Darcy's Uneasy Betrothal

by Zoë Burton

  Darcy looked into Elizabeth’s eyes, and, seeing he had her complete attention, poured out his heart to her. “From the moment I held you after your accident, you touched my heart in ways I did not understand. When I proposed and you accepted, I was inexplicably glad. Then, as we got to know each other, my feelings became stronger. You are the most beautiful and intelligent woman I know, and I love you. Will you marry me?”

  Elizabeth’s eyes had grown misty listening to Darcy’s words. She bit her lip, nodding in answer to his question. “I love you, too, and yes, I will marry you.”

  Without a thought to the others in the room, Darcy leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Elizabeth’s lips. He drew back, his thumb tracing her jaw once more. “Thank you, my love.”

  ~~~***~~~

  Darcy visited Longbourn’s rector the next day to purchase a license, and he and Elizabeth set their wedding date for the Friday after that.

  “Have you spoken to Bingley today?” Elizabeth held Darcy’s arm as they wandered the gardens two days later. The weather was cold but clear and they were enjoying the fine day out of doors while they could.

  “I did. He asked if I minded him and Jane sharing our day with us.”

  “Do you?”

  “Not at all. I would be happy to have them marry at the same time. We will be brothers, after all.” Darcy smiled down at Elizabeth.

  “It makes you happy to have your friend become a closer relation.” Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled.

  “I confess, it does. I love my sister, but to have a brother is something.”

  Elizabeth laughed.

  “You seem happier now than you have since I have known you.” Darcy’s observation was followed by a bump to his betrothed’s side with his elbow.

  “I believe I am happier. I certainly feel better. I have not had a headache in days, at least not bad enough to send me to my room with the willow bark.” She blushed and lowered her head, looking up at Darcy from under her lashes. “Too, I have the most handsome gentleman in all England squiring me about.”

  Darcy chuckled. “I am glad you think so.”

  “Is your sister due to arrive today?”

  Darcy was happy Elizabeth had changed the subject, for he was in grave danger of pulling her into the copse just beyond the garden and kissing her senseless. “No, tomorrow. My aunt, uncle, and cousins will be attending the wedding and will be escorting Georgiana to Netherfield.”

  “The earl and countess?” Elizabeth ran her free hand over the top of a bush as they walked past it.

  “Yes. They remain uncertain about my choice but choose to retain a connection to me.” Darcy shrugged. “I am sure they also wish to present a united front to society. It would not do for their peers to know of a fracture in the family. Lady Catherine does not go to London above once in five years, so no one need know that I have banned her from my homes.”

  Elizabeth stopped. “You banned her? From all your homes? Including Pemberley? I knew you tossed her out of your London house, but I had no idea you had taken it further.”

  Darcy faced his betrothed. “I did. I shall not have her vitriol aired in my presence.”

  A crease formed between Elizabeth’s brows. “What do you mean?”

  Darcy licked his lips. He looked down at his feet, then back up to catch Elizabeth’s eye. “I received an express from her the day before I returned to you. She was quite vehement in her opinions as to our engagement and my resolve to keep you. Her language was abusive, especially toward you, and I vowed I would never expose you to her again.”

  Elizabeth chuckled, one side of her mouth quirking up. “It is a good thing I accepted you the second time, then, or her efforts would have been wasted.”

  Darcy looked at her a moment, his jaw going slack. Then, with a shake of his head, he joined in her merriment. “Oh, Elizabeth, what shall I do with you? Our life will never be boring, I think.”

  “No, it shall not, not if I have anything to do about it.” Elizabeth tucked her hand behind his elbow again, grinning up at him as she did. They resumed their stroll, and she grew quiet.

  Darcy glanced down, noting his companion’s pensive expression. “What is the matter? You are suddenly far quieter than I have come to expect.”

  Elizabeth looked down, biting her lip. “I am uncertain I should tell you, given what I just now learned.”

  It was Darcy’s turn to stop their progress. “What do you mean?” His forehead wrinkled as his gaze roved her features. “What has happened?”

  With a sigh, Elizabeth pulled a letter out of her pocket, wordlessly handing it to Darcy.

  Upon catching sight of the handwriting on the front of the missive, Darcy cursed under his breath. He unfolded it, reading it with clenched jaw. When finished, he crumpled it up in his fist. He breathed in through his nose, his gaze focused in the distance.

  “Are you well?” Elizabeth touched Darcy’s arm, running her hand up and down his sleeve.

  Darcy grimaced. “I am angry, but yes, I am well.” He waved the fist holding the letter. “This puts paid to any thoughts I may have had of relenting. I will allow no one to disrespect you, not even a family member.” He pulled Elizabeth into his embrace. “I am sorry you had to read that. I hope you do not allow her words to affect you.”

  Elizabeth snuggled into Darcy’s arms. “I will not. I thought about burning the note, but I kept it in case anything came up about her.”

  “She will not interrupt our wedding. That she came here at all was an aberration on her part. She rarely leaves Rosings.” He paused, tilting his head as he looked over the top of hers. “Anne would have rejected me, had I asked, you know. She and I discussed it years ago. She is uninterested in marriage. Rosings is her inheritance and she likes her life as it is. She has her books and her companion to keep her company, and her phaeton if she wishes to get out of the house.” He chuckled. “She told me she has had her mother ordering her about her entire life and has no intention of marrying and allowing anyone else to do the same.”

  Elizabeth giggled, turning her nose into Darcy’s chest. She squeezed his middle and looked up. “After meeting her mother, I can say that I cannot fault her for her feelings.” She grinned.

  Darcy laughed. “Indeed.

  Netherfield, the next morning

  “Brother!” Georgiana Darcy, one arm nestled into a sling that matched her pelisse, allowed her cousin to hand her down from the earl’s coach and then threw herself into Darcy’s arms. “I have missed you! You look so happy! When do I get to meet my new sister?”

  Darcy laughed, picking his sister up and whirling her in a circle. “I have missed you, as well, and I am happy.” He set her down and kissed her cheek. “You will meet her later.” He looked around at his extended family. “You are all invited to Longbourn to dine this evening.”

  Georgiana squealed as Lord and Lady Matlock looked on, indulgent smiles covering their faces. The viscount and the colonel grinned.

  Darcy bowed, then kissed his aunt on the cheek. “Welcome to Netherfield. I am happy to see you all, as well.” He accepted the congratulations of his family and the slaps to his back from his uncle and cousins. Greetings out of the way, he led the group into Netherfield, where Bingley and the Hursts waited.

  Chapter 24

  That evening, Mrs. Bennet was in a flutter. Her excitement at hosting an earl knew no bounds, and her family, as happy as they were about Elizabeth’s and Jane’s double wedding, were dreading what the family matron might do or say.

  Bennet was, as always, highly amused by his wife’s nervous exclamations. He was also eager to meet Darcy’s cousins, who he understood were unmarried. After all, he thought, I still need to get Mary settled. His eyes gleamed at the thought of all the books and fine spirits he would be able to buy with her married and out of the house. He rubbed his hands in anticipation.

  When the carriages finally arrived, Mrs. Bennet was beside herself. She greeted her guests effusively, making certain they were settled into the be
st seats. She clasped her hands together under her chin and admired them as they sat next to each other. “Just think, an earl and a countess at Longbourn!” She grinned, looking around to make sure everyone else was settled, then took the chair to the left of Lady Matlock.

  “You have a fine home, Mrs. Bennet. It is very charming.” Lady Matlock smiled at her excitable hostess.

  “Thank you, my lady.” Mrs. Bennet looked around, seeing her drawing room in the eyes of a newcomer. “Mr. Bennet did not wish to allow me to redecorate when his mother passed on, but I persisted, and eventually, he gave in.” She tilted her head to the side and then back up. “It could perhaps use a refreshing. I wish there were time before the wedding, but my daughters and their betrotheds refuse to change the date of the ceremony, so I must make do.”

  “It is lovely as it is.” Lady Matlock sought to assure Mrs. Bennet of the home’s suitability. “You have excellent taste and, after all, the guests at the wedding breakfast will be too much occupied with eating and gossiping to care about the decorations.”

  Mrs. Bennet nodded. “Very true, and I do have an extra day that I did not have before. Mr. Bingley purchased his license the day after Mr. Darcy did, so the wedding will be Saturday instead of Friday. I intend to make good use of that extra time.”

  Lady Matlock smiled. Across the room, she could see Viscount Tansley and Colonel Fitzwilliam seated beside each other on a settee. “Is that one of your daughters, seated near my sons?” She nodded toward the gentlemen.

  Mrs. Bennet looked, smiling when she saw them. “Yes, that is my middle child, Mary. Come Saturday, she will be my eldest unmarried daughter.” Mrs. Bennet proudly lifted her chin. “She is not as handsome as the others, and dresses far more somberly than I can like, but she has a good heart. She took excellent care of Lizzy after her accident.” Mrs. Bennet noticed Mary blush after the colonel said something to her and her eyes widened as the thought of a match struck her. She searched out her husband’s gaze and when she caught it, tipped her head toward her middle child. When Bennet grinned and winked, she nodded. He will take care of it all, she thought. I will leave it in his hands. With a smile, she returned her attention to her conversation with the countess.

  ~~~***~~~

  “Lady Matlock was impressed with the plans your mother has made.” Darcy settled beside Elizabeth on the sofa in the family parlour at the back of Longbourn House. He lifted his arm to lay across her shoulders, pulling her close for a quick kiss.

  Elizabeth cocked a brow at him but leaned into the kiss. Then, she sat back and turned her attention to the needlework in her hand. “I am impressed with it, as well. She has been working at it from morning to night, with assistance, of course.” She grinned, looking up at Darcy. “She even got my father involved. She refused to feed him until he tied two dozen bows for the pews at church.”

  Darcy laughed aloud. “That brings a vivid mental picture.”

  “It was something. I wish you could have seen it.” Elizabeth looked up from her embroidery hoop to wink at her betrothed.

  Darcy shook his head. He looked across the room to where his sister sat with Kitty and Lydia, their heads close together. Frequent giggles could be heard from their corner. “Georgiana was full of excitement about your sisters.”

  “They told me they liked her, as well.” Elizabeth lowered her hoop-filled hands to her lap. “My sisters are rather flighty.” She looked at Darcy. “Are you certain you wish them to influence her?”

  Darcy shrugged. “To be honest, I have been impressed with them the last several days. They seem different somehow.”

  Elizabeth bit the inside of her lip and she considered the matter, then looked at her betrothed again. “I think the altercation between Mary and Mr. Collins, followed as it was by his death, left a mark on them. They still giggle over gentlemen, but … I do not know. They have not flirted with your cousins, which I expected them to do. I suspect they were frightened away from men in general.” She lifted her brows. “I hope it lasts.”

  Darcy nodded thoughtfully. “Let us pray it does.” He watched the girls a few moments longer, then lowered his gaze to Elizabeth again, watching her place two or three stitches. “What news have you? Will your aunt and uncle from London attend the wedding?”

  Elizabeth lifted her hoop to her mouth to bite off the thread. “They will. They are to arrive on Thursday.”

  “The day after tomorrow. Excellent. I am eager to meet them. I have heard great things about your uncle’s business.”

  “Yes, he is very talented at what he does.”

  “I am interested in investing.” Darcy tipped his head toward his uncle, who sat with Bennet in a corner, sipping port. “My uncle still believes the land will always sustain us, but I am convinced we need to have multiple sources of income. I have invested in several successful ventures, and am happy with the results.”

  Elizabeth gazed at him with a soft expression and a smile.

  Darcy pulled his head back when he noticed his betrothed’s look. “What?”

  With a wink, Elizabeth looked away. “Nothing. I was just admiring a gentleman who is determined to care for his family in the best way he knows.”

  Darcy blushed, but puffed his chest out. “Your praise means the world to me, my love.” He leaned over to kiss her temple. “Do not change.”

  “I will not, and one day you will tire of my impertinence and beg me to stop.” Elizabeth giggled.

  “Never,” Darcy growled. He pulled her close and tickled her side.

  “Children, that is enough.”

  Mr. Bennet’s admonishment was enough to settle both Darcy and Elizabeth, who moved apart a few inches.

  “We received a letter from Mrs. Collins in the morning post.” Elizabeth resumed her stitching, beginning a new row of French knots.

  “How is she?” Darcy watched his betrothed as she skillfully wound the thread around the needle, stuck it into the fabric, and pulled it through, leaving a small, tight ball behind.

  “You know, of course, that with Mr. Collins’ death, she was forced to remove from Hunsford parsonage.” Elizabeth waited for Darcy’s sound of acknowledgement before she continued. “Lady Catherine gave her leave to remain until a new rector could be hired, but she said there were too many terrible memories for her in that house. Instead, she moved into her father’s home for a few weeks. Your aunt gave her the equivalent of Mr. Collins’ full year salary, saying she felt horrible for misjudging his character so badly. Apparently, had she known of my cousin’s propensities, she would not have hired him.” Elizabeth shrugged. “Mrs. Collins plans to purchase her own little cottage as soon as it can be arranged. She has chosen one on the other side of her father’s estate from Hunsford and Rosings. It is closer to a different village and she feels safe there. With Lady Catherine’s gift, she can afford both a maidservant and a manservant.”

  “My aunt can be very generous when she wishes. I am happy she chose to help Mrs. Collins in that way.”

  “I am, as well. We offered some assistance when she was here, but she refused. Regardless, she seems to feel she will be happy. Oh, and she does not appear to be with child, she says, so the search is on for a new heir apparent.” Placing her last stitch, Elizabeth tossed the embroidery hoop aside. “Come, the sun has broken through the clouds. Let us go out into the garden. I have great need of a kiss.”

  Darcy needed no other prodding. He was more than eager to oblige.

  ~~~***~~~

  The day of the double wedding dawned clear and cold. Elizabeth had been forbidden from walking out, and so remained snuggled in her bed for an extra hour. Darcy had been ordered away the day before, so there was no risk of him seeing his bride before the ceremony.

  Elizabeth finally rose when Sally brought in a tray in containing a pot of tea and some scones. She dashed through the closet to Jane’s room, inviting her elder sister to eat with her, an offer Jane eagerly accepted.

  “Are you nervous, Lizzy? I confess I hardly slept a wink. Al
l I could think of was the ceremony and if I would remember the vows or embarrass us all.” Jane picked at her pastry.

  “It did take a long time to fall asleep. My mind was full of curiosity about today and what it would bring, other than the ceremony.” Elizabeth flushed.

  Jane laughed. “Leave it to you to be thinking beyond the ceremony. Was not Mama’s description of the wedding night enough? You had to go imagining it for yourself?”

  Her countenance a deep red, Elizabeth nonetheless laughed along with Jane. “Stop.” She shook her head and lifted her chin. “I did not say that is what I was thinking about,” she replied primly.

  “Of course not.” Jane grinned.

  “I will refuse to speak to you further if you do not leave off teasing me.” The severity Elizabeth’s warning was diminished by the rolling of her eyes.

  “Oh, very well. I will concede.” Jane sipped her tea, then changed the subject.

  Once the pair had finished eating, Mr. Hill and Robbie began hauling hot water up from the kitchen for baths. From that point on, the girls became so busy preparing that the time flew by. Almost before they knew it, they were alighting from the carriage in front of the church.

  Bennet held his arms out, one for each girl to take. He escorted them up the walk and into the building, pausing in the vestibule to await the organist. “Well, girls, you are leaving me.” He looked from one to the other. “My two eldest daughters, the most sensible ones.” He faced forward again. “I do not know what I will do without you.”

  Elizabeth and Jane smiled, leaning their heads back to grin at each other behind their father’s back.

  “Never fear, Papa. Jane will be but three miles away, and Mary is quite the equal to us in sense and intelligence.”

  “True, all, but Mary is less serene about life. No one wishes to be preached at all their days.”

  “I am sure she does not mean to be so, Papa.” Jane squeezed his arm and kissed his cheek. “All will be well.”