by P. O. Dixon
Stepping forward, he bowed deeply before his noble patroness. “Forgive me, Lady Catherine, did I fail to mention that my fair cousin and your esteemed nephew, Mr. Darcy, were introduced to each other in Hertfordshire?”
Darcy ignored the man. “My sister is here, as well. She, too, looks forward to seeing you.”
At that moment, Georgiana entered the room. She went straight to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth! My brother said you would be here.”
Lady Catherine looked taken aback. With the uneasiness of a stranger in her own home, she said, “You know my niece, as well, young lady?”
“Yes, your ladyship.”
Dumbfounded, Lady Catherine stared at her niece. “How can that be? Did you travel to Hertfordshire, too, Georgiana? Why was I not told of this?”
“Miss Elizabeth and I met in town.”
“What occasion did you have to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet in town?”
The entrance of another of Lady Catherine’s guests prevented Georgiana’s response. Though not as handsome as Mr. Darcy, the older man’s address suggested he was very much a gentleman.
“Pray forgive my tardiness, Lady Catherine.” He glanced about the room. Every single person save her ladyship and her daughter Anne was still standing.
“Not at all, nephew,” Lady Catherine said, exasperated. “It appears Miss Elizabeth Bennet is well acquainted with your cousins. Is she an acquaintance of yours, as well?”
The officer looked at Elizabeth and smiled. “I have not yet had the pleasure. I am Colonel Fitzwilliam, milady. I am honoured to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, sir.”
The remainders of the introductions were made, and the guests took their seats. After some moments, tea was served, and everyone’s attention strayed with her ladyship’s pontificating, speech after speech dictating to the Hunsford guests and her own guests, alike, how they should go about conducting the remainder of their stay.
Elizabeth amused herself by observing the countenance of Charlotte and Mr. Collins as they attended Lady Catherine’s every word. Elizabeth could easily surmise where Mr. Darcy might have gleaned his early tutelage on the role of nobility as opposed to those of lesser Society. With such examples as this, how could she fault him? Rosings Park was the epitome of ostentatious wealth with the fine proportions and finished ornaments of its marvellous antechamber, the grand staircases, and magnificent glazing, which by her cousin’s account had cost her ladyship’s late husband, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, quite a sum.
There sat Lady Catherine, her brownish grey coiffure adorning her head in a manner reminiscent of a crown, in all her regal state, as if perched upon a throne. Proclaiming herself a great proficient at music, except for the fact she had never applied herself, the great lady entreated her niece to entertain them on the pianoforte.
Georgiana jumped at the opportunity. “I am happy to exhibit, Lady Catherine. Miss Elizabeth, I should like it if you accompanied me.”
“I shall be happy to accompany you. However, I must warn you, my proficiency at the pianoforte leaves much to be desired.”
“My brother says otherwise, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth looked at Darcy. He smiled sheepishly. Elizabeth regarded Lady Catherine’s pursed lips as disapproval. Nothing good ever came from such a look.
While Georgiana and Elizabeth sat down to decide what they would play, Lady Catherine chastised Darcy and the colonel for her having to spend Easter alone, and she made some mention of this being the first such a time in years.
“I have yet to be given a sufficient reason for the delay.” She glared at her youngest nephew. “Do not dare to tell me your delay has anything to do with your stay at Lord Latham’s estate, Darcy, for I have since made enquiries, and have learned you took your leave earlier than the rest of the guests.”
Elizabeth overheard the entire exchange. Uneasiness crept over her. What if Lady Catherine had learned even more? Surely, she had not. At least, Elizabeth prayed she had not. She did not know the aristocrat well enough to fathom what she might do with the knowledge of her impropriety, but she suspected her ladyship enough to suppose it would not be good.
“Your information is correct, Lady Catherine. I left Lord Latham’s estate earlier than I had planned. However, upon returning to my home, other more pressing matters arose needing my attention.”
“Other matters? What was more urgent than honouring your commitment to your family? What business put off your visit by weeks?”
“They were matters of personal nature, your ladyship. I am here now, am I not? I shall speak no more on this subject.”
Darcy’s strong rebuke served two purposes, at least, for the time being. Lady Catherine was silenced, and Elizabeth’s curiosity was spurred.
Throughout their performance, Elizabeth tried to hide her distraction. After two songs, Georgiana brought up the one subject Elizabeth would rather not discuss.
“May I enquire of your youngest sister, Miss Elizabeth? How does she get along?”
Elizabeth wondered what, if anything, Miss Darcy knew of the resolution to the scandalous business.
“I ... my sister is married ... to Mr. Wickham.”
“The marriage is a good thing, is it not?” Georgiana diverted her eyes; therefore, Elizabeth was unable to ascertain her feelings on the matter.
“One would hope, Miss Darcy. I suspect you know him well enough to appreciate my scepticism.”
“Indeed,” the younger woman said. “Miss Elizabeth, I have a confession. I know I promised you that I would say nothing of the unfortunate event. However, I was unable to keep the promise. I told my brother ... thinking he, better than anyone, might be able to help. Please say you forgive me and that you understand my reasoning.”
“I understand. After what you had suffered, I believe I was unfair to ask you to shoulder such a weighty burden alone.”
Elizabeth forced herself to smile. “I know I sound unhappy with the outcome, but in light of what might have occurred, I know things turned out for the best. My sister has a chance for respectability. In the end, that is what matters.”
The approach of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam soon ended the ladies’ tête-a-tête. Both put on a brave face for the gentlemen’s sake and asked for suggestions on what they should play next.
* * *
For the third time in as many days, Darcy and Elizabeth walked along a secluded path, enjoying the easiness that had marked their acquaintance since their last meeting in Hertfordshire. The two talked about the events at Longbourn and wondered how Jane and Bingley fared. Elizabeth hinted of what a difference it would have made had she remained at Longbourn to help her sister along.
“At the risk of sounding crass, I must say I am glad you decided against your pledge to remain at Longbourn as a spinster. I believe those were your exact words.”
“Perhaps I have not decided against my plan completely. I must not always remain at Longbourn. Besides, I supposed there is little risk of scandal in visiting such a quaint town as this.”
“Actually, Lord Latham and I have identified the source of the rumour of our ... our—”
“You might as well say it, Mr. Darcy. The night I spent in your home.”
“Yes. Well, it turns out one of his household servants once worked in my home. I believe the situation is well contained. You need not worry on that score any longer.”
“I pray no one’s livelihood was lost as a result of this incident. Servants will talk.”
“True, there is talk, there is gossip, and then there is downright mischief making. In this case, the instigator was a trusted servant who escaped a harsher retribution with a strong reprimand.”
“I must confess I am relieved to hear it. I had not put the matter completely out of my mind.”
“Trust me, Miss Elizabeth, I am relieved, as well, much more than you know.”
“Why is that, sir?”
“Because, the next time I offer you my hand in marriage, I intend to go about
it entirely differently.”
Some thought of his first proposal could not help crossing her mind. “I am almost afraid to wonder what that might be.”
“Allow me to demonstrate, if you will.”
Taking her puzzled silence as consent, Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand in his. He lowered himself to one knee.
“Miss Elizabeth, you must allow me to tell you how much I love and admire you—”
Thinking he was having a bit of fun, she thought she might as well play along. “I seem to recall hearing those words before, Mr. Darcy. Then again, I may be mistaken.”
Darcy hushed her with a finger to her lips. “Miss Elizabeth, because of you, I am bewitched, body and soul. I cannot go on without you. Please do me the honour of accepting my hand.”
“Mr. Darcy, please stand up this instant.”
“No—not until you give me the answer I long to hear.”
“What answer is that, sir?”
“There can only be one answer. Say yes.”
“What are you asking? Are you not speaking merely in jest?”
“Miss Elizabeth, from this day forward, I never wish for us to be parted again. I love you. Please, say yes.”
She fought her tears. A proposal on bended knee from the man she then knew she loved, the only man she would ever love, for the rest of her days.
“Yes, I will. Nothing would make me happier. I, too, wish never to be parted from you from this day forth.”
Darcy stood, wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace, and lifted her off the ground. After he spun around, he gently placed her on her feet. “You have made me the happiest of men.”
He leaned down and gazed into her eyes. “May I?”
Elizabeth silently acquiesced.
Mr. Darcy placed light kisses on her forehead, on her chin, and then, on the tip of her nose. Elizabeth closed her eyes in expectation of what was to come, opening them seconds later in wonderment. He placed a finger atop her parted lips. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I have every intention of kissing you properly, my love.” He kissed her chin softly. “But not yet.”
The two lovers spent the better part of the rest of their time together discussing their joy and planning how their lives as man and wife would be. They parted with an agreement to meet early in the morning in the same spot to determine how they would share the happy news. By Mr. Darcy’s account, his aunt would not take the news graciously. They needed a plan.
Chapter 15
Darcy slowed his steed’s pace as he approached Elizabeth walking along the lane the next morning. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“I rather doubt that, Mr. Darcy. If I know you at all, you have been pacing back and forth anticipating my arrival for some time.”
“Indeed, you know me well.”
“So, do you intend to remain on your horse or will you join me?”
“I intend to remain here.” He extended his hand. “Come ride with me.”
Elizabeth looked around. “Do you not think my riding with you is inappropriate?”
“Indeed, entirely inappropriate, scandalous even. If caught, I might even be forced to marry you.”
Darcy lifted Elizabeth and sat her side-saddle in front of him. He kissed her upon her forehead. “I am delighted to see you this morning, my love. Why were you late?” He signalled his horse to begin a slow, steady amble along the path.
“I had the unwelcome task of explaining my penchant for long, solitary walks to my cousin, I am afraid. He lectured me on the indelicacy of young, unmarried women wandering about alone at such an early hour.”
“I am sorry for being the cause of any discomfort.”
“Believe me; I suffer little comfort in the presence of my cousin. Nothing you might do would make the situation worse.”
In no time at all, they came to his destination. Crisp white linen, elegant sterling silver candelabras, fine china, polished silverware, and a rich bouquet of fresh spring blossoms adorned a table, along with several covered dishes.
Darcy dismounted, handed Elizabeth down, and secured his horse.
“Mr. Darcy, everything is splendid.”
Darcy escorted her to her seat and attended her. “I wanted our first meal together as betrotheds to be special. I doubt we shall enjoy another such opportunity once we announce our intentions to our families.”
Elizabeth thought for a moment on how things would be once her mother learned of their news. Bedlam. “I suppose you are correct. I can hardly believe you went to such trouble.”
Darcy took his seat on the opposite side of the table. “I have a confession, my love.”
Elizabeth raised her brow. “Oh?”
“Georgiana was instrumental in setting all this up. I can hardly take much credit.”
“She knows of our engagement?”
“Yes. I hope that does not disappoint you. She is my closest family, and she is exceedingly fond of you. I could not bear to wait to tell her along with all the others.”
“Would you say she is pleased?”
“Yes, I would say that she is ecstatic.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I shall look forward to having her as a sister, especially at Pemberley, with my own sisters so far away.”
Darcy reached across the table and took her hand. “Your sisters are welcome at Pemberley at any time.”
“All of my sisters, Mr. Darcy?”
“All of them.”
“You say that now. Pray you shall have no cause for regret.”
“Never—your family is my family. Forever.”
The two shared the rest of the meal in relative quiet. At its completion, he took Elizabeth’s hand and led her along a wooded path.
He pulled her into his embrace long enough to put her at ease. He reached down and lifted her chin. She felt her eyes glisten with tears of joy. He kissed her upon her forehead before releasing her. The warmth of his arms aroused familiarity—some innate intimacy. She had a sense of having been in his arms before in another time and place. She had not given much thought to their night together in weeks, resolving her lack of recall was a sure sign there was nothing to recall.
What she found too awkward to discuss before seemed natural in light of their current understanding. If perhaps there was more to that night than he had admitted or than she had recollected, surely he would be willing to discuss it now.
“Mr. Darcy, I know you cared for me the evening that I fell ill at your home. What I do not know, sir, is the extent of said care.”
“You were quite indisposed for the greater part of the evening, but you must have some recollection of what took place.”
“No—I remember nothing at all, save sitting on the settee near the fire and later waking in the mistress’s suite.”
Elizabeth put a bit of space between them. “Do you not think it is time you tell me everything of what happened?”
Darcy closed the distance. “Nothing in comparison to what you should expect on our wedding night, my love. In fact, if you give me leave to serve as your lady’s maid on our wedding night, I shall show you everything I did ... as well as everything I did not do, that evening at my home.”
“I warn you, sir, I am a selfish creature. Patience is not my strong suit. Besides, have I not waited long enough?”
“Trust me when I say it will be worth the wait. You do trust me, do you not?”
“I trust you.”
“Then, let your mind be at ease. Your virtue remains intact.” He raised her hand to his lips.
Elizabeth had no choice but to be content with his sidestepping. On another subject, she refused to keep her counsel. Although reluctant to confess his part in the scheme concerning Lydia, in the wake of Elizabeth’s overwhelming evidence, he said he, indeed, had a hand in discovering her youngest sister. He had coerced Wickham into marrying her, and paid for his commission in New Castle.
The degradation, the inconvenience, and the expense! The lengths he had taken to ensure a happier outcome than anyone i
n her family had ever envisioned for Lydia astounded Elizabeth.
“Mr. Darcy, how shall I ever repay your kindness?”
“How can you even ask such a question? Surely, you must know. I did everything for you with no expectation of gratitude. When I told you that I would protect you that day at Lord Latham’s, I meant every word of it. I have since considered there is nothing in the world I would not do for you, to protect you and to make certain your happiness.”
Darcy raised Elizabeth’s hand to his lips and kissed it. He turned her hand over and placed a lingering kiss on the inside of her wrist. “You have made me the happiest man in the world. I can hardly wait for us to be married.”
“First, we must share our joyous news with our families.”
“Yes. I understand you will be dining at Rosings this evening. We will commence with an announcement before dinner. In a day or two, we shall journey to Hertfordshire to celebrate our happy news with your family.”
“Mama will be pleased to know her least favourite daughter is to be married.”
“To her least favourite man in the world, no doubt. I clearly recall how Mrs. Bennet barely tolerated my presence when I visited Longbourn.”
“I apologise again for Mama’s behaviour.”
“I am afraid it is I who will be apologising to you before the end of the evening.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“My aunt will not condone our marriage. She will go on and on about my obligations to my family.”
“Perhaps Lady Catherine will surprise you. She does not seem nearly as dreadful as I had long supposed.”
“Trust me, every semblance of kindness will dissipate once she learns of our engagement. She clings to the hope that Anne and I will marry.”
“Yes, of that I am aware. I have long known of your presumed engagement on account of Mr. Wickham.”
“No doubt.” He looked rather disheartened.
Elizabeth linked her arm through Darcy’s and silently apologised.
