Her dress was old and plain, and she was very conscious of the fine gowns worn by Georgiana and the other ladies at Matlock House.
Her bedchamber door flew open and several children tumbled in with shrieks of delight and energy. Elizabeth smiled at them as little Lilibeth flung herself into her cousin’s arms. Elizabeth sat down hastily on the bed, laughing.
“My goodness, you all have lots of energy this morning, don’t you?”
“Will you come with us to the park today, Lizzy? Please?” Edward was just becoming a reserved young man, gangly and tall for his age, but he and Elizabeth had a special love for the outdoors.
Elizabeth made a face. “I don’t think I can, Edward. Perhaps I will be free this afternoon, but it all depends on what plans your Mama has for me.”
Mr. Darcy had said he would call, and her heart beat faster. Perhaps they would begin to get to know each other, but it would be very strange, knowing that they would soon be married.
She observed her aunt and uncle over breakfast. Uncle Gardiner was serious and thoughtful, while Aunt Gardiner kept the conversation light. Elizabeth had quite decided that she would be cheerful this morning. She had made her decision and not for anything did she want them worrying about her.
So she made general comments about the children and the weather. Aunt Gardiner followed her mood, but after a few moments, she laid down her knife and fork.
“Lizzy, dear. I’m concerned that you haven’t even asked when the ceremony will be. Don’t you want to know?”
Elizabeth shivered. “Perhaps I ought to know. What is the date?”
It is all arranged for Wednesday.” Her aunt watched her carefully, and Elizabeth tried to hide her surprise.
“This coming Wednesday?”
Her aunt nodded. “It is to be held at noon, and Mr. Darcy has already obtained the special licence in the hope that you might agree.”
“Oh, has he?” Elizabeth could not help her sharp tone.
“I’m sorry,” her aunt sounded penitent. “But you know it is only for expediency. If you don’t agree, the licence can be destroyed, it doesn’t mean you have to wed.”
“But I heard they’re five pounds!” Elizabeth could not believe such a sum could be spent on a mere possibility.
Uncle Gardiner chuckled. “I think Lizzy doesn’t yet know that much about her husband-to-be, Madeline. Perhaps you should tell her.”
“No! No, thank you. I will expect him to tell me and be honest with me.” Elizabeth didn’t want his fortune discussed among themselves. It felt more like something her mother would do.
“Very well.” Aunt Gardiner stood up. “Let’s go through and have tea. The children can join us for a short time while we wait for him to call.”
‘Well, I hope he does not tarry too long,” Uncle Gardiner grumbled. “I need to attend at my warehouses, I have neglected them too long already.”
“I’m sure he will not mind if you go at once, Uncle.” Elizabeth was distressed that she might be the cause of further difficulties in his trade. “I would not be the cause of more damage to your business than I have already.”
“No, Lizzy. Do not be vexed by it. Mr. Darcy has asked me to go with him to his lawyer to arrange the settlement. It needs to be done, and I will then go on.”
Elizabeth was glad the children surrounded them while they waited for the formal hour to receive calls. She was reading a fairy tale to Maddie and Lilibeth when she heard the doorbell peal.
15
Darcy stood at the door, his hat and cane in his hand. He knew, of course, about the difficulties affecting those in trade, and he knew that Gardiner’s business was much affected. But the house was elegant and well-kept despite it all. He was impressed. And the road was not as bad as he had anticipated.
But it was a maid who answered the door, not a manservant, and he kept his expression impassive as he handed over his outerwear.
Gardiner appeared in the door of what was obviously his library, and they shook hands. “I will be here, Mr. Darcy, when you have completed your call.”
Darcy nodded his thanks and followed the maid to be announced in the drawing room. A crowd of little children clustered round Miss Bennet, and he found the sight quite heartwarming. The maid marshalled the children together and took them away while Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet rose and curtsied to his bow, and they sat down and made general conversation until the same maid brought in a tray of tea.
After about ten minutes, Mrs. Gardiner rose and made an excuse about seeing to the children, leaving the room and both occupants in a somewhat embarrassed silence.
Then Elizabeth smiled. “It is quite useful being an engaged couple, I suppose, Mr. Darcy. We may be able to become acquainted more easily because we can be alone.”
He smiled appreciatively. It was interesting how he had already begun to think of her as Elizabeth, rather than Miss Bennet, and he wondered whether she might reciprocate.
“Indeed — Elizabeth.” He bowed his head. “I wonder if you might consider calling me by my given name?”
She looked a little startled. “I will endeavour to do so, Mr. Darcy — when I know your given name.” Her smile belied the tartness of her words, and he suddenly realised the courage, or, perhaps, the desperation that had led her to place her life and her well-being in the hands of a man whose full name she didn’t even know. He was humbled.
“I’m very sorry, Elizabeth, that no one has told you. My family call me William, although I was baptised Fitzwilliam, the family name of my mother.”
“William,” she said, thoughtfully. “It suits you.”
He decided he liked the sound of his name on her lips and hoped he’d hear it again soon.
He remembered Richard’s strictures to him late last night, the need to give her the courtship they had missed, and the opportunity to discover more about him, having placed her trust in him so absolutely.
“I understand your reticence and sadness yesterday, Elizabeth. But I hope you’re feeling a little more positive today. Is there anything I can tell you about me, or my homes, which might assist you to feel more comfortable?”
She looked up at him, her eyes dancing slightly. “That’s very good of you, Mr. …” she shook her head, “… William. Just imagine I know nothing whatsoever about you, apart from your name, and you will know about what I know.”
“That little, hmm?” he smiled. “I will rectify it at once.”
He settled back in the chair. “As I said yesterday, the Darcy family estate is called Pemberley. It’s in Derbyshire. The nearest full town is Bakewell, and the whole estate is surrounded by the tremendous wild hills and crags of what is known as the Peak District.” She had very fine eyes, he noticed; her gaze was fixed on his face.
“I know Aunt Gardiner spent her childhood in Derbyshire. I seem to remember she mentioned a place called Lambton?”
He was surprised. “Lambton is a lovely village, not five miles from Pemberley. Do you know your aunt’s name before her marriage?”
“No, I’m afraid not,” Elizabeth smiled. “But she always says it is the most beautiful place in the world.”
“She and I are in agreement, then.” Darcy felt very satisfied with the way the morning was going. “I hope you, too, will agree with us.” He wondered how much to tell her of his wealth. Perhaps not too much, yet.
“And, of course, I have an establishment here in town. Darcy House is in Brook Street, and I hope you and your aunt and uncle might join me and Georgiana for dinner there tonight.”
She smiled at that. She had the most endearing dimple near her mouth, he noticed, and wondered at his reaction to her.
“I will ask if they have any other engagements, sir. If not, then we should be glad to.”
At that moment, just as he had begun to feel more confident in her company, there was a soft knock on the door and Mrs. Gardiner swept in. Of course, she would keep to the prescribed visit time, especially for this first call.
He rose hastily,
and saw that the tiny worry line between her brows cleared as she looked at her niece. It appeared she could see that their meeting had gone well.
He glanced down at Elizabeth then, and was surprised to see a rosy pink blush on her face. Had he said anything wrong? He hunted through his memory, he couldn’t think of anything.
“Aunt Gardiner, Mr. Darcy has invited us for dinner tonight at Darcy House,” Elizabeth began.
“How very kind,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “But I was hoping Mr. Darcy would feel able to dine here tonight as we will have a guest he might wish to meet.” She looked at him enquiringly. “Might Miss Darcy feel able to attend as well?”
Who could this other guest be? Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and saw that she looked puzzled too. One guest? It couldn’t be the mother, or she would bring the sisters. He didn’t know of any other family. But it would have to be borne.
He bowed. “I would be delighted, madam.”
Turning to Elizabeth, he lifted her hand to his lips, noticing the faint scent of lavender. “Until tonight, Elizabeth. I will see your uncle now and we will finalise the arrangements.”
She curtsied. “I will look forward to it, sir.” Her words were formal, and he wondered whether the formality was because of the presence of her aunt.
He knocked on the door of Gardiner’s library, and entered when he heard his acknowledgement.
Gardiner came forward and shook his hand. “Do you want to be off straight away, sir, or perhaps a drink first?”
“Perhaps we can stay and talk a while, if you are free, Mr. Gardiner.”
“Of course. Take a seat, Mr. Darcy. Would you like a whisky or prefer coffee?”
“A whisky would be welcome, thank you.”
As soon as the man had given him his glass and sat down opposite, Darcy plunged into the matter at hand. “First of all, I must thank you for your assistance in this whole matter, and I’m happy it is moving in a satisfactory direction.”
Gardiner nodded. “I am glad, too, that Lizzy is happier this morning, Mr. Darcy. And that you appear to be a gentleman who will care for her properly.”
Darcy nodded, a little embarrassed by the remark. “Yes, well. We need to sort out the settlement on Miss Bennet and my agreement that there is enough to support her mother and sisters.”
Gardiner nodded. “Agreed.”
Darcy judged his moment. “I also feel that part of the reason Miss Bennet agreed to my offer was that I said I would make provision to you and your family, sir.” He watched the man carefully.
“We don’t want that, Mr. Darcy. I admit times are difficult, but I can manage, and with time, I’m sure things will improve.”
“I am most impressed with your determination to make the lives and status of your children better in the future, Mr. Gardiner. Of course, I do not know the full story, but I have heard from my uncle of your efforts in that area.” He changed topic.
“Miss Bennet has told me that your wife was raised in Lambton, in Derbyshire. It is not far from Pemberley and is a wonderful place to raise a family. I’m wondering if there is any way in which you might think about relocating to the north? It would be closer to your suppliers and I may be able to assist you in gaining some more prosperous customers.”
Gardiner laughed. “I hope you haven’t mentioned that to my wife, or I will hear of nothing else.”
“In any case,” Darcy reached for his pocketbook, “there will be a number of expenses before the marriage that are more properly my responsibility.” He handed over a sealed envelope. “I think that is enough to cover everything, including a trousseau — although there may not be time to have very much made. I hope Mrs. Gardiner will be able to assist Miss Bennet.”
He took a sip of his whisky. “If more is needed, I beg you will inform me. There is also a coach and four here, with coachman and grooms. It will no doubt be useful to the household for the duration.”
“You’re very generous, sir,” Gardiner mumbled. “It is difficult to accept.”
“Then we will say no more about it.” Darcy smiled. “The next part is more unpleasant for me, perhaps.” He leaned forward. “The wedding arrangements are all going ahead for Wednesday, and I would prefer that everybody continues to believe that. But it might prove necessary at the last moment to bring it forward — in some secrecy — to Tuesday.”
Gardiner’s eyebrows went up.
Darcy grimaced. “You know, of course, of the allegation from the woman which has forced this whole situation?” The man nodded and Darcy continued.
“I am making arrangements that she does not disrupt the wedding, but I am concerned that she does not spoil Elizabeth’s day. If there is any suspicion that she has discovered the time and place, then I have made different arrangements to have the ceremony over before she can cause any disturbance.”
He sighed and sat back. “That is why I have arranged for the wedding breakfast at Darcy House. It would be too much to expect Mrs. Gardiner to make such a change at the last minute.”
Gardiner smiled slightly. “We had wondered at that arrangement.”
Darcy shook his head. “Please do not think it has anything to do with your status, or your home being in Cheapside. It does not, sir.”
“I understand. When I tell my wife — after the event — she will be much relieved.” Gardiner glanced at the clock. “Perhaps we should move on to the settlement with your lawyer. I’m sure you have much to do.”
Darcy rose. “It is, perhaps, a good idea.”
16
Elizabeth spent the afternoon in the park with the children and her aunt, enjoying the return to apparent normality. She found herself looking at other children with their nurses or governesses, wondering that so recently, it had been her life, too.
“I’m glad this park is too far from Peter’s family for him to come here,” her aunt remarked, and Elizabeth nodded reluctantly in agreement. She didn’t wish to upset him if he saw her. But part of her was sorry not to see him. She had worried about him since being dismissed. Would he have enough attention from the nursemaid? She told herself that perhaps his mother was spending a little more time with him, and that would be wonderful.
After an hour or so, she realised that her aunt was a little distracted.
“Do you need to return home, Aunt Gardiner? Is anything amiss?” Elizabeth returned to her side, after rescuing little David from trying to follow his elder brother as he climbed the trees.
“No, nothing is amiss, but we had better go back now, if Mr. Darcy is coming to dinner.” Her aunt looked round vaguely. “Now where is Maddie?”
“She’s here, behind me,” Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, I didn’t understand when you said we already had a guest. Who is it, Aunt? I’m very curious.”
Her aunt smiled. “You will see soon enough. I wanted it to be a surprise and it’s been very hard keeping it as such. So please give me the opportunity to surprise you.”
“Of course, Aunt.” Elizabeth reached out to help her to her feet. “I do have another worry, if I may cause such trouble. What should I wear next week? There is no possibility of me asking you for the money for a new gown — and anyway, there is not time to have one made.”
Aunt Gardiner smiled as Lilibeth reached for her hand and Maddie reached for Elizabeth. “I should not be surprised if Mr. Darcy has made some arrangement with your uncle. We will no doubt find out when he gets home later.”
They hadn’t been home for very long when Maddie, who’d climbed up on the window seat, gave a screech of delight. Elizabeth glanced up, startled, from the book she was reading to Lilibeth.
Aunt Gardiner sucked her finger from where she’d pricked it with the needle while sewing. “It seems that your surprise might have arrived, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth passed the book to Lilibeth and took two hasty steps to the window. “Jane!”
She hurried to the hall and flung her arms round her sister. It had been far, far too long.
“Oh, Lizzy! I didn’t know you were here, too.�
�� Jane seemed quite overcome. Elizabeth saw that the tears in her own eyes were mirrored in Jane’s.
“Go up to your bedchamber with Jane, Lizzy. Then you will have the privacy to talk and catch up without the children all round you.” Aunt Gardiner was also looking a little misty-eyed, but she spoke briskly and shooed them upstairs.
“Oh, Lizzy! Have you been let go, too? How will Aunt and Uncle afford to keep us both? Oh, it was such a surprise when Uncle’s coach arrived this morning, and the coachman said he could not stay, but must get me back to London.” Jane’s words tumbled from her. Elizabeth was taken aback. It seemed Jane did not know the news.
“Yes, I was let go yesterday — no, the day before, I think,” Lizzy frowned, thinking. “So much seems to have happened.” She bit her lip.
“But what did you think you were coming here for? Did the coachman say?”
“No, of course not, silly!” Jane pushed a note at her sister. “Aunt Gardiner wrote. I’m to live here and help with the children. Oh, it’s so much better than being at home.” She pushed herself back and looked closely at Elizabeth, who felt her face grow warm.
“It’s been much too long since I’ve seen you, Lizzy, much too long. But, you’re different. Something’s changed. What’s happened, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth wondered how to tell her. “Oh, Jane, so much has happened in the just the last day or two. But, in short …” she felt herself blush. “I met a gentleman yesterday at dinner, we are now engaged, and I am marrying him on Wednesday.” She smiled as Jane’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Please say you’ll stand up with me at the wedding.”
“Engaged? To a man you have only just met? Oh Lizzy, it can’t be! How could you have agreed to this?” Jane shook her head in dismay.
Elizabeth shrugged slightly. “He is a very gentlemanly gentleman. And he is wealthy and has promised to make the whole family secure.” She lowered her voice. “Including Aunt and Uncle. I cannot refuse such an offer.”
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