Page 23 of Suddenly Married

Elizabeth wished to rise very early that morning.

The day before, she had received letters from her sisters, her aunt, and her mother—who, though still struggling, was now able to write.

That day, the Earl and Countess were to visit, and she wished to make a good first impression.

It was also Jane's wedding day, and Elizabeth wanted to write to her, wishing her all the happiness in the world.

She knew the letter would arrive many days after the ceremony, but she wanted Jane to know that she had been thinking of her on that special day and had accompanied her in spirit.

To accomplish all that, she needed to rise before her husband.

Lately, he had taken the habit of making love to her in the morning, and she knew that if he became affectionate, she could not refuse him.

Moreover, he had such a particular way of seducing her that she could never deny him anything.

But fortunately, he was not holding her this time, making it easier for her to slip from bed without waking him.

Once she had succeeded, she quickly washed and dressed without calling her maid.

Twenty minutes later, she was running towards the bench by the lake, accompanied by Dante.

She carried paper, ink, and a pen to write to her family.

If she hurried, she could finish before breakfast. Mr. Darcy awoke, and the first thing he did was reach for his wife.

Although he still harboured certain apprehensions about some of her ways, he could not deny that he was pleased with his married life and loved Elizabeth more each day.

He saw Georgiana and Elizabeth growing closer, and he valued his wife's positive influence on his sister.

His new life was full of activity. Before marriage, he had spent most of his time working and studying, often alone.

Now, he had a partner who filled his life with light and diversion.

They spent hours in the library reading and discussing books, walked together in the park enjoying nature, and in the evenings, he cherished the time spent loving and embracing Elizabeth.

That was why Mr. Darcy was surprised to find her absent from bed and thought he knew the reason.

The previous day, letters had arrived from her family, and whenever that occurred, Elizabeth changed.

She became more pensive and withdrew from him both physically and emotionally.

It was always the same with those letters: at first, she was delighted to see them, but after reading them, she became sad and melancholy.

Her bright eyes dulled, and her smile faded.

He was certain Mrs. Bennet and her daughters wrote to ask for more money.

He could easily imagine Mrs. Bennet boasting of her wealthy son-in-law while her younger daughters squandered funds on dresses and lace to flirt with every officer in Meryton.

He wanted to protect Elizabeth, but they had made an agreement, and she had kept her part.

Therefore, he could not openly speak his mind about her mother and sisters.

A little vexed, Mr. Darcy rose, went to his dressing room, and summoned his valet.

He must look his best, for his uncle, the Earl, was coming to meet his wife.

When Mr. Darcy arrived for breakfast, only Georgiana was in the dining room.

"Good morning, Georgie. Where is Elizabeth?

" "I do not know, brother. I have not seen her since yesterday," Georgiana replied, sensing that something was amiss.

Mr. Darcy did not like her answer, for he suspected that those letters were once again the cause of discord.

He told a footman to fetch Mrs. Reynolds, who appeared a few minutes later.

"Mrs. Reynolds, do you know where Mrs. Darcy is?

" "Mrs. Darcy went for a walk with her dog over an hour ago and has not yet returned, sir.

Would you like me to send someone to look for her?

" asked Mrs. Reynolds with concern. "No, thank you," he replied curtly, visibly displeased, and continued eating in silence.

Georgiana disliked her brother's manner.

She did not know what had transpired between him and Elizabeth—no one had told her—but she had formed her own conclusions.

Elizabeth had been at Pemberley for a month, and Georgiana loved her as if she had known her all her life.

Her sister-in-law was friendly, kind, and affectionate.

Georgiana guessed that Elizabeth had gone to the bench by the lake to read her family's letters.

She wished to ask about them and to learn more of her relations, but Elizabeth never spoke of them.

Georgiana knew she had four sisters because William had told her, and the only time she tried to enquire, Elizabeth had changed the subject, making it clear she did not wish to discuss them.

While Mr. Darcy and his sister finished breakfast, Elizabeth concluded her letters and returned to the house.

An hour later, she was somewhat nervous, awaiting her husband's relatives.

He appeared displeased with her, for whenever she attempted to speak to him, he responded without looking at her.

"Fitzwilliam, is there anything particular I should know about your uncle and aunt?

I wish to make a good impression and would not like to say or do anything that might cause discomfort.

" "Behave as you always do. There is no need to pretend to be something you are not.

My uncle is well aware of your origin," Mr. Darcy replied arrogantly.

He did not wish to converse with her further; he was still irritated that she had not breakfasted with them.

"I understand," Elizabeth said quietly. Her husband was clearly angry, and she had no wish to contend with his mood.

She would not let him see that his remark about her origins had wounded her.

At last, the Earl and Countess arrived. They were to stay only a few hours and return to Matlock the following day.

Mr. Darcy made the introductions, and from the Earl's expression, Elizabeth surmised that he disapproved of his nephew marrying a poor, unconnected woman.

Lord Matlock was severe, much like Mr. Darcy, and spoke chiefly of money and influence.

The Countess, in contrast, was cheerful and sociable, like her son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, yet dull; her conversation was limited to fashion and gossip.

She reminded Elizabeth of her aunt Phillips.

"Mrs. Darcy, my son Richard has spoken most highly of you, but I must admit I did not expect you to be so pretty and agreeable.

When we are in London, I shall take you to the most exclusive modistes to have a wardrobe made worthy of Mrs. Darcy—of course, once your mourning is over.

" The Countess spoke endlessly of gowns and jewels as though all the world cared for such things.

"What are your favourite shops, Mrs. Darcy?

" "My father never liked the city, so whenever I visited London, it was with my uncle and aunt.

They enjoy walking in the parks, visiting the museums, and browsing the wonderful bookshops.

I am afraid I know little of shops, but I trust your taste, my lady.

" Elizabeth answered as kindly as she could.

"I am known in the Ton for exactly that—my good taste and impeccable fashion sense.

" "Then I consider myself fortunate indeed to count on your guidance, my lady.

" In the evening, Elizabeth oversaw every detail of dinner, from the menu to the flower arrangements.

She wore one of her new mourning gowns, and her maid styled her hair for the occasion.

Everything passed smoothly, and she was pleased with her first formal dinner as mistress of Pemberley.

After dinner, Mr. Darcy and his uncle retired to the study to drink brandy and discuss private matters, while Elizabeth, Georgiana, and the Countess took tea in the drawing room.

"I must tell you, Darcy, that your wife is pleasant and pretty as well.

At least she will not disgrace us when it becomes known that you have married a poor woman with no connections.

" "She is a well-educated lady with impeccable manners," Mr. Darcy replied proudly.

Lord Matlock was pleasantly surprised by the new Mrs. Darcy, and it was evident to him that his nephew was deeply in love with her.

"It was a pleasure to meet your wife, but I confess I have another reason for my visit.

I wish to ask about Richard. Do you know why he has been travelling to Rosings so frequently?

" "I am sorry, Uncle, but this past month has been full of changes, and I have not had time to write to Fitzwilliam.

I shall do so. I hope Anne is not having difficulties with Lady Catherine.

" "I do not know when Catherine will understand that Anne needs more independence.

Now that you are married, I hope she will leave that poor girl in peace.

By the way, I pity the servants when she heard of your marriage," the Earl said with a smile.

"Lady Catherine and I have had a long conversation on the subject," Mr. Darcy replied without elaboration.

When the gentlemen rejoined the ladies, the Countess dominated the conversation, repeating the same gossip and speaking only of trifles.

Elizabeth, knowing most of her husband's relations, could not understand why he was so exacting of her own family when his was no better.

Her aunt and uncle Gardiner were infinitely more refined and cultured than the Earl and his wife.

After more than an hour of listening to the Countess's chatter, Elizabeth was finally able to retire.

She was exhausted and a little vexed at having spent much of the day with people in whom she had little interest, while her heart was at her sister's wedding.

'Jane, my dear Jane, I hope you are happy on this special day.

How I wish I could be with you now.' It was a spring night with a full moon.

After changing into her nightgown, Elizabeth stepped onto the balcony to watch the moon's reflection in the lake.

She imagined Jane, her mother, and her sisters celebrating the wedding.

When Mr. Darcy entered his wife's room and did not see her, he became concerned.

Seeing the balcony door open, he realised she was outside.

She leaned against the wall, gazing at the lake, seemingly lost in thought.

She looked so sad that he would have given anything to know the cause.

But he only ventured to ask, "What are you thinking of so intently, Mrs. Darcy?

" Elizabeth sighed. "I am tired and sleepy.

I think I should do better to go to bed.

" She did not wish to speak, knowing that if she did, she might lose control of her emotions and cry.

She went inside and lay down. Almost immediately, she felt her husband beside her, trying to kiss her.

"I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, I am indisposed.

" Her refusal wounded him, but he said nothing.

He rose and returned to his own room. That was the first night he would sleep alone in his bed since his marriage.

◆◆◆

Mr. Bingley had arrived at Netherfield the previous day and rose very early, intending to call at Longbourn to offer his condolences to the Bennet family.

Caroline and Louisa accompanied him to Hertfordshire, not out of any desire to return, but to keep a close watch on their brother and prevent him from acting impulsively.

Upon arriving at Longbourn, Mr. Bingley was impatient.

He knew he had erred in promising Jane that he would visit and then failing to do so.

He could only hope she had forgiven him.

He loved her still and wished to support her in the difficult time, harbouring the faint hope that she might one day return his affection.

At last, he knocked on the door, full of hope.

"Good morning. I have come to offer my condolences to Mrs. Bennet and her daughters.

We know this is a difficult time, but I wish to know if they might receive us for a few minutes," Mr. Bingley explained.

"The family is not at home, sir," Mr. Hill replied gravely.

"I understand. Perhaps we might wait, if they have gone to church or to visit friends or relations," Mr. Bingley said, attempting to gather information.

"I am sorry, sir, but they are out of town.

" "I see. When are they expected to return?

I do not know if you remember me, but I am a neighbour of the Bennet family.

I am the master of Netherfield." "I am sorry, sir; I cannot provide further information.

" Mr. Hill and his wife knew well how Mr. Bingley had treated Jane, and Mr. Clark had earned not only Jane's and her family's regard but also the affection of all Longbourn's staff.

For that reason, Mr. Hill intended to say nothing more.

He would not allow that man to jeopardise Miss Bennet's happiness.

Caroline and Louisa awaited Charles's return with great eagerness.

Naturally, they feared the worst, yet they were pleased to learn that the Bennets were away.

"Charles, you know very well that Longbourn no longer belongs to them.

They must have gone to live with their relations in Cheapside.

Now they are nothing more than poor connections.

I should not be surprised if they were obliged to work as companions or governesses.

Although I doubt anyone would wish to employ the impertinent Eliza, she will have no choice but to work as a maid," Caroline said with a laugh.

"Caroline, you are very cruel," Louisa replied, laughing at her sister's remark.

Charles ignored his sisters' comments and merely said, "This afternoon we shall visit Sir William Lucas," before leaving the room.

He was furious that his sisters could be so heartless as to take pleasure in Jane and her family's misfortune.

That afternoon, Mr. Bingley, his sisters, and his brother-in-law went to Lucas Lodge.

Sir Lucas received them with great enthusiasm and related all the places he had visited during a recent trip to London.

"London is a wonderful city, especially when one has important friends," Sir William declared proudly.

Caroline and Louisa could scarcely believe they were obliged to sit in that place listening to such a ridiculous man, while Mr. Hurst was on the verge of falling asleep.

After listening patiently for more than twenty minutes, Mr. Bingley at last asked, "Sir William, this morning I went to offer my condolences to the Bennet family, but they were not at home.

Their butler said they were out of town.

" Jane and her family had told no one of their plans, so Sir William knew nothing.

He was surprised and gave the only explanation he thought possible.

"You know my dear friend Bennet died a little more than a month ago in a very tragic accident.

Now my daughter is mistress of Longbourn, but she and her husband will allow the Bennets six months to find another home.

My son-in-law is a clergyman, and, as a good man of God, he is understanding and charitable.

Moreover, Mr. Darcy has leased Longbourn so that his wife's family might reside there until the mourning period has passed.

" "Darcy married? When and to whom?" Mr. Bingley asked in astonishment.

"Mr. Darcy? Mr. Darcy's wife?" Caroline repeated in horror.

"Yes. Miss Elizabeth Bennet has been Mrs. Darcy for a month.

They married on the very day my friend Bennet died.

" Mr. Bingley, Caroline, Louisa, and even Mr. Hurst could scarcely believe what they had just heard.