There was no reply, as Mr. Darcy simply stared after his mother, shaking his head.
Chapter Forty-Two
The following morning saw Elizabeth waking up from another night of passion. She smiled at the memory; she saw little of her husband during the day, as they were both quite busy with estate matters, but she could not complain of neglect when it came to the bedroom. She was less sore today, and was certain her body would accustom itself to this new activity soon enough.
She had tried to speak with her husband about his mother’s rage as soon as the bedroom door had closed behind them, but he was intent on one thing and one thing only, and that one thing was bedding his new wife. In fairness to him, though, Elizabeth had to admit that she, too, had forgotten all about Lady Anne after just a few minutes.
She rang the bell and Abby appeared immediately. “Good morning, Mrs. Darcy,” the girl said, opening the heavy drapes. “I hope you slept well.”
“I did, thank you, Abby. I have much to do today, so let us get me ready as soon as possible.”
“So not fancy dress?”
“Fancy? Well, fancy enough to show the servants that I really am Mrs. Darcy, but not so fancy as to intimidate.”
“Servants?”
“Yes, I thought today I should like to meet as much of the staff as possible.”
Abby frowned, but said nothing.
“Abby?”
“Ma’am?”
“What troubles you?”
“Nothing whatever, ma’am.”
“Abby.” Elizabeth’s tone was firm.
“Well, it is only that most of them really liked Lady Anne, so you may find some difficulty…”
Elizabeth huffed in annoyance. “Abby, so far it has been nothingbutdifficulty, but I must begin as I mean to go on, and so I will step firmly into my role as mistress of the estate. Once you have made me presentable, please ask Mrs. Reynolds to meet me in the family breakfast parlour in an hour.”
“Ma’am,” she replied, curtseying.
Half an hour later, Elizabeth left her room. The footman at the end of the hallway stepped forward, ready to guide her. There were four different footmen who occupied that position at different times during the day, rotating according to a schedule set by Mrs. Reynolds. Elizabeth had met them all now. “Edward, I thank you for waiting here to guide me, but I think I can find my way now.”
“Yes, Mrs. Darcy.” He bowed respectfully.
Elizabeth all but skipped down the stairs, slowing her steps as she walked through the halls, not wanting the servants to see her acting the hoyden. As she approached the family breakfast parlour – not to be confused with the two other breakfast parlours, which would be used for company and large house parties – she heard Lady Anne’s voice.
“We do not need her here, son; surely you see that.”
“Mother, you are being nonsensical. Elizabeth is my wife. Here she is and here she will remain.”
Elizabeth paused outside the door to hear more.
“Had you married your cousin Anne –“
“No, I will listen to no more of this.” His voice was quite firm.
Then Miss Darcy’s voice, timidly, “I do not think her so very bad, Mother. And you said she was not pretty, but really she is very pretty indeed.”
“You know nothing of the matter, Georgiana.” Lady Anne’s tone was severe.
Elizabeth ground her teeth as she pictured the girl shrinking back into her seat. She walked into the breakfast room and the conversation stopped. Her husband rose to pull out a chair for her. “Good morning, Elizabeth.”
