Previous Section, Section III
Chapter 8
Posted on Friday, 14 April 2006
Elizabeth awoke the next morning feeling somewhat better, but still with a throbbing in her head. She sat up, then laid back down again as a wave of dizziness swept over her. She pulled the cord for the maid, and then lay back down. A minute later, Beth opened the door with a smile on her face.
"Good morning ma'am. How are you feeling?"
Elizabeth groaned and closed her eyes. "I feel somewhat better, but my head is still throbbing quite a bit."
"Would you like a tray then? His Lordship and Ladyship are preparing to go down for breakfast with Mr. Darcy."
Elizabeth nodded that it would be a good idea, and Beth quickly went to request a tray. Elizabeth lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering at what this day would hold. She missed her parents, her father the most, and while she was very fond of her new Aunt and Uncle, she wondered at what her life would be like. It would certainly offer privileges that she might not have otherwise. She was still pondering this as the door to her room opened to reveal Beth with a tray.
She placed the tray across Elizabeth's legs and propped her up with pillows. "Her ladyship would like to check on you, and asked if she may come in."
"Yes of course." Elizabeth answered, picking at her toast.
Beth walked to the adjoining door and in swept Lady Stratton. She made her way to the bedside and took Elizabeth's hand.
"My dear, how are you feeling today?"
"Better, though my head is still painful."
Lady Stratton nodded, and then turned to Beth. "Beth, might you have some lavender oil? I believe it will help Miss Bennet's head considerably."
Beth curtsied and went to find some lavender oil. Lady Stratton turned to Elizabeth and smiled. "Elizabeth, I have a proposition for you. You may decline if you like."
Elizabeth nodded for her to continue. "I was wondering if you would like to have Beth for your ladies maid?"
Elizabeth stared at her for a moment, then smiled. "That would be fine Aunt, but I thought you were set on French maids."
"I was at first, but then I spoke with Beth last night, and she seems truly concerned for your welfare. She has been a ladies maid before, and I think she would do you well. And besides, a French maid may not be the best idea, for I do not think you girls would be very uncomfortable."
Elizabeth smiled. "I confess I was not looking forward to dealing with a French maid, but was determined to do it if you wished it."
"Oh Elizabeth!" Lady Stratton exclaimed. "Do not think you must bow to my every wish. If you are not comfortable with something, please say so. While I will find English maids for you all, they will be trained by my maid Cozette."
"That is fine Aunt, and I will make sure to voice my opposition when warranted." Elizabeth said teasingly.
Lady Stratton smiled at her, and then became serious. "I want you to know Elizabeth, that Robert and myself do not intend to replace your parents. We know you loved them very much, and as we are just getting to know each other, I realize it will take time. But I hope that we would become close with all of you."
Elizabeth wiped a tear from her eye and reached to embrace her Aunt. "Oh Aunt, I know that with you and my Uncle, we will be safe and cared for."
A knock at the door interrupted them and the ladies parted and bade the visitor enter. Behind the door stood Beth, along with Lord Stratton and Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy stayed in the doorway, not wishing to make Elizabeth uncomfortable.
"I've come to fetch my wife for breakfast. How are you Elizabeth?" Lord Stratton asked.
"I feel a bit better sir."
"Good, I'm glad to hear it! Well, we will leave for London when you are able. The carriage arrived late last night and is ready for travel. Take your time Elizabeth, there is no hurry."
Elizabeth nodded and then noticed Mr. Darcy standing in her doorway. "Good morning Mr. Darcy."
He looked startled, but recovered quickly and bowed. "Good morning Miss Bennet, I'm glad to see you are feeling better."
"Thank you."
"Well, we are going down for breakfast. I see you have quite a spread yourself, and I expect you partake of all of it." Lord Stratton told her with a smile.
"I will try then." She answered; she didn't have the heart to tell him she really didn't have an appetite.
Mr. Darcy and her Aunt and Uncle quit her room and left her with Beth to tend to her. Beth took a seat that Lady Stratton vacated and smiled at Elizabeth.
"Ma'am, I'm told I am to be your ladies maid."
Elizabeth smiled at her between small bites. "Yes! I am most pleased. I daresay we will get along rather well."
Beth nodded, and a dark veil crossed her face. "Did her ladyship tell you about my past?"
"She told me you have been a ladies maid before, that is all."
Beth hung her head. "Do you wish to hear it ma'am?"
Elizabeth noticed the troubled look on the maids face and frowned. "If you wish me to know of it, then you may tell me."
Beth nodded and relayed her story to Elizabeth. She was shocked and angry by the time she was done.
"That's horrible Beth! But I must ask, why did you wish me to know this?"
"I told her ladyship last night, for she asked about my tending to you. I wanted you to know of my..." Here she choked back a sob. "Of my disgrace."
Elizabeth patted her hand and smiled at her. "Beth, I do not think any less of you. Unfortunately some masters think they can dally with servants. I certainly do not agree with such practices, but do not trouble yourself over this."
The maid relaxed a little and set about preparing Elizabeth for their journey. Lady Stratton had a footman ride to London last night for a change of clothes for herself and Elizabeth, so Beth presented a fresh black frock much to Elizabeth's surprise. She helped her dress then pinned up her hair in a very becoming fashion. Elizabeth was pleased with Beth's attentions and thought to herself that they would get along quite well. Her headache was already lessening due to the lavender oil, although she still felt very weak.
Elizabeth seated herself by the fire and sipped her tea until Lady Stratton appeared in the doorway adjoining the sitting room.
"Ah, you are ready, good. How are you feeling?"
"I am better, but still a bit weak. I fear I shall probably sleep the duration of our trip!"
Lady Stratton nodded in agreement. "That may be wise dear. Now, Beth, go and get your things ready, we can send back for the heavier items when we reach London."
Beth curtsied and left the room. Lady Stratton took Elizabeth's arm and led her to the sitting room where Lord Stratton and Mr. Darcy were seated and in discussion. The gentlemen stood when the ladies entered the room.
"We are ready to depart!" Lady Stratton said, smiling at the gentlemen.
"Good, I shall order the carriage." Said Lord Stratton. He and Mr. Darcy left the room to see to the carriage, as Elizabeth and Lady Stratton began putting on their cloaks with the help of another maid. They made their way downstairs just as the carriage was pulling up at the door. They thanked the innkeeper and his wife for their hospitality, and for letting them have Beth. Lord Stratton handed Elizabeth and Lady Stratton into the carriage and climbed in after them.
Elizabeth looked around, but didn't see Beth or Mr. Darcy in sight. "Uncle, where is Beth, isn't she coming with us?"
"Yes, she will be out in a moment. She wanted time to say goodbye to her Aunt and Uncle."
Elizabeth nodded, then looked outside. She expected to see Mr. Darcy on his tall horse, but only saw the footman.
"Is Mr. Darcy not traveling with us?"
Lord and Lady Stratton smiled at each other before Lord Stratton answered. "Yes, he is making a final inspection of the carriage."
Elizabeth turned to look outside and caught a glimpse of Mr. Darcy, followed closely by the footman from last night. She watched as he inspected the wheels and the harnesses for the horses. She smiled at the great care he was taking, and wondered if he was always like this.
Probably so, the rich can never be too careful. She thought to herself.
As soon as Beth entered the carriage, they departed for London. Elizabeth was quickly lulled to sleep by the movement of the carriage and slept the entire time. Only the noisy streets of London awakened her. She sat up and stretched a bit and smiled at her Aunt and Uncle.
"Are we close?" She asked, beginning to feel excitement.
Lord Stratton smiled at her. "Yes, just around the next turn is Mayfair. Our townhouse is across from Hyde Park, and right next to Darcy's too!"
Elizabeth felt a tiny flutter at the knowledge that Mr. Darcy lived next door and dismissed it quickly. She concerned herself with looking out the window, only to see Mr. Darcy riding along side the carriage. She studied his profile through lowered lashes and felt an appreciation for his "assets". She continued staring out the window, making sure to look away when Mr. Darcy glanced in her direction. She couldn't be sure, but she thought he caught her once, as he was trying to hide a small smile beneath the collar of his coat.
"Here we are!"
Elizabeth started, and looked out the opposite carriage window to see they had stopped outside an enormous townhouse. She had to hold back a gasp, as did Beth, and turned to look at her Aunt, who was smiling at her.
"Well, what do you think Lizzy?"
"It's beautiful." She simply said, which brought a pleased smile to Lady Stratton's face.
"Your sisters are here already, they were coming right after breakfast with the Gardiners. I'm sure they've already picked out their rooms!" Lady Stratton said.
Lord Stratton opened the carriage door and handed all the ladies out of the carriage. Elizabeth looked up at the tall house, to see her sisters, minus Jane, waving to her from an upstairs window. She smiled and waved back to them as the front door opened to reveal Jane and Mrs. Gardiner.
"Lizzy!" Jane exclaimed as she rushed forward to embrace her. "My, you do look pale, are you alright?"
"I will be, right now I still feel tired and weak. At least my headache is gone, thanks to Beth!"
Elizabeth introduced Beth to her Aunt Gardiner and Jane. Lady Stratton ushered them inside and into the foyer where a team of servants removed their cloaks, bonnet and gloves.
An older woman, probably in her fifties, came down the hallway towards them with a stern look on her face.
"Your ladyship, welcome home." The woman said with a curtsey.
"Ah, Mrs. Smithson, let me introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is eldest of the sisters."
Elizabeth exchanged pleasantries with Mrs. Smithson, who was the housekeeper, but the lady did not return her smile, and quickly turned to Lady Stratton.
"Your ladyship, I must speak with you regarding the other sisters."
Jane sighed from behind Elizabeth as did Mrs. Gardiner. She turned to look at them questionably. Jane shook her head and motioned upstairs.
"Jane, Madeline, why don't you take Elizabeth upstairs to the drawing room. We will have tea sent up for you." Lady Stratton said.
The ladies nodded and Elizabeth followed Jane and her Aunt Gardiner up the massive staircase. Elizabeth took in her surroundings with awe. The house was exquisite, but not overly obstinate. It had a quite elegance, unlike the harshness of Rosings Park. It was formal, but comfortable enough for her to feel somewhat as ease.
They came to the top of the stairs and heard laughter coming from a room several doors down. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner stopped and turned to Elizabeth with concern clearly on their faces.
Jane spoke first. "Lizzy, oh Lizzy, I do not know where to begin!"
Elizabeth smiled at her, but was concerned at the distress on her sisters' face. She waited for her to continue.
"We arrived this morning with our Aunt and Uncle. Mrs. Smithson greeted us and showed us to the family wing so that we may choose our rooms...oh, I chose yours for you Lizzy, I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all Jane."
Jane smiled at her. "Good, anyway, from the moment we walked in, Mrs. Smithson was disapproving of us, and Kitty and Lydia didn't help either." Here, Jane became quite distressed. "They began to get very excited at the elegance of the house and began speaking of all the parties that would be hosted here, and the men that would attend. Mrs. Smithson became very angry and said some awful things. She knew Papa, and didn't like him, and I don't think she likes any of us at all. She accused us of being fortune hunters to accept Lord and Lady Stratton's offer to take us in and said we were disrespecting the memory of our parents. Oh Lizzy, she was so mean to us, even Mary!"
The tears coming down Jane's face sparked anger in Elizabeth that was quickly noticed by Mrs. Gardiner.
"Now Lizzy, I see how upset you are. Let's go sit down, you must be quite tired."
Elizabeth nodded and let Jane and her Aunt lead her down the hall to the parlour. She was not tired anymore; her anger had replaced her fatigue. She was furious at her younger sisters for being so wildly behaved and at the Mrs. Smithson for bring her dear Jane to tears. They walked into the spacious parlour where the rest of her sisters were. It was tastefully decorated in blue with a beautiful pianoforte in the corner.
Lydia and Kitty jumped up from their seats as soon as they saw Lizzy enter the room. Lydia spoke first.
"Lizzy, can you imagine this place? It's so richly furnished, just think of the balls and parties we will throw! I can't wait to go shopping tomorrow for new gowns..."
Elizabeth held up her hand to stop Lydia's chatter. She silently made a decision right then. "Enough Lydia. You and Kitty sit down; we are going to have a talk.
Lydia's face darkened, but she sat down on the settee with Kitty. Jane busied herself with tea and Mrs. Gardiner sat down in an armchair near the window, out of the way. Mary looked up at Elizabeth and smiled gratefully.
Elizabeth began pacing the room, trying to calm her temper. "Kitty, Lydia, a most shocking report has reached me, and I mean most shocking. I hear that you've already been reprimanded by the housekeeper, is that correct?"
The two started off on a tangent that Elizabeth quickly stopped. "Enough! A yes or no will suffice."
Both girls shook their heads yes.
"You must stop this, both of you. Our parents have died, or have your forgotten already? We are in mourning, and it's about time you acted like it. We are not here for the season, or parties, or shopping. We will go to the modiste for more gowns, and then be on our way to Staffordshire. You will learn how to act like ladies, and you will not be in company until you do so. We are the nieces of an Earl, and with that comes responsibility. Do you understand? Mama never checked your behavior, and Papa was never able to, but I will not let you disrespect their memory or our family with your foolish behavior!"
Kitty began to cry softly and Lydia stared at Lizzy with defiance. Jane went to comfort Kitty while Elizabeth looked at Lydia.
"Lydia, I am serious. I am not your mother, I am your sister, and I love you dearly. This is not just for the good of the family, but it is for your own good as well. We will have many opportunities that we may never have been privileged to before. You must understand."
Lydia's face softened a bit, then she turned to Aunt Gardiner. "Aunt! What do you think about what Lizzy said?"
‘I agree with her." Mrs. Gardiner sat quietly.
"And so do I." They all turned to see Lady Stratton standing in the doorway with Mrs. Smithson.
"Well said Lizzy. Now, let's all have a chat, shall we?"
Chapter 9
Posted on Sunday, 18 June 2006
Lydia slammed the door to her new bedroom shut with such a force that it was heard all over the townhouse. Kitty, thankfully had entered the room first, or she might have been dealt a nasty blow. Lydia paced her room frantically while Kitty sat down on her bed.
"Lydia, it does not good to get upset over this. Our Aunt is right."
Lydia whirled around to face Kitty with such anger in her eyes that Kitty thought once that she might strike her. "Well Kitty, believe that if you like. I certainly am not going to let her run my life, neither will Lizzy. I did not come all the way to London, at the peak of the season, just to sit in this house all day. This is London, Kitty! Don't you want to see what's out there?"
Kitty sighed. "Lydia, do you hear yourself? Did you hear a word that our Aunt said? We are in mourning; there will be plenty of time for that later. Right now, society forbids us to go out to plays and assemblies."
Lydia stamped her foot and let out a whine. "Oohh, why did Mama have to die? If only she was alive, she would agree with me!"
Kitty held back her reply, not wishing to enrage her sister any further. She rose from the bed and walked over to the door.
"Well Lydia, at least we will be going shopping in the morning. Just think of the dresses we shall have!" With that, Kitty quitted the room.
Elizabeth sighed as Jane put a cold cloth on her forehead. After the discussion with their Aunts, her headache had exploded and she begged leave to go to her room.
"Oh Jane, what are we going to do with Lydia?"
Jane sat down on the bed and shook her head. "I don't know Lizzy, what about Kitty too?"
"Kitty will be alright, especially if she is taken away from Lydia. I can't believe what they said when you got here! What were they thinking?"
Jane patted her hand. "Now Lizzy, don't get upset. They were just being themselves, and I daresay our Aunt will deal with them properly. And Mary too, she needs someone to bring her out of her shell, and away from Mr. Fordyce!"
The girls laughed at this, then Elizabeth turned serious again. "Oh Jane, I can't believe both Mama and Papa are gone! These last few days have been so strange, I hardly know what to think!"
Jane nodded in agreement. "I know Lizzy. I was speaking my Aunt Gardiner last night and she is worried for all of us. I will miss her so!"
Elizabeth rose to embrace Jane, and then lay back on the pillows again. "Well, tomorrow we will go to the modiste, then by Saturday we will leave for the North Country."
Jane smiled coyly at her sister. "Lizzy, Mr. Bingley mentioned that our Uncle's estate in Stafford is not but twenty-five miles from Derbyshire and Mr. Darcy's estate."
"So near...well I daresay we won't see much of him. With us being in mourning, and with the upcoming sport, he will be quite busy."
"Lizzy, you don't really think that Mr. Darcy won't call on us? We may in mourning, but we can receive calls from close acquaintances. Mr. Darcy and our Uncle seem to be quite friendly. You forget, our Uncle is a friend with Lord Matlock, which is Mr. Darcy's uncle after all. Besides, a gentlemen determined to court a lady would do so."
"Jane! Mr. Darcy cannot court me whilst I'm in mourning! And Mr. Bingley cannot court you either. No, we shall just have to wait and hope they still desire our company when the time comes."
Jane nodded with a smug look on her face. Her goal was achieved in getting Lizzy worked up over Mr. Darcy. Her Mama would be proud.
The new few days went by rather quickly for everyone. The next morning all five sisters, along with Lady Stratton and Aunt Gardiner went to the modiste for more black bombazine gowns, several for each girl, along with the appropriate outerwear for the North Country. By Saturday morning, their trunks were packed and loaded, and the ladies piled into the spacious town coach to begin their trip to the North.
"Girls, when we get to Stafford House, your rooms will be ready. If you like, you may redecorate them to your liking."
Elizabeth, Jane, Mary and Kitty nodded silently, but Lydia could not hold her tongue.
"Well, I shall certainly change mine!"
Lady Stratton started to reply, but thought better of it. She knew Lydia was going to be difficult, and arguing with her gave her the attention she wanted. The ladies rode the rest of the way in relative silence, Jane and Elizabeth reading, Mary studying Fordyce, Kitty and Lydia fiddling with anything within their reach, and Lady Stratton trying to figure out a way to get Lydia turned into a respectable lady.
They stopped in Warwick for the night at an elegant inn that was accustomed to people of Lord and Lady Stratton's stature. They departed early the next morning after breakfast for Stafford. They had not been moving more than an hour before Lydia started complaining.
"Kitty, you're taking up too much room! I simply can't breathe!
"No, I'm not! If you wouldn't lounge about you would have more room. I cannot move at all!"
Elizabeth, sitting next to Kitty, merely peered over her book to her Aunt. She could see her Aunt was about to loose her patience, as the last several hours in the inn with Lydia had been pure torture. She decided to step in.
"Lydia, Kitty, stop it. There is plenty of room for all of us! Lydia, sit up straight like you should be, and Kitty move closer towards me."
The girls did as they were told, and Elizabeth smiled at her Aunt. "There now, I have plenty of room, and daresay you both have ample space."
Lydia fumed as she stared out the window at the changing countryside. Not being one to care about the environment around her, she took to denouncing Mary's constant study of Fordyce, to which Mary took offense.
"Perhaps if you read Fordyce Lydia, you would be enlightened." Mary replied in a haughty tone.
Lydia let out a most unladylike snort, in which she received admonishment form Jane, and an appalled look from her Aunt. Lady Stratton wondered if she would ever be able to mold Lydia into a lady, and feared that Elizabeth's revelations of her wild behaviour were all to correct.
They arrived in Stafford mid afternoon, and were quite pleased with the house. Stafford House was a sprawling building that sat nestled between two rolling hills in Staffordshire. The house had been built almost a century ago, when the previous was destroyed by fire. Parts of the old manor still existed, but blended in so well that it went unnoticed by guests. The house sat in a clearing of woodland, with a lake situated to the left, and a wooded area to the right and behind. One was not able to actually see the house until you were almost upon it due to the centuries old trees that dotted the landscape. Elizabeth was overjoyed at the prospect.
The ladies were welcomed with a warm smile into the house by Mrs. Garrett, an older woman in her late fifties that ran the house. She was Mrs. Smithson's complete opposite. Knowing the party would be tired after such a long journey, they were promptly shown to their rooms. Elizabeth and Jane were overjoyed to know that their rooms were connected by a sitting room, something they knew they would enjoy immensely.
Elizabeth followed Mrs. Garrett into her bedchamber, which was elegantly decorated in several shades of green, and several beautiful paintings hung upon the walls. A door to a dressing room was located on the wall farthest from the sitting room, where she found Beth had already unpacked her clothing.
"Mrs. Garrett, this room is lovely!" Elizabeth said happily.
Mrs. Garrett smiled at her. "This was your Grandmother's bedchamber. His lordship had renovations made down the hall when he married her ladyship. He ordered these rooms renovated, but insisted the sitting room remain in place. The prior Lady Stratton was a very grand lady, and invited her closest friends to her private sitting room. Her ladyship thought you and Miss Jane would be pleased with these rooms. Miss Jane is in your Grandfather's chamber. When we learned of your upcoming arrival, we had it redecorated in a more feminine taste."
With this, Mrs. Garrett took her leave, informing her that Beth would attend her in a moment.
Elizabeth nodded and walked into the spacious sitting room she would share with Jane. It was a beautiful room done in yellow and white, with a window seat in the outside wall that overlooked the lake. Several comfortable chairs were placed as well as a large sofa. Pausing briefly, Elizabeth made her way to the other door and knocked softly.
After hearing Jane's bid to come in, she opened the door and smiled at her sister. The room was several shades of rose, Jane's favorite color, and otherwise almost an exact replica of her own.
"Jane, this room is lovely! Mrs. Garrett tells me this was our Grandfather's chamber. They redecorated it when they learned of our coming."
Jane smiled. "It's beautiful, is it not?"
They shared a quiet moment, reflecting on what they had just learned. Jane sat on her bed as Elizabeth walked to the window to see the view of the lake.
"The view is amazing!"
Jane joined Elizabeth at the window. As Elizabeth turned to face her sister, she noticed tears in her eyes.
"Janie, what's wrong?"
"Oh Lizzy, why did Papa keep all this from us? Why did he not want us to know our relations? I don't understand."
Elizabeth led Jane over to a small sofa that sat in front of the grate and sat them both down.
"Jane, I don't think it was because of our Aunt and Uncle. I know that our father and our Uncle did not get along well after their father died. He also didn't want us exposed to the society in the way he was. I don't think he did this spitefully, I just think he had had enough, and wanted no part of any of it."
"Quite true Elizabeth."
The girls turned to see their Aunt coming in from the sitting room.
"I didn't mean to interrupt, but Beth told me you were both in here. What do you think of your rooms?"
"Beautiful." They said in unison.
Lady Stratton smiled and seated herself in the armchair that lay next to the sofa. "I thought you would like them. Mrs. Garrett told me she informed you the original inhabitants of these rooms. Your Uncle and I thought you would like these rooms the best. I daresay even Lydia is pleased with her room, for Mrs. Garrett said she didn't speak a word for nearly two minutes."
"That's saying something, considering Lydia!" Elizabeth said, and they all laughed softly.
"Well girls, I wanted to speak with you about our plans. We are planning to hire a governess for Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Some would say they are past the age for a governess, Mary especially, but I think they will benefit from one for a few years. You both may study with them as well if you like, I know your father taught you both, but perhaps there are some areas that you wish to learn more about."
They nodded as Lady Stratton continued. "Since you are in mourning, we will not have many callers, although I know Lord and Lady Matlock will be coming as soon as they find out we are here. They rarely go into town for the season anymore, and remain in Matlock for the duration of the year. Although when their niece, Georgiana Darcy comes out next year, they will travel to London then, and so shall we. I know you both have not been officially brought out into society, so if you do not wish to be presented, we will not force the issue. Although I do hope you will. Your Grandmother would have liked nothing more than to see her granddaughters presented at court. I just want you to think about it is all."
"We will Aunt, thank you for the opportunity." Elizabeth said as Jane nodded.
"I don't expect you decide now, but just think about it for awhile. I know you have already have suitors waiting, but I think you girls would enjoy a little bit of society."
Elizabeth and Jane blushed, and Lady Stratton chuckled softly. "Don't be embarrassed now. They are respectable gentlemen, and must have good sense if they are interested in you two."
With that, she took her leave, with the reminder that lunch would be served shortly, and left Elizabeth and Jane alone to think about what she had said.
The next several weeks were spent getting to know the staff of the grand house, and Elizabeth getting to know the paths of the estate. Jane accompanied her sometimes, but could never keep up with her sister on her longer rambles. Elizabeth spent her time in quite reflection while she wandered about. Sometimes Lord Stratton would walk with her, telling her stories of her father and himself when they were younger, or telling her the history of the old house. Her Uncle was a very attentive landlord, and took good care of his tenants. Lady Stratton often made trips to the residents to held care for the sick and elderly. Jane and Elizabeth would accompany her at times, getting to know the tenants and their families.
After one of Elizabeth's shorter walks in the morning, she found a book in her Uncle's library and found a shaded bench in the garden behind the house. She spent a lovely couple of hours reading until she was interrupted by a commotion coming from the house. She closed her book and made her way to the back entrance of the house and into the hall that connected the front and back of the house. Walking at a brisk pace, she didn't notice the shadow of a man coming out behind her. Only when someone grabbed her arm did she realize she wasn't alone.
She was swung around and pinned against the wall roughly. As she tried to keep her head from hitting the wall, she noticed a red coat, and looked up into the eyes of Mr. Wickham.
"Ah, Miss Bennet, shocked to see me are you?"
She finally found her voice. "Unhand me!"
"Oh I don't think so, you see your sister begged me to take her away from all of this, but I don't want her, just her money. I would much rather have you in my bed every night."
"Let me go, Mr. Wickham." She told him as she began to struggle, which only made is grip tighten.
"I don't think so."
Elizabeth didn't see the flash of metal in front of her eyes, she only noticed the tip of a sword being held to Wickham's throat.
"I suggest you release Miss Bennet." A cold voice commanded.
Wickham released his grip on Elizabeth and backed away, the sword still held at his throat. She looked up to see Mr. Darcy on the other end of the sword, a deadly look on his face.
Jane came to stand next to Elizabeth and began to lead her away. For the first time, she noticed her Uncle, Colonel Fitzwilliam, another gentleman who was an older version of the Colonel, and Mr. Garrett, the butler.
Mr. Darcy held the sword to Wickham's next and began walking towards the front of the house. Lord Stratton quickly put himself between Elizabeth and Jane, and the group slowly moved in Mr. Darcy's wake, listening to his words.
"Wickham, this is the last time I let your behaviour slide. You have troubled my family, and the Bennet's long enough. You will either disappear, or I will call you out."
Wickham snorted and smiled smugly at Darcy. "Well, well Darce, seems you have another soft spot other than for your sister. Who knew you had designs on Miss Bennet, though I can hardly blame you." As he said this, he eyed Elizabeth hungrily.
Darcy put more pressure on the sword, which brought out a warning from the other gentleman as Wickham began to choke. "Fitzwilliam, the constable is on his way."
Colonel Fitzwilliam came to stand beside his cousin, seeing his resolve was getting thin. "Wickham, you've heard your options, what is your choice?"
"If you wish to live, I suggest you leave the country." Darcy told him, they had reached the front door.
"I will writing to your commanding officer about your true character, and I'm sure you will be stripped of your commission." Colonel Fitzwilliam told him.
Darcy motioned to Mr. Garrett to open the door, and the two walked outside, the other gentleman following while Elizabeth and Jane stayed in the doorway. The constable was coming down the drive and Darcy kept the sword on Wickham until he dismounted.
Elizabeth turned from the scene and sat down on a bench just inside the door, shaking violently, and Jane dropping to her knees in front of her.
"Lizzy, are you alright? Did he hurt you?"
Elizabeth shook her head, too much in shock to reply.
"Lydia somehow got word to Mr. Wickham that we were here, and begged him to come and take her away. My Aunt is upstairs with her right now. Mr. Wickham came through the woods, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lord Matlock saw him earlier and rode here to warn my Uncle." Jane told her.
Elizabeth nodded silently, still shaking and clutching her book tightly. They sat there until Lord Stratton came through the door, followed by Lord Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Darcy. Lord Stratton dropped down beside Jane and took Elizabeth's hands.
"Lizzy, did he hurt you?"
Elizabeth shook her head no, and looked up to the gentleman standing around her. Lord Matlock was quietly speaking to the Colonel, and Mr. Darcy was looking down at her with a worried expression, the sword still in his shaking hand.
"Give her some air, for goodness sake!" A female voice cried. The gentleman stepped back to reveal Mrs. Garrett.
"Come my dear, let us get you upstairs. The gentleman may speak with you later." Mrs. Garrett pulled Elizabeth up from her seat gently. Jane put her arm around her waist and supported her sister up the stairs.
Lord Stratton motioned the gentleman into his study and poured brandy for all. The gentleman sat down, and Lord Stratton looked at Mr. Darcy, who had just drunk his brandy with one gulp.
"So that was Mr. Wickham."
Darcy nodded.
"Darce, can I have my sword back?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked with a smile on his face.
"Oh, sorry." Darcy handed the sword back to his cousin.
"I barely felt you take it! When did you?"
Mr. Darcy rose from his seat and poured another glass for himself and Lord Stratton. "When we came out of the library earlier, I heard someone say unhand me. It sounded like Miss Bennet, and then I heard Wickham's voice. You were looking the other way so I pulled it out and started in their direction."
He paused, glancing up and knowing he needed to regain his composure. "I could have killed him right there."
"I know, and I glad you didn't, for Lizzy's sake. I don't think she could take much more." Lord Stratton answered.
"So that is your Miss Bennet? I should like to be properly introduced to her, at a better time." Lord Matlock said, winking at Darcy.
"And so you shall father. I daresay we will all get to know the Bennet sisters very well." Colonel Fitzwilliam answered, getting a glare in response from his cousin.
Chapter 10
Four Weeks Later....
"Your ladyship, there is a woman and a girl here, asking for Miss Bennet and Miss Jane."
Lady Stratton looked at the servant with surprise. "Show them in here Mary, I wish to see who they are first before they see Elizabeth and Jane."
Mary curtsied and left to retrieve the visitors. Lady Stratton rose from her seat, suspicious of anyone who came to call without her knowing. The door to the parlour opened and Mary led two ladies into the room.
"A Mrs. Hill and Miss Sara, your ladyship."
Lady Stratton nodded in shock as Hill and Sara curtsied. "Mrs. Hill! Whatever brings you all the way to Staffordshire?"
"I beg your pardon your ladyship, Mrs. Collins sent this letter with us, to explain, that is." Hill handed Lady Stratton a letter.
"Please, do sit ladies, you must be tired. Mary, send for tea, and have Elizabeth and Jane come down." She smiled at Hill and Sara; remembering how devoted they were to the Bennets'. She tore open the letter and gasped.
Your Ladyship,I beg of your pardon for this missive. I have sent Mrs. Hill and Sara to you in great haste. My husband, Mr. Collins has discharged them, for reasons not of their doing, and I couldn't bear to send them away without knowing they would be looked after. Elizabeth and Jane will understand.
The reason for their dismissal and the blame lies with my husband. You see, I came upon Mr. Collins forcing himself on Sara. For her safety and Mrs. Hill's, after the scene that occurred afterwards, I sent them in my father's carriage to your estate. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your household, but I had nowhere else to turn.
Please send my regards to the Bennets; I have given another letter for Elizabeth to Mrs. Hill.
With deepest gratitude,
Charlotte Collins
Lady Stratton looked up at Sara with concern. "Oh Sara, are you alright?"
Sara nodded. "Yes your ladyship, he did not injure me."
The door opened to reveal Elizabeth and Jane. They both went to Hill and Sara and embraced them happily.
"But Hill, what brings you here? Why aren't you at Longbourn with Mrs. Collins?" Elizabeth asked in confusion.
"Here Elizabeth, this will explain." Lady Stratton handed Elizabeth Charlotte's letter.
Elizabeth took the letter and sat down next to Jane to read. They both expressed their dismay and looked to Sara.
Jane spoke first. "Sara, how horrible, did he..." Her voice trailed off.
"No, thankfully Mrs. Collins came in. She was very kind."
Elizabeth rose from her seat and began to pace the room. "How could he? He's a clergyman! Hill, what has been happening since we left?"
Hill, not accustomed to being spoken to this often, blushed slightly. "Mrs. Collins has been very kind and a wonderful mistress. Mr. Collins though, the moment you left he became very obstinate and demanding. Nothing was good enough and he was always coming down hard on Sara and Cook. Mrs. Collins tried to appease him, but you see, she is having a hard time with her confinement..."
"Confinement! Charlotte is expecting?" Elizabeth interrupted.
Hill nodded and reached into her pocket. "Mrs. Collins sent this for you."
Elizabeth took the letter from Hill and turned to her Aunt. "Aunt, what do you plan to do?"
"Well first, let's get Hill and Sara into their rooms so they may rest. Mary?"
Mary appeared at the door and curtsied.
"Mary, take Mrs. Hill and Sara to a guest suite so they may rest."
"I beg your pardon your ladyship, but servants quarters are good enough for us." Hill said.
Lady Stratton smiled at the older woman. "Mrs. Hill, you've had a long journey, I won't see you in any other room right now. And you will find ladies that the servant quarters here are different from quarters at other estates."
Mary led Hill and Sara out of the room as Lady Stratton turned to Elizabeth and Jane. She addressed Jane first.
"Well Jane, should you like to have your former maid returned?"
Jane smiled at her Aunt. "Oh yes, that would be lovely."
"I thought so, and it will do her good to see familiar faces, after what she has been through."
Elizabeth sat down next to Jane and nodded in agreement. "Yes, I believe she will benefit from being here. But what of Hill? Will you send her away, Aunt?"
Lady Stratton thought for a moment. "No girls, I won't send her away. Though Mrs. Garrett is our housekeeper, I believe Mrs. Hill will find her place here. Let me speak with your Uncle, I'm sure we will find a place for her. But if we can't, you must know we will never send her anywhere dreadful. If we cannot find a place for her, I'm sure the Fitzwilliam's or the Darcy's may."
"I should like to see her here, if possible Aunt." Jane said softly. Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"Then we shall try our best! Now, how are you feeling Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth, who had begun to open Charlotte's letter, looked up in surprise. "I am feeling better, thank you."
Lady Stratton and Jane exchanged knowing glances. "Lizzy, I told our Aunt of your wish to thank Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth blushed immediately and stared at the floor. "I wish to thank him for his kindness is all."
"Well shall we invite him and Georgiana to dine with us, or shall we call upon them?" Lady Stratton loved teasing her nieces, especially Elizabeth.
Elizabeth looked mortified. "No, we are still in mourning, it would not be proper to call. At least, I don't think it would. Would the dinner be acceptable?"
"Yes Lizzy, dinner is acceptable, and you are right, it would improper for us to call. I shall send an invitation to Pemberley this afternoon then, and to Matlock, for we haven't had our dear friends over since we returned from Hertfordshire. Shall we ask for them to join us n Saturday? They will no doubt stay the night, as it would not do for them to travel home after dark. How does that sound?"
"It sounds fine indeed Aunt." Jane answered, seeing Lizzy was still embarrassed.
"Then it is settled! Now if you will excuse me, I have some correspondence to attend to before dinner." Lady Stratton left a still embarrassed Lizzy and a smiling Jane in the room.
Saturday found Lizzy standing with Beth in her dressing room discussing which gown to wear that evening. The Darcy's and Matlock's had both accepted the invitation, and while Elizabeth didn't want to entertain the hope of Mr. Darcy still having feelings for her, she did want to look her best. As best as her mourning attire would allow her. They had moved to a lighter mourning, so she could wear more colorful attire, such as dove gray and lilac. As she stood discussing her gowns with Beth, Jane burst into her room.
"Lizzy, oh Lizzy!"
"What Jane! Whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth asked, concerned.
"Mr. Bingley is staying at Pemberley! He arrived this morning!"
Elizabeth smiled at Beth knowingly. "Well, then he will be coming with Mr. and Miss Darcy I imagine."
"Yes of course." Jane answered, sitting down on the settee with a worried look.
"Jane, what is it? You're not afraid of meeting with Mr. Bingley, are you?"
"No, of course not, it's just I didn't expect to see him again so soon is all." Jane answered.
Elizabeth laughed at her sister. "Oh Jane, it will be fine. Now, which dress shall I wear tonight?"
Beth held up two gowns, one a light gray silk trimmed in black, and the other a lilac silk trimmed in gray.
"The lilac, it looks so well with your hair Lizzy." Jane told her.
"Well, the lilac it is then, you and Beth both agree."
Beth smiled and left to find pins for Elizabeth's hair that would go with the dress. Elizabeth sat down next to Jane and put her arm around her shoulders.
"Now Jane, everything will be fine."
Jane nodded and smiled at Elizabeth. "Yes, it will be fine. It is just dinner, what could go wrong?"
Later that evening, Elizabeth sat in front of her dressing table while Beth pinned up her hair in a very fashionable style. Jane was correct; the lilac dress did complement her colouring. After her hair was pinned, she thanked Beth and walked through the adjoining sitting room to Jane's door and knocked.
"Come in." She heard softly.
Elizabeth entered and saw that Jane was almost ready herself, Sara just tightening the pins in her hair.
"Oh Jane, you look beautiful. I daresay Mr. Bingley will ignore everyone else this evening!"
"Oh Lizzy, don't be silly. You look beautiful as well."
After Jane had checked herself in the mirror once more, they left the room and met Mary in the hall.
"Mary, you look very pretty! I love the way Constance styled your hair!" Jane said as Lizzy agreed affectionately.
Mary felt very uncomfortable. She was dressed in such a fine dress that she was afraid of ruining it, and her hair was styled in an unfamiliar style.
"I thank you, but I am not comfortable." Mary told them as they walked to the staircase.
"Oh Mary, you will become accustomed to this new look. It becomes you very well. I daresay even Lydia and Kitty would approve." Elizabeth told her.
"Well, I for one am glad they will not be at dinner, for I do not wish to hear their prattle." Mary said rather harshly.
Jane and Elizabeth simply nodded. Ever since the incident with Mr. Wickham, Lydia and Kitty were not allowed in company, and were supervised constantly by the governess Lady Stratton hired.
The sisters made their way downstairs and met their Uncle in the front parlour.
"Well, you girls look beautiful this evening!" Lord Stratton exclaimed as he greeted each with a kiss on the cheek.
"Where is our Aunt, Uncle? Is she not down yet?" Jane asked.
Lord Stratton laughed good-naturedly. "She tends to take a little longer to prepare, but she will be down shortly.
A few minutes later, Lady Stratton joined them in the parlour to await their guests. The Matlock's arrived first, along with Colonel Fitzwilliam, and introductions were made. The group chatted amicably while they awaited the rest of their party. The Darcy's arrived several minutes later, apologizing for their tardiness and bringing along Mr. Bingley.
"Well then, shall we adjourn to the dining room?" Lord Stratton inquired. The party agreed, and was led by their hosts into the dining room, Mr. Darcy escorting his sister, Mr. Bingley escorting Jane, and Colonel Fitzwilliam escorting Elizabeth and Mary.
"Well, I am certainly blessed this evening, two beautiful ladies to escort!" Colonel Fitzwilliam happily commented.
Mr. Darcy, who heard his cousin's proclamation, turned slightly to look at the Colonel, who simply winked. They all found their places at the intimate table, Elizabeth finding herself between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.
How cunning my Aunt is! Placing me between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, knowing that Mr. Bingley would only speak to Jane the rest of the evening! Elizabeth thought to herself.
Dinner passed without incident, as the party was well acquainted and conversation was easily made. Elizabeth found herself discussing books with Mr. Darcy and learning of their similar interests. Only after they had been served dessert did she find the courage to change the topic.
"Mr. Darcy, I wish to thank you for your kindness towards me when Mr. Wickham was here." Elizabeth said this so softly that Mr. Darcy had to lean closer to her to hear. Elizabeth had no wish for anyone to hear their conversation, and especially since Miss Darcy was sitting next to her brother. She did not want to upset her by mentioning Mr. Wickham.
"I assure you Miss Bennet, no gratitude is necessary. I would do it again if necessary."
Elizabeth nodded, thinking a man like Mr. Darcy would act that way for any lady, but what he said next changed her mind.
"I especially would do it again for you Miss Bennet. I could not bear to see him hurt another person that I cared for." He told her, realizing he may have said too much. He quickly took a drink of his wine to steady himself.
"Thank you Mr. Darcy." Was all she could say at that moment. She was at a loss for words and was thankful when dinner was over and the gentlemen retired to the library and the ladies made their way to the music room.
They all sat down and began discussing the next season that was approaching, including Mary.
"Oh, I dread coming out! I have no wish to attend so many events!" Miss Darcy exclaimed.
Lady Matlock looked at her niece with regret and Lady Stratton quickly intervened.
"My dear Miss Darcy, I'm sure you will enjoy the season. And you may have some familiar company, if Jane and Elizabeth decide to participate."
Elizabeth, who hadn't thought about the upcoming season since their Aunt mentioned being presented, looked embarrassed. Thankfully Jane saved her.
"We hadn't thought about it very much, have we Lizzy?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, but I wouldn't mind, would you Jane?"
Jane, who had hoped Lizzy would agree to coming out, became very happy. "Oh Lizzy, I'm so glad you want to, for I wanted to as well!"
Lady Stratton laughed. "Well then, it's settled! Miss Darcy you will now have company this season!"
The ladies all laughed, and were still laughing when the gentlemen joined them.
"Well, what are we enjoying? Let us in on your secret!" Lord Stratton inquired.
Lady Matlock smiled and looked at Mr. Darcy. "William, you will not have to worry about Georgiana being along this season, for Miss Bennet and Miss Jane are to be presented this season as well."
Mr. Bingley, who was standing beside Mr. Darcy, became very pale and Mr. Darcy tried to hide his frown.
"Well Aunt, that is good news." He said half-heartedly.
Lady Matlock was confused by her nephew's reaction, and started to remark, but Lady Stratton, who noticed Mr. Bingley's demeanor, quickly rose to the occasion.
"Elizabeth, you must play that piece you've been working on this week. Miss Darcy, why don't you turn the pages for her, for I believe I have heard you play this piece as well."
Elizabeth nodded, and Miss Darcy, who was confused by her brother's reaction, followed Elizabeth to the pianoforte.
As Elizabeth began to play, Lady Stratton decided she must Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley's minds at ease.
"I am so glad they have decided to be presented. I know they would rather not, but their grandmother would have been so proud to see her granddaughters presented at court."
Lord Stratton caught on quickly. "Yes my dear, my mother was so distressed when my sister wasn't presented at court. It was her fondest wish. I know Elizabeth and Jane have no wish to be presented, but they show great kindness to their grandmother's memory."
At this, Mr. Bingley instantly regained his sunny demeanor and Mr. Darcy visibly relaxed, a little. Both gentlemen were able to enjoy the rest of the evening.
As the journey back to Matlock and Pemberley was too far to travel after dark, the party stayed the night as planned in Staffordshire. As they retired, Elizabeth, after changing into her nightdress, immediately crossed the adjoining sitting room, only to run into Jane doing the same thing.
"Oh Jane!" Elizabeth laughed. "We could have had a nasty collision!"
They both laughed and sat down on the comfortable couch in front of the fire that either Beth or Sara ordered stoked. Knowing their mistresses well, they had anticipated they would be busy discussing the evening.
"Oh Lizzy, Mr. Bingley and I talked of so many things! He really is everything a young man should be!" Jane gushed.
Elizabeth smiled at her sister's happiness. "I'm glad to hear it!"
"Did you get to thank Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes I did. We had a nice conversation."
Jane frowned at her older sister. "A nice conversation?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, a nice conversation. We spoke of many things."
Jane smiled at her sister; the two began to dissect the evening as they always have. It was very late when they went to bed, both satisfied with their evening.
Charlotte Collins sat in the small parlour at Longbourn staring off into space with needlework in her lap. It had been several weeks since she and Mr. Collins had taken possession of Longbourn, and while she was no stranger to the house, she didn't feel comfortable yet. To her, Longbourn would always belong to a Bennet, not a Collins. Her husband had made the change from parson to landed gentry well. He barked orders at the gardener, as the gardens at Longbourn were nowhere near the caliber of the gardens of the parsonage. Mr. Collins spent time in the library, which was sparsely filled with books, as Mr. Bennet had willed his entire collection to Elizabeth, and he did not have a library at the parsonage as large as Longbourn's. But, for the most part, Charlotte was mostly content with her lot in life.
The servants of Longbourn were well trained and useful in her opinion, but Mr. Collins did not agree. He disliked Mrs. Hill and Sara immensely, and threatened more than once to discharge them. That is why she wisely called for her father's carriage the next day after the incident to take Hill and Sara to Staffordshire. She would never forget the look on Sara's face when she caught her husband trying to force himself on the girl. Ever since Charlotte had told her husband she was expecting, he had acted strangely around her. He always practiced his rights, but since her announcement he had stayed away from her. And while Charlotte was not in the least upset by this turn, she couldn't help but wonder the reason. Her husband had become a different person since their arrival, less gentleman like and more demanding. And now he was forcing himself on a servant girl! It appalled her greatly, and she made no effort to hide her displeasure at this turn of events. Mr. Collins had also taken to drink, and often fell into his bed at night so far in his cups that he slept in his clothes.
But Charlotte was content with her lot in life. She visited her mother and sister frequently, so she was not in Mr. Collins company as much as she could have been.