Chapter Text
Lizzie knew very well from Charlotte’s letters that Lady Catherine de Bourgh was rather…eccentric. While her best friend was not cruel or needlessly mean in her descriptions, Charlotte was honest to a fault. Lizzie had meant to visit Charlotte in April but her plans had been derailed by Lydia running away.
There were a total of three letters in Mr. Darcy’s hand, two of which had been opened, the third addressed to her in Charlotte’s hand. He handed them over to Lizzie, urging her to read them as he continued to pace. The first two letters were from Mr. Collins and Colonel Fitzwilliam respectively. Mr. Collins’ letter was nothing more than chiding Mr. Darcy for the hasty marriage and accusing him of concealing his wife from Lady Catherine. Colonel Fitzwilliam–whom Lizzie was delighted to see had a great sense of humor–warned Mr. Darcy that their party was arriving shortly to Pemberley. Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins seemed to be equally hostile about the situation but Colonel Fitzwilliam sent his regards and claimed he was eager to finally meet the woman he had heard so much about. Finally, Lizzie opened Charlotte’s letter.
Lizzie,
I am unsure as to why we are traveling to Pemberley with such haste considering news of your marriage was made public knowledge six whole months ago! Nevertheless, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh are most furious. I feel it is my duty to warn you ahead of time that they are in such poor spirits.
I, on the other hand, am eager to see you once more. I have so enjoyed your letters and hearing how married life has treated you thus far. I have some exciting news to share with you upon my arrival.
Colonel Fitzwilliam has assured me that Mr. Darcy is a kind and generous man. I pray he is correct but I am certain he must be if he married you to save you and your sisters.
I will see you very soon. Take care, dear heart.
All my love,
Charlotte
Lizzie smiled as she closed the letter, happy that Charlotte would be by her side and wondering what news she had to share. This feeling was soon replaced by anxiety once more. Hosting Lady Catherine? When she had not hosted anyone at all? She felt as if she could join Mr. Darcy in his pacing.
“Fitzwilliam?” He turned around suddenly, his brow knit together in concern. Lizzie had decided she must be the source of strength for her husband. “It will be alright, let’s prepare for the arrival of our friends, immediately. I will call Mrs. Reynolds and we will arrange for everything to be taken care of. I am certain you must have work to do, yourself. Please be assured, I will take care of everything.”
Mr. Darcy swallowed thickly, a look of uncertainty painted on his face. He was silent for several moments before nodding curtly. “I am certain if you put your mind to it, you will succeed.” He looked, almost, for a moment as if he wanted to say something more. Or reach out and touch her. Instead, he moved stiltedly out of her room and back into his own bedroom.
There was much work to be done at Pemberley, it seemed.
— — — — —
Mrs. Reynolds was exasperated at the news of Lady Catherine’s arrival but did her best to hide it as she guided Lizzie through all the expectations the following morning. Georgiana, too, seemed rather annoyed at the prospect of seeing her aunt so soon after her departure from Rosings Park. Mrs. Reynolds got to work ordering the staff to prepare the guest wing while Georgiana and Lizzie ordered supper. A telegraph came in from Bingley saying he, too, would be there at the same time as Lady Catherine and her party. Six guests at once would be quite the challenge but Georgiana gave Lizzie confidence they would succeed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, unlike the other guests, had a room in the family wing as Georgiana’s guardian. Lady Catherine, of course, had to have the grandest room in the guest wing. Charlotte and Mr. Collins would share a room and only two other rooms would need to be prepared for Mr. and Miss Bingley. Supper was another matter, multiple courses needed to be prepared on short notice and both Lizzie and Georgiana were worried they would not be prepared in time. Nonetheless, they ordered the courses and prepared the kitchen as best they possibly could.
She kept the acquisition to herself, but Lizzie suspected this surprise visit was to test her worthiness as the wife of the great Fitzwilliam Darcy and mistress of such a powerful estate. About a week or two after their engagement, Lizzie had discovered the extent of her new husband’s wealth. Not only did he own half of Derbyshire, his annual earnings far exceeded the £10,000 he had been rumored to have. He revealed the £10,000 was from worse performing years but that he preferred not to reveal the actual amount of his income. It was, in reality, £60,000 was the usual annual income for Mr. Darcy with all his land and factories. Lizzie promised not to share this knowledge with anyone but found herself having to lie down for a while after finding out just how rich her soon-to-be husband was. He was not only above her station but he had more money than Lizzie or her sisters could ever dream of. And he sacrificed the chance to have a wife that suited his status to marry her. It was no surprise Lady Catherine would object to the marriage.
After supper was settled for the day and the staff had been instructed to buy more food for the following week, Lizzie set out to find her husband. Georgiana told her that Mr. Darcy was most likely in his study or the library if he were inside but to not be surprised if he were out somewhere talking to tenants. His study was, surprisingly, in the family wing, close to their bedrooms. Mr. Darcy was indeed inside his study when his commanding voice ordered her to come in after knocking on the door.
He was hunched over his desk, looking at the papers sitting directly below his chin, a few strands of his hair fallen from its place and sitting on his forehead. The state of his desk was an organized chaos, not messy but various stacks of papers sat upon the rich mahogany desk. When the door opened and there was no voice accompanying it, Mr. Darcy looked up, immediately standing when he saw it was Lizze. She had seen him in a state of undress on their wedding night, of course, but this felt more intimate. His frock coat was hung up on the rack in the corner of the room and he was in his navy blue waistcoat, instead. His cravat was undone, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, leaving his usually put-together appearance nowhere to be found. In addition to the strands of hair that fell on his forehead, his hair was messy as if he had continuously ran his hands through it.
“Lizzie? Is something the matter?” He asked, crossing the room to walk over to her. “Your face is rather flushed, why don’t you sit down, I’ll get you a glass of water.” Lizzie found herself obeying him, sitting on one of the leather couches in front of his desk as Mr. Darcy poured her a glass of water.
“I trust you’ve been busy with preparing for my aunt’s sudden arrival?” He asked, taking a seat next to her on the couch. This was the most comfortable the two had ever been, it was so strange.
She took a sip of water, nodding her head slowly. “Indeed, I am worried it will not live up to expectations.”
“Oh, it will not live up to expectations, whatsoever.” He said, matter-of-factly. Lizzie’s face fell at his words. “Do not take that as an assessment on your skills as a hostess. I fear that nothing will ever be good enough for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I am certain you have done well, nonetheless.”
“I ordered all the courses Georgiana advised me to, I assume this is an occasion I am meant to dress up more than I would for a simple supper for the two of us?”
He nodded, “I am afraid so. I know you acquired a number of new dresses when we married that are more than fit for the occasion, but I had a dress made for our first party together. I had hoped it wouldn’t happen until after we had settled into our home together, but now is as good a time as any.”
“You had a dress made for me?” Darcy nodded once more. “May I see it?”
“Of course.” He rose from his seat and opened the door to what appeared to be a small closet in the study. “It’ll need to be starched, of course, but I hope it is to your liking.” Darcy grabbed the dress, a beautiful yet sensible evening gown. Upon first glance, one might think Mr. Darcy was neglecting his wife by gifting her such a simple gown but it suited Lizzie very well. It was a dark blue color with a pleated skirt and the fashionable basque waistline. The neckline was modest yet stylish with ruffles. Parts of the hemline were lifted slightly into an arch and decorated with small pink flowers in the center of each arch. The dress was made with care and with Lizzie’s tastes in mind. How had he known so much about her and he was still almost a stranger?
“Oh, Fitzwilliam…this dress is beautiful…”
“Your sisters, Jane and Kitty helped me design it. The flowers were Kitty’s touch, in particular.”
“I can hardly believe you had this made for me, this fits my tastes perfectly.” Lizzie was in awe as she took the gown from him. “Is this material from your factory?”
Darcy stared at her for a moment before nodding curtly. “If it is not up to your standards–
“No, no, it is perfect. It’s a Darcy original creation, from the design to the materials.” It was, truly, perfect to Lizzie. “Oh…by the by, supper is to be at 7, this should be enough time for our guests to freshen up after their journeys.” Lizzie looked at the grandfather clock behind the couch on the opposite side of the room. It was barely 1 pm and the guests would be at Pemberley around 5:30. She attempted to quell the anxiety that rose in her, turning to her husband and giving him a smile. “I heard you did not eat breakfast this morning. Let us have our luncheon together?”
Darcy agreed and Lizzie called for their meal to be brought to the study. He told her about some issues his colleagues were having with some of the workers at nearby factories in London, which seemed to be the cause of his disheveled appearance. “The workers at our factories are not unhappy, but the nearby ones seem to be having issues with their employees desiring to go on strike. I’ve heard some of my colleagues do not take care of their employees.”
“That is a shame, really. What have you proposed to be done about it?” Lizzie asked, taking a sip of the tea set in front of her.
Darcy sighed, “I told them how our factories are run, the wages our employees make, the precautions we take.”
“And your colleagues are less than willing to take your advice?”
He nodded, “they believe I’m some sort of spoiled gentleman with no knowledge of how real business should be done. I may be a gentleman, Lizzie, but owning land is as much of a business as running a factory is.”
He was right, of course. The men who owned factories were more like her Uncle Gardiner who made their fortunes in trades rather than having inherited it like her father or husband. It was a different attitude between Uncle Gardnier and Mr. Bennet, the latter of the two having less funds and less cares about what happens to his belongings. Mr. Darcy had inherited his fortune, of course, but had far exceeded his original inheritance.
“It is, as you said on the train, the world is changing. I have many people to provide for and do my best to ensure they are well taken care of.”
“That is most noble of you, Fitzwilliam.” Darcy grimaced behind his teacup and Lizzie raised a brow. “Is something the matter?”
“I do not think it is noble to take care of those who rely on you. It is your duty.” He grumbled, setting his now empty tea-cup down.
“I am afraid, Fitzwilliam, that you may be the exception and not the rule to that statement.” She mused, filling his cup with more tea.
They both knew who the other was referring to: Mr Bennet. In the weeks leading up to their wedding, Darcy had discovered that Longbourn was making far less than it was capable of and set out to assist Mr. Bennet. Of course, the older man fervently denied his help but after a talk Lizzie was not allowed to be privy to, the men came to an agreement. Longbourn improved under Darcy’s advice, much to the chagrin of Mr. Bennet. Lizzie had questioned her husband a week into their marriage about it and he was less than forthcoming about what he and Mr. Bennet had spoken about; only that her sisters would be taken care of now. It was no secret that her father had virtually no interest in affairs outside of his books and plants, but Lizzie adored him, nonetheless and Mr. Bennet adored Lizzie. It was precisely why Darcy would not share the details with her, he could not bear to break her heart.
Though Lizzie did not know much about her husband she had observed that he had quite a bit of responsibility but shouldered it well. He didn’t do anything for the sake of martyrdom, he did it out of a sense of duty. Perhaps even out of love.
“Perhaps you are right about that, dearest…is that an endearment I am allowed?” He quirked a brow.
“Are you…making a joke?”
“Perhaps…but am I allowed that endearment despite it being close to ‘my dear’, nonetheless?”
Lizzie flashed him a toothy grin, “it is not so much like ‘my dear’. I will allow dearest as an endearment. You may pick any other endearments save for ‘my dear’.”
“Ah,” a smirk spread across his face as he brought his teacup to his lips, leaning over instead of sitting perfectly as he had been. “This is most enlightening, I will be sure to record this information for later.”
She stared at him for a moment, her head tilted to the side before remarking, “You are quite a jester, sir.”
“Only when I have things to jest about, dearest Lizzie.”
They smiled at each other for a moment before she noticed he hadn’t eaten anything. “Sir, you have not touched your meal at all but have had three cups of tea!” Lizzie exclaimed, pushing a platter of finger sandwiches and vegetables towards him. She had purposely ordered a lighter fare to not burden the kitchen and to allow Darcy to work through his luncheon.
He set the teacup down and picked up a sandwich, trying to gracefully eat while flipping through the paperwork on the table. Clearly aware of the lack of propriety but still attempting to preserve some dignity and grace in front of his wife. Lizzie pushed her own platter away, her appetite having disappeared when she looked over the menus for the rest of the week.
“Lizzie, you must eat, as well.” Darcy spoke softly.
She shook her head, “I am not hungry.”
“Are you anxious about this evening?” She nodded and Darcy set his papers aside, rising from the couch and crossing the room to grab his frock-coat then his overcoat. “Let’s go for a walk. I remember how much you liked walking in London during the day.”
Lizzie couldn’t help but light up at the prospect of going on a walk in the countryside. She had indeed gone on daily walks in London but the air was smoggy and stifling. The country air would do her much better. “I’ll go fetch my coat and bonnet!”
They met outside the study, both dressed appropriately for the outing. Darcy led her to the foyer where they both put on their hats before exiting the house. As Lizzie expected, the air outside the estate was just what she needed and felt herself wanting to bounce with excitement at being able to walk in the grass.
“You seem rather eager to be outside, dearest.” Darcy observed as he led them down the stone steps. “You must have missed the country in town.”
“I did indeed miss the country. I fear you married a common farm girl who does not care overly for town.”
“Most unfortunate as Pemberley is farther from Meryton than London.” Darcy remarked as they walked over a hill. “It must be difficult to be so far from your family.”
“It was convenient that my Uncle and Aunt Gardiner live in town and we were not so far from Meryton.” Lizzie took in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. “We are not so far from my family now, the trains make the distance shorter.”
“What do you love most about Meryton?”
“Hmm…I loved the balls we had there. I enjoy the landscape, to be sure, but I loved dancing with my friends.” Lizzie turned to her husband, the hint of a grimace on his face. “Do you dance, Fitzwilliam?”
“Oh, not if I can help it.”
“Why, sir? I am certain you are skilled at dancing as the grandson of an Earl.”
Darcy could not help the half-smile that spread across his face at his wife’s words. “Oh, I am certainly able to dance but do not enjoy it. When you are as large as I am, you tend to draw attention to yourself on the dance floor.” He laughed humorlessly. “The entire assembly will be able to see if you make a mistake.”
“Are you so proud that you could not take a little teasing for misstepping during a dance?” Lizzie and her sisters were all quite tall for young ladies so she was well acquainted with unwanted attention on her while dancing. Many times she had heard the teasing from neighbors about stepping on a partner’s toes.
“I…I suppose I could take it, for the right partner, that is.” His cheeks were red, now, whether it was from the exercise or their conversation, Lizzie could not say.
“Well, I suppose we could always practice if we want to avoid being exposed to censure.” She grinned.
“That is an idea I would be amenable to.”
They kept their walk rather short as they both had work to get back to. Their conversation stayed to topics such as the weather or the upcoming holidays. Eventually, they returned to the house and their work, having appreciated the break.
— — — — —
Mr. and Miss Bingley were the first guests to arrive. Miss Bingley was dressed most ostentatiously, a sky blue day dress with a neckline so low and a bust so tight, she was sure it would cause scandal with both Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins when they arrived. Lizzie silently prayed that Miss Bingley’s evening dress would be more modest. She would not be able to stand a lecture on modesty from her cousin this evening.
Mr. Bingley greeted Lizzie and Darcy with his usual friendly smile but had an apologetic sort of demeanor. “Mrs. Darcy, it is so good to see you, again. I trust your family is in good health?” The blond man asked after kissing Lizzie’s hand in greeting. She knew precisely who he was inquiring after and had to hold back from frowning.
“It is good to see you, as well, sir. My family are all in good health, I thank you.” She offered him a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Miss Bingley greeted her next with a kiss to each of her cheeks. “Miss Bingley, it is good to see you, as well.”
The blonde woman’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes either as she greeted Lizzie. “Indeed, so good to see you, Mrs. Darcy. Have you enjoyed married life thus far?”
“I have, indeed, thank you, Miss Bingley.” She turned toward the entrance of their home. “I shall show you to your rooms so you can freshen up before we take supper.” Darcy squeezed her elbow before departing from the party.
“I see that Pemberley is the same as it was the last time we were here.” Miss Bingley remarked.
“Caroline, they have been in London for the past six months.” Mr. Bingley reminded his sister.
“Ah, of course. Mrs. Darcy, do you plan to redecorate?”
Lizzie pondered it for a moment, she could perhaps change the curtains or change the wallpaper in some rooms. She mostly wanted to leave the house as it was, it was so beautiful on its own.
“Perhaps after Christmastide, Miss Bingley. I may change some wallpaper or curtains but Pemberley is so beautiful already, is it not?”
Miss Bingley agreed, “indeed. I would most definitely change some of the wallpapers, they are most outdated.”
“Caroline!” Mr. Bingley warned, his tone sharp, something Lizzie had never heard before. “I apologize, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Not at all, there are some things that have fallen out of fashion, to be sure. But I am more appreciative of classic styles.” Lizzie led them into the guest wing, and showed them to their rooms. “Supper is to be at 7, but should you need anything in the meantime, please do not hesitate to call on me.”
The siblings thanked her and she retreated to the kitchens to check on the staff. Miss Bingley was already on her nerves and she had not been at Pemberley for even a quarter of an hour. Mr. Bingley, on the other hand, seemed to be treading lightly. He seemed to be acutely aware of his actions and how they impacted her sister. Lizzie was content for the time being to allow him to do so.
It was not soon after Lizzie had exited the kitchens that a footman informed her of the arrival of Lady Catherine and her party. She thanked the man and took a deep breath, attempting to ground herself before marching towards the entrance to meet her husband. Darcy was already outside and greeted his wife with a kiss to her hand, strategically so as the carriage the rest of her guests were arriving in came to a halt in front of the stone steps. The first out of the grand carriage was Mr. Collins, followed by another man; he was tall with broad shoulders and lighter brown hair and had a nose similar to Darcy’s. Lizzie surmised this must be Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“William!” The taller man greeted her husband with a wide grin and a handshake before turning his attention to Lizzie. “This must be the new Mrs. Darcy whom I have heard so much about. William does go on and on about you in his letters–
“Ahem!” A shrill voice came from the carriage behind the man.
“Ah, one moment. Coming, Lady Aunt.” The man rolled his eyes and stalked over to the carriage, assisting an older woman wearing a large bonnet with frills and lace to rival Miss Bingley’s ball gowns. She had a long, pointy nose that was too large for her face and a small mouth. Her beady eyes narrowed in on Lizzie as she stalked over to her.
Darcy bowed and Lizzie curtsied at his cue to the woman. “Lady Aunt,” her husband greeted curtly. “I trust your journey was well?”
“It was not well, Fitzwilliam Darcy! I can hardly believe that you ran off and married some country bumpkin when you were to marry my Anne.” Lady Catherine turned to Lizzie, “you’re very tall for a young woman. What an…eccentric color your hair is, as well.”
“I think it’s rather pretty, Lady Aunt. Do any of your sisters have that same color, Mrs. Darcy?” The possible Colonel smirked behind Lady Catherine.
“I thank you, sir. I am the only daughter blessed with, as Lady Catherine says, such an eccentric hair color.” Lizzie smiled at the older woman in front of her, it not quite reaching her eyes.
“Well, it suits you very well, Mrs. Darcy.” The man stepped forward and bowed before taking Lizzie’s hand and planting a kiss to her knuckles. “I am Richard Fitzwilliam, your husband’s cousin.”
“A pleasure to meet you Colonel Fitzwilliam, I have heard much about you.”
“All good things, I hope?” Colonel Fitzwilliam winked at Darcy who rolled his eyes.
“Indeed, sir. I am happy to put a face to the name.”
“Oh, William, you did not mention in your letters that your wife was so skilled at flattery.” The colonel chided.
Darcy scoffed from his spot next to Lizzie. “Skilled at flattery, indeed. She said she was glad to meet you, Dickie.” He took a moment to step forward and greet the remaining members of the party. “Parson Collins, Mrs. Collins, it is good to see you, once more.”
The couple greeted Darcy in return. Mr. Collins gave a cool greeting to the pair before Charlotte stepped forward and hugged Lizzie tightly.
“Charlotte!” Her voice cracked as she embraced her friend.
“Oh, Lizzie! It is so good to see you!” Charlotte cried as she crushed Lizzie in the hug. Before she realized it, tears were rolling down her face.
“Let’s go inside, shall we?” Darcy’s low voice pulled the women away from their hug and Lizzie discreetly wiped at her tears before Lady Catherine could scold her for the lack of propriety shown in front of guests. When they were finally inside and Lizzie and Darcy were next to each other, she whispered,
“Thank you.”
“You are most welcome, dearest.”
— — — — —
It was finally time for supper, the first time Lizzie would officially be hosting guests as the mistress of Pemberley. Everything was in order, the staff were all prepared, the courses were ready, she was dressed in a manner befitting her new station. All that was left was to, well, go through with supper.
She descended the stairs and saw her husband waiting for her at the bottom. Lizzie could not help but feel her face flush at the look on Darcy’s face. The dress he gifted her suited her perfectly. The deep blue color complimented her creamy complexion and red hair. She had pinned her hair up in a bun and decorated it with a few flower pins in a color similar to the ones on her hem. Not one for jewelry, Lizzie only wore her simple gold wedding band and pearl earrings. Darcy took her hand as she reached the landing and opened his mouth to speak.
“Mrs. Darcy, you look absolutely ravishing!” Colonel Fitzwilliam cut off his cousin, earning him a glare from the taller man.
Lizzie laughed, “I thank you, sir. It is due to my husband’s wonderful design.”
“William, you designed the dress?”
“I had help, but yes, I designed my wife’s dress, Dickie.”
“I say, William, you’ve quite outdone yourself.” Colonel Fitzwilliam clapped him on the shoulder with a mischievous grin.
“Thank you, Dickie.” Darcy grit his teeth and gently pulled Lizzie to his side. “Let’s have supper, shall we?”
Darcy and Lizzie were unable to sit next to each other, instead taking a place at the head of the table. Fortunately, they were in a smaller dining room with a smaller table, meaning they were not so far away from each other. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins sat at her left side. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who sat at her right, provided enjoyable and lively conversation.
“This is truly your first time organizing a meal such as this, Mrs. Darcy?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked after the fourth course had been cleared.
“Indeed, sir. I did have help from Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds so I was not completely out of my depth.”
“It’s painfully obvious, my dear girl, that this is your first time as a hostess. This is a rather basic spread.” Lady Catherine quipped from her spot next to Darcy.
“Well, perhaps, your ladyship, it would have been more to your tastes had you not given us such a short amount of time to prepare.” Lizzie replied before her husband could chide his aunt. The incredulous look on Lady Catherine’s face was worth the awkward silence that spread across the table. She was worried, for a moment, that her husband might scold her but he said nothing. Instead, it looked as if he were holding back a smirk.
Lady Catherine wisely chose not to comment further on the matter, knowing she was in the wrong for the short notice. After the fifth course was served, Miss Bingley, instead, spoke up. “I heard your youngest sister, Miss Lydia is married?”
“Yes, Miss Bingley. She married a man in the militia, they reside in the north.”
“Quite a scandal, I heard.” Lady Catherine cut in, the clatter of silverware ceasing at the comment. “I was shocked to hear that my dear nephew married a woman with a fallen sister. To think the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted!”
“Oh, she is not fallen, Lady Aunt.” Darcy remarked, taking a sip of his wine. All eyes turned to him. “Did you not hear Miss Bingley say Lydia is married?”
“To George Wickham, I heard!”
Georgiana stiffened. Though she was not ignorant to whom Lydia had married or the reason why her brother had married Lizzie, the subject of Wickham was still a sore spot for her. Lizzie sat up straight, clenching her back teeth to keep herself from saying something she might regret. Lydia may be immature and had made a decision that could have ruined them all, she was still Lizzie’s sister.
“How is your family, Lizzie? I trust they are in good health?” Charlotte changed the subject, quickly.
“Quite, thank you, Charlotte. How is your family?”
“They are quite well, themselves. I received a letter from Maria before we left Huntsford. She said Mary has become quite the talent at piano and has been tutoring my sister to help her improve her own playing.” Charlotte smiled brightly. Lizzie was so relieved to hear good news about her family from her neighbors.
“I had heard the same.” Mr. Bingley spoke up. “My acquaintances in Meryton spoke highly of Miss Jane’s performance at the hunt this year. She reportedly took the most foxes.”
“Indeed, sir?” Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke up. “Your sister, Mrs. Darcy sounds like quite an enigma. I should rather like to meet her, myself.”
“Oh, Jane is very talented at sports. She is quite skilled at riding horses, a skill I do not possess, myself.” Lizzie beamed at the ability to talk so positively about her sisters. “I miss my sisters terribly but it has been such a blessing to have Georgiana. She is a wonderful addition to my life.”
Georgiana flushed, “thank you, Lizzie. I am so happy my brother brought me home such a wonderful sister.”
Darcy was rather pleased the conversation had steered in the right direction. His wife was happy, his aunt and Miss Bingley were not speaking, all was well. Until Mr. Collins decided to speak up.
“I trust married life has treated you well thus far, dear cousin?”
“It has, Mr. Collins.”
“I am rather surprised we have not heard any more good news, though.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened at her husband’s words. “What on Earth do you mean by that, Parson?” Darcy asked in a commanding tone.
“Well, your marriage was so unexpected I had assumed it was born of love. Or perhaps of a certain necessity.” Mr. Collins remarked as Charlotte looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but the table. “I had thought you would be expecting an heir.”
Georgiana gasped and the table fell silent. “Mr. Collins!” Lizzie exclaimed. “That is hardly appropriate subject matter for this—
“He is only saying what we are all thinking, Elizabeth.” Lady Catherine spoke. “My nephew had no reason to marry you if not for an heir. Where is this heir? Or did you lie to him to trap my nephew knowing he would take responsibility?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam tried to stop her, saying, “Lady Aunt, that is quite enough—
“Where is this child, Elizabeth? Your stomach is as flat as an orphan’s. You must have trapped him in this marriage. That is why the servants from Darcy house tell me you have not lain together since your wedding!”
“Lady Aunt!” Georgiana exclaimed but Mr. Collins cut in.
“You have not consummated your marriage? You know how important it is—
“Oh they have consummated it, all right. But there is not an heir to be seen! Are you incapable of doing the only thing country girls like you are good at? Rolling around in the hay?”
Lizzie felt hot tears threaten to spring forth as Lady Catherine continued her assault. Mr. Collins cut in and reminded Lizzie of her marital duties. “Oh she knows very well about those duties, Mr. Collins. It is only that my nephew has regained his senses far too late and refuses to lie with this harlot . Did she lie to you or did she get rid of it—
“That is enough!” Darcy exclaimed, slamming his fist on the dining table and startling everyone.
“She got rid of it, I see—
“You do not see, Lady Catherine! You do not know what you are speaking so freely about! You have barged into my home and insulted my family and accused me of seducing my husband and getting rid of my own child. You have insulted me in every possible way and can now have nothing further to say to me, I must ask you to leave at daybreak.” Lizzie gritted out as she threw down her napkin before storming out of the dining room.
Darcy chased after his wife as she ran up the stairs, not missing the loud sputtering of his aunt sounding from the dining room. Lizzie ran into her bedroom and tried to slam the door behind her but Darcy caught it. “Elizabeth, I am so, so sorry for her behavior.”
“Your aunt and Mr. Collins are right, you know.” She sniffled, sitting up to face him.
His face twisted into a look of anger. “Right? What on Earth could they be right about?” Darcy growled.
“We have not lain together since our wedding night. Our marriage may be arranged out of convenience but we have nothing to show for it!” Lizzie rose from the bed, crossing the room to get in his space. “I was under the impression that husband and wives were supposed to engage in the marital act to grow closer! But you won’t visit my room at night! Am I that disappointing of a bride?”
“Elizabeth!” He exclaimed, backing her up against the wall before taking a deep breath.
“Elizabeth…”his voice was low as he leaned over her, seemingly having pinned her against the wall of her bedroom. “You do not know what you ask of me.”
“But you never visit or call on me at night! Why?”
“I do not…” His head dropped and his voice cracked. “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable or…or…hurt you…again.” He stood up straight and dropped his arm, no longer trapping her.
Lizzie sighed, walking over to the armchair by the hearth. “Fitzwilliam…you did not hurt me nor did you make me uncomfortable.”
“I…you…we lost our child…” His face was crestfallen and it looked as if there were tears in his eyes. She understood what this was about. He felt responsible for the miscarriage.
“It was two months into a marriage between strangers that was entered into under duress. Fitzwilliam, come here.” Lizzie commanded and the man obeyed her immediately, kneeling at her feet. From this angle, he didn’t look like the big, strong, intimidating master of the house. Rather, he had a boyish look on his face, one of fear, almost. She took a deep breath and reached forward, running her fingers through his dark brown hair. He stiffened for a moment before quickly relaxing under her touch, eventually laying his head in her lap. “William…it is not uncommon for women to lose their children so early into a pregnancy, especially under duress. I did not know I was with child until that morning when we had already lost them.”
“It was my fault.”
“No! It was no one’s fault! There was nothing that you could have done to prevent it, William.” She rubbed his back while he refused to raise his head to look at her. “Look at me, William.” With enough prodding, he finally raised his head to look up at her. His blue eyes were dark and red with tears, he looked heartbroken. Lizzie laid her hand on his cheek and Darcy leaned into her touch, closing his eyes.
“I do not want you to think I am not sad or upset about losing our child, I certainly am.” She spoke softly, trying not to cry. It was heartbreaking to realize she had lost the life she was bringing into the world before she knew the life was within her. Darcy opened his mouth to say something but she spoke before he could. “That does not mean I hold you at fault for the loss. These things happen, at times. We cannot make a child if we do not try.”
“Elizabeth…how could I ever force you to go through that again? I forced you into this marriage and made you lie with me.”
“Forced me into this marriage? Made me lie with you? Fitzwilliam Darcy! You did no such thing!” Lizzie exclaimed incredulously. “You have said it yourself, if I find no use in something, I will not do it. You forced me into nothing, I married you of my own free will and consummated our marriage willingly. If I felt forced, why would I ask you why you have not visited my room since May?”
Darcy opened his eyes, searching Lizzie’s face for any sign of deceit. There was none. “Truly? You would truly lie with me again after all I’ve done to you?”
“After all you’ve done to me? You mean save my family from destitution and make me the mistress of your ancestral home without a second thought? Mr. Darcy, you have done nothing but treat me with kindness and put my needs above yours.”
"That does not mean you need to lie with me because you feel you owe me a debt, Lizzie. You could never so much as look my way again and I would still stay true to you."
"I do not feel as if I owe you a debt of any kind. I am grateful, truly, for all you have done for me. But this is not born from a feeling of mere gratitude. It is from a desire to be close to you." She took a deep breath once more and a chance, leaning in to press her lips to his. Darcy stiffened for a moment before returning the chaste kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. After a moment, the two pulled away to catch their breath. “Do you understand how I feel, Fitzwilliam?”
He nodded, sheepishly leaning in to kiss her once more. “Mrs. Darcy…may I stay the night in your room?”
Lizzie’s cheeks reddened but she nodded, “yes, Mr. Darcy. You may stay the night in my room.”
— — — — —
Lizzie awoke in the morning by the light peeking in through the curtains. It was too early and too cold to get up and she was so warm this morning. Her head lay on the bare chest of her husband and she blushed at the realization. Darcy was in her bed and she was laying atop him, at least half of her body. He must have been strong indeed to support her weight all night without moving her off. For a moment, Lizzie was upset that Darcy had not slept with her before. He was as warm as a furnace and warmed her better than any warming pan could.
“Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy’s sleep-ladened voice filled her ears as he lifted his head and took in his surroundings. His voice was even deeper in the morning and reverberated through his chest. “Good morning, dearest.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Good morning, darling.” She whispered back, curling into his arms. If she could have her way, she’d spend the entire day like this, warm in her bed with her husband. Lizzie felt like she was beginning to understand him more in the past two days than she had in the past six months.
A loud pounding at the door startled the both of them and Lizzie jumped from her bed and quickly threw on her dressing gown over her nightgown, not bothering to tie it. She opened the door, just a bit to obscure the knocker’s view of Darcy. At the door was a disheveled Mrs. Reynolds with a telegram in her hand.
“Mrs. Darcy, ma’am…I’m sorry to disturb you and the master so early in the morning…” Mrs. Reynolds said, out of breath. Lizzie wanted to ask how she knew Darcy was in her bedroom but it was not the time.
“It is no trouble, Mrs. Reynolds. What is the matter?”
“Your family, ma’am. They are on their way.”