Although he was still resentful of the circumstances that had so nearly come between them, and still delayed his ability to take her as his wife, he was beginning to acknowledge the advantages of becoming master of the Darcy estates. She would be perfect as the mistress of Pemberley, and he could surround her with every comfort, every security she could possibly need or desire.
And he could make Georgiana safe, too. The first thing he would do would be to restore her fortune. Pemberley was quite wealthy enough for her to have a suitable fortune. He had saved his, so that could go to her, and he could replace Stephen’s for her, too.
He nodded his thanks at the groom, who touched his cap and led the horse away. As he climbed the steps, the butler opened the door to him.
“Good morning, Admiral.”
The first part of the call was taken up with tea and small talk. It seemed Elizabeth had not told her aunt what had transpired yesterday, and he respected her for it.
Soon enough, he was strolling in the gardens with Elizabeth. He knew it would be months before she could become his wife, months before he could walk the paths of Pemberley with her. But for the first time, he began to hope that Pemberley would become a real home, a place where his family could settle and be happy.
“I received a letter from my sister yesterday, Mr. Darcy. She is hoping that I will be returning to Hertfordshire soon.” Her voice was neutral, and he couldn’t discern whether she wished to go, or not.
He must not try to influence her, make her stay for his own ease. “I expect she misses you. What will you say to her?”
“I don’t know.” She looked down and he saw her indecision. “I would like to go home, my sister has always been my closest confidante — and yet, I think Georgiana needs a friend at this difficult time.”
His heart swelled with love for her. She cared about his sister, was thoughtful towards her needs. He drew her to a halt.
“May we sit down for a moment, Elizabeth?”
Once they were seated, she looked over at him and smiled impishly. “I think I might be about to be chastised. Papa always made me sit down before he was going to reprimand me.”
He was distracted. “What might he wish to reprimand you for, Elizabeth?” He could not imagine what it might be.
“Oh, I am not nearly so perfect as you think, Mr. Darcy!” she laughed. “Mostly, I seem to recall, it was for some unladylike behaviour.”
He laughed. “I cannot imagine it. But if you wish to return to Hertfordshire, Elizabeth, I will take a small country house in a nearby town. Perhaps Georgiana and I can then call on you at home, and you will be able to discern your father’s feelings towards our plans.”
She looked a little uneasy at his suggestion, but he’d had a further idea if this should come to pass. For the first time, a faint hope bloomed in his heart that he might yet be able to wed Elizabeth before the end of the mourning period.
He was curious to meet her family. He’d asked her to tell him about them yesterday, and he was able to discern that they were a close and affectionate family, whatever she said about their embarrassing behaviour.
He smiled. “I will, of course, make a coach available, and maids, whenever you might wish to go. You do not need to inconvenience your aunt and uncle.”
She laughed. “You’re tempting me, Mr. Darcy!” She looked pensive. “But it might take you a long time to find a house. I would have to maintain my friendship with Georgiana by letter.” Her eyes met his. “I don’t know that she would be happy with the arrangement.”
Darcy had been looking into the income from the Pemberley estate. It seemed money would be no object to whatever he wished to do. He smiled — he thought she might be surprised when she realised it.
“I think there ought not to be too much difficulty about it. And it will be easier for Georgiana not to have the eyes of society on her to judge her about her breaking the unwritten rules of mourning.”
Wealth was indeed helpful, Darcy thought, four days later. He checked in the glass as his servant straightened his cravat. This was a nice country house, slightly larger than the one he and Georgiana had first looked at, but perfectly adequate — he didn’t intend to stay here very long. On the outskirts of Harpenden, the house was around four miles from Longbourn.
He’d rented the house on a temporary basis, and he’d travelled down yesterday with Georgiana and Richard. Elizabeth had returned home three days ago, and he was impatient to call on her. At last it was time.
A few moments later, he’d bid farewell to his sister and cousin, and was riding towards Longbourn. He’d ascertained that Georgiana had informed Elizabeth in her recent letter that they were taking the house in Harpenden. He smiled, Georgiana had not yet had a reply — but it would be sent on from London, he knew it as well as he knew that Elizabeth would be expecting him.
He wondered what the family was really like. He’d lived in close quarters with many men from many different backgrounds, but he had little experience with families other than his own.
Longbourn looked friendly and unassuming, set in pleasant grounds, and he handed his horse to the groom who ran forward, before turning to the front door. He handed his card to the housekeeper.
“Admiral Darcy, to call on Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” He just remembered in time that Elizabeth wasn’t the eldest daughter.
She preceded him and he waited while he was announced, before entering. Immediately in front of him was a lady he assumed to be Mrs. Bennet, a well-built lady in her middle years, and he bowed at her, forcing himself not to look round for Elizabeth. The room was quite small, and appeared to be full of people.
“Well, Admiral Darcy, you are very welcome,” Mrs. Bennet said. “Lizzy mentioned your name to me a few days ago, and that you were likely to call.” She waved at the group of young ladies by the table, and Darcy was free to turn to look at Elizabeth.
“I say, Darcy. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Bingley’s voice was unexpected enough to drag his gaze away from Elizabeth.
“Bingley! I didn’t know you were in Hertfordshire!” Darcy wondered if he looked as astounded as his friend did.
“I’ve just taken an estate near Meryton.” Bingley still looked puzzled. “I wrote to you on the Hibernia. I thought you were still at sea. But then I read of …” Darcy lifted his hand. He didn’t want his family changes talked about just yet.
Bingley was far too polite to make any further comment, or ask any questions, and Darcy was free to look at Elizabeth, while trying to keep his mind on the conversation being monopolised by her mother.
Mrs. Bennet wasn’t nearly as difficult as Elizabeth had made him fear — she was obviously rather in awe of him, and he had to work hard to help keep the conversation going.
Bingley proved to be a great help, with his amiable manner and easy smile. Darcy spent several minutes watching him, and decided he had called to see the eldest daughter, who was indeed quite pretty. But her serene features didn’t seem to have the liveliness and joie de vivre of her sister.
The other three sisters seemed quite young, and took little part — or interest — in the conversation.
Elizabeth coughed quietly, and he realised he was staring.
“Mama, might Jane and I show the gentlemen around the grounds? I think they might be interested to see the wild garden.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea, Lizzy. When you have seen it, I will call for fresh tea.” Mrs. Bennet seemed as relieved as he felt to ease the tension of the call.
Strolling beside her, he felt better, and he knew she had composed herself more. “I think your mother is not nearly as embarrassing as you had portrayed her,” he tried to reassure her.
She smiled. “Longbourn estate is entailed away from the female line. It has been a great misfortune that Papa and Mama had only daughters, and Mama is quite understandably desperate to see her daughters suitably married and secure.”
“I’m happy that we can ease her mind for at least one of the five daughters
.” He smiled.
She laughed softly. “And I think she has hopes of another with Mr. Bingley.” She looked up at him curiously. “I didn’t know you knew him.”
30
Elizabeth stared out over the garden. She was happy he’d called, although Mama would doubtless fawn over him next time, now she’d seen his aristocratic mien and good breeding. Elizabeth hadn’t mentioned that he was now master of Pemberley; she’d not felt equal to explaining that. Mama would quite naturally assume that, with a naval title, he must be a younger son.
Later, she knew, Mama would try and warn her to make sure there would be enough security for her.
“Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Darcy was managing to address her correctly, she was pleased to notice. She smiled up at him.
“I’m so happy you called. I was thinking it must be quite a daunting thing to call upon a place where you do not know the family.”
He nodded, distracted, and she touched his hand discreetly, thinking to give him some confidence. His breath caught, and she pulled her hand away.
“I’m sorry.”
“Miss Elizabeth,” he tried again. “It’s not many weeks until I enter half-mourning. I wanted to go to Pemberley and begin to try and repair the many years of neglect the estate has suffered. But I cannot go there without you beside me.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I know it is possible to marry during that period, but the celebrations would need to be somewhat muted — a family-only wedding breakfast, for example.”
She nodded. “I understand that, Mr. Darcy.”
“I know ladies would wish for a celebratory ceremony, with all the excitement possible.” He sighed. “It is great deal to ask of you. But I would undertake to return here with you, at the completion of the mourning period, to hold a celebration of our earlier marriage, and hold it here — for everyone who’ll wish to attend.”
He turned onto the next path with her, oblivious to the presence of the other couple, who were far enough away not to hear their conversation.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy.”
He looked slightly puzzled — of course, she’d answered the question before he’d asked it properly. “Now you’ve met my family, it’s allayed my fears somewhat. If you’d like a quiet wedding during half-mourning, then who am I to argue?”
He looked almost disbelieving. “You will?”
She smiled a secret little smile at him. “I will, especially as I know Georgiana approves, and your cousin is not suspicious of my intentions.” She hesitated. “What will your aunt and uncle think?”
“Aunt Alice?” He hesitated. “I will go and speak to them. Obviously they were not aware of the circumstances in which we met, and that it was I called on you when I came ashore, and not by some design of yours. But it doesn’t matter.” He glanced round to check they weren’t being observed, and lifted her hand to his lips. “Dearest Elizabeth.”
Her legs went weak as heat permeated her body. What would it be like to be married, to be so close to someone?
But he was speaking again. “When we go indoors, may I speak to your father, Elizabeth, and obtain his consent?”
She nodded. “I haven’t mentioned news of your troubles at all, although it might have been in the newspaper.” She shrugged slightly. “You may need to convince him of your ability to provide for me.” She met his eyes. “I have but little fortune to bring into the marriage.”
His eyes were warm and amused. “I am not sure you are aware of the size of the Pemberley estate, Elizabeth. Fortune matters not at all.”
She smiled slightly. “It doesn’t matter to me. The most important thing is that we can be together and build a happy life.”
“Amen to that.” He lifted her hand again, but regretfully she drew it back.
“I’m sorry, my sister and your friend are approaching.” She turned to Jane as she hurried towards them.
“Oh, Lizzy! I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Bingley has just told me …” She turned to Mr. Darcy.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, sir, and the terrible events you’ve had to deal with.”
Mr. Darcy smiled at Elizabeth before turning politely to Jane. “Please do not distress yourself, Miss Bennet. Most of the immediate shock has passed, and I am now intent on building a new life for the estate and the family.”
Elizabeth took Jane’s hand. “Let’s go in and join Mama for tea, shall we? There’s no need to tell her just yet what you’ve learned. It might lead to some difficult questions.”
“Of course.” Jane turned to him. “I wouldn’t wish to cause any embarrassment, sir.”
He bowed politely, but Elizabeth could tell he was impatient to see Papa before the formal time for calls was past.
She managed to arrange that her sister and Mr. Bingley went into the sitting room in front of them before turning to Mr. Darcy. “That’s Papa’s library. I’ll just go in and say you’d like to see him.”
He nodded, seeming to be content to let her decide the best way to approach Papa. She knocked and went in, leaving the door open so that he could hear what she said.
“Papa, Admiral Darcy has called on me today, and he wishes to speak to you. May I ask him to come in?”
Papa put his book down and gazed benevolently at her. “Certainly, Lizzy. I welcome the chance to thank him for being there to save you from the wreckage — and Charlotte, too.”
Elizabeth smiled at him, wondering just what he’d say to Mr. Darcy’s request. Once the door was closed on the two men, she took a few deep breaths before joining Mama and the rest of the family.
31
Darcy bowed at Mr. Bennet, who’d risen to greet him.
“Mr. Darcy. I expect you know what I wish to say, having heard me tell Lizzy.”
Darcy smiled faintly. “Indeed, sir. I’m happy I was near enough to offer assistance.”
“Well, it seems you anticipated there might be difficulty, and moved your ship to be closer.” Bennet dipped his head respectfully again. “I’m very grateful.” He smiled. “Lizzy is my favourite, if one is permitted to have favourites.” He waved Darcy towards a chair.
Darcy acknowledged him and took his seat when the other returned to his. He wondered how to begin. But before he had marshalled his thoughts together, Bennet spoke.
“I received a letter last week from my brother-in-law in London, Mr. Darcy. He told me that you had called regularly on Lizzy while she was staying in London.”
Darcy nodded. “Yes, sir, I did.” He was certain Mr. Gardiner must also have mentioned the murder. Such news was always the subject of gossip, although he must allow on this occasion it would be justified as it involved Elizabeth.
Bennet didn’t fail him. “He also mentioned that you’d had to spend some time in Derbyshire due to the distressing loss of your eldest brother and the unfortunate events surrounding your other brother.” He met his eyes. “My condolences on your loss, Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you, sir,” Darcy murmured. “But I am here on happier business.”
Bennet smiled encouragingly and waited. Darcy swallowed.
“I am here to request your consent for me to marry your daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
They were married in a quiet ceremony in the church at Meryton less than two weeks later. Darcy stood at the altar, watching the lady he loved walk down the aisle towards him, and his heart turned over at her beauty and radiance. Georgiana looked delighted to be standing up with her, together with Jane. But Darcy really had eyes only for his bride.
His heart pounded. How generous she’d been to agree to such a quiet occasion, so that they could marry as soon as his half-mourning had started. He couldn’t even give her a proper tour — not officially, at least.
He smiled as she came to stand beside him. He would do his best to make the next weeks memorable for her.
Her eyes met his, and he remembered that day, so long ago, when she’d climbed over the side of the Hibernia in her sodden gown and looked around, unafraid and sure of herself. He’d known t
hen that everything would be all right, somehow. But on that day, he’d never imagined this.
He swallowed, and brought his mind to the present moment.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony …” The solemn words of the clergyman filled the church, and Darcy was content.
He felt that leaving the church with his wife on his arm was the proudest moment of his life. He had won the love and consent of the woman he wanted beside him forever, and she’d assisted him to navigate the problems of having had their future upturned and set on a path not of their choosing. But she’d done it all for love of him, not his money.
Her hand tightened on his arm and he glanced down, unable to stop smiling.
“What are you thinking?” she whispered.
“How fortunate I am,” he murmured back.
“As am I,” she replied.
They’d left the wedding breakfast promptly, and the coach reached as far as Harlington before dusk had fallen. Darcy’s servant scurried in to order the best chambers and the private parlour for them to dine and spend the evening.
Darcy climbed out and turned to offer his hand to his wife, who stepped down, looking around her with lively interest.
“Harlington,” he told her. “Perhaps we might stroll along by the river after we have dined.”
“I’d like that.”
Soon enough, they were strolling along, her hand light on his arm. It was not long until they would be able to retire, and his heart pounded.
He had taken two chambers adjacent to each other, and Darcy prepared for the night, wondering how long Elizabeth would need before she dismissed her maid and was ready for him. He would not like to keep her waiting.
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