Page 44 of Pemberley's Imposter
Hannah Linney, Jonathan’s sister, came to her mistress. Dinner was about to be served, and she enquired whether Mrs Darcy would like to change before the meal. Elizabeth let her maid indulge her fancies and entered the dining parlour with more adornments than was her wont.
Mr Knightley stayed for dinner but announced that he would leave for London before breakfast the following day if Mrs Darcy did not mind. Elizabeth did not.
Jane and Charles waited patiently until the attorney had retired before they bombarded Elizabeth with questions about the deed and the will, much relieved there was no separation or a court trial in the offing. The reality quieted even the loquacious Mr Bingley, rendering him at an uncommon loss for words. Elizabeth was quietly reflective herself and chose to retire when the necessary particulars had been conveyed.
Elizabeth’s last thought for the night was that the deed and will had been signed on Elysande’s second birthday.
Chapter 15 A Heavy Heart
Elizabeth went to retrieve an overwrought Mrs Fitzwilliam from the Matlocks’ Derbyshire estate and brought her home to Pemberley. Her world had shattered as much as Elizabeth’s, if not more.
Georgiana spent much of her time apologising to Elizabeth, who tried to convince her there was no need, but she insisted to the point where Elizabeth could see the advantage of leaving her company. To occupy the young woman’s mind, she handed over the keys to Pemberley, begging her to take care of the household duties while she followed Mr and Mrs Bingley to town to purchase warmer attire for the coming winter. Elizabeth loathed being cold; she had endured enough of it in the draughty cottage to last her a lifetime. Garments could be acquired in Lambton, but Elizabeth wanted to go to London for another purpose.
Jane and Charles were ecstatic when Elizabeth announced she would accompany them to town and insisted she join them in their carriage. There was plenty of room. The Bingleys had journeyed to Pemberley with two carriages, and plans were made for their departure a week hence.
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London
Jane had forgotten to mention a trifling detail, namely Mrs Elliot née Bingley and her husband, Mr William Elliot, who were currently residing in the Hursts’ townhouse. The reunion was lukewarm at best. Elizabeth soon discovered that two and a half years was not enough time away from Mrs Caroline Elliot. She was now married to the heir presumptive of a baronetcy in Somersetshire, which, provided that the current baronet did not produce a male heir nor outlive him, would include both the baronetcy and Kellynch Hall. The current owner was a widower with three grown daughters and in excellent health. Mr Elliot’s aspirations might yet come to naught, but by Mrs Elliot’s account, it was already settled.
“I would have thought you would stay at your own townhouse, Mrs Darcy. I understand you have not had the opportunity to visit it yet.”
“No, I have not,” Elizabeth admitted.
“It is much larger than my brother’s and certainly more elegant.” Mrs Elliot smirked. “I wonder what could have persuaded you to choose Hurst’s humble abode.”
“I am removing to my townhouse on the morrow. Arriving at such a late hour, I thought it prudent to stay here for the night. Besides, Ellie and Charlie enjoy each other’s company so much. It would have been cruel to part them after they had both fallen asleep in the carriage. It is better for them to say their proper goodbyes when they awaken in the morning.”
“Yes, I heard you had a daughter,” Mrs Elliot remarked as an afterthought. “It must have been a taxing experience since it kept you away from town for three whole Seasons. Though I ran into Mr Darcy and dear Georgiana at many events around town.”
Mrs Elliot’s smile was anything but sincere, and the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head in Elizabeth’s imagination.
“It was difficult,” Elizabeth admitted. It was clear Mr Darcy had not given any explanation for her absence, else Mrs Elliot would not have needed to prod her.
“It must have been arduous to be unwell with all the renovations to the house disturbing your rest. I aided dear Georgiana on numerous occasions, picking out fabrics and colours.”
Elizabeth fought the impulse to shudder, though she doubted Mrs Elliot’s influence had been significant; the colours at Pemberley were subtle and delicate, traits that lady did not possess.
“Not at all. Pemberley is such a large estate that one need not be bothered if one has not the inclination,” Elizabeth replied with a disarming smile.
“Well, I admit I have a hankering to see it for myself now that the renovations are complete,” Mrs Elliot hinted, clearly hoping for an invitation. When Elizabeth said nothing, the lady asked, “Is Georgiana in town?”
“No, unfortunately not. She is busy with estate matters. I am certain you understand.” She had momentarily forgotten that Mr Elliot did not yet possess an estate. Mrs Elliot’s countenance soured, and she turned her attention to Jane, overlooking Elizabeth for the rest of the evening—an omission Elizabeth did not mind at all.
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The next morning
Darcy House on Grosvenor Square was impressive, adding to Elizabeth’s apprehension that she was being impertinent coming here without sending a message in advance. She could not help but fear she might have been rejected if she had.
The imposition had a just cause. She had come to offer her gratitude to her husband for securing her future and that of her daughter. She owed him as much. She knocked on the carriage roof to notify Mr Bingley’s footman that she was ready to alight. He handed her out and lifted Ellie into her mother’s arms. With a fortifying breath, she ascended the few steps and knocked on the door. A butler opened it and bade her enter.
“May I take your calling card, madam?”
“I am Mrs Darcy and this is Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, nearly giving the old butler an apoplexy.
The servant bowed deeply and asked whether there was any luggage to be brought in. Elizabeth confirmed that there was, and footmen were sent out to retrieve it.
