A Royal Bennet (14 page)

“Lucy traveled with my husband and his sister
when they journeyed to Town. Lucy’s family is near
London, and it was decided she deserved an extended
holiday with them. We pray she will return to us,
though, after all that has happened, I can understand
if she desires to find employment elsewhere.”

“If she desires a change in employment, I would be
pleased to see she finds a suitable position.” Darcy
stated.

Elizabeth’s eyes dart upwards, finally meeting his.
She is shocked at his willingness to be involved in
such matters of someone else’s home. Quickly, though,
her eyes turn down towards her lap. She was
confused by his behavior, as it was not like the man
she had met at Netherfield.

“Miss Elizabeth, I have not yet thanked you for
your kindness to me when we met in London. I am
grateful for your rescuing me, for you most likely
saved my life.”

“Well, if my cousin were here, at the moment, he
would most likely tell you it was due to the robbers
striking my head, which protected me. He has oft
times declared that I have a hard head.” Darcy smiled.
“My only wish was that I had been able to thank you
before now. My sister is wishing to thank you as well.”

“You need not have put yourself out so much to
thank me, Mr Darcy. You were injured, and could
have been killed. I am certain your sister will not
wish to meet me, let alone thank me, for being
responsible for your being wounded.”

Darcy frowned. “Miss Elizabeth, I did not come
here out of a sense of appreciation for your rescuing
me. After speaking with my sister and cousin, I
realized the feelings I have towards you deserved to
be spoken and experienced. You are an amazing
young lady, and I find that my love and admiration for
you has only grown.”

Tears began to fill Elizabeth’s eyes. Looking at the
man before her, Elizabeth was at a loss for
understanding his words. “Mr Darcy, you declared me
not handsome enough to tempt you into dancing, yet
now, now you state you love and admire me. This
cannot be true.” Elizabeth stood quickly, leaving the
room before Darcy could react.

Mrs Gardiner knew part of her niece’s behavior
was due to the many changes in her life in the past
fortnight. Though Elizabeth had always been strong
and able to cope, there had been so many changes
piled upon each other.

“My niece is experiencing insecurity at the
moment, Mr Darcy. Not only has she been abducted,
she learned the truth of her heritage and why the
woman, whom she has thought of as her mother, has
always hated her. She needs time to determine who
she is and what all of this means to her. Everything
she has known is now changed.”

“None of the changes make any difference to me,
she is the same young lady who took hold of my
heart.”

“I understand your words, but you need to realize
how Elizabeth is struggling. All of her life, she has
endured Fanny’s treatment of her, telling her time and
again that she was not as good as Jane or Lydia. She
has taken all the hateful comments from Fanny and
kept positive. Elizabeth has always accepted that her
mother did not like her, presuming that it was due to
Elizabeth being her father’s favorite. She now knows
that she was not Fanny’s child, that Jane is not her
twin sister, and that she is the natural child of Thomas
and the woman who should have been his wife. And
then to know that her mother was royalty, though
minor royalty, is difficult as well. She has relations
she has never known, and who would love to meet
her. And Elizabeth is angry over Fanny’s behavior
which destroyed Thomas’ chance of marrying for love.
But, Elizabeth told me, if Fanny had not married
Thomas as they did, Jane would not be here. And Jane
has been Elizabeth’s dearest friend and beloved sister.
Lizzy could not imagine life without Jane.”

“I must admit that I was shocked when I learned
the truth from Mr Bennet. My cousin was certain of
the emblem, on the back of Miss Elizabeth’s cross,
being a royal seal. I could not imagine how it could
have been. But it does not change how I feel towards
her. It never will. You have my promise, I will not
cause her any harm. While everyone is visiting
Pemberley, I only wish for Miss Elizabeth to come to
know me better. I realize we have not had much time
to court, and that is what I wish to do. But I will take
my time, give her all the support she needs.”

“It might take quite some time. Are you willing to
allow her all the time she needs to feel confident once
again?”

Darcy nodded again. “So long as she will allow me
to be there for her, should she need me, I can wait for
her as long as she needs.”

Chapter 10
Every few moments, Georgiana Darcy walked over
to the window which overlooked the road leading to
the front of the main house of Pemberley. She had
received a missive from her brother, stating they
would be arriving by the afternoon, and it was nearly
dark outside.

Having checked the details for the guest rooms
and meals with the housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds,
Georgiana practiced on the pianoforte, until she grew
so nervous, she could no longer sit still. Then she
paced about the room, and attempting to conjure her
brother and his party in front of her.

Georgiana was nervous. She was excited to finally
meet Elizabeth Bennet, the lady who had won her
brother’s heart, yet she was nervous that she would
lose her place in Darcy’s heart when he married.
Georgiana had never really known her mother, and
she was a child when their father died. Her beloved
brother was more like a parent than he was a brother,
as he was much older than she. What would she do if
her brother were to change, and not wish to share his
time with her? Her heart was pulled in different
directions. But her greatest wish was for her brother
to be happy.

Finally, she heard the sounds of carriages on the
front road. Georgiana hurried to the window to
confirm what she had heard, and then raced down the
stairs and out the front door. By then, the carriage
had come to a complete stop. Richard exited first,
standing aside as Darcy made his way from the
carriage. As Elizabeth stepped down, Richard and
Darcy were on either side of her, assisting her. Mrs
Gardiner stepped down, with assistance from Richard.
Elizabeth waited for her father and sister to exit the
second carriage and join the party. Taking her aunt’s
arm, Elizabeth nervously walked towards the house.

As the carriages had entered the park, Darcy had
the drivers stop at the top of one of the hills, allowing
the Bennets and Mrs Gardiner one of the best views of
the estate. Elizabeth gasped at the size of the estate
and the beauty of it. It was as if the estate had
materialized from one of her dreams. There were
woods and a river, a small lake, and many wonderful
gardens. Far from being ornate and showy, the main
house appeared to be functional and well designed.
The gardens blended in with the natural beauty of the
land, making them appear to have developed
naturally. To Elizabeth, she had died and gone to
heaven. Her only problem would be in choosing
which area to discover first.

Now, standing before the stairs leading into the
grand house, Elizabeth was nervous. She had never
visited inside such a grand house, let alone stay in
one. How was she to behave in such wealth and
beauty?

Georgiana came hurrying towards her brother and
cousin. “Wills, you are well. I have prayed for all of
you every day you have been away. And Richard, you
are well?” She turned from embracing Darcy and
found herself wrapped in Richard’s arms. In
Georgiana’s opinion, there was no one who made her
feel as safe and secure as Richard did when he
embraced her. His arms held her to his chest, and a
warmth flowed through her.

Darcy smiled at his sister’s sweet smile as Richard
held her. It was clear, from the smile and her closed
eyes, Georgiana was pleased to have them home.
“Georgie, please allow me to introduce you to our
guests.” He took her hand and led her to the others in
the group. “Georgiana, this is Mr Thomas Bennet of
Longbourn, Mrs Helen Gardiner of London, Miss Jane
Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Mr Bennet, Mrs
Gardiner, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, this is my
beloved sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

It was clear to everyone that the Darcy siblings
were close. The smile Darcy wore when looking at his
sister was genuine and even showed that the man had
dimples.

Nervously, Georgiana went about her duties as the
hostess for her brother. “Mr Bennet, ladies, it is my
pleasure to welcome you to Pemberley. I have
requested refreshments, or, would you prefer to
retire to your rooms to refresh first?”

Mrs Gardiner stepped closer to Georgiana. “Miss
Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you. I believe some
refreshments would be delightful, would you not
agree, Mr Bennet?”

“Ah, yes, I know something to drink would be
perfect at the moment.” Mr Bennet said, smiling at the
girl. He wished to make her comfortable, for it was
obvious she was shy.

Georgiana found it difficult to be as outgoing as
she was being, as her natural shyness begged her to
retreat behind her brother and Richard, allowing
them to do all the talking. But she knew the men
would be proud of her for making such an effort. She
looked at Elizabeth Bennet, and was surprised to see a
similar sense of shyness coming from her. From what
Darcy had told his sister, she had gathered that
Elizabeth was outgoing and easily comfortable with
others. Had something happened during her situation
which led to the young lady before her to be
uncomfortable?

Jane and Elizabeth entered the grand house, arm
in arm, and both wearing identical expressions of
awe. Yet, as grand as the house was, it was quality, not
ornate. The furnishings and décor were tasteful and
comfortable, welcoming the people into the rooms
and to sit upon the chairs and sofa. The furnishings
showed signs of wear, as if they were used frequently
over some time, which spoke volumes. Obviously, the
family enjoyed these rooms and used them frequently,
preferring the comfort rather than showing off their
wealth by having the latest style in décor and
furnishings. Elizabeth was pleased to see she had
judged Darcy wrong in this matter. During the trip to
Pemberley, Elizabeth had imagined all sorts of
expensive and uncomfortable furniture and hideous
designs in the décor.

After taking some tea and biscuits in the drawing
room, the group then retired to the rooms they were
assigned, to refresh and relax until dinner. Hot water
had been made ready for the guests, which was
accepted by all, allowing them to wash before
dressing for dinner.

The room Elizabeth was given was near the family
wing. It was the largest bedroom Elizabeth had ever
seen, and it was for her alone to use. Never in her life
had Elizabeth had such luxury. The room was pale
yellow, with flowers decorating the wall fabric. The
bed was made of mahogany, the deep and rich color
and texture was delightful. The bed clothes were pale
yellow as well, plump down pillows and blanket were
calling for her to sink into their depths.

Attached to the bedchamber was a dressing room,
unlike anything Elizabeth had ever seen. It was
divided into two sections, with an area to place her
clothing on one side, a table with a peer glass at the
end, and on the other half, a bathing chamber. There
was a fireplace near the bathing tub, with hooks to
hang the kettle to heat water. There would be no
need for anyone to haul heated water from the
kitchen, the water was heated in the very room in
which it was to be used. It had always worried
Elizabeth to have people carry steaming hot water up
stairs, as, when she was a child, she witnessed a maid
slip and fall, scalding herself terribly with the water.
The maid was left with scars from the burns.

In the corner of the bedchamber was a desk, with
a bookcase built on top of it. Inside the bookcase
were several books, including some of Elizabeth’s
favorites. Did Mr Darcy plan such a treat for her?
How would he know her favorite books and authors?
Finally, Elizabeth convinced herself that it was a
coincidence and thought no more of the matter.
Beside the desk was a door, which lead to a balcony.
Opening the door, Elizabeth stepped outside to take in
the view. It was magnificent. Though it was cold and
becoming dark, the smell of the air and what she
could see of the gardens delighted Elizabeth
tremendously.

A knock on the door brought Elizabeth back from
her thoughts. A young lady entered the room by way
of the dressing chamber. “Forgive me, Miss, but Miss
Darcy requested I be your personal maid while you
visit. My name is Rose.”

Elizabeth blushed. She had never had a maid
before, as Jane had always assisted her in dressing
and pinning up her hair. “That is not necessary, Rose.
My sister will be able to assist me.”

“Oh, but Miss Darcy has made arrangements for all
three of you ladies to have maids of your own. My
sister is to tend your sister, and Maggie is to tend your
aunt.”

Again, Elizabeth was amazed at the generosity of
the Darcys. “I have never had a maid before.” She said
softly. “We had one maid to assist my sisters and me,
and my youngest sister always monopolized the
maid’s time.”

“Well, you shall have a treat then. Now, I was told
you were injured, and that you are to keep your arm
in a sling at all times. Mrs Reynolds gave me some
different pieces of cloth which we can use to make
slings, some will match the colors of the gowns you
have. Would you prefer to take a bath tonight, or wait
until tomorrow? As you have been on the road all
day, I thought you might wish to wash all the dirt off
tonight.”