Page 59 of A Different Impression

Under Scrutiny

On Sunday, Elizabeth attended church with William, acutely conscious of the attention directed towards them. Their wedding announcement had appeared in the paper the previous day, and judging by the whispers and curious glances, many had come hoping to see the new Mrs Darcy.

William had suggested sitting in the rear of the church, but Aunt Susan insisted that they join the Matlocks in their pew. Elizabeth understood the importance of such a public demonstration of support, although she could feel the tension in William’s arm as they entered.

The anticipated shopping excursion took place the next day. First, they visited Mr Gardiner’s warehouses, where Elizabeth selected fabrics and furnishings for her rooms. They escaped Cheapside unscathed; Bond Street, however, proved less forgiving.

There, they were approached more than once by those eager to be introduced to the young lady who had won Fitzwilliam Darcy’s hand. Lady Matlock agreed to many of the requests, and before the day was out, Elizabeth had been presented to several of her ladyship’s friends and acquaintances. William remained with the ladies throughout, and Elizabeth watched with some amusement as he was besieged by similar requests for introductions to his new wife.

Several invitations followed, all of which were politely declined. Lady Catherine’s and Anne’s ill health were cited, along with the necessity of travelling to Rosings so Darcy might assist in the management of the estate. Care was taken to explain that the wedding had been moved forward to allow the couple to honeymoon there whilst Darcy attended to his relatives’ affairs. Elizabeth hoped this explanation would satisfy even the worst of the gossips and prevent further speculation about the hurried wedding or the true state of matters at Rosings.

Elizabeth met many people that morning, some of whom were genuine friends of Darcy and the Matlocks and were pleased to see William happily married. She also encountered disappointed mothers and daughters, who attempted to make Elizabeth feel small by asking subtle yet impudent questions regarding her fortune and connexions since she was unknown to the ton.

When one vulgar lady made a derogatory comment about his choice of bride within hearing of their party, she could see her husband bite back a retort. Seeing his displeasure, and knowing he could not answer such rudeness without violating propriety, Elizabeth attempted to tease her husband and restore his humour.

In one shop, however, two ladies made accusations so vile that Elizabeth knew William would not remain silent.

“I heard he married his mistress,” one lady stage-whispered to her friend. “I cannot imagine what else would have tempted him to marry such an unfashionable woman. She can barely be called pretty.”

The other one whispered back. “I have heard she is already in an interesting state. Mr Darcy can expect an heir to arrive within just a few months.”

Elizabeth felt William stiffen beside her. Before she could attempt another diversion, he stepped towards the two women.

“Lady Victoria, Miss Miller, my wife may not be fashionable according to your standards, but I have rarely seen a more beautiful woman. She is everything I could desire in a wife, and I have no doubt she will be an exceptional mistress of my homes. As for your speculation that she was my mistress or is already in an interesting condition, such remarks are hardly befitting ladies.”

Darcy regarded each woman in turn before continuing.

“If either of your fathers desire to continue doing business with me or to be received by me, you would be wise to offer my wife a sincere apology.”

Both women paled. Lady Victoria opened her mouth, but no words emerged, while Miss Miller glanced anxiously towards the other patrons who had begun watching them.

“You have our apologies, Mrs Darcy,” Lady Victoria finally managed.

On Tuesday evening, Elizabeth and William made one final public appearance before their departure from London. They attended a play with Georgiana, Kitty, the Matlocks, Richard, and the Gardiners. The party occupied two adjoining boxes: the Gardiners joined Lord and Lady Matlock, while Richard and the younger ladies sat with Elizabeth and William in the Darcy box.

Elizabeth could not fail to notice the opera glasses directed towards them that evening. Georgiana attracted some curiosity, but as she was not yet out, most of the attention appeared fixed upon Elizabeth and the man who had so unexpectedly married her. Whenever Elizabeth glanced across the theatre, she found someone watching her or whispering behind a raised fan.

William remained close throughout the performance, frequently taking her hand or resting his palm against the small of her back. He appeared entirely indifferent to how openly his affection was being observed, and his steady presence soon made the scrutiny easier for Elizabeth to bear.

The following morning, Aunt Susan informed Elizabeth that the prevailing opinion had begun to change. Whatever society might think of her fortune or connexions, few now doubted that William’s marriage was a love match. The visible support of the Matlocks had helped silence suggestions of scandal, while William’s unmistakable happiness had accomplished the rest.

Darcy and Elizabeth departed for Rosings two days later. Darcy had arranged for the new steward, butler, housekeeper, and their personal servants to travel in a second carriage. Anne’s solicitor, Mr Edwards, followed in a third with his clerk and an accountant experienced in estate matters. The local magistrate had agreed to meet them at Rosings and intervene should evidence of criminal conduct emerge.

They took full advantage of their lack of company on the trip to Rosings, snuggling together as they talked and read, frequently exchanging kisses. It was the most enjoyable trip to Rosings Darcy had ever experienced.

His contentment evaporated the moment they reached Rosings. Acting upon Lady Catherine’s previous instructions, the butler attempted to deny them entry. Mr Edwards produced the documents authorising Darcy and Lord Matlock to act on Anne’s behalf, and the local magistrate confirmed their validity.

Immediately, the butler was relieved of his position and required to surrender his keys. The housekeeper and estate steward were likewise dismissed and instructed to turn over all estate property and account books in their possession. They were asked to remain available for questioning but were not detained. Mr Edwards, the accountant, and the newly appointed steward then secured the records and began examining them. The magistrate would take further action only if their review uncovered evidence of theft or fraud.

The rest of the household servants were gathered and informed of the change in oversight. The new butler, Mr Jones, and his wife, who would become the housekeeper, were introduced, and the rest were given the choice to stay and transfer their loyalty to Anne de Bourgh and her authorised representatives or to seek positions elsewhere. All were warned that any servant who gossiped about the happenings at Rosings would be removed without a reference. The expectations of Miss de Bourgh and her representatives were outlined, and as Anne had predicted, those servants who had personally served Lady Catherine chose to depart Rosings.

While Mrs Jones organised the servants and inspected the family and guest chambers, Darcy led Elizabeth to the steward’s office to begin examining the estate accounts.

Mr Edwards and the accountant showed no objection to Elizabeth’s presence. While the accountant began comparing the surrendered ledgers, Darcy and Elizabeth examined the remaining books and papers in the office.

“These appear to contain the actual production figures,” Elizabeth said, carrying them to the table. “They do not agree with the accounts the steward surrendered.”

Darcy bent over the volumes she had found. “These ledgers show that Rosings’s annual income has been nearly twenty per cent higher than the steward reported. I should have been suspicious when he always brought the books to me rather than allowing me into his office. I assumed Lady Catherine had insisted upon it.”