Mr. Darcy's Secret (2 page)

The carriage stopped in front of the smithy. Mr Darcy alighted first, before helping his bride down the steps to yet more cheers and greetings. Elizabeth was quite overawed, but managed to return the smiles of the happy faces around her. A crowd was gathering about them and around by the open doors of the forge as if in anticipation. Just in front was placed a gleaming anvil, polished for the occasion, with the ruddy-faced blacksmith in attendance, his large muscular arms folded across his chest. A well-dressed gentleman in clerical black stepped forward and was introduced to Elizabeth by Mr Darcy. A handsome young man, Mr Lloyd, the rector of Lambton church, cut a dashing figure--quite unlike any other clergyman Elizabeth thought she had ever met. He welcomed her to the village with a very pretty speech before explaining what was to happen next.

"We have a custom in these parts, Mrs Darcy, that when a new bride arrives at Pemberley House we celebrate this auspicious event by firing the anvil. If you will step this way, Mr and Mrs Darcy, I hope you shall enjoy what is to follow."

The blacksmith took charge, filling the central hole in the anvil with a small amount of black gunpowder, to which he added the end of a long piece of cord. The audience, which had swelled in number, now including the newlyweds, took up position at a safe distance, and as the blacksmith produced a flaming rushlight, a hushed silence fell on them all.

"Mrs Darcy, you might wish to cover your ears," pronounced Mr Lloyd, as the blacksmith set the end of the fuse alight. All but the bravest held their hands over their ears and waited, breathless, as the flame crept along the cord. As it reached the top of the anvil there was an audible intake of breath; then the flame slowed and looked as if it might go out, before it finally gathered pace to surprise them all with the biggest bang Elizabeth had ever heard. Shrieks, laughter, and exclamations of relief resulted as a consequence and the rector announced Mr and Mrs Darcy officially married. Lizzy and her husband offered their thanks, then moved amongst the crowd shaking hands with all their well-wishers who, without exception, greeted them with great affability.

"'Tis not only Pemberley weddings that are celebrated in this way, Mrs Darcy," said an elderly lady with a soft Derbyshire burr, who curtsied deferentially before Elizabeth, "but birthdays and christenings too. The heirs of Pemberley receive not only a wetting in the font, but a firing from the forge, and every birthday is remembered. God bless you, my dear. I hope we will not have to wait long before we have reason to celebrate at the smithy once more."

As she moved along Elizabeth blushed as she thought about the old lady's sentiments. The thought of a child, an heir to Pemberley, was not one she had ever considered before. Yet she knew that to provide children and an heir was one of the duties that would be expected of the new mistress of Pemberley. Still, she had been quite taken aback by such forthrightness. However, though Lizzy felt the impertinence of the woman's words, she realised that they had been spoken in true kindness. Touched by the welcome from the people, Elizabeth thought how lucky she was to have met and fallen in love with the man who inspired such affection. She turned to seek him out, realising that she had momentarily lost him in the crowd that gathered around them. However, she soon had him in her sights. Mr Darcy's unmistakable profile was highly visible, his head clearly seen above the multitude. His handsome face looked its best, his eyes crinkling with good humour, and his dark hair waving back over his forehead to fall in curls against his collar. What a striking figure he cut, all ease, though still retaining an air of stateliness. Lizzy could see him listening carefully to his tenants' words of advice and congratulations on the married state, receiving all their good wishes with grace and forbearance. His noble stature and his build, so evidently strong under the perfect cut of his black coat, were enough to overset her feelings. Not for the first time did she feel almost overwhelmed by the thought of all that would be expected of her by this powerful man, but she was determined to show him that in choosing her to be his bride, he had made the right decision. Despite the trepidation that she felt, she was confident that she would take it all in her stride.

Eventually, after thanking everyone again, with an extra show of gratitude to the rector and the blacksmith for their special ceremony, they took their leave, climbing back into the carriage for the last leg of the journey. Lizzy felt in high spirits; it had been so pleasurable to be addressed as Mrs Darcy, even if once or twice she had forgotten to respond, being quite unused to being called anything other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

As they bowled along, Elizabeth watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with excitement, and when, at length, they turned in at the lodge she could hardly contain the mixture of fear and elation that she felt inside. It was one matter to be greeted so kindly by the villagers, but what would the inhabitants of Pemberley House think of her arrival? And how was she to undertake the job she had to do now, as mistress of the house?

The park seemed larger than she remembered and the ascent through beautiful woodland just as memorable as it had been in August, even if the leaves now lay on the ground in drifts of russet and copper. Elizabeth's mind was too full for conversation, and when they found themselves arriving at the top of a considerable eminence where the wood ceased, she remembered with great anticipation the remarkable sight which next came into view. Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of the valley, was even bigger than she recalled. A large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, it was backed by a ridge of high wooded hills and fronted by a stream of natural beauty creating a perfect harmonious whole to Elizabeth's way of thinking.

"Welcome to Pemberley, my dearest Elizabeth; welcome to your new home," said Mr Darcy with an extra squeeze of her hand.

The smile Mrs Darcy bestowed on her husband expressed her feelings as well as any words, her face lighting up with pure joy. They descended the hill, crossed the bridge and drove to the door, and whilst contemplating the nearer aspect of the house, which she remembered so well, all her apprehensions returned as Lizzy observed the army of awaiting staff.

Georgiana Darcy was also waiting, standing solemnly in front of the house with her governess Mrs Annesley. Elizabeth was pleased to see that her new sister was as unassuming and gentle in her manners as she remembered. Miss Darcy was tall, her figure womanly and graceful, and though not as handsome as her brother, when she smiled there was good humour in her countenance. And yet, Elizabeth felt she could discern some want of spirit. Georgiana's eyes betrayed some traces of feeling, perhaps melancholy, her new sister decided. But once engaged in conversation, she seemed to brighten and Lizzy decided that the flicker of unhappiness she had witnessed had most likely been a symptom of apprehension. Georgiana was a shy girl at the best of times. Lizzy hoped above all things that they would continue to get along together as they had on their first meetings in the summer.

"I am so pleased to welcome you and my dear brother, and to see you both together is the pleasure I have most been looking forward to in the whole world," Georgiana said, curtseying before Elizabeth. She presented Mrs Annesley, who congratulated Mr and Mrs Darcy on their marriage before taking her leave to give her charge time to be with the Darcys by themselves.

"Mrs Darcy," Georgiana said, as if making an announcement, "the name sounds so lovely. I kept thinking all the while that there was to be a new Mrs Darcy at Pemberley and how thrilled everyone hereabout will be at the news."

"Everybody has been very kind," Elizabeth answered, "but I am relying on your help, Miss Darcy. My wish is for us to spend as much time as possible together. I hope you will consider taking me around Pemberley and teaching me all about your home."

"It will be my delight, Mrs Darcy."

"Oh, please, let us not be so formal--do call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy. After all, we are sisters."

"Then you must call me Georgiana also."

Elizabeth proffered her arm and so the sisters linked arms to sally forth, Georgiana performing the introductions to the butler and the steward. Mr Darcy stared after them with the realisation that he had been entirely forgotten, but thought how glad he was to see the two women he loved best in the world getting to know each other so amicably and under such congenial circumstances.

Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper, next came forward, her expression clearly showing that she remembered Elizabeth from her former visit. With the same deferential goodwill she had been shown in the village, the old lady bade her much fortune and happiness in her new home.

"Mrs Darcy, I hope you will find everything to your satisfaction. If there is anything I can do for you to increase your comfort, you have only to ask; I am here to serve you, ma'am."

Elizabeth was on the point of replying, offering her thanks and assuring her housekeeper of her willingness to help in any household matters where Mrs Reynolds might require her assistance, when somewhere in the distance a loud boom echoed across the hills followed by several smaller blasts.

Lizzy looked with some alarm toward her husband. "Good heavens, what on earth was that? It sounded louder than the blacksmith's firing."

"I daresay Jack Rudge had a spot of gunpowder left over and thought he'd frighten them all again," said Mrs Reynolds, gesturing the way forward. "Please come along in, Mrs Darcy, it's far too cold to be standing outside."

Elizabeth looked up at her husband who had made no comment. He was looking toward the hills in the direction of Lambton with quite a scowl on his countenance.

"What does Rudge think he is doing?" demanded Mr Darcy, whose question was clearly rhetorical.

Mrs Darcy entered the hall with half a mind on Mrs Reynolds's unceasing conversation and half on that of Mr Darcy. She was more than a little surprised to see how quickly her husband's mood appeared to have altered and was, for an instant, reminded of the proud and disagreeable man she had first met in Hertfordshire.

However, Mr Darcy's spirits were soon restored when he saw Elizabeth's reaction to her new surroundings. They followed Mrs Reynolds into the dining-parlour, a large, well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, remembering the view from her last visit, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. Crowned with wood, the hill from which they had descended was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good, and she looked on the whole scene, at the river, the trees scattered on its banks, and the winding of the valley with undisguised delight. Mrs Reynolds quickly excused herself, saying she would send their nuncheon along in a moment, for she was sure they must be famished from their journey. Georgiana followed her out of the room, keen to make herself useful and make sure that everything was in order for Elizabeth's first meal at Pemberley.

Elizabeth stood looking at the scene with every appearance of rapture. "I think I must be dreaming," she said, looking up at Mr Darcy, who joined her to stand at her side. "To think that I shall be able to enjoy this vista whenever I choose. Oh, Fitzwilliam, I have rarely seen such beauties of landscape. I know I shall be so happy here; indeed, how could anyone ever be unhappy faced with this outlook every day? You won't ever take me away, will you?"

Mr Darcy smiled at her with the particular smile that he seemed only to reserve for her, especially in their private moments. "I will keep you here forever, Mrs Darcy, I promise, though I expect after a month or two, when the winter becomes severe and you tell me that you cannot keep warm, and that the gossips hereabout have dried up all their tales, you'll be begging me for more varied society."

"I do not think I could ever tire of Pemberley, Fitzwilliam, and I'm certain the society here will be exactly what I wish. To be holed up here in winter by a cosy fire with you is exactly the sort of society I crave."

"Do you not wish to go to London for the season?" asked Mr Darcy, clearly astonished. "I thought all young women love to go to London, if not for society, at least for the shopping! And it may be selfish, but I wish to show off my wife at all the assemblies in town."

"I should like to go one day, but now we are here, I would much prefer to stay put, at least for a while. Indeed, I cannot think of anywhere I should be tempted to go. I know I have a lot to learn about the running of a grand house and I want to do it well. I wish you to be proud of your wife, Mr Darcy."

"I rather thought my being proud was one of the traits you despised in me," he answered, looking her straight in the eye but with a twinkle in his own.

"Indeed, Mr Darcy, to be proud of your wife, I believe, shows you have no improper pride. To have pride in a spouse displays a certain satisfaction and contentment, respect even, for your life partner. I do not think you guilty of vanity or conceit for having pride in me."

Mr Darcy laughed. "I thought you might see it that way, my dearest, Elizabeth." His voice softened as he added, "I am very proud of you, Mrs Darcy."

Mrs Reynolds returned at that moment, followed by Georgiana, with two housemaids bringing plates of cold meat, warm bread rolls, slabs of fruitcake, and a dish of rosy apples.

"I think we had best make the most of our solitude today," said Mr Darcy, inviting his wife and sister to join him at the table with a gesture of his hand. "No doubt we shall be inundated with visitors over the next few days or so. My neighbours will be anxious to call on the new bride. Will you mind very much being scrutinised by the entire district, do you think?"

"I suppose I had better get used to the idea of being an object of interest. You are an important man, and the families in the vicinity are bound to be curious about the woman who has shackled herself to a man who requires so much in the way of accomplishments. I hope I do not disappoint them."

Elizabeth grinned at Georgiana, who looked so shocked that anyone could speak to her brother in such a fashion and not be scolded for it that Lizzy started to laugh.

"Your teasing is too severe, Elizabeth," replied Mr Darcy. "I suppose you are referring to that conversation so long ago in which I claimed I knew only a half dozen accomplished ladies."

Elizabeth's expression was serious, as she gave full attention to her apple. With movements deft and precise, Mr Darcy watched the ribbon of peel grow longer as Lizzy pared the fruit with her knife. She looked up for a moment, her large dark eyes sparkling at him from under fine, arched brows. "I am sure I shall be a great curiosity," she said at last. "People will be bound to quiz me as to the extent of my knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, the modern languages, and whatever else an accomplished woman should possess." She paused to look up with a bemused expression in Georgiana's direction and rested a single finger on her rosy cheek. "Now, what else must she have? Ah, yes, I remember, she must be endowed with a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, to but half deserve the word."

"Oh dear, do not remind me. I know I was a party to this conversation," declared Darcy with a groan. "I really was unbearably disparaging. Tell me, Mrs Darcy, how could you have tied yourself to such an abominably impossible man?"

"Truly, I cannot say, except to add that I fell in love with him despite all his faults, which are lately much improved. And I think the people who know you best will understand why I married you. Indeed, I have no regrets and I have no intention of disappointing your neighbours. They will see distinction and accomplishment, I promise."

"And what is more, they will see the most beautiful woman in all of Derbyshire. Do you not agree, Georgiana?" said Mr Darcy.

Georgiana spoke up at once. "Yes, I do. I think Elizabeth the most beautiful lady of my acquaintance."

A knock at the door interrupted the conversation and a maidservant appeared with a salver. "Please sir, this letter's just come by express."

Fitzwilliam Darcy picked up the letter and Elizabeth witnessed a frown instantly change his congenial expression as he examined the handwriting. He nodded at the servant, muttered his thanks and waited until the latter departed before tearing open the seal. Elizabeth watched as he instantly fell silent, his mouth setting in a hard line. She began to feel quite fearful. Darcy's colour was rising in his cheeks, his dark eyes flashing beneath his black brows. His agitation increased with every word read, until finally, in a spontaneous act of temper, he tore the offending missive into shreds, managing simultaneously to send a glass flying across the room to shatter onto the stone hearth in a thousand brittle shards.

"And this is her letter of congratulation and felicitation on the event of my marriage, is it? Does she imagine that I crave her approbation; that I even care for her opinion? This is insufferable, an unspeakable affront of the vilest kind!"

"Fitzwilliam, what on earth is the matter?" Elizabeth put out her hand to cover her husband's as a gesture of concern.

Darcy instantly withdrew his hand before Elizabeth had a chance to touch him, and immediately rising, he marched over to the fire to scatter the offending scraps of paper into the flames. He stood for a moment before the fender, his head bowed and shoulders hunched in an attitude of defeat. But in the next second Elizabeth saw his change in posture; he seemed taller than ever as he turned in an attitude of defiance. Now in total command of his emotions, his voice cut through the air like a steel knife after sharpening on a wet stone. "Never will she return to Pemberley whilst I am living," he declared darkly. "I have been insulted by every method and I will have no more of it."

Elizabeth ran to his side. She was very concerned, not only by his alarming behaviour, but also because Georgiana was becoming increasingly distressed. "Please, my love," she whispered, "Georgiana is very upset. May I ask what has disturbed you so?"

"Forgive me, Elizabeth, Georgiana, but I was overcome by my feelings for a moment. I did not mean to worry you. I have received a communication of the direst sort, so despicable that I would rather not have you know its contents. My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a lady you know who does not hold back when divulging her true opinions, has chosen to insult me in such a way as can never be excused. She has made her thoughts quite clear and I feel I have no choice but to act on them. I am only sorry that the last link with my dear mother's family must finally be severed."

"Dearest, come now, think what you are saying," said Elizabeth, who was stricken by her husband's appearance. "I daresay she was not in her right mind when she wrote the letter. We both know that Lady Catherine was far from happy about the news of our engagement, and we would be fooling ourselves if we thought that the event of our marriage was going to make her sanguine. She is angry, but her displeasure need not affect our happiness. Dearest, please do not be upset."

Although calmer, Mr Darcy's anger did not subside, his complexion paled and the disturbance of his mind became visible in every feature. "That woman has slighted you in an abuse of words that I would not use against my worst enemy and she has irrevocably offended me for the last time, Mrs Darcy. No one speaks of my wife and my family in such despicable terms and gets away with it. That is my last word on the matter."