They had made the grand entrance into Darcy house, attended by all the servants, and now Elizabeth stood within the mistress’s chambers. “This is a lovely room, Fitzwilliam. It appears newly renovated.”
“It is, Elizabeth. When I traveled down from Haddon Hall, I spent two days in London to settle the marriage articlesand consulted an upholsterer regarding the arrangement of the rooms.”
He lifted his brows with faint humor. “My mother’s taste was unfortunate. She favored heavy furnishings, gilded frames, and bright carpets. I could not endure it.”
Elizabeth turned to face him, her brow lifted in amusement.
“I sent the furniture to auction. It was too large to store and would never have been used. I altered my own chambers as well, for she imposed her taste there also. I am satisfied with the result. My father did not permit her to alter the principal rooms, so I left those as they were. His taste was elegant and restrained.”
He kissed Elizabeth’s temple. “My mother was proud and very exacting.”
Her brows rose in mock surprise.
He laughed. “You suppose I resemble her. It is true, though whatever is good in me I owe to my father, who was kind, practical, and preferred simple country life.” He pressed a kiss to the hollow beneath her ear. “And I owe my new understanding to you, Elizabeth. I shall endeavor to be a better man for your sake, darling.”
He drew back. “I shall change out of my traveling clothes. Mrs. Nichols has engaged a personal servant for you, though you may choose another if she does not suit. Your bath water will be brought up shortly. I shall wait for you in the family drawing room.”
“The blue one, sir?”
“Yes. It is more intimate and more easily warmed in winter. Georgiana and I have spent much time there.”
Elizabeth hesitated. “My last recollection of that room is not a pleasant one.”
“Why is that?”
“Georgiana and I waited there together while your servants removed Mr. Wickham.”
She looked troubled. He placed his arm about her shoulders and rested his head against hers. “He remains in debtor’s prison. Kendall sees to him each month and ensures he receives proper meals. He is doing well, and Kendall reports that he is much altered for the better.”
She leaned closer. “Perhaps we might refurbish the room, that Georgiana and I may have no cause for unease.”
“I shall have it done when we return to Pemberley. During the two weeks we are here, I will have Mrs. Nichols open the south parlor. I believe you will like it. It was my father’s favorite room.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I shall join you when I am dressed.”
Elizabeth went to the window and looked down into the narrow garden. It was neatly arranged, with a bench set beneath the wall. She resolved to sit there in the mornings with a book.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Enter.”
A young woman entered and curtsied. “Mrs. Darcy, I am Miss Gibbs, your personal servant.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Gibbs.”
“Mr. Darcy has ordered your bath, ma’am, if you are agreeable.”
“Yes, please. I am to join him shortly.”
Miss Gibbs set the pails behind a painted screen and filled the copper tub.
As Elizabeth washed her hair, the maid asked, “Mrs. Darcy, have you brought only four white gowns with you?”
Elizabeth looked up, water trailing down her face. “Yes, Miss Gibbs. Only four. Mr. Darcy may not have informed you that I am in half mourning. I shall not purchase more until I may lay aside mourning altogether.”
“I am sorry for your loss, ma’am. I will press the white dinner gown for this evening.”
The Darcys were enjoying a glass of canary when Higgins announced Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Annoyance passed across Darcy’s countenance as he rose to receive them.
