CHAPTER SEVEN
Asurveyor with some report occupied their host as soon as Darcy entered the house, and since Jane was happy to be alone with Bingley, Elizabeth climbed the stairs to retire to her own room. A new bride wanted a female companion during her early married days, but Elizabeth felt Jane no longer needed her.When Elizabeth was near the top of the stairs, someone with swift steps ascended, and in a moment it gave Mr Utterson to her view.
“I am afraid I alarmed you by running up those stairs,” he apologised. “This is the nearest way from the stables to my apartment, and I do not typically see anyone using them this time of day.”
“You have had a fine day for your ride.”
“Yes, no post today so I rode all over. No field sports yet, either, and Hurst is dull company. I cannot play billiards with him all day and then tolerate his company in the evening as well.”
Mr Utterson could be harsh in what he said and how he slighted others. Although she agreed about Mr Hurst, all Elizabeth could politely do in reply was smile.
“Had you a pleasant time looking at wells?” he asked.
She readily agreed and might have said more, but Mr Utterson shrugged and said, “I am not often in the country unless visitingfriends. Rural festivities hold little interest to me. I prefer town society and amusements, on the whole.”
“You are chiefly in town, then? Is that how you met Mr Darcy?”
“I first met Balfour a few years ago, and through him have slowly come to know Darcy better.”
When he added nothing further, Elizabeth said, “You mentioned studying the law.”
They stood near the room that had been old Mr Darcy’s favourite as they talked. “I am. Twelve terms qualify me to be called to the bar. I am preparing to be examined for my proficiency.”
“Are you near to completing your study?”
“I have one year left.” Mr Utterson huffed. “My brother shall inherit the baronetcy and has no profession to plan for. He was plucked from the lists at Queen’s College for failing his examinations. He could not even handle Euclid, but he shall have the Hall and the title. For my lot, however, I must attend court, study, read in barrister’s chambers, and do so on a pittance doled out by my father.”
Recognising that he could be an ungracious man or say a severe thing without even realising it, Elizabeth felt she could best tolerate Mr Utterson in a large party, or only after he had aired his grievances to someone else. “I suspect your father fears London life would draw a young man into expensive pursuits, and wishes you to secure a profession so you will be well-provided for.”
Mr Utterson looked chagrined. “I am not ungrateful, nor resentful. Sometimes I am more jealous than I have right to lay claim to. It shall all end well enough.”
Elizabeth nodded and, not knowing what to say, looked into the room where she had found Miss Darcy yesterday.
“Were there not two candlesticks there?” she said, pointing to the table.
“Likely not. Darcy said it was his father’s room, so I presume he cannot bring himself to alter it.” Mr Utterson’s naturally severe countenance softened. “Darcy was very attached to him, I understand from Balfour. The room is probably just as it was in his father’s day.” He then checked his watch. “I must go and dress, although there is notheatre, no parties to prepare for. At Pemberley, a quarter of an hour is enough time.”
He bowed and left her, and Elizabeth went to her own room to dress for dinner.
She had chosen a gown for the evening, going so far as to lay it on the bed, but when Carew strode in after seeing to Miss Darcy, Elizabeth learnt her opinion did not matter. The maid’s deep blue eyes widened, and she gave a shake of her head before putting the green gown back and selecting a yellow one in its stead.
“Your hair is dishevelled, ma’am, and your gown in such disorder,” she said as she went through her skilled but rough process of removing Elizabeth’s day gown and putting her into an evening one. With every motion, Carew’s ring grazed her skin. “I do not know how that is possible since you did, I presume, wear your bonnet and pelisse to Bakewell. I shall have to brush your purple pelisse. It looks as dusty as one of Miss Darcy’s riding habits after a long day.”
Elizabeth looked to the long-sleeved, full-length, fitted coat, trimmed on the collar, cuffs, and hem with fur. She supposed it did look the worse for wear.
“You need not waste your time. I or one of the upper housemaids can?—”
“Certainly not, ma’am. Miss Darcy and the master have put you in my charge whilst you are at Pemberley.”
Carew was curiously, charmingly outspoken. Miss Darcy was not the sort to assert her rank, and she did not have much confidence yet, but Carew’s authoritative but caring attitude might do Miss Darcy well. It was likely good for Miss Darcy to have the aid of so honest and loyal a creature. Elizabeth found she had grown fond of Carew’s manner.
At least whilst she brushes my hair, she is not likely to scrape my skin with her ring.
“Wool does not stand up to frequent washing, you know,” Carew was saying as she firmly ran the brush through Elizabeth’s hair, tugging her head with every pull. “You are lucky the hem does not touch the ground. I shall brush it best I can with fuller’s earth. Youlikely did not expect to wear it on August walks. I should like to have something so warm when I walk to visit my father.”
“If you intend to go to the trouble of cleaning it, you may wear it next.” The hairbrush clattered on the ground. When Carew rose with it, Elizabeth saw her shaking her head in the glass’s reflection. “I insist. When you next walk to Lambton to visit your father on a cold day, I shall lend it to you.”
“Thank you, ma’am, but no.”
