“They possess more gilt and fewer enjoyable moments.” The Colonel responded. “I infinitely prefer the simplicity of country assemblies. One may actually hear one’s partner speak without shouting.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam exaggerates,” Lady Matlock interjected with fond exasperation. “London balls can be quite pleasant when one is not determined to find fault with them.”
“I find fault with nothing that does not merit it, mother.” The Colonel’s grin suggested he enjoyed this familiar debate. “And I maintain that any entertainment requiring one to bellow across two feet of space has fundamentally misunderstood its purpose.”
Elizabeth was glad Colonel Fitzwilliam’s attention to Kitty seemed devoid of condescension, his manner suggesting interest rather than polite obligation. It appeared her husband’s relations were willing to look past provincial manners to the person beneath.
Mrs Bennet’s voice rose above the general conversation, cutting through the pleasant exchanges with the subtlety of a trumpet blast. “Such a magnificent house! I declare it quite rivals descriptions I have heard of the finest estates in England. Jane remains unmarried yet, but I am certain it is merely a matter of time before some worthy gentleman recognises her superior beauty and sweetness of temper...”
Elizabeth was certain her face had taken on the colour of a ripe apple but before she could take proper stock of the situation, Lord Matlock rallied admirably. His manner suggested this was merely one of many such moments hehad weathered with grace during his years managing social situations.
“You must all be fatigued from your journey. Lady Matlock, perhaps you might show our guests to their apartments? They may wish to rest before dinner.”
“An excellent suggestion.” Lady Matlock moved forward smoothly, her manner designed to ease the awkwardness Mrs Bennet had created. “Do follow me. I shall ensure you are all comfortably settled.”
“And Lady Catherine?” Fitzwilliam asked. “I understand she is in residence?”
“Currently resting in her chambers,” the countess replied, “but she will join us for dinner. She has been most eager to meet your bride.”
The inflection on ‘eager’ suggested Lady Catherine’s feelings ran more towards volcanic than welcoming.
“Splendid.” Lord Matlock turned to Elizabeth. “Mrs Darcy, I hope you will not judge us all by Catherine’s particularity. She means well, even if her manner of expressing concern can be somewhat forceful.”
“I am certain Lady Catherine and I shall manage perfectly well, my lord,” she replied, her voice steady, though it cost her.
“That is certainly one approach to Catherine. There are also rare times when she respects forthrightness, even when it contradicts her own opinions.”
“Then I shall endeavour to be appropriately forthright. But I had hoped to delay displays of forthrightness until I had at least finished unpacking.”
This drew laughter from the Earl. “Oh, you shall do admirably, I suspect. Darcy, you have chosen well. Any woman capable of jesting about Catherine before even meeting her possesses precisely the sort of courage this family requires.”
They processed into the house, all marble and gilt. Portraits of ancestors glowered from walls and footmen stood at intervals like particularly well-dressed statuary. Elizabeth’s smaller trunk had already been carried upstairs, she noted. The efficiency was truly impressive.
Lady Matlock led them up a sweeping staircase to the family wing, opening doors and indicating which chambers had been prepared for which guests,
“Mr and Mrs Bennet, you will occupy this suite.” She gestured to an ornate door on the left. “I hope you will find it comfortable. The view overlooks the rose garden, which is particularly lovely in afternoon light.”
Mrs Bennet peered inside and emitted a squeal of delight that echoed down the corridor. “Oh, how elegant! Mr Bennet, do look at the draperies!”
Lady Matlock continued down the hallway. “Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, and Miss Lydia, we have prepared connecting chambers along this corridor. I hope the arrangements will suit.”
Jane thanked her with appropriate grace whilst Lydia and Kitty rushed forward to examine their temporary quarters. Mary followed more sedately behind them.
“And Mrs Darcy.” Lady Matlock paused before another ornate door. “You and Darcy will naturally share chambers during your stay. This is the Blue Room, traditionally assigned to married couples of the family. I trust you will find it comfortable.”
Share chambers.
Elizabeth had been so focused on the journey, on meeting Fitzwilliam’s family and navigating the social complexities, that the most basic reality of marriage had somehow failed to penetrate her consciousness.
They would share a room and share a bed. She and Fitzwilliam would begin to occupy the same intimate space starting tonight.
“Mrs Darcy?” The countess was watching her with concern. “Are you quite well? You have gone rather pale.”
She inhaled, unable to focus. “I am...I am merely tired from the journey.”
“Of course. Travel can be so exhausting. I shall leave you to rest. Dinner is at six. I trust you will find everything you require, but if not, ring and a maid will attend you.”
She departed after a gentle squeeze to Elizabeth’s arm. Her new sister by marriage lingered a moment longer, her eyes worried.
