Page 36 of Sketching Mr. Darcy

A sense of excitement she could not explain woke Elizabeth several times during the night.

She thought of the past day’s events with equal joy and wonder.

She was surprised to discover new things about the man she had married and to see him in a new light, much more favourable than she expected.

Blushing, she admitted that this new light illuminated other qualities: he seemed even more handsome.

It was still early when she rang for the maid. Tired after the previous day’s frolic in the snow, Lucky had slept the entire night, and he woke full of energy, sniffing at the door to Darcy’s apartment. She scolded the dog and asked Molly to take him from the room.

Elizabeth inched closer to the same door, attempting to catch any sign of movement.

She felt ridiculous and, instead, concentrated on a new letter to Jane to occupy herself.

Half an hour later, Molly told Elizabeth that the dog remained with the master in the library.

So he was awake, too. Uncertain how to proceed but too impatient to remain still, Elizabeth left her room.

It was half past eight—too early for either Georgiana or Mrs Annesley to be downstairs—so she knocked at the heavy library door, and entered only when she heard her husband’s invitation.

** *

The previous day was so delightful that Darcy could not stop thinking of it.

He vividly felt the touch of her fingers while she cleaned the snow from his face.

She was unaccustomed to such an intimate gesture with a man; her fingers were timid and her touches bashful but so sweet and gentle.

The sensations aroused in him when he warmed her hands in his were unfamiliar and kept him awake for the longest part of the night.

He briefly wondered how long he would manage to keep his sanity since he had barely slept a single restful night in the last two months—and even less in the last few days.

However, the lack of sleep equalled his delight in her behaviour and obvious inclination towards him.

His gratification increased when she appeared at the library door so early in the morning.

“Forgive me… I do not want to disturb you. I would just like a new book to read… ”

“You do not disturb me—quite the opposite. Please come in. I was looking at some letters I received. Did you sleep well? Would you like a cup of tea or coffee before breakfast?”

Elizabeth laughed at him. “Yes, I slept very well, thank you. And I would love a cup of tea.”

Darcy rang for tea and coffee then sat in his usual armchair.

“I see that Lucky favours you over me.” She smiled. “He seems to enjoy male company.”

“I am pleased that he and Titan are at peace. Titan accepted Lucky rather easily.”

“I believe it happened because he obeys his master and does everything you ask of him.”

Darcy looked at her, unsure how to take her words. The smile on her face was the same he had witnessed several times in the past.

“Is it good or bad that Titan obeys me?” he inquired further, and she gulped some tea, hiding her lips behind the cup before she replied.

“It depends. Discipline is good if there is enough freedom that it does not feel like a cage.”

Darcy looked at her in earnest, searching her expression as he asked in low voice, “Do you feel caged, Elizabeth? In this marriage, I mean…”

She stared at him for a moment and then averted her eyes before returning her gaze to him again. “I do not—not now. It is nice that you asked me, though.” She smiled nervously.

“I might not always be mindful on your adjustment to life here. Georgiana and I have our routines, and we might appear thoughtless at times. I hope you know that you may do whatever you wish and ask whatever you like.”

“I know that—and no, I do not think either Georgiana or you are thoughtless.”

“Good. After breakfast. I need to attend to some business, and I shall obtain your settlement from my solicitor. You will be able to read it tonight, and then I shall mail it to Mr Bennet.”

“Settlement?” She seemed puzzled, and he smiled with contentment. “That is the last thing on my mind. I am sure all is well in that respect.”

“I thank you for your trust. There is another important thing I forgot. I must give you the jewels that belong to you now. Would tonight or tomorrow morning be convenient?”

“Of course, anytime you wish.” He was puzzled by the lack of interest in her expression regarding two subjects that would surely animate any woman. A moment later, her eyes were shining, and another smile touched her lips.

“If it is not too much trouble, could we take another walk before dinner?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing. A walk before dinner does wonders.” He smiled back, surprised by the joy on her face—greater than any discussion of jewels or pin money could produce.

Breakfast was announced, and Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, which she took without hesitation. Soon after, Darcy took his farewell, declaring he would return in the afternoon. He left with a glance at his wife and hoped that he saw slight disappointment on her face.

***

Together with Mrs Annesley, Elizabeth sat on the sofa, enchanted by Georgiana’s amazing skills at the pianoforte.

Georgiana was living through the music, and her talent pervaded the music room.

Elizabeth remembered a conversation she had at Netherfield.

Miss Bingley declared that Miss Darcy was a truly accomplished young lady.

For once, Miss Bingley was correct in her description: Georgiana was truly accomplished, and her manners, the way she spoke, her posture, her smiles—not to mention her musical talent—all confirmed a quality education and a praiseworthy character.

In the middle of Georgiana’s performance, a servant entered tentatively, glancing from Elizabeth to Georgiana as she was uncertain how to proceed.

“What is it, Janey?” Elizabeth asked in a friendly voice.

“Ma’am, there are two ladies asking for Miss Darcy: Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst.”

Elizabeth wondered about the propriety of such a visit—without previous notice—and uncertain how to proceed. Georgiana seemed troubled—she was pale and silent.

“I believe we should ask them to return when William is home. I cannot imagine why they would come without giving notice,” Georgiana eventually said.

“Dear Georgiana, we cannot do that since they called on you . And they are your family’s friends, not complete strangers. Etiquette can suffer a little when it comes to friends.”

Mrs Annesley’s calm voice was not enough to put Georgiana at ease, but she said nothing more.

Elizabeth smiled as she stepped towards the door and took Georgiana’s arm gently. “I have a strong feeling that this visit is related to the news of my marrying your brother.”

“Oh…” said Georgiana while they walked to the room where her guests waited.

“Dearest Georgiana, how I longed to see you,” Miss Bingley cried in delight for a moment before she stopped in complete shock.

“Caroline—what a lovely surprise,” she answered in a small voice. However, the guests’ eyes were locked on Elizabeth.

“Miss Eliza—I can hardly believe that I find you here! How is it possible? I read the news of Mr Darcy’s shocking wedding, but I was certain it must be a bad joke. Is it a joke?”

“Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst, what a surprise indeed. Neither Georgiana nor I expected any calls since Lady Matlock and Lady Maryanne visited us yesterday. I imagine you happened to be in the neighbourhood and stopped by for a cup of tea. Please have a seat.”

Astonishment and concealed anger left both visitors speechless. They seemed uncertain whether to stay or leave. Finally, curiosity overcame other feelings, and they sat on the sofa, continuing to stare at Elizabeth and ignoring Georgiana and Mrs Annesley.

With perfect manners, Elizabeth rang for tea and refreshments.

“So it is not a jest?” Miss Bingley inquired impatiently.

“If you refer to the wedding news, Mr Darcy and I married three days ago.”

“But how is that possible? It cannot be! What do you mean you are married?” The irritation in Miss Bingley’s voice was so piercing that Mrs Hurst added in a more proper manner.

“We heard the news of Mr Darcy’s marriage, and you surely understand our disbelief, Miss Eliza.

We first believed someone was attempting to laugh at Mr Darcy.

I would never have expected such a shocking alliance to happen.

I mean…we just left Netherfield a month ago…

all of us…We never imagin ed Mr Darcy would return to Hertfordshire, let alone to—”

“I imagine it was a shock for you, Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst.” Elizabeth answered with calmness and, seeing Georgiana’s discomfort, tried to change the tone of their discussion.

“Is Mr Bingley in good health? Shall we see him soon, too?”

“No…I mean yes, he is in excellent health. He is spending some time at a friend’s estate, twenty miles from London. I doubt he will return soon to Town,” Mrs Hurst said.

“I am glad to hear he is well. I will be very pleased to meet him again whenever he returns.”

“But this marriage— Indeed it was a shock,” Miss Bingley continued, ignoring the last words. “I never suspected Mr Darcy could make such a step. This must be a mistake. We never suspected such an inclination—to lead to such a union!”

“Mr Darcy is not an easy man to read. He does not express his inclinations openly,” Elizabeth replied, thinking that rarely were more true words said.

“Being his intimate friends for such a long time, we already know that,” Miss Bingley interrupted abruptly. “However, he never hid his opinions from us—quite the contrary. We also knew when he approved or disapproved of something.”

“Then our situation must be an exception.” Elizabeth began to feel quite cheerful and did not fail to notice Miss Bingley’s growing anger.