Page 107 of The Slipper Scandal
The late spring evening cast long shadows across the grounds of Pemberley, the last golden rays of sunlight filtering through the library windows. In the private sitting room adjoining their bedchamber, Elizabeth Darcy reclined comfortably on the settee, a letter in her hands, while her husband sat beside her, his arm draped casually across her shoulders.
"Shall I read you the latest from Arabella?" Elizabeth asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "It arrived this afternoon while you were meeting with Mr. Whitley about the eastern fence."
"By all means," her husband William replied, setting aside the book he had been reading. "I trust Fitzwilliam and his family are well?"
Elizabeth smiled as she unfolded the letter, the familiar handwriting of her dearest friend bringing immediate warmth. "Let us see . . . 'My dearest Lizzy,'" she began reading aloud.
Life at Ashfield has been anything but dull this past fortnight. Richard has taken it upon himself to teach Edward to ride, a venture which has resulted in more mud on my husband's clothing and in our entry than I have ever seen. You would hardly recognize the dignified Colonel Fitzwilliam in the man who returned to the house yesterday, covered head to toe in pond water after Edward's pony decided a cool bath was preferable to learning to jump and Richard had to go in after him.
William chuckled, the sound a deep rumble against Elizabeth's side. "I believe Richard has found his true calling as a father. Far more rewarding than military service, though perhaps equally as hazardous."
"Indeed," Elizabeth agreed with a smile, continuing to read.
But the best comedic performance came three days ago when Richard attempted to demonstrate to our daughters how a proper gentleman courts a lady. Victoria apparently found his elaborate bow so ridiculous that she collapsed in giggles and Anna told her papa that he looked like a duck trying to peek at worms. I have never seen my husband's face turn quite that shade of red before.
The mental image was so vivid that both Elizabeth and William laughed outright, their shared mirth echoing in the comfortable room.
Oh, and you will appreciate this, Lizzy. Last week, Anna was playing in the rose garden when she lost one of her slippers among the hedges. Richard found it and, with the most ridiculous solemnity, presented it to her on bended knee. We have been reading those Brothers Grimm tales you sent Victoria for her birthday, and she immediately declared that her father was behaving like the prince from Aschenputtel. Then she informed us quite seriously that you and Mr. Darcy were like the real Aschenputtel, because of how you met in a garden with a lost slipper. I told her your story was far more romantic, that Mr. Darcy did not paint the ground with pitch so that you would lose your shoe, though Richard claims that he was far more gallant than your husband when returning a lady’s shoe to her.
William's lips quirked into a smile. "I cannot say he is wrong."
Elizabeth smiled up at her husband. "And I shall say that Victoria's comparison is not entirely inaccurate. We do have our own fairy tale, albeit with rather more béchamel than the Brothers Grimm version."
"And a much happier ending, I should hope," William added with a raised eyebrow. “No bloodshed required.”
“Other than Lord Ellington’s,” Elizabeth teased. "Lady Jersey managed to receive her due.” She turned back to the letter.
We received word from Jane last week. She and Mr. Bingley have finalized their plans for the summer visit to Pemberley, and we willall travel the last few miles of the journey together. The children are beside themselves with excitement. Edward speaks of nothing but fishing, and Victoria has been practicing her pianoforte diligently to impress her Uncle Darcy.I am told that little Charles, Clarissa, and Christopher are eagerly anticipating our arrival.
Her husband's expression softened at the mention of all the children. "Victoria plays remarkably well for her age. It shall be a pleasure to hear how she has progressed. And most of the boys will be old enough to join us for fishing this year."
We intend to join you as planned on the first of July. Richard has already begun making lists of all the excursions he wishes to take with Mr. Darcy, most involving horses and considerable distances. I have informed him that he is not, under any circumstances, to lead your Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley into his typical adventures which are nothing but trouble, however I fear my admonishments fall on deaf ears.
The children speak of nothing but Pemberley. Edward wishes to know if William has improved his archery skills, while Victoria is determined to show Bennet the collection of butterflies she has been preserving in the manner you taught her last summer. I have explained that at threeyears of age, Bennet may not yet appreciate the scientific significance of her work, but she remains undeterred.
Elizabeth paused in her reading, a smile playing at her lips. "Our Bennet shall be thoroughly educated by his older cousins, it seems."
“And us, I should hope. The last time they were all here, Fitzwilliam, Bingley, and I planned an elaborate distraction involving biscuit dough, a treasure map, and your Aunt Gardiner’s sewing basket.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “I recall. I also recall William refusing to come inside for dinner because he had not yet located the treasure.”
“Fitzwilliam’s fault,” he said. “I look forward to the day when our own children are so well-mannered that strategy becomes unnecessary.”
“That is rather hopeful,” Elizabeth replied, laughing. “Ellie was teaching Bennet how to ‘liberate’ jam from the larder just this morning.”
"She is a clever girl,” William agreed, brushing a stray curl from Elizabeth’s forehead with gentle fingers. “Like her namesake.”
She smiled at him and pointedly returned to the letter.
I must conclude, as Richard has just returned from the village with what appears to be another puppy, heaven help us. This makes the third in as many months, and I fear we shall soon be overrun. He claims it was Edward who begged forit, but the gleam in my husband's eye betrays him completely. Some battles, as you well know, are simply not worth fighting.
Give my love to Mr. Darcy and the children. Kiss little Bennet for me, remind William that he promised to write to Edward about the fox cubs he discovered, and tell dear Ellie that Victoria has sewn her a beaded reticule, which she shall bring when we visit.
Until July, my dearest friend, I remain yours affectionately,
Arabella Fitzwilliam
Elizabeth folded the letter with a contented sigh. "It will be wonderful to have them all here for the summer. I must write to my mother tomorrow. She will wish to know that everyone is coming, though she no longer wishes to travel herself, even in the summer.” She smiled. “How are your aunt and uncle? Is Bath all they hoped? Is Georgiana enjoying herself?”
