A Companion For Miss Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Read online

  Mr Gardiner glanced at Mr Darcy’s letter again.

  ‘Mr Darcy deals with that subject, saying that his sister has excellent masters to teach her everything she requires to take her place in Society. What she does not have, and what she needs, is a well-bred young lady who can provide her with uplifting company. He does not say so precisely, but I gather that his sister’s spirits are not always high and he wishes her to be in cheerful company. He says that Elizabeth’s courage in dealing with her own sad situation has impressed him and it will provide his sister with a model to follow.’

  ‘That is true,’ said Mrs Gardiner, as she placed neat stitches in the shirt. ‘Elizabeth has impressed us both with her courage and resilience. Her parents’ death dealt her a terrible blow, particularly her father’s death, for she loved him dearly, but she has not succumbed to despair.’

  She finished sewing the button on to the shirt and then took her small, pretty scissors out of her sewing basket. She snipped the thread and then folded the shirt carefully before putting it back in the basket.

  ‘And yet I find it puzzling,’ Mr Gardiner continued with a frown. ‘I can see no reason why Miss Darcy needs to have her spirits lifted. She is wealthy and evidently her brother cares for her. She must surely be the happiest of mortals.’

  Mrs Gardiner said, ‘Miss Darcy is an orphan. Both her parents died years ago. I remember my Derbyshire friends saying how tragic it was that Mr Darcy had so much responsibility so young, and that his sister was left without mother or father at a tender age.’

  ‘They died a long time ago,’ Mr Gardiner pointed out.

  ‘But perhaps Miss Darcy misses her mother more, now that she is growing up. Whatever the case, Mr Darcy would like to employ Lizzy. Lizzy is not opposed to the idea. Her letter says she would like to take up the position but she asks us to make sure that Mr Darcy is a respectable man before she agrees. She says that as long as we know of nothing against him, she is inclined to accept his offer, but she asks for our advice.’

  ‘Then we will do as she asks’ said Mr Gardiner. ‘I will investigate and see if Mr Darcy is a man we can trust to treat Lizzy with respect.’

  Mrs Gardiner frowned as she took a petticoat out of her work basket and began to mend a tear.

  ‘There is one thing that worries me in all this,’ she said. ‘Jane feels it is her duty to marry, even if she is not in love. Elizabeth is willing to work as a companion. I hope we have never by word or deed made them feel they are unwelcome here.’

  ‘We have gone out of our way to let them know they are always welcome here,’ said Mr Gardiner. ‘But they know our house well, and they know our situation in life. It is all very well having visitors, but with two more permanent residents the house will be cramped. I would give all the girls a dowry if I could, but it is beyond my means. I am willing to give them a home for ever if needs be, but it is not a future I would wish for them. I am hoping that Elizabeth is wrong about Mr Collins. She might have allowed her own prejudices to affect her when speaking of Jane’s feelings. If Jane appears to like Mr Collins, and if he is simply a man of moderate intelligence instead of a fool, then I will give my permission. I would like to see her creditably settled, and this is the best offer she is likely to receive.’

  ‘But you will not give your permission if Jane does not like him?’ asked Mrs Gardiner, looking up from her needlework in concern.

  ‘No. You need have no fear on that score. I will not. As for Lizzy, I will give my permission for her to become Miss Darcy’s companion, as long as my investigations into Mr Darcy’s character are satisfactory. You can help here, my love. You still have friends in Derbyshire. Write to them and ask them about the Darcy family.’

  ‘That is a very good idea. But are you sure you should allow Elizabeth to work?’ asked Mrs Gardiner dubiously.

  ‘It is not unusual for young ladies in her circumstances, as long as the work is genteel. Besides, I would like Elizabeth to have interesting and stimulating company. She is an intelligent young woman and she needs it. She will have only a limited circle of acquaintance here, but as Miss Darcy’s companion she will meet some very cultured people. She will find them interesting, and who knows? she might find a husband, for I fear we have very little chance of finding one for her here.’

  Mrs Gardiner laughed.

  ‘I never thought you would become a matchmaker! You sound like Mrs Philips!’

  Mr Gardiner smiled. But then his face became more serious.

  ‘Marriage is still a woman’s best protection from want. If Elizabeth can find a man she admires and esteems, a clever man who can interest her and awaken her finer feelings, a man she loves, then I would be glad to see her married. But only if that happens. Otherwise, I think she will do very well as Miss Darcy’s companion.’

  ‘And if she takes the position but it does not suit?’ asked Mrs Gardiner, as she finished stitching the petticoat and snipped off the spare thread.

  She looked at her husband earnestly.

  Mr Gardiner reassured her.

  ‘Then she will always have a home with us here.’

  Later that day, the messenger returned to Longbourn with four letters. All were from the Gardiners. One was for Mr Collins, inviting him to stay. One was for Jane, also inviting her to stay. One was for Mr and Mrs Philips, telling them about the invitations. The final one was for Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth donned her pelisse and bonnet and walked out into the garden so that she could study her letter in peace. It was much thicker than the other letters and she sat down in a small arbour to read. The scent of roses was wafted to her on the breeze.

  She read quickly. The letter reassured her that Mr Gardiner would not give his permission for the marriage to go ahead if Jane was unhappy. Then it moved on to Elizabeth’s concerns, saying that Mrs Gardiner had written to her Derbyshire friends to find out more about the Darcys, and Mr Gardiner had engaged an agent to make sure that Mr Darcy was respectable.

  ‘It is as well to be careful, Lizzy. We will not trust you to his employ unless we are satisfied that he is a gentleman, not only in rank but also in behaviour,’ her aunt had written. ‘If it all proves satisfactory then your uncle thinks that the position will suit you. It will allow you to meet a wider circle of people than you will meet with us. But remember, dear Lizzy, that you will always be welcome in our home, and if at any time the position proves uncongenial then you have only to say so and we will take you away.’

  Elizabeth was reassured by the letter. As she folded it up and put it in her reticule, she felt her spirits beginning to rise. A new chapter was about to open in her life, and one that held out the hope of interest and stimulation.

  She found herself hoping that her uncle’s investigations would prove satisfactory, and that before long she would take up her position as Miss Darcy’s companion.

  Chapter Eight

  Mr Bingley, his sister and Mr Darcy soon returned to London. However, the Meryton gossips said that Mr Bingley had taken Netherfield Park and would take up residence before the end of the month.

  As Jane and Mr Collins prepared to visit the Gardiners, Elizabeth tried to persuade Jane not to go.

  ‘There is no need for it,’ said Elizabeth. ‘Even you, dear Jane, must see that it is no longer necessary. Once I am employed by Mr Darcy I will not be a burden to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner as I will be living with the Darcys. It is a great comfort to me that Mr Darcy intends to stay with Mr Bingley for the autumn, and bring his sister to Netherfield Park with him. It means I will not be parted from my family and friends until Christmas, by which time I will have settled into my new rôle.’

  ‘I know you have high hopes of Mr Darcy,’ Jane said. ‘But you are not a companion yet, and I must continue with my plans until I know you are sure of employment.’

  She folded one of her shawls and put it into her box. The maid would pack most of her things, but there were a few special things she wanted to pack herself. The shawl was one of those things, since it had b
een a present from Elizabeth.

  ‘It will happen, Jane, and then you will not have to marry Mr Collins. You will be able to live with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, as the house is large enough for one extra permanent inhabitant, and you are so good with the children that you will earn your keep. I will be able to give my earnings to Aunt and Uncle Philips, to help pay for the keep of Mary, Kitty and Lydia. So there is no need for Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to see you and Mr Collins together. You might just as well remain at home.’

  Jane gave a sweet smile and took her sister’s hand.

  ‘You always cheer me, Lizzy. But the visit is all arranged and it is something I must do. Never fear, I will be back before you know it.’

  Elizabeth shook her head sadly but then gave a sigh of resignation.

  ‘I can see your mind is made up. Very well. You must do what you must do. But I feel new hope rising in me, Jane. For the first time in a year, the future looks promising. By the time you return, I think I will be installed at Netherfield Park. It will seem strange to be living there, instead of just visiting, but I like the house and I know I will be happy there. It will be a change, and it will also be a change to care for Miss Darcy, instead of my own sisters.’ Elizabeth’s face took on a musing expression. ‘I wonder what she is like.’

  ‘I am sure she is charming,’ said Jane.

  Elizabeth laughed.

  ‘You will find her charming whether she is or not. You always see the best in everyone. She will be proud, of that I am convinced, but perhaps she will share her brother’s kindness and gentility.’

  ‘I do not see why it is kind of Mr Darcy to employ you,’ said Jane stoutly. ‘I am sure anyone would be lucky to have you as a companion. You have been my own dear companion for twenty years. I do not know what I would have done without you. Every problem is shared, and every pleasure too.’ She went on musingly, ‘It is a strange thing, but problems, when shared, seem far smaller. Pleasures, on the other hand, seem far greater.’ Then she turned to Lizzy and looked at her frankly. ‘I am so lucky to have you. You make a gift for making everything in life seem better.’

  Elizabeth embraced her sister. Then she picked up a pair of gloves, a present to Jane from Lydia, and put them carefully in the box. ‘I can see kindness where you cannot. I am convinced that Mr Darcy did not offer me the position out of a belief that I would be the best companion available. I think he realised I needed employment, and I think he knew how difficult it would be for me to find it, since I lack any great accomplishments. His kindness continued, even after he had offered me the position. He was at pains to tell me that he would be spending the autumn at Netherfield Park, letting me know that I would not have to move too far from home to begin with, although in the New Year he will be returning to Pemberley.’

  ‘It sounds as if you are looking forward to getting to know him better,’ said Jane, looking at Elizabeth with some curiosity.

  ‘I doubt if that will be possible. I think he is not an easy man to know, and I will probably not see him very often,’ said Elizabeth. ‘Gentlemen do not usually spend a great deal of time with their sisters’ companions. Even so, I hope my aunt and uncle are satisfied with their investigations. Once they have given the idea their full approval I can become Miss Darcy’s companion right away.’

  They continued with Jane’s packing.

  All too soon it was done.

  They went downstairs and the footman carried the box down after them.

  They all took some refreshment and then Jane, Mr Collins and Mrs Philips donned their outdoor clothes and went to the carriage. Mrs Philips was to act as Jane’s chaperon on the visit.

  Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia went out onto the drive with them. They called out their farewells, and voiced their wishes for a safe and speedy journey, then the carriage set off. Mary, Kitty and Lydia then went indoors, but Elizabeth stood in the drive, watching the carriage as it dwindled into a smaller and smaller speck. She stayed there until she lost sight of it altogether. Then she went back into the house.

  From the parlour came the sound of Mary thumping out a sonata on the pianoforte and from the drawing-room came the sound of Kitty and Lydia arguing. Mr Philips’s voice rose above them, trying to quieten them, with little success.

  Elizabeth did not want to face all the usual noise of her boisterous family and so she went into the library. She loved the room. It was a good size, square in shape, with French doors leading out to the garden. The walls were lined with books, some old and some new. A large desk was set in the middle of the room, with a chair at one side looking out towards the garden. In that chair her father had often sat, when he was not relaxing in the armchair by the fireplace. She imagined him there, with his glasses pushed on to the top of his head, writing a letter with the quill held in his hand, or poring over some papers to do with the estate.

  He had not had much of a head for business, being too fond of spending and not fond enough of saving. He had thought he would live a long life and so he had not provided adequately for his daughters. Elizabeth shook her head and a sigh escaped her lips as she remembered her mother, always fussing over what might happen, and her father laughing at her mother. In the event, Mrs Bennet had been right to worry.

  Poor Mama! thought Elizabeth. We none of us took her seriously and yet she was right all along.

  Life continued much as usual at Longbourn for the following week. Elizabeth took her daily walks, often venturing as far as Netherfield Park. It was a favourite route of hers, for the way lay through pretty countryside. There was a shallow river which sparkled and gurgled as it ran on its way. The fields surrounding it were green and full of wildflowers. When the sun was shining, it was idyllic.

  She could no longer visit the Delawares. Carts could be seen every day, rolling along the drive which ran at an angle to the river. To begin with, they were taking the Delawares’ final possessions to Bath, and then, later on they were bringing Mr Bingley’s possessions to the house. He had taken the house furnished, but even so there were some smaller items that needed transporting. One day, Elizabeth made out the unmistakeable shape of a harp.

  It would not be long before she herself was living at Netherfield Park. Mr and Mrs Gardiner had been as good as their word. They had been very thorough in their investigations and they had decided that Mr Darcy was a respectable gentleman, and that Elizabeth could accept his offer of employment. Mr Gardiner had made all the arrangements with Mr Darcy’s man of business, and she was astonished at the size of the salary he offered. It was much more than she had been expecting and she knew it would be a great help to the Philipses when Mr Collins finally turned the Bennets out of their home.

  Mr Bingley was due to take up residence at Netherfield Park in three days’ time, and shortly afterwards Elizabeth would take up her position as a companion. So this was to be one of the last days on which she could walk with complete freedom. She was making the most of it, breathing in deeply and smelling the scents of the late summer flowers, as well as admiring the beautiful view.

  As she did so, she thought how well things had turned out. Mr Collins had not, after all, proposed to Jane. Mr Gardiner had taken his measure and said that Jane was far too young to marry, and that Mr Gardiner would not give permission for an engagement for another year at least. And so Jane was saved, for which Elizabeth was extremely thankful. Her beloved sister was now back at Longbourn.

  She had other reasons to be thankful. Following her parents’ tragic death, she might have had to leave her house immediately. Mr Collins could have forced them all to move out straight away, but it had suited him to have someone to look after the house until he wanted it. And that was not all. Now she had something else to be grateful for: the position offered to her by Mr Darcy.

  It had been a practical offer and a kind one. But she felt it had also been caused by something else. A bubble of laughter rose to her lips. She was sure it had also had something to do with discomfiting Miss Bingley!

  The laugh came out
in full voice as she remembered the scene at the dining table, when Mr Darcy had offered her the position. Miss Bingley had been queening it over her, taking delight in her difficult position. She had enjoyed making Elizabeth squirm, patronising her and making her feel she was unaccomplished, unwanted and inferior, and Mr Darcy had seen it. Not only that, he had been irritated by it.

  Had Miss Bingley been a little more intelligent, she would have offered to find Elizabeth employment, for that act of generosity would have satisfied Mr Darcy. It would have reassured him that Elizabeth would be helped, and would also have made him like Miss Bingley the more.

  But Miss Bingley was not intelligent. She had used her power cruelly, and Elizabeth remembered the way in which Mr Darcy had become increasingly annoyed by Miss Bingley’s rude and insolent manner. Miss Bingley, giving full rein to her vicious wit, had been too stupid to see it.

  As Elizabeth recalled the scene, she had to admit that Mr Darcy had hidden it well to begin with, taking a sip of wine to cover his grim expression. When he had emerged from behind his wine glass, however, he had cast a look of distaste and disgust towards Miss Bingley.

  His eyes then, when he had turned to Elizabeth, had softened and she had felt for a moment as if she were looking into a deep well. There was a wealth of character behind those eyes, showing that he was a man who would not be easy to know but who would be worth knowing.

  And then he had spoken, giving Miss Bingley a set-down and saving herself all in one sentence by offering her a position as his sister’s companion.

  Miss Bingley’s face had been a picture! Never had horror been writ so large on a lady’s countenance! Elizabeth laughed again as she thought of it. And she knew that it had amused Mr Darcy too. A small smile had appeared at the corner of his lips as Miss Bingley had turned white. He was too much of a gentleman to smile outright, but the curve of his lips had been unmistakeable.