by Kate Speck
“Thirty pounds to Georgiana!” Lord Matlock shouted. Everyone laughed and clapped while Georgiana stood and curtseyed prettily.
Lady Matlock stood. “That was very entertaining, everyone. Dinner is ready now. Let us have more enjoyment while we feast. Happy Christmas, everyone.”
Lady Catherine was confused as to what was happening. Richard proffered his arm to his cousin Anne while Darcy walked in with Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley. Lord Matlock had walked first with his wife and Lady Catherine was still sitting alone in the drawing room after everyone had departed without her.
“I DEMAND...” She began to shout as soon as she entered the dining room alone.
“Oh, shut it, Catty. You have no voice here and no one will listen to your nonsense.” Lord Matlock exclaimed. “Either you enjoy your food and leave us in peace or you can take your meal in your rooms since you invited yourself here and are not welcome. Darcy will marry Lizzy and you will accept the fact that he has found himself a worthy woman as his wife.”
Lady Matlock spoke quietly to her sister-in-law. “Elizabeth Bennet is the goddaughter of Lord and Lady Suffolk. Her aunt is my dear friend Diana Kingston and she has better connections, more wealth, and a great many more accomplishments than anyone you know. It matters naught, Catty, as Darcy would have married her even if she were penniless with no connections. And dear Lizzy, even with her large dowry and future inheritance from the Kingstons, would have married Darcy even if he had nothing but his good name. Anne does not wish to marry, sister. She has written to me that she wishes to attend Darcy’s wedding and I plan on taking her with us to Hertfordshire. You can either join us or leave the young people to be and return to Rosings alone, but I will no longer tolerate your insolence in proclaiming that Anne is destined to marry Darcy. Anne Darcy was my best friend, Catty. I know you are lying about her wishes, as I know for a fact that she wished her children happiness and to find love above all else. If you do anything to wound Darcy or Lizzy, I will have you banned in society and you will feel my disdain most acutely.” She continued chewing and smiling for the others to see. “You may be Lady Catherine, but I am Lady Matlock, countess and wife of an earl. Do show your deference to your superiors, Catty.”
Lady Catherine gulped and kept quiet, knowing that her sister-in-law’s threats were real. She rarely visited town and knew that many of her former friends mocked her for marrying an old man for his fortune and she had been labelled as the biggest mercenary several decades ago. She had even lost her last friend, Lady Metcalfe, when that countess refused to hear her counsel regarding how to treat her servants to make them work harder for lesser wages.
The rest of the party conversed merrily and laughter was abundant this holiday. After Lady Catherine retired early to her rooms, everyone relaxed comfortably in the drawing room after the sumptuous meal. Georgiana sat with Anne de Bourgh and spoke kindly to her, waiting for Mrs. Jenkinson to translate or help read what Anne was replying, and showed her silent cousin a little of embroidery and gifted her with a beautiful wooden horse, having learned of her love of horses from William. It was small enough to be placed on a table so that Anne could enjoy it close to her.
Darcy beamed while watching her sister taking the time to speak with Anne and showing her kindness. He gifted a pearl bracelet to the wordless lady and spoke gently. “It looks very pretty on you, Anne. You and Georgiana now match.”
Anne had the broadest grin he had ever seen and made several motions pointing to her own body and Mrs. Jenkinson smiled.
“She says thank you, Mr. Darcy. She loves it very much and I have never seen her so happy.” Mrs. Jenkinson interpreted.
“It is a pleasure,” Darcy responded. “I look forward to having you attend my wedding, Anne. Elizabeth is wonderful and after I told her about Sermo Mirabilis, she has been determined to learn it herself so she can communicate with you someday.”
“Wonderful! She says, Mr. Darcy. I would be happy to assist as well.” Mrs. Jenkinson replied. She turned and conversed with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley further while Darcy returned to Richard and the Matlocks.
“Thank you, uncle, aunt. Although I had not expected Lady Catherine to attend dinner tonight, I am glad all is in the open now. I appreciate your support more than you know. Richard and I have some unfinished business and even though I will be in Hertfordshire, he has promised to keep me informed while he remains here to see it through. Bingley has agreed to an engagement ball on the tenth and I hope you will arrive after Epiphany and join us.” Darcy bid. “You have both been like parents to my sister and me and I wish to have my closest and dearest family near me to celebrate.”
Lady Matlock was tearful as she kissed her nephew’s cheek. “It would be an honour, Darcy. We had planned on arriving a day or two before the ceremony but it will be wonderful to be there for you earlier. You have been as dear as a son to us and we are proud of you. So proud and very happy for you.”
Lord Matlock laughed, “We will be there with bells on! I cannot tell you how joyous we are that you and Lizzy have found each other. I know there were a few bumps along the way but it is all well and there is no impediment now; nothing standing in your way but contentment and prosperity to follow.” They all smiled and conversed freely, enjoying the wonderful time together for Christmas.
Little did they realise that trouble was brewing not so many miles from where they sat.
~*~
“Happy Christmas, John.” The dark figure spoke in a whisper. “I have brought you a little gift.” He handed the man in the jail cell a package wrapped with string.
“You! Why have you not gotten me out of here? It stinks in here and I want to go back to the Pear Tree Inn. Get me out of here, man! You told me I would be protected!” John Williams shouted.
The dark man growled and spoke in a hushed tone, “You disobeyed and decided to go seek vengeance on your own. It was supposed to be a controlled spree of crime by the river but you killed the Marrs, including the little baby. What the hell were you thinking? I know you enjoyed the kill, but an infant? It was inhumane and you have become a monster, Williams. And I told you Marr’s could not identify you and I tried to help you cover your tracks. I helped you get out of the draper’s shop and also the tavern. But you lost your mind when you decided to kill your birth father after I tracked him down for you. You are truly mad!”
John hissed, “That bastard thought I could be of use now and his wife was acting as if she were my mother. I wanted to shut him up and I got rid of him. He tricked my mother into believing that he would marry her when she was but fifteen years old, only to abandon her after getting her with child and he deserved to die. She died poor and alone while I was out at sea and I killed his wife before I ended his life in pain.” John Williams bitterly replied. “They deserved it. Even that baby; it would not stop crying and my head hurt from the noise. I still did what I was told! Help me, man! I will keep doing as our master bids after I get out. Get me out of here!”
The hooded man pulled some papers. “Here are some pawn tickets. Tell them you had the money because of some clothing you pawned. They know you took money from the tavern and the constables are determined to hang you for the crimes quickly. I will return in a few days with news. Do not fail us, Williams! If you say anything to reveal our master’s plans, he will not take kindly and will certainly hurt you. You know what happened to your precious harlot when she ordered you to hurt Elizabeth Bennet. And I would have killed you myself if you had missed and shot the man, Williams. Enjoy the cake and the scarf; it is cold in here. Happy Christmas.”
“Thank you. Return soon and get me out of here.” John Williams conceded for now. “And Happy Christmas, Wickham.”
Williams saw Wickham hand several coins to the guard at the end of the hallway. He hoped his friend would return soon to have him released so he could return l to a warm bed.
~*~
Meryton was booming with activity as a caravan of carriages passed through the little town, and the to
wnsfolk gossiped excitedly of how fine the horses looked and how many people were being transported to Netherfield.
Darcy smiled broadly and nodded to a few people he recognized and discussed happily with Bingley and Georgiana of the Christmas festivities and parties they had already been invited.
Netherfield was the largest mansion in this small town but not ostentatious and appeared very comfortable. Bingley grinned at seeing the property and knew Louisa and Hurst would be impressed from his carriage behind them. Mrs. Annesley spoke of some of the history of the place and of the owner and his family.
The merry group stepped out in front of the estate and was greeted by Mrs. Nicholls, who enthusiastically welcomed the master and his guests, and after settling everyone in their rooms, she made arrangements with Mrs. Hurst for the meal planning and the guests arriving next week.
“How do you find Netherfield, Bingley?” Darcy asked his friend.
Bingley grinned, “It is exactly what I wished. The size is large for parties and it appears well-maintained. Although I do not know well the inner workings, this is a fine place to learn them and perhaps purchase it if Mr. Morris is willing. If my courtship goes well with my lady as yours had gone, we will be brothers soon.”
“Yes, Bingley. It would be wonderful to gain you as my brother. Take your time though, my friend. You are still young and you must take time to get to know Jane well before you are committed for life. Avoid that situation with Miss Pershing and all will be well. You are only fortunate that Miss Pershing did not remember that you were about to propose after she awoke from her fainting spell.” Darcy chuckled.
“Oh, yes! She was so excited that you had burst through the doors of her parlour and believed you were going to ask for courtship with her that she fainted from her fluttering. I have heard that she woke up alone and could not understand how you could have left her, and her brother had to explain several times that you had no intention to ever marry her. Pershing is a good man but his sister is an awful shrew and I did not see it until you rescued me. I thought to have a good friend as a brother would be ideal but it was wrong to pursue her after such a short acquaintance.” Bingley laughed along. “Can you imagine yourself pursuing Caroline just because you and I are good friends?”
Darcy coloured, “I had considered it at one time and if your sister had been capable of keeping her mouth closed, she might have succeeded in keeping my interest for more than thirty seconds.” He smiled at Bingley’s shocked face, “I had hoped she was more like you, my friend, but my heart was waiting for one woman. And after you considered my Elizabeth but failed to capture her attentions, I will be forever grateful to you for introducing us. Even though I irritated her in the beginning and we misunderstood each other, she is the only one for me and I am most anxious to be her husband.”
“I had no idea you were interested in Caroline, even if for half a minute. She would have made you miserable.” He laughed. “When will you call on Miss Elizabeth? It is now luncheon time. Will you see her today?” Bingley asked after his humour settled.
“Oh, yes, I will not spend one minute away from her than necessary. We are invited to dinner tonight, Bingley, and I am to be introduced to the Kingstons. I am nervous to meet Elizabeth’s aunt, I must confess. She sounds a fearsome woman and is responsible for Elizabeth’s sharp wit. Between her father and her aunt, I have no chance of winning an argument against my dear betrothed.” Darcy grinned.
Bingley laughed loudly, “And yet I have a feeling you would have no resignation to give in to Miss Elizabeth’s wishes. You probably enjoy losing to her.”
Darcy laughed as well, “Not losing, but I enjoy seeing the spark in her eyes. Whatever the result, I do enjoy the argument. She is such a woman.”
“Congratulations again, Darcy. Let us get to our luncheon and attend our duties before we call on our ladies.” Bingley offered. “I have a feeling we will be at Longbourn more than here at Netherfield, other than sleeping!”
The gentlemen found the other residents to enjoy their meal cheerfully and then prepared to travel the three miles where the gentlemen’s hearts resided.
~*~
“It is an honour to finally meet you,” Darcy bowed respectfully to the Kingstons before taking his seat. He saw Mrs. Kingston’s eyebrow rise, as he had often seen Elizabeth’s do and softly smiled.
“The honour is all mine, I am sure.” Mrs. Kingston replied dryly, continuing her astute assessment.
Just then, the drawing room door burst open widely and little George and Charlotte came running in.
“Mr. Dawcy! Mr. Dawcy! I saw you from the window! Where were you all this time? I missed you!” George exclaimed, jumping onto his lap. “I watched my cousin Brandon shoot an arrow yesterday. Can you teach me, too?”
Darcy smiled and lifted Charlotte onto his lap and the small girl wrapped her little arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. “Me, too! I want it, too!” She demanded, having no idea what George was speaking of.
Darcy kissed Charlotte’s forehead and hugged George. “When you are older, Master Gardiner, I will certainly teach you, although your cousin Brandon might wish as well.” He turned to Charlotte, “You can have your own bow and arrows, princess, and you will be better than me!”
Mrs. Gardiner beamed and commanded, “Come, come, children. Back to the nursery with you. I do not know how you escaped your nurse but it is past your nap time.”
“Aww, mama… I want to stay with Mr. Dawcy.” George whined.
Charlotte clenched tighter around Darcy’s neck. “Me, too!”
Darcy laughed, “I will see you both after your naps, children. You will see me daily and your mama and papa will bring you to Netherfield to stay with me there tomorrow afternoon.”
“Hurray! Neverfell tomorrow!” George shouted as he climbed down from Darcy’s lap. “Neverfell! Neverfell!” He chanted and Charlotte followed along and the adults could hear them repeating it down the hallway and up the stairs.
Darcy’s demeanour quickly changed to a more serious one in a blink of an eye and Mrs. Kingston could not help but laugh loudly.
“You are exactly as Lizzy described, Mr. Darcy! You appear fearsome at first sight but have a softness about you that cannot remain hidden with children. Are you truly only shy?” She turned to Georgiana, who was sitting quietly next to Elizabeth, “An ideal brother? Best of men?”
Georgiana shyly nodded with a smile.
“Well, there you have it.” Mrs. Kingston declared. “With Lizzy and your sister vouching for your character, I will now welcome you to the family.” She stood and walked over to him and Darcy arose to his feet as well. She kissed his cheek and spoke quietly to him, “Lizzy is a treasure; I hope you never forget. I could not have let her gone to anyone less worthy, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy smiled broadly, “I will never forget, madam. She will be my greatest treasure.”
He returned to his seat next to Elizabeth and squeezed her hand. Mr. Kingston smiled and asked Darcy several questions about Pemberley and they spoke pleasantly of Derbyshire while Mrs. Kingston’s focus shifted to Mr. Bingley.
~*~
“And Mary is now betrothed.” Elizabeth proudly explained to Darcy while they walked the gardens. “We had the Kings here last night for dinner and Aunt Diana and I had to make it very clear to poor Mr. King Jr. that Mary only delayed her reply because she did not want to overstep her elder sisters.” She laughed, “Papa and Mrs. Howard are fretting that two daughters will be married off so quickly but Aunt Diana has promised them faithfully that she will assist in both weddings. Since we plan on spending six weeks away, the date has been set to the third of March.”
Darcy contemplated for a few moments then spoke, “Elizabeth, is there a reason for Mary taking her vows in March? Why the delay if Mr. King had proposed to her before we had become engaged?”
“You do not miss anything, do you?” Elizabeth smiled affectionately, “Your attention to detail is quite impressive. Yes, William, s
he should have been betrothed before us but she wanted to wait, and as our engagement was already announced, once again she did not wish to be first to marry. A double wedding would be most ideal but I know you would not wish…”
Darcy ceased her speech and cradled her cheeks with his gentle thumbs, “As long as you will marry me on the fifteenth and not a day later, I would be happy to be in a double ceremony with Mr. King and Mary. I met him briefly on the way to Netherfield before Christmas and he seemed a very respectable gentleman. Your father was glowing in his opinion of him and I understand his cousin Miss King is a particular friend of Mary’s as well. Whatever makes you happy, my love, I will agree to anything you wish.”
Elizabeth pulled down his jacket lapel and kissed his lips. “You are truly the best of men, William! A double wedding would result in Mary marrying six weeks earlier and reduce the burden on Aunt Diana and papa. If all goes well, Jane and Mr. Bingley May wish to marry by the time we return from our wedding trip and they can have the March wedding date. It would make me happy and I am certain Mr. King will be happy to be wed earlier than later.”
“Perhaps you can confirm with your sister and I can send a note to Mr. King. He will need to obtain a special license, though, since there is not enough time for the Banns to be read.” Darcy softly kissed her lips again, “As long as your father and Mrs. Kingston approve, I would never suspend any pleasure of yours, my love. I am glad your aunt and uncle approved of me. I will not disappoint them, Elizabeth.”
“I know, William, and I will be a good wife to you, to be worthy of being mistress of Pemberley. I keep hearing what a grand estate it is and I confess I am anxious that I might fail you, but my courage rises with the challenge and I will do my best.” Elizabeth giggled, “Poor Mr. Bingley, though. I believe he is asking Jane for courtship now but Aunt Diana was so firm with him during her interrogation, I hope he does not lose courage!” They looked at the couple strolling in the other side of the garden.
