by Wells, Linda
“Yes, it is.” He said shortly.
Mrs. Gardiner spoke up. “Elizabeth designed a very extensive menu, so an extra guest should be no problem, as you say.”
“Lizzy designed the menu? Oh, well I did pay particular attention to teaching my girls the proper way to entertain, although I wonder if she paid heed to a thing I said.”
“Elizabeth designed every aspect of the evening.” Mrs. Gardiner said and smiled to her niece. “She chose the menu, place settings, flowers, and even chose the parlour games should they be necessary. Lady Matlock is very pleased with her work.”
“Well that just shows how well I instructed her!” Elizabeth blushed deeply at her mother’s words and bit her lip to keep from speaking her mind.
“What was that you said about mortification?” Darcy said softly as he squeezed Elizabeth’s hand hard. She looked up to see his loving gaze waiting for her, and leaned against his shoulder. He smiled a little and the two seemed to take a collective breath. Mr. Bennet did not miss Darcy’s skill with relieving Elizabeth’s distress.
The air was soon pierced again with the sound of Mrs. Bennet’s voice. “Oh, Mr. Darcy!” She came forward to grasp his hand. “What a great pleasure it is to see you again, and looking so very handsome, does he not, Mr. Bennet? Why Mr. Bennet would think of coming to town and seeing your home without me I will never understand. After all those years without a woman in the house you will need my experience to advise you on its redecoration. Surely he should have known that! Oh leave it to a man to think that these things take care of themselves! Now I know that Lizzy has been shopping for wedding clothes, but she surely has not visited the proper warehouses. I am fond of my sister, but only a mother who has made a great study of the subject in the ladies’ magazines would know where to take her, and she must have the very best to be married to a man such as you. Lizzy knows very little of fashion, poor thing, she just has never filled out a gown properly …” She paused to notice that Elizabeth was looking down at the new gown from Madame Dupree that alone cost more than five from the dressmaker in Meryton. “Well perhaps her taste has improved slightly …but I cannot see her knowing at all what is necessary to be a good wife. I was going to propose to you today that I be the chaperone on your honeymoon, then live with you for several months, to teach her precisely how to be mistress of your estate.” She beamed up at him, expecting his immediate agreement and praise.
Darcy took the breath that apparently Mrs. Bennet did not require, noticed that all eyes except Elizabeth’s were on him, then felt the herculean strength of her hand gripping his. Speaking with his most authoritative voice, the one he had recently acquired since becoming master of Pemberley; he addressed his future motherin-law. “Madam, there is nothing wanting in Elizabeth. I think it is time that you recognized the fact.” He lifted Elizabeth’s hand and kissing it, met her furious countenance. “And no, a chaperone will be unnecessary, thank you.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Bennet stared up at him. He held Elizabeth’s gaze until he felt her grip relax and saw her take a breath, then Darcy turned to acknowledge Mr. Bennet.
“Sir, I am pleased to see that you have arrived safely and I look forward to showing you your daughter’s future home.”
“I am interested to see it. However I am also happy to provide my wife’s assistance as your chaperone for as many months as is necessary.” Mr. Bennet smiled and noticed Mrs. Bennet nodding vigorously.
“I know that it is common to have a woman travel with a new bride sir, however our only plans are to return to Pemberley, so while I understand the sentiment behind your offer, I respectfully decline.” Darcy’s eyes were cold and he took no enjoyment from Mr. Bennet’s amusement. Instead he looked around the room and bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
Elizabeth cleared her throat when an uncomfortable silence descended. Darcy made an effort to be cordial. “Will you please come upstairs? We thought that we would start with tea in the drawing room before taking the tour.” Richard led the way and the group began to follow him upstairs, passing Darcy and Elizabeth who remained, still clasping hands.
Mr. Bennet paused, glancing down at their hands then back up to Darcy. “I see that you have not changed your behaviour.”
“Mine? I am the same as I ever was. I wonder sir, have you changed yours? I am not the man with four more daughters to marry off. I cannot stress enough how important this meeting is for Miss Bennet. Do you understand me, sir?”
Mr. Bennet glanced at Harwick at the top of the stairs with Jane. “I understand that a man has decided to court her but cannot decide if she is good enough for his purposes.”
“And what reasoning did you use when choosing Mrs. Bennet, sir?” Darcy said coldly.
Elizabeth let go of his hand and walked ahead to catch up with Mrs. Gardiner. Mr. Bennet watched his favourite daughter walk away and smiled. “Lizzy is displeased with you.”
“Sir, I know well enough by now that if Elizabeth is displeased with me, she will let me know in no uncertain terms. I believe that any displeasure she displays is directed at you, and her silence is due to her respect for you.” He held out his hand and indicated that Mr. Bennet precede him. “The family awaits us. We should move forward.”
“Just one moment sir. What do you mean that she is displeased with me?”
“Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth has over the past week gradually changed from a joyous woman to one who is shy and reserved. When I told her of my observations, she admitted her fear over your visit. She is terrified that you will do something that will turn me against her. Surely that knowledge alone should influence you. I cannot imagine a child of mine living in fear of embarrassment from me or my wife.”
Mr. Bennet’s discomfiture was displayed in his weak reply, “What do you know of parenthood?”
Darcy turned to look at him incredulously. “I am the father for my thirteen-year-old sister.”
“Where is she? If you are so proficient why is she not here?”
“My sister is visiting her aunt and uncle, however unlike some parents; I have not abdicated my responsibilities to her.” He nodded at the silenced man and at last they walked up the stairs to join the rest of the family.
Mr. Bennet remained behind in the hallway and turned slowly, taking in the atmosphere of the stately home. “Mr. Darcy, you fail to remember that had I not sent Lizzy to London, you would never have met her. My deficient parenting has worked to your advantage.”
Harwick led Jane across the drawing room and over to his sister. “Mrs. Evangeline Carter, may I present Miss Jane Bennet.”
Evangeline made a quick study of her brother’s demeanour and voice, then smiled and bowed her head as Jane curtseyed, taking her time to record the young woman’s behaviour. “It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Bennet. My brother wrote to me and said that he had met a lovely woman, but his words did not do you justice.”
“Thank you Mrs. Carter, that is very kind of both of you.” Jane said softly and thought hard of something to say. “I hope that your trip was pleasant?”
“It was, I have not been in town for several years, and I look forward to visiting friends and of course, doing some shopping. Is that a pastime that you enjoy?”
“I have not had a great deal of opportunity in the past, but since my sister’s engagement, it seems to be a constant occupation.” Jane looked to the doorway where Elizabeth had just entered the room, and her brow creased when she saw her pained expression. Mrs. Carter noted it as well.
“Perhaps you should speak with her.” She urged and smiling slightly at her brother’s raised brows, rolled her eyes and shook her head. He smiled and shrugged, then started across the room to approach Elizabeth, only to find that she was already occupied.
Fitzwilliam, who had been standing at the head of the stairs listening to the conversation, advanced upon her as soon as she appeared. “Miss Elizabeth!” He bowed gallantly and took possession of her hand, smiling warmly at her until he saw the distress in her eyes replaced by a hint of a
musement. “I knew that you were Lady Luck. I thank you for enchanting my poor offering to Poseidon.”
“Poseidon, Colonel?” She laughed to see his eyes twinkle as his lips hovered over her hand.
Looking up his smile grew, “The god of horses!”
“I thought it was the sea.” Elizabeth laughed again when he sighed dramatically. “I see that I must expand my reading.”
“Hmm, do not read too closely, Miss Elizabeth, those Greek gods were a terrible lot.” Fitzwilliam bent and at last bestowed a kiss to her hand. “I thank you for my winnings.”
“That is quite enough, Richard.” Darcy said sternly. “Please unhand my betrothed.”
Fitzwilliam made a face at him and tucked Elizabeth’s hand onto his arm. “Come my dear; let me introduce you to Mrs. Carter.”
“Richard …” Darcy said menacingly.
“Just ignore him. He has been on pins and needles all day.” Fitzwilliam winked. “I think the poor man was pining for you.”
“Then why do you keep me from him?” Elizabeth laughed when Darcy arrived to place her other hand on his arm.
“My dear near-cousin, I know very well that nothing could keep him from you. You really must start taking advantage of that, you know. Ah, Mrs. Carter! May I introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” He smiled and his voice became softer. “Miss Elizabeth, Evangeline Carter is Harwick’s sister. It seems that this home is filled with lovely ladies this evening.” Mrs. Carter looked quickly from Elizabeth to Fitzwilliam and saw that his warm smile was given entirely to her.
“You are far too kind, sir. I am afraid that the bloom is long gone from this rose.”
“No, no, madam, I will hear none of that, and to prove it, I demand that I escort you on this tour and allow me to regale you with poems that will encourage your faith in yourself.”
“Mrs. Carter, please accept my cousin’s compliment, lest we all request wool to stuff in our ears for the duration of the visit.” Darcy pled. He realized very quickly that dragging Elizabeth over to meet Mrs. Carter was just an excuse for Richard to show off to the lovely young widow.
“Your cousin is no orator?” Evangeline said as she returned Fitzwilliam’s smile. “I beg to disagree; I find his conversation quite amusing.”
“Aha!” Fitzwilliam turned to them in triumph. “I knew that I spotted a unique woman entering the room, she is as wise as she is lovely.”
“Colonel.” Elizabeth whispered loudly so all could hear. “Sir, I appreciate that you are doing your best to be charming, but an intelligent woman can tell when it is being delivered too lavishly.”
“I am trying too hard?” He whispered just as loudly, leaning back and considering his blushing subject. “What do you suggest then? What did my silent cousin do to capture your heart?”
“I will give away none of his secrets, sir.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth.” Darcy stepped away, moving her from his cousin’s side. “Mrs. Carter, it has been a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to see more of you as the afternoon progresses, unfortunately Elizabeth and I must greet the rest of the family. If you can bear it, I leave you to my cousin.” He nodded and smiled to see Fitzwilliam’s enchanted expression.
Evangeline tilted her head at the colonel. “I believe that I can bear it very nicely, sir.”
Elizabeth laughed and looked up to Darcy as they walked away. “Something is brewing there, do you think?”
“I have never seen him in such a state before.” He looked back and laughed to see Richard falling over himself with the woman. “This has great possibilities.”
“Marriage?”
Darcy chuckled. “Always marriage with the ladies, why is that?”
“Because there are not enough gentlemen to go around.” She poked his side and he groaned softly. “So what did you have in mind?”
“I was going to enlist his brother to tease him mercilessly.” He felt poked again. “What happened to my sweet Elizabeth?”
“Your sweet Elizabeth is in desperate need of her sweet Fitzwilliam’s kiss.”
Her words brought him to a dead stop. “Do you have any idea what you said to me? What kind of an effect that has on me?” Looking around the crowded room, he growled in her ear. “Innocence is no longer an excuse my love. You do know what I want; you have had too many talks with your aunt and too many moments alone with me not to know.”
“What do you want, Fitzwilliam?” She said affectionately.
“Do not tempt me further, Elizabeth. Please.” He closed his eyes and drank in the scent of her perfume, felt the warmth of her bare arm under his hand, and looked longingly at the maddeningly soft breasts that peeked teasingly from her gown. His fingers itched to touch her, just as his tongue longed to taste her.
“Forgive me.” He heard her say softly. “I have learned many things, but I do not truly understand.”
“You will, I promise, and it is nothing to fear.” Darcy sighed and moved them to stand by the window, and waited as the insistent desire gradually subsided. He saw Mrs. Bennet staring around the room in the reflection. “I wonder if your father said something to your mother, she is silent. Perhaps she will remain that way?”
“Wishful thinking, Mr. Darcy.” They exchanged glances and he rested his hand on her waist for a moment in a slight embrace.
Elizabeth walked away to serve as hostess for the tea. Darcy stood and quietly admired her skill, and became lost in the thoughts of their life together. “So, this is your father-in-law.” Fitzwilliam broke into his reverie.
“Soon.”
“He laughs at us.” Fitzwilliam observed. “I do not believe that he is awed at all.”
Darcy listened to Mr. Gardiner’s intelligent conversation and Mr. Bennet’s comments. “Perhaps his remarks are meant to inflate his feeling of self-worth in a room where he is very low.”
“Could be, a braggart is generally a weak man.” Fitzwilliam listened some more. “Do you like him?”
“Not particularly, no.” Darcy cocked his head at his cousin.
“The mother is a terror. I wonder if she will be examining the silver to see if it is plate. Mother will not enjoy my report and will be decidedly unhappy. She will not like hosting them for dinner at all.”
The two men eyed each other and laughed softly. “I assume that you will not be inviting them to Pemberley frequently?” Darcy said nothing and Fitzwilliam laughed when he looked back to Elizabeth wistfully. “Soon enough Cousin, soon enough.”
“How is Audrey? Elizabeth says that she seemed happier. I imagine that she has seen more of her than you.”
“Singleton has improved, I think. I understand that he sat alone in that room for nearly an hour.” They laughed. “Nothing like a threat of death to convince one to stop gambling. We will see if it continues.”
Mrs. Bennet looked around the room, took a bite of a delicate cake and licking the sugar from her fingers cornered Harwick. “Mr. Harwick, I understand that you have two girls?”
“Yes, Mrs. Bennet. Margaret is four and Ella is two.”
“I see, and your intention is to remarry and produce a son?”
“My desire is to provide a proper home for my children, madam. If additional children result, then it will be a blessing.”
“And what took your wife?”
Harwick hesitated, and felt Evangeline approach to take his hand. “My sister died in childbed, Mrs. Bennet.”
“I see, and what of the children with this second marriage, will they be considered lesser or greater than the existing ones? Which wife will take precedence?” She demanded and Harwick looked at Mr. Bennet, expecting him to step in to control the questions, but he did nothing.
“Mrs. Bennet, I will treat all of my children, regardless of their mother’s identity, equally.”
“And what of this estate?”
“What of it madam?” He said with growing irritation. “It seems to me that these are questions to be asked by Miss Bennet’s father.”
“I only wish to kn
ow of your income, sir. And of course the size of your home and property. How many carriages do you own?”
“Why? So that you can gossip to your friends?” He contained his desire to leave the room immediately. “Forgive me madam, but I assure you that I am quite capable of caring for my family, and that is all you need to know.” He walked away and approached Mr. Bennet. “Do you exert any control over your wife, sir? Or do you simply not wish to see your daughters wed?” Looking around the room, he spotted an open door. “Sir, I wish to speak to you privately.” Not waiting for an answer he waved off his sister and stalked away. Mr. Gardiner had been listening and stepped up to his brother’s side. “Come on, Bennet.” He gave him a push. Darcy heard the confrontation and excusing himself from Elizabeth, followed the men into the adjoining room.
Jane stood with her hand to her mouth; saw her aunt’s closed eyes, and the sure signs that her mother was going to burst forth with proclamations of her indignation. At last the truth of her parents’ failings and her own behaviour sank in, and she went immediately to where Elizabeth was staring in absolute mortification at the closed door. Before she could speak, Mrs. Bennet cried out her unfiltered opinion.
“Well, I have never met a man so rude before! Where did they all go?”
“Mama!” Elizabeth hissed and looked as Evangeline turned to listen. “Mr. Harwick had every right to be unhappy with your questions.”
“He made me feel that I was prying!” She huffed. “I was merely inquiring after his estate, is that so wrong? I would want my daughter to be kept properly. It is bad enough that she would be raising another woman’s children, I want to be sure that she would not be forgotten when Mr. Harwick dies.”
“Papa will certainly be sure that Jane is cared for in the event of Mr. Harwick’s death. It is his place to approve the settlement, not yours. And as for the children,” She glanced at Evangeline who was watching her, “they are dear to Mr. Harwick, and are a part of him. He would not choose a woman to marry who did not care for them.” She turned to face Evangeline. “I am sorry, Mrs. Carter.”
