Page 27 of The Shades of Pemberley

S ilence was a state to be treasured when in the company of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Though it did not descend in the wake of the lady’s departure from the room and the sounds of her loud voice echoing throughout the house still vexed them, at least she was no longer using the trumpet she called a voice where she could deafen everyone nearby.

Darcy was not so foolish as to suppose that she would make no more trouble, especially given her last words, but at least she would no longer be present to aggravate them all.

“That woman will be the death of me,” rumbled the voice of the newcomer, a man Darcy knew to be among the highest in society.

At once remembering he was in company, the earl turned around and fixed his son with a look Darcy could only call wry. “You told me that Catherine had presumed to impose upon you here, but you said nothing of her raising the cradle arrangement with Darcy.”

“That is because she said nothing until yesterday evening,” said Fitzwilliam. “The woman is fit for Bedlam and no mistake.”

Such talk did not please the earl, but he made no more comment, instead turning his attention to Darcy.

“It seems you have had a personal introduction to the more... disagreeable part of our family. While it is my hope we shall have no further trouble with my sister, I know her too well to suppose she will not continue to vex us.”

“Trust me, my lord, I had considered that myself.”

With a nod, the earl turned to other subjects. “Now, if you will oblige me, you have several guests present with whom I am unacquainted.”

“Of course,” replied Darcy.

When the introductions were complete, the earl greeted them all and, insisting they did not need to stand on ceremony, sat in their midst. The first matter he discussed was Darcy’s engagement to Elizabeth.

“To own the truth,” said the earl, his tone light and designed to avoid giving offense, “for most families of Darcy’s level of society, marrying a young woman of your position would not be an option.

” The earl winked at Elizabeth and added: “Then again, the Darcy family has never cared for such things and has often taken great delight in thumbing their noses at those who choose to be offended by such things. I am old enough to remember Morgan Darcy’s mother, a lovely woman, whose father was a small county squire in Cheshire. ”

“That is interesting, my lord,” said Elizabeth, the twinkling in her eyes presaging a witticism. “If she were naught but the daughter of a small-town squire, how could her husband have become acquainted with her?”

The earl proved his easy temper by grinning back at Elizabeth. “They became acquainted when he visited the neighborhood to stay with a friend. As I recall, the closest Darcy connection to the nobility at the time was the earls of Leicester.”

“Leicester even now has a fine opinion of himself,” jested Fitzwilliam. “His son, whom I count as an acquaintance, much to my chagrin, is the most pretentious man I have ever met.”

“Then you understand what ensued when the earl’s nephew announced his engagement.” Lord Matlock paused for dramatic effect. “To the earl’s displeasure, the groom’s father supported his son’s right to make his own choice, which led to an estrangement between their families.”

“Which persists to this day,” said Darcy with a shake of his head. “Jameson had little to do with them, and the earl’s family would not even acknowledge me.”

“Such is the history of the Darcy family.”

Lord Matlock turned his attention back to Elizabeth. “This is just a small measure of what you must contend with when you enter society, Miss Bennet.”

“I have some experience,” said Elizabeth, though appearing uncertain of the wisdom of saying as much as she did. “Even in William’s circles, there are those who did not appear to appreciate our engagement.”

“That is nothing less than human nature.” The earl shook his head.

“We gain such a high opinion of ourselves that we cannot imagine welcoming anyone who does not meet our supposed high standards. I will own that I am not free of such sentiments myself, though I try to restrain myself. In truth, I suspect the nobility is strengthened by the infusion of fresh blood.”

“Perhaps William and I shall spark a renewal of potent Darcy blood,” said Elizabeth, her eyes on Darcy, reminding him why he loved her so desperately.

“Yes, mayhap you will at that,” mused the earl, “though I will note that previous generations of Darcy’s have not been lacking at all.

There have so often been new bloodlines introduced that I suspect the Darcys are much better positioned to stave off dwindling capabilities than certain members of higher society who are near inbred. ”

With a shrug, the earl again concentrated his attention on Elizabeth. “If you will forgive me, Miss Bennet, I suggest it may be best for my wife to take you under her wing.”

Darcy thought to interject, but the earl cut him off and settled any consideration of offense.

“I do not question your abilities, for though we have just met, I already sense that you are a capable sort of woman who will do well. Catherine, though she is trying, is not mistaken about the problems you may face in higher society. While it is clear you know how to behave, members of our set have certain expectations, and my wife can help you learn what they are and avoid censure. It will only do you good if we support you.”

“The earl’s suggestion is sensible, Elizabeth,” said Darcy’s mother. “There is nothing but benefit in such a relationship with such highly placed people.”

“Of course,” said Elizabeth, nodding to her future mother-in-law, “I am happy to accept your generous offer and look forward to excellent relations with you both.”

What Elizabeth did not say, though she intimated it, was that she would not quail in the face of their prominent positions or impeccable breeding. The earl sensed confidence in her reply, for he gave her a nod of approval.

“Then I shall speak to Susan when I return to Snowlock.” The earl turned to Darcy. “My son has informed me that you postponed your wedding to come to Derbyshire and be of use to the family.”

“I did,” agreed Darcy. “Though I regret my still single state, I would not call it an imposition. It was my duty, and I was happy to do it.”

Again, the earl nodded his approval. “I am pleased to hear it. Then I presume you will return to Hertfordshire to attend to your wedding, and then you will attend the season in London?”

Darcy exchanged a look with Elizabeth, who shrugged. “Our plans are yet uncertain, my lord, but I expect to return to Hertfordshire before the end of March and marry soon thereafter. We may take an abbreviated wedding tour, but we will attend at least part of the season.”

“Very well. Please keep me advised of your plans so that I can speak to Susan on the subject.”

“There is also the matter of my return to my profession,” said Fitzwilliam. “My general has been generous with my leave, but I must return before long. When Darcy travels south, I expect I will travel with him.”

Lord Matlock regarded his son. “As you know, you may resign your commission whenever you wish. To your mother, tomorrow would be acceptable.”

“Trust me, Father, I am well aware of Mother’s opinion.”

There was some undercurrent in the discussion between the two men, but Darcy did not know what it was.

Younger sons not in line to inherit the family property made their way in the world through professions deemed suitable for those of gentle stock, but some families provided for younger sons, though they could not keep the same status as their parents.

Given the conversation, Darcy thought it likely the earl had done so, but Fitzwilliam still insisted on making his way in the world.

It was a mark of his character if he did so regardless of the need.

THE EARL STAYED AT Pemberley until the early afternoon, citing a need to return to his estate that day, and Darcy could not help but see how he watched Elizabeth.

There was no disapproval in that gaze as it was not judgmental; it was more of an earnest gaze, one that sought to understand what he was seeing.

Darcy understood, for he knew that he and Elizabeth, though they had no blood connection to the earl and his family, would be tied to them in the minds of their peers because of their connection to the previous masters of the estate.

It was, therefore, no surprise that he would wish to know of Elizabeth’s quality and understand her ability to uphold the family honor.

Had Darcy any doubt about her capabilities, he might have acted to protect her or distract his lordship from his scrutiny.

Elizabeth did not miss the attention either, for Darcy knew she was as observant as anyone he had ever met.

To her credit, she gave no impression of understanding, and she did not give him any deference beyond what she owed him as a member of the nobility.

Darcy had not known Lord Matlock well, but he understood the man did not tolerate excessive deference and appreciated those who showed a measure of confidence.

There was no better woman than Elizabeth to show those qualities, and Lord Matlock appeared to welcome it.

When the morning progressed to early afternoon and the time of the earl’s departure approached, he requested that Darcy and Fitzwilliam attend him, which they did without hesitation.

It was no surprise when he raised a subject of which they had spoken several times, though the result of their conversation was unexpected.

“Before I go today, we should speak of the matter of Georgiana’s guardianship.”

Fitzwilliam nodded. “That would be for the best, Father. When I return to my duties, we should have a plan in place for her future care.”

The earl eyed his son. “This would be much easier if you would resign your commission.”