Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer

Surprised maids and footmen jumped back as she passed, giving her quick bows and curtseys, grabbing for their coats, straightening skirts, spitting out half-smoked cheroots and hiding them beneath their boots. Pushing her hood farther back on her head, she smiled and nodded hello, all the time humiliated by the reality that she had no idea where she was or how to get out.

Finally someone thought to alert Mrs. Reynolds, who hurried toward her. “Mrs. Darcy, is there something with which I can help you?”

Lizzy shook her head and smiled sheepishly. “I am so sorry to disturb you all, but I seem to have entered a strange door, and now fear I am lost.”

“I understand perfectly.” Mrs. Reynolds gave a ready nod. “Please allow me to show you the way upstairs.” Thankful for her rescue, Lizzy followed the housekeeper through the winding corridors of underground kitchens and bedrooms, linen rooms, pantries, and servants’ parlors and sitting room.

“It’s much like a little city down here,” Lizzy marveled as they walked past dozens of servants and room after windowed room where she could observe the work being done. She saw women washing and ironing, polishing this, repairing that. “I had no idea there were this many servants at Pemberley!” She felt like an intruder in their domain.

“We really have a much smaller regular staff than most of the great estates. Many of these young people are actually from our tenant families. They train here for future work in other great houses. The added money they earn here helps the families, and a recommendation from Pemberley, as you can imagine, is a tremendous asset. I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone trained here who did not go on to a very respectable position.”

Humbled by the realization that so many depended on her husband for their very existence, Elizabeth felt the pride and love she already had for him swell. He had taken command of all this from such a young age, increasing his holdings and wealth to become one of the most successful landowners in the country. He was amazing and wonderful, and she decided she would kiss him senseless as soon as she was able. He has all this to worry about, and I make a ninny of myself, blushing at anyone who cares to look at me, causing him more problems. Enough, Elizabeth, it is time to grow up.

In the meantime, Mrs. Reynolds had been very proud to finally exhibit the servants’ hall to the new mistress, stopping at the doorway to look back at the hustle and bustle that hummed along underneath the main house. Elizabeth took the woman’s hand in hers and gave it an appreciative squeeze. “I am all amazement at this.” Mrs. Reynolds, a woman who prided herself on seldom betraying her feelings to Mr. Darcy, blushed with happiness.

As they emerged into the light of the first-floor landing, she could see that they were right outside the grand library. “I believe Colonel Fitzwilliam is still in with the master. Would you like me to show you in to them?”

“Yes, please, and thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I hope I have not inconvenienced the household too much with my wanderings.”

“Not at all, madam, it was an honor. Besides, this is a huge house, one of the largest in the country. It takes a long while to get accustomed.”

They walked toward the library, and Mrs. Reynolds, knocking softly, opened it for her. Darcy beamed when he saw her and stood. “Elizabeth, I’m so glad you decided to join us!”

Fitzwilliam also stood as Lizzy rushed into the room, watching as she melted into the arms of her loving husband. He regarded them both fondly, seeing the obviously deep affection between them the very moment the other was within view. You would think they had been apart for a month and not twenty minutes. Well, he reflected a bit wistfully , I might not envy you Pemberley, my dear cousin, but this type of joy I do envy you.

***

Laughing, she gazed up into Darcy’s face. “Did you have time to miss me at all?”

“And you are…? Of course, little goose. I counted each second.” He smiled as he wrapped her within his arms. “Elizabeth, we have a trespasser.”

She turned her head and looked over at Fitzwilliam.

“You look lovely, Cousin,” he said sincerely.

Her eyes were beginning to moisten. “It’s so nice to hear you call me Cousin.” She walked quickly to him, her hands extended in greeting. Waggling his eyebrows, he ignored her hands to give her one of his great hugs.

“May I be the first non-spousal family member to kiss the bride?”

Darcy nodded, and Elizabeth beamed up at Fitzwilliam once again, offering her cheek for the kissing.