A few days after the arrival of Sophia Bingley, Elizabeth watched as trunks were carried up the stairs of Fitzwilliam House. Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet had been contentious in choosing their rooms.
There had been some tears, a bit of shouting, and the pounding of dainty footsteps up and down the stairs until Elizabeth made the ultimate threat. “Either you three settle the matter of whose room is whose without further argument or I shall have you sent back to Bingley House where you must all three share one room.”
The trio of young ladies turned in unison, their grumbling barely rising above a whisper, and Elizabeth clapped her hands at them. The sound of six running feet echoed in the entryway. Happy that she had quieted them for the moment, Elizabeth made her way upstairs behind the last trunk and sought the peace of her salon.
The room was cheerful though the day was dreary as an icy rain fell steadily outside. Rose and young Richard had come with Elizabeth in the Fitzwilliam carriage that was now hers and were likely having a nap in the new nursery after their tireless exploration of the place. The sister of Jane’s midwife had come to Town with the Bennets and Elizabeth had taken her on as a nanny for the children.
When her sisters came down at last for tea, Mr. Harley entered the salon and announced visitors. It was Miss Darcy and Lady Matlock. Elizabeth had not expected the pair but she rose quickly and went to them. “How terribly you must have wished to see me to come out in such weather!”
Georgiana embraced her and gave a lighthearted laugh. “I am always pleased to attend you, Elizabeth, but I was much too curious over your sisters to wait another moment to meet them. William insisted that Aunt Margaret come too.”
Lady Matlock gave an icy smile to match the chill that came in with her from the outdoors. “I must say I was eager to see Fitzwilliam House open again. Richard and Andrew lived here together when they were in Town.”
Elizabeth gave a small curtsey to Lady Matlock. “It would be wonderful to hear your memories. I find so many things throughout the house remind me of Richard. He was a rare man. I imagine Andrew was as well.”
Lady Matlock seemed surprised and her cold manner warmed for a moment. “My sons were without parallel. Even Darcy could never compare. It is a comfort to have him become our heir, and he is the perfect example of a gentleman, but he is not Richard or Andrew. Tis no fault of his own.”
Elizabeth did not know what to make of such a statement and so she turned and gestured at Mary, Lydia, and Kitty. The Bennet sisters still stood patiently awaiting an introduction and Elizabeth was amazed, and thankful, for their unusual display of decorum. The threat of sharing a room certainly was a potent one.
When all the introductions were made, the ladies sat for tea. Miss Darcy quizzed the Bennet girls exclusively, leaving Elizabeth to make conversation with Lady Matlock.
“I meant to say how kind it was of you to hold a ball for me this coming week. If I am honest, there is some trepidation at being introduced as Richard’s widow.”
Lady Matlock placed her teacup on the low table between them and allowed her eyes to wander the salon. “In that we are equal, Elizabeth. I had hoped both my sons might marry the most eligible young ladies. Now I must present your courtship and secret nuptials as wonderfully romantic.”
An icy tingle climbed Elizabeth’s spine as she met the woman’s cold glare. This would always be their relationship, she supposed. Richard had been most serious in his warnings and it was painfully clear he had made no mistake regarding his mother’s prejudice.
“It was most romantic, if it pleases you to know. Perhaps if you knew more of our meeting and the course of our courtship it would be much easier to tell the story to your friends.”
Elizabeth had not meant to answer with quite so much impertinence but she would defend her marriage to Richard as strongly as she protected their son.
“Perhaps if you knew the grief of a mother who could not bury either of her sons because their bodies were lost to battle and fire, you would speak to me with greater respect.”
Lady Matlock stood and without another word to Elizabeth, made her way to the salon door. She turned before leaving and called out to Miss Darcy. “Come along, Georgiana, I wish to go home before I break my promise to your brother.”
Miss Darcy had not heard the conversation between her aunt and Elizabeth and she was perplexed by the woman’s behavior. “Aunt Margaret, we have only just arrived. You must not leave so soon, it simply is not done.”
Lady Matlock ignored her niece’s advice and quit the salon, calling loudly for her carriage to be brought around.
Elizabeth felt the heat rise in her cheeks as Miss Darcy hurried after her aunt. The young lady paused and turned again to Elizabeth. “She promised William she would not be unkind today. I suppose it was too soon to expect a miracle where her feelings are concerned. I am sorry, Elizabeth.”
“’Tis not your fault, Georgiana. I should not have said my piece but there is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
Georgiana rejoined the Bennet sisters and smiled at Elizabeth. “Aunt Margaret is the same, she never allows a soul to intimidate her but I believe she has met her match. At least at the ball, and other social events, she must pretend to adore you.”
Elizabeth filled her teacup again and attempted to forget the imperious woman who had just left her salon. Had Lady Matlock intended to be cordial, they might have spent the afternoon in the peaceful ritual of teatime and learned a little more of one another.
Elizabeth wondered how she might endure the ball and subsequent soirees the Matlocks had planned. As Miss Darcy intimated, Lady Matlock would not be rude to her in a social setting.
The afternoon passed in the bright laughter and chatter of young ladies finding friendship. Elizabeth rose at last when the clock struck six and went to find Mr. Harley and have the Fitzwilliam carriage readied to take Miss Darcy home.
Mr.Darcy’s voice in the entry surprised her and Elizabeth rushed to the stairs to see him. He was handing Harley his greatcoat and hat and lightening flashes illuminated the narrow windows beside her front door.
“William,” she called, still wincing inside at the use of his Christian name.
“Elizabeth, I have come at last for my sister. Aunt Margaret caught me quite by surprise on her return home. I feared she was impolite but was afraid to come and find I was correct. Might you forgive me?”
Elizabeth could not be angry with him. “There is nothing to forgive,” she assured him as he took the steps two at a time.
He had a jovial air about him and Elizabeth was pleased he did not seem to be concerned with Lady Matlock’s temper.
Offering his arm as he gained the landing, Mr. Darcy nodded toward the salon. “I presume the giggles and high-pitched squeals are a good sign? Poor Georgie has not very many friends.”
Elizabeth placed her hand upon his arm and kept pace with him as he moved away from the stairs. “You are aware these are my sisters she is befriending?”
Mr. Darcy chuckled as she attempted to keep a straight face. “There is no reason to malign your sisters, Elizabeth. You may find they have much in common with Georgie.”
Elizabeth wondered at the change in his attitude where her sisters were concerned. Miss Darcy seemed quiet and reserved amongst strangers, with the notable exception of meeting her sisters today. It did not seem she might be one for folly.
When they entered the salon, Miss Darcy hurried to her brother’s side prepared to apologize for staying behind when their Aunt had left Fitzwilliam House.
Mr. Darcy held up a hand to ease her worry. “Georgie, I would have been most upset had you come away from Fitzwilliam House with her. I must rely upon you to represent the family and I am pleased with your dedication in welcoming the Bennet sisters .”
Hearing their names, Elizabeth’s sisters gathered round and soon they had persuaded Mr. and Miss Darcy to remain for dinner. Elizabeth sat on the sofa beside Mr. Darcy as Georgiana played the piano forte with Mary. Lydia and Kitty danced about together and Elizabeth worried they might irritate Mr. Darcy with their capering. “I should have them sit and listen politely, but they do so love your sister’s company.”
Mr. Darcy was quick to allay Elizabeth’s fears. “I do not mind. Every savage can dance, but the exercise is elevated by the joy it brings to those much younger than myself, and particularly lovely young ladies.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You speak as though you were in decline, William. You cannot possibly be so old as to abhor the merriment of dance.”
“I am, Elizabeth. A man does not suddenly become responsible for his family estate and the well being of his sister and remain carefree. Even in my youth, I was never one to spend the evening dancing with each lady who caught my eye.”
Elizabeth did not laugh at this revelation. Instead, she felt her heart pierced for the man beside her. “With the ball coming, I hope you will change your mind about dancing for my sake. I would not be able to attend without you and Georgiana by my side. You must realize that.”
Mr. Darcy, leaned closer and took her hand. “Aunt Margaret was not so angry today as your first meeting was she?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Her words still stung but she was cold instead of cruel. I believe your interference on my behalf has made a difference.”
“Good, she must not be allowed to run roughshod. It can too easily become her habit.”
Mr. Harley entered then and announced dinner. Elizabeth found she was pleased to have the Darcys as guests for the evening.
Their presence made the fact that Fitzwilliam House was now her home much more solid in her mind. She and young Richard could make a life in Town. It would not be terrible if the Matlocks would come to accept her over time.