by Jennifer Joy
“I think I shall walk near Netherfield Park today.” Elizabeth tugged on her gloves.
“Then you will almost certainly see him as I hear that seems to be his preferred path.” With a wink, Mrs. Hill returned to the dining room to inspect the maid’s work.
Elizabeth stepped lightly on the fresh snow, not wanting to mar its clean beauty. Her feet crunched in the soft powder sparkling under the morning sun. It was a perfect day for Kitty’s wedding. It was a perfect day to meet with William, she thought, walking with determined haste to their spot in the grove of trees.
When she arrived, he stood up from the fallen log. He had been waiting for her.
Hesitantly, he stepped forward, then thought better of it. He clasped his hands in front of him, then moved them to behind his back. William was nervous.
“And what are you up to?” A passing thought made her sick to her stomach. “You look like a groom repenting his choice at the altar.” There, she said it. She would not allow a misunderstanding to come between them again when she could ask for an explanation immediately.
“No, no,” he denied vehemently before worry overtook him. “You do not have regrets, do you?”
His uncertainty was adorable. “I have many regrets, William,” she began, moving close enough to him, she could hear him hold his breath. “I regret not agreeing to marry you sooner.”
With a whoosh that stirred her loose tendrils, William exhaled. “That is what I hoped to speak with you about. Would you agree to marry by license or do you have your heart set on the reading of the banns?”
Elizabeth would have loved to have had her banns read along with Jane’s, but Lady Catherine would surely oppose. “Under the circumstances, I think a license is the best choice for us … so long as Lady Catherine does not follow through with her threat to prevent the archbishop from approving it.” Or had that merely been a dream?
“There is that.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Then she would leave us no option but to travel to Gretna Green. Can you imagine her reaction when she learns how her interference led to the great Mr. Darcy of Pemberley eloping with an unknown, unremarkable—”
“I believe the word you are searching for is ‘insignificant’,” he said mischievously.
“Ha! That was it. How could I possibly forget? Such an event would certainly make the papers, then what would she do?”
“My aunt would rather die an early death than be the cause of gossip amongst her peers. Still, it is a promising argument. I shall make certain to include it in my next letter to her.”
“Miss de Bourgh seems rather taken with her doctor. He is younger than she had supposed. It was interesting how she did not mention much of the treatment, but she included sufficient details about the doctor I believe I should recognize him if I saw him. Can you imagine Lady Catherine’s reaction if her own daughter were to fall in love with Lord Harvisham’s son?”
“A third son? Oh, the shame,” he smiled, adding, “Would you marry me if I were a third son?”
Elizabeth looked up at the clouds and tapped the corner of her mouth. “Hmm. Please give me a moment to think …” she teased. “You seem to forget I have yet to see Pemberley. For all I know, it could be a straw hut in a dark forest.”
His face turned serious, but the twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed him. “No, not straw. I would never consider making my home out of such a flimsy material when mud is much sturdier.”
Their laughter rolled over the hills, echoing into the distance. The sparkling icicles adorning the tree branches watched over them, glistening and dancing in the early morning breeze, and tinkling in applause.
William pulled a long, black case out of his pocket. “Now that I know your true feelings, I feel at liberty to give this to you. They belonged to my mother, but I changed them to suit you.” He shuffled his feet and swallowed hard. Oh, he was nervous.
Taking the case that had saved his life, she ran her fingers over the rich velvet covering. She would forever cherish it for what it had already done. William had not bought this gift from the Burks’ haberdashery. “Is this why you were away so long?” she asked.
“Yes. Open it.”
“I will have you know that any gift requiring your absence for a fortnight must be truly spectacular and, even then, I will warn you never to part from me for longer than half a day ever again.”
“I will see to it.”
Oh, those words. How often they had frustrated her, but today, they were a promise. Opening the case, she gasped.
“Are they spectacular enough?” William asked.
Elizabeth clutched his gift in one hand and her heart with the other. Her mouth gaped open, but no expression could articulate what she felt. The emeralds shimmered against white satin lining. William took the necklace, walking around her back. She pulled her ringlets up as he wrapped it around her neck and clasped it, his fingers lingering deliciously at the tender spot at the nape of her neck before trailing to her ears to help her with the earrings.
“Do you like them?” he asked, taking one step away and admiring her so that she felt more beautiful than even Jane.
His gift, his thoughtfulness, his concern and open admiration deserved a proper expression of gratitude. Something better than words.
Closing the distance between them, Elizabeth slipped her fingers up William’s shoulders, twining them through the curls at his collar. Standing on the tips of her toes, she inclined her face upward until her lips found his. They were soft and tasted as sweet as honey. His breath smelled of peppermint. The stubble on his chin scratched against her skin, setting her nerves on fire and evoking sensations of which she had never imagined herself capable. Clinging to him as the world swayed, they kissed in the middle of the crystal-covered fields with nature as their chaperone.
Epilogue
All of Elizabeth’s favorite people came for Mr. Denny and Kitty’s wedding.
Charlotte greeted her with a bone-crushing hug. "Lizzy, there is something I wish to tell you," she whispered in Elizabeth’s ear.
Elizabeth was certain she could guess correctly, but she would do nothing to diminish her friend’s joy. “What is it?” she asked.
"I am engaged," said Charlotte, bobbing up and down on her toes, “to Colonel Fitzwilliam!” A blush covered Charlotte's cheeks and a soft smile brightened her plain features, making her lovely.
“Oh, Charlotte, how happy I am for you. Please, tell me more,” Elizabeth urged, leading her to the bench where Jane sat conversing with Father.
"He is a decisive man. He recognizes in me qualities which he feels will suit me well to military life. Oh, Lizzy," Charlotte said, grasping Elizabeth's hands between her own, "I never believed it possible to have a life of travel made available to me. I realize the conditions will not be ideal, but I am of a practical mind and shall make the best of it while seeing to the comfort of my husband." Her blush deepened, as did her smile.
"You will make Colonel Fitzwilliam an excellent wife, Charlotte. I wish you both the happiness you deserve."
"Thank you. Father was especially pleased. Colonel Fitzwilliam is the second son of an earl, you know. Not that I hold any aspirations toward the possibility of a title and wealth, but I am pleased to share with you another bit of news I only recently learned of myself."
Elizabeth did not know if she could stand any more happiness.
"My aunt in London has informed me she intends to leave me her fortune. She has even offered to add to my dowry on the condition she approves of the gentleman."
"That is the best news! Of course she will approve of Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth whispered as a hush fell over the happy assembly. She and Charlotte had much to discuss after the wedding.
The vicar took his place before the blushing bride and her officer groom.
Jane and Charlotte flanked her on either side, an appropriate setting given how Mr. Bingley, William, and Colonel Fitzwilliam sat together on the opposite side of the aisle.
&nbs
p; The young couple exchanged vows and Mr. Denny slipped a gold ring onto Kitty’s finger.
Both Jane and Charlotte clasped Elizabeth’s hands. This next bit was the best part of a wedding ceremony. They collectively sighed as Mr. Denny said the words they longed to hear from their own gentlemen, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Elizabeth peeked across the aisle at the man whom she loved. The man whom she would marry. Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy had a lovely ring to it ….
William met her gaze and her body warmed at his smile. If their kiss at the edge of the grove was indicative of their future happiness together, great things awaited them.
Right there, from that moment to forever, Elizabeth was undeniably, absolutely, unconditionally, and perfectly in love with Mr. Darcy. And for the first time, she allowed her hope free rein to imagine their life together. They would live Happily Ever After. She would see to it.
(At least, that is what every blushing bride-to-be hopes. True love is rainbows and sunshine until someone else is murdered …)
Thank you!
As a special Thank You to my readers, I’ve added a BONUS chapter exclusive for my newsletter subscribers. Do you want to know what happened between Lady Catherine and Lord Harvisham? Sign up for my Historical Romance New Release Newsletter to find out!
Thank you, for spending your precious time reading The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth. I hope you enjoyed reading my latest story. Please click here to leave a review — I read all of them!
Further thanks and loads of appreciation go to my usual culprits: Mammy, Mom, Dad, Renán, Rita, and Anji. I could never do what I do without your constant support and amazing understanding of story and character— especially of the Pride & Prejudice variety! I appreciate each of you so much.
Rest assured, there is more to come. Mr. Tanner holds firm views on women and marriage. (He’s in for a rude awakening.) Georgiana has yet to meet Elizabeth, but Darcy knows they’ll become the best of friends in no time at all. In the infamous words of Lord Harvisham, “Darcy, you know nothing.” What trouble could possibly come from two young women vying for Darcy’s attention? … And then, there is Lady Catherine. Hot flashes and mood swings have only shortened her temper and heightened her general nastiness. Will she get her way and keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart? I’m typing away as the next chapters of Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives unfold and will report my findings in full in the next installment.
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About the Author
When Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite Jane Austen characters, she is learning Sign language, reading, baking (Cake really is her one weakness!), or chasing her twins around the park (because … calories).
Her wish is to continue to write sweet romances and mysteries with happy endings for years to come.
While she claims Oregon as her home, she currently lives high in the Andes mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids. All of them are fluent in Spanglish.
Right now, Jennifer is imagining how a courtship with such a turbulent beginning can possibly lead to a smooth Happily-Ever-After for Darcy and Elizabeth. She senses there’s more trouble to come and promises to keep a detailed account of events (because, let’s face it, it makes for fun reading!).
Other Books by Jennifer Joy
Historical Romances
Anne’s Adversity: The Cousins Series, Book 2
The Colonel’s Challenge: The Cousins Series, Book 3
Earning Darcy’s Trust
Accusing Elizabeth
Love Never Fails
Win, Lose, or Darcy
The Honorable Mr. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 1
The Inseparable Mr. and Mrs. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery Book 3
Cozy Mysteries
Cabs, Cakes, and Corpses: Murder on the Equator,
Book 1
Rum Raisin Revenge: Murder on the Equator, Book 2
Cold Case Crumble: Murder on the Equator, Book 3
Sweet Contemporary Romance
Written in the Stars: Starlight Terrace Proposals #1
Bonus Material: The Inseparable Mr. and Mrs. Darcy
Elizabeth Bennet gazed over the candelabra at her betrothed, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Even in thought she pronounced his name with a sigh. His eyes — as tender as a caress and intense as the flickering flames separating them — met hers, capturing Elizabeth in their warm depths and pulling her into their own private conversation.
She understood him better now. She had learned to read his expressions with greater accuracy, opening up a world of debates and flirtations with the subtle tilt of his chin, curl of his lips, and glint in his eyes — which at that particular moment flickered to her left. Elizabeth smiled back at him, clamping her teeth onto the edges of her lips to keep from laughing aloud and drawing attention to their clandestine communication.
Miss Bingley sat at Elizabeth’s left. Elizabeth wondered if she had distractedly leaned into the socialite’s personal space or if the man sitting on Miss Bingley’s other side had done so. Either way, the lady did not attempt to contain her disdain for either of her table companions.
Elizabeth considered the seating arrangements from Miss Bingley’s perspective. Her brother, Mr. Bingley, was devoted to his new wife as was Colonel Fitzwilliam to his bride. Miss Bingley’s sister, Mrs. Hurst, was accompanied by her husband. Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle Philips were happily married, while Sir William and Lady Lucas beamed unitedly at the cause of the celebration.
There were three unmarried men at the gathering — not counting William, who was happily engaged to marry Elizabeth, Miss Bingley’s foe. Elizabeth’s father (recently widowed and in mourning), Mr. Collins (Father’s foolish cousin and heir), and Mr. Tanner. Both of the younger men would have been considered unworthy by the superior-minded Miss Caroline Bingley.
No doubt Sir William Lucas, the host of the wedding feast they quietly celebrated at Lucas Lodge, had taken it upon himself to encourage those who had not yet met with so great a success as his own daughter Charlotte had in the marriage mart. In keeping with the tradition of parents whose child had achieved the blessed and highly coveted married state, he must have assumed the arrangement pleasing to the unattached pair. Mr. Tanner and Miss Bingley, however, clearly did not agree.
Elizabeth chanced a look at Mr. Tanner and the irony made her arch her brow at William. Only a Darcy dared appear so cross at a social occasion meant to encourage joviality; to look like a thundercloud over a field of cheerful wildflowers. Arms crossed, chin jutting defiantly against any hint of gaiety, an irremovable scowl … Yes, it was the precise annoyed posture William had portrayed at the Meryton Assembly only months before.
How could Miss Bingley know of Mr. Tanner’s origins? To her, he was merely the elected village constable and owner of the Meryton inn. Had Miss Bingley known of Mr. Tanner’s familial attachment to William, she might not have pinched her face so unflatteringly. She might have at least attempted to engage William’s half-brother in conversation.
William’s cheeks tightened, forming a dimple and telling her that he had, indeed, taken note of the similarities. His eyebrows knit into a plea of forgiveness to which she smiled softly. She had forgiven him ages ago for his aloof manners and harsh words (if “ages” could be judged by the sensation of time transpiring rather than the literal passing hours).
How she had despised William then! And now? Elizabeth’s chest tightened, her heart overflowing with love for the man sitting across from her at the wedding feast.
Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth’s eldest sister, Jane, were forever joined in holy matrimony, as were Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth’s best friend, Charlotte Lucas. Very soon, it would be Elizabeth and William’s wedding banquet they would celebrate. Until then, the days could not pass quickly enough.
Sir William cleared his throat and stood from his place at the head of the table. Elizabeth reluctantly pulled her gaze from William to focus on their kind host. Sir William’s wife, Lady Lucas, had outdone herself (most likely moved by a guilty conscience and an intense desire to make expiation after her unwitting involvement in Mother’s demise weeks before). It was a feast for the senses. Such mouth-watering delights to tempt their palates, fragrant cedar branches in polished silver vases wrapped with lush velvet ribbons, the light laughter and easy conversation amongst the best of friends (excepting, of course, the aforementioned pair who killed no one’s joy but their own), and the sparkling crystals of the chandelier reflecting sunshine and rainbows throughout the dining room.
Tapping his glass, Sir William said, "My dearest friends, though we have been troubled by great sadness recently, we are blessed with merriness today. My daughter has married a fine man in Colonel Fitzwilliam, a son of the Earl of Matlock." Looking at his eldest daughter, his cheeks reddening with glee, he said, "I wish you a lifetime of happiness." He continued, directing his attention to the other end of the table. "To Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet — er, pardon me. I shall have to learn to call you Mrs. Bingley now!"
Several smiles and soft chortles acknowledged his error. They would all have to accustom themselves to new surnames. Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. Hmm, that sounded delightful. Soon … her turn would come soon.