she did not know that the earl had already met Mr. Collins when Lady Catherine paid a visit while trying to resolve the dilemma in which Darcy had found himself; his unfavourable opinion was firmly established.

Then it was Lady Susan’s turn, “Darcy said that you were out walking alone when you came across him in the woods. You did not have an escort?”

“I was on my father’s estate. The servants cannot be spared when the day begins, so I do often walk out alone. An early morning walk prepares me for my day. While home, I rarely miss the occasion to take in the fresh air.”

“But, surely you can see how improper that is.”

“I do not,” Elizabeth answered in confidence.

“I cannot find fault in traversing my own father’s estate in a countryside where I have grown up and know as well as the garden outside my window.

I find that the activity is invigorating, and up until two months ago had never resulted in an encounter with anyone outside my family or our tenants. ”

“You will not be able to continue on in such manner, will she, Darcy?” The man to whom the question was directed was trying to stay out of the inquisition.

He had known it would come, and best before Christmas, so that the holy day would not be tainted by his family’s assault, but he had hoped himself to stay out of the attack.

“Elizabeth knows that she must have a footman with her, and as I can afford to provide a servant when her father could not, I see no problem in the matter. Of course she cannot take on so far a distance and is limited in town as to her destination; but at Pemberley, she will be able to roam as she will, as long as she keeps to the main paths so as not to lose her way. Before long, however, she will be riding the estate and will have no need for footpaths.”

Elizabeth listened on in wonder at her husband’s narration of his expectations for her future.

“Your plan, sir, would be a good one, except for the fact that I do not desire to learn to ride and have no inclination towards the endeavour.” Everyone looked to Elizabeth and then Darcy.

How would he respond to her blatant show of disrespect?

“You know not of what you speak, Elizabeth. Of course you will learn to ride. All Darcys ride. ”

“I have no intention of riding; however, perhaps we can discuss this at a more appropriate time. I am sure your family has no interest in the matter.”

Everyone was then surprised when Georgiana spoke up, as the indignation at Elizabeth’s refractory remarks provoked her to rejoin that her brother was a fair and benevolent head of the family and would not ask anything of her that was unreasonable, and that his desire for her to learn to ride was a sensible one.

Elizabeth thought it best to change the subject, for she could tell that Darcy’s family was not in the habit of being questioned or disputed.

“I am sure you are correct, Miss Darcy.” Then turning to the middle of the table, she continued, “Lady Estella, I have not yet had a chance to compliment you on this delicious meal. Your choice of soup is a favourite of mine, which I have rarely enjoyed more.” Elizabeth had only been able to eat a small portion of the fare provided, as she had not regained her appetite since her undesirable marriage had taken place and was disconcerted by the obvious planned attack upon herself by her new relations.

None of her family would ever treat a guest in their home with such a rude examination.

“Mrs. Darcy, James tells me that you moved my cousin a distance of more than one hundred yards without assistance, in the middle of a storm, over rough terrain to get him to safety,” Lord Langston said as he looked around the group laughing.

“Do you really expect us to believe you had no help?

That is quite a distance,“ he continued, hoping to entertain the company through her discomfort.