Page 41 of Suddenly Married

"My dear, do you think Elizabeth is happy with her husband? From what I have heard, his estate is very large, and he is the most important gentleman in the area. But you and I know these things are not the most important to Lizzy."

Mrs. Gardiner took her husband's husband's hand and replied with patient composure.

"My dear, I wish I could answer your question, but, to be truthful, it is not so easy to discern Elizabeth's feelings.

I know he has been rather harsh towards us, yet I have the impression that he sincerely loves her, and that she, too, is in love with him. "

"It must not be easy for her. I wish I could have done more so that she would not have been compelled to marry him."

"As soon as Elizabeth accepted Mr. Darcy'sDarcy's assistance in Kent, she forfeited the ability to decide freely.

He believed she had accepted his proposal, and she was too distraught to realise she was placing herself in a most compromising position by travelling alone with a man.

It must be deeply distressing to love someone and to feel resentment towards him at the same time.

The best we can do is to support her, and let her know she may always rely upon us. "

"As usual, you are right, my dear wife."

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner conversed for a few minutes more about Elizabeth's situation and agreed to speak with Jane, for she was the only one who might persuade Elizabeth to ask for help, should she require it.

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy awoke early and rose from bed with great care, not wishing to disturb Elizabeth, who was still soundly sleeping. He went to his own room to wash and dress.

After twenty minutes, he returned to his wife's room.

He liked to breakfast together and wished to see if she was awake.

Yet she was still asleep, and he noticed that she had dark circles beneath her eyes and looked unwell.

During the night, she had seemed troubled by dreams; although she had slept through, she now appeared fatigued.

Mr. Darcy wondered whether Elizabeth was ill and even considered sending for the doctor.

But he knew she could be very determined and did not wish to engage in an argument with her.

He was so grateful to his wife that he would do anything for her; she had brought light and hope into his dark and monotonous life.

But what could he do to restore that smile which had captivated him when they first met in Hertfordshire?

Elizabeth awoke to find her husband watching her. "Good morning, Fitzwilliam. I am sorry; I do not know why I slept so late. Give me a few minutes, and I shall be ready to join you for breakfast." She made an effort to rise, but her husband would not allow it.

"Please, go back to bed. You look rather tired. I have told your maid to bring breakfast here."

Elizabeth smoothed her hair and replied with a touch of humour, "Do I truly look so very bad?"

"To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, but you have dark circles under your eyes, and that is not a good sign. Are you feeling unwell?"

Elizabeth grew a little uneasy. She could not tell her husband she had walked almost ten miles the day before, so she sought an excuse.

Since you were not at home, I took the opportunity to walk in the park.

Perhaps that is why I was so tired. But today, I shall only walk in the garden and spend the afternoon in the library. "

"That is an excellent idea. I shall return as early as I can, and after dinner, we may continue reading that adventure book you enjoyed so much."

"Yes, perhaps we may finish it today. Fitzwilliam, what are your plans for tomorrow? I would not wish you to alter them for my sake. I know how important the estate's work is to you." Elizabeth had planned to visit the Gardiners.

"Unfortunately, I shall not be able to get away so easily tomorrow. But by the end of the week, the work should be complete, and I shall be able to take a holiday."

"Do not worry; I understand. I shall amuse myself by walking with Dante."

"But do not go too far from the house this time, so that you will not become so tired."

A maid brought breakfast to Elizabeth's room, and they sat together at a small table near the window, which opened onto the balcony.

Mr. Darcy was relieved to see his wife a little more cheerful. At last, he took his leave and, with his steward, went to the eastern part of the estate to continue the work on the levee.

Elizabeth returned to bed and slept for another hour. In the afternoon, she walked in the garden, reflecting upon her future. She was troubled and uncertain, with feelings so mixed that she could not yet determine how to resolve them.

◆◆◆

The following day, after breakfast, Mr. Darcy went to his work.

Half an hour later, Elizabeth set out once more for Lambton, walking in the company of Dante.

The dog was such a well-trained companion that he knew to wait for her outside the inn; she would give him something to eat when they departed, and then they would make their way home together.

She often reflected that she did not know what she might have done, in so many moments of sadness and solitude, without the faithful company of her devoted friend.

The Bingleys arrived at Pemberley a little before noon.

When Caroline alighted from the carriage, she could not help but feel wounded and resentful. She had always believed that Pemberley would be hers, and now the odious Eliza Bennet had stolen it from her and, in her mind, ruined her life.

Mr. Bingley, for his part, was somewhat distressed to see that no one had come out to receive them.

He had initially planned to call at Pemberley in a fortnight, but after speaking with Jane, he had decided to bring forward his visit and had written to Mr. Darcy to inform him of the change.

Upon seeing the state of the roads, he suspected that his letter had likely not arrived in time.

"What do you think, Louisa? Clearly, Eliza Bennet does not even know how to be a proper hostess. Poor Mr. Darcy; he must have been forced to marry that impertinent chit," Caroline said, while Louisa readily agreed.

"Caroline," Mr. Bingley said sharply, "I hope you will not make any inappropriate remarks about Darcy'sDarcy's wife in his presence. I have already explained to you a thousand times that theirs was not a marriage of duty."

Caroline would never believe that Mr. Darcy had fallen in love with Elizabeth, and so she ignored her brother. "You will never convince me that a gentleman of Mr. Darcy'sDarcy's refinement married that woman of his own free will."

"Mr. Bingley, it is a pleasure to welcome you and your family to Pemberley," said Mrs. Reynolds. "Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy left early to attend to some estate business, and Mrs. Darcy has gone for a walk."

"Do not trouble yourself, Mrs. Reynolds. I imagine Darcy was unaware that we would be arriving today."

"My master told me that you and your family would be visiting, but he did not specify the date. In any case, your chambers shall be ready very soon. For the moment, allow me to offer you some refreshment." Mrs. Reynolds was ever efficient and knew precisely how to act in any circumstance.

The work on the levee was nearly complete, and, seeing the rain approaching, Mr. Darcy sent the labourers home and resolved to return to Pemberley.

He had been absent from Elizabeth for many days and thought perhaps that was why she had seemed so distant of late.

Upon arriving, however, he was surprised to learn that the Bingleys had arrived.

After conversing with Charles, they concluded that the delay in the mail, owing to the inclement weather, had likely caused the misunderstanding.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth was much engaged in conversation with her aunt.

Mrs. Gardiner told her that Kitty was learning to play the piano, and Lydia was taking singing lessons and possessed a beautiful voice.

Unfortunately, her uncle and aunt were to leave the following day, and Elizabeth, very sorry at the prospect, wished to make the most of her remaining time with them.

She was so absorbed in their talk that she did not at first notice the fine drizzle beginning outside.

"Lizzy, before I forget, I want to give you some letters that Jane and Mary have sent. Also, Jane and Lawrence have sent you a gift." Mrs. Gardiner produced the letters and a small box from her bag.

Elizabeth immediately opened the case and found within a chain bearing a small gold heart. It was simple, yet most charming. There was also a note:

This chain represents sisterly love, so we purchased five, and this one is yours.

With love,

Lawrence and Jane

Elizabeth was greatly moved and placed both the chain and the letters in the pocket of her pelisse.

"Lizzy, tell me where your carriage is. It is raining heavily now. Let me send one of the servants to tell the coachman to bring it round to the door."

"It is not necessary, Uncle… I can go alone."

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged a look, sensing that something was amiss, and pressed her to be frank.

"Lizzy, you know I am very patient, but please explain why you are nervous—and why your coachman cannot come to fetch you."

"Uncle, I… I walked here." Elizabeth could scarcely keep back her tears. She felt both embarrassed and distressed, and tried to conceal it as best she could.

"You know how much I enjoy walking. And I did not come alone—my dog Dante accompanied me; he is waiting for me outside."

"I see…" Mr. Gardiner, though generous and patient, and seldom angry, could not help but feel a flash of indignation. Yet, seeing Elizabeth tense and unhappy, he chose not to speak his mind.

Mr. Gardiner ordered his coachman to prepare the carriage to convey Elizabeth back to Pemberley.

"It was a pleasure to spend this time with you, my dear Lizzy."

"The pleasure was all mine, dear Aunt." Elizabeth embraced Mrs. Gardiner warmly.