by Leenie Brown
“Thank you. Sweets selection is next, is it not Michael?” Darcy looked down at the youngster who had appeared at his side. “Can you go get the others?” Michael nodded his head and raced off to get his brother and sisters. When the candy selection had been completed and each child had their treat, Elizabeth collected the bag of sweets and promptly told them that they could eat them in the carriage.
Matthew slipped the totalled bill to Darcy discreetly. “I shall pay Mr. Lucas and be out directly,” he said to Elizabeth. She smiled and moved the group towards the door where they waited for him.
“That Mr. Darcy is a fine gentleman, Charlotte,” said Matthew as he watched the group leave the store. “Gave me an order to fill for the Gardiner children. Will you help me gather the items? I need to have it delivered to Netherfield before Christmas Eve.”
“Give me the list,” said Charlotte holding out her hand.
“You know,” said Matthew as he gave her the receipt, “his cousin, the Colonel, is not a bad fellow either.” He winked at her and laughed as she blushed.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth took particular care on Christmas Eve to prepare for dinner. The visitors from Netherfield were to dine with her family and then attend services with them. It would be the first time that she would be officially in public on the arm of Mr. Darcy.
“You look lovely.” Jane wrapped her arms around her sister from behind and propped her chin on Elizabeth’s shoulder as they both looked in the mirror. “Stop fiddling with your dress; it is perfect, as is your hair.”
“I just want him to feel proud to have me at his side.”
“He is,” said Jane. “I have seen the look on his face whenever you are on his arm, dearest, and proud only begins to describe it. Completely besotted is more accurate.”
“Thank you, Jane.”
“Shall we go down and wait for our guests to arrive?”
“In a moment.” Elizabeth sat on the bed and patted it in an invitation for Jane to join her. “Are you as excited as I?”
“I believe I am, but I never have been as good at displaying my delight as you.”
“I would like to have a measure of your calmness at present,” said Elizabeth. “I do feel as if I am about to have one of Mama’s fits of nerves.” The girls laughed. “She has not needed her salts since we returned, have you noticed, Jane?”
“There seems to be many changes which have taken place at Longbourn in our absence,” said Jane. “Mary is no longer a mouse, Kitty has refused to follow Lydia on more than one occasion and Lydia’s behaviour, while not reserved, has certainly begun to come under regulation.”
“Papa is not spending as much time in his library, either,” said Elizabeth. “Did he tell you that Lydia and Kitty are no longer completely out to society?”
“Yes, and I have heard Lydia whine about how she would so dearly like to see the officers again, but Papa absolutely refuses to allow it.”
“It is because she put us in danger with Mr. Wickham,” said Elizabeth. “Father will allow her to be at social gatherings, but she may only socialize with those he allows. Not even Mama is allowed to grant permission. I can understand how she must be feeling the sting of such strictures. They are new to her.”
“But, they are of her own doing,” said Jane firmly.
“I hear a carriage,” Elizabeth jumped from the bed and walked quickly to the window. “There are three carriages to be precise—Mr. Bingley’s, Viscount Bladen’s and Lord Matlock’s. We must go down,” Elizabeth grabbed her sister by the hand and pulled her from the room.
The sitting room filled quickly once the carriages had been divested of their occupants.
“Mrs. Gardiner,” said Darcy, “I have a few surprises for the children. Would you like to hide them until the morning, or would it be acceptable to give them to them now?” His excitement was clearly written across his face.
“I do not see how I can refuse you the right to witness their delight,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “The children are still above stairs in the nursery. Shall we take their surprises to them there?”
“A delightful idea.”
Mrs. Gardiner pulled Elizabeth close and whispered, “I thought I told you to not let him spoil the children.”
“I had no idea, Aunt. It appears he can be covert when he wishes.”
“My children will miss you both sorely when you have left town for Pemberley.”
“Then you shall have to visit,” said Elizabeth.
A squeal of delight greeted them as Mr. Darcy entered the nursery with arms full of gifts. There was a new soldier for Andrew, a boat for Michael, gloves of creamy white for Amelia and a small brown reticule decorated with golden embroidered flowers for Margaret. There was also a favourite sweet that was not to be eaten until after dinner.
“Mr. Darcy, I am most impressed by your selections. It appears you have discovered all of my children’s favourites.”
“It is not a difficult task when one listens and observes,” said Darcy trying to deflect the praise.
“Ah, but not all actually listen to children, you know,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “It is an admirable trait to be sure.”
“I find your children have very good taste when choosing favourites,” said Darcy taking Elizabeth’s hand and placing it in the crook of his arm.
“Indeed they do,” said Mrs. Gardiner with a laugh. “Shall we return to the adults?”
“I was hoping to have a few moments alone with Miss Elizabeth as I also have a gift for her.”
“May I suggest the back parlour,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “It may be free or nearly free of people. That should allow for some privacy.”
“Would you show him the way, Aunt? I have a gift for Mr. Darcy as well, but I must stop in my room to retrieve it.”
“Certainly. If you will follow me, Mr. Darcy.”
Not more than five minutes later, the couple was seated in a corner of the back parlour while Jane and Mr. Bingley were seated in the opposite corner.
Elizabeth chewed on her bottom lip and held out her gift to Mr. Darcy. “I hope you like it. Georgiana assured me you would, but we were about to arrive late at your aunt’s house so she may have just been trying to hurry me along.” Elizabeth babbled on as her nerves got the better of her.
“I would treasure anything you gave me,” said Darcy, “simply because it meant you were thinking of me.”
“Georgiana said something very similar,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “Perhaps I should have taken her suggestion and wrapped up a rock.”
“A rock?”
“As I said, she was trying to hurry me along and suggested I was spending far too much time being indecisive.”
“I cannot imagine you being indecisive.”
“I have never bought a gift for a gentleman before except for my uncle and father, and well, the man I was thinking of was dearer to me than even them. I wanted it to be a gift that spoke to who he was.” Elizabeth dropped her eyes to study her hands. “Please open it. My nerves cannot handle the suspense much longer.”
“This is very fine quality,” said Darcy as he ran his hand over the cravat. “And what does this say about the man?”
“It says he is of very fine quality—the best of men,” said Elizabeth, a faint pink blush gracing her cheeks.
“Thank you,” said Darcy softly. Her admission causing his admiration for her to swell within his chest. He felt the second package. “This feels like a book,” he said as he untied the ribbon. “Ah, I guessed correctly.” He turned the book over in his hands. “Oh, it is one of my favourite poets, but it is scuffed? Dare I ask to what this speaks?”
“It seems that throwing books can cause damage to their lovely covers,” said Elizabeth.
“You threw this?” Darcy’s eyebrows knit in confusion.
“Remember the package I went to retrieve when…” She rubbed her arm. “I threw it at his gun. It helped me save Andrew.”
“You bought this on that day?” He ran his finge
rs gently over the scar on the cover.
“Yes. I thought of returning and buying one that was not damaged, but decided that the scuffed one spoke more than a perfectly unmarred copy would. The contents of the book speak to the emotions of the man—hidden behind an unassuming exterior much like the simple brown cover of this book. The scuff speaks not only of his struggle to protect those he loves, but it also speaks to the willingness I have to fight to be part of his life.”
Darcy turned the book over in his hands studying it. “My love, I have never received a more thoughtful gift. I shall treasure it always just as I treasure you.” He placed the book on a small table. “My gift to you symbolizes just how precious you are to me. Although the gift is of great price, its price is a pittance next to the value of the woman who wears it.” Darcy drew a small box out of his pocket and removed a necklace from it. It was a golden chain with a pendant made from a perfect pearl. “Perfect pearls are rare to find. There is great danger to the diver, yet he descends into the ocean to secure his treasure. Many divers spend the whole of their lives seeking to find such a pearl. Indeed, some lose their lives in the quest. So it is for me. My life is lost to your love. You are a treasure of great value, Elizabeth. I will spend my whole life seeking to be worthy of you. Your love is beyond price.”
Elizabeth placed her hand lightly on his cheek. “I have never felt so precious. Thank you, Fitzwilliam.” She leaned forward and kissed him.
He unclasped the chain and reaching forward, encircled her neck and clasped it again. He pulled back ever so slightly, his hands still resting at the back of her neck and looked at the necklace, the pearl resting just below the hollow at the base of her throat. “Lovely,” he breathed as he drew her head towards his for a second brief kiss—much shorter in duration than either of them wanted.
“Ah, here they are Thad,” said Richard entering the parlour. “Seems we may be intruding.” He shot a wicked smile at his cousin.
“We were just exchanging gifts,” shot back Darcy.
“So Mrs. Gardiner told us,” said Richard. “Sent us to tell you that dinner is almost ready.”
“And to keep an eye on us?” said Elizabeth arching an eyebrow.
“I suppose there was a bit of that, too,” he admitted. His eyes twinkled. “We did take our time finding the room, though.”
“Yes, your housekeeper was gracious enough to re-route us twice,” said Thad. “She is not quite sure how anyone could get lost in a house of this size–especially a colonel in His Majesty’s army. Even Richard did not wish to push his luck with a third deliberate wrong turn.”
“So, Bingley, was he well behaved?” asked Richard.
“Oh, is there someone in the room besides Miss Bennet?” responded Bingley with a devilish grin.
“Well, I can tell you they were both well-behaved,” said Jane. “Although Mr. Bingley may not be able to pay attention to more than one thing at a time, I can assure you I am capable.”
“I am hurt. I thought I had your undivided attention,” said Bingley playfully. “Actually, we both were enjoying the performance. Darcy here can be quite the romantic.”
Darcy glowered at his friend.
“Yes.” Jane placed a hand on her heart and sighed. “It was quite beautiful.”
“Perhaps you should have been taking notes, Mr. Bingley?” teased Elizabeth.
Bingley smiled in return and took an imaginary notebook from his pocket. Pretending to write, he muttered, “Scuffed books are treasures.” He scratched it out, “No, that was not it. What was it, Darcy, old man?”
“I shall not repeat it,” growled Darcy.
“It was perfect.” Elizabeth laid her hand on his and gave him a loving smile. “Now, for dinner.” She rose, and Jane came to take her arm.
“You gentlemen will be joining us, will you not?” Jane called over her shoulder. Bingley stared at her, his mouth agape.
“Forgot that Jane is often Elizabeth’s second, Bingley, old man?” asked Darcy. “Poke one and earn the disapprobation of two.”
Chapter 13
“That is a pleasant sight,” commented Anne as she dealt the last of the cards.
“What is a pleasant sight?” asked Elizabeth.
“Darcy and Thad actually talking to each other.” Anne nodded her head toward the group of gentlemen conversing on the opposite side of Netherfield’s drawing room.
“Do they not normally talk to each other?” Elizabeth arranged her cards in her hand.
“Oh, Darcy usually tries to converse with Thaddeus, but his efforts are met with short replies which frequently spark debate,” said Anne. “But, I have not heard one word of argument since we arrived. And it has been four days!”
Mary laid a trump card on the pile taking the trick. “Mr. Darcy is no longer the competition.”
Four pairs of eyes turned towards her.
“What do you mean?” asked Anne.
“Mr. Darcy has made it clear, has he not, that he is not going to marry you?” Mary questioned. Anne nodded her head. “Then, the jealousy which fueled the arguments is gone.”
“Do you think Thaddeus was jealous of Darcy?” asked Anne.
“Indeed, I do,” said Mary. “I have only known you and Lord Bladen for a few days, but it is easy to see he is as smitten with you as you are with him. With just the right amount of encouragement, I do believe we could be having five weddings in the very near future.”
“Five?” gasped Charlotte closing her book and focusing her entire attention on the game and the conversation at the table.
Mary lay her cards face down on the table and used her fingers to count off the couples. “Mr. Collins and myself, Mr. Bingley and Jane, Mr. Darcy and Lizzy, Lord Bladen and Miss deBourgh, and Colonel Fitzwilliam and you. That is five weddings all told.” Mary laughed softly at the shocked look on Charlotte’s face. “You are not going to deny there is something between you and the colonel, now are you, Charlotte?”
“No,” said Elizabeth. “I do not think she could—not considering how we have all witnessed their looks and smiles as well as the flushed cheeks whenever they are in company.” A twitter of laughter passed around the group.
Mary gathered her hand and tapped it on the table. “Back to matters at hand,” she said as if she were conducting a business transaction. “If two of those weddings are to happen at all, you, Miss deBourgh, must work on Lord Bladen.”
“Me?” Anne’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Mary proceeded to relate to Anne the details of her mother’s visits to both Elizabeth and herself.
“My goodness,” gasped Anne. “I knew my mother was not well-pleased and in quite a fit of temper, but to be so…so…so hateful?”
“Mary has a plan,” said Elizabeth, “and your uncle, my uncle, my father and I have agreed to it. However, it would be much easier to accomplish with your help, Miss deBourgh.”
“Please, if we are to be co-conspirators may we not dispense with the formalities and use our Christian names?” Anne placed her cards on the table and shifted her full attention to Mary. “Mary, please tell me what I am to do.”
“Your mother cannot insist upon you marrying Mr. Darcy if you are already married, now can she?” Anne’s eyes grew wide while her cheeks grew rosy. Mary continued, “Lord Matlock has begun work to transfer your inheritance of Rosings to your control; thereby, removing it and the authority over the living at Hunsford from your mother. So, all that remains for you to do is marry Lord Bladen.”
“Ah, that is why my uncle has requested a meeting,” said Anne. “I must admit, I look forward to being the mistress of my own estate.” She smiled broadly at the thought. “And, this will mean that the happy establishment of Mr. and Mrs. Collins in the living at Hunsford will become a foregone conclusion with no threat of disquiet.”
Mary nodded. “That was my hope.”
“As for marrying Thaddeus,” Anne continued, “While I grant you it is a most agreeable prospect, I cannot guarantee I will be able to per
suade him to act in such a way.”
“My dear Anne, a few smiles sent his direction, and I dare say he shall be yours. Even now, his eyes have rarely left you.” Jane quietly took yet another trick.
Anne cautiously turned to look at the group of young gentlemen across the room. Meeting Thad’s eyes she smiled. She saw him inhale quickly before he returned her smile, and she demurely dropped her eyes.
“I see what you mean, Jane. I think Mary’s plan could prove to be quite amusing.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
“Gentlemen,” said Lord Matlock who had been watching the interactions of the group of young ladies for some time, “I believe Anne has just been apprised of Miss Mary’s plan, and she seems quite pleased with it, if I am reading her expressions aright. It appears I may be gaining a niece and two daughters before long.”
“Two daughters?” questioned Sir William.
“It appears Anne holds the affection of my eldest son while my youngest son seems quite smitten with your daughter, Sir William. If you watch, I think his affections are reciprocated.”
“I have no need to watch, Lord Matlock. I can assure you I am already aware of where my daughter’s affections lie. Am I to understand you would not be opposed to such a match?”
“I would never be opposed to a match forged out of love for either of my sons as long as the woman is sensible, of good moral character, and well-matched to my son’s personality. Your daughter is all of those things and more importantly, my wife approves of her.” The men shared a hearty laugh at this. “Would I be correct in thinking your daughter would not be the sort of lady who would be disenchanted with the lesser inheritance of a second son? There is a small estate which will be his as soon as he sells out his commission, an action I see him taking soon. The income is not large, but perfectly adequate for a family.”
“Money has never been a motivating factor for Charlotte. All she has ever wanted is a comfortable situation where she will not be a burden on her family. In fact, I have often worried she would settle for a marriage of convenience. I am happy to know that both her wishes and mine might be satisfied should your son be persuaded to make a move.” Sir William chuckled.