Page 66 of The Shades of Pemberley
“Well, Husband?” asked Elizabeth with an arched brow when they escaped from the viragos. “If the impressive Adele Howard had made a play for you, do you suppose you would have resisted her charms in favor of whatever paltry allurements I possess?”
“Only a blind man could suggest that she is your superior, Elizabeth,” said he. “I am quite content with my choice.”
There was only one occasion where Elizabeth experienced overt unkindness, and while she had thought any such might come from the Howards, it was another lady who made the comments.
Elizabeth could not remember the exact relation, for she was of little consequence to her, and when Elizabeth related it to her husband later, she could not even recall exactly what the woman had said.
More drivel concerning the origins and lack of credit of the new Darcy family, coupled with her assurance that they would fail in society.
Unaccustomed as she was to enduring such slights, Elizabeth thought to push back and then retreat from the field, when another inserted her opinion.
“Perhaps it is best to refrain from such statements, Genevieve,” said Anne de Bourgh, stepping into the breach. “As you know, Uncle wishes to present a united front in society, and he approves of the new Darcys.”
Lady Genevieve, for that was all Elizabeth recalled of her, shook her head. “So long as he does not require me to associate with those who are inferior, I cannot gainsay him.”
“Trust me, Lady Genevieve, I have no more desire for a close association than you do.”
The woman, blinded by her arrogance, heard nothing caustic in Elizabeth’s comment, for she did nothing more than offer a regal nod. “Then I shall wish you a pleasant evening and success in society, little though I expect it.”
With a swirl of her skirts, she turned away and was soon conversing with Lady Amelia, perhaps not a surprise given that lady’s opinion. With a shake of her head, Elizabeth turned to Miss de Bourgh, who was watching them, giving no hint of her feelings.
“Thank you for stepping in, Miss de Bourgh. I might have said something inadvisable if you had not.”
The steady look she received informed Elizabeth of her companion’s feelings. “That would be unfortunate. Take care of what you say, Mrs. Darcy, for not all these people are tolerant, and many think very well of themselves.”
Elizabeth understood Miss de Bourgh’s meaning and was not misled by her apparent defense.
Though she was not one among them who would make an issue of the Darcys’ origins, she had little more desire to associate with them than the likes of Lady Genevieve or Lady Amelia.
It was well that Elizabeth expected little in the way of friendship with Miss Anne de Bourgh, for the lady would not offer it.
The disposition of Pemberley and the entail was a subject that arose often that evening, for it appeared few had known of it in advance.
While the men often debated the merits of entailments, the ladies focused their attention more on the misfortune of the situation.
More than one lady made comments akin to those Lady Amelia had made, leading Elizabeth to wonder how many of these people had schemed to marry their daughters to the previous Mr. Darcy.
It taught her that despite their lack of a title, the Darcy family was well-placed in society, indeed.
“I am unsurprised that so many have mentioned Pemberley’s status,” said Lord Matlock when William commented on the subject later that evening.
“It was not well known in society, and that includes many of even the extended family.” The earl added in a rueful tone: “Perhaps it will not surprise you to know that Darcy was aloof from even members of the extended family.”
“Given how many times I have heard of schemes to marry this or that daughter to Mr. Darcy, I am unsurprised.”
The earl offered a quiet laugh at Elizabeth’s jest. “Then you understand something of his disinclination for mingling with them. Add to that the legions of society mothers who thought they could push their daughters forward, and you will have some notion of Darcy’s feelings on the subject.”
“Is the Darcy family that prominent?” asked Elizabeth with some wonder.
“There are several families of similar ancient status who do not possess titles, but among them, the Darcys are the wealthiest.”
“There are even a few dukes’ daughters in my lineage,” said William, “though I suspect most would not consider us acceptable.”
“Just so,” said the earl. “You appear to be handling them well, for I have seen few naysayers, and they are confined to those I might have expected in advance.”
“I believe it is all Elizabeth’s doing,” said Darcy, smiling affectionately at her.
“Your wife is cutting a swath through them,” agreed the earl. “But you have given a good account of yourself, too.”
“Then perhaps I should consider it good fortune that I entered this society already married. To endure what my cousin endured would have been most disagreeable.”
“With that, I cannot disagree. It is quite fortunate, indeed.”
“As for Pemberley,” said William, “when I have a son of age, I mean to end the entail. Elizabeth will always have the protection of Netherfield, which is not entailed, but I do not think it is necessary to have one on Pemberley.”
The earl eyed William for several moments, then offered a slow nod. “When it came into being, it was necessary to protect the estate, but you are correct; it is now no longer needed.”