“Her name was Mrs. Deville, and she was a right devil indeed when it came to lessons. My knuckles were sore for days after she rapped them with her stick.”
Miss Darcy shook her head, decidedly. “That is not the way to teach someone to love music.”
“I agree with you. That is not the right way to teach anyoneanything, come to that.”
“Mrs. Darcy…” she trailed off.
“You can ask me anything, Miss Darcy. I promise not to be offended.”
Miss Darcy took a deep breath and then plunged in. “Is it true that you compromised my brother into marriage?”
Elizabeth was shocked. “It is not trueat all. I actually turned him down at first, as I believed we did not know one another well enough.” And I knew your mother hated me, Elizabeth thought but managed not to say.
“Oh, I am so glad,” Miss Darcy said with a sigh.
“Is that the gossip around the house?”
“No, it is what my –“ And here she stopped.
“What your mother thinks. I see. I swear to you, Miss Darcy, on everything that is holy, that I did not compromise your brother into marriage. I would never, under any circumstances, do such a thing.”
“Perhaps we might play together again?” Miss Darcy asked, after a minute.
“I would be delighted. Now that you know the limitations of my abilities, I trust you to select pieces that you think I might creditably manage.”
***
“She is not going away, Mother. Please, I beg you, do not tear this family apart!”
“It is you who have torn the family apart, Fitzwilliam; do not blame your failings on me.”
“Failings? And what failings might these be? Marrying a young woman who is not Anne de Bourgh?” Mr. Darcy’s exasperation was beginning to turn into anger.
His mother turned away and refused to speak.
“You are not coming down to dinner again, then?”
“Not ifsheis there, no.”
“Very well; I will have a tray sent to your room.” And with that, Mr. Darcy stomped out and all but slammed the door behind him.
Chapter Forty-One
Elizabeth glanced at the small ormolu clock on her office desk. The afternoon had flown by and it was time to dress for dinner. She went into her bedroom and pulled the cord. A young woman appeared promptly, curtsied, and said, “I am Abby, ma’am, and I am to be your maid.”
Mrs. Reynolds must have sent her, Elizabeth thought. It would be a relief to have someone near her who would actually speak with her! “Hello, Abby. Do you wish me to call you Abby? Lady’s maids are often called by their last names, you know.”
The young woman smiled. “My last name is a mouthful, ma’am; please just call me Abby.”
“As you prefer, Abby.”
“I am here to get you ready for dinner.” And with that, Abby looked through Elizabeth’s gowns, and turned to her new mistress with wide eyes. ”You have some very beautiful dresses here, Mrs. Darcy.”
“My relatives in London were very kind. Truthfully, I have not yet even looked at all of them.”
“Look at this lovely pale yellow gown; it will do very well for tonight. Have you jewelry?”
“Well, some very fancy pieces, but for every day I wear this topaz cross.”
