“I am. I cannot wait until I can call her my sister. She makes Will smile all the time and she is very intelligent. We have played duets together and it is wonderful.”
“Goodness, Will, where did you leave your sister? This young lady could not possibly be Georgiana.” Lord Matlock declared, as he burst into laughter.
Everyone settled down to the refreshments Mrs Jarvis had just seen delivered to the drawing room. Lady Matlock began describing the plans she had decided to make for the coming week. She listed several dinners with family friends and a tea with some of the most important ladies of society.
“Aunt Rebecca, there will be time, in the years to come, for all of the introductions. It does not need to be done immediately.” Darcy said.
“You are wrong, William. Your wife will be very important, and, as such, will require the proper introductions immediately. There are many of the ton who will look down on her for marrying the most eligible bachelor in England. She deserves to be respected, and my introductions will pave the way for her.”
“We are of the same opinion, Aunt.” Darcy said with a smile to his beloved. “If society does not accept Elizabeth, then we have no need for society. Neither of us wishes to be common fixtures at gatherings of high society. We prefer Pemberley, the country life is more to our liking. When we come to Town, we would prefer to spend our time taking in the museums, theater, and such.”
“But you must think of Georgiana’s future. How will she be able to make a good match if you are shunned by society? And your future children, they will not be accepted if you turn your backs on society.” Lady Matlock appeared horrified.
“I did not mean we would turn away from society altogether, Aunt Rebecca. I only meant to say that there is no need for so many introductions in one week. We wish to attend the theater and spend time with our family. And that includes Mr and Mrs Gardiner.”
“Oh, yes, of course. The family from Gracechurch Street.” “Rebecca, do not use such a tone. The Gardiners are respectable people and they are a part of Lady Elizabeth’s family.” Lord Matlock gave his wife a stern look. “Times are changing, my love. We must change with them.”
Lady Matlock looked at Mr and Mrs Gardiner. “Forgive me. It will take some time to adjust. I know you are good people, my son has told us about you. He was quite taken with your love and devotion to Lady Elizabeth.”
Mrs Gardiner smiled. “No offense taken, your ladyship. You are not the only ones having to make adjustments. To think my dear niece is taking her rightful place in the world is a pleasure, yet outside of what I know of the world.”
“I should not have been so rude. From what I have been told, you have been a mother of sorts for Lady Elizabeth. William stated that she thinks of you as more a mother than Mrs Bennet.”
Darcy blushed. “Well, it is the truth. And I have watched you interacting with Elizabeth and Jane. The love you have for each other is obvious. I may not be the best at judging people, but I would have to be blind to not see that.”
Mr Bennet laughed. “Helen, you have always stated you loved the girls as if they were your own daughters.”
Mrs Gardiner began blushing. “Yes, I do think of Lizzy and Jane as my daughters, and I am very proud of both of them. Well, Edward, I believe it is time for us to make the journey to our home.”
Elizabeth made her way to her aunt and embraced her. “It will be odd to not have you nearby. These past weeks have spoiled me.”
“We are not far away, Lizzy. You know you are always welcome at our home. And you will be very busy preparing for your wedding. If you require assistance, send word.” Mrs Gardiner whispered in Elizabeth’s ear. “I love you, Elizabeth. Never forget how dear you are to me.”
“Now, hand that young lady over to me, wife.” Mr Gardiner said with a chuckle. A moment later, he had his arms wrapped around Elizabeth, while Mrs Gardiner said her farewells to Jane and the rest of their party.
Mr Gardiner placed a kiss on Elizabeth’s forehead. “Promise me you will rest as much as needed, and no becoming lost again. My heart could not take another rescue.”
“I promise, Uncle.” Elizabeth said as she placed a kiss on his cheek. “And I plan to have her close at hand, to keep any such rescue from being required.” Darcy stated, standing close behind his betrothed.
“Very good. We will see you in a few days, to dine. Lizzy and Jane, do not forget to come to the
warehouse to choose the fabrics you wish for gowns.” Mr Gardiner stated as he said his farewells to Darcy and Mr Bennet.
The Gardiner children were gathered and loaded into the carriage, and their parents took their seats amongst them. Their carriage was soon off in the direction of Gracechurch Street.
~~ ** ~~ The following day, Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana were escorted by Lady Matlock to Madame Dubois’ shop. Madame Dubois was one of the finest modiste in London, and a favorite of Lady Matlock.
Each of the sisters were taken into private rooms to have their measurements taken. Elizabeth had never had so many measurements taken, and she was surprised to see the details which were taken. She returned to the private parlor, where Lady Matlock and Georgiana were taking tea. Once Jane returned, the ladies began to sort through the designs, fabric samples, and lists were made of all the items which would be required for each sister. Elizabeth and Jane had never owned so much clothing combined, as Lady Matlock listed off the quantities which would be required to be proper in society.
“I am sure there is no need for twenty gowns, Lady Matlock. William and I are not planning on remaining in Town for long. Once we return to Pemberley, there will be no need for so many gowns.” Elizabeth stated.
“This is your betrothed’s list of items to be purchased. I had insisted on at least thirty new gowns, but he stated twenty would be enough for now. And fifteen day dresses, night shifts, pelisses, undergarments, cloaks, and then we will need to visit the cobbler for new shoes and boots. Oh, and the furrier. Pemberley winters are colder than you have known in Hertfordshire. A fur cloak and muff will be required. Then to the milliner, for ribbons and bonnets. It will take some time to have everything complete, but they should have two or three gowns ready for you in time for the theater, then more ready in time for the ball. And your wedding gowns will be ready before you journey to your father’s estate.”
Elizabeth was dizzy with all Lady Matlock rambled off. “If I added up all the clothing I have had in my entire life, I could not claim even half of what you claim I require now. It is far beyond what my father can afford for two of us.”
“No, my dear girl, William has insisted the bills be sent to Darcy House. He is seeing to the cost for both of you.” Lady Matlock said with a chuckle.
“Papa would never accept such an arrangement. He is proud and William’s generosity would be far too extreme for Papa to accept.” Elizabeth said.
“Well, your father told William just that, so they had a bet. They played a game of billiards, and the winner was the one to pay the bills for both of you. Your father was unaware that William was a billiards champion when he was at the university. It was sneaky of your intended to choose the game, but he was determined to win.”
Jane laughed. “Papa has never been much of a player of billiards. If it had been a chess match, he would have given Mr Darcy a challenge.”
“I was told they flipped a coin and William won, so he was the one to choose the game. Your father was gracious enough with his loss, and they were enjoying a glass of port after the match, laughing and joking. Of course, my husband was witness to the entire affair, and he came home quite late last night.”
Georgiana even giggled at the thought. “So Uncle Henry enjoyed some of Brother’s port as well?” “Indeed. It was a good thing that the servants at both of our houses are as devoted. They had to assist Henry into his carriage and then into our home.”
Elizabeth laughed. “This explains why none of the men were at breakfast before we left. They were all still in bed, sleeping off their o
verindulgence.”
“I believe my husband was complaining of a headache just before I left the house. Serves him right, acting like a boy accessing his father’s liquor supplies for the first time.” Lady Matlock said with a smile. “Maybe he will remember it the next time he is tempted to join the younger men.”
The ladies finally ordered the clothing, and made their way down the street to the cobbler. From there, they arrived at the milliner, followed by the furrier. Their final stop for the day was at a shop which sold personal items for ladies, such as lotions, soaps, and bath waters which were uniquely scented.
“You should stock up on what you prefer. When you arrive at Pemberley, it will take at least a fortnight to receive items ordered. I keep at least two months’ supply on hand at each of the houses, especially at Matlock. Their powders are the finest quality I have ever come across. The lady who designs the scents for this shop is amazing. Her talents for blending just the right oils is beyond anyone else I have ever known.”
Elizabeth found it difficult to decide which fragrance she preferred. She loved the rose blended with lavender, the honeysuckle and orange blossoms, the lemon and spice, and several others. Finally, she settled on four different blends, ordering soaps, bath waters, lotions, and powders. Lady Matlock announced that the purchases from this shop were her personal gift to her future niece and Jane. Georgiana was even gifted with a small selection of her favorite scents.
The ladies arrived at Darcy House near tea time, exhausted, but appearing to be in better condition than the men. Darcy and Mr Bennet were not in the best of conditions, after overindulging in Darcy’s private stock of port the night before.
~~ ** ~~ Lady Matlock had made changes in the schedule she had planned, cutting out three of the dinners she had accepted. The ball was the talk of the Town, as everyone wished to meet the young lady who had finally captured the heart of Fitzwilliam Darcy. They had also heard that the young lady was a distant member of the royal family, and such news brought speculation as to why she had been hidden from society.
Margaret learned of the ball, and changed her plans, deciding her niece would need family support at the ball. Lady Matlock was thrilled to invite Lady Margaret, and the news brought even more speculations.
Darcy opened an invitation for Elizabeth’s extended family to stay at Darcy House, but Margaret decided to stay at the townhouse which was owned by the Duke of Brunswick. Her cousin had given his approval for Margaret’s family to stay at the townhouse anytime they were in Town. She arrived at Darcy House a short time before they were to attend the theater.
“Lizzy, you look wonderful. I was so concerned after hearing of your accident, but you appear to be fully recovered.” Margaret said as she embraced her niece.
“Sadie is nearly recovered, and I still have an occasional twinge in my ankle, but I believe the worst is over.”
“And is Sadie at Pemberley?” Darcy chuckled. “Heavens no. She is granted travel privileges after assisting me in finding Elizabeth. Her dedication to my betrothed has won a special place in my heart.”
Elizabeth smiled. “She is resting on my bed at the moment. She is not sure she likes being in Town, as she loves to roam the countryside.”
“Much like Lizzy.” Jane stated with a grin. “I have heard that dogs can take on the personality of their owners. In this case, I must agree with the
assessment.”
“Well, I wish to give Sadie my personal gratitude for her role in the rescue of my niece. And Mr Darcy, you have my gratitude as well.” Margaret placed a kiss on the cheek of a very red faced Darcy.
“I guess I should be flattered to be in the same category as Sadie.” Darcy said, smiling the entire time. “Well, you should. Sadie is dear to me, as are you.” Elizabeth also placed a kiss on Darcy’s cheek. “I cannot imagine my life without both of you.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 19 The ball was the talk of London society. Lady Matlock could not be more pleased with the evening, as even the jealous mammas and their perturbed, unmarried daughters had a difficult time finding fault with Elizabeth.
The gown Elizabeth wore was the palest yellow silk, a gown which Elizabeth had always dreamed of. The neckline was daringly low, which frustrated Darcy to no end. He enjoyed the view of his intended, but he did not enjoy having every other man in the room ogling Elizabeth’s assets. If Darcy had been able to have his way, he would have locked himself and Elizabeth away for the evening, not allowing anyone else the chance to caress her form with their eyes.
The gown was beautifully stitched, with small seed pearls forming intricate patterns. Her hair had been braided in many tiny braids, which were then pinned on top of her head, weaving and flowing about. With her luscious brown locks, the tiny seed pearls on hair pins enhanced the look. And she wore the necklace and earbobs which had been gifted to her by Princess Augusta. Elizabeth felt elegant for the first time in her life.
“I swear, I am a princess in a fairy tale. When I wake in the morning, I will find I am the little cinder girl once again.” She said to Jane.
“Lizzy, you have always been beautiful. My mother should not have been so cruel to you when she spoke of your appearance. She should not have been so cruel in all the things she said of you.”
“Let us not think of Fanny Bennet today, Jane. We are both ready to go down the stairs and into the arms of the men we love.” Elizabeth said as she squeezed Jane’s hand.
Fortunately for Bingley, Jane had not chosen such a neckline on her dress, preferring to be more on the modest side. Even so, Bingley did not appreciate any other men watching Jane closely.
“Can we not marry tomorrow and be done with it?” Bingley asked. “I do not wish to wait any longer. And look at the way all those dandies are looking at you. Once we are married, they had best stay away.”
“Charles, you have no need to worry. You have my heart, nothing they can do or say will ever change that.” Jane said as she wrapped her hand around his arm.
Lady Margaret was pleased to stand beside Lady Matlock as guests awaited the announcements. Though it was already known that Elizabeth had been accepted as a member of the royal family, and it was known that Elizabeth and Darcy were engaged, the crowd waited for the official announcement.
Mr Bennet and Lady Margaret made the
announcement, welcoming Elizabeth as a great, great granddaughter of Duke Ferdinand Albert of Brunswick. Lady Margaret read a letter which Queen Charlotte had sent to announce Elizabeth.
Then Lord and Lady Matlock took the floor in announcing their pleasure in the upcoming nuptials of their nephew, Fitzwilliam Gerald Darcy, to Lady Elizabeth Amelie Bennet.
After the engaged couple enjoyed the first dance with each other, they were forced to separate for several sets. Mr Bennet claimed the second set with his daughter, while Lady Margaret claimed her future nephew’s hand for the set. Lord and Lady Matlock claimed the third set with the betrothed couple, and Charles and Jane claimed the fourth set. It was not until the dinner set that Darcy was able to claim his fiance’s hand once again.
“I wish this night were over. I do not like having to share you with so many people.” Darcy grumbled. “It will be over soon enough. And we leave for Longbourn the day after tomorrow. We will have a week there, before the wedding. Then Georgiana will be returning to Town with your aunt and uncle, while we make our way to Pemberley, where we will have an entire month alone.”
“With all the people at Pemberley, it will be difficult to actually be alone, but once I have you behind a closed door, I plan to pretend we are on a deserted island.” Darcy growled, his eyes smoldering with passion.
“I will be pleased to join you on that deserted island, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth said, lightly licking her lips.
“Dearest, please do not behave in such a manner. The sight of your moist lips is almost more than I can bear. If your tongue glides over your lips once again, I will embarrass our family by claiming those teasing lips here and now.�
��
Elizabeth chuckled. “Very well, William. I will refrain. Now, let us concentrate on the dance steps, before we make fools of ourselves and end up falling to the floor.”
~~ ** ~~ The carriages arrived at Longbourn, coming to a stop in front of the main house. Mr Bennet was greeted by his long time housekeeper and butler, Mr and Mrs Hill.
“Welcome home.” Mrs Hill exclaimed, pleased to see her Master and his two eldest daughters. “It is wonderful to have you all home.”
Elizabeth embraced the elder lady. “Hill, I cannot begin to tell you how pleasant it is to be here. I know you have met Mr Darcy before, but as he is now my fiancé, I believe you should be officially introduced. Mrs Jemima Hill, this is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. William, this is Mrs Hill, the wonderful woman who assisted in caring for me all of my life.”
“Madame, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for my fiancé. She has told me many things you have done, and how dear you are to her. You will always be dear to my heart for such kindnesses.”
“Oh, Mr Darcy, I am certain that Miss
Lizzy…forgive me, Lady Elizabeth has exaggerated my actions. I did no more than any good housekeeper would have done.”
Elizabeth placed a hand on Hill’s arm. “I will have none of that. I have been Lizzy to you all of my life, and I refuse to have you calling me Lady Elizabeth now. And I would not exaggerate all that you have done. If anything, I have not listed even half of what you have done.”
Everyone entered the house and were shown into the drawing room. “Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley, we were told you are opening Netherfield Park, as the guests who will be arriving will be far more than the inn at Meryton can hold. If that was incorrect, we can change the room assignments easily.”
“No, Mrs Hill, I have already sent to Netherfield to have it readied for us.” Bingley announced. “Miss Darcy is generous enough to act as hostess for me until after the wedding.”
“Very good. The cottage near the house, which had been used by Mr Lane, the steward, has been cleaned up and made readied. It has three
A Royal Bennet Page 21
