Page 33 of Compromise & Consequence
“You do not like your rooms?”
“The rooms are delightful.”
“But…?”
“The furniture is far too large for the space.”
“Beggars cannot be choosy over where they lay their head, Madam. Either live with what you have, or you can choose to sleep in one of the servant’s quarters. I will not advance one farthing to the decoration of your chambers.”
“I will never ask you for money, you may stake your life upon that promise.” She turned a bit to her left and looked toward the staircase. “Are we finished, Mr. Darcy? I had plans to speak with Mrs. Whittaker about the menu for tomorrow.”
“You are undermining my housekeeper’s decisions?”
“Undermining?” That impertinent brow rose again. “Am I not mistress of this house?”
“No. Yes, but−”
He wasn’t ready for her to become the mistress of his house. He wasn’t prepared for her to be in his life in any way other than his dreams.
“I see. I am Mrs. Darcy in name only.” Her tone had hardened, as had her eyes. They glittered like a pair of faceted emeralds. “Very well. You could not have shown me, with more clarity, where I stand in your estimation. Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
She pivoted and strode down the hall without looking back.
He cursed under his breath as, once again, he stared after his wife’s retreating back. While he dressed for dinner, he asked Jenkins to tell the cook that he would be dining out and she needed only to prepare a meal for his wife. A slight thinning of his valet’s mouth was the only indication of his displeasure.Wisely, he said nothing.
Chapter Nine
The next week, Elizabeth met with Aunt Madeline to purchase furniture for her bed chambers. She reasoned Mr. Darcy would never willingly enter them; therefore, he would never see the changes made. All deliveries were funneled through her uncle, which kept the shopkeepers and craftsmen in the dark about who the purchases were for. Uncle Edward also had his own men set up her furniture, bypassing the use of Mr. Darcy’s footmen. The only people who had any true knowledge of her activity were Burke, Mrs. Whittaker, and of course, Danvers.
There was no worry about Mr. Darcy stumbling across her uncle’s men as he was hardly ever in residence. What he did with his time, she had no idea. He also was conspicuously absent at night and from that quarter, she absolutely had no desire of discovering where and with whom he spent time. She determined that if he tried to start marital relations, she would only proceed if he was thoroughly examined by her own personal physician. She had no desire to contract some dread disease because her husband could not control his base desires.
All in all, she was delighted with her rooms which no longer made her feel as though she could barely move, let alone breathe. Against the far wall, she placed an elegant four-poster bed with roses carved on the headboard and posts. Beneath the window, overlooking the back garden, she placed a simple escritoire. She’d had her uncle’s men remove the heavy armoires and replace them with four smaller ones as well as a dressing table. All of her furnishings, made from beautiful mahogany wood, had matching roses carved on the legs and cornices. To complete her ensemble, she commissioned two comfortable wingback chairs covered in a rich rose damask, which bracketedthe fireplace. A perfect spot to curl up and read a book at the end of the day. Beside her fireplace, she’d had her uncle hire a craftsman carpenter to build clever bookshelves, which she would fill as soon as she attended her favorite store, Hatchard’s.
Today, her assignment was to commission new linens and after successfully choosing new fabric to replace her curtains, counterpane, and bedclothes, Elizabeth sat across from Aunt Madeline to enjoy a welcome break at their favorite tea shop near Bond Street.
They had just received their tea and confections when the door to the shop opened and an elegant lady, along with a handsome young girl entered and were seated on the opposite side of the room, partially hidden by a column. Elizabeth hadn’t paid them much mind other than to experience a sense of familiarity with the girl. Because she didn’t want to be caught staring, she turned back to her conversation with Aunt Madeline.
“I am delighted with what we purchased and will meet you next week at the seamstress I have always used for linens.” She took a sip of her tea before continuing. “Has Uncle Edward reached out to find another family to lease Netherfield? I am quite certain the Bingleys shall not return and hate the thought of it lying vacant for yet another year.”
“No, he has heard nothing from the gentleman. Such a shame, how everything came about. How have you been faring with your gentleman? Jane wrote that he is a very handsome man.”
“He is more than handsome, which is why his ill temper and bad behavior are so jarring. The first time I laid eyes on him, I admit my heart fluttered and worried I might behave as silly as Lydia.”
“That is not like you.”
“No, it is not.”
“What changed your mind about him?”
“He spoke.”
Aunt Madeline’s bottom lip dropped ever so slightly and then she laughed, covering her mouth with her fingers although her eyes sparkled with merriment.
“Dear Lizzy, I truly can understand your disenchantment. Other than disappointed hopes, you are coping?”
“I am well, although I was left in no doubt the other day that I have no authority within the walls of his home. I find my days tedious. I do not know what I shall do once the renovations of my bedchambers are completed.”
“You have not met any of his family?”
