Mr. Darcy's Proposal (21 page)

As they walked, Elizabeth decided to take advantage of the housekeeper’s long acquaintance with her husband in order to learn more about him and his temperament. “You have known Mr. Darcy since he was a small child, have you not?”

“Oh, yes. The master was just four years old when I came to work here.”

“And what was Mr. Darcy like as a child?”

Mrs. Reynolds smiled as if recalling a pleasant memory. “He has not changed much at all. It is my experience that good-natured children remain so when they grow up, and he was always the most sweet-tempered and generous boy in the world. In all the years I have known him, I have never had a cross word from him. My only concern over the years has been how serious he was for one so young.”

“He can be very intense at times,” remarked Elizabeth. She was amazed that Mrs. Reynolds had described Darcy as good-natured, but then there was much she had learned about him since their marriage that had proved a surprise.

“And what do you think of Pemberley?” asked the housekeeper.

Elizabeth noted how Mrs. Reynolds made no comment on her description of Darcy. “It is not exactly as I had imagined. I thought it would be more like Rosings.” Elizabeth saw the concern on the older woman’s face and hurried to reassure her. She reached out and put her hand on Mrs. Reynolds’s arm. “Oh, no, do not be concerned. I think Pemberley far superior to Rosings in every way. The house and furnishings here, as well as the grounds, are much more to my own taste. I would have to say that Pemberley has exceeded my expectations in every way.”

Mrs. Reynolds looked relieved and pleased. “Most of the furniture and decoration in the house was done by Lady Anne. She had impeccable taste. Many things have been left just the way she arranged them before she died, and that was almost fifteen years ago now. I am afraid change does not happen quickly here.”

***

On their first Sunday at Pemberley, they attended services in the parish. Elizabeth, anxious to make a good impression on their neighbors, took what for her was an unusual amount of time deciding what to wear. Once they entered the church, all eyes turned to watch as Darcy led her to the family pew. During the service, she was aware they were the focus of everyone’s attention so she tried to set a good example by listening attentively to the readings and homily and by adding her clear voice to the singing of the hymns.

After the service, they stood on the steps of the church while Darcy introduced her to people as they went by. In addition to calling each man and woman—and most of the children—by name as he greeted them, he also included significant little details such as “Mr. Small is a town elder” or “Mrs. Jacobson is a very fine seamstress” to help her remember who they were. Elizabeth was amazed that a man who generally did not seem to notice other people—let alone care enough to learn about them—should know so much about everyone here.

Elizabeth turned her full attention to remembering as many names as possible but quickly became overwhelmed by the task. The men looked at her admiringly while the women sized up her complexion, figure, and clothing. Regardless of what they might have thought of her at first, by the time they left that day, Elizabeth had charmed nearly everyone with her sincere interest, unaffected manner, and friendly smiles. The children were the easiest to win over as she had the foresight to put some sweets in her reticule to give out.

“You did very well today, my dear,” said Darcy as they were riding home in the carriage. “You charmed everyone, but of course that does not surprise me.” He took her gloved hand in his and gently set it on his knee.

“You knew each person’s name there today,” Elizabeth said in amazement. “I have never heard you speak so much at one time.”

“Of course, I know their names. I have known many of these families all my life,” he replied.

On the way home and for most of the remainder of that day Darcy did not say much. It was as if he had a daily limit on his words, and having used them all up with introducing people, he preferred to be silent.

Twenty Seven

There was no doubt—Elizabeth was awed by Pemberley. Never had she seen both beauty and elegance on such a grand scale. The realization that Darcy and Georgiana had lived in all this splendor and comfort their whole lives caused her to ponder the multitude of ways they were shaped by the experience. It shed new light on many of Darcy’s attitudes and behaviors.

There was much to learn, and Elizabeth threw herself into it with her whole being. Rather taking Mrs. Reynolds for granted as the days went by, she grew to appreciate her even more. Elizabeth was amazed to find that this kindly, intelligent woman was often able to anticipate her needs and desires even before she knew she had them.

It became Elizabeth’s habit to meet with Mrs. Reynolds every morning to review menus and schedules, discuss the needs of family members and guests, hear special requests from the servants, and keep abreast of what was going on among them. Sometimes she was called upon to settle disagreements among them. In a very short time, Pemberley’s staff began to respect and trust the new Mrs. Darcy as she always considered every side of the story and worked to resolve each situation with an even-handedness that was becoming well known.

Little by little with patience and Mrs. Reynolds’ excellent help, Elizabeth’s competence grew and so did her confidence. She knew that most women who managed great houses did not do it by themselves. They relied heavily on the housekeeper and the butler to keep things running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Nevertheless, it was a source of pride for her to be as involved as possible.

***

“Mrs. Reynolds tells me you are a very quick study,” Darcy casually remarked one evening at dinner. “She says you have developed quite a grasp of household procedures.”

Although Elizabeth had been feeling pleased with herself at how much she had learned, suddenly, she felt uncomfortable. Had Darcy been checking up on her? Had he been talking with Mrs. Reynolds behind her back? His comment set her teeth on edge.

“I hope my progress is pleasing to you,” she said, trying to keep her voice as smooth as possible. Picking up her wine glass, she took a sip to give herself something to do, but found she was gripping the glass a little too tightly. Realizing there was a real danger of snapping the stem of the very delicate crystal, she set it down quickly. Darcy went on without comment apparently unaware of the waves of tension flowing from her.

“She also tells me you are doing a splendid job of learning about the management of the servants. You already know them all by name. She says everyone seems to like and respect you, but then that is no surprise to me.”

“I am glad you are pleased,” was all she could manage.

Darcy went on to discuss the events of his day. As he talked, she barely listened. Her mind raced as she tried to understand what had just happened. Was he checking up on her? If he had married her to have someone to manage the house, then why did he seem to mistrust her? Had he realized too late that she had so little experience?

“Elizabeth?” said Darcy.

“Yes,” she replied, returning abruptly from her far away thoughts.

“I asked if you have decided what changes you would like to make in your bedchamber and in our sitting room.”

“Mrs. Reynolds and I have gone over everything and sent for some fabric samples. I will be happy to show them to you when they arrive. You may want to approve my choices.” Elizabeth looked down at her plate as she spoke.

Darcy set down his fork and leaned back in his chair. He wrinkled his brow and fixed her with an intense look. “I do not need to be involved. I am leaving his matter is entirely in your hands. Whatever you decide will be satisfactory to me.”

“Very well.” Elizabeth’s appetite had vanished, and she began pushing the food around on her plate hoping Darcy would not notice.

“Are you feeling unwell this evening?” he asked. “You do not seem yourself.”

She bit her lip as she often did when she was thinking. Apparently, he was more observant than she had given him credit for. “I am well, thank you,” she answered. Thinking quickly, she searched for a new topic to distract him. “How do you find the lamb? Mrs. Jones has tried a new recipe for mint sauce, and she will certainly ask tomorrow if it met with your approval.”

Darcy responded, and she was pleased at having successfully diverted him from asking any more questions about her state of mind. In truth, as well as things seemed to be going, she was having a difficult time adjusting to life here at Pemberley. The last thing she wanted was for Darcy to know. It was mortifying that he seemed to be checking up on her. It would not do to give him anything else to be concerned about. The first few weeks had been exciting and challenging, but as they settled into daily routines, the sadness she still felt over her father’s death began to occupy her thoughts. Some days, she had trouble rallying her spirits.

“Georgiana has written to ask if she may come home to Pemberley,” said Darcy.

“I did not know she needed permission to come to her own home,” said Elizabeth staring down at her plate.

“She has been staying in town to give us some privacy.”

Elizabeth blushed. There was no reason—at least not so far—for Georgiana to stay away. She also wondered why Georgiana’s letter to her had not mentioned wanting to join them. “Did you ask her to stay away?”

“No, it was entirely her idea,” said Darcy. “She is still young and has romantic ideas.”

“I will write and ask her to come home,” said Elizabeth. “I miss her.”

“As do I.”

“I will be glad for her companionship. I miss my family more than I had expected.”

“I am sorry. Have I been neglecting you?” he asked, looking concerned.

“No, but I am accustomed to having my sisters around me. Even though they can be irritating at times, I am bit lonely without them.”

Darcy reached out and put his hand over hers as it rested on the table. “I am sorry, my dear. I am used to being on my own much of the time,” he said. “I had not thought how different it would be for you here.”

“Do not worry about me,” she said, trying to sound confident. “I will be fine. There is too much for me to do to be bored. Now are you ready for your coffee?” Elizabeth rang for a servant to clear the table, and they moved into the small family parlor for their coffee. Darcy went to the sideboard and to pour himself a brandy.

“Would you like a glass of sherry?”

“I must confess I am not fond of sherry,” she replied as she reached for her needlework.

“Then try this—I think you might like it.”

Darcy poured some reddish gold liquid from a crystal decanter into a delicate little glass.

“What is it?” she asked sniffing the contents of the glass. It was sweet and a little fruity.

“Just try it.”

Elizabeth took a small sip, held the warm liquid in her mouth for a moment, and swallowed. She could feel the smooth heat sliding all the way down to her stomach. “This is very good. It is not like any sherry I have ever tasted.”

“That is not surprising. It is port,” he said.

“Hmmm, I have always wondered what port was like. I suspect now after having tasted it that it was men who decided port was too strong for ladies to drink. It is so delicious that they want to keep it all for themselves,” she said, taking another sip. The warmth from the potent liquid spread quickly through her body, making her more relaxed.

“If you like it, you should drink it more often.”

“What will people say?” she asked, arching her brow.

“What you drink in your own home is a private affair. I promise to keep your little secret,” he said. His voice had a vaguely conspiratorial air to it.

“I did not think you were one to throw propriety to the wind so easily.”

“There are many things you do not know about me,” he said as though challenging her. He sat down across from her and balanced his brandy glass on the arm of the chair.

“You are right, of course. I have a lot to learn,” she answered suddenly serious. She cast her eyes back down at her work. So much about Darcy remained a mystery to her. Since she had been at Pemberley, she had seen glimpses of the man behind the perfect manners, but she was learning that it would not be an easy task to know someone who was so complex, not to mention adept at hiding his feelings.

Darcy reached over and took her hand caressing it with his thumb. “I know something is making you uneasy. If you do not wish to tell me, that is your choice, but I would like to know when you have worries or concerns.”

Elizabeth wanted to pull her hand away but at the same time, she was enjoying the sensations caused by his touch. He was looking at her so sincerely that for a moment she considered unburdening herself. Where to begin? So many things were on her mind and most of them were directly related to him.

As he continued to stroke her hand, she felt light-headed, and the room began to wobble. Elizabeth pulled her hand from his and put it to her forehead. “I believe the port has gone straight to my head. I think I will retire for the night.”

“Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps I should walk with you.”

“No, thank you. That will not be necessary,” she replied as she walked to the door trying not to reveal how unsteady she felt. Darcy looked concerned, but did not try to stop her from leaving. “Surely, it must be the port,” she mumbled to herself.