Page 61 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
The carriage rolled to a halt, and Elizabeth laid her hand briefly upon Darcy’s arm. “Remember that we need not stay above two hours if the company proves too trying.”
“I have weathered Lady Catherine’s company for days on end,” Darcy replied, his lips curving slightly. “Surely I may survive one evening with your family.”
A footman opened the carriage door, and Darcy descended first, turning to offer his hand to Elizabeth. As she alighted, she noted a curtain twitching at the drawing room window—undoubtedly her mother, eager for the first glimpse of her wealthy son-in-law.
The door opened before they reached it, revealing Hill in her best cap, curtsying low as they approached. “Welcome, Mr Darcy, Mrs Darcy,” she said, ushering them into the hall where the family waited with uncharacteristic formality.
Mrs Bennet stood at the centre, her Sunday gown adorned with every ribbon she possessed, her face arranged in what Elizabeth recognised as her company smile. Mr Bennet lingered at the edge of the group, his expression caught between amusement and resignation. Jane, elegant in her simple muslin, offered a genuine smile of welcome, while Mary, Kitty, and Lydia formed a curious assembly of contrasting demeanours—Mary solemn, Kitty nervous, Lydia barely containing her forward gaze.
“Mr Darcy!” Mrs Bennet exclaimed, dropping into a curtsy that threatened the integrity of her stays. “What an honour to welcome you to our humble home at last. Longbourn cannot compare to Pemberley, of course, but we trust you shall find it comfortable, sir.”
“Mrs Bennet,” Darcy replied with a bow. “You are most kind. Longbourn appears a pleasant estate indeed.”
They were ushered into the drawing room where tea was promptly served. Elizabeth watched her husband surreptitiously as the family arranged themselves around him. He maintained perfect politeness, answering Mrs Bennet’s effusive enquiries about Pemberley with calm precision, neither encouraging her obvious fascination nor betraying any impatience with her persistent questions about the estate’s dimensions, furnishings, and income.
“And the grounds,” Mrs Bennet continued, “I understand they are quite extensive. How many acres did you say?”
“Mama,” Elizabeth intervened, “I am certain Mr Darcy did not come to Longbourn to provide an inventory of Pemberley’s assets.”
“Oh, but it is so interesting!” Mrs Bennet protested, even though Elizabeth had answered most of these questions already. “To think that my own daughter should be mistress of such a grand estate. It is beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Darcy’s expression remained impassive, but Elizabeth noted a slight tightening of his fingers around the teacup.
“Ah, I daresay I hear the dinner bell,” Mr Bennet said, though no such sound had been heard. Grateful, Elizabeth got up and escorted Darcy to the dining room.
At dinner, Elizabeth sat across from Darcy positioned between Mrs Bennet and Mary. It was not an arrangement she would have chosen, but she trusted her husband’s composure would withstand even her mother’s most effusive attentions.
The first course proceeded without incident, the conversation flowing in channels of polite enquiry about the weather, the state of the roads, and the health of various neighbours.
It was not until the second course that the conversation took a more dangerous turn.
“Tell me, Mr Darcy,” Mrs Bennet began, “have you many acquaintances among the nobility? I understand your aunt is Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park.”
“She is,” Darcy confirmed. “Though we are not presently in frequent communication.”
“Not in communication with your own aunt? How extraordinary.” Mrs Bennet’s eyes widened. “Is she perhaps not in good health and unable to write?”
“Her health is excellent, I believe,” Darcy replied. “Our estrangement stems from her disapproval of my marriage.”
A hush fell over the table at this blunt statement. Elizabeth looked up sharply, surprised by her husband’s candour.
“Disapproval?” Mrs Bennet repeated, her voice rising slightly. “But why should anyone disapprove of a match with our Lizzy? She may not have a great fortune, but she is a gentleman’s daughter, with excellent connections.”
“Mother, Mr Darcy’s family was as surprised by our marriage as you were,” Elizabeth interjected swiftly. Elizabeth looked in Jane’s direction and not a second later, Mary flinched at the table. Elizabeth could only assume Jane had nudged her with her foot to say something to divert attention.
“Now, Mr Darcy,” Mary said. “I have been reading most particularly on the subject of familial duty. Fordyce suggests that proper deference to one’s elders is the cornerstone of moral character. Does that not include one’s aunts and uncles?”
“Indeed, if they are willing to engage in conversation,” Darcy replied politely.
“Oh, Mary, pray do not lecture Mr Darcy on moral philosophy,” Lydia interrupted with a toss of her head. “It is excessively dull, and I am certain he has more interesting matters to discuss. Tell us, Mr Darcy, do you host many balls at Pemberley? I cannot wait for the ball at Netherfield on Saturday,it is only a shame the militia has moved on or they would have provided much entertainment. We had the Derbyshire militia stationed here for some while and they were the most delightful lot.”
Elizabeth saw Darcy stiffen almost imperceptibly at the mention of officers. “The nearest regiment is stationed at Derby,” he replied. “We have little interaction with the militia at Pemberley.”
“How disappointing,” Lydia sighed. “The militia left Meryton last month, and the neighbourhood has been terribly flat since their departure. Lieutenant Denny promised to write to me, but I have had not a single letter.”
“Lydia,” Mr Bennet said sharply, “I hardly think Mr Darcy has journeyed all the way from Derbyshire to hear about your disappointed expectations regarding Lieutenant Denny. Who, as it were, ought not to be writing to an unwed young girl anyhow.”
“No, indeed,” Lydia agreed cheerfully. “But perhaps he might like to know about the officers who were stationed here. Some of them were quite diverting company. Do you not agree, Lizzy? I believe some where even from your area. Lambton, yes?”
