Women of Pemberley (20 page)

"The simple life they set out to lead, quite deliberately, seems to have nourished them and nurtured their children in the best possible way. They are so cheerful and happy," he observed.
"Except Isabella, who has never been the same since Edward's death," said Elizabeth quietly, and Darcy agreed.
"Yes, Fitzwilliam has been very concerned about her."
Elizabeth knew that Caroline had been anxious too. "She has been quite disinterested in any proposal of marriage. I believe there have been one or two, but she would have none of them. I am truly delighted to see her so happy," she said. "But Isabella is a restless soul and, unlike Cassy or Emma, she will not settle into quiet domesticity. I know she feels very strongly about the poor and the sick. Once she is married to a man of some character and dedication, she is likely to want to go out and do something to change the world."
Darcy pointed out that, in doing so, Isabella would only be following the excellent example of her parents, both of whom had spent many years in active public service and still continued their interest in the affairs of their community. "I have never ceased to be amazed at Caroline's ability to throw herself with great enthusiasm into campaigns for political and social causes. It was understandable when Fitzwilliam was in Parliament, but she has not reduced her efforts since he retired," he said.
"No, indeed, she has not," said Elizabeth, "and I understand they've had a great success recently. I am told Rebecca and Caroline have received a promise of assistance from the council for the extension of the Kympton parish school."
Darcy smiled. "Yes, indeed, that is a great achievement," he agreed, adding, "and I have been petitioned for permission to hold a fete for the benefit of the Irish families. Emily declares that the children need clothes and shoes for the Winter."
"You will have no objection, will you, dearest?" Elizabeth asked, a little anxiously.
Darcy shook his head and said, "Of course not, I am delighted we can help. I have said they can use the lower meadow and ask my staff for any assistance they may need. The fate of the Irish families, the way the government ignores them, is a stain upon this nation, and I shall be very happy if Pemberley can make a contribution to their welfare."
It had always been important to him that Pemberley, which stood at the very heart of this community, should assist its people in dealing with their problems. He saw the sick, the homeless, and the dispossessed as part of his responsibility, not as the inevitable detritus of change and progress. Having grown up in a comfortable and cohesive social environment, he was outraged by the fracturing of that society and strove to build a sense of harmony around Pemberley and its neighbouring estates. While there was still much to be done, they had achieved a great deal through the work of many dedicated men and women, but chiefly as a result of the inspiration and leadership of the Master of Pemberley.
Glancing up at him, Elizabeth caught a hint of regret--the merest shadow--cross his face. She wondered at the reason for it, but before she could say anything, he sighed and said, "Lizzie, my dear, I wish I had been more successful in interesting Julian in the work we do here. He's clever and popular; he could help us achieve a great deal, especially with the young people."
She knew, then, the cause of his disappointment. Their son, while he was an amiable and intelligent young man, had as yet shown little interest in his father's grand obsession. Pemberley was for him a comfortable home; he loved the place but did not appear to share Darcy's sense of vocation. There was no doubt his father was disappointed.
Elizabeth's heart went out to him. "Julian is only seventeen. I know he loves Pemberley. Give him time, I am sure he will not disappoint you," she said.
Gratefully, he held her close and said, "I expect you are right, Lizzie. I forget that he is still a boy."
Elizabeth steered him towards a happier subject. "I think you can be very proud of what we have achieved. Has Richard told you he intends to nominate himself for election to the hospital board?"
Darcy's countenance brightened. "Indeed, he has, and I have promised to speak to Sir Thomas and a couple of others about it. I hope he succeeds; he is very keen and will work hard for the hospital and the community. He is very impressed with the work of Joseph Lister, and I have offered to fund his pet research project on bacteria and antisepsis--that should help him get the board's attention."
Delighted, Elizabeth embraced him warmly before reminding him that the Fitzwilliams breakfasted earlier than they did at Pemberley and she had better attend to her toilette at once, lest they disrupt the entire household.
Sometime later, when they had finished breakfast and the mist had cleared, Elizabeth and Jane went out into the garden, where they found Cassy, anxious because they had not heard from home. "Richard has ridden down to discover if all is well," she said. "Papa and Mr Bingley are down in the lower meadow with Colonel Fitzwilliam."
Caroline had followed them out into the sunshine. "Emma and James have only just come downstairs," she said with a smile, adding mischievously, "They must be accustomed to the luxury of late breakfasts at Standish Park."
Everyone laughed, but it was an indulgent, affectionate laugh; no one grudged Emma even the smallest scrap of happiness.
"Caroline, where is Isabella? Is she enjoying a late morning, too?" asked Jane.
"No, not at all; she was up and about before any of us. She had promised Henry she would be at the hospital today. They are treating a number of the schoolchildren who have developed a nasty rash by playing in the hay. Their mothers are bringing them in and Isabella has prepared a lotion of witch hazel and camomile."
"But with the road blocked, how will she get there?" asked Elizabeth.
"On horseback, of course. She rides well and was quite determined that she would go. She would not let Henry down," said Caroline, and, seeing the smiles on the faces of her cousins, she added, "She is a mature young woman, Lizzie. I cannot forbid her."
"Of course not, Caroline, nor should you. As I said to Darcy this morning, Isabella will always want to be doing something to change the world."
Caroline laughed, "You are absolutely right, Lizzie. Just the other day she was telling me she envied her brother David because he could do so many exciting things. When I asked her what in particular, she said, quite seriously, 'Mama, would it not be wonderful to go to Africa, like Dr Livingston?'"
Jane was shocked. "Africa? Surely she cannot be serious?"
Caroline was quite sanguine. "She was, but that was before Henry proposed. I do not think Africa will be as attractive a proposition now, but I do believe Henry once wanted to go to India to work on the missions, so I shall not be too surprised if they decide to do something quite extraordinary."
Remembering her conversation with Darcy that morning, Elizabeth was quite sure that Isabella would surprise them all.
Minutes later, Richard returned and, to Cassy's great relief, declared that everyone at home was well. "Were they worried when we did not return last night?" she asked.
To their surprise, he said, "No, they were not, because on his way home last night, Henry Forrester rode all the way there to tell them what had happened, which is why Mrs Morris did not send one of the men over to investigate."
Elizabeth shook her head; she could hardly believe it. This was surely well beyond the call of duty. Cassandra assured her that it was exactly the kind of thing Henry would do. Indeed, Isabella would expect it of him.

A few weeks later, Richard and Cassandra arrived at Pemberley with the good news. The governing board had appointed Richard to manage the hospital and conduct a research program into sanitation and antisepsis. On the basis of a paper he had presented to them, they were willing to let him put in place a program of hospital hygiene, which he had claimed would save patients' lives and protect their staff from infection.

Elizabeth and Darcy were delighted. "I always knew you would succeed, Richard," Elizabeth said when the initial excitement had subsided.
"No one who knows Richard's dedication to his work could have doubted that he would," said Darcy, but, he added, it would have been no easy task to convince the conservative members of the hospital board.
Richard admitted that he had had doubts himself. "But the evidence I presented was so overwhelming and, with your generous offer to fund the research program, sir, they had to agree that it was worth trying," he declared. "I did tell them that their hospital could become a leader in the Midlands, if we succeed." His eyes were bright with the eagerness of the enthusiast who is convinced he has the right solution to a problem.
It was a quality Mr Darcy admired and Cassandra loved. She was immensely proud of her husband. Elizabeth understood how much Darcy loved his son-in-law; he shared his conviction and willed him to succeed. He would gladly help him in any way possible.
Cassandra then informed them that they had to go away to London, where Richard was to attend the great teaching hospital, Barts, for a term in order to prepare himself for the position he was to hold at Matlock. "This is a great honour, Mama," she explained, "and we are indebted to Daniel Lambert's father, Sir Tristram. He arranged it through his cousin, who is on the board."
The rest of the evening was spent in discussing preparations for their departure, especially since Cassandra wished to accompany her husband and take her younger children with them.
Naturally, Darcy offered them the use of his town house in Portman Square, which would save them having to take all their servants along. Cassy was overjoyed and very grateful, "Oh, thank you, Papa. That means I need only take Nurse Marsh and Lucy," said Cassy, embracing both her parents and promising to write regularly.
As they were leaving, Julian, who had been out riding with friends, returned in time to wish them farewell and promise to visit them in London, where he expected to be with some friends fairly soon.
His mention of the name Henry Wickham in this context startled both Darcy and Elizabeth, but when he said no more, they asked no questions until they were at dinner and Julian returned to the topic. "This fellow Wickham, he has a house in London and has invited us up there."
Darcy's countenance grew dark as he said abruptly, "Julian, if you wish to go to London, you can stay at Portman Square with your sister. There is no need at all for you to stay with this ... this person."
Julian looked surprised, and his expression changed to one of astonishment when his father went on, "I absolutely forbid you to see this fellow."
Julian opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Elizabeth intervened, "Julian, I think you should talk to Papa after dinner about this; if this man is the same Wickham..."
"Of course it is the same Wickham--he has to be George Wickham's son," snapped Darcy, who was now so angry that he could barely speak. He had almost conquered what had been a quick temper, but when it came to the Wickhams intruding upon his family, he could not be sure of controlling it.
Elizabeth tried again, "Dearest, I think you should have a talk with Julian--after dinner. I know he will understand why you feel as you do, once he knows all the facts."
Realising that he was embarrassing her before the servants, Darcy agreed, and Julian, taking his cue from his mother, said no more.
Grateful that they had avoided an unseemly fuss, Elizabeth said nothing. When they repaired to the drawing room, she noted that father and son were soon deep in conversation at one end of the room while she sat at a side table and completed her letters. There was no further mention of Wickham.
Julian spent some time at the piano but grew bored with it, said goodnight, and went upstairs.
Later, in their bedroom, Darcy suddenly apologized. "Lizzie, my dearest, I am sorry about this evening. I should have known better. I never meant to embarrass you. Will you forgive me?"
She smiled and took his hand. "What is there to forgive? We, all of us, and you most of all, have every reason to be angry with Wickham. I can understand that perfectly. I was only concerned that Julian did not know why you were displeased and was bewildered and confused by your anger and your order forbidding him to see this young man."
Darcy was contrite. "I know it was stupid of me to lose my temper. It is just that I could not bear to think of anybody connected to Wickham having anything to do with our son. Henry Wickham is apparently staying with friends in the Bakewell area; Julian has met him at the Camden's place. Aware of his father's example, I do not believe that the son will be a suitable companion for Julian."
She made it clear that she understood him completely and was further reassured when he explained that he had given Julian some, but not all, of the background of Mr Wickham's activities and obtained from him a promise he would not accept his son's invitation.
"He has given me his word; I know I can trust him," he said.

Some weeks later, Elizabeth, returning from a visit to the Gardiners at Lambton, found a letter from Charlotte Collins awaiting her. It was always a pleasure to hear from Charlotte, who was one of her oldest and closest friends. On this occasion it was doubly so, for the letter not only brought news from her friend but announced her likely arrival at Pemberley for a short visit, if the dates were convenient to Elizabeth and Darcy.

I think you will understand, dear Eliza, that the girls feel I have worked long enough and are determined that I should spend however many years I have left in some comfort. For myself, I feel quite fit and healthy and, God willing, will remain so, but they will not let me continue working.

We have therefore negotiated a sale to a Mrs Peach of Mansfield, who will take over the lease and the school in November. I have the luxury of being invited to live for all or part of the year with any of my daughters, but, while I love them all dearly, I should prefer to retain some degree of independence. I have therefore decided to accept the invitation conveyed to me through Jonathan from your sister, Mary, to make my home with her at Longbourn.

Elizabeth was a little taken aback, but it was a consequence of surprise rather than disapproval of Charlotte's decision. Neither her sister Mary, who lived at Longbourn, nor her nephew Jonathan, who was in fact the ultimate inheritor and present manager of the Longbourn estate, had mentioned it to her.