Page 70 of Compromise & Consequence
Somehow, that did not make him feel any better, but he had no time to debate the issue as he needed to change for dinner.
“Try not to drink all my brandy while I get ready for this evening.”
“I have no intention of becoming foxed if that is what you are intimating.”
“Not at all, only that good brandy is hard to come by these days and you have an annoying habit of never touching the inferior stuff.”
“I make it a habit to never indulge in inferiority, be it brandy or women.”
Darcy let that oblique statement slide and with a curt nod of his head, left the study and made his way to the master’s bedchamber where his valet awaited. On his way there, he heard the murmur of female voices coming from the guest room Miss Bennet had been allotted for her stay and smiled when happy laughter filtered out.
What a colossal fool he had been to keep his Elizabeth away from her family. Hearing her laugh was a balm to his soul and he prayed their relationship would only move forward. But first, they had to get through this nightmare of an evening. The beginning of a headache throbbed behind his eyes.
“Jenkins, would you bring up some willow bark tea before I head down for dinner.”
“Would you rather use the powders, sir? They tend to act a little faster for you.”
His valet was familiar with his headaches.
“Yes, good advice. I need my wits about me. Thank you, Jenkins,” he said as his valet slipped out to make the requisite drink.
When Jenkins returned with the powders, Darcy noted he seemed nervous. His curiosity was satisfied when his valet cleared his throat and spoke.
“Pardon me for intruding on how the house is run, sir, but Mrs. Whittaker asked me to speak with you.”
“About what?”
“It seems as though Mrs. Darcy made some unusual requests earlier today, and Mrs. Whittaker is not sure if you were aware of them.”
At first, Darcy felt a frisson of anger, his thoughts automatically going in the direction of:what right does she have to order about my housekeeper? Just as fast, his knee-jerk reaction was diffused by the remembrance of their conversation whereupon he assured his wife that she did, indeed, have authority as Mrs. Darcy. Apparently, Elizabeth was not one to let moss grow on that particular stone and had turned it over.
“Did she tell you what requests my wife made?”
“Mrs. Darcy wanted a list of all servants and their duties and receipts of all purchases made for the kitchen. She also felt there had not been enough variety of dishes and wished to find out why.”
Guilt tore at his gut. He had been assiduously avoiding having meals with his wife and had no idea what she was served for dinner. Something Richard had, quite succinctly pointed out. Had his staff given her less than stellar service, feeding off his discontent? As his aunt, Lady Matlock was fond of saying, servants were the silent eyes and ears of every home. How you behave in front of them is how they will project your values inside and outside of the house, and he had not treated his wife the way he had been taught by his father.
“Advise Mrs. Whittaker that Mrs. Darcy is the mistress of this house and to comply with all of her requests.” Hopefully, that would take care of that little problem and at the same time let his staff know he would not tolerate any disrespect for his wife.
“Yes, sir.”
His valet then proceeded to wrap a warm cloth around the lower half of his face. Within the hour, he was freshly shaved and dressed, ready to enjoy dinner with Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and Richard. The Bingleys and Hursts were slated to arrive around eight p.m. for cards. Thankfully, not for dinner. He was not sure if he could stomach Miss Bingley sniping at his wife and her sister over a delicious meal.
A repeat of her behavior at Meryton would not be tolerated, nor would she have him as a willing ally this time around. He was not only honor-bound to deflect her oblique criticisms and innuendos, but he also would not stand for the woman he loved to be verbally degraded. He had learned from his folly and would not make the same mistakes.
Dinner was deemed a success and they retired to the drawing room where Elizabeth played and Jane sang. Both he and Richard sat and listened, each enraptured with their object of desire. All too soon, Burke announced the arrival of their guests and the pleasant atmosphere disappeared. He noticed both of the ladies squared their shoulders and took deep breaths. He sent a silent prayer for strength as the doors to the drawing room opened and Bingley, with Miss Bingley on his arm, entered, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.
“Darcy, it is so good to see you again!” Bingley enthused, his gaze flicking about the room, stopping when it landed on Miss Bennet. He made to step toward her, but his sister tightened her grip and kept him anchored to her side.
All of this took only a few seconds to play out, which Darcy would have missed if he had not been watching his friend so closely. He was worried about how he would behave around Miss Bennet, and also what Richard might do. His cousin had made no bones about the fact he was very interested in thebeautiful lady from Hertfordshire and would not take kindly to Bingley hovering around her like a hopeful bee to a favorite flower.
“Bingley, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst,” Darcy said by way of greeting.
Mrs. Hurst followed her husband, who gave both ladies a respectful bow of greeting before turning to Richard and speaking with him in a low voice. Miss Bingley focused her sole attention on Darcy.
“Mr. Darcy. I am always delighted to be welcomed into your home. I am here so frequently, I feel as though this house is my own.”
Darcy’s spine stiffened at what she inferred.
