The steady look she received informed Elizabeth of her companion’s feelings. “That would be unfortunate. Take care of what you say, Mrs. Darcy, for not all these people are tolerant, and many think very well of themselves.”
Elizabeth understood Miss de Bourgh’s meaning and was not misled by her apparent defense. Though she was not one among them who would make an issue of the Darcys’ origins, she had little more desire to associate with them than the likes of Lady Genevieve or Lady Amelia. It was well that Elizabeth expected little in the way of friendship with Miss Anne de Bourgh, for the lady would not offer it.
The disposition of Pemberley and the entail was a subject that arose often that evening, for it appeared few had known of it in advance. While the men often debated the merits of entailments, the ladies focused their attention more on the misfortune of the situation. More than one lady made comments akin to those Lady Amelia had made, leading Elizabeth towonder how many of these people had schemed to marry their daughters to the previous Mr. Darcy. It taught her that despite their lack of a title, the Darcy family was well-placed in society, indeed.
“I am unsurprised that so many have mentioned Pemberley’s status,” said Lord Matlock when William commented on the subject later that evening. “It was not well known in society, and that includes many of even the extended family.” The earl added in a rueful tone: “Perhaps it will not surprise you to know that Darcy was aloof from even members of the extended family.”
“Given how many times I have heard of schemes to marry this or that daughter to Mr. Darcy, I am unsurprised.”
The earl offered a quiet laugh at Elizabeth’s jest. “Then you understand something of his disinclination for mingling with them. Add to that the legions of society mothers who thought they could push their daughters forward, and you will have some notion of Darcy’s feelings on the subject.”
“Is the Darcy family that prominent?” asked Elizabeth with some wonder.
“There are several families of similar ancient status who do not possess titles, but among them, the Darcys are the wealthiest.”
“There are even a few dukes’ daughters in my lineage,” said William, “though I suspect most would not consider us acceptable.”
“Just so,” said the earl. “You appear to be handling them well, for I have seen few naysayers, and they are confined to those I might have expected in advance.”
“I believe it is all Elizabeth’s doing,” said Darcy, smiling affectionately at her.
“Your wifeiscutting a swath through them,” agreed the earl. “But you have given a good account of yourself, too.”
“Then perhaps I should consider it good fortune that I entered this society already married. To endure what my cousin endured would have been most disagreeable.”
“With that, I cannot disagree. It is quite fortunate, indeed.”
“As for Pemberley,” said William, “when I have a son of age, I mean to end the entail. Elizabeth will always have the protection of Netherfield, which is not entailed, but I do not think it is necessary to have one on Pemberley.”
The earl eyed William for several moments, then offered a slow nod. “When it came into being, it was necessary to protect the estate, but you are correct; it is now no longer needed.”
Chapter XXIX
Events of the season were not the only claim on the Darcys’ time in those days. While the dinner at Lord Matlock’s house signaled an increase in their participation in higher events of society, neither was of a mind to adhere to the breakneck pace set by so many of those around them. It seemed all of London was infected with a fever, provoking them to indulge in balls, parties, dinners, excessive strong drink, and various forms of debauchery in a race to see who could debase themselves the most. Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy had any interest in such extravagance.
“No, William, I do not need societyeverynight,” said Elizabeth when he asked her about her preferences. “Let those who crave such things misuse themselves. I am much more interested in our family party and doing what makes us happy than performing before the masses.”
Darcy grinned at her, knowing how she would respond and appreciating her forbearance—betwixt them,hewas far less likely to enjoy society than she was. Elizabeth understood this and was more than willing to keep to his tempo rather than try to push him to run faster than he wished.
“Our neglect will provoke them to consider us countrified.”
“Let them think what they will,” was Elizabeth’s dismissive answer. “I have no care for what others think—in truth, I suspect we will never be anything but countrified to the worst of the naysayers.”
“With that, I cannot disagree, my darling wife,” said Darcy, while drawing her in for a kiss.
Society aside, there were other activities in which they indulged, many of which concerned the three girls under their care. While Kitty and Georgiana were happy in each other’s company, Lydia was a little more fractious, requiring more guidance to ensure her mind remained engaged and she was not bored. The Darcys took to escorting them to various attractions, and though the youngest member often grumbled about her exclusion from balls and parties, Darcy thought her protestations were often from the force of habit rather than true displeasure. In truth, the more Elizabeth and Darcy spent in the girls’ company, giving their attention, guiding their youthful minds to appropriate pursuits, the more content they appeared to become. When Georgiana and Kitty reached the age when they could come out into society, Darcy knew handling Lydia would become more of a problem, but for the moment, all appeared to be harmonious.
That Mrs. Younge remained silent in those days was a relief to Darcy, even as he waited for the response from Lord Matlock’s investigator. Thompson, who Darcy had instructed to watch over the girls, confiding some of their reservations about Mrs. Younge’s motives, was on hand to guard them at all times, whether in the house or about in the town. The man was diligent, though soft-spoken, and Darcy was coming to rely on him as much as the previous master had. With his support, Darcy relaxed something of his vigilance, though his observation of Mrs. Younge did not cease.
In time, he saw another concerning pattern, one which he spoke with Elizabeth about on more than one occasion. The issue was conspicuous enough that it even drew another reprimand from Darcy. Though Darcy had no notion of how long it had been ongoing, he noted a distressing tendency forthe woman to speak with sharpness, especially after Lydia joined them in the house. At others, she all but ignored the younger Bennet sisters or made comments that were little more than veiled insults.
“Come, Georgiana,” said she one morning not long after breakfast. “It is time for your daily lessons. We will accomplish nothing if you remain all day in the idle company you have been keeping of late.”
“Of what are you speaking, Mrs. Younge?” asked Elizabeth, her patience with the woman at a low ebb. “From what I have seen, the girls have been diligent in their studies, and at present are speaking of a book they have all read.”
Mrs. Younge, as she often did, glanced at Elizabeth in a manner that was not only insolent but lacking even the appearance of respect. “It is time for Georgiana’s lessons.”
“Perhaps it is,” said Darcy. “There is no need to speak in oblique insults to my sisters.”
