by Leenie Brown
Darcy drew her into his embrace. “I will never let you go. Remember that.” His voice quavered with emotion as he spoke softly to the top of her head. After a few minutes of standing locked in each other’s embrace, Darcy pulled away. “We must get back. One week, four days, and nine and a half hours and then forever,” he said as he bent to give her a quick kiss.
Someone cleared their throat behind them. Darcy and Elizabeth jumped, startled that they were not alone.
“Is everything well?” asked Richard.
Charlotte ran to Elizabeth and embraced her. “I am sorry, Lizzy. I had no idea how troubled you were. I promise not to tease you anymore.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That, my dear friend, is not a promise you can keep, nor is it one I would wish for you to keep. I should thank you. This conversation,” she motioned to Darcy, “had to happen. Without your motivation, it would not have happened so soon, and I would still be troubled.”
“So you are no longer troubled?” asked Charlotte.
“Oh, no, I am still troubled unless someone has caused my mother to become a mute and has invented a means to make time go faster, but I am not as troubled.” Elizabeth smiled and took Darcy’s arm. “Now, Richard, how long until I have an opportunity to tease Charlotte about bridal nerves?” She arched a brow in question. “My money is on you,” she said as a parting shot.
Darcy guffawed and slapped his cousin on the back. “And you know how much she hates to lose.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
The morning had dawned crisp and clear. A thin blanket of snow made the sun’s rays double in their intensity. Elizabeth yawned and stretched. She had slept later than usual but not as late as was customary after a night of dancing. Her body cried out for the comfort of her bed as she threw back the covers and rose to prepare for the day—a day that promised plenty of time for rest on the trip to London.
After dressing and having Sarah attend to her hair, she went down to breakfast. Gathering a roll and ham from the sideboard along with a cup of coffee, she sat down and rolled her head to the side to ease a particularly stiff muscle before beginning her repast.
“Tired, dear?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.
“I admit I am, Aunt. I am sure that nothing but the excitement of today’s travels could have pulled me from my bed, but there shall be time enough to rest on our journey.”
“I hope my children rest.” Mrs. Gardiner sighed. “You know how they can get when confined to the carriage.”
“Perhaps we can pass them between carriages,” suggested Elizabeth with a laugh.
Mrs. Gardiner joined in the laughter. “We would not want to scare off your young man.”
“Mrs. Gardiner, I do not think we could scare him off if we tried.” Mr. Bennet put down the paper he had been reading to refill his cup of coffee. “Not even the former victims of Elizabeth’s form of justice could shake him last night.” Her father’s eyes twinkled. Elizabeth opened her mouth to say something, but her father put up his hand to forestall her.
“It appears the gentleman has enough mettle to handle our Lizzy. And as for the children, Mrs. Gardiner, they seem quite taken with Mr. Darcy, and he with them. For someone who appeared so foreboding at first, he really is quite open and gentle with them. You, my dearest Lizzy, have chosen your husband and the father of your children quite well.” He gave her a smile, his eyes just a little misty as he once again returned to his paper.
Lizzy rose and walked around the table. Throwing her arms around his neck, she said, “Thank you, Papa. I hope he is as good and loving a father as you.”
“And, I hope he is better,” said Mr. Bennet. “Now run along and help your aunt get those children ready to go. I should like to enjoy some peace before your mother appears.”
Lizzy kissed his cheek. “Yes, Papa.”
Chapter 15
One week after returning to town with her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth paced the floor stopping occasionally to peer out of the parlour window.
“How much longer shall our rug have to suffer such abuse?” Mr Gardiner kissed his wife’s cheek as he entered the room.
“Not long, my dear. You were fortunate enough to be at work so you have been spared the worst of it.” Mrs Gardiner chuckled. “It is at times like these that I am reassured that she is indeed Fanny Bennet’s daughter.”
Lizzy started at the statement and immediately sat in a chair near the window, her fingers drumming a pattern on the arm.
“It is no good, Lizzy,” said her aunt. “You must expend your nervous energy in movement. You will notice you are not the only lady who is uneasy.” She nodded toward Jane. “One would think that with such fervent attention, the results would be much better.”
Jane smiled. “I have done a rather ill job, have I not? I will likely have to remove all my stitches later and begin again.”
“Remember, girls,” said their uncle. “Your young men care for you, and your host and hostess for the evening hold you both in high regard. All will be well.”
“I shall try to believe you, Uncle.” Elizabeth peered out the window and watched an elegant crested coach pull up in front of the house. She sucked in a deep breath and expelled it slowly. Her fingers stopped drumming, and she rose to her feet, an air of calm settling over her. “Come, Jane, our carriage has arrived.”
Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “It is truly amazing to see you transform before my eyes, Lizzy.” He offered an arm to each niece. “Allow me to escort you two beautiful young ladies to your awaiting conveyance.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
A short time later the Darcy coach pulled up in front of Matlock House. Georgiana, Jane, and Elizabeth carefully exited with the help of a footman. Lizzy smiled and murmured her thanks quietly so that no others would hear her address the staff. She was rewarded with a slight nod from the footman. The three ladies linked arms and approached the house.
Just inside the entry another footman waited to receive the ladies’ outerwear. Elizabeth again smiled and attempted to make her appreciation known. Again, she was rewarded with a small nod.
Lord Matlock observed her and smiled to himself. “She shall have all my staff charmed before the evening is over,” he said to his nephew. “It is the marking of a truly great lady. I have seen many ladies who aspire to greatness, but only those who recognize people from all walks of life truly achieve it. You, my lad, have chosen a diamond of the first waters.”
“Thank you, Uncle, but now I would like to greet my jewel.”
“Of course, my boy, go take your place at her side.” His uncle clapped him on the shoulder. “I shall take my place at your aunt’s side before she gives me a scolding for avoiding our guests. They shall be arriving shortly.”
Darcy hurried to greet his sister and Jane. Then, turning to Elizabeth, he took her hand and kissed it. “You are beautiful, my dear.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and covered it with his own. “All will be well, Elizabeth,” he whispered.
“I am trying desperately to believe that.”
“Come, we must greet my aunt and uncle.” He led her over to the receiving line.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Inside the ballroom, they joined Richard, Thaddeus, Charlotte, and Anne, who were standing in a corner far from the door.
“It is the perfect spot to observe new arrivals.” Richard shifted the curtain and peeked out the window. “Bingley is here.”
“And his sisters?” asked Elizabeth anxiously.
“Yes, both and Mr. Hurst,” Richard replied.
“Do you suppose there will be any wealthy, eligible gentlemen here tonight to whom we might introduce her?”
Thad laughed. “I shall inform you of all shrew-worthy eligible men who enter. We shall take turns introducing them to her.”
“They do not have to be shrew-worthy…just available. The goal is to keep her busy and hopefully happy enough to leave me alone.”
“We shall not leave you alone, Elizabeth,” said Anne. The others murmured their agreement.
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br /> “Let the manoeuvres begin,” whispered Richard, a glint of excitement shone in his eyes as the Bingleys and Hursts entered the room.
“He enjoys this far too much,” Elizabeth whispered to Darcy. “Perhaps he should consider a post with the foreign office rather than an estate.” A laugh rumbled softly in Darcy’s chest.
“No need to worry about my cousin. He will find excitement wherever he goes, even if he has to create it.”
“Miss Elizabeth.” Caroline held out her hands to Elizabeth. “It has been ages since I have seen you. I hope you will enjoy your visit to town. It must be a welcome diversion from the country.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Diversions are often welcome. Shall you be leaving the diversions of town behind soon to travel to Netherfield for your brother’s wedding? My mother would be delighted to have you in attendance at the breakfast.”
Caroline looked at her brother. He had been quite direct with her concerning her behaviour toward Miss Elizabeth. She would, for the present, be residing with the Hursts, and her attendance at his wedding would be decided after seeing her in company this evening. He gave her a small shrug. “My…my… plans are not fully set yet since my brother and sister have just arrived back in town.”
“Of course, you will need time to discuss the arrangements. I do hope you will be able to attend.”
Jane smiled at Elizabeth. “As do I.”
Caroline opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted as a gentleman approached their group with a loud greeting.
“Gentlemen, ladies, it is so good to see you again. Has it been even a week?”
“Only just, Mr. Cartwell. It is a pleasure to see you again as well. Miss Elizabeth was telling me you will be an uncle by the beginning of summer. I trust your sister is well?” Darcy shook Mr. Cartwell’s hand.
“She has never looked healthier nor happier. Motherhood seems to agree with her, not all ladies are so fortunate. She requests I extend her gratitude to you Miss Lucas for the tea. She claims it has been invaluable.”
“I shall visit her once I return to Hertfordshire next week,” said Charlotte.
“Ah, yes, I am to extend her congratulations on your betrothal and inform you she expects a call on your return to hear about the dresses and lace and other wedding preparations.” He shook his head as if he could not comprehend the interest in such things.
Bingley stepped forward. “May I introduce my sister, Miss Bingley? Caroline, this is Mr. Cartwell.”
“A pleasure,” Mr. Cartwell said with a bow as Caroline curtseyed.
“I met him at the Twelfth Night assembly in Meryton,” continued Bingley. “His sister’s husband owns an estate not far from Netherfield. They are good friends of the Bennets.”
“As am I,” said Mr. Cartwell. “Mr. Bennet and I have spent many hours hunting and debating.” He laughed. “And his brother, Mr. Phillips, is quite the expert in all legal matters pertaining to estates. You would do well to contact him should you decide to stay at Netherfield permanently or just to renegotiate an extended lease. I have had him conduct more than one land deal for me, and I find his work to be excellent.”
“I shall keep that in mind,” said Bingley.
“If you will excuse me, I see a gentleman to whom I must speak.” Mr. Cartwell bowed and strode away.
“Mr. Cartwell frequents Hertfordshire?” asked Caroline.
“Yes, my dear sister, the inhabitants of the country are not all as savage as you believe.” Bingley winked at Darcy.
“Indeed there are others of his status who frequent the area,” said Charlotte. “We country folk have many connections which would be considered important in town. However, there is little need to flaunt such connections among the residents of Hertfordshire.”
“But he is so wealthy and highly respected in the ton.” Caroline was trying to reconcile this information within her mind.
“Indeed he is, and he is quite loyal to his friends in Hertfordshire,” said Charlotte. “I understand he cut several acquaintances when they made disparaging remarks about his brother, Mr. Hughes. There were those who thought his sister should not marry a country gentleman. He was not well-pleased. I understand those individuals are still working to re-establish their standing within society.”
Caroline fidgeted with her fan.
“And now many of Hertfordshire can also count the Earl of Matlock amongst their friends,” said Richard.
“As well as his sons, his nephew, and his niece,” added Anne.
“They are an agreeable lot in Hertfordshire,” said Thad. “I am quite glad to have met them.”
“As am I.” Darcy smiled at Elizabeth as Richard and Bingley echoed his sentiment.
“It was clever of me to lease an estate in such a lovely part of England, was it not?”
The others, save Caroline, laughed and shook their heads at his exuberance.
The room had become quite full by this time and the musicians were warming up their instruments.
“I see Mother has arrived,” whispered Anne. “Uncle Henry had a severe discussion with her about family unity yesterday. I believe she may be too cowed to do much damage tonight.”
“I pray you are correct, Anne.” Elizabeth looked at Darcy. “Do we greet her or wait for her to greet us?”
“I prefer never to speak to her again until she apologizes for how she treated you.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“Yes, but that does not speak of unity, now does it?”
“Come, children,” said Lord Matlock, who had just joined the group during the last few comments. “We shall greet her together before I make my happy announcements.”
They approached Lady Catherine and made their greetings. She welcomed Thad and Anne with an open and happy expression but could not contain all of her disdain when greeting Richard and Charlotte and her scowl became more pronounced as she greeted Darcy and Elizabeth.
“Aunt Catherine, it is good to see you this evening.” Darcy attempted to use his most engaging voice.
Lady Catherine eyed him carefully. “Is it indeed, nephew?”
“No, but it is the polite thing to say.” He gave his aunt a piercing glare.
“Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth said with a curtsey.
“Miss Elizabeth.” Lady Catherine refused to look at her. “Darcy, I see you are intent on keeping this…” Her voice trailed off as her brother cleared his throat.
Elizabeth squared her shoulders and stood straight. She reached out and grabbed one of Lady Catherine’s hands. Lady Catherine tried to snatch it back, but Elizabeth held it firmly. “Lady Catherine, I am sorry you find me to be such a disappointment, and I fear, I must echo your sentiment for I find you to be a disappointment as well.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes flew to Elizabeth’s, and she again attempted to pull back her hand.
“Your nephew and your daughter are happy and yet you insist on pouting and carrying on because you did not get your way. Such behaviour is never tolerated among children because it demonstrates pride which is contrary to the Good Book. How much less should it be accepted in an adult and one who is in such an elevated position that her every word and action instructs those who look up to her?” Elizabeth gave a sad shake of her head. “I am disappointed that neither I nor my children will be able to look up to you as an example to follow while this character flaw remains in your life. However, you are to be my family, and I will love you in spite of it. You will always be welcome at my home as long as you are not pouting.” Elizabeth raised Lady Catherine’s hand to her lips and placed a kiss on the back of it.
Lady Catherine’s eyes were filled with tears. “You…you will love me?” she managed to choke out the words.
“I am quite determined,” said Elizabeth. “And I have it on very good authority that I am both obstinate and headstrong, so I can guarantee attempting to dissuade me from it is futile.”
A sound similar to a laugh escaped from Lady Catherine. “I shall not make it easy for you.”
Elizabeth arched a brow and smiled. “I would not expect anything less. However, if you insist on acting like a child, I will tell you.”
Again a sound reminiscent of a laugh escaped from Lady Catherine. She looked at Darcy. “Is she always like this?”
“Usually,” he replied.
Lady Catherine turned back to Elizabeth. “I think I could like you. Now, this rudeness of my nephew in greeting his elders, do you think we could do something about that?”
“Hmmm.” Elizabeth rubbed her chin as if deep in thought. “That could be a difficult challenge, but with your help, I might be able to bring him up to scratch.”
This time a true laugh erupted from the lady, shocking all who stood near.
“Amazing,” whispered Thad. “Have you ever heard her laugh, Anne?”
Anne dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. “Not since I was a child.”
For once Darcy did not mind being the object of jest. He beamed proudly at his betrothed.
“I told you, my boy. All the markings of a great lady.” Lord Matlock spoke with awe in his voice. “Now, shall we officially announce her as one of the newest members of our family?”
Without waiting for a reply, Lord Matlock walked to the low stage which housed the musicians. He whispered to the conductor and the instruments fell silent. A hush slowly crept across the room.
“Welcome to Matlock House’s annual New Year’s Ball.” Lord Matlock’s voice boomed throughout the room. “This year we celebrate not only the new year, but also the new beginning of families branching out from my own. Next week, my nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy will wed a truly great lady from Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It is with much joy we welcome her into our family.”
Applause erupted throughout the room and continued for some minutes until Lord Matlock raised his hand to signal for silence.
“Following shortly after this wedding, my eldest will unite the house of Matlock with the house of deBourgh, and my youngest will marry another treasure from the county of Hertfordshire, Miss Charlotte Lucas.” Again there was a hearty round of applause.
“It appears Hertfordshire is a wonderful place to find brides as Mr. Charles Bingley will be joining his friend and my nephew at the altar next week as he marries Miss Elizabeth’s sister, Miss Jane Bennet. Customarily, my lovely wife and I lead the first dance of the evening. This year, and hopefully for many years to come, I would ask our four soon-to-be-wed couples to join my wife and me. As always, we invite you to join us. May you all have an enjoyable evening and a prosperous new year.”
