Mr. Darcy's Secret by Jane Odiwe Read Free Book Online

will no doubt quiz you and question you as to the kind of man you have married, Mrs Darcy. I hope you will not disappoint them or they will have nothing to gossip about."
    "Gossip: the fuel of village life. It doesn't seem to matter where one lives, there is certainly no escape from hearsay and scandal. For my own part, I thwart it whenever I can, though it is impossible to avoid when talking with Mrs Eaton." Elizabeth paused to consider whether she ought to discuss the story related by this lady, yet she was curious to discover if Fitzwilliam had any notion of the gossip surrounding his mother's former employee. "I have been quite unable to put some of her tittle-tattle out of my head. She told me about a lady's maid who was formerly in the employ of the Darcy family. There is a rather unpleasant tale going about that her child's father is a gentleman of some distinction. It was in many respects a disconcerting story. Do you know anything of the matter or circumstances?"
    Fitzwilliam Darcy turned once more to the fire. He picked up the poker and stabbed at the glowing logs before picking up a sizeable chunk of wood to add to the flames roaring up the chimney.
    "I know nothing of these tales," he answered in a voice that immediately discouraged further discussion on the subject. "You should not concern yourself or listen to these gossips. My mother's maid was of exemplary character--that is all you need to know."

Chapter 4
    The second week in December heralded much excitement for Elizabeth. Her aunt and uncle Gardiner with all the young Gardiners arrived from London in preparation for Christmas. Lizzy had the pleasure of fulfilling her aunt's dearest wish on her arrival, by taking her round the park in a low phaeton with two ponies as had been that lady's suggestion several months before.
    "I needn't ask if you are happy," said her Aunt Gardiner, turning for a moment from the view to take Lizzy's hand and squeeze it hard. "Your face is a picture, my dear niece, glowing with health and vitality, but also with something more--dare I say it, with pure unadulterated joy."
    "Oh yes, Aunt, I never was so happy in my life. My husband is so generous, so kind, so loving. I can truly say I was never so loved in all my life."
    "And are you enjoying your new role as mistress of Pemberley? I hope your neighbours have been kind."
    "I am very busy and fortunate for the most part with our neighbours. It was very daunting at first, but I am feeling more confident than I admit I felt when I was first faced with the county families. So confident, in fact, dear Aunt Gardiner, that I have decided that we will have a grand Christmas ball."
    "Oh, Lizzy, I am so proud of you. To think that I too will be a part of such a lavish entertainment; I've no doubt that such a diversion will be on a grand scale. I suppose you will be inviting everyone in the district."
    "Yes, indeed, but I also have some other guests arriving, those to whom we are both related. Papa writes to me constantly and though his letters are full of news and as amusing as ever, I have detected a little unhappiness within the well-scripted pages. I happened to mention this to my husband and he insisted that my parents be reminded of their Christmas invitation with my sisters. Of course Lydia would not come without Wickham, but the invitations have been sent to Longbourn and Netherfield. Indeed, Mr Darcy first made the invitation to my father on our wedding day, leaving him to understand that he was most welcome to come to Pemberley to see me whenever he wished. Fitzwilliam had not told me and I think Papa thought he should wait for an official invitation."
    "Oh, Lizzy, your mother will be so pleased."
    "Yes, I am sure she will," said Lizzy softly, looking away. They both were silent for a moment, lost in their thoughts. "I know I am probably being very unkind, but Aunt, the prospect of my family coming here does fill me with some trepidation. My mother will not keep her tongue and has