He was in doubt for a few moments, then confessed, 'I had hoped to get the master's advice on some private matter, but this is clearly not the right moment, I'm sorry to have imposed on you. It will be fine, I think I've made my decision already. Thank you ma'am, for your concern, we all really value it. I dare wish you a very good night, I'll tell Fanny she won't be needed until tomorrow morning. Will you ring when you're ready for us?'
He looked so servile, but strangely enough not unhappy, as he bowed deeply before them. At their confirmation of his assumption he bowed again in acknowledgement, though a lot less deeply, and turned towards the servants'
quarters without looking back or seeming distraught.
'That was strange,' Elizabeth observed, but then she distracted both of them from what had happened by kissing him once more, then leading him to their bedroom quickly, almost heatedly. From the moment the door closed behind them they were all over each other, kissing, fondling, removing the occasional item of clothing. But Elizabeth was not so far gone in desire as to forget her promise to Simon, and she hung out Darcy's coat and folded his cravat over the back of a chair. Of course Darcy followed her example, putting away her dress and her hat neatly, leaving the gorgeous gold chain on the dressing table.
But when everything that could damage or wrinkle had been removed, they went all out on the rest, and soon underwear was flying, and they hit the bed kissing and groping.
All the fatigue and tension of the day evaporated as they made love with fervour, Elizabeth no less active than Darcy himself. He felt no need to subject himself to his beloved, that seemed to be a weird mood that came
over him every so often, now he merely wanted to stroke and kiss and lick every inch of her until she shuddered with passion, and it was very obvious she felt exactly the same towards him. And after an intense half hour they were both sated and physically exhausted, lying limbs-entangled under their warm blanket.
Then they talked. About Wickham, how Darcy had failed to see that the companion of his youth had in fact been led astray by his own father, that Wickham had not hidden his true nature from his patron but had actually been encouraged in his excesses by the very man who had inspired in Darcy a son's admiration for his father's unshakeable morality, and a wish to be as fair and as reputable when his own time came to take over the management of the family estate.
'And you succeeded, Fitzwilliam, everybody respects you, your dependants even love you. The only one who suffered was you, really.'
That might be true, but somehow Darcy felt cheated by his father, and rightfully so, Elizabeth admitted.
'I do understand your disappointment in your father, to find out he led a double life, led a boy you once loved as a brother into depravity and licentiousness. Of course Wickham made choices, too, he had your example and his own father's of how a man should behave.'
And they talked about Mr Manners and his intentions towards Georgie.
'She seems to like him, but she does not encourage him at all,' Elizabeth observed rightfully.
'He would be such a good match for her, such a pleasing character, everything a gentleman should be. It's enough to make me suspicious,'
Darcy couldn't help confessing.
This caused his beloved to laugh out loud, but she did admit to feeling protective of Georgie.
'She is still so young to be thinking of marriage, but his attentions force her to consider him as a potential partner. He's not handsome, but everything else about him seems admirable. You're right, it's almost too good to be true.
Better keep a close eye on him without intimidating him. Though I can't help feeling for Mr Fielding, love, he is such a superior, sensitive man, and so talented.'
'Well, it's not as if it is our choice to make, Georgiana will have to decide for herself whether she is ready for love and marriage, or wants to she
pursue her studies a few years extra. In which case, either of the gentlemen will have to try his luck elsewhere, or stick to it.'
'But it is your choice to make, Fitzwilliam,' Elizabeth now remarked very seriously.
'Your sister is convinced that you want her to marry a gentleman with prospects, not a penniless young artist, no matter how talented. That will influence her choice very much, I'm sure, even beyond her own wishes.
Especially since as yet she has no higher feelings for either man involved.
You must become aware of that, for if she marries Mr Manners before she knows what love is, to please you and behave appropriately, she may regret that decision later.'
Darcy was amazed at her insights, and not for the first time.
'I see your point, my love, how could you ever wish to have a sense for decorum and propriety if you have something much more valuable? I wanted Georgie to not have to think of men and marriage for a long time yet, I thought we could just ignore men paying attention to her as long as she isn't interested in them. But if you think Mr Manners' attentions, if they turn out to be serious, may force her into marriage because it's such an advantageous match, maybe it's not a good thing to ignore possible suitors after all.
Maybe we should give Georgie the chance to really get to know Mr Manners, like Fanny and Bob did before they decided they wanted to get married, so she can make up her own mind.'
Elizabeth was glad to hear that, and Darcy added a promise.
'I will do my utmost to let her know I'm not going to encourage her into a marriage before she is ready to love someone, a marriage that may leave her unhappy or even miserable. Talking to your father and hearing what Wickham told you about being married, I'm starting to think I wasn't just lucky to find you, but also rather sensible. I want my sister to be as happy in her marriage as she is now, preferably happier. Thank you so much love, for your warning. She's just sixteen, I thought we could postpone these matters until she was eighteen at least, or in love, but apparently having a fortune and connections comes with certain responsibilities and disadvantages as well. Let's talk to her about what she wants before she gets all kinds of strange ideas.'
Of course the coming wedding would take precedence over serious talks, but Darcy realised he had barely talked to Georgie the last few days, he had
observed her, had seen her happy enough with either Kitty or Mr Manners, or the bride or groom, then went ahead with what he was doing. That would change tomorrow, he would be by her side much more often, if only to protect her from George Wickham or Lydia's foolishness.
Chapter 41
Having talked about the most important things they naturally moved on to the less important subjects, their new acquaintance, and Miss Bingley's chances to find a husband among them. Elizabeth could see that Fitzwilliam was rather affected by the idea that a desirable gentleman paying attention to Georgiana could force a decision to marry well for her family's sake from his faithful sister, but he had to consider that possibility, and he would. As soon as he was used to the idea. For now, a little talk bordering on gossip would divert him from more serious subjects.
'I saw you talking to two almost opposite gentlemen,' she drew him out, 'a foppish thin one and a strapping blond. Were they good company?'
Smiling at her way of talking, he told her about Mr Vane and Mr Ponsonby, concluding with, 'So, whilst they were both excellent company, I'd say only Ponsonby stands a chance, but he does lack personal beauty. Of the three I have really talked to so far, I'd give Mr Grenfell the highest points.'
'Ah, Mr Grenfell,' Elizabeth replied, 'he is indeed a handsome fellow with a nice fortune. He did strike me as a little too pleased with himself, but maybe Miss Bingley doesn't mind that. She's used to loving a handsome, proud fellow after all.'
Her cheeky smile had the desired effect, Fitzwilliam forgot everything he might worry about and retorted.
'I thought I told you before, Elizabeth, pride is only a flaw in a weak character. Where there is real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation.'
Elizabeth could feel her smile broaden, he really so
unded exasperated, as if he meant it.
'We'll just have to see in which category Mr Grenfell places himself, then.'
Fitzwilliam had truly learned to laugh at himself, quoting his own foolishness with relish, showing his love for her openly, and of course he was unable to keep his hands off her, even after having been totally sated
not even an hour ago.
'Which gentlemen have you had the pleasure to talk with?' he asked her between two kisses.
'I talked to Mr Grenfell and admired his looks, but not his self-assurance.
But I mostly spent some time with Mr Lascelles and Mr Bathurst. You know, the smallest fellow of the lot, with the moustaches? That is Mr Lascelles, he's part French and proud of it. He certainly has the mental capacities to regulate his pride, he struck me as being extraordinarily smart.
My father asked him for his opinion on the revolution in his father's homeland, and he had some truly fascinating insights. I'm sure papa will seek him out again the coming days. His ideas on equality are only slightly less revolutionary than those of the current French rulers. And he stuck to them faithfully, for he did not object to my participating in the conversation, he answered my questions and reacted to my remarks as seriously as to my father's, despite my being a mere female.'
'You could never be a mere female, my love,' Fitzwilliam breathed in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
'You are the smartest person I know, though I don't know Mr Lascelles beyond shaking hands with him. His English is accentless, isn't it?'
'It is, he was born and raised here, his mother is an independent widow who married a refugee from our nation's mortal enemy. I like him a lot, but I don't think Miss Bingley will, he's not actually of impeccable descent, you see, his father was no commoner, but all his possessions were taken from him and he was totally destitute when the noble widow took him in and fell in love with him.'
'So Mr Lascelles is out. And Mr Bathurst?'
'He is the last option, since Mr Acton is reputed to be a second son and destined for the church. I think I'll like Mr Acton, though, he seemed not merely handsome, but rather artistic somehow. I can't wait to really get to know him, I suppose there will be some time before the wedding tomorrow, and anyway, we'll be together for almost a week afterwards. Do we need to go home to prepare for the Christmas party?'
'No, Mrs Annesley assured me she had it all covered. I'll accompany Georgie to her piano lesson to make sure, we'll take the carriage, the slow team is so much faster now we can be there and back in a day, if I miss you too much. You'll be fine with your sister, won't you?'
'I will, I feel much more at home here with Jane being the lady of the house.'
'But you were going to tell me about Mr Bathurst, is he really an option?'
'Well, you've seen him, he is not at all handsome, but in a very noble way I think. Like your aunt, very impressive, very important looking, but not athletic or with pleasing features. Still, he is nice enough, and smart.
Somehow Bingley seems to have a really good taste in friends, they are all nice, though widely different in appearance. If there wasn't a foot of snow at least outside, we could see them ride out, observe their sportsmanship, though the real athletes will undoubtedly get restless after a few days of being snowed in. I'm glad we'll only have to dig our way to church for the wedding, with the party being held right here.'
After this last remark, Elizabeth became contemplative.
'I suppose it will be very strange to dance with you at Netherfield, my love, since my family made such a laughingstock of themselves the last time. Any moment you see me blushing the deepest scarlet I'll be thinking of how they behaved, and how I addressed you that night. I was openly hostile, so incredibly rude, I truly wonder how you managed to stick to your preference for me.'
'Frankly, I blamed Wickham, of course I already suspected him of telling you all sorts of lies about me, though I only found out at Hunsford how totally he had adapted the truth to suit himself. And your family, you know they weren't your responsibility, you couldn't help it. In one thing at least Wickham was actually right, I was a prig, a total and utter one. I'm cured now, maybe I'll make a fool of myself to prove it. When you dance with Wickham, I'll throw a tantrum, and your father will have to calm me down.'
Imagining this, Elizabeth had to laugh and Fitzwilliam joined her.
Then he asked, 'So which one will Miss Bingley choose?'
'I guess it will be Mr Grenfell.'
Fitzwilliam agreed, 'I think so, too, though I think she should choose Mr Ponsonby. If he'll have her.'
'With her fortune she can choose any one of them. I think Mr Acton may very well be the most deserving, but Miss Bingley will not throw herself away on a penniless second son.'
'Maybe she'll decide to go for Mr Manners after all, he does seem the nicest of the lot. He did me a great turn helping me to get acquainted with his friends. As if he knew it was difficult for me to relate to so many strangers.'
'I do like him as well, and we'll probably see plenty of him, Bingley seems very taken with him.'
After that they discussed the wedding the next day, snuggling close all the time, getting ever more sleepy, and before they knew it, it was light outside once more. The day of Jane's wedding had arrived!
But when they had indulged themselves in their usual loving, and Simon answered the bell and opened the curtains, while Fanny busied herself preparing her mistress' church dress, they could see snow flurrying past the window in amazing thickness for something airborne.
'Is it snowing as heavily as it seems, Simon?' Fitzwilliam asked his valet, and Simon dutifully answered, 'It is, master, and it seems as if it has snowed all night as well, for there is nothing to be seen outside but white. It is fortunate all the guests have arrived yesterday, for no-one will be able to travel more than a few miles in safety today.'
Oh, no, poor Jane! She had waited for so long to be wed, and now the ceremony might have to be cancelled due to the atrocious weather!
'Don't worry, Elizabeth,' Fitzwilliam said soothingly, 'we'll find a way to have your sister wed today. But maybe you'd better wear your woollen pantaloons under your dress. Churches tend to be drafty, and I'm afraid your little carriage cannot be heated very well. It will be very cold in there.'
They kissed a little more until the fire had come to life once again under Simon's capable hands, making the room a bit more comfortable to dress in, and their clothes were ready for use.
Elizabeth, remembering Simon's strange conversation last night, took a good look at the handsome valet and he seemed to be glowing. His usual demeanour, always slightly tragic to her eyes since she found out about his unrequited love for his master, had changed markedly. With so many male guests, the servants' quarters had to be brimming with valets, Simon must have met someone to relieve his loneliness for a night, maybe even a bit longer. Since that was a rather embarrassing thought, and none of her business anyway, Elizabeth quickly tried to divert her thoughts to something else altogether, and with the snow making this day a lot more exciting than her favourite sister's wedding already had been that was rather easy to do.
Wearing the dress she had chosen for church, but with her woollen pantaloons and even her sturdy boots hidden under it, Elizabeth sat still while Fanny did her hair with amazing deftness for a maid who had been promoted from extra help not even a month ago. She had a real talent for this. It took nearly an hour to gild her mistress to her satisfaction, but Simon
needed as much time to perfect his master's look, and it certainly paid off.
Yesterday's hairdo was managed once more, his cravat was even more intricately folded and pleated, his shoes buffed to the highest sheen. And Simon seemed to have applied a tiny dash of dark colouring to his master's eyes, their lashes were darker and longer than ever, and Fitzwilliam's expression was just ravishing.
'I have been warned against outshining the bride in my afternoon dress, Simon,' Elizabeth said cheekily, 'but aren't there simi
lar rules about making the groom seem commonplace compared to his witness? Shouldn't you have botched at least one tiny detail, to spoil the whole and let poor Mr Bingley be the handsomest man for this most important day of his life?'
Simon smiled broadly at her outrageous compliment and dared to retort.
'The personal staff decided yesterday that Mr Grenfell was the handsomest man in the party, Mrs Darcy. I suppose I did take a little offence at that, and decided to tip the scales in favour of the master today. Do you think I overdid it?'
'I think you did, but it worked. Your master will certainly be the handsomest man today, unless Mr Grenfell's valet outdid your performance.'
Still tickled with his mistress' playful praise, Simon seemed to have a turn of thought, and he observed, 'Oh well, not everything in life is about appearance anyway. Excellent manners and a generous nature make a man beautiful as well.'
And as if to distract them from that observation, he added, 'Don't you want to know whom they voted the prettiest lady?'
With a laugh, Elizabeth replied, 'I don't need to, for Miss Bennet is not only the most beautiful woman in the party, she has the best manners and the most generous nature of everyone present, man or woman, no exceptions.'
'You are right, ma'am, as ever,' Simon stated humbly, 'Miss Bennet led the field with no competition. But you, Mrs Darcy, came in a handsome second, unanimously I might say. And if Miss Bennet weren't the bride today, which will undoubtedly add to her beauty still, you'd give her serious competition wearing that dress you chose for the party.'
With snow still falling outside, they received a message from Bingley and Jane and made their way to the sitting-room where Elizabeth chatted privately with Jane yesterday evening, this time to meet the bride and groom for a quick deliberation. But first Elizabeth looked her fill of her stunningly
beautiful sister, already dressed in her wedding-gown, since they were supposed to be wed at the church before noon. Jane was wearing very pale blue and her gown was deceptively simple, very little lace, hardly any decorations, the simple elegance of the design and her perfect figure were enough to make her stand out. But closer inspection revealed the quality of the priceless blue silk and the perfect fit of this dress, she did not have it made locally or Elizabeth had to be very much mistaken.
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