by Lauren King
“Oh, Mr. Morgan, you are leaving.” Elizabeth says affably as she approaches.
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth. It was a pleasure to see you again.”
“It was nice to see you again, Mr. Morgan.” Elizabeth smiles genially.
“Jane will you show Mr. Morgan to the door? Johnny should be there momentarily to assist Mr. Morgan with his outerwear. Good day to you, Mr. Morgan.”
All the courtesies are expressed and then Jane and Morgan walk out to the foyer. After Johnny leaves the couple standing alone at the front foyer, Morgan asks, “Miss Bennet, thank you for allowing me to visit you this morning. May I call upon you again this Sunday?” Today’s visit went very well. He likes Miss Bennet’s demeanor and sensibilities. She seems kind and understanding. She is not demanding or haughty in any way. He would like to know her better.
“Yes, you may, Mr. Morgan. Would eleven o’clock be convenient for you, sir?”
“Yes, that will be fine, Miss Bennet. It was my pleasure to have this visit with you today. I hope you have a wonderful day.” Morgan displays his attractive smile to show his satisfaction.
“Thank you, Mr. Morgan. I hope your day will be just as pleasant.” She displays a honest, sweet smile.
Both Jane and Mr. Morgan smile at each other one last time before he contentedly turns to walk out the door. Jane knows that she will be teased by Elizabeth, but she does not mind. She likes Mr. Morgan. That was such an agreeable visit; she learned so much about him – all of which made her like him more. This visit was fun, yet serious. Mr. Morgan expressed himself clearly and shared many personal things with her which made her feel that he was truly interested in her.
“Well, well, well, Miss Bennet.” Elizabeth giggles openly. “I have never seen you so interested in any young man before.”
“I knew you would tease me, Lizzy.” They all giggle. “I have never seen you so interested in any young man as you are with William.” Jane counters gaily.
“That is true because I sincerely love him.” Elizabeth says candidly while she playfully tilts her face up and away and begins to giggle.
“Oh…I remember young love.” Mrs. Gardiner says dreamily, and then all three ladies laugh.
They all get ready for Mr. James’ visit. Jane tells Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner that she is pleased and really enjoyed her visit with Mr. Morgan. He seems like a good man with an excellent family. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner are joyous for Jane.
Johnny shows Mr. Frederick James into the drawing room; introductions and all the pleasantries are relayed.
“Mr. James, would you like some coffee or tea, sir? Do you enjoy coffee?” Mrs. Gardiner asks congenially.
“Yes, I do enjoy coffee sometimes. Do you and your family drink coffee daily, ma’am?”
“My husband does. I enjoy it with him sometimes. I hear that you are from Derbyshire, Mr. James?”
“Yes, I am. My family’s estate is about fifteen miles north of Darcy’s Pemberley. Have you visited Derbyshire before, ma’am?” James converses pleasantly.
“I am from Lambton which is a small town about five miles south of Pemberley. I was born there and lived there until I married Mr. Gardiner and then moved here.”
“Ahh, Lambton – I do know of Lambton. How coincidental for you to have come from there. Did you know the Darcys, ma’am?” James inquires affably.
“No, I did not; we know of the Darcys. My family was not from the same circle as the Darcys. However, I am certain everyone in Lambton knows of the Darcys. They were very well respected because of what good people they were – the late Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. I hear that the current Mr. Darcy is also a superb gentleman.” Mrs. Gardiner smiles at Elizabeth and Elizabeth smiles back proudly upon hearing her Aunt’s compliment.
“You are quite right about the late Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. I remember them as very good people. Everyone liked them and respected them. I hear from my Mother that Mrs. Darcy brought sophistication and elegance to everything she did. All their neighbors from near and far considered her one of the most refined and graceful ladies in Derbyshire. She was very well liked. The late Mr. Darcy was considered intelligent, confident, and fair. The current Mr. Darcy is considered very much like his late father. He is well liked by all of his tenants because he treats them fairly and with consideration; I know this of Darcy. He is dignified, intelligent, sharp, and determined. We were all sorry when his Mother passed, and then ten years later, he lost his Father too. However, Pemberley is, currently, flourishing under his direction and care because he is also very smart with business.”
“You are close friends with Mr. Darcy, Mr. James?” Jane asks amiably.
“We were closer friends when we were still at the university. However, since he graduated and became busy with Pemberley, we did not see each other on a regular basis like before. He does seem less busy now than before, thus perhaps, when we both are in Derbyshire we can reconnect.” James amiably explains.
“You have three brothers, sir?” Jane wants to know as much about Mr. James as she does about Mr. Morgan. That is the only way she can fairly compare the two gentlemen.
“I do, Miss Bennet. I am the eldest of four; Peter is one year younger than me – five and twenty. Christopher is almost four and twenty. Laurence is two and twenty. I hear you have only sisters, Miss Bennet?” James is impressed with how pretty both of these Bennet sisters are; are all the sisters this pretty? He had spoken to and listened to Miss Elizabeth speak at the Christmas Ball, and he was impressed with her intelligence and amiability. Miss Bennet was shyer and less talkative that night but when they had a chance to talk, she was sensible and very nice to converse with.
“Yes, I am the eldest of five sisters, Elizabeth is second. Mary is next; Catherine and Lydia follow.”
At this point, Athena comes in and asks Mrs. Gardiner to watch her play the piano forte, so Mrs. Gardiner excuses herself leaving Jane and Elizabeth in the drawing room to visit. Elizabeth excuses herself to go read at the window. She is very happy to hear such admirable comments about William. She is astonished at her fortune to have such a marvelous gentleman love her. Mr. James’ praises of William fills her with pride; she could not be happier. She really misses William, now; she wishes that he was here with her.
Jane and Mr. James talk about many subjects, and they chuckle a few times when he tells her some stories about him and his brothers when they were growing up. Over all, Mr. James sounds satisfied with his situation.
Mr. James is learning from his father about managing the estate for when he inherits it. His family has a home here in London, so he and his brothers come here for the seasons. Mr. James is here these few weeks because of multiple invitations to dinners and balls for the holidays with some good friends. He has plans to go back to Derbyshire at the end of January but he is willing to stay longer. Mr. James looks directly at Jane with his last comment; however, Jane does not feel any notable special regard for him when he gazes at her. She does not feel romantic towards him, but it could be that they have only spoken for a short while. She knows that it is different for everybody; she cannot expect to feel everything right away.
As the visit proceeds, Jane wants to keep an open mind about her feelings for Mr. James in comparison to Mr. Morgan. She finds that Mr. James is different from Mr. Morgan. Mr. Morgan seems to know exactly what he wants and how to get it, yet he is not a hard or difficult man. He is rather fun to talk with – not at all stuffy for being a barrister. Mr. James is just different; Jane is not as markedly attracted to Mr. James as she is to Mr. Morgan from what she can see so far.
When the visit comes to an end, Mr. James asks to call upon Jane on Sunday. Jane agrees to have him visit at two o’clock. They cheerily bid each other a good day. Towards the end of the visit, Jane became much more comfortable with him. She wonders if she is biased because she met Mr. Morgan first, and he called upon her first. This cannot be the main reason for her partiality towards Mr. Morgan; she thinks that she better matches with Mr. Morgan’s personalit
y and charm.
During luncheon Jane tells her Aunt and Elizabeth her impressions of both gentlemen; her partiality for Mr. Morgan is apparent. Both Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth advise Jane to listen to her intuition. Examine what she feels for each gentleman and what she wants in her marriage. Can she imagine herself being with either of these gentlemen for life? Mrs. Gardiner advises that Jane not rush her decisions, but she should not delay it too long either because it can get too complicated with multiple people involved. Moreover, she does not want the gentlemen to think that Jane is leading them on. Jane says that she will give it much contemplation.
His betrothed is finally at his home again. Darcy eagerly goes to the foyer to greet Elizabeth and her family before escorting them into the drawing room to meet his Uncle’s family. Darcy thoroughly missed Elizabeth the entire day. He had to force himself to keep busy so the day would go by quicker, leading him to Elizabeth sooner. At last, she is here, and she looks stunning as ever in her light pink gown.
All the introductions are made and greetings are conveyed by everyone. Everybody remains in the drawing room for a quarter of an hour before moving to the dining room. There are smart and pleasant conversations amongst everyone throughout dinner. Lady Matlock is surprised by Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s sophistication; they are just as Richard and Darcy had claimed. She is very glad for it. Mr. Gardiner could pass for a gentleman had no one pointed out that he was in trade. The couple’s demeanor, speech, and dress are no less sophisticated than Mr. Bennet’s. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are well spoken and gracious – nothing like what Lady Matlock has heard of in regards to trades people. They seem to sincerely care for their nieces. Everything points towards a benefit for Darcy.
After dinner, the men promise to separate for only a very short after-dinner drink due to their small party. When they join the ladies again, Georgiana and Elizabeth perform together. Afterwards, Georgiana does an impressive solo performance. Both ladies are praised for their talents, and they receive their praises joyously. Lady Matlock does not mind conversing with Mrs. Gardiner whose behavior, conduct, and comportment are respectable. She surely hopes that the rest of the Bennets are just as well mannered.
Darcy and Elizabeth are the last ones in the foyer at the end of the evening. “Dearest, I shall visit you at two o’clock tomorrow, then?”
“Yes, that will be a fine time, darling.” Elizabeth smiles brightly as she quickly caresses his face. She has missed him more than she thought she would; she is addicted to his presence, already – goodness!
“I hardly got to speak to you the entire evening; I missed you very much.” Darcy says honestly while he touches her cheek and caresses her luscious lips. He stares at them longingly; he wishes he could kiss her deeply right here and now. He wants her to know how ardently he loves her and cares for her.
Elizabeth blushes at his expression of love for her, but she can listen to it all day long and be perfectly content. Then she proudly announces, “I missed you too, darling, but at least I heard many good things being said about you this morning, so I was pleased and satisfied; that made it, somewhat, tolerable not to have you by my side.”
“Oh? Who was telling you true things about me?” Both Darcy and Elizabeth chuckle cheerily at his jest.
Elizabeth adores the fact that they can be open and joke with each other. She absolutely adores and loves William; there is no other way to see it. “Mr. Frederick James was praising you. He thinks highly of you. I believe every word he said about you.” Elizabeth grins widely and squeezes their entwined hands.
“James, did?” Darcy asks with surprise.
“Yes, and I concur with every one of his commendations of you.” Elizabeth smiles proudly. Then she whispers, “I love you so very much.”
Darcy quickly plants a kiss on Elizabeth’s soft, warm lips and then quietly says into her ear, “I love you more.” He straightens up and grasps her hand to hook it onto his arm so they can walk out to her carriage. “Well, I guess I will have to wait until tomorrow to gaze upon your beautiful face again. I will miss you.”
At the carriage’s door, Darcy kisses Elizabeth’s hand before saying a final farewell for the night. His hand lingers on hers longer than normal as he hands her inside the carriage. They release each other reluctantly.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27th
Even after five hours of shopping, Elizabeth is not done with her wedding trousseau but her wedding gown design is finalized. She made all her decisions as speedily as she could because she wanted to finish in order to meet William at her Uncle’s house on time.
“Do you think that will be sufficient clothing, Aunt?” Elizabeth has never had this many new clothes all at once before; she has a feeling that her trousseau may be insufficient for being Mrs. Darcy. She does not know what her schedule will be like when she is married; therefore, she will wait and then order more as needed. She wonders whether they will attend dinners and parties often. Will they entertain at Pemberley, much? What will be expected of her? She needs to talk with William to understand his desires and expectations of her.
“You still need to order a couple of heavy hooded coats, thick shawls, hand muffs, ear muffs, and a few thick fur-lined leather boots for the winter months. It can become very cold in Derbyshire in the winter.” Mrs. Gardiner shares her knowledge; she remembers the Derbyshire winters well.
“I will have to come back tomorrow to order those things, Aunt. I do not want to be late meeting William at two o’clock.” Elizabeth states hurriedly. She does not want William to arrive with no one there to greet him.
“All right, then we best leave now.” Mrs. Gardiner senses her niece’s rush. She knows that Elizabeth is very considerate of her betrothed. It is always adorable to see such deep, devoted love.
“I think all your dresses are pretty, Lizzy.” Georgiana compliments openly and then she advises, “You should have plenty of thick walking boots and heavy hooded coats if you like to walk outside during the winter months.”
“I will order them in the next few days, Georgie.” Elizabeth replies warmly.
Elizabeth will have to go shopping again, but next time she will have to let William come along because he did not look happy this morning when she came to Darcy House to collect Georgiana. She was very tempted to ask him to come along today. When they bid each other good day, he looked lovable and endearing while he sulked because he was not coming along. At that point, she missed him instantly.
“Darling, have you been waiting long? I am sorry my shopping took so long. Let me tell Mildred to bring tea out.” Elizabeth says in a hurry as she rushes into the drawing to greet William.
“Do not worry, dearest. Are you not tired? Should you not rest for a bit?” Darcy asks caringly.
“I am well, darling.” Elizabeth turns to Georgiana and says, “Georgie, you should go to my room and rest if you need to. Are you tired?”
“I am fine Lizzy. We did not walk much, so I am fine. I am a little hungry, though.” Georgiana says shyly.
“I am sorry, Georgie; I will have some sandwiches, pastries, and tea brought out immediately. Let me show you where you can freshen up.” Elizabeth turns to William and says sweetly, “William, I will be right back.”
“Of course, take your time.” Darcy replies warmheartedly.
A quarter of an hour later, Elizabeth returns to the drawing room refreshed and in a different morning dress. “Darling, did you have some tea?”
“No, I was waiting for you.” Darcy replies fondly.
“I will pour you some. Georgie said that she wants to play the piano forte for a little while. My Aunt invites you and Georgie to stay for dinner; will you be able to stay?” Elizabeth pours some tea for William and hands it to him. While he holds his cup and saucer in one hand firmly, he reaches for her other hand to kiss.
“I missed you.” William kisses her hand several times continuously. “Without a doubt, I can stay for dinner.” William answers with gladness.
Elizabeth smiles lovingly
and then says quietly, “I missed you too. I am sorry I could not meet you when you arrived.”
“Do not give it another thought, my love. I would wait forever for you.” Darcy kisses her hand tenderly again and then gently suckles her wrist. He sees her blushes; her pink cheeks are very becoming. She has not minded his closeness thus far; he is pleased and relieved that she is not frightened with his intimacy.
Elizabeth cannot pull her eyes from William’s suckling of her wrist. Goodness, she does not know what to do except to stare at his actions. He makes her yearn for him; her body responds to his nearness and his kisses. She actually misses his kisses. Oh goodness! Is she too wanton to want his kisses? Her mind is going around in circles, and her heart is beating faster at the memory of him embracing her and kissing her. She can see William’s eyes become more intense with…longing. She can distinguish his desire to kiss her lips due to his staring at them. This makes her even shyer, and she blushes more from the power of his attention. She does not think he will kiss her lingeringly as he did the past two times because her family could walk in on them; that would be embarrassing. They continue to hold hands, but Elizabeth knows that she must calm down or else anyone can see her blush and be suspicious of hers and William’s conduct.
“Darling, please have some tea and pastries. Can I get this piece of lemon pastry for you?” Elizabeth offers cheerily. She feels such love for him, but she would be mortified if anyone suspects ill behavior from either of them. She uses her left hand to try to get a lemon pastry for William but is unsuccessful because she may drop it when using only one hand; William does not release her right hand. She looks at him shyly so that he can release her hand but he still does not.
“I like holding your hand. I would rather hold your hand than eat pastries.” Darcy says teasingly but seriously at the same time because he means it. He longs to be able to show her his love – all his love.
