Elizabeth’s look of astonishment caused the Countess to chuckle. “We are not all monsters in theton, you know,” she said. “Most, but not all. Believe me, no one could be happier than I that Darcy decided against Anne de Bourgh. That anyone could think such a woman capable of being Pemberley’s mistress – but I will speak no more of that.”
“Do you think his mother will be very angry?” Elizabeth blurted out. “She hated me when we met in Kent.”
“She may hate you all she likes,” the Countess declared. “But you will be the mistress of Pemberley, and that is the end of the matter. If she does not behave herself, you must banish her to the estate she was awarded in her marriage articles, as I do not believe Pemberley has a dower house. She lost her husband, but – heavens! – it has been three years now, and she still wants to be coddled as if it happened Tuesday last. But it must be admitted that she has been an excellent mistress of Pemberley for many years.”
Elizabeth shivered. “I am not a weak woman, but the idea of battling with my husband’s mother in her own home sits ill with me.”
“Do not let her bully you, Elizabeth,” the Countess advised.
“I shall do my best.”
“And her manners – well, you have met both of my husband’s sisters, so you understand what you may expect. Also, Georgiana may be her ally; watch for that.”
“Georgiana?”
“Does he refer to her as Miss Darcy, then?”
“Does who refer to – I am sorry, my lady, I am rather confused.”
“Your soon-to-be-husband’s sister, Georgiana Darcy.” The Countess was puzzled; was it possible that Darcy’s betrothed did not know that he had a sister?
Elizabeth was silent.
“You did not know he has a sister.” The Countess’ voice was quiet.
“No.”
“I am surprised that he never mentioned her.”
“As am I.” Elizabeth’s tone was wooden. What else did she not know? Then she took a deep, shuddering breath, knowing that she was in too far to back out now.
The Countess’ eyes narrowed. She and her nephew were about to have a serious conversation.
***
“You never mentioned Georgiana? How is that even possible?”
Mr. Darcy shook his head. “I do not know, Aunt; frankly, I do not think of my sister when in Elizabeth’s presence.”
“And did you plan, then, when the carriage rolled up to Pemberley, to just say, oh, Elizabeth, I forgot to mention that you have a new sister?”
“Aunt Eleanor, I told you of the circumstances that led to our hasty marriage. Truly, I thought Elizabeth and I would have time to discuss such matters before marrying.”
“What?! You have had weeks! You told me of your upcoming marriage a full month before it occurred. Truly, Darcy, I begin to think you simple.” His aunt shook her head in disgust.
“I promise to tell Elizabeth all about Georgiana, Mrs. Reynolds, and everyone else at Pemberley on the journey home. Will that content you?” Mr. Darcy could not admit even to himself that he had not wanted to dwell too long on the reception Elizabeth was likely to receive from his mother and sister.
The Countess just shook her head.
***
Elizabeth was relieved to be returning home in her father’s carriage. The Earl and Countess had been kindness itself, but she could not help feeling nervous. It was all very well for her to toss her head and say that titles did not matter when she was in the safety of her own home, but to actually be in conversation with the aristocracy was a different matter entirely.
As the carriage pulled up to Longbourn, she was delighted to see the Gardiner carriage. The Gardiners were not fashionable people, of course, and doubtless the Matlocks would have nothing to say to them; but their presence at the wedding would give Elizabeth great comfort.
She descended from the carriage, and joined the gathering in the parlour. Her aunt and uncle congratulated her, again and again, on her betrothal to Mr. Darcy. “You know he is the master of Pemberley,” Aunt Gardiner said.
“Yes, it is in Derbyshire,” Elizabeth replied.
