“I am aware of that, but whatever the future holds for us, we shall face it together.” There was so much conviction in his words that Elizabeth felt touched by them.
“Yes, we shall.”
“I shall leave in the morning to London, to look for the friend I mentioned to you. I want him after the good doctor as soon as possible.” Announced he, making her turn around in his arms.
“May I join you? Perhaps we should take Georgiana with us. It would be good to take her away from Lady Catherine.” Suggested she, caressing his cheek.
“That is a very good idea. You can do some shopping while we are there.”
“I have no need for anything, but I would love to visit my sister Jane. She is still living with my uncles.” Replied she, with a longing smile.
“But of course, I know how much you miss her.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips on hers, in a gentle caress.
“Perhaps, you should be the one suggesting the trip to London to your sister.” Sighed she. “She will not accept anything coming from me.”
He rested his forehead on hers, and closed his eyes for a few seconds. “Yes, you are probably right. I shall make sure to ask her to behave herself in your presence.”
“Thank you, though I am not sure that is a good idea.” Elizabeth sighed. “I shall ask Maggie to pack a small bag for us.” She kissed his cheek and walked to the door. “Dinner will be ready soon, so you should talk to her before.”
“Very well, I shall see you at dinner.”
Elizabeth went up to her room and called her maid, feeling happy with the idea of seeing her sister after so long. She had not even received a letter from her and that was starting to worry her a little.
“Good afternoon, ma’am. Do you want your bath now?” Maggie asked her, when she entered the room.
“Yes, Maggie, that would be perfect. While I am bathing, please pack a few clothes for us. We are leaving for London in the morning.” She instructed the girl with a smile.
“Yes, ma’am, of course. How many days will we be staying there?”
“I am not sure yet, but pack for at least a week, just in case we need to stay a little more than planned.”
“Very well, ma’am.”
The girl left the room to get her bath ready and Elizabeth started to take off her clothes.
Chapter Eight
An hour later, she was returning to the ground floor for dinner. Georgiana was already there waiting with a bitter expression on her face.
“I know this is your doing.” She spurted out. “But this time I shall let you get away with plans, but know that I only do it, because I want to spend as much time as I can convincing my brother into doing the right thing for poor Anne.”
“Do you really think ruining a happy marriage is the right thing to do under any circumstances, Georgiana?” Elizabeth asked her in a soft tone, without falling into provocations.
“Yours is not a happy marriage, it’s just a charade you put up to conquer my brother and he shall see that soon enough.”
Elizabeth shook her head and gave up. Time would make her see the truth, she was sure.
She walked to the small table with several liquors and poured herself a glass of white wine.
Darcy joined them a few minutes later and they immediately headed to the dining room. It was a very tense meal, with Georgiana’s sultry silence but Elizabeth did her best to ignore it, as she asked for Darcy’s trip to the north.
The following day, they left early in the morning towards London. It would be a very long trip and Elizabeth had brought a few books to entertain herself, since she knew she could not count on the conversational skills of her sister in law. Darcy had decided to ride his horse and she could not say she blamed him. Silence inside the carriage was quite thick.
They spent the nights in small inns and Elizabeth had to admit it was a relief to stay away from Georgiana for a few hours. The girl made no effort at all to be polite or to make things easier.
“Thank you for being so patient with my sister, I know it must not be easy for you.” Darcy murmured in her ear, when they were side by side in bed.
“I think she feels divided between acting as you have asked her to act and the way her aunt told her to.” She sighed, leaning her head against his strong chest. “She seems to believe I have you under some kind of spell and that you shall soon wake up.” Added she, with a teasing tone.
“Oh, she is right about the spell. I was caught in its claws the minute I laid my eyes on you.” He assured her, kissing her forehead. “But I shall never wake up, if that means losing you.”
She chuckled and cuddled a bit more against him.
She had grown so used to being in his arms, she had serious trouble sleeping when he was not around. It was as if she was missing a vital part of her life and she hated the feeling.
“I am glad you feel the same way I do.” Murmured she, closing her eyes.
When they finally arrived in London, the night was falling over the crowded city. Elizabeth had never felt very comfortable in town. The city had the special talent of making her feel tiny and meaningless, but she had to admit the old lady had her charm, especially at night, when the darkness hid her ugly face.
They arrived at Darcy’s house in Grosvenor Square and after a quick introduction of the house staff, they soon were seated at the dining table enjoying a delicious dinner.
“It is a very lovely house.” Elizabeth complimented.
“Thank you, I am glad you like it. It is not Pemberley but it fulfils its functions.” Explained he, with a smile.
“Oh, yes, I am sure it does.”
The house was not as big as Pemberley. Actually, it was not even close to it, but it was a big house, considering it was surrounded by other houses. Fortunately, it also had a quite big backyard, with a lovely garden in it. Elizabeth was looking forward to wandering around on it.
“It is not big enough to throw a ball in here, but we can manage a small reception for friends.”
“How nice.” She smiled, pleased.
“Perhaps we should take the opportunity to announce our wedding and ask a few friends over for dinner. Would you like that?” suggested he, with a smile.
The sound of the cutlery hitting the plates startled them and they turned to look at Georgiana. She was staring at them in shock. “How can you talk about announcing your wedding in these circumstances?” she burst the question, squeezing her hands into fists.
Darcy frowned. “The only circumstances that matter here are the ones regarding my marriage to Elizabeth. If and when I decide to announce it is our prerogative, not yours, not anybody else’s.” he assured her.
Furious, the girl threw her napkin over the table and getting up, she stormed out of the dining room.
“Georgiana.” He called her but she did not pay any attention to him.
“Let her be.” Elizabeth asked, resting her hand on his arm when he tried to get up. “Right now, arguing with her will only make things worse.”
“Her behaviour is unacceptable.” He grumbled.
“Yes, I know, but you have to think about the struggle she must be facing right now, torn between you and your aunt.” Replied she, caressing his arm, trying to appease him.
“Yes, I know, but this is our decision and I really want to do this.” Retorted he, still upset.
“Yes, I want it too, but I really do not think this is the moment, Darcy.” She raised her hand to silence him when he was about to express his protest. “Doing it right now would be a direct provocation to your aunt and I am sure she would act immediately.”
“Yes, perhaps, but…”
“There is no room for perhaps here, you know she would.” She interrupted him. “We are doing all in our power to find Anne’s lover and give this story a happy ending, with no scandals or broken families, so let us not ruin all of that just because of something so trivial as a wedding announcement.” Added she, in a very stern tone.
“You are right, of co
urse.” Sighed he, lowering his head and running his fingers through his hair, their food forgotten on the plates, in front of them. “I just hate feeling helpless, powerless.” He pounded his frustration against the table.
“I know that. We just need a little more patience and keep Lady Catherine at bay, while we find the doctor.” She caressed his cheek.
“We might be betting on the wrong horse.” He remembered in a murmur, turning his head to kiss her palm.
“I am aware of that, but my heart tells me we are on the right path. It is the only viable possibility.” She assured him.
“I truly hope so, but if we are not, we will just have to weather the scandal in the best way we can.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I am afraid I have lost my appetite.” Said he, staring at the unfinished meal.
“I, as well. But we should make an effort to eat something. I would hate to insult the cook on my first night here.” Said she, with a concerned tone.
He chuckled. “You worry about the strangest things, my love.”
“No, my dear, I am a very pragmatic woman. I cannot offend the person that will be cooking for me.” Explained she, with a teasing smile.
“Yes, I guess you have a valid point there.” He picked up her hand and kissed its palm once more. “Let us eat then.”
Slowly, they resumed their meal and were able to finish an acceptable amount of food before they went up to bed. They saw not Georgiana again, so they assumed the girl had gone to sleep, in a sulky mood.
The following morning, Elizabeth woke up alone in bed. Darcy was an early riser, so she was not surprised.
Determined to have breakfast with him, she hurried to put on a dress and comb her hair, but when she opened the dining room door, she wished she had not. Lady Catherine was there, and judging by the food remains in front of her, she had been there for some time now.
“Good morning, Elizabeth.” Darcy greeted as she walked in. His tone was very cold and she could tell he was barely holding back his rage.
“Good morning all.” She replied, taking her place at the table with a slight frown, in the face of the victorious expression on Georgiana’s face. “This is an unexpected visit.” Said she, looking at her husband, searching for answers.
“My aunt decided that since Anne’s doctor left them untimely, she should come to London to hire a new one.” Explained he, in a cold tone. “She considers my cousin would die sooner if she has no constant medical attention.”
“I guess it is understandable, but I thought you had a house in London, Lady Catherine.” She turned her attention to the old lady, not caring a little bit if she was being rude.
“I do, of course, but I had ordered a few arrangements a couple of weeks ago and unfortunately the house is not habitable, right now.” The woman explained, with a hideous smile on her face.
She knew she had them against the wall and that there was not much they could do in that position.
“Of course. Let us hope you find a suitable doctor as soon as possible.” She desired, not hiding her displeasure with the present situation.
“I am sure we will. Darcy has already offered to help me with that tedious task.” The woman informed with a victorious smile on her face.
“Oh, I’m sure he has.” She agreed, turning to look at her husband with a bright smile.
“I already assured my aunt I shall do all in my power to find Anne the best doctor possible.” He confirmed, smiling back at her.
Of course, they were talking of a very different doctor, but that was only for them to know.
“In fact, I should be going. There is no sense in wasting time.” Added he, with a bright smile, getting up.
“Good luck, my love.” He kissed the top of Elizabeth’s head and left the room after bowing to his aunt and sister.
Elizabeth got up as soon as he left. She had no intention of spending more time than the one strictly necessary with the other two women at the table. She guessed Anne was still in bed, and she suddenly saw more to her illness than ever. She would be ill all the time too with a mother like Lady Catherine.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have some errands to run. Have a good day.” She left the room and a few minutes later she was in a rented carriage with Maggie on her way to her uncles’ place. She was so eager to see Jane, she had no intention of waiting anymore.
It only took them a few minutes to get to the house. The butler announced her and only a few minutes later she was hugging her aunt and her sister.
“Oh, this is a fantastic surprise. Why did you not tell us you were coming to London?” her aunt scolded her in a loving tone.
“Because I thought I would get here before the letter did.”
“You will be staying for lunch, right?” her aunt invited.
“I would be more than pleased.” She accepted with a wide smile. “My husband will be out of the house the whole day.”
“Perfect. Chat a little with Jane, while I go to the kitchen to make sure we have a delicious lunch prepared for you.”
“Thank you, aunt.”
As soon as the older woman left the room, Elizabeth turned to look at her sister. “You have not written to me.” It was a hurtful scold.
“I know, but I was just waiting to be sure you were not traveling around the country. I would hate if one of my letters got lost in the mail.” Her sister explained, pragmatic as always.
Elizabeth hugged her once more. “God, I have missed you so much.”
“I am sure your husband keeps you entertained.” Her sister teased her.
Elizabeth felt the heat colouring her cheeks as she giggled and admitted. “Yes, I have to admit he does.”
“You look happier than I thought possible.” Jane stated as she took a seat on the sofa, pulling Elizabeth to the seat next to her.
“That is because I am very happy, Jane. I found my true love and nothing can feel better than that.” Assured she, with a wide smile.
“Are you sure? You know you can be honest with me.” There was a slight frown on her forehead. “Charlotte wrote to me expressing her concern about your rushed marriage.”
Elizabeth chuckled, shaking her head. “Yes, I have to admit my marriage was a bit rushed. You see, Mr. Darcy proposed to me and I rejected his proposal. I was so blind about him and about my own feelings for him, I would never consider him as my husband.” She sighed as she remembered those troubled days. “His proposal was terrible and that did not help his cause, that was for sure. But the following day we got caught in a storm and we both sought for shelter in the same shed in Rosings’ park.”
“Oh, you must have been scared.” Jane was horrified.
“I guess I would have been, if I had been by myself, but with Mr. Darcy there, I had nothing to be afraid of.” Explained she. “The problem was that the storm lasted the whole night and Mr. Collins found us sleeping in the same bed, the following morning.
“Dear god.” Jane was a bit shocked, but Jane could see some amusement shining in her eyes.
“Nothing happened between us, but Mr. Collins decided it was his duty to save my honour and forced us into that rushed marriage.”
“So, you were forced to marry him.” There was sadness in Jane’s tone.
“You could say that. But, analysing all the facts, I do not think we can talk about force: he had asked me to marry him the night before, and as for me, believe me, had the man been Mr. Collins in that shed, I would have rather been sent to a convent before marrying the man.”
Jane chuckled, but she knew Elizabeth meant what she had said. She had stood up against her mother when the man in question had asked for her hand in marriage, refusing such an alliance, despite all of her mother’s threats and pleads.
“After we were married, Mr. Darcy made sure I opened up my eyes to him and my own feelings and since then, I have been very happy.” She assured her sister.
She had decided not to mention to her sister the recent events on her wedding. She thought the less people knew about it, the best
chances they had to solve everything with the least amount of scandal possible.
“All set. May I offer you some refreshment, dear Elizabeth?” her aunt entered the room carrying a tray with juice and cookies.
“Oh, yes, of course, I would love that, aunt.”
“Have you received news from home?” Jane asked her, changing the subject.
“No, nothing at all, after the letter father sent me, letting me know they would not come to my wedding.” Elizabeth admitted, still feeling some pain due to her parents’ refusal to travel to Rosings for the wedding. “Mother was very upset with the haste and the fact Mr. Darcy did not have the courtesy to negotiate the marriage terms with father before the wedding.”
“I am sure she felt displaced. You took away from her the opportunity to show off her first daughter getting married at the village’s church.” Her aunt said, with a naughty smile.
“Yes, that was probably one of her reasons.” She accepted the glass of fresh orange juice and turned to look at Jane. “What have you heard from them?”
“They are alright, according to Mary’s last letter. You know she is very sparse with her words. Lydia was invited to go on a trip with the Lucases, but father was still thinking about allowing her or not, when Mary wrote the letter.”
“He will say yes, I am sure.” Elizabeth sighed. “He always does.”
“Yes, I am afraid so.” Jane nodded.
“What about you? What have you been doing in the big city?”
A slight veil of sadness covered her sister’s eyes, but it disappeared quickly. “Oh, there are always things to do here.”
“Have you seen the Bingleys?”
“No, Caroline has not written to me in several weeks. She still hopes her brother marries your new sister in law.” Jane admitted, hiding well her sadness.
“That shall not happen, believe me. Now that we are back from our honeymoon, I shall convince Mr. Darcy to have a small dinner at home, so that you can meet again.”
“Do not waste your time, Elizabeth. It was not meant to be, and I have accepted that.”
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