by Leenie Brown
Elizabeth’s uncle stared off into the ballroom, and he lapsed into silence for a moment. Then he returned his focus back to Darcy and their conversation, though his eyes did not leave the dancers. “I purposefully brought her here tonight, Mr. Darcy. I had heard the rumors of your having lost a love some years back.” He shrugged. “I started piecing things together, making small inquiries and watching reactions. I heard tales of an Elizabeth that I rarely got to see. I heard how she used to dance every dance, even if she had to stand up with her sisters, and how she used to challenge people with her wit.”
“Used to?” asked Darcy. “Does she not still do so?” Such an Elizabeth as Mr. Amberly described both shocked and saddened him.
Mr. Amberly shook his head and turned toward Darcy, so that one hip rested against the rail. “It changed, I understand, not long after Lydia was married, and Mr. Bingley returned to Netherfield. People attributed the change to having two sisters married before her. According to Jane, Elizabeth endured a particularly long period of melancholy, but even Jane was not sure as to the cause.” He tapped his nose and smiled. “But I think I know.” He shifted and leaned his weight more fully against the balustrades. “Elizabeth cared for my nephew, but she never fully gave him her heart. And my guess is that it is because she had given it to you long ago.” He chuckled at Darcy’s look of surprise.
“You knew she loved me?”
Mr. Amberly lifted his left shoulder in a shrug while tipping his head towards it as if to say it was not so difficult to figure out what he had. “When do you marry?”
Darcy shook his head in disbelief. “In a week’s time if I can procure a license and have contracts prepared.” He could not contain the grin that spread across his face at the thought. “That is if we have your permission.”
“She is old enough to marry without it, but you have both my permission and my blessing.” Mr. Amberly pulled a slip of paper from his pocket. “This is my solicitor’s name and address. He has all the papers necessary on Elizabeth’s behalf for the transaction to be completed as quickly as possible. Like I said, Mr. Darcy, I came here tonight with the intent of seeing her happy.”
Chapter 3
Darcy looked up from his cup of coffee. A freshly pressed and folded newspaper lay beside his plate just as it had been placed there earlier by a footman in anticipation of his master’s regular habit of reading it as he had his breakfast. But this morning, Darcy was not interested in the paper. His mind was more pleasantly occupied with thoughts of marriage contracts and, of course, Elizabeth. He was quite enjoying his reverie when his sister entered.
“You needn’t look so surprised, Fitzwilliam.” Georgiana took a seat next to him.
“You are rarely up so early after a soiree, dear sister.” He tipped his head to the side and gave her an inquiring look.
“I usually do not leave soirees so early,” she said with a smile. “Was your solicitor overly put out to be roused at such an hour?”
He chuckled and returned his attention to his cup. “Not as much as the Archbishop.”
She shook her head. “It is not wise to irritate those from whom you wish favours. You could have waited until today and applied as everyone else does.”
“What good are relations with connections if you cannot occasionally use them,” said Darcy with a shrug. He rarely bandied about his uncle’s name, for there was normally no need of it. However, last night when the door to the Archbishop’s residence was about to close on him without his request being met, he had decided to use whatever weapons he had at his disposal to acquire that which he needed. And a hasty marriage license was needed.
Georgiana took a sip of her tea. “Will Uncle Matlock be pleased to hear that you were throwing his name about at ungodly hours?”
Darcy shrugged again. “He has been pestering me to marry for some time. I should think he would be delighted to know I have finally agreed to do so.”
Georgiana swirled her tea gently in her cup. “She is not what he would have recommended,” she said softly.
Darcy sighed. “I am aware of that, but he has no sway over my decision.” He had allowed his relations’ opinions to colour his own at one point, and it had cost him dearly. Had he not listened to that inner voice warning him of family expectations, he might have succeeded with Elizabeth at Hunsford.
“He may make things unpleasant for Elizabeth when he visits.”
“Then he shall not visit,” Darcy said firmly. There was not a reason nor a relative in the world that would sway him from marrying Elizabeth.
Georgiana bit back a smile. “Do you mean it? Might we also not have to visit Aunt Catherine?”
“You needn’t sound so happy,” he replied with a chuckle. “However, I would not be saddened by the thought.” He swallowed the last of his coffee and stood. “I did not dare rouse Mr. Amberly’s solicitor last night, so I am off to see him at his earliest convenience, and I shall not return until he has found it convenient to see me. What are your plans for today?”
Georgiana sighed as if her day was going to be dull and took a slow sip of her tea. “Elizabeth is coming this morning, and after I give her a small tour of the house, the modiste will be arriving. Mrs. Amberly will need some new clothes for when she receives her new name.”
“Elizabeth is coming here?” He had taken his seat again.
Georgiana nodded.
“You are giving her a tour?”
Georgiana nodded again.
“Without me?”
“That was the plan,” she said with a smile.
“It is not a very good one,” he muttered. “Perhaps it is best if I just send a note to inquire as to when Mr. Amberly’s solicitor is available to see me.”
Georgiana shook her head. “That will not do, Fitzwilliam. Time is of the essence in seeing that all is arranged if you wish to marry next week.”
Darcy sank back in his chair. What his sister said was true. As much as he wished to be present for Elizabeth’s tour of Darcy House, he also did not wish to slow the arrangements that needed to be made.
“She will be here on the half hour. It is only a few minutes. Why do you not wait to depart until after she has arrived?” suggested Georgiana. “You may tell her good morning, and I shall avert my eyes so you may kiss her, and then you can be off.” She giggled at the glare he gave her. “You know you wish me to avert my eyes. I am only suggesting it because I know it is what you desire.”
“Your fluttering lashes will not work with me, Georgiana. You are not quite so innocent as you appear.”
She smiled widely at the comment. “I am certain I do not comprehend your meaning.”
He shook his head and rose to leave. “I will delay my departure for a few minutes,” he said as he bent to kiss the top of her head.
“Do you wish me to ask all the servants who gather to turn about when you kiss her?”
He placed a finger under her chin and tilted her face up to look at his, the scowl he wore quickly fading to a grin. “It might be best,” he said with a wink.
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him to her. “I have missed your teasing,” she said. “I had almost forgotten you knew how.”
“Have I been so terrible?” he asked in concern. His right hand rested on her right shoulder with his thumb brushing back and forth across her arm.
She shook her head and released him. “Not terrible, Brother. You could never be terrible. You are far too caring to be so,” she gave him a smile, “even to Aunt Catherine.” She took his left hand. “But you have been sad, excessively serious ─ even for you ─ and despondent even. I had thought it was the rift between you and Mr. Bingley that caused it. I did not realize it was more than the loss of a friend.”
“Indeed, it was a great deal more,” he said softly. He gave her shoulder a pat before removing his hand. He sighed. He knew that at some point he was going to have to face that friend once again, but presently, he had no desire to do so.
“Do yo
u hate him?” Georgiana tilted her head as she always did when studying something closely.
Darcy returned to his seat. Speaking of his thoughts and feelings was not something he had ever enjoyed doing, but he knew the look on his sister’s face. She would have an answer either now or sometime in the future. And since it seemed better to have it over and done with, he expelled a breath, shook his head, and began.
“I do not know. I have hated him. Every time I have stood in a ballroom or sat at a musicale or wandered the museum and watched the happiness of the people around me, I have despised him.” He shrugged. “But happiness has found me at last, despite Bingley’s interference, and now I am unsure how to think of him.” He shrugged. “I suppose some would say I should forgive him while others would have me shun him. I am unsure I can do either. He is married to Elizabeth’s sister so refusing to see him would harm her, and that I will not do. However ─.”
“Your good opinion, once lost, is difficult to restore,” interrupted Georgiana.
Darcy nodded his agreement and then shrugged. “Time will tell, I suppose.”
Georgiana placed her empty tea cup on the table and looked at the clock. “It is almost time to receive our caller.” She smiled at him. “You will do what is right,” she assured him. “You always do. Now, have you told the staff that they are to have a new mistress?” She patted his hand and chuckled. “I can see from the look on your face you have not. Shall I introduce her to them as a friend until you have had the chance?”
“No. I shall speak to Mr. Palmer and Mrs. Cole straightaway.” He stood once more to leave. “I shan’t be long.” He nodded to the footman that stood near the door as he passed through it. Then, with a shake of his head, he turned back to address the man. “You must not tell Mr. Palmer or Mrs. Cole that I told you first, but since you have no doubt heard much of our conversation this morning, you should know that I am getting married.”
“Congratulations, sir,” replied the footman, a faint smile forming on his otherwise well-schooled features.
“Not that I do not trust your skills completely, Sam, but I do wish to make the best possible impression.”
“Of course, sir.” He gave a nod of his head. “I will inform the others as soon as I have completed my duties here, sir.”
Darcy shook his head. “Tell them first and then come back for the dishes. Mrs. Amberly will be here very soon. Oh, and if you see Mrs. Cole or Mr. Palmer when you are on your way, tell them I wish to speak to them. I shall be waiting near the door.”
“Right away, sir.” A smile flashed across Sam’s face before he could stop it.
Darcy thanked him and hurried out of the dining room.
Two minutes later, as Darcy peered through the window next to the door for the third time, Mr. Palmer and Mrs. Cole joined him.
“You wished to see us, sir?” asked Mr. Palmer.
“Indeed, I do,” said Darcy, turning to face them. These two had been with him since he was a boy. They were more family than servants, and yet, he attempted to keep the distinction as clear as possible. However, there were times, such as now, that it was nearly impossible. “I am getting married,” he said with a smile. “Next week,” he added.
“Next week, sir?” Mrs. Cole’s eyes fluttered slightly in surprise.
“It is sudden, I suppose.” His smile grew in size. He was certain that, at any moment, he was going to make a complete and total fool of himself as his excitement at finally having gained Elizabeth was nearly overwhelming. “But it is also not sudden.”
Mr. Palmer’s brows furrowed.
“I promise to share the full story with you at a later time. However, for now, I shall tell you that I met her six years ago and would have married her then if events had not prevented it.” He peered out the window again. “I met her again at last night’s ball.” He chuckled. “I nearly completed a full dance with her before we came to an understanding.” He could see by the looks on their faces that his servants clearly thought he had gone mad. “I assure you that I have not lost control of my mental faculties.”
“Does she have a name, sir?” Mrs. Cole asked as Darcy peered out the window once again.
“Elizabeth Amberly,” he said. “Mrs. Amberly ─ she is a widow.” He clapped his hands and turned away from the window. “She is here. Georgiana is to give her a tour of the house.”
“I will inform the staff,” said Mrs. Cole. “Is everything to be open to her?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes, yes, she is to see everything. Nothing is off limits. I am sorry that you did not have time to prepare as you would have liked,” he apologized. “And…” he paused and lowered his eyes for a moment. Mrs. Cole was adamant with her staff that proper channels were always followed. One must not overstep one’s bounds, she always said. It was a firmly set rule, and he knew he had asked Sam to step out of his bounds and inform staff of news that was rightfully Mrs. Cole’s or Mr. Palmer’s to share. “I may have asked Sam to tell the others.” He grimaced slightly at the admission.
Mrs. Cole laughed. “She is that special is she?” She gave him that smile she had always used when he had done something particularly well as a child.
“Without a doubt.”
“Then we are very pleased for you, Mr. Darcy. Very pleased indeed. And, have no fear, everything will be shown to best advantage.”
She lay a hand on his arm. It was not something she did very often. In fact, he could not remember the last time she had done so. It had been so long ago. “I know I overstep my bounds, but I must say how delighted I am to see that spark back in your eye. It does my old heart good to see you happy.” She gave his arm a pat. “So very happy,” she muttered as she hurried away.
The knocker tapped against the door, and Darcy grabbed the handle before Mr. Palmer could. “Just this once,” said Darcy. “Allow me to be first to welcome her.”
Mr. Palmer shook his head. “Just like your father,” he said. “He always wanted to be first to greet your mother.” He made a sweeping bow and then took his place next to the door.
Chapter 4
Elizabeth nervously smoothed her skirts as she waited for the door to Darcy House to open. Both her uncle Gareth’s and Bingley’s homes in town were grand, but neither was as grand as this. It should not have surprised her, she supposed. She had seen Pemberley. She tapped the knocker on the door a second time. After only a few moments the door opened. Her eyes grew wide in surprise before a pleased smile spread across her face, reaching her eyes and lighting them with delight.
“Mr. Darcy!” She laughed lightly. “I had not expected to see you so directly.”
“You did not?” He smiled at her.
She shook her head. “It is not unwelcome, however.”
He extended his hand, and when she placed hers in it, he drew her into the house. “Mrs. Amberly, this is Mr. Palmer, who was kind enough to allow me to greet you in his place.”
“Ma’am,” the grey-haired man bowed slightly in greeting.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Palmer.”
“The pleasure is mine, ma’am.” He turned to Mr. Darcy. “Miss Darcy will be expecting you in the yellow sitting room, sir.”
Darcy placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm and led her to a sitting room that was bright and cheery. The morning sun streamed through the large windows, dancing across the carpet and glimmering on the tops of tables. The furniture was neatly arranged in small groupings, each with its own carpet, none of which were of the same design, yet all complemented the others.
“It is lovely,” said Elizabeth, stopping just inside the door to survey the room.
“Georgiana had a hand in decorating this room. I fear I am not very skilled in arranging furnishings or choosing fabrics.”
She smiled at him. “I find that hard to believe, Mr. Darcy. You are always impeccably dressed. You must have some skill.”
“I have a man for that,” he replied with a smile. “And a tailor with a good eye for colour and details.”
“I am sorry I was delayed. I hear I missed Mr. Darcy playing butler,” Georgiana gave Elizabeth a quick hug and her brother, a wink. “Were his skills up to standard?”
Elizabeth laughed. “He has potential,” she replied. “Should the need ever arise, I believe he is capable of working his way into such a position.”
Darcy shook his head. “I have gone soft to allow such teasing.”
“Quite right,” agreed Elizabeth. “I do remember once being told that you were not to be teased.”
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy explained to his confused sister. “That is the only good that has come from this whole thing. I have not seen her in five years.”
Elizabeth sighed. “It may have been good for you, but I can assure you it has not been for me. She married before me. She has the finest carriage, the best clothing, and the most precious children, or so she has informed me on many occasions.” She moved to follow Georgiana to a grouping of chairs near the window, but Darcy caught her hand and would not allow it.
“Georgiana, you really should see the equipage in which Mrs. Amberly arrived. It is very like the one you were describing to me.”
Georgiana looked at him in confusion. “I do not remember describing any carriage to you.”
“Perhaps it was someone else,” he said with a raised brow and a pointed look. “However, I recommend you take a look at it, so that when I remember who it was and wish to speak to you of it, you will know of what I speak.”
“I would like to know of what you speak now,” she said still confused.
“Look at the carriage. Please.”
He could see the understanding dawn in her eyes.
“A long look?” she asked with a smile.
He nodded, and she took a place at the window with her back towards him. She prattled on about the horses and markings, as well as the driver’s cap and coat, while Darcy drew Elizabeth into his embrace and kissed her. When Georgiana began commenting on how the horses were shifting from one foot to the other and flicking their heads, he reluctantly stopped and released Elizabeth from his embrace.
