Page 27 of A Forced Marriage
As they returned to the house some minutes later, Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt for the doubts she had harboured.Dispelling the last bit of prejudice she had was the only uncertainty that remained. "Mrs. Reynolds," she said hesitantly, "surely you must have wondered about our marriage. What kind of man leaves his newly wedded wife the morning after their arrival to see his attorney? Even if you trust Mr. Darcy’s character, you must have had questions."
Mrs. Reynolds stopped and turned to Elizabeth with a serious expression. "Madam, I am a servant, and it is not my place to question the actions of my master. But I will say this: Mr. Darcy is a man who values duty and honour above all else. He would not have married you if he did not believe it to be the right choice. And I trust that in time, you will see that he is a man of deep feeling, though he may not always show it."
Elizabeth was silent, her thoughts swirling. Mrs. Reynolds’ words were comforting, but they did not totally erase the doubts in her heart. If what she said was right it would mean Mr. Darcy felt something for her? Why then didn’t he show it? Even if he did, could she truly trust in his intentions? Or was she simply convincing herself to accept a fate that had been thrust upon her?
Elizabeth was still asking these questions in her mind when they reached the steps leading back into the house.
Mrs. Reynolds offered a kind smile. "A maid will soon come to prepare your bath. Afterward, you may wish to meet the servants and the entire household. Pemberley is a large estate, and there are many who are eager to serve you."
Elizabeth nodded, grateful for the woman’s understanding. "Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I appreciate your kindness."
"Of course, madam. Pemberley is your home now, and we are all here to make you feel welcome."
Mrs. Reynolds curtsied slightly and left, while Elizabeth turned and made her way back to her bedchamber.The tour had given her much to think about, and as she prepared for the day ahead, she couldn’t help but ask the question, was she wrong about Mr. Darcy?
****
After her bath, Elizabeth felt more refreshed. Deliberately, she decided not to indulge in any thought about her position on Mr. Darcy or Mrs. Reynold’s. She dressed and was led by her lady maid to the dinning room. It was a big room, much larger than the one in Longbourn or any estate Elizabeth had ever visited. She took her seat at the table and took the cup of tea that was poured for her. Aside from the sound of the delicate clinking of her spoon against the fine china however, the silence was almost unsettling. As she sipped her tea, she inquired after Georgiana, wondering why the young lady had not joined her.
"Miss Darcy is still abed, madam," Mrs. Reynolds informed her, entering the room with a tray of warm pastries. "I expect the journey must have tired her considerably."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "I can hardly blame her. It was a rather long and trying journey. I must confess, I myself still feel a bit wearied from it all. Though I do wonder how Colonel Fitzwilliam managed to journey home so late in the night."
Mrs. Reynolds smiled knowingly. "The Colonel is quite accustomed to travel, madam. Being a member of the militia, he is often on the move. Moreover, as the son of the Earl of Matlock, he has been traveling extensively since his youth. His father ensured that both he and the Colonel became well-versed in the art of long journeys, making it second nature to him."
Elizabeth couldn't help but admire the Colonel's stamina, though her thoughts quickly shifted back to Darcy. "And Mr. Darcy? When do you expect him to return?"
"The master’s business with his attorney often varies, madam. It could take a day, perhaps longer, depending on the matters he must attend to. He is not one to divulge much about such things, though."
Elizabeth sighed softly, surprisingly finding herself feeling a bit disheartened by the uncertainty of Darcy’s return. It was as if she wished him to return soon, perhaps to begin to untangle the complicated emotions that had captured her since he spoke at the assembly. But his absence left her in a limbo, unsure of how to proceed in a house that was now hers, yet felt so foreign.
Mrs. Reynolds, sensing her unease, spoke again, "If I may, madam, it might be a good idea to introduce yourself to the household. I have already informed everyone of your arrival, but it would do much to put any rumours to rest if you were to meet them personally. The servants would be much reassured to see the mistress of Pemberley as someone who is kind and respectful, as I have already had the pleasure of discovering."
Elizabeth smiled at the housekeeper’s kind words, though inwardly, she felt a pang of doubt. "I appreciate your suggestion, Mrs. Reynolds, truly. But I must confess, I still do not feel entirely like the mistress of Pemberley. I would not know how to behave, what to say... Perhaps it would be best if I waited for Georgiana. It might be easier if we met the staff together since she is more accustomed to them."
Mrs. Reynolds nodded, understanding Elizabeth’s hesitation. "As you wish, madam. Miss Darcy is quite beloved by the staff, and your introduction together would indeed be a reassuring gesture."
It was early in the afternoon, as Elizabeth sat in the drawing room, that Georgiana entered, her face still a little pale. Elizabeth rose to greet her with genuine concern.
"How are you feeling, Georgiana? I trust you are well-rested?"
Georgiana offered a faint smile, a gentle warmth in her eyes. "I am much improved, thank you. Did you rest well?"
"I did, though I am rather accustomed to rising early. My mother always insisted that we be up before eight, no matter the troubles of the previous day."
Georgiana's smile grew a little wistful. "Our mother passed away when I was very young, and I have since been under the care of my brother or our cousin, Fitzwilliam. They have both been exceedingly kind, though at times I feel they spoil me more than I deserve."
Elizabeth's face softened with regret, realizing the unintentional reminder her words had brought. "I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Darcy mentioned your parents to my father, but I had not known you were so young when they passed."
"Please, do not trouble yourself," Georgiana replied gently. "It is an old sorrow, one that I have long since learned to bear. No offense was taken."
Changing the subject swiftly, she continued, "I understand that my brother has gone to see his attorney. I do hope you will not be upset by his absence. The management of Pemberley demands much of his attention, and I am certain he meant no slight towards you."
Elizabeth shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. "You need not worry. I understand the importance of handling business, especially with an estate as large as Pemberley. I do not mind."
Georgiana mentioned that Mrs. Reynolds had informed her of Elizabeth’s request, and she suggested they begin the visit promptly. Elizabeth agreed, and together they set out through the expansive grounds of Pemberley. As they walked, Mrs. Reynolds joined them, introducing Elizabeth tothe various servants they encountered along the way. Each one greeted her with the utmost respect and deference, their kind faces easing some of the tension that had lingered since her arrival.
Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Reynolds as they continued their walk through the expansive grounds of Pemberley. “Do all the staff stay on the estate?”
