The first callers arrived at Matlock House shortly after the gentlemen left. Lady Matlock prepared Elizabeth for those expected to visit that morning, and most of the calls proceeded regularly, although one or two were rather memorable.
Lady Jersey, a good friend of Lady Matlock’s and a patroness of Almacks, had been rude, asking intrusive questions. Elizabeth was convinced the visit had begun badly.
“I understand you are the second of five daughters, Mrs Darcy,” Lady Jersey began. “And all brought up at home?”
“Yes, my Lady,” Elizabeth answered.
“I have heard that you had no governess,” she said next.
“No, my Lady, my mother did not feel such a person was necessary.”
“I can hardly credit it. Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education,” the lady countered.
“Not at all. We were given the freedom to learn and read as much as we wished, and masters were brought in to educate those who wanted it,” Elizabeth responded.
“That is quite singular,” Lady Jersey responded. “Yet you seem well-spoken and educated, and I cannot imagine Fitzwilliam Darcy willingly marrying a stupid woman.”
“He did not, my lady. My father opened his library to me, and we discussed and debated what I read there. I was also trained in music and in French and Latin, as well as taught to manage our home and our estate,” Elizabeth explained.
“Those are unusual accomplishments for a girl,” the lady responded.
“I do not doubt that, but as Mr Darcy believes a woman’s most important accomplishment is improving her mind by extensive reading, I believe my accomplishments suit my husband, which matters most to me,” Elizabeth responded somewhat pertly.
At that, Lady Jersey laughed. “I do believe you will do well, Mrs Darcy. You will no doubt be asked even more impertinent questions, and if your new aunt has not already informed you, you will be judged severely for winning one of the most eligible bachelors of the ton. You are lovely, my dear, and your wit will serve you well. Helen and I wondered if Darcy would ever find a woman truly worthy of him, and I believe you are the rare one that will suit him very well. I offer you my most sincere congratulations on your marriage.”
Elizabeth was surprised but realised the rapid-fire questions had been a means of testing her mettle and seeing how she would respond. Apparently, she passed the test, and the three enjoyed a pleasant conversation for another ten minutes before the next caller arrived, and Lady Jersey took her leave with a broad smile.
After a steady stream of visitors, Lady Matlock and Mrs Darcy were surprised when the butler announced, “Mrs Hurst, Miss Bingley.” Mrs Darcy shot a shocked look at her new aunt, who smiled slightly.
“We have come to wish you joy, Mrs Darcy,” Mrs Hurst said upon entering, casting a wary look at her sister.
“Thank you, Mrs Hurst,” Elizabeth responded. “It is nice to see you again. Have you made the acquaintance of my aunt, Lady Matlock?”
Mrs Hurst nodded and greeted the lady. Truly, they had only barely met, and she certainly did not know Lady Matlockwell enough to warrant a morning call, but Caroline had been determined to come, and Mrs Hurst only tagged along to minimise the damage her sister would do, especially as they were scheduled to depart from London as soon as Mr Hurst finished with their business. Mrs Hurst did not intend to return to London with her sister, as she had every intention of turning her over to their brother once they reached Scarborough. He could arrange a place for her to live after this.
Miss Bingley had not been introduced to Lady Matlock, and it was the height of poor manners for her to appear at Matlock House uninvited. In a further example of poor manners, she seated herself without being invited to do so and without speaking to either lady since she could not address Lady Matlock without an introduction.
Elizabeth and Mrs Hurst spoke quietly to one side. Lady Matlock occasionally contributed to their conversation, but Miss Bingley remained silent, hoping for an introduction to the countess that was not offered.
After five minutes, Miss Bingley reached the limit of her ability to keep silent. “Lady Matlock,” she began, “I am so pleased to see you again. It is a shame your nephew married so far beneath himself, but it is good of you to help Miss Eliza Bennet along in society.”
Lady Matlock stared at her coldly. “Mrs Darcy”—she emphasised her niece’s proper name—“is everything I wished for my nephew and niece. Mrs Darcy is, in every respect, my nephew’s equal, and he is blissfully happy with her. Now, if you will excuse me.” She turned her back on Miss Bingley and spoke a moment longer to Mrs Hurst before that lady took her leave, forcing Caroline to stand and go with her. The others in the room tittered, and Louisa was very aware her sister just destroyed any hope she hadof ever being received amongst the ton. Their departure to the North would need to be hurried if possible, and Caroline would have to be persuaded not to venture out again.
When those visitors departed, Lady Matlock signalled to the butler that was the end of callers for that day. “What a horrible person!” she seethed.
“I heard your response but not what Miss Bingley said to inspire it,” Elizabeth replied. “Was it truly so awful?”
“She refuses to acknowledge you properly and insists you are ‘far beneath’ my nephew. She is a fool and deludes herself that she is superior. She cannot seem to understand that regardless of fortune, as a gentleman’s daughter, you have always been above her in rank,” Lady Matlock continued. “She is fortunate no one else was here. I will cut her if she approaches me in public, and you should as well. I witnessed my nephew do that very thing, so I cannot understand what she is about.”
“William will not be pleased that she has once again intruded on the notice of his family,” Elizabeth said. “I will ensure our butler refuses her entrance to Darcy House, although I expect that has already been done. I am afraid it will take a public set down before she stops attempting to gain his notice.”
Lady Matlock agreed, and they discussed the visits for a few minutes until Georgiana joined them, followed shortly by the gentlemen.
“How was White’s, my dear?” the countess asked her husband.
“Relatively uneventful,” he replied. “Our acquaintances congratulated Darcy and asked when they would meet his lovely wife. He told them she would be introduced at the ball onFriday night, and most were pleased—unless they had not been invited.”
“Aunt, I wish to take my wife to the theatre Thursday evening. Would that interfere with your plans for our debut at your ball?” William interjected.
