Page 14 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I understand your dilemma. If you are related to Alice Hopkins, I shall give you a chance. At this point I am desperate. I warn you now, Mr. Darcy is not himself and is very difficult to be around. That said, he is a good man who has suffered an unspeakable tragedy: he lost his home and was seriously injured. When can you begin?”

“Is tomorrow too soon?”

“I shall send a carriage to Mrs. Hopkins’s home in the morning.”

“Thank you for the opportunity, ma’am.”

“I wish you luck, young lady. You will need it.”

* * *

When Elizabeth returned home,she confirmed she would start work at Pembrook Cottage in the morning. Mrs. Hopkins smiled and asked her to sit beside her. “I am very pleased for you, but now that you will have a position there, you should know there are many stories about that old place.”

Had she made the wrong decision? “What kind of stories? I hope no one thinks the cottage is haunted!”

“Quite the opposite. Many say the cottage is enchanted.”

Elizabeth scoffed. “Enchanted? Do you really believe that?”

“I only know what I have heard. The next time you write to your aunt Gardiner, ask her about the cottage, and I am certain she will confirm the rumours. They say enchantment isthe oldest form of medicine, and perhaps it will help Mr. Darcy’s recovery.”

After the unfortunate events of the recent months, any positive experiences within her new home, enchanted or not, would be welcome.

* * *

The followingmorning

A carriage came to Mrs. Hopkins’ house to bring Elizabeth and her trunk to Pembrook Cottage. Her aunt Gardiner’s vivid descriptions of the manor house and grounds came to mind. She had spoken in detail about Pemberley’s beautiful stone façade which was reflected in the lake fronting the home. Mrs. Gardiner’s favourite part of the summer tours were the massive flower gardens with blooms bursting in every colour. Her aunt was correct. The trees, the stream, the blue sky and the lake created a picturesque natural setting.

However, Elizabeth gasped in shock at the sight of what was left of the manor house and grounds. The stone walls were thick with soot and the air was redolent with smoke. The Lodge House was quite imposing, so how massive had Pemberley been? All that remained were thecharred stones and bricks used to build the structure. In many places, even those had collapsed. She would be sad to tell her aunt of this, as she would be distressed to learn the once beautiful gardens were now charred and lifeless. To think, that pristine lake had once reflected the beauty of the manor house.

When she arrived at her destination, she found the cottage utterly charming. The stucco walls were recently whitewashed, the roof had been repaired, a row of hedges surrounding the building was neatly trimmed and newly planted bushes lined the path leading to the cottage. Flowers had been planted on eitherside of a stone bench near the front door and the bright colours enhanced the cottage’s appeal and made her feel welcome.

Mrs. Reynolds greeted her and showed her to her small bedchamber near the kitchen, which was snug and perfect for her needs. “I shall not introduce you to Mr. Darcy quite yet. He has not been civil to your predecessors but try to be understanding if he sees you and treats you thus. Keep in mind he was badly injured and has lost his home. Prior to the fire at the manor house, you could not meet a kinder, more generous man.”

“Yes, ma’am, I promise to be patient. Where shall I begin?”

* * *

Over the next few weeks,Elizabeth caught glimpses of Mr. Darcy but stayed as far away from him as possible. The decision was an easy one, and she bit her lip thinking about how he treated the others. Mr. Darcy shouted at anyone near him and threw anything within his reach—she found his behaviour appalling. Never before had she encountered anyone so unpleasant and disagreeable—with the possible exception of Mr. Collins. He was much younger than she had expected and must have been quite handsome before the fire caused the wounds that covered half his face. It would have been in her nature to feel sorry for him since the gentleman had difficulty walking even while using a cane. Was his leg also injured by the blaze? Whenever the time came for them to meet, she would endeavour to be sympathetic and remember all he had been through. But she still would take care to avoid him!

* * *

One morning,Elizabeth was sent up to Mr. Darcy’s room with fresh linens. With a positive view, she skipped up the steps, knowing that despite having never before made a bed, it could not be that difficult to figure out. To ensure Mr. Darcy would expect her, she knocked before entering his chambers. What a foul smell! Juggling the linens, she grasped to squeeze her fingers on her nose. Lucky for her, Mr. Darcy was still asleep in his bed. She retreated and gently closed the door.

When she found Mrs. Reynolds, she explained why she had failed to complete the task assigned to her. The housekeeper’s lips turned down at hearing what she already knew to be true. “He was a sweet tempered, kind boy and I can only pray that something or someone can help him get over his current state of mind.”

Elizabeth needed the job and to save all the money she earned. If confronted with her employer’s unsavoury behaviour, she would forbear it as long as necessary to keep her position.

* * *

Darcy growled.Voices outside of the master’s chambers disturbed his desire for silence.

“Thank you for coming, vicar. I did not know to whom I should turn for help. He has barely left his room for weeks,” Mrs. Reynolds said.

“I shall do whatever I can to help.”

“Mr. Darcy?” The housekeeper knocked hard on his door. “Sir, the vicar is here to see you.” Her voice was louder at the last.