by Leenie Brown
“And if he had been armed?” asked Richard in fascination.
“Well, then we would have been playing Jacob Lucas or Jeremy Woods, I suppose,” said Jane. “Depending on the type of weapon, of course.”
Richard shook his head in disbelief. “I do not have soldiers who are as adept as you two at disarming enemies.”
“Well, when you are a girl and the champion of all sorts of boy’s games, you become a target of many who wish to claim back the title for their gender.” Elizabeth held her injured arm firmly against her side, her hand resting on her abdomen.
“And when boys like Billy Madison finally realize that girls are good for more than rock throwing competitions, and they become a little too friendly at assemblies, you get additional practice.” Jane laughed. “Perhaps that is why you have such a hard time getting a man to stand up with you at assemblies, Lizzy. I do not think one of them has come away from childhood without their egos and many of their persons scarred by you.”
Darcy and Richard laughed. “Did you ever have to step in as the second?” asked Darcy.
“Not once,” said Jane. “And Charlotte and I always won our skirmishes without much resistance once the boys knew Lizzy was our second.”
“You make me sound horrid.” Elizabeth began to unbutton her pelisse. “I assure you I was not a ruffian. I just could not tolerate someone—especially a boy—beating me at, well, just about anything.”
“Oh, Lizzy, Jane, I am so relieved to see you standing and in one piece.” Mrs. Gardiner gasped slightly for breath. She had very nearly run the entire way from the carriage to the park when Margaret had relayed Jane’s message. She threw her arms around first Jane and then Elizabeth. “When Maggie told me what you were playing…I feared I might be too late.” She turned to the gentlemen. “Will you be joining us at Gracechurch for tea?”
“My apologies, Mrs. Gardiner, but I will not be able to accept your kind offer,” said Richard. “I wish to personally ensure this miscreant boards his ship. Then, I must return to my unit as required.” He gave a bow and joined Lieutenant Artman.
“I would be happy to accept,” said Darcy.
“I would like to see the doctor,” said Elizabeth as she struggled with the last button of her jacket. All eyes turned to her in concern. Finally, with a bit of assistance from Jane, she shrugged her arm out of her coat revealing a blood-stained sleeve.. “It seems my wound has reopened. I think the pulling and twisting caused the stitches to tear,” she explained. “Aunt, do you have bandages in your kit?” Elizabeth pointed to the bag that her aunt was carrying. “If you do, could you please bind the wound?” She attempted to take a step towards her aunt but swayed unsteadily. She blinked her eyes to clear her vision. “I think I require a bench,” she said as she began to feel her knees wobble.
Darcy swept Elizabeth into his arms, carried her to a nearby bench and placed her on it, sitting down next to her. “Jonathan,” Darcy addressed the Gardiner’s footman, “have Dr. Clarke and Mr. Thompson come to Darcy House. It is closer.” He turned to Mrs. Garner. “I believe I shall host the tea today if you find that acceptable.”
Mrs. Gardiner, who had just finished wrapping her niece’s arm, nodded her approval. “I would feel better having Lizzy tended to before she has to ride for any distance in a carriage. It may not make her more comfortable, but it will make me more comfortable.”She bit her lip and looked about. “I am not sure Lizzy will make the walk to the carriage under her own power.”
“My horse is just back a bit. Allow me to fetch him, and then if you or Jane would help Elizabeth onto the horse, she can ride in front of me.” Despite Elizabeth’s protests of being well and the impropriety of such a suggestion, it was decided that Jane would assist Elizabeth onto the horse. Once Elizabeth had mounted the horse and was secured snuggly within Darcy’s embrace, Jane and Mrs. Gardiner headed for their carriage.
“Are you well?” Darcy asked.
“To own the truth, I have been better,” Elizabeth gave him a wry smile. “My arm is quite sore, and I am tired. Perhaps my strength is not quite up to fighting off villains. I cannot say that any of the neighbourhood boys ever truly posed a threat to anything more than my pride or my virtue. I think fearing for your mortal safety is quite all-consuming. I do not know how soldiers handle it. Colonel Fitzwilliam must be so tired.” Elizabeth rested her head against Darcy’s shoulder.
“He is,” said Darcy as he urged his horse into a walk. “He told me last night that he is thinking of selling out and settling down.”
“Mmm, that sounds like a good idea,” said Elizabeth. “Will he be looking to take a wife?”
“I think he already is,” said Darcy.
“Do you think you could put in a good word for Charlotte? She seems quite taken with him, and I really think they would do well together.” Elizabeth tilted her head to look up at him.
“I do not need to put in a good word for Miss Lucas, my love. Richard seems quite taken with her as well. He is just not sure about his parents’ reaction to the idea. He is under the impression that his family expects a more advantageous alliance,” said Darcy. “But I have assured him that if he truly loves her, I will go to his father with him, and I will do what I can to assist. I want him to be as happy as I am with you.”
“Charlotte is not without dowry or inheritance. Her father has been tucking away money for her on the sly just as mine has for my sisters and me. I am not supposed to know, but I was sitting outside the window to my father’s study last summer and happened to overhear a conversation.”
“Why would they keep that information a secret?” asked Darcy in bewilderment.
“Because they love their daughters and do not wish for them to be sought after for monetary reasons,” said Elizabeth. “Can you imagine being hunted for your money?” she added with a little laugh.
Darcy snorted. “Indeed I can. I guess it would be nice to not be so and so with such and such pounds per year. I have heard it all my adult life. That is Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. He has ten thousand a year.” Darcy laughed. “Of course, like your father, I have kept my real value a secret as well. I am worth more than ten thousand a year.”
“More than ten thousand?” Elizabeth said in amazement.
“Yes, my love,” said Darcy giving her a squeeze.
“Do not worry. I shall not tell my mother. Ten thousand a year is enough to set her a flutter,” said Elizabeth with a laugh. “You do know, Fitzwilliam, that I do not care how much you do or do not have. I love you for you, nothing else.”
“I know, Elizabeth, and I love you with or without a cent to your name, and in spite of your mother’s fluttering.” He smiled down at her. She giggled.
“I have been thinking about what you asked me last night.” She played with one of the buttons on his coat. “I think you should ask my father for permission to marry me.”
“Are you sure? Do you really wish to marry me?” asked Darcy hopefully.
“Quite sure. I would be quite happy, Mr. Darcy, to be your wife.”
“Does this mean we are standing under a gauge?” He asked with a grin, reining his horse to a stop.
“Why I believe it does, sir. Although we appear to be sitting. Only the horse is standing,” replied Elizabeth looking up at him with an impertinent smile. Noting the look in his eyes, she added, “But, I must remind you, we are in public, and very good gentlemen do not kiss ladies in public.”
“Perhaps I am not such a good gentleman after all,” said Darcy as he tilted her chin and kissed her gently. “I love you, Elizabeth Bennet, and frankly I do not care who knows. Now, shall we get you home so the doctor can fix you up…again?”
Chapter 9
The next week was a busy one at the Gardiner’s home. There were many preparations to be made for a family with four children before making the journey to Longbourn. The day before their departure for Hertfordshire, Georgiana came to call on Elizabeth while Jane and Mrs. Gardiner were out.
“Georgiana, do you t
hink he will like it?” Elizabeth pulled in her lip and bit it as she held up the cravat she had just finished stitching.
“Elizabeth, it is a cravat,” said Georgiana. “It looks just like the ones he wears. I am sure he will like it.”
“And the book?” said Elizabeth apprehensively.
“It is one of his favourite authors.” Georgiana put an arm around Elizabeth’s shoulder. “I think you could wrap up a rock, and he would cherish it.”
“I hardly think anyone could cherish a rock,” stated Elizabeth. “I just want my presents to be useful and appreciated.”
“They will be. Please stop worrying.”
“I will try, but this is all so strange.” Elizabeth coloured slightly. “The only men I have ever given gifts to are my father and uncles, and well, this is different.” She hurried on trying to explain the uneasiness she felt. “And the gifts must show thankfulness for and give blessing to the receiver. Uncle says that is the most important part of the tradition.” Elizabeth folded the cloth, smoothed it and placed it on top of her work basket. “I know giving of a neckcloth may appear improper, but I do owe him one. Had he not ruined his when tending to my wound, I may not be here to give any gifts. The doctor did say the binding probably saved my life. How can I show my gratitude if I do not replace it?”
“Oh, Elizabeth,” cried Georgiana. “You have nothing to fear. Do you think we adhere to the utmost propriety at all times? Have you not met Richard?” She laughed lightly. “Fitzwilliam will love your gifts.” She tucked the handkerchief she had been working on in her workbasket closing it securely in preparation for leaving. “We must be at Matlock House within the hour. Aunt Elaine is most particular about promptness.”
Elizabeth picked up her parcels and headed for the carriage. “I have a gift for your aunt, Georgiana. I hate to tell you, but I am nervous about it, too.” Elizabeth attempted to laugh at her own foolishness. “I am not certain when I decided to pick up a case of my mother’s nerves, but I seem to have come down with the affliction as of late. I suppose I must be thankful it has not been accompanied by her fluttering about.” Elizabeth once again attempted to laugh to assuage the tension she was feeling. “My uncle helped me pick out some teas, and Aunt Gardiner, Jane, and I made some sweets. It is rather a homey gift and not exactly elegant. It is something that I would give to my aunts. Do you think its simplicity will offend her?” Again, Elizabeth chewed her lip.
“Elizabeth, you protect your cousin with your life, talk circles around Miss Bingley, and tease my dour brother, yet a gift makes you quake? Your lack of confidence surprises me,” chided Georgiana as the carriage jostled along the streets. “I have stitched a cloth for my aunt’s table. It is a homey sort of gift just like yours and exactly what she would like.”
Elizabeth looked chagrinned. “I shall try to compose myself and stop acting so foolishly. I have always prided myself on my courage rising to meet all situations, yet here I sit a ball of nerves.”
Georgiana patted Elizabeth’s hand. “All will be well. You know, Uncle Henry and Aunt Elaine are quite taken with your uncle’s gift giving tradition. I believe Aunt Elaine sees it for what it is, but Uncle seems to think it could be a boon of an idea for merchants.” She smiled at Elizabeth. “Yes, I know it is not proper for a lady to know of business dealing, but I have already told you, my family is not always so proper. Uncle was quite worked up about it the other evening when talking to my brother. He was quite put out that your uncle will not hear of advertising the concept. He is constantly looking for new ways to increase profits, you see.”
“Is he angry with my uncle?” Elizabeth’s eyes were filled with concern.
“No, no, he is not angry with him. He gets overwrought with excitement at times and relies on people such as my brother and your uncle to guide him, so he does not jump into any venture without due consideration. He is never happy to have his ideas thwarted, but as I said, he trusts the judgement of his counsellors. I believe he agrees with your uncle that such a decision should not be made in haste, that there is a need to protect the sentiment behind the tradition.” Georgiana peered out the window and then turned to Elizabeth with a smile. “Now, take a deep breath; we are almost there, and remember, she likes you.”
Elizabeth nodded and inhaled deeply. She leaned her head back against the squabs and closed her eyes. She knew that she had nothing to fear, but she had fallen short of her mother’s expectations for so many years that it only seemed natural to expect to do so again.
Georgiana gently tapped Elizabeth’s arm as the carriage came to a stop. “We are here.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Lady Matlock stood and extended her hands in greeting to Mrs. Gardiner and Jane. “It is a pleasure to have you join me for tea.”
She turned to Georgiana and Elizabeth and welcomed them both, to Elizabeth’s surprise, with a hug. “Georgiana, Miss Elizabeth, you are both looking well today.”
“Thank you, Aunt,” murmured Georgiana.
“Thank you, my lady,” said Elizabeth still somewhat surprised over the familiar greeting.
Lady Matlock motioned for them to take a seat.
“Georgiana, your brother is stopping by a little later.” Lady Matlock began to pour the tea. “He has some business with your Uncle.” She handed a cup to Mrs. Gardiner. “But I think he may actually be trying to get a peek at his gift, although, I am sure that is not the only reason he intends to drop by today.” She shared a knowing smile with Mrs. Gardiner.
“I should think not,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
Elizabeth’s cheeks grew warm. “Lady Matlock, as we are talking about presents, I have a small gift for you,” said Elizabeth holding out the package that she held in her lap. “My uncle helped me select part of it and my aunt and Jane helped me with the rest.” She unconsciously bit her lower lip.
Lady Matlock noted the nervous action and smiled at her. “Thank you. May I open it now, or do I have to wait?”
“I think it would be best to open it now as it may not survive waiting,” said Elizabeth.
“Oh,” gasped Lady Matlock in delight as she opened the gift. “Your uncle has done well in his advice. These are some of my favourite teas, and is this chocolate conserves? I have a sweet tooth that is exceptionally fond of chocolate.” She picked up a piece and took a small bite. “You made this?” she asked as she took a second bite.
“Yes, Elizabeth made the chocolate conserves, Jane and I made the shortbreads,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
“Miss Elizabeth, you seem to have a talent for confections. I have never tasted such lovely conserves, and I do not exaggerate. Georgiana, you may have to ask her to make you some for I do not know if I shall be sharing.” She took a second piece and placed it on the edge of her saucer.
“Thank you,” said Elizabeth. “Conserves are a specialty for me simply because I seem to lack the patience to wait for shortbreads to bake.”
Tea was served and the ladies chatted about the weather, their plans for travel, and the traditions of Christmas in each of their homes. Lady Matlock shared stories of Georgiana, Darcy, and Richard as youngsters while Mrs. Gardiner shared about her nieces. They were sharing a good laugh when Darcy walked into the drawing room. He greeted each lady but in truth only had eyes for Elizabeth.
“I’ve come to see Uncle but wished to greet you first.” He smiled broadly at his aunt. “Happily you were not alone.”
“How very thoughtful of you, Fitzwilliam.” His aunt gave him with a knowing smile. “Miss Elizabeth, I shall have to share your gift with my nephew. He is not as great a lover of sweets as I am, but like me, he has a weakness for conserves. Now, take a piece for yourself and one for your uncle, and make sure the second piece actually makes it to your uncle. Miss Elizabeth made it and included it with some lovely shortbreads and a selection of my favourite teas.”
“I think you are becoming a favourite of my aunt’s, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Oh, now get away with you.” Lady Matlock made a shooing moti
on. “Your uncle is waiting.”
“I shan’t be long. Georgiana, will you wait?”
“Elizabeth and I had not planned to leave before dinner.” She raised an eyebrow at her brother. “You have not forgotten we were to dine here tonight, have you?” There was a hint of incredulity in her voice.
Darcy grinned. “I have not forgotten. I merely wished to be assured I would have pleasant company awaiting me after my meeting with Uncle.” He gave his sister a small wink, and with a last loving look at Elizabeth, exited the room.
“Mr. Bingley is joining us for dinner this evening, and I have a few preparations to attend to before his arrival.” Mrs. Gardiner and Jane rose to take their leave. “It has been a pleasure. I have not enjoyed myself this much in a very long time, Lady Matlock.”
“You shall have to call again, Mrs. Gardiner. It was a lovely time.” Lady Matlock stood to walk her guests to the door.
“Aunt,” said Elizabeth. “Mr. Thompson called on Andrew. I shall walk you to the carriage and relay his message if that is acceptable.” She looked first to Lady Matlock and then her aunt for permission before escorting her aunt and sister from the room.
“Miss Elizabeth is lovely, is she not, Georgiana?” Lady Matlock watched Elizabeth from the window.
“Quite lovely, Aunt. I should be extremely pleased to have her for a sister.”
“And I would very much like to have her for a niece, so we must make sure your brother succeeds.” Lady Matlock arranged herself in her chair once more, making sure to smooth her skirts so that they were displayed to best advantage. “Do you know much about Miss Lucas?”
“She is quite lovely as well. She is practical and intelligent. Did you know she has studied herbal preparations? It was she who assisted with the closure of both Andrew’s and Elizabeth’s wounds, and Elizabeth credits Miss Lucas’ tea for keeping infection away while she and her cousin were recovering. Why do you ask?”
“I noticed Richard paying particular attention to her on the evening before she left.”