Page 9 of Raised at Rosings (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse #4)

Chapter Eight

The heavy oak doors swung shut behind Darcy as he re-entered the mansion, his mind far away as he looked for coffee. He marveled at how much he had enjoyed spending time with Miss Elizabeth. Never before had he spent such extended proximity to a woman he was not related to without the urge to flee; yet, inexplicably, it happened. Even the silence between them felt oddly peaceful. What he would do with the familiarity that he had developed with Miss Elizabeth, he did not know. He felt a wave of relief at the thought that his stay at Rosings would be relatively short, knowing that a longer visit would leave him hopelessly confused.

While he supposed one could develop a friendship with a woman, he had never thought it would be something he would experience. Men and women lived in such isolated spheres, their lives rarely intersecting in ways that nurtured meaningful friendships. He supposed Miss Elizabeth was unique, a singular blend of wit and charm that defied simple explanation. For a man so used to routine, the strangeness of his current circumstances unsettled him.

Entering the sunlit morning room, Darcy saw Richard’s smiling face at the table, a half-eaten plate of steaming eggs before him, the scent of coffee lingering in the air. Darcy immediately moved to the sideboard to obtain his cup of coffee, not stopping as Richard spoke up, “You are normally up long before me, Darcy. Are you just getting up?”

With a fortifying sip of his steaming coffee, Darcy turned to face his cousin. “No,” he said, “I was up some time ago, but I took a walk.”

Richard’s fork paused in midair, his brows raised. “Did you happen to go on that walk with Elizabeth?”

Placing his cup at the spot across from Richard, Darcy moved back to the sideboard to collect his own assortment of breakfast items with a shrug. Just because he was reacting oddly to being in Miss Elizabeth’s company did not mean he had to behave oddly. Not a man of excessive expression, he attempted to keep his tone bland. “Yes, I wanted to thank her for a kind comment that she made yesterday and pass on Georgie’s condolences.”

The delicious smells of the breakfast were distracting, but he still caught sight of a subtle tightening of Richard’s eyes. Perhaps he was not as successful at regulating his mood as he thought. Sitting down and helping himself to a bit of food, Darcy waited for Richard to say something. Experience had taught him the value of patience; he knew it was wiser to let his opponent make the first move. Not that Richard was an opponent, but he did not want to say the wrong thing.

So for a time, both men were silent while they enjoyed the well-prepared meal. Soon enough, Richard’s voice cut through the sound of cutlery, a hint of humor in his tone, as he asked, “You enjoyed her company that much, did you? I believe I told you years ago that you would get along well with Elizabeth.”

After swallowing and wiping his mouth, Darcy said, “It was a pleasant start to my day, and I enjoyed the peace walking with Miss Elizabeth offered in the middle of what can only be labeled as a stressful visit. I believe that as odd as it seems that I might just form a friendship with Miss Elizabeth.”

He had no intention of lying to Richard. His cousin was too perceptive to even try to lie to, and it was not as if Darcy wanted to hide the fact that he had enjoyed speaking with Miss Elizabeth. Still, it frustrated Darcy to no end when Richard’s grin only grew wider.

Elizabeth had no idea what schemes Lady Catherine might have concocted to stop Anne from attending the will reading, but whatever they were, they were thwarted by Anne’s own preparations.

The night before the will was to be read, Anne found herself overcome. She was so weak that Richard had to carry her up to her room while Mr. Darcy dispatched a messenger to bring back the physician. Of course, it was all staged and both gentlemen plus the physician were playing their roles to perfection. Overwhelmed by grief and poor health, Anne was declared too ill to leave her bed and ordered to stay there for no fewer than three days. Sadly, she would miss the reading of the will.

With a conspiratorial wink that had Elizabeth on the verge of laughter, Anne turned to her mother and said, “I know I should go to the reading of father’s will but with my health poorly there is simply no way for me to manage it. But I trust you, Mother. You have always taken such good care of me. I know that you will convey anything of importance. After all, you would never dream of going against father’s wishes and you have my well-being at heart, don’t you?” Her tone was so earnest that one could easily think that she actually trusted the woman. The shared, silent laughter was evident when the physician, Richard, and Mr. Darcy subtly shifted their gazes, unable to contain their mirth, just as Elizabeth was struggling to do.

Lady Catherine, on the other hand, got a devious look in her eye and patted Anne’s hand in a reassuring manner. “Oh my dear girl, I have never wanted anything but the best for you. Surely your father has made certain I’m fully equipped to support you and manage the estate’s affairs, rendering the will reading little more than a formality. Rest assured, I will keep you completely apprised of everything crucial.”

Elizabeth was careful to watch Lady Catherine, alert to the smallest hint of deception. So she saw the way that Lady Catherine phrased things would not make her a liar, not exactly. She caught Mr. Darcy’s eye, and in that brief moment, a shared awareness lingered between them. He saw it too. It was odd to realize that everyone in the room knew that Lady Catherine had not meant what she said in the way it sounded, but neither had Anne. Did Anne unknowingly share more similarities with her mother, or was she deliberately studying under a skilled deceiver to ensure the safety of herself and her community?

Though Elizabeth had almost wished for Richard and Mr. Darcy to stay much longer than they did, both gentlemen left shortly after the reading of the will, but not before putting many safety precautions in place. Elizabeth knew with them gone, she would become that much lonelier. Where she had adjusted to her solitary life with Anne as her main companion, it had been nice to have her horizon expand with Richard and Mr. Darcy there. Their extended stay revealed the simple joys of morning strolls through the fragrant garden, punctuated by lively conversations. She would also miss the click of chess pieces during their many games.

Even with Lady Catherine acting as mistress of Rosings, not much changed besides the decorations in the mansion, as it seemed her current goal was to acquire all the gilded furniture she could for her throne room. Anne, ever practical, tackled the estate’s intricate financial affairs—matters Lady Catherine had never considered—while Elizabeth oversaw the execution of Anne’s wishes with quiet efficiency. In her spare time, Elizabeth wrote letters.

Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Miss Darcy,

I am writing to thank you, with your brother’s knowledge, of course, for your condolences on my loss of Uncle Lewis. Your concern was very much appreciated. Please accept my condolences on your father’s death this many months past. Though I sent condolences on behalf of Anne and myself after his passing, I understand the volume of correspondence you and your brother must have received and won’t be upset if you saw mine as just one of many.

I know that we have met in person briefly, but I would be very happy to engage in correspondence with you if you are interested and wiling. Good friends are a precious gift and spending my time primarily at Rosings with Anne and Lady Catherine, some correspondence with another young lady would be a delightful way to connect and expand my circle of companions.

Yours respectfully,

Miss Elizabeth Bennet

Pemberley, Derbyshire

Dear Miss Elizabeth Bennet,

I must admit, I was thrilled to receive your letter. Like you, I’m rather solitary. It will be several years before my introduction to society is even considered. The absence of suitable companions my age amongst my neighbors at Pemberley compounds my situation. All of this is to say I would be very happy to exchange letters with you. My governess actually thinks it’s a wonderful idea and is convinced it will greatly benefit my education.

Thank you for once again offering your condolence on my loss. I did take note of your previous letter, but I must admit that I was not up to responding as I might have, though I assume my brother did. Though now that I think of it, he might not have responded. I sometimes find the rules of propriety concerning correspondence between unrelated gentlemen and ladies perplexing.

Losing family is difficult, I have heard, but I have not had many such experiences thankfully. In addition to losing my father, I lost my mother, but her death came when I was an infant. I never really grieved for her, since she died before I was capable of forming an attachment to her or even memories. But I have mourned the lack of a loving mother.

Fitzwilliam has expressed concern about you having to deal with Aunt Catherine. I will admit that I have spent little time with her, but she terrifies me. I do not know if I could manage staying there with her as you are. How are you faring under her thumb? Also, how is Anne? I know her health is not the best, and she has inherited many responsibilities along with Rosings.

I cannot wait to receive your letter in return, but only if you have time, as I know you have many responsibilities for one so young. I may not want to wait for your letter, but I can.

Your friend, (I hope)

Georgianna

PS. I would be happy if you would address me as Georgianna or even Georgie, as my brother does.

***

Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Georgianna,

I hope you are doing well at Pemberley, my dear friend. Your brother Mr. Darcy was kind enough to give me your letter when he lasted visited with Richard. I was very glad to get another one of your letters and found your anecdote about the puppy getting into the church during the sermon entertaining. Though I wonder if it wasn’t possibly smuggled in by one of the younger parishioners, your tale still made me smile. I will admit to you alone that Lady Catherine’s looming presence and Anne’s declining health weigh heavily on me, leaving little room for genuine smiles. So the joy your letters bring is a real treat.

It is amazing to me that it has already been two years since we lost Uncle Lewis. Though even without him, I do believe that Anne and I have been managing Rosings remarkably well. I would go so far as to say he would nod his head in approval, a proud glint in his eye, at all we’ve achieved in his absence. Of course, we would not be doing nearly so well without your brother and Richard’s assistance.

But on to other less depressing topics. How is your spring progressing? Have any of the Pemberley’s home farm started having babies yet? I can never wait to see all the new little beings start appearing. Has your weather been cooperative?

My most recent letter from my sister, who is currently at Matlock, spoke of nothing but the persistent rain, and worse. Jane became caught in a downpour and developed a cold. Of course I worry for her, but I know that she is in good hands with Aunt Judith to take care of her.

I know Pemberley is not far from Matlock, only a day’s journey, and I am curious to know if your weather has been just as damp and gloomy. We have spent much of this early spring wet as well. Though I managed to stay healthy despite getting several wet afternoons checking on the tenants.

Will you tell your brother for me that the clearing of the ditches in the area that he suggested prevented a flood when the rains persisted? I doubt that we will have a very productive year for crops, but at least all the tenants will stay warm and dry. Which Anne and I are very grateful for.

Although your brother’s next visit to Rosings is some time away, I hope you’ll consider joining him and Richard. I will not hold it against you if you do not wish to. I, more than anyone else, can understand the hesitation you would feel facing off against Lady Catherine. There are days when I think she would be better placed on the French front. Surely, the French troops would flee before her sharp tongue and icy glare.

Have I told you before that she no longer addresses me as Miss Elizabeth as she used to when Uncle Lewis was here? Now I am only Bennet. I think she is trying to put me in my place somehow. Though when your brother was here, she made sure not to address me as such, which was accomplished by ignoring my presence all together.

I have prattled on for far too long and must get back to my duties. Please write to me as soon as you may and be sure to include all your latest adventures.

Your Friend,

Lizzie

Pemberley, Derbyshire

Dear Lizzie,

I must admit that I am still not over the loss of Mrs. Fletcher. Only now, as I write those words, do I realize how macabre that sounds. Rather than being deceased, my governess is providing comfort and support to her daughter and grandchildren following their recent loss, offering a helping hand during this difficult time. I know that it is wrong of me to wish she had stayed, but Mrs. Fletcher was with me for as long as I can remember.

At least Fitzwilliam and Richard, after much deliberation, have finally chosen a companion for me, a Mrs. Younge. I have promised Fitzwilliam that I will give her a chance, though there is something I that cannot like about her. For one thing, her smiles do not quite reach her eyes. When I mentioned it to Fitzwilliam, he said she might just be uneasy at a new place. There is something more to why I do not like her, more than just her odd smiles, but I cannot name it. Her accommodating nature, while seemingly positive, just feels wrong somehow. I particularly do not like the way that she interacts with Fitzwilliam and Richard.

But surely this is all just me resenting Mrs. Fletcher’s replacement, and I will adjust. I cannot help wishing you were here to help me through this transition. I know that it is not fair of me to wish as much when I have not mustered up the courage to visit you at Rosings. Last year I almost went with Fitzwilliam, but I was only mostly recovered from a cold, and I was worried I would pass it on to Anne.

Fitzwilliam asks me to convey his greetings. He is often as eager to get your letters as I am, which I find odd, being that he does not ask to read them. Still, he is always relieved to know that you and Anne are well and handling Aunt Catherine with as much grace as you are capable. He worries, I think, knowing that you are not in the safest of environments, but I always reassure him that Rosings is filled with staff that would do anything for you. I actually think you are safer there than you would be should you visit London.

Last season I went to London with Fitzwilliam and though I enjoyed visiting the museum and seeing several of the more popular sights, I was shocked at the crowds and dirt of it all. There are worse parts of the city, I am sure, but we both know Fitzwilliam would not have let me near them. The perpetual soot and smog of town life makes me pity those who lack a country estate. I imagine their lungs ache for fresh air, just as their spirits yearn for quiet. I did love getting ices though, so it was not all bad.

I will hope that we can visit London together one day and get ices together. Have you had them before? Part of me thinks that you would prefer to go to Hatchards like my brother, though. Write to me soon and be sure to give Anne my love.

Warm regards,

Georgie

Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Georgie,

It’s completely understandable that you’re still struggling to adapt to life without Mrs. Fletcher’s comforting presence and guiding presence. She was one of the constants in your life and without her there, it is only natural to feel slightly adrift. While you adjust, do not forget that she is still with you in the lessons that you learned while she was there. The wonderful person you are becoming is a credit to her loving guidance, respect that and you honor her by staying true to those lessons.

As for your new companion, Mrs. Younge, trust your instincts. Listen to that inner voice; it’s crucial to trust your instincts above all else. I do not know the woman, but I have been corresponding with you for years and we have spent time at Matlock together, if only for a short time. I will always trust you over a stranger and you should too. Trust your instincts .

I know too well that some people in this world harbor dark intentions, hiding them behind a veneer of smiles and pleasantries. A woman’s instincts, even a young woman such as yourself, can sometimes be the only protection we have in this world. While I would never encourage you to be cruel or uncivil, I strongly encourage you to be on your guard.

Regarding your inquiry about ices, my sister Jane and I indulged in one or two delicious ices on a past trip to London. I still clearly remember the smooth, cold texture was delightful. I think your idea about sharing an outing to get ices together at some point in the future is brilliant. The prospect of seeing you again always fills me with excitement. Our time together is something I truly cherish.

Tension is building at Rosings, and I anticipate being able to visit you sooner than expected. There is just something about Lady Catherine that has changed that makes me suspicious. I fear she is planning something.

It might be that things have not progressed as she had hoped. Her throne room is where she spends her days with her companion, yearning for the attention of visitors who no longer grace her with their presence. While the ladies of the community did visit for a time after Uncle Lewis died, they have long since stopped coming.

Lady Catherine was always condescending, but she refuses to return calls, as she feels she is above such things. When she haughtily informed the rector’s wife that she would not contribute to her charity or attend any social gatherings, declaring her superiority over the townspeople, it was the final straw. Your aunt’s abrasive behavior finally pushed the townspeople over the edge. Should she even attempt to greet anyone at church services, she would be given the cut direct. Sadly, she does not deem anyone worthy of a greeting, so I have not been able to witness her being cut, which is a real loss, I think.

I fear Anne’s health has once again worsened. On her bad days, Anne’s weakened body struggles to carry her across her room. The effort drains her strength, leaving her exhausted and aching. Many days now, she barely leaves her room. During the physician’s last visit, he grimly declared there was little left to improve her condition, his displeasure palpable when Anne refused the bloodletting. I agreed with Anne, which had him doubting my intelligence, but I simply cannot see how bleeding someone who barely has the strength to walk will help anything. A local farmer recently died from blood loss following a terrible accident, and it has made me question the practice of bloodletting altogether.

Please tell your brother that things are going well at Rosings and thank him for inquiring about me and Anne. Though please try to cushion Anne’s decline for him. There is nothing he can really do to aid her, nothing any of us can do. I know she would not want him to worry.

Did I ever tell you that I kicked him in the shin the first time I saw him at Rosings? What can I say? I was young and impulsive, and he was insulting. He has come a long way, and I will admit that he improved much upon our second meeting. Each spring, the promise of seeing your brother fills me with anticipation.

It is wonderful to see how, by helping Anne and I that he also helps prepare Richard for the responsibility that is coming his way, ensuring that he will be an adequate steward of the land and people. What I truly look forward to, though, is the opportunity to speak with your brother. Do you find that odd? It might be, but it is true. His respect for my intellect is a rare and delightful quality, and our shared love of books often leads to lively debates about our favorite authors. Please tell your brother hello for me and that I will look forward to beating him at chess again during his upcoming visit.

Warm regards,

Lizzie