Beginning, Section II

Chapter Five: Revenge and Frustration

Elizabeth’s eyes burned with anger, yet she kept her voice calm as she informed her husband, “I would rather you not sleep in my chamber tonight.”

Darcy's left cheek twitched and a sickening feeling settled in his gut. Their eyes were fixed upon each other, and several moments passed before he spoke with reserved civility.

“May I ask why you no longer desire me in your bed?”

Elizabeth’s breathing tensed as she looked at the floor and stammered, “I…have… started my monthly courses...and so…I am indisposed.” Her cheeks flamed as she swiftly turned her head and bit her lower lip.

Darcy gasped aloud. Relief washed over him when he realized his wife’s reluctance to be with him was due to her indisposition.

Noticing her blush, he assumed that his naïve wife was merely embarrassed. He smiled in delight at her hesitancy but then became mindful that she might be in some discomfort and therefore not feeling well.

“Lizzy, how long do your courses run?” Her eyes widened and she twisted her mouth before replying, “Usually, no longer than four or five days.” Elizabeth felt tears of frustration well up in her eyes and one escaped to her cheek.

“Do you experience any pain or discomfort at this time?”

Elizabeth looked at him and creased her brow. She wavered momentarily, but then her voice quivered as she answered, “No…none at all.”

Pondering his wife’s irritability, emotional dishevel and unease made him construe that she was anxious from modesty rather than discomfort, and her courses were the probable cause for such irrational behaviour.

Darcy walked over to her and put one hand upon her shoulder; and, with the other, he wiped away her tears. Her lips pursed together. He softly assured her, “Elizabeth, do not let this trouble you. I am accustomed to blood. It does not bother me in the least.”

With this said, he attempted to hold her, but she turned and walked to the bed. Shock seized her heart. She reasoned that her husband would surely know about such matters; and, therefore, she admitted it should not be a surprise. But the confession of his being familiar with blood during lovemaking made her ill, grieved, and disheartened. Loneliness enveloped her.

Darcy was puzzled by her withdrawal. “Whatever is the matter, Elizabeth? May I get you anything? Perhaps some wine or water?”

Elizabeth looked at him and shook her head in the negative. “No, I assure you I am fine, I would like only to rest.” He crossed the room and guided her to lie on the bed and then began to massage the back of her neck. She lay still. He continued his ministrations for several minutes longer, and she drowsily closed her eyes. Elizabeth felt devoid of emotion with his touch; but, when he started to kiss her brow, cheek, ear, and lips, she opened her eyes wide and cried, “Please, I ask you once more to sleep in your own chamber tonight!”

Incredulity entered Darcy’s mind as he lay by his wife, gaping at her. He then derisively declared, “I will not sleep in any bed but this one. It will be you, Elizabeth, who leaves our bed if you so desire, not I.”

Before either could say another word, a knock was heard at the door. Darcy bitterly bid entry. Mr. Chaffin appeared within the doorway. “Sir, you are wanted by Mr. Manning and Mr. Sheldon downstairs. They are waiting in your study. Would you have them remain or appoint another time?”

“Blast!” he cursed, then recollected himself. “Yes, I will be there directly.”

He slid off the bed and stood. Walking to the mirror to straighten his cravat, he stated, “I hope not to be detained long, and I also hope to find you in this bed when I return.”

Elizabeth did not respond but continued to lie numbly upon the bed.

Darcy bolted from the room, nearly colliding with his cousin in the hall.

“Why, Darcy, are you going down again? I would be game for some billiards.”

Darcy rolled his eyes at his cousin. “No, Fitzwilliam, I have some matters of import to speak of with my steward.”

“It cannot wait until morning?”

In exasperation he replied, “No, I must go now. Please excuse me.”

Richard shrugged his shoulders, said something about tomorrow, and continued to his room.

When the master of Pemberley reached the bottom of the stairs, he noticed an older woman sitting on a divan in the vestibule. He acknowledged her presence with a nod as he passed.

Mr. Sheldon and Mr. Manning were seated facing his desk. Darcy entered quietly and sat in his chair. He looked at the gentlemen before him and asked what preparations had been made.

Mr. Manning responded. “I have arranged for Thomas Wilkens to drive to Liverpool. He is young but has adequate experience tending and driving horses. His parents have consented to his going. The relief team, as you are already aware, should be at the first post station; and, if they are able to procure fresh horses themselves, they will board our Belgians and carry on to the next stop.”

Mr. Sheldon spoke next. “I have found an elderly lady by the name of Mrs. Watts to be a companion for the maid. She is from Lambton and desires to go to a village near Liverpool. Her daughter is to give birth within the month, and she wishes to attend her.”

The master enquired, “I suppose that is the elderly woman presently seated in the entrance hall?”

“Yes, sir, we thought it best to bring her here for the night since their route would normally take them away from Lambton. If this is not acceptable, I could take her home, and they could start earlier and go to the village first.”

Darcy shook his head and told his steward that would not be necessary. He then asked if Mrs. Reynolds had been informed of the overnight guest. Sheldon told him she had not.

“Very well,” Darcy stated, “it seems all is in order. I am grateful for your diligence in these preparations, especially in such uncomfortable conditions. I thank you.”

Both gentlemen nodded their heads in response to Mr. Darcy's words of gratitude. They all stood, and Darcy shook their hands. After they departed, he pulled the bell cord to summon Mrs. Reynolds. She came with alacrity.

“Yes, sir?”

“Mrs. Reynolds, there is a Mrs. Watts who will travel with Clara to Liverpool. She is to stay the night. Please show her to a room and attend to her needs. She waits in the hall.”

“Very good, sir. Will there be anything else?”

Darcy looked pensive for a moment and asked if she would send up to the mistress’ chambers some cocoa for himself and Mrs. Darcy.

The housekeeper smiled and said she would have it done right away.

Darcy watched her go as he continued to sit for a time, blankly staring into space. Rubbing his mouth with his fingers and then running his hand through his hair, he began to reflect on his wife, whom he hoped to find in their bed upon his return. What in the world had come over her? He had heard the crude jokes, jests, and comments from men about how women act when they are ‘on the rag’. Yet, he had no first-hand experience of being in close contact with any woman on a regular basis to know if this is what he should expect from Elizabeth in the future. He realized he had never experienced such anger from her as he witnessed earlier in their chamber. In the few months of their engagement, she had never shown signs of such irritability. He felt hurt for her wish of not wanting to be with him. Their marriage was barely two weeks old, and his wife no longer desired him in her bed. He felt ill at the thought. Yet, it suddenly occurred to him that Elizabeth might also be out of sorts because of Clara’s delayed travel plans. She would surely be overjoyed to learn that all had been established concerning her maid’s journey. He arose from his chair and, with a hopeful heart, set off for his wife’s bedchamber.

Immediately after her husband departed, Elizabeth began to prepare for bed. As she was removing her clothes, Clara entered from the servants’ door to assist her mistress.

“Clara, you look so happy. Have you news of your mother?”

“No, ma'am, but Mrs. Reynolds has informed me that I’ll be leaving at first light. I want to thank you so much for your arrangements on my behalf. I’m not sure I would be going if not for your help.”

Elizabeth’s face betrayed her astonishment. She marvelled that anything had been done given the reluctance her husband demonstrated with the mere mention of the subject.

“Hmm…you mean to say that Mrs. Reynolds has informed you that I was responsible for the arrangements?”

“No,” the maid replied, “but I only assumed it was so because of your promise earlier that all would be made ready, and nothing had been done before. I truly be thanking you from the bottom of my heart, Mrs. Darcy.”

Elizabeth smiled at the girl and told her she was happy for her and hoped all would be well with her mother.

Clara informed her that Mrs. Reynolds had asked Sally to attend the mistress in her absence. She assured Mrs. Darcy that Sally was a hard worker but might not have as much experience with the styling of hair.

In an effort to put her maid's mind at ease, Elizabeth averred that she was not fastidious, so Sally need not worry.

“Oh, I know that, ma'am. I told her you're one of the sweetest ladies I have ever made acquaintance with.” This compliment brought a smile to Elizabeth’s face, and she heartily thanked Clara for it.

Upon reaching his wife’s door, Darcy decided that, instead of going in, he would first go to his own chamber and call for his valet to prepare for bed. Mr. Chaffin was already within as he entered. The valet was taken aback to see his master this late in the evening within his own room. He had realized quickly after the arrival of Mrs. Darcy that his master was ardently in love with his wife and there would be no separate sleeping arrangements as so many of the landed gentry chose to do.

“Ah, Chaffin, I am glad you are here. I want you to wake me a half hour before Thomas Wilkens departs with the sleigh. I would like to speak with him before he leaves.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Please help me with my cravat. Do you have my nightshirt?”

Chaffin came to his master’s aid and, while removing his cravat, waistcoat, and jacket, informed Mr. Darcy that his shirt had already been laid on the bed. He then helped remove his boots.

Wearing only his trousers and shirt, Darcy walked into his dressing area and started to clean his teeth with cinnamon powder. He discarded his shirt and walked back to his bed to slip on the clean one. Mr. Chaffin came to assist in the removal of his master’s trousers, but Darcy waved him away with his hand. The valet continued to gather the discarded clothing and then laid out the articles for the morrow.

Darcy stopped in front of his mirror and attempted to smooth his hair, with little success. He then splashed cologne on his jaw, wiping the excess on his shirt.

Elizabeth sat at her vanity removing the pins from her hair when her husband entered. He was satisfied to see her still within. Her head turned upon his entrance, and she noticed not only the exhaustion in his face but his changed attire. Advancing to where she sat, he assumed the task of removing her hairpins. Elizabeth met his gaze in the mirror; neither spoke. One by one the pins fell to the floor and her silky tresses tumbled over her shoulders. Seeing the longing in her husband’s manner as he removed the pins and looked upon her hair and face, her heart began to fill with tenderness. She realized, with Clara’s news, that she no longer felt anger over his prior offence at the table.

Darcy leaned down to place kisses upon her neck. He pulled back her nightgown to uncover her shoulder and placed tender, tantalizing kisses on her bare skin. She moaned softly with the exquisite sensations that his lips were producing within her body. He stopped suddenly and whispered, “Where are you sleeping tonight, my love?”

Elizabeth looked into his eyes with yearning. He was pleased that she wanted him.
Still, she did not answer. He smiled and teasingly confirmed, “You will sleep with me, then, in our bed.”

She only nodded her head in answer. He placed more kisses behind her ear and then, remembering the good news which was sure to please his wife, he lifted his head and exclaimed, “I have something to tell you that I think shall make you happy.” Elizabeth smiled slightly and turned her full attention towards him. “Your maid, Clara, will leave on the morrow. Plans have been set and, hopefully, if all goes well in their journey, she will be with her mother by the week's end.” Lizzy smiled brilliantly and Darcy asked, “Does this news bring you pleasure?”

“Most certainly, I thank you for having arranged it.”

He pulled her upward and embraced her. Running his fingers through her hair and placing more kisses upon her forehead, he bent low to capture her lips. Their kiss was fervent and lingering. As they stepped back, Darcy clutched his wife's hand and attempted to lead her to their bed. Yet, she did not move. Looking inquisitively at her, he stopped and turned back.

“Pray, what is it Lizzy?”

She took in a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “It is just that I do not understand why you would not discuss Clara’s travel arrangements with me. I do not see why I should be shunned and kept in the dark where my own maid is concerned?”

Darcy pressed his lips tight in frustration. He looked down for a moment and then puffed out the breath he was holding.

“Elizabeth, I would rather not discuss this at present. Come to bed.”

Dropping her hand, he wearily walked to the bedstead, lifted the bedclothes and crawled beneath them. With a pat of his hand on the top of the counterpane, he signalled for her to follow suit, but she was in no mood to dismiss the subject.

“Elizabeth, come here, my love.”

She folded her arms across her chest and slowly walked towards him.

Darcy yawned and claimed, “I am weary; we have had a long day. Let us rest.” He pulled back the mantle, inviting her to join him.

She stood near the bedside and deliberated for some seconds before deciding to enter. After settling beneath the sheets, she turned her back to her husband and bid him a good night.

Darcy breathed out with dissatisfaction, but rolled onto his side, running his hands up and down her back. He snuggled closer while his hands went from caressing her back to her upper thigh. Kisses were placed upon the side of her neck as he moulded his body against hers. He pressed against her for some time but achieved no response from his lovely lady. Then, placing his hand upon her shoulder, he gently tried to turn her to face him. Elizabeth, however, was not of a mind to acquiesce and pulled her shoulder back with each attempt. “Peeved” would correctly describe the young husband’s pitiful state at this injunction.

“Lizzy, turn to face me.”

“Elizabeth, I know you are not asleep. Please turn and face me.”

She turned over and looked at him in a blank fashion. Darcy smiled and started to embrace her, but she slid away from his attempt.

“Elizabeth, I will not play these cat-and-mouse games with you any longer. If you do not want to love me, just say so.”

“I thought you were weary?” she stated cynically.

“I am weary of your rejection.”

“No, Fitzwilliam, you told me you did not wish to speak of Clara at present because you are exhausted.”

Contempt appeared on Darcy’s countenance, and he exclaimed, “This is why you reject me? You might consider the humiliation you cost me before you scorn me in our bed!”

Elizabeth’s colour was high. Casting off the counterpane, she leapt from the bed and marched around it to face her husband. His body likewise shifted in response, and he sat upright.

Arms at her sides and hands tightened into fists, she appeared fierce and intimidating with her stance.

“You speak of your humiliation with no thought of my own.”

His response was his usual dismissive air when something was not to his liking; and, staring directly into her face, he sputtered, “Your humiliation, Elizabeth? I think not. Since when have I been out of the bounds of propriety?”

She raised her brows and smirked. “Oh yes, the grand master of Pemberley is ever attentive and proper.”

“You are mocking me.”

Just then a distinct knock was detected.

In irritation Darcy called out, “What?”

The door opened and in stepped a maid carrying a tray with two mugs of cocoa and some crusted, sweet bread. The young girl could feel the tension as soon as she entered the room. She stood and nervously began to convey a message from the kitchen.

“Mrs. Potter asked me to relate her regrets for how long it's taken to prepare the cocoa. She was out of milk and had to have some fetched.”

Exasperation was read all over the master’s deportment as he waved his pointing finger to a side table near a chair for the lass to set the tray upon.

“No bother,” was the only reply he gave for the apology.

The girl curtseyed and scurried to the door. Elizabeth called to her and asked her name.

“Sally, ma'am.”

“Well, Sally, I take it you are my new maid in Clara’s absence?”

“Yes, mistress.”

Cordially, Elizabeth stated, “I look forward to getting to know you, and please thank Mrs. Potter for the bother. I love cocoa.”

The maid smiled and, with a quick bob of her head, was gone.

Darcy shook his head and rolled his eyes at his wife’s obvious ridicule with reference to his words spoken to the maid.

“Elizabeth, I will not have you continue to abuse me so.”

She looked at him in wonder. “Whatever do you mean? It is not I who continues to act in such a rude manner.”

He blinked at her in disbelief. “I suppose you thought I was uncivil just now?”

“Undoubtedly.”

Bewildered, he rubbed his mouth with his hand and then got out of the bed and in a single-minded posture, walked closer to where his wife stood. Within inches of her face, Darcy wore a brooding expression while he strived to use some restraint in the level of his tone when he stated, “Maybe you are unaware of the difficulties many individuals have encountered in procuring travel arrangements for your maid. My men were sent out from their homes not only in the cold of the day, but in the bitter chill of the night to inquire for a travelling companion so Clara would not ride unaccompanied. The Berlin had to be repaired and runners put upon it in order to send one sleigh ahead in hopes that they could journey farther in one day's time. Lives are at peril because you made a promise to your maid that she would leave by dawn tomorrow. Yet, you belittle my reserve in informing you of the particulars that resulted as a consequence of your guarantee.”

Elizabeth could feel his breath as he spoke in hot anger. She felt a mixture of fear, regret, and shame; but, most of all, rage began to rule.

Without flinching, she raised her chin in defiance and boldly declared, “If it were not for your secrecy, a promise never would have been given. I thought ‘disguise of any sort’ was your abhorrence?”

He noticed a triumphant look cross her features as she hurled his own words back into his face. With a raised voice, he ordered, “Enough! I will not be spoken to in such a fashion. I am going to bed and I expect you to come to bed as well.”

In three long strides he crossed the room and heatedly got back into the bed. Elizabeth folded her arms over her chest and continued to stand in place. She finally addressed her husband.

“So, you will not leave and sleep in you own chamber tonight?”

“No, Elizabeth, I will not.” His eyes narrowed upon her.

“Very well. You did say earlier that I could choose not to sleep in our bed, did you not?”

Wounded, he retorted, “Do as you wish, Lizzy; I will not stop you.”

She nodded her head in acknowledgement to his granted permission. She then simply informed him that she would be sleeping in his bedchamber.

Feeling sorry for himself, he watched her walk to the tray and take up some bread and a mug. She sipped at her drink cautiously at first until she determined it was no longer hot. “I thank you for the cocoa, Fitzwilliam; it was very thoughtful.”

Elizabeth then turned and walked through the dressing rooms and into his chamber. By the time she arrived, the drink threatened to spill as she quickly set it down with trembling hands.

Breathless, she stood for a moment and then stomped her foot before closing her eyes in anguish over what she had just done. Where had her courage led? After all, her pride preceded it and would, likewise, not permit her to return. Besides, she would not tolerate her husband’s insensitivity to her feelings when affairs were rightly within the bounds of her influence. No, she would have to weather this storm, and weather it she would.

She crawled beneath the counterpane and drew it up around her head. An hour later, after many shed tears, Elizabeth found sleep.

In the adjoining chamber, her husband was not quite so fortunate. He tossed and turned as he fumed over his wife’s pigheadedness. He thought over the past weeks and even before the wedding; yet, he could not think of one time when she had acted so obtuse. What could have made her turn on him in such a manner? Then it suddenly dawned on him. There was one time in which she acted exactly as she had tonight: Hunsford Parsonage. He blinked upon this discovery but did not know what to make of it. Then, her aloofness had been due to his ill-mannered proposal. Darcy wondered if she could have been experiencing her courses at that time as well. Well, if this were the case, he would have to try to avoid her at all costs during such bouts. He could not abide her insolent exhibition. Four days! He could manage to stay out of her way for four days. Even though his body demanded otherwise, he would steel himself through it. Yes, that was the solution. He then turned his pillow over and, punching it several times, sighed and fell into a vexing, fitful sleep.

To Be Continued . . .