Page 27 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
“You know, the same year we went to Brighton, I got Lucky as a gift for my tenth birthday. I remember him to be the most beautiful puppy I had ever seen. That memory is quite vivid. And I was devastated that I almost lost him. One day, we went to play on the beach. I still remember its being a rainy, windy day, and I was with only Jane and Mrs Johnson. Lucky ran towards the water, and I hurried to catch him. Then I do not know what happened, but Mrs Johnson said a wave took Lucky and me, and it seems both of us almost drowned. We were fortunate that a young man entered the water and saved us.” She paused a moment then laughed, slightly embarrassed.
“I am sure you must think I developed a habit of falling into water at an early age.”
She expected him to share her amusement, but his countenance remained stern. “You were both fortunate indeed,” he finally said in earnest. “Do you know who the young man was?”
“No, regrettably. Mrs Johnson said he was young, but neither of us remembered his features. I still recall how he brought us out of the water, and the puppy seemed dead. I remember crying. Then he did something, and Lucky recovered miraculously. I named my dog ‘Lucky’ because our saviour said he was a very lucky dog—which was true. Uncle Gardiner attempted to discover the young man’s identity and even searched for him in the town for several days but with no success.
We believe he was only travelling through Brighton, and his presence was our good fortune.
We never forgot him, and we never shall.
So now you know, sir—forgive me—William.
If you ever hear me speak about the hero of my life, it is about that young man,” she concluded with an open smile, still puzzled by his reaction.
The kind, amiable gentleman from the first part of their journey seemed gone, and the severe Mr Darcy returned.
Elizabeth had no hint of what she had done wrong.
“Thank you for sharing the story with me. We shall be home in less than half an hour.”
“Very well. But did I say something wrong? I can see that you are upset and—”
“I am not upset, but I thank you for your concern. Here, we have just entered London.”
Elizabeth was certain she was correct in her observation, but she respected his desire not to discuss it further.
Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a large, impressive house, and Darcy stepped outside then offered her his arm and helped her out.
She breathed deeply and looked closely at the tall building barely visible through the curtain of heavy snow.
This is his home—our home, she said to herself.
He put her hand on his arm and smiled. Lucky, on his leash, was spinning at their feet.
“He is as nervous as I am,” she said, forcing a laugh .
“Neither of you have reason for any anxiety, I assure you. Let us enter. It is very cold.”
The door opened, and a large hall widened in front of her, revealing a butler, a maid, and an older woman waiting in line. Darcy greeted them and made the introductions: they were Stevens, Molly, and Mrs Thomason, the housekeeper.
“I will show Mrs Darcy to her apartment, and we will call for Molly shortly,” he said. Elizabeth could feel the servants’ stares following them with curiosity and wonder.
She had no time to worry about them as he stopped in front of another door and opened it slowly, waiting for her. She moved a few steps, then stopped and gasped as she looked around, barely able to breathe from the beauty around her.
“This is your apartment. Here is the main bedroom, there is a small office, and here is another smaller room, which is used for bathing. The maid will explain everything to you. The footmen will bring all your belongings immediately.” His voice was calm and composed, but she found no words to answer.
She glanced at the walls, the furniture, and the carpets, amazed by the elegant, harmonious arrangements.
“These rooms belonged to my mother. I moved into the main suite when my father passed away, but these chambers remained untouched. You may change anything you wish.”
“It is perfect,” she whispered, glancing at him then around the room again. “Just perfect…”
“I am glad you approve of it. And here is my apartment. Do you want to see it?” he asked tentatively and opened the adjoining door. She glanced inside his chamber. It was similar to hers, only the furniture was of a darker colour and with more severe lines.
“I asked Molly to arrange a place for Lucky in the corner of your bedchamber. I believe he should sleep in your room for a few days until he becomes accustomed to the place. Then he may be moved into your small office.” Elizabeth looked at him in silence then placed her hand on his arm, her eyes holding his.
“You are very kind and considerate. I am astonished at how you thought of everything.”
Darcy placed his hand over hers, returning the smile. “I will call for Molly to help you arrange your things and prepare for dinner. Would an hour be enough time? You must be hungry. I know I am. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley will dine with us if you do not mind.”
“Mind? I look forward to meeting them both. I shall be ready within an hour.”
He withdrew his hand and moved towards his room. Then he stopped in the doorway. “Would you prefer to lock the doors? It is entirely your decision—however you would feel more comfortable.”
The question took Elizabeth by surprise and she hesitated, her cheeks burning. “I believe we should close the door, so that Lucky won’t trouble you. But I see no reason to lock it.” He nodded in silent agreement, but she did not miss the light in his eyes.
A few minutes later, the maid arrived, and Elizabeth could not say which of them was more nervous. Elizabeth needed a few minutes to calm herself and to calm Molly before she decided what to ask her, how to arrange her clothes, and what to wear for dinner.
Before the hour ended, Elizabeth was ready.
She gazed at her image in the mirror, reasonably content with her appearance.
She dismissed Molly, and when the maid exited, Darcy entered, not from his room but from the hallway.
Elizabeth smiled at him. Then she looked silently at the young girl who seemed to hide behind him.
“Elizabeth, allow me to introduce my sister, Georgiana. I believed it would be easier for you two to meet before dinner. Georgiana, this is Elizabeth.”
“I am very happy to meet you, Miss Darcy. I have heard many wonderful things about you.”
“And I about you, Miss Bennet… Oh, forgive me, Mr s Darcy.” Georgiana turned pale, and Elizabeth noticed her hands were trembling. She needed but a moment to understand that Miss Darcy was exceedingly shy and uncomfortable about their meeting.
“Please do not worry. I still think of myself as Miss Bennet.” Elizabeth smiled.
“Yes, I believe we will all need a bit of time to adapt to our present situation. Let us sit for a moment,” Darcy invited them both. “Elizabeth, I was just telling Georgiana about the extraordinary coincidence of your meeting her and our mother ten years ago.”
While they spoke, Lucky approached tentatively, watching the new guest. Darcy called him, and the dog stepped closer to his feet then moved to sniff Georgiana.
Elizabeth was afraid the animal might reject Georgiana, but he continued to move around her.
Georgiana stretched her hand and Lucky sniffed it then sat beside her. She gently petted his head.
“Unfortunately, I do not remember much about that meeting, but I am very happy to make your acquaintance again. And it seems my dog remembers you.” Elizabeth laughed.
“I do not remember either… I was five or six years old then,” Miss Darcy whispered.
“Elizabeth, I told Georgiana about your enjoyment of theatre and opera. I believe you will have many things in common.”
“I understand you are very fond of music and play exquisitely at the pianoforte.”
“Not really—but I am fond of music. My brother says he enjoyed your playing very much.”
“I am afraid Mr Darcy was too generous with his praise. Someone as proficient as you are will surely find my playing quite wanting, but I hope my technique will improve by association with you,” Elizabeth replied with a large, genuine smile, and Darcy laughed, observing that they were both being too modest.
“Elizabeth, would you like a short tour of the house before dinner?”
“I would love to see the house if you and Miss Darcy would be so kind as to show me…”
Darcy was impressed by Elizabeth’s elegant gesture of including Georgiana in their plan.
He offered an arm to each of them, congratulating himself on performing the introduction in an intimate environment.
Things appeared to go even better than he hoped.
He could easily see that his sister was already partial to Elizabeth.
They started with the first floor, and Elizabeth was shown the drawing room, the dining room, the music room, and finally the library.
Next, they moved to the gallery, and Elizabeth was immediately drawn to a large painting representing the master of the house, wearing a striking resemblance to Mr Darcy, with such a smile over his face as she remembered to have sometimes seen when he looked at her.
She briefly glanced at him and saw that smile again. She felt her cheeks blushing.
“This is a beautiful portrait of William from when he was three and twenty. There is a similar one at Pemberley. Our father ordered them,” Georgiana said with no little emotion.
“And here is one of our mother and Georgiana. It was painted nine years ago, the year she…” He paused, watching Elizabeth who stepped in front of the painting as if mesmerised. She moved closer, took a few steps backward then closer again, and gently brushed her fingers against it in a caress.