She was looking at his sister. “I think we don’t need to share the joke, do we, Georgiana? I think I could play for everyone, then you can talk to your brother, as you have only just arrived.” She turned to him and gave him a warm, reassuring smile.
Darcy watched her, slightly dismayed, as she rose and went to the pianoforte. As she had told Georgiana that she could talk to him, he could not follow her, and sit beside her as she played.
Richard chuckled. “I will take your place, Darcy,” and he strolled off towards the instrument, leaving Darcy nonplussed.
Georgiana spluttered with amusement, and he forced his attention to her.
“What amuses you, little sister?”
She shook her head. “It is not funny, William. I just feel exceedingly happy with something Elizabeth has explained to me.” She looked over towards the piano, where Elizabeth was settling some music onto the stand. “I am happier than I can ever express that she is going to be my sister, and I know she’ll make you happy.”
“Thank you,” Darcy was watching as Richard settled onto a chair beside Elizabeth. Should he be jealous? But Georgiana touched his arm. “Talk to me, William. It is as much a sacrifice for Elizabeth as it is for you, and she is anxious that I do not feel she has stolen you from me.”
His attention was caught by that. “I will always be here for you, Georgiana.”
“I know that here,” she touched her head. “But I was finding it hard to believe. But Elizabeth has convinced me that I will be able to make my home with you once you are married, although I know I will stay with Aunt Alice while you take your tour.” She smiled tremulously. “I’m so glad you chose Elizabeth. I was really frightened that Miss Bingley might manage to compromise you one day.”
Darcy was troubled. “Why did you never tell me, Georgiana?”
“It was not for me to say,” she shook her head. “And now there is no need. Oh, I’m so happy.” She glanced cautiously at Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, and dropped her voice to a whisper.
“What happened with Miss Bingley, and why didn’t she join us after her brother spoke to her?”
Darcy shook his head warningly at her. “She will be returning to London tomorrow. Bingley has a number of entertainments for us while the wedding preparations are completed.”
“Oh, is there much to do here?” Georgiana sounded interested.
“I don’t know, I’m afraid. I suppose there must be a number of places of local interest.” But Darcy wasn’t really concentrating. He could tell that Elizabeth and Richard were talking as she played, and he wondered what they were saying.
He turned to his sister. “Might you take a turn at playing soon, so that I might spend a few moments with Elizabeth?”
Chapter 56
Elizabeth watched as Georgiana nodded at something her brother said, rose and came towards her. “I think Georgiana is coming to take a turn, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
He glanced over. “So I see. Well, I will sit with her, and I can continue apprising you of the situation tomorrow, perhaps.”
Elizabeth smiled slightly, and drew the piece to a close. But Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned forward, his voice low.
“Just do not mention Wickham in front of Georgiana, please, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth gave a tiny nod as Georgiana reached them, and smiled brightly up at the girl.
“Thank you, Georgiana. I think your cousin is remaining here to turn the pages.”
Surrendering her seat, she made her way back to William. So she had been right. Georgiana’s distress had been caused by Wickham’s presence at the ball. She wondered for a moment when the girl might tell her the story. But she was content. The Colonel had told her that Wickham was in prison; so Lydia was safe, as were the other girls he had charmed. She needed to know no more, except that she must somehow acknowledge the mortification it all must have cost William. She could never repay him.
He had risen as she approached, and was waiting for her to be seated. Then he sat beside her, and she looked down at her hands in her lap.
He seemed to be rather discomposed, and she glanced up.
“I hope the situation with Miss Bingley has not caused you too much concern, William.”
“No.” He shook his head, but didn’t seem able to say what the issue was. She stifled a sigh and looked round. If she kept her voice low, no one would hear them.
“Are you perhaps wondering what I was speaking to your cousin about, William?”
“It is not important,” he replied, but there was a slight pain in his eyes, and she leaned very slightly closer to him, her arm pressed against his for a brief moment, so unobtrusively that no one else could see. It was the only comfort she could think of.
“Be reassured, William. I asked him because I did not wish to cause you any disquiet. If you would prefer, I would like to ask you, but not if it will hurt you.”
A muscle jumped in his cheek. “It is about Wickham, no doubt?” His expression was tightly controlled.
“I do not need to know any more,” she murmured. “Now your cousin has told me that he is no longer a danger to Lydia, I am content with that.”
He sighed. “I had not understood that you were still anxious for her, Elizabeth. Perhaps it might be better if I tell you the whole story, and then we need never speak of it again.”
She wished they had more privacy, she wanted so much to touch his hand, reassure him. “Let us not talk of it again today, William.” She put amusement into her expression. “We ladies were all wondering why Miss Bingley did not rejoin us after her brother had spoken to her.”
His smile was a little crooked. “I understand she was instructed not to disturb you for the rest of the evening, and she will be returning to London tomorrow.”
He shrugged. “I was thinking I might need to take a house locally for the duration. It would make Georgiana more comfortable. But Bingley wouldn’t hear of it, and I think he is right. Your sister quite clearly …” he smiled ruefully, “… even to me, could be seen to be most uncomfortable.”
She felt warm inside. He was being most considerate of her family, and she knew it was because he loved her.
“Well, if they are going to London tomorrow, we can forget all about her, can we not?” She smiled brightly at him. But there still seemed to be something on his mind, and she waited to see if he would tell her.
“Georgiana has just told me how rapturous she is that you and I are going to marry, Elizabeth.” He smiled slightly. “But then she told me that she has long feared that Miss Bingley might try and compromise me.” He looked pained. “It seems that I do not have her confidence that I thought I had. I want to ask that you tell me if there is anything she confides in you that I might need to know.”
She laughed softly. “I hope that I will be able to help her a great deal, hopefully much of the time without needing to trouble you, William. But if there is anything you need to know, then I will gain her consent to tell you, or support her to tell you herself.”
He nodded. “Thank you,” he sighed. “It seems so long until we are to be married, Elizabeth. I wish so much to be alone with you and able to be free in your company, knowing we are not under everybody’s observation.”
“I doubt anyone is watching us, William. Many people are concerned with themselves.” Elizabeth looked around. Mrs. Hurst was staring petulantly into the fire, while her husband snored nearby. Jane and Mr. Bingley were deep in conversation, and Georgiana was occupied with the music. But she realised that they held the Colonel’s gaze, and knew she blushed.
“However, I do think I ought to return to Longbourn, William. It will be dark soon, and Papa will become anxious.”
“Of course,” he nodded. “I will ride beside the coach to ensure your safety.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth prevented herself uttering her habitual refusal, she knew he would insist.
He smiled down at her, and she knew he had heard the unspoken words.
As she rode home in the coach with
her maid, she knew he was there, behind them, and she was astonished at the change in him since they’d first met. She knew that he still found it difficult in social settings and understanding others, but he was becoming more attuned to her and her own wishes.
She smiled to herself. She, too, wished for the wedding to be done, and to leave family and friends behind for a while. William had declared that he would take her to the wild coasts of North Wales, because he’d remembered that she had said that she wished to see them during their first conversation at the Meryton assembly. Enchanted and delighted that he had recalled her words, Elizabeth was greatly looking forward to the tour.
Chapter 57
Only one more dinner. Then one more night to endure. Darcy gazed out of the window at Netherfield, and thought about the next day. The ceremony at noon. Then the wedding breakfast at Longbourn. They would be able to leave at about four, he thought. Maybe even half an hour before that, if he was fortunate.
The kitten mewed pitifully, clawing at his boots. “Stop that, troublesome one. Mr. Maunder will not be amused.” He bent and picked the small creature up, and it snuggled in under his chin, purring determinedly.
Darcy chuckled. “You’re resolved to worm your way into our lives, aren’t you? But you can’t deceive me. When Elizabeth is here, you don’t wish to know me. You are as besotted by her as I am, I know.”
He sighed. “We have only a few moments longer. Then you must return to the kitchens.” He crossed the room and sat in the chair, leaning his head against the back. This kitten had been very good for him. When he found the actions of Mrs. Bennet at Longbourn perplexing or provoking, he would sit for a while when he reached his chamber and just listen to the kitten, contentedly purring, accepting him for who he was.
He smiled; as Elizabeth had. She had accepted him, helped him, returned his love. No wonder the kitten loved her, too.
He reached over, despite the little mewl of discontent, and picked up the letter he had received only yesterday.
Langley House,
Bruton Street, London
Darcy,
Congratulations on the news of your forthcoming marriage. Yes, of course you may stay at Shendish Manor for as many days as you wish.
We are in town for the foreseeable future, for my wife wishes to be available if there is any news of Stephen while he is commanding his frigate in the blockade. She will not consider returning to the country just yet.
So the Manor is available for your exclusive use. I have written to my steward and instructed him to arrange that the housekeeper prepares a special dinner for you and Mrs. Darcy upon your arrival on Thursday evening, possibly quite late.
I have told him that you are intending to stay two nights only, but that you may decide to stay longer. Just inform them of your plans when you know them better.
I’m delighted to be able to be of assistance to you, and happy that you have finally asked for this favour. As you know, I have wished very much to repay you for the great service you did for me three years ago. I quite despaired of ever being able to thank you in this way, and wish you every happiness and marital felicity.
Yours, etc.
Langley
Darcy nodded again in satisfaction. The Manor was only twenty miles from Longbourn, and on the way to Wales; he hoped Elizabeth would not be too weary from the excitements of the day, and they would be able to stay in more comfort than any roadside inn could furnish.
After a day’s rest, he expected Elizabeth would more easily be able to enjoy their tour. He had made meticulous plans, with alternatives in case of inclement weather, and at the conclusion of touring the area, they would be little more than eighty miles from Pemberley.
It would then be but two short days’ travel home, the roads not being quite good enough for a single day. He had decided that they would break that final part of their journey at Wellesbourne, and perhaps take a few hours to see round the nearby Walton Hall. The Lestranges were very hospitable, and would welcome them for a short visit.
But he ached to be back at Pemberley. Pemberley with Elizabeth. He could think of nothing better. Richard would bring Georgiana to join them after a further two weeks.
A knock on the door, and Mr. Maunder entered. “The coach is ready, sir. Should I take the kitten to Mrs. Nicholls?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Darcy plucked the kitten from the front of his jacket, frowning as he realised there were several grey and black striped hairs. He had better change. The kitten protested, and Darcy shook his head.
“You have had quite long enough. Now I have to change my jacket, all because of you.”
“I could just brush it down for you, sir,” his valet offered.
“Yes, thank you.” Darcy folded the letter from the Earl of Langley, and tucked it into the corner of the blotter on the writing desk.
Mr. Maunder removed all signs of kitten hair from his jacket, accompanied by protesting noises from the basket. Darcy eyed it ruefully. Mrs. Nicholls would continue to care for it until he and Elizabeth had arrived at Pemberley. Then he intended to send for it; he didn’t think Bingley would stay long at Netherfield, and Elizabeth would want to be sure of the animal’s security. He would never admit to anyone that he, too, wished to be assured of its well-being.
He went slowly downstairs to join the party. The Bingleys were staying here to host dinner for Georgiana and his uncle and aunt, who had arrived earlier in the day. Darcy and Richard were dining at Longbourn, where the Gardiners were due to have arrived this afternoon.
He stopped on the stairs. All this was in preparation for the marriage tomorrow. He had barely considered his role in it, because he had been so determined that Elizabeth would have a day to remember.
Now, the thought of his own prominence during the ceremony suddenly made his heart sink.
Richard was standing beside Georgiana in the hall. He jerked his head, and Darcy forced himself to continue.
“Georgiana, I hope you have a peaceful evening,” he shook his head. “If it were not for the chance to see Elizabeth, I would quite wish to be here, too.”
She laughed. “I know you would, William. But this time tomorrow, it will all be over. I think you will be happy about that.”
Richard clapped him on the shoulder. “You will be seated beside Elizabeth tonight, Darcy. And I understand you are quite well acquainted with her aunt and uncle?”
Darcy nodded. He would be happy to renew his acquaintance with the Gardiners, and Mr. Bennet seemed also to be understanding; he explained himself clearly, and did not demand answers as his wife did. As he climbed into the coach he knew he would not have the difficulties he often did when dining out, and he was glad of it. But now he had remembered he was the centre of attention, the apprehension was rising in him.
He sat stiffly in the coach, while Richard regarded him quietly.
Elizabeth. He must think only of Elizabeth, and what she would like, how he could make things easier for her. It had made the last weeks easier for him, too, and meant he had not caused any offence without meaning to.
Elizabeth. What would please her this evening?
Chapter 58
Her maid assisted Elizabeth as she donned the gown that she had worn for Jane’s wedding. She looked at her closet and tomorrow’s gown hanging over the door. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, and she’d felt overawed at the final fitting as the seamstress pinned the hem. The rest of her trousseau was hanging in Lydia’s old room, waiting to be packed into her trunks tomorrow.
She was still disbelieving that the man she loved was wealthy beyond measure. She wasn’t marrying him for his wealth, of course, but she was appreciating the new opportunities opening up to her. She smiled at her reflection. She just needed to help him through tonight and tomorrow.
He had been so solicitous of her, so determined to do everything in his power to ensure her happiness, but she was quite certain he’d not really understood the magnitude of the pressure that would be on him tomorrow
.
She sighed, wishing that this dinner was being hosted by Jane. The Longbourn dining room was not really big enough, and she knew William felt hemmed in there. At least he would have his cousin with him, but as it was, nine people was too many, really. But Mama was insistent, and nine people would be dining here tonight.
Elizabeth must keep close to William, and perhaps Aunt Gardiner would help her. At least she had arranged that he would be seated between her and Aunt Gardiner, and would not have to contend with being next to Mama.
She was downstairs, waiting to greet him as he entered the house, and although she curtsied to Colonel Fitzwilliam, her eyes were on William. She knew at once that the realisation had come upon him already. His expression was closed and tight, although a smile was fixed on his face.
She went straight to him, and he bowed over her hand. “Dearest Elizabeth.”
Her mother’s loud voice washed over them all, and Elizabeth hung back a little as the rest of them moved into the sitting room. He looked at her, a little puzzled, and she smiled conspiratorially.
“Just think, this time tomorrow, I believe you will be able to relax, there will be no family around us.” Her murmur was just for him, and he smiled slightly.
“I would not wish you to be longing for it to be over, Elizabeth. I hope you will have happy memories of the day.”
Her hand was on his arm, and she squeezed it slightly. “We will make memories together, William.”
“Of course.” But he didn’t sound very sure, and she drew back slightly. The door to the sitting room was open, so they could safely remain in the hall for a few moments, and she indicated the window seat.
“Let’s sit out here for a few moments.”
He bowed his head. “As long as you think it will not cause any difficulties, Elizabeth.”
A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10) Page 23
