Page 78 of Obligation and Redemption
“Although I do not exchange gifts with my extended family, Georgiana and I do give one another something to commemorate the day. And as you are now part of our little family, I have a present for you as well.” Then handing her the small wrapped package, he waited for her to untie the ribbons.
Inside the box within was a delicate chain of white gold.
She picked up the dainty necklace and saw hanging from the middle an elegant cross, embedded with emeralds.
Darcy then continued, “I know that it is not much, but I noticed that you have nothing for everyday wear, something modest yet befitting Mrs. Darcy. As my wife, you have many worthy jewels that have been passed down through generations to adorn your neck, but you are of an unaffected sort I believe; I do not mean to offend, mind you. I just thought that you might appreciate having a less elaborate piece in your collection.” Darcy felt like a schoolboy talking in circles.
He was having a difficult time communicating that he noticed her sense of simplicity without suggesting that she was simple .
Elizabeth was taken aback. She had not expected such a well thought-out gift, and although it was much more expensive than any jewellery she had ever owned, or could have afforded in the past, the simplicity and thoughtfulness of the gift impressed her.
Uncharacteristically demure, she thanked him.
“It’s beautiful. Your study of me has not been in vain. ”
“May I?” he said as he motioned for permission to put it on her.
At her nod of agreement, she turned so he could clasp the necklace from the back.
As his fingers grazed her skin, gooseflesh spread over her body, causing her to shudder with unfamiliar sensitivity.
Her smile was sincere as she reached up to touch the delicate cross.
Then Elizabeth’s turn came, so as she turned back towards him, she offered the wrapped package that had been sitting upon her lap. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy.”
He took the present from her and untied the ribbon, letting the paper open to reveal a book. Darcy looked pointedly up to her smiling face. “Elizabeth…”
“Open it!” So he dutifully responded, revealing the writing on the inside.
“This is a signed first edition of Robinson Crusoe! But how?”
She laughed as she answered, “A woman has her secrets.” He raised his brow in response.
“I overheard your asking Mr. Capers at the bookstore two weeks ago if he had yet found a first edition for you. When he had not, I decided to attempt to find it myself. And so I did.” After having heard what Mr. Darcy requested at the bookstore, Elizabeth had procured a copy from her uncle, who had many connections.
It was on her last visit with her family that her uncle was able to give her the book for which he had in large part surreptitiously interceded to pay (Elizabeth being happily unaware).
She was thrilled to be able to give Mr. Darcy something that he did not already have, and even more, that he had wished for.
But she would not give her secrets away.
Mr. Darcy would learn to respect her beloved family for their inherent value or not at all.
“But this is far too much! Your pin money should be for you to take care of your needs, not in buying me a present that I can well afford on my own.”
“I did not use my pin money, so we are safe.”
Darcy considered how little she had spent on her own family compared to this precious gift. He wanted to know how she had been able to accomplish what he and his book supplier could not. “Where did you find this? – A signed copy, no less!”
“Mr. Darcy, you ask too many questions. I believe the proper response to receiving a treasured gift would be, ‘Thank you.’”
“Have I just discovered another hidden accomplishment?”
“If I had been the one to write the book, perhaps, but as it is, I am only to be acknowledged for overhearing private conversations and contriving without my husband’s knowledge, which may bring about the desired result in this case, but cannot be good for a wife in general.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I will always hold this book dear for your giving it.” He reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “And now, it is time that we left for Tromwell House.”
To Darcy’s surprise, and Elizabeth’s relief, there was no repeat of the previous visit’s interrogation.
With Colonel Fitzwilliam in residence again, Elizabeth found an ally willing to exert more kindness than censure.
Seeing that Elizabeth was in the capable protection of Fitzwilliam, Darcy was able to divide equal time between her and Georgiana.
Upon arrival, they partook of assorted delicacies and beverages on display in the drawing room while dividing themselves into small groupings.
Elizabeth was speaking with the colonel and Darcy with his sister.
The only others in attendance were the earl and countess with the viscount and his wife, Lady Susan.
While with Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth noticed that although in deep conversation with Georgiana, Darcy kept looking her way, at first in a distracted manner but then more deliberate as time went on.
Elizabeth could not account for such behaviour and remembered their conversation from the other night when he never denied looking to find fault.
Their morning had begun in a most agreeable manner; nonetheless, she could not disregard the evidence that he continued to see her as unacceptable, especially while in the company of his family.
So she dedicated herself with vigour to her own conversation daring him to be displeased.
Lady Susan had been in close discourse with Lady Estella, but then her mother-in-law departed to check on the progress of dinner.
Elizabeth noticed that as soon as Lady Estella had gone, Lady Susan turned to the nearest mirror and began to examine the reflection of her hair, nose, and neckline without consideration for the others in the room.
Elizabeth, however, had observed her perusal and reflexively looked to her husband who had quickly but discretely covered his mouth with his napkin with a look of something in his eyes.
Could it be mirth? she wondered, but he just as expeditiously removed the napkin with his face inscrutable, leading her to consider that perhaps she had been mistaken.
When he winked at her and then turned away, she was certain he had seen the amusing performance before the looking glass.
Elizabeth smiled then directed her attention back to the colonel who had noticed only a look of merriment cross her face.
The children were summoned on cue to join the adults for a few moments of delightful observation, and then returned to the nursery to eat their own dinner.
Elizabeth found Edmund and Emily to be adorable creatures, shy but inquisitive.
The girl reminded her of one of the Gardiners’ daughters and Elizabeth instantly felt a connection and determined to visit them later with their presents.
Dinner was an impressive display, and with the colonel in attendance, it was much livelier.
Elizabeth was grateful to no longer be the centre of attention and unassumingly enjoyed the interactions going on around her while she herself sat quietly unless singularly addressed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam attempted to bring her into the conversation more than once by asking her about the play she had seen and her success with the music master; however, no one else at the table seemed to hold the same level of interest, so Elizabeth only made succinct yet gracious replies.
With no separation of the sexes, the ladies who were willing to contribute to the festivities played carols upon the pianoforte while the others sang with token zeal.
Overall the afternoon and early evening progressed with little to vex those in attendance, except perhaps Lady Susan who felt the absurdity of Elizabeth’s being allowed entrance into a family event, and Georgiana, who could only feel pain regarding her brother’s marital connection.
While Lady Susan played, Elizabeth took Georgiana aside and optimistically presented her with a small wrapped package, taking the younger woman by unaffected surprise.
Darcy watched the interaction closely, hoping that his sister might take the expression as the catalyst to warm up to his wife.
Georgiana felt all eyes on her as she untied the string to release the wrapping.
Darcy intently watched, unaware of what Elizabeth had given his sister and curious to see.
Georgiana pulled out a small yet simple bottle.
Elizabeth blithely said, “That is scented water that I made from the flowers grown at Longbourn, my home. I inquired from Mrs. Johnson about your favourite floral scent, and she told me roses.”
Georgiana was at a loss of what to say, so she quietly and tersely thanked Elizabeth and looked away as she set the bottle down, thereby disappointing Darcy who had hoped for a little more enthusiasm if not appreciation.
Elizabeth did not seem to notice the slight and instead asked if Georgiana might show her to the nursery, that she had something that she would like to give the children.
Georgiana reluctantly agreed to take her, and they departed the room.
Darcy was about to excuse himself to join them, but his cousin stayed him and suggested he give the two ladies some time alone.