Feeling his desperation in her own heart, Elizabeth moved to the door, watching until he rode from sight.
CHAPTER 25
Elizabeth hurried upstairs to her room, pulling the pins from her hair. She yearned for a bath but knew there was no hot water available. Apparently, the other girls figured out the same because there was an abundance of demands with no one ready to supply their needs.
Pulling on her oldest gown, Elizabeth met Jane already examining the kitchen shelves and pots. Neither had any skills that would help them put food on the table, something Elizabeth vowed to change at her earliest opportunity. For a certainty, the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation that she would have no cause to repine. Nevertheless, situations could arise where they might not be able to depend on others. She would want to help Fitzwilliam in a disaster, not be a hindrance.
Jane gathered a few small pieces of coal from the box kept inside the kitchen door. Dumping them in a pile in the stone fireplace where irons held large empty pots, her sister mused, “We have watched the maids light the fires many times. How hard could this be?”
“We have watched them carry hot coals in and out of our rooms, but I have not seen them actually light them,” Elizabeth admitted.
Elizabeth took one of the empty buckets to the back door, which, unlike Netherfield Park’s kitchen, remained attached. Stepping between and around the debris, she hurried to the well from where the household water was drawn only to discover a tree had fallen over the top of it, damaging the stone casing and closing off most of the opening. There would be no water from that source.
Night was falling, which dramatically decreased the options available to her. She could go to the river for water. Rejecting that idea immediately since she had no way of lighting her way, she considered traveling the well-worn path to Lucas Lodge. Even that was not a good idea since she had no way of knowing if their well was undamaged. Familiar landmarks were likely gone. She did not want to be caught in the darkness.
Returning to the kitchen, she found Jane staring at the small pile of coal, her hands at her hips. Through gritted teeth, her sister said, “I have tried everything, Lizzy, but I cannot get them lit. Do you think Papa knows how?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I cannot know. I was unable to find any water to boil.”
Jane brushed the loose hair from her brow. “If only Colonel Fitzwilliam were here.Hewould know what to do.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth teased. “I noticed how deeply you were both involved in conversation, sister dear. He is an admirable man, almost as much as my Fitzwilliam.”
“Fitzwilliam? You call Mr. Darcy by his first name?” Jane exclaimed. “Obviously, your conversations were far more deeply involved than those between the colonel and myself, for he has asked only to call upon me. I do not even know Colonel Fitzwilliam’s first name.”
“Richard.”
“Richard?” Jane sighed. “Such a strong name.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands under her chin. “Oh, Jane. Fitzwilliam asked me to marry him, and I readily agreed. He is truly wonderful. While it is true that I did not always love him as much as I do now, in such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable.” She spoke sternly for both their benefit. “This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself.”
“I am happy for you, Lizzy. Would that we all could find a worthy man with insight and a willingness to act on behalf of others, someone with no improper pride who is perfectly amiable.”
“Well, in truth,” Elizabeth snickered, “I would not describe my intended as amiable to everyone other than myself. To me, he is truly the best of men.”
“I am glad. But how did this happen? At the beginning of the ball, you wanted nothing to do with him. Not many hours later, and you are engaged to marry.”
Elizabeth sat in one of the kitchen chairs and then faced her sister. “Jane, the change in my attitude was gradual, starting with his kindness to Mrs. Hammond. There afterward, each time we were in company, I witnessed further acts of compassion toward others. When he turned those marvelous qualities toward Lydia, whom I knew offended every one of his sensibilities, I saw him differently than the man I thought him to be. I suspect that his arrogance serves as protection against greedy individuals who seek to gain an advantage from him. He did not know us. Additionally, our family did not make a good impression on him at the assembly. If you recall, Mama crowed when Mr. Bingley singled you out for his first dance. Then, she loudly gossiped about Mr. Darcy’s supposed wealth. Kitty and Lydia boldly flirted with anyone while Mary self-righteously sat in the corner reading a book while condemning everyonefor dancing, which was the purpose of the gathering. Papa did not deign to come, showing his disinterest in promoting and protecting his family. It is no wonder that Fitzwilliam wanted to create a wide gulf between us.”
“A gulf that has now closed.” Jane observed, “I am reconciled to your match with Mr. Darcy, Lizzy. I have always thought him to be a good man. Now, my dearest hope is that one day we will not only be sisters but cousins, too.” She blushed a deep red.
“That would truly be a delight.”
“Yes, it would. With that said, I will not allow myself to hope too much. The colonel spoke at length about the estate his mother holds in trust for him until he marries. He is eager to sell his commission and start a life without the necessity of following orders from foolish men. Yet, not once did he include me in his plans. I only share his dreams, that of having my own residence where I can set up housekeeping for a man I respect.”
“Jane, one week ago, I would have given the odds of Mr. Darcy and myself falling in love as a million to one. While the possibility seemed far-fetched, the reality is that it happened. Now, I am eager to become his wife, to begin our life anew.”
“I am truly happy for you, Lizzy. Perhaps I might have something similar happen…someday.”
“Someday soon, Jane.” Elizabeth stood to peek inside the canisters in the corner cupboard. “If I remember correctly, Cook used to hide biscuits from Kitty and Lydia right”—she popped open the lid—“here.” Cinnamon and cloves drifted from the can to tease her sense of smell. “There are fourteen, two for each of us. Perhaps we should do a more thorough search.”
Jane jumped into action, opening each cupboard and peeking inside each bowl. She was at the back of the pantry when she joyously showed Elizabeth her find—a bottle of cider squeezed during the final harvest. Elizabeth cared not if it had already turned.
Jane offered her the first sip. The apples that year were particularly sweet. Dividing the biscuits and the juice, they placed them on a tray to deliver to their family. It was not a feast, but it would serve them well enough.
Darcy’s horseshied at the first shadow as a gentle breeze moved the tree branches until they clicked and clacked together. Before returning to Netherfield for a torch and some help, he met with Colonel Forster.
“I am saddened to report that not one man has seen Mr. Wickham since he rushed out the door when the storm was announced. He traveled to the ball in my carriage with Mrs. Forster and two other officers so a horse would not have been available for him. He would have been on foot. As you know, the weather was particularly foul. The other officers, Chamberlayne, Carter, and Denny, turned back to Netherfield Park, not leaving again until the wind slowed.”
