Chapter 2
One of the things that Elizabeth liked best about Rosings was the incredible view that the high cliffs beheld when the weather allowed it, that is, because, in general, it was either too windy or too foggy to allow her a good appreciation. Being a most tenacious walker and a fearless climber, when she was not taking long walks along the beach, Elizabeth would often found herself exploring the higher lands in search of a particular spot to overview, in spite of how unladylike the others might think those activities were. There was one spot in particular that became a favourite of hers. It was a rocky formation that formed a sort platform over the sea, situated in between the parsonage and the mansion. From there she could see Hunsford village, the lower grounds beyond Rosings' park and the mansion's private dock. On clear days, the shore of the mainland was clearly discernible and she found great amusement in watching the vessels coming back and forth to the island.
It was a sunny, breezy day; an excellent day for navigation. Given the unpredictability of the weather at that time of the year and the danger that the tides provided, a day of calm sea and soft winds was an opportunity that could not be missed, hence the traffic of fishing boats and small ships had been intense since the morning.
Advancing gracefully towards the island, a larger vessel called Elizabeth's attention. For what she could guess, it was not a trading ship nor a fishing boat. It was beautifully outlined, its white sails fully displayed, drifting elegantly over the wavy waters. Instead of turning north towards Hunsford like most of the ships did, it went directly to the manor's port where, it seems, some of Lady Catherine's servants were already waiting for it.
Elizabeth knew then that her Ladyship was expecting guests. Important guests, she would guess, given the amount of servants and carriages that were waiting for them on the dock. Two gentlemen descended from the ship, one taller than the other, both well dressed and apparently of good breeding. From there, Elizabeth could not discern their faces but there was something about one of them that seemed vaguely familiar to her. They climbed into the carriage that was waiting for them and her eyes followed it until it became lost in the serpentine road that led to the mansion.
"Well," Elizabeth rose with a sigh. "The Rosings party has been increased. Hopefully, the newcomers will keep Lady Catherine's attention occupied and she would spare us from her most undesired company."
A seagull made a few turns over her head, responding noisily to her wishful words, as if disagreeing with them.
"No, I guess you are right." she smiled. "Nothing will conform her. She will have us there, even if it is to abuse the Collinses in front of a greater audience."
"And the carpet I sent you, Mrs. Collins, was it placed according to my orders?" Her Ladyship enquired.
"Yes, madam," replied Charlotte quietly. "Thank you so much. It enhances the beauty of the curtains you gave us."
"I imagine that would be the case. I will inspect it personally to see if it was done properly. And I warn you, if it is not, dreadful consequences await you."
Elizabeth was becoming sick with this conversation. The infamous carpet was sent to the parsonage two days before with Lady Catherine's instructions that it should be placed in the parlour destined for Charlotte's personal use. It matched the curtains, yes, but it has been too large for that room and one of the ends had to be rolled under the furniture so it would fit. Pity, because it would have looked lovely in the dining room but no one there had the courage to affront one of Lady Catherine's orders and do the right thing. Poor Charlotte, her house was decorated with all kind of objects her Ladyship chose to dismiss.
"Miss Bennet," cried Lady Catherine on seeing that one of her guests was walking away. "Were are you going?"
Elizabeth turned on her heels. "I was going to see the birds." She pointed at the golden cage near the end of the room. "I have never seen birds of this kind."
"A gift from the Governor of India to my late husband. You will not be able to see animals like those in your life again. They are extremely rare."
And extremely filthy, thought Elizabeth, noticing the mess that the parrots were making with the fruit and food they were given. The smell of the rotten fruit wasn't pleasant either nor were their droppings splashed all around. But any sight and any smell, no matter how disagreeable it was, was better than sitting by lady Catherine de Bourgh for the remainder of the afternoon.
Elizabeth began to wander about the room, observing every object that attracted her attention, even if it had very little beauty to offer. She was engrossed watching a particularly unattractive vase when the door that connected to the adjoining room opened and she found herself only a few steps away from Mr. Darcy.
She then realized that he was the owner of the familiar figure she had seen disembarking from the vessel on the previous day. "Mr Darcy. I did not know you were here."
The gentleman seemed as astonished as she was about the unexpected meeting. "Miss Bennet," he bowed. "I have arrived just yesterday. It is my custom to visit my aunt during the Easter holiday."
The sound of a gentleman clearing his throat reminded them that they were not alone.
"Allow me to introduce you to my cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam." said Darcy.
Elizabeth exchanged pleasantries with the other man, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the second son of the Earl of Matlock. A charming man, opposite to Darcy in colour and disposition.
"Miss Bennet," said the colonel as they joined the others, "you cannot imagine how happy I am that we are having a larger party at Rosings. My aunt tends to monopolize the conversation and if there are more people to entertain her, it will divide her attention from those of us who endure her ramblings every year."
"Endure, sir?" She arched an eyebrow, surprised by the colonel's frankness.
"Perhaps I was a little carried away," the colonel said with quick at glance at Darcy, who did not reply, "You shall see for yourself."
Elizabeth would have said that she had seen enough already but she did not know the gentleman well enough as to take such a liberty.
"Richard!" Miss de Bourgh ran to greet them, "how was the shooting this morning? Did you hunt enough for supper?"
The colonel took both her hands in his, "Six partridges, my dear. Darcy here was also lucky, so I believe I can say that we assured ourselves our place at the dining table."
"I knew it," replied Ann with great enthusiasm, "You are such an excellent shooter. Remember that you promised that you would …"
"Ann!" Lady Catherine interrupted. "Come here and sit down. Darcy, escort her to the sofa. Fitzwilliam, you sit next to the Collinses."
The look of disappointment that crossed both Col. Fitzwilliam's and Miss de Bourgh's countenance did not pass unnoticed to Elizabeth nor did the fastidious glance that Darcy cast at his aunt. Nevertheless, they did what they were asked. Darcy and Ann shared the sofa on Lady Catherine's right, and the rest took the vacant seats that circled her. Coffee was served a moment later.
"I have noticed that you are already acquainted my nephew, Miss Bennet," asked Lady Catherine. Her voice sounded more accusatory than inquiring.
"Indeed, madam," said Elizabeth. "I had the pleasure of meeting him a few months ago."
"Pray tell," Her Ladyship demanded, "how did you meet him? I cannot imagine an occasion that will join two people of so different social spheres together."
"I do not understand why, your Ladyship." Elizabeth replied, "I do not share your rank, but that did not prevent me from becoming acquainted with you."
Lady Catherine seemed affronted by such reply. "Upon my word, young lady, you express your opinions with great determination. Have you not been taught the basics of good breeding? To respect your superiors?"
"I cannot understand why is that you found my answer disrespectful, I was simply stating that my chances to meet a gentlemen of Mr. Darcy's rank are the same that I have to become acquainted with someone of yours."
"I have never heard such insolence," snapped Lady Catherine, "Though I should not expect it any different from someone of inferior birth." And then, addressing the parson, she stated, "Mr. Collins, next time you bring your cousin hither you must instruct her about the appropriate behaviour when visiting a noble house. I shall not tolerate this conduct a second time."
"I will, your Ladyship," Collins bowed his head. "I promise you that the next time you honour us with an invitation, my cousin's manners would be considerably improved."
In any other moment, Elizabeth would have been offended by the parson's words. Even when she thought his reply cowardly and condescending, she could not blame him. She had seen enough from Lady Catherine's abusive nature and Mr. Collins had too much to lose if he dared to confront his patroness.
"Have you returned to your piano lessons, cousin Ann?" asked the colonel in an attempt to distract his aunt from attacking Miss Bennet farther. "I heard that you play quite well. Would you grace us with a song later?"
"I am afraid I still play very poorly, sir." Ann smiled at her cousin for his timely and compassionate intervention. "I would not wish to offend your ears with an ill executed song."
"She does not practice as often as she should." Lady Catherine would not allow this conversation to continue without expressing her opinion on the matter. "No one can achieve true proficiency without constant practice. Few people in England have my taste in music. It is a pity that I have never learned, for I know I would have been an accomplished player. Darcy," she turned to her nephew, "I hope Georgiana had not given up her lessons. Does she practice every day?"
"Yes, madam, every day."
"You must not neglect that part of her education, nephew. Her accomplishments in the fine arts are what will distinguish her over the other young ladies of her same stature."
"I am not, aunt, I assure you."
"I will have to see for myself when I next go to Town," her Ladyship said sternly, "her education had not always been supervised with efficiency I would have expected."
Darcy's jaw clenched and everyone could see that he was holding his breath. The tension in the room was such that the air could have been cut with a knife.
"I had the chance to see her a few weeks ago, aunt," the Colonel interjected, "and I assure you that Georgiana is an exquisite player. I have seen her practicing several hours a day."
Lady Catherine glanced at her other nephew through narrowed eyes, then addressed her daughter in a decided manner. "You should follow Georgiana's example, Ann, and take your lessons more seriously. I am most certain that she will be of good influence to you once you are established at Pemberley, as you will be for her, as well."
This statement made Darcy bolt up to his feet. With a quick 'excuse me, I am in need of fresh air,' he fled out of the room.
The Hunsford party looked at each other with astonished eyes, Ann could simply not raise them from her lap and Col. Fitzwilliam shook his head. Not much later, Lady Catherine announced that she was tired and her guests were dismissed. Everyone was relieved that the meeting was over.
For an entire week a dull, greyish curtain of fog had surrounded the island, sparing the Hunsford party from Lady Catherine's abominable company. When the weather improved, they were required once again at the grand house to hear her Ladyship's incessant musings. Col. Fitzwilliam joined them on occasion, distracting in that way Lady Catherine's attention from her favourite victims. As for Mr. Darcy, he was only seen at church.
The days that preceded the Easter Holidays blessed Rosings with clear skies and fairly soft winds, thus providing Elizabeth of good opportunities to return to her tours around the island. Sometimes she would walk barefoot along Hunsford beach and other times she would just climb on her favourite spot to observe the acrobatic fly of the seagulls over the fishing boats.
She was halfway through the tricky ascent to her favourite rock when Elizabeth discerned that her sanctuary was not vacant. Mr. Darcy was standing there, with his eyes lost in the immensity of the sea, his hat forgotten over the stone, throwing pebbles down the cliff. Not wishing to talk to him, she turned on her heels, but in her hasty escape, she slipped on the moistened rock. An unladylike gasp escaped therefore attracting the gentleman's attention to her.
"Miss Bennet! Let me assist you," he rushed to her and extended his hand to help her.
"Thank you." She took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. With her hand firmly clasped on his, she climbed the remaining of the rocks up to the platform.
"Are you hurt?" he asked in concern. "You could have taken a bad fall. 'Tis a difficult path to climb."
"I am well, I assure you." She brushed her skirts. Her knee was hurting, it was probably bruised but she was not going to tell the gentleman about it.
He turned again to face the sea, his eyes scrutinizing the mainland. "It is a beautiful day."
"Indeed." She glanced quickly in his direction. He seemed so pensive, perhaps disturbed by some unpleasant thought.
"This spot has always been a favourite of mine," said he, with a hint of longing in his voice. "I used to sit here to observe the boats and the seagulls for hours when I was a young lad."
Elizabeth thought that he probably had done that to avoid his aunt's company. "I can understand why, the view is breathtaking."
"It is indeed, albeit I would not change the hills of Derbyshire for any other place in the world."
"I have heard that your home is beautiful. Do you spend much of your time there?"
"Not as much as I would like." he sighed. "Sometimes my obligations take me to places I do not wish to go."
'Such as Rosings?' Elizabeth almost asked, but held her tongue. "Sometimes, we are not free to choose."
"No, we are not." He threw another pebble into the sea.
Elizabeth observed him intently as her thoughts drifted towards Mr. Wickham and how Darcy's selfishness thwarted the other man's aspirations. She did not know what made her say what she said next, but she said it and the pain that she saw in Mr. Darcy's eyes almost hurt her as much as it hurt him.
"I am most certain that you will be able spend more time at Pemberley in the future. Perhaps when you get married, you will be able to establish yourself in your paternal home."
Darcy's shoulders tensed and the glance he darted at her was the darkest one. His eyes narrowed, then glanced at the last rock in his hand. He took a deep breath and threw it away with all his force.
"I must return to the house now." He murmured a moment later. "Let me assist you down."
Darcy put his hat on and made his way down through the slippery rocks. He offered her his hand and helped her down the rocky path. When she was standing on even ground, he made his excuses and walked away, leaving Elizabeth to return to the parsonage on her own.
One of the customs that Sir Lewis de Bourgh had established at Rosings when he was still alive was the celebration of the Easter festivity according to the German tradition. His widow honoured his wish along the years that followed his death, even when she considered the meddling with the tenants inappropriate and the adoption of a foreign custom antipatriotic. Notwithstanding Lady Catherine's distaste for such festivities, the entire staff was preparing the house for the celebration. That was how, during the days prior to the Easter Sunday, the ladies of the house and of the most important families gathered together at the mansion to paint the eggs that would be hidden all around the gardens for the children to search.
"I must confess that Easter is much simpler at home," Elizabeth placed a freshly painted egg on the basket. "We only attended the morning services and meet our neighbours for an early lunch."
"I remember those times very well, Eliza," laughed Charlotte, "your mother used to complain so much about the noise we made."
"Was it that bad?" smiled Miss de Bourgh.
"With five Bennet girls and four Lucases running about the house, you must imagine how noisy those gatherings were."
"I wished I would have had brothers and sisters. My childhood had been so quiet. Though I fear my mother would not have allowed us to play around, had I had siblings. She has a distaste for loud noises."
Except for those that come from her own mouth, thought Elizabeth. "And your cousins, did they not visit you on occasion?"
"Oh yes, they did. Wills always comes for the Easter. Richard usually accompanies him, that is, when his duty as a soldier allows him."
"Wills?"
Miss de Bourgh blushed. "Pray, forgive me. I was talking about Mr. Darcy. I know I should not address him thus, my mother does not allow such informality."
"You seem very fond of your cousins."
"I am, they are most dear to me. Richard is so charming and Darcy … well, he is a good man."
There was a remarkable change in Ann's demeanour when speaking of each cousin that made obvious in which one lay her preference. When she mentioned Darcy her face did not show any particular emotion but when mentioning the colonel, the young lady glowed.
"I agree with you," said Elizabeth, "Colonel Fitzwilliam is a very agreeable man."
"Indeed he is." Ann's eyes shone in admiration for her cousin. "And very handsome too, do you not think so?"
It became Elizabeth's turn to blush. "I will not deny it."
"Darcy is a very handsome man, too." continued Miss de Bourgh, knitting her brows in deep meditation. "He has changed so much these past years. He had turned so reserved since his father died. Some people call him proud but it is because they do not know him well enough. They do not understand the heavy responsibilities that lay on his shoulders."
Elizabeth remained silent. Even when hearing Miss de Bourgh praise her cousin with such eloquence, she could detect a sad undertone in her speech, like resignation and loss, as if the girl would be trying to convince herself that the man that her mother wanted to impose on her as a husband, was not as bad as everyone thought.
"I heard his estate is very beautiful," said Elizabeth a moment later.
"Pemberley? Oh, yes, it is." Ann returned to her painting.
There was a pause when Elizabeth waited for Miss de Bourgh to mention her tacit engagement to the gentleman but that seemed a subject that Ann refused to acknowledge. Perhaps she was as reluctant to enter in an engagement as Darcy appeared to be? For what Elizabeth could guess, against what was of general understanding, neither Ann nor Darcy were inclined to enter in an alliance that would unite both their fortunes and estates. It was obvious that Miss de Bourgh's affection was more oriented in the charming Colonel's direction -if the officer corresponded her feelings with the same intensity was yet to be determined-, while Darcy seemed oblivious to his aunt's hints about their tacit engagement. But then, as Darcy himself stated, they were not free to choose. She pitied them.
The ladies returned to their painting. Not much later the gentlemen entered the room, startling the ladies that were sat all around the large table.
"I did not imagine you possessed such talent, cousin," the colonel addressed Miss de Bourgh. "You are most skilful with the brush."
Ann giggled at his compliment. "You are being too generous, Richard. I know my work to be extremely lacking. Miss Bennet's artwork is much better than mine."
The colonel bent and spoke close to Ann's ear. "I think yours are beautiful. Put a mark on them and I promise shall only look for the eggs you painted during the egg hunt."
To that comment, Ann blushed intently.
Darcy gave a turn around the table, observing the ladies in their task. He stopped a few steps behind Elizabeth.
"Do you wish to frighten me, Mr Darcy, by coming all this way to scrutinize my work? My talent might not be as good as Miss de Bourgh claims it to be, nevertheless I shall not be intimidated by your presence. My courage always rises when I am challenged."
A slow smile grew in his lips as he elaborated his reply. "You cannot believe me capable of that, madam. I was merely admiring your painting. Though that should not expected any different from you for I know you well enough to affirm that there are times when you find great enjoyment in professing opinions that are not your own."
Elizabeth could not help but feel amused by his speech. It was not the first time that she was the recipient of Mr. Darcy's frankness and in this case, the gentleman could not be more certain in his affirmation.
"Ah, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth turned in her seat so she could see him. "You have placed yourself in a very dangerous position. I had hoped to pass myself off with a certain degree of credit while at Rosings but now that you have exposed me in front of all these people, I am forced to retaliate. Do you wish me to tell your family about your behaviour in Hertfordshire? I have knowledge that may shock them."
"I am not afraid of you," he challenged her.
"Pray, tell us, Miss Bennet," pleaded the colonel, "I want to know how he behaves among strangers."
"Are you ready to hear something dreadful?" She asked playfully, adding suspense to the tale. "The first time I saw him was at a ball. He only danced two dances and did not ask for introductions, remaining all night with those of his own party. The gentlemen were scarce and his reluctance to join the dance floor left more than one lady to sit down in want of a partner."
This comment extracted giggles from Miss de Bourgh and a loud laugh from the colonel. The other ladies in the room did not dare to raise their eyes nor did they show any kind of sign that they had indeed heard this young girl mocking Lady Catherine's most illustrious nephew. Darcy, for his part, did not seem affronted nor offended by Miss Bennet's impertinence. On the contrary; he appeared to be diverted by it.
"Unfortunately, madam," replied the gentleman, "I do not have the talent that some possess of conversing easily with strangers."
"Perhaps you have not tried hard enough. I believe that successfully acting in society is a matter of effort and practice. Take myself as an example. I cannot draw and I consider myself an appalling painter but here I am nonetheless, for I know that my dedication and effort of today will be the happiness of many tomorrow."
"Are you doing this for you or for the others' benefit?" There was an air of wickedness in his smile.
Lowering her voice so only her closest circle could hear, Elizabeth replied. "Neither. I confess that am doing it only because Lady Catherine asked. As much as I adore egg hunts, there is nothing I despise more than to paint Easter Eggs."
Neither Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam nor Miss de Bourgh could stop themselves from laughing aloud at that comment. For the first time in years, the sounds of laughter echoed through the corridors of Rosings manor.
What they didn't know, it was that this would be the last.
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