by Wells, Linda
She looked down at his lap and behind the cover of the instrument, she caressed gently over his breeches. He groaned and she giggled. “Oh, so many ideas I have.”
“Be careful Wife, I have a long memory for the offences against me.”
“I sincerely doubt that you would find my ideas offensive, sir.” She began to stand, embarrassed with his response to her attempt to be bold.
Darcy grabbed her hand and drew her back to his side. “Where are you going?”
“I am disturbing you so I will leave.” She fixed her glare on his face. “Unless you apologize.”
“For what?” His voice rose an octave and she raised her brow. Darcy blushed with the attention he had garnered from the family scattered around the room. Clearing his throat, he tried again. “For what?”
“For never singing to me before.”
Darcy leaned to her ear and whispered warmly. “I believe that I have sung my passion every time that you allow me into your embrace, my love.” Elizabeth blushed. “Perhaps I should sing louder?”
“You are hardly quiet, now.” She whispered back.
“Neither are you.” He kissed her and they smiled at each other. “I did not realize that I was …”
“I did not either.” Elizabeth giggled to see him blushing just as fiercely. “I cannot wait to hear you sing to me tonight.”
“Shall you join us now? We are going to drink a toast to Audrey and Robert.” Lady Matlock asked and held back the laugh that threatened to see the startled couple’s flushed faces grow brighter. “Come, you will be alone for several weeks. I am surprised that your sister is not accompanying you back to Pemberley, Elizabeth.” Pursing her lips to see how both of them seemed dismayed, she added, “How is she?”
Elizabeth felt her hand being squeezed and she pulled herself together. “She is well, I wish that she had sat with me this week to receive the visitors, but she insists that she was a liability and reminder of my past. I tried to convince her otherwise but she would not hear of it.”
“I believe that your sister is trying to make up for all of the trouble she caused, and before you become angry and defend her, I will change the subject. Will she remain in town? I would be happy to have her visit us while we remain.”
“That is very kind of you, but she will be riding back to Longbourn with us.” Elizabeth glanced at Darcy, who had become very quiet and was looking down at their hands. “She has decided that she has been away long enough. Perhaps she will return to Pemberley with us when we bring Georgiana here for school.”
“Your sister Mary will be attending school as well?”
“Yes, but a different one. Papa has refused Fitzwilliam’s offer to pay.” She squeezed his hand and he looked back up. “It was very generous of you.”
“I … I just wished to be sure that she could go.” He kissed her fingers and stood. “Excuse me.”
“Is everything well?” Lady Matlock asked and took the seat he had vacated.
“I believe so. He does not like praise.” Elizabeth said slowly as he walked to stand alone by the window.
Lady Matlock looked between them and said in the barest of whispers, “I have not had the opportunity to ask, Elizabeth … Is everything well between you? Is Darcy kind?”
It took her a few moments to realize what was being asked and said quietly, “Fitzwilliam is wonderful; he is the dearest man.” Elizabeth turned her head and found Darcy’s eyes were on her. Her cheeks grew pink, remembering what he had written in his journal, and her mind was filled with the image of him walking into the library, her token of ribbon dangling from his fingertips, and how he wordlessly took her in his arms and left her breathless with his kiss. Darcy’s cheeks coloured as well and a small smile appeared when he heard her soft laugh.
“I am happy to see my new niece so delighted.” Lord Matlock chuckled and joined him.
“As am I. I look forward to our departure.”
“Will you stop at Longbourn?” The men moved across the room and sat down.
“Elizabeth received a letter from Mr. Bennet hoping that he would see us. Mrs. Bennet is anxious to invite the neighbourhood to show us off. That is something I will not allow.” Darcy said positively. “Elizabeth sent a letter this morning telling Mr. Bennet of our plans, but she asks that her mother not be aware of our expected arrival time. We have no desire to be put on display.”
“You do not. But Elizabeth will miss saying farewell to her friends. Make sure that your wishes are not the only ones that are pursued.”
“Sir, Elizabeth had very few friends in Hertfordshire.” He looked back over to his wife. “She had many acquaintances, but other than her sisters, the only other woman she speaks of with any fondness is Miss Charlotte Lucas. If she wishes, we will pay them a call. This is her decision. She does not wish to stay longer than it will take her to collect a few mementos and properly farewell her family. I believe that she has felt that her home was in London more so than Longbourn. The parents she will regret are the Gardiners.” Darcy turned his gaze back to Lord Matlock. “I told Mr. Gardiner yesterday how I am indebted to him for bringing her here.”
“I understand that you have known of her address for some time.”
“Not specifically, but … yes, I could have found it out if I had tried. In all honesty I am rather ashamed that I did not hire a man to do just that. It was rather spineless of me not to do so, especially after I knew of Stewart and his rejection.”
“Hmm. I think that you might have done so eventually.”
Darcy smiled a little. “Why do you have such confidence in that?”
“I think that you were waiting for her to be a little older, were you not?” Lord Matlock smiled. “Richard told me how surprised you were to learn her age when you first spied her.”
“I suppose that he told every secret.”
“No, but I think that your worry over her youth has a great deal to do with your fear of childbirth.”
Darcy’s eyes widened and Lord Matlock laughed. “I saw apprehension appear in your eyes when Robert announced their news, and just now I saw your expression change when Helen said we were to drink a toast. You cannot compare your mother’s experience to Elizabeth. She is a good strong girl.”
“Sir, I …” Darcy looked at his hands. “I anticipate fatherhood greatly, it was one of the first things I thought about when we became engaged, but sir since we married, the worry, how do you address that? I look at Audrey and Singleton, and I feel their joy, but I …”
“Pray, and acquire the best care you can.” He looked at his daughter then back to the young man before him. “I know that you have fears, Son. I know the graves at Pemberley. When the time comes, I will be happy to be your confidant, should you need one.”
He said nothing for several moments then said to his hands, “I am fortunate to have you and Mr. Gardiner as surrogate fathers.”
“That is a great compliment, thank you, and I am pleased to share that title with Gardiner.” Servants arrived bearing bottles of champagne and glasses. Everyone stood and Darcy handed Elizabeth a glass and bent to kiss her.
“Are you well?” She whispered.
“As long as you are, dearest, I am too.” He lifted his glass and drank a toast to the baby Singleton, then another to his wife.
THE CARRIAGE WAS NEARING MERYTON and Darcy could feel the tension within growing by the mile, glancing at Elizabeth’s encouraging smile, he addressed his sister. “When we return to London to bring Georgiana to school, we hope that you will travel back home with us. We were planning to invite my cousins to visit, and perhaps a few other friends as well.”
“Mr. Bingley?”
Darcy noted Elizabeth’s interest before looking back to Jane. “Naturally.”
“Have you heard anything more about Miss Bingley?”
“No, nothing new, but her behaviour is not helping anyone.”
Jane’s brow furrowed. “Will she travel to Pemberley with her brother?”
“No.”
Elizabeth said shortly and offered nothing more. “However Jane, I do want you to come.”
“It is far too expensive, Lizzy.”
“You would be travelling with us. And no matter how serene your appearance, you know that you will be more than ready to escape Mama by then. Although she may not be as unhappy with you since Fitzwilliam will save the family from the hedgerows.” She laughed when he sighed. “So be prepared to venture north at Michaelmas. Then you will be with us for the Harvest Home. Please Jane! I do not know the first thing about hosting a dance!”
“And I do?”
“Please!” Elizabeth turned to Darcy. “Persuade her, Fitzwilliam!”
“You will come.” Darcy said quietly.
“Well that was simple.” Elizabeth laughed. “He will brook no opposition, and Jane, please do not make him put on his Master of Pemberley face. It is quite a sight.”
“Is that so, Mrs. Darcy?” He touched his boot to hers from across the carriage. “I do not know if I like that description.”
“Did I say that it was an awful sight?” Elizabeth tilted her head and he smiled.
“Well, if it is no trouble …”
Elizabeth groaned. “Would we beg you to come if it were?” The coach lurched to a stop and the occupants looked up in surprise. “How did that happen? We are here.”
The Bennet family streamed from the front door, first in line was Mrs. Bennet, waving her handkerchief and crying out for her salts. Jane looked from the sight of her family back to her sister and brother. “Yes, I will come.”
The carriage door opened and Darcy closed his eyes for a moment and stepped out. His expression was inscrutable. “Oh Mr. Darcy!” Mrs. Bennet cried. “We had no idea you were coming!”
“We wished to surprise you, madam.” He bowed and turned to the carriage, first handing down Jane, and then smiling to Elizabeth. She made a little face that only he saw and stepped down.
“MRS. DARCY!” Mrs. Bennet screeched. “OH how well that sounds! Let me see your ring!” She grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and paused to examine the fine crocheted glove she wore. “Oh.” Elizabeth carefully removed it and then presented the prized hand to her mother. “It is true.” Mrs. Bennet whispered; and promptly fainted dead away.
“THANK YOU, MR. DARCY. I am afraid that I could not have lifted my wife from the ground.”
“It was no trouble, sir.”
The men sat in silence. Upstairs the floor creaked and they could hear the sound of female voices. Mr. Bennet shifted in his chair, Darcy crossed his legs. “I appreciate your breaking the journey here. I despaired of seeing my daughters again.”
“Miss Bennet wished to return to Longbourn. I could not allow her to travel by post, and there was no reason for Mr. Gardiner to foot the expense of her transportation when we could easily modify our path home.”
“Did Lizzy wish to come?” He asked quietly.
“Elizabeth was apprehensive, but yes it was her wish to come.” Darcy saw a flash of relief appear in his eyes, and decided to relent slightly. “She is happy to see you carry through with your promise to educate your daughters.” Mr. Bennet nodded. “My offer to aid you stands.”
“I would prefer to do this myself.”
“My sister begins school at the same time as Miss Mary.”
“Yes, I know. Elizabeth told me.”
“It would be a great comfort to me if Georgiana was not alone at this unfamiliar place. She enjoyed meeting Miss Mary at our wedding.”
“I noticed that the girls took to each other.”
“I believe it was out of relief to find someone of a similar age in that room full of adults.” Darcy said tonelessly. “However, they did get along. I would consider it a favour if Miss Mary attended school with Georgiana. I would of course make up the difference in tuition.”
“Do you always get your way, Mr. Darcy?”
“No.” He said quietly. “If I had, Elizabeth and I would be marrying next week. Or rather, if I had, I would have found my way to the Gardiner’s home the very day that I first saw her. My father would have met her, and would have given me his blessing because he would have been as charmed as I.” Darcy stared out the window and saw a young woman arrive accompanied by a young man. “Miss Lucas?”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I sent a note to her, and asked that she come alone without a word to her family, but it seems that her brother escorted her.”
“As he should.” He watched as Miss Lucas entered and the man remained outside, looking up at the house. “Thank you, Elizabeth will be pleased.” His gaze returned to Mr. Bennet. “Do you accept my offer?”
“Your command.” Mr. Bennet suggested and felt the flick of Darcy’s eyes over him. “Of course, I would be a fool not to.”
“Fine. I will pay both tuitions and you may simply send me whatever you were to send the other school, or perhaps it would be better spent purchasing her a new wardrobe.” Darcy stood. “I will be walking.” He took out his watch and checked it against the mantle clock. “I will return in one hour. I intend to depart a quarter hour later. We need to make the inn before dusk.”
“An hour.” Mr. Bennet said softly. “Very well. Enjoy your exercise, sir.” Darcy nodded and left the room. Mr. Bennet watched him stride out of the house and walk in the direction that Robert Lucas took, then disappeared quickly from view. His eyes lifted to the ceiling and he wondered of the conversations upstairs.
“PLEASE LIZZY, MAY I HAVE THAT GOWN?” Lydia grabbed at the frock and succeeding; held it up to her. “Will it fit?”
“It should, but it really is not suitable for you.” Elizabeth took it back and watched as a bonnet was taken in its stead. “Mary, you should take all of these things. You are out now, and they do not have much wear.”
“Oh, but the colours are so bright.”
“You will need a great many new things before you go to school.” Elizabeth smiled. “Perhaps we can take you to my modiste in town and I can buy you some new things. We will be ordering gowns for Georgiana. I think that you will need to wear some finer dresses than I can give you from my closet.”
“Why?” Kitty demanded. “Why does she get new dresses?”
“Because she must have all of the advantages. Georgiana is very excited to have you join her.”
“If Papa allows it.” Mary said nervously. “He may say no.”
“If it is a request of Lizzy’s he will say yes.” Lydia grabbed another bonnet and tried it on. “I want this one, too.”
“I wanted that one! Lizzy! Tell her!” Kitty grabbed at the hat and the two girls ran from the room.
Jane stood up from where she was placing Elizabeth’s lifetime of journals in a trunk on the floor and looked at her with a smile. “I know what you are thinking, but I needed to come home. I need to see clearly what you acknowledged long ago, and perhaps do some good with the knowledge I have.”
Elizabeth nodded and held her hand. “Uncle will send his carriage if you need to leave. We will be back very soon.” The sisters hugged and Charlotte knocked on the open door.
“Eliza.” She opened her arms and they embraced. Charlotte held her face in her hands. “Your father sent a servant with a note. Thank you for wishing to say goodbye to me.”
“I could not leave without seeing you.” Elizabeth smiled and Charlotte took her hand to look at her ring.
“You give hope to all of us spinsters, you know. If you happen to find any lonely rich men in search of a bride, my family would be much obliged.”
“I imagine that Mama will not let me marry off the neighbours before her own daughters, but if I find a gentleman for you I will surely point him this way.”
“Thank you.” Charlotte laughed. “Where is your mother, I thought that she would be here overseeing your packing.”
“Mama saw the proof of my marriage on my hand and Fitzwilliam’s presence; she does not need more from me.” Elizabeth looked up when Mary hugged her. “It is just as well; perhaps the knowledge that Fitzwilliam will not let
the family starve will help her to improve.”
“I hope so Lizzy.” Jane came to add her arms to the hug. “I will do my best to remind her of that. Perhaps when you return she will be a new woman!” The girls laughed and wiped their eyes, it was not long before Elizabeth was summoned to her father’s bookroom.
“Oh Lizzy, must you go already?” Mary sighed.
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “Write to me, please. I want to hear everything that you are learning, and we will see you very soon.”
“I fear that we will see no more of you until you depart. I will continue your packing.” Jane hugged her once more. “Go on; make your peace with him.”
“I will.” She took one last look around the room and smiling at the small empty bed, walked away.
10 JULY 1809
My husband sleeps at last, and I still cannot. I have never slept at an inn before, and although this is certainly a very fine establishment, I do not feel comfortable. Fitzwilliam clearly does not either, and he did not even suggest that we love each other here. Perhaps our conversation at Matlock House discouraged him, but I certainly do not appreciate hearing our neighbour’s cough, and I definitely would not wish for him to overhear the sounds of our marriage bed. Although as I write this, I hear the steady creaking of a bed on the other side of the hall, and I am no longer ignorant to the meaning.
Papa and I talked, and he apologized for many things. I enjoyed sitting in my old chair again, but already I felt that I was a visitor to that room. He asked me if I saw improvement in my sisters. I was sorry to say that I only noticed a change in Mary, who had been forced to give up her sermons. Kitty and Lydia are still influenced by Mama. She at last recovered from her fit of nerves in time to wave goodbye to us. She is perhaps a little less silly, now that her future is secured by our marriage, but maybe that is only what I hoped to see. It was very refreshing to be treated so kindly by her at the end. I never thought I would see the day that she thought I had done well with anything, but I could not forget a lifetime of disdain in one visit, and honestly, I have no desire for more than seeing her again in autumn.
