by Zoë Burton
“Thank you, all of you, for your warm welcome. It will take time for me to learn all of your names, so please, do not be shy about correcting me if I call you the wrong one,” she said with a wink. The group laughed in response.
Darcy nodded to Mrs. Butler, who dismissed her staff back to their duties. She informed the Master and Mistress that bathwater was warmed for them and that dinner would be served in two hours. Upon receiving their acknowledgment, she curtsied and returned to her own duties, leaving the couple alone.
“Shall we, my dear?” asked Darcy, gesturing to the staircase.
“Yes, darling, I believe we shall. I look forward to washing the dust of the road off and exchanging this gown for something clean.”
Smiling happily at each other, the couple ascended the staircase. Elizabeth was shown her chambers first, and she exclaimed over the beauty of the room and the fine taste of her predecessor. Darcy’s mother had been the previous occupant, and he explained that she had redecorated the year before she had Georgiana. The room had not been opened since his mother’s death, and if Elizabeth desired to make changes, she was welcome to.
“Oh, no, Fitzwilliam! They are perfect as they are. Your mother had exquisite taste! It matches mine so well. I admit to being a little surprised at that.”
“My mother had simple tastes, for all she was the daughter of an earl. She preferred quiet elegance to gaudy opulence. Lady Catherine is the opposite, as you will see when we eventually visit her. She favors gilt and glitter. The more ostentatious, the better, in her opinion.”
Elizabeth shuddered at the mental image his words produced. “Happily for you, my sweet William, I am not inclined to either spend money without need or to fill my home with gilded vases and picture frames. I am perfectly happy with the colors and fabrics I see in this room, and have no desire at present to make changes.”
Darcy smiled. “I am happy to hear your reassurances.” He reached for her, wrapping his arms about her waist and drawing her close. “If you ever change your mind, there are funds set aside in the household accounts for such things. You do not need to ask my permission to use them.” He bent his head to capture her lips in a slow, sensual kiss. As it ended and he released her lips, her words made him smile.
“Mmmm, my love, that was delicious.” She squeezed his middle, then released him, saying, “Why do you not go to your room and freshen up, and I will do the same? If we stay here like this much longer, we will never get downstairs, and I am hungry.” When he just stood there, grinning at her words, she turned him around and pushed him toward the door. “Go, you insatiable man. I promise to kiss you again later.”
Laughing, he walked to the door that connected their rooms. Hand on the frame of the door, he looked over his shoulder at her to say, “I shall hold you to that, oh goddess mine.” Then he winked and was gone.
Later that evening, after dinner and an hour playing the pianoforte together, the pair walked back up the stairs, holding hands and whispering to each other. They entered Elizabeth’s rooms and were not seen again until noon the next day, when they appeared in the breakfast room. They ate their meal quickly, staring at each other and touching as often as they could manage. Afterwards, they ran back up the stairs, the Master chasing the Mistress, for another afternoon of bedroom games and togetherness. So began a wonderful life full of love and laughter.
~~~***~~~
In due time, Bingley fulfilled all of Mrs. Bennet’s predictions by asking Jane for her hand in marriage on Christmas Eve. Though generally compliant, Jane refused to budge on her wedding date, which she insisted be no more than four weeks distant. Her mother eventually gave up the fight, vowing for all to hear that the next daughter to marry would be forced into a longer engagement.
Elizabeth and Darcy stood up for their friend and sister. Their attention was less on the wedding currently taking place and more on each other and the memory of their special day.
The new Mr. and Mrs. Bingley settled quickly into Netherfield, but only stayed there a year. Eventually, the unannounced and unexpected visits of Mrs. Bennet strained even Bingley’s good humor. With Darcy’s help, they found an estate to purchase within half a day’s journey of Pemberley. The two families remained closely-knit for the rest of their lives.
The End
The Essence of Love
Acknowledgements
First, I thank Jesus Christ, my Savior and Guide, without whom this story would not have been told. I love you!
Additional thanks go to my dear friends, Rose and Leenie, who kicked my backside into gear and then helped me plan a schedule to get this book finished.
I can’t ignore my wonderful cold readers, Gail and Cheryl, who keen eyes and wonderful insights and advice made the story infinitely better.
Finally, thank you to Paul Panak, owner, designer, and chief bottle washer at Burn Knives and pastor of New Life Christian Center in Kinsman, Ohio, for generously sharing his knowledge of stilettos with me. Your sermons aren’t half-bad either. ;)
Prologue
Dear Lizzy,
My visit with my godmother is going very well. I now understand better why you are so fond of visiting London. There is so much here to see and do! It is more diverting than I ever thought possible!
My aunt is a wonderful woman. She reminds me of you, Lizzy, with her clever remarks and the way she makes sport of those around her. I think you would like her very much. I cannot imagine why we have not been to her house before, although I think it would be disrespectful of me to ask my parents to explain. It is likely none of my concern.
I have been to Gunter’s twice with Aunt for ices, and four times to Hatchards. My aunt did insist that I buy something other than sermons. She says that she is determined to add to my liveliness. I worry at times that she wishes me to be like Lydia. She has assured me this is not so, but I wonder at it. I could not bear to be wild and untamed. I should prefer to be demure and accomplished, but if it will make Aunt Agnes happy, then I will comply.
On one of my visits to the bookshop, I met the most delightful young lady. Her name is Miss Georgiana Darcy, and she is but two or three years younger than I, about Lydia’s age. She lives on Park Lane, across from Hyde Park, her parents are dead, and she has an older brother who is one of her guardians. She is such a beautiful girl! Lydia and Kitty would do well to have someone like her to emulate. But I digress.
Miss Darcy and I struck up an almost instant friendship. It was amazing when I think about it. Even before I knew the location of her home, I could tell by her gown that she was far above me, yet she was so friendly and obliging! She did not seem to mind at all that I am not as high as she.
She introduced her brother to my aunt and me, and then invited us for tea the next afternoon. Their home is beautiful! I had half-expected an ostentatious show of wealth, but it was not that way at all. It was a very elegant place. You would enjoy it, I think.
Oh, Lizzy, I hate to ask a favor like this, but would you come to stay with Aunt and me for a few weeks? I am overwhelmed with all that I am seeing and doing and feel that I need a sister with whom to discuss it all. I know that Jane is going to Aunt Gardiner’s to help with the new baby, and I do not want to interfere with that, nor do I wish for the help of Kitty or Lydia. You know that they ignore me, and their behavior is simply far too inappropriate for them to attend the events Aunt and I are invited to. You are the best suited, anyway. I have always felt a closer affinity to you, and I know that you, with your keen insight into characters and events, would be just the assistant I need. And, I would like to introduce you to Miss Darcy. If it helps you to decide, she would like to make your acquaintance, as well. Please say you will come!
Your loving sister,
Mary
Chapter 1
“Now, Mary, when we get to Hatchards, I want you to look for some poetry or history books. As I said last night, you are far too serious for a young lady of nine and ten. You require some lighter fare in your course of daily reading.”<
br />
Mary nodded her head. “Yes, ma’am, I shall.” She was not at all certain she wanted to read anything that was not a religious text, but her godmother was adamant that a young woman of her age should not be so serious; and, since the lady was hosting her for a few months, Mary felt obliged to obey.
Mary’s godmother was also her paternal aunt, her father’s only living family, other than the distant cousin who was set to inherit. Lady Agnes Baker, nee Bennet, was the Viscountess Watts. Her husband, who she affectionately called Lord Matt, was Matthew Baker, Viscount Watts. The couple had two sons, the youngest of whom was a few years older than Mary, and no daughters. Lady Watts was thrilled to stand godmother to her middle niece, but she had limited contact with her while raising her sons. The Honorable Mr. Geoffrey Baker and The Honorable Mr. Augustus Baker had been holy terrors as children, keeping their nanny, governess, and both parents well occupied trying to remain one step—or more, if possible—ahead of them. There had been no time, or energy, if they were to be honest, for lavishing the attention on a goddaughter the way they would have liked. They did keep in touch via letters with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and sent gifts, but were unable to take an active part in Mary’s upbringing until now.
Now, Lady Watts was determined to undo the effects that nineteen years of neglect and careless, harsh words had had on her dearest girl. Mary had been in town for several days and this was their first outing.
They soon arrived at London’s most famous bookseller. Mary gazed in awe at the shelves full of books, having never seen so many tomes all in one place before. And, it was not just one floor of books. She could clearly see more shelves of them above stairs, just beyond the top step. It was overwhelming; she did not know where to begin. She turned to her godmother, her confusion clear in her expression. Lady Watts chuckled before directing her niece to the section containing histories.
An indeterminate amount of time later, Mary was engrossed in a book describing England’s War of the Roses when she adjusted her stance and bumped into someone behind her.
“Oh! I am sorry!” she exclaimed, turning around.
The young lady behind her turned as well. “Please, forgive me. I was not paying attention.”
“No, please, miss. It was I who should have watched where I was going.”
The well turned out young woman tilted her head, smiling softly at Mary. “May I ask your name?”
Mary’s eyes widened. “My name is Miss Mary Bennet.” She curtseyed, for she could see that the other girl was above her in circumstance.
“I am Miss Georgiana Darcy,” she replied as she returned Mary’s curtsey. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Do you come here often?”
“No, though I wish I did. It is such a wonderful place!” Mary looked around her at the massive amount of reading material in the room. “I am here with my godmother. She is determined to expand my mind by extensive reading. She insisted I find some histories today.”
Miss Darcy laughed softly, her hand over her mouth. “Yes, my brother shares your godmother’s philosophy, I am afraid. I am here with my governess, searching for a book about the War of the Roses. Have you seen one, by any chance?”
The lady’s chatter had calmed Mary’s nervousness a bit, for she could tell that they were both anxious. “Indeed I have. The tome I was examining when I stepped back into you is about that exact war. Here, you may have it.”
“Only if there is a second copy. You found it first, and it should be yours.” She rolled her eyes. “It would not trouble me in the least to report to my brother that no such books were to be found!”
Both girls giggled at this. Happily, there was a second copy of the book, and the pair, having decided they quite liked each other, sat at a small table to have a pot of tea and a chat. Their beverage had just been delivered when Lady Watts approached.
“Mary, I see you have made a friend. Might I ask you to introduce me?” She was pleased to learn that her niece’s new friend was a gentlewoman of such high standing. She joined them at the table, gesturing to the footman for another cup. Though they were soon joined by Miss Darcy’s companion, Mrs. Annesley, Lady Watts still managed to subtly question her niece’s new friend about her family and education, at the same time passing on to Miss Darcy valuable information about Mary’s connections.
Noticing that the time was approaching when they must return home, Miss Darcy invited her new friend and Lady Watts for tea at her home, Darcy House, the next day.
The next afternoon, Mary and her godmother arrived at Darcy House precisely on time. They were introduced to Miss Darcy’s brother, Fitzwilliam. Mary found him to be rather quiet, but also very intelligent. He quizzed her about her family, but that was to be expected, as it was his duty to ensure his sister’s companions were of good character. He engaged Lady Watts in a discussion about the war with France and other political matters. He spoke well and with firmness, indicating his belief that his opinions were correct. In addition, he revealed that he had a sense of humor, though it was not displayed in loud peals of mirth. As the discussion between herself, Miss Darcy, Lady Watts, and Mr. Darcy continued, she began to realize that the gentleman would be a perfect mate for Elizabeth. She pushed this realization to the back of her mind for the time being. She would need to examine it more closely when she was alone and had time for contemplation.
As she readied herself for bed that night, Mary thought more about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I have to get them in the same room! But how? She knew she could not simply write her sister and demand she come to London and allow herself to be introduced to a total stranger. Lizzy was a stubborn soul, independent and strong-willed. Getting her to town would require finesse. Mary was not certain she would be able to manage on her own. She thought about asking her new friend for help, but quickly realized that Miss Darcy might think it an imposition. She might not want her brother to be connected with a family like Mary’s, and such a request might damage their fledgling friendship. She determined that she would bide her time and simply observe for now. She could always invite Lizzy later and find a way for them to meet.
Over the next few weeks, the Georgiana and Mary became quite close, and one could almost always be found with the other. Mary remained observant, and though she did not often have contact with her friend’s brother, each time she did, her determination that he and Lizzy would suit each other very well was cemented.
Mr. Darcy himself was charmed by his sister’s awkward new friend. He was relieved to hear of her connection to Viscount Watts and his wife. While he did not know them personally, they had a good reputation. No hint of scandal had attached to their name, and they were known to be moral and upright people. Miss Bennet herself was sincere, if a bit sour for his taste, but Georgiana appeared to adore her. The pair could be found together for a portion of every day, either at Darcy House or the Watts’ residence, called Arthur Place, chattering like magpies about anything and everything.
Darcy had spent much time getting to know Lord and Lady Watts. The first time she was invited, he escorted Georgiana to their home, which was just one street over from his own, so that he could familiarize himself with the family. He had a duty to his sister, and after her near-elopement this past spring, he was extremely vigilant about those she came in contact with. He had barely averted scandal once; he might not be so lucky a second time. Rakes and scoundrels were found at all levels of society and he needed to sketch the characters of everyone his dear sister met. He was relieved to find the Viscount, Viscountess, and Miss Bennet charming and sincere. They were exactly the sort of people he would want Georgiana to spend time with; and so she did, with his blessing.
Over the course of their many conversations, Mary and Georgiana had described their families to each other, sharing annoyances and concerns alike. To the former’s delight, the latter gave her an opening to introduce a much-desired conversation.
“I worry about Fitzwilliam. He is such a good brother to me, far better than I deserve, and he is so
lonely. He denies it, of course, but I see the looks on his face in the evenings when he thinks I am not looking. He needs a wife.”
Mary tilted her head. “Are there not ladies in his circle that would have him?”
Georgiana rolled her eyes. “Oh, there certainly are. However, the ladies of our society are not warm and welcoming, and I strongly suspect they want him only for what he can do for them.”
“Do for them? What do you mean?”
“My brother’s fortune is…well, he is very well-off, and we do not want for anything. The ladies of our acquaintance look at him and see only his fortune. They do not care about him.” She sighed. “Many of the girls I thought were my friends in school come to visit and seem to want to talk about my brother and nothing else. I have been so happy to have met you; you are interested in me and not Fitzwilliam!”
“It is difficult to not be interested in you. You are so friendly, and I confess that I greatly admire you. I had not thought to ever meet someone who had so much in common with me yet was so far above me.”
“Nonsense! You are a gentleman’s daughter, same as me. Fitzwilliam and I have both learned from our father to judge a man, or in this case, a young lady, by what is on the inside of him and not his social position. Papa was kind to everyone. He made friends everywhere, even with tradesmen. Our aunts and uncles look down on them; Fitzwilliam says they are stuck in the old way of thinking and that, eventually, they will have to adjust. He says times are changing, and we must keep up.
“His friend, Mr. Bingley, is from trade. He went to Cambridge with my brother, though, and inherited a large sum from his father with the intention that he purchase an estate and become landed gentry. You will like him, Mr. Bingley, I mean. He is very amiable. His sisters are…not as friendly.” Georgiana sighed again. “His younger sister would like to marry Fitzwilliam. I can see it in her eyes when they visit.”
