by Lauren King
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29th
Darcy talks with Morgan in the Gardiner’s drawing room while they wait for Elizabeth and Jane to ask Mrs. Gardiner’s advice about Elizabeth’s wedding trousseau. Darcy saw that Jane and Morgan were genuinely happy with each other, earlier. Yesterday, Darcy heard from Elizabeth that Jane’s visit with James was fine. There were no other descriptions given which told Darcy that James’ visit did not surpass that of Morgan’s in terms of Jane’s liking. Furthermore, Elizabeth did not say whether James was going to call upon Jane anymore. This could only mean that Morgan is in a good position with Jane. Well, when there are multiple competitors, there can only be one winner. It so happens to be, most likely, Morgan. Darcy is concerned that Bingley has lost. Bingley was so sad yesterday that he failed to ask about whether Jane had any suitors. Nonetheless, what good is it if Bingley knows that Jane has suitors and he does nothing about his own family problem?
The two couples have a relaxing walk separated by about twenty feet of each other. Darcy decides to bring up the subject of Elizabeth’s continued work for her Uncle.
“Dearest, how was work at your Uncle’s office earlier?”
“Oh it was fine, darling. I am able to do things faster now that I have my system working the way I want it to. I finished one month’s worth of accounting already. However, that is only because there are fewer shipments during the holiday season because of the weather and the fact that the ship captains want a holiday break too. The only way they will probably work right now is if they are paid very handsomely, but even with all the money in the world, they cannot fight the ocean weather. Uncle had anticipated all that; hence, he had bigger shipments imported and exported in September and October to accommodate the demand for the holidays.” Elizabeth openly explains.
“Dearest, how long are you planning to help your Uncle? Is he looking for a new accountant?” Darcy asks forthrightly.
“Yes, he is looking for a new accountant, but he is being very careful and cautious because of what happened with Mr. Clarke. I will try to help him until he can find an accountant. Why, darling?” Elizabeth asks ingenuously.
“I am not comfortable with you working there; however, I know that your Uncle needs your assistance very much. That was a horrible thing his last accountant did to him, thus I understand that he will be very wary about his next accountant. Having you help him is ideal; you are entirely trustworthy, and you know the job inside and out. Nonetheless, it is not becoming of you being in that area. I am very worried that you may run into some harm being there every day. All morning, I kept thinking about you being in that office and being robbed again. I am very uncomfortable with you being anywhere near that area.”
“Oh darling, I am sorry that you were so worried, but I was never alone there.” Elizabeth tries to appease his apprehension.
“I know your Uncle would not leave you there alone to work, but I am still concerned about you being in such an area. It is not a safe locale.” Darcy squeezes Elizabeth’s hand. “I want to employ your cousins’ nanny’s relative to go with you and be with you in the office the entire time that you are there. Your Uncle is bound to have to leave you to attend to other things around his warehouse at one time or another. You said that she was available sometimes to help out your Aunt’s home, thus I will hire her to be with you every time you go to your Uncle’s office.” Darcy observes Elizabeth’s reaction; she does not seem upset; hence, he continues.
“I am looking into helping your Uncle find a trustworthy accountant, right now. I have made inquiries and found that Mrs. Lane’s eldest son was very sick and weak for a few months; therefore, he had to give up his assistant position to the steward in the estate that he had been working at for two years. In his position there, he learned accounting from the steward. I have been told that he was good at it.”
“Now, that he is healthy again, he wants to take a job in London, instead. He is thirty years old, and he has a wife but no children yet. I figure he is stable and trustworthy because his mother is my housekeeper. If he does anything bad, he knows that it could affect his mother too. Nevertheless, your Uncle can contact his previous employer regarding his job performance. I have not met him, but I can let Mrs. Lane know that he can contact your Uncle at the warehouse if everyone is interested. What do you think? I have made other inquiries just this morning, so I should have an answer by tomorrow if there are any other potential candidates.” Darcy explains logically.
“Oh darling, how did I get so lucky to have you as my betrothed?” Elizabeth asks candidly while looking directly and affectionately at William. His goodness only occurs in dreams, but she is actually blessed with it in reality.
“I am lucky to have you too. I love you, and I cannot abide you being in harm’s way. Now, I will speak to your Uncle if you would like or you can do it.”
“I will ask Uncle to speak with you about it this evening. If things work out with Mrs. Lane’s son then we will not have to hire the nanny’s relative. I do not want to offend my Uncle; he may think that we think he is negligent in my care. He has always been most careful with me working there, and I know that he feels horrible about the time that he was robbed. God must have been watching over me and Aunt Madeline that day to steer us away from that horror. I know he felt dreadful about it and was so scared for our safety; I think he still is. He came home that night and increased security around the entire house and made sure that the helping staff was sufficient to keep our home safe.” Elizabeth sighs before speaking again. “Can you believe all this trouble resulted from one man’s sins? Even though my Uncle got all of his money back, I still despise Mr. Clarke.”
Darcy tenderly caresses Elizabeth’s hand to calm her because he can tell that she is upset about what had happened to her Uncle. “Dearest, do not get too upset. I just want you to be safe, and I would do anything to keep you safe. I will talk to your Uncle this evening about Mrs. Lane’s son.”
“Thank you, darling.” Elizabeth smiles warmly as she fondly squeezes William’s arm that she is holding onto.
The two couples have a cheery time at the pastry shop, and they speak as if they have all been long time friends. Jane finally feels less worried about her situation; some happiness is seeping through. Mr. Morgan has been most attentive the entire outing. While enjoying their time at the pastry shop, they are approached by two gentlemen that are also barristers who work at the same courts as Mr. Morgan. They amiably greet Mr. Morgan and then introductions are made to everyone. While the gentlemen talk, Elizabeth briefly sees one of the gentlemen – Mr. Barry Fleming discreetly glance at Jane a few times. He appears to be older than Mr. Morgan. Elizabeth is not surprised because it is widely recognized, in Meryton and the surrounding areas, that Jane is very pretty. Elizabeth looks away, but as she does that, she sees the other gentleman – Mr. Adam Brookstone – glimpse at her again. He has done that several times already. Elizabeth quickly addresses Jane.
“Jane, let us go look at the chocolates and maybe we could buy some for the children.”
“Certainly, let us see the varieties.” Both ladies move towards the chocolate counter.
Darcy hears movement by Elizabeth, thus he turns to her. Elizabeth looks directly at him and quietly tells him that she and Jane will go look at the chocolates to buy for the children. Darcy pulls out both ladies chairs and goes with them. They pick what they want to buy, and Darcy pays for them after some disapproval from both ladies.
When they return to their table, Mr. Fleming and Mr. Brookstone say their farewells; Elizabeth is positive that she does not like the way Mr. Brookstone concentrates his attention on her. Is there something wrong with her face, dress, or hair? That cannot be the reason because Jane or William would have informed her. Maybe he does not like her for some other reason. Luckily, they are leaving now because she was starting to feel uncomfortable with him. Elizabeth also saw that William was beginning to notice Mr. Brookstone looking over at her and Jane a few times. William’s face was becoming stern
er towards Mr. Brookstone. Elizabeth surely did not want any problems to ensue.
When the two couples reach the Gardiner’s residence, Darcy and Elizabeth go into the drawing room after saying farewell to Mr. Morgan. Jane stands at the entrance door to bid Mr. Morgan a good day.
“Miss Bennet, may I call upon you tomorrow morning?” Morgan asks with hope. He feels that they have gotten along splendidly these last three visits; he wants to ask her for a courtship tomorrow.
They agree to eleven o’clock.
“Good afternoon, sir.” Jane says cheerfully, and then she decides to be daring a little. “I await your visit, Mr. Morgan.”
Jane smiles shyly and then sees Mr. Morgan smile widely at her response as he turns to leave. Jane hopes that was not too brazen of her to express such sentiments, already. Mr. Morgan did not seem taken aback by her comment.
Mrs. Gardiner invites Darcy to stay for dinner; he cheerfully accepts. When Mr. Gardiner and he chat before dinner, Darcy tells him about Mrs. Lane’s son being an accountant. Mr. Gardiner thanks Darcy for being so considerate in helping him find an accountant. Mr. Simon Lane can come to the warehouse tomorrow at ten o’clock to speak with Mr. Gardiner about the position.
After dinner in the drawing room, Darcy tells Elizabeth that he has invitations to some New Year’s Balls. He would like to take her to one on New Year’s Eve hosted by Mr. Phillip Salisbury and another on New Year’s Day hosted by Mr. Mark St. Claire.
“Do you want to go to these balls or are you just taking me because you think I want to go, darling? I do not have to go to balls to be content.” Elizabeth states sincerely. “I would be just as happy to be home and playing different board games with you.” Elizabeth smiles affectionately while looking intently at her betrothed.
“Oh Lizzy, you fill my life with such joy. I would also be glad to stay home with you and do whatever you want; however, it will be New Years, so I want to show off my beautiful fiancée.” Darcy says cheerily and complacently.
William’s words and actions show just what a good person he is; her happiness is unsurpassed, and she is extremely blessed to have him in her life forever. “I would love to go and dance with my handsome betrothed.” Elizabeth smiles mischievously.
Darcy smiles smugly because Elizabeth is becoming bolder with her expression of fondness for him. “I will ask Mrs. Annesley to chaperone you and Jane again?”
“Yes, if that is not too much trouble for anyone; thank you, darling.” Elizabeth reaches for Darcy’s hand with both of hers she squeezes it warmly. “I forgot to tell you that I have to go to Mrs. Templeton’s tomorrow because I still have to order a few more things. Will you ask Georgie if she wants to come with me and Jane again?”
“I will ask her as soon as I get home tonight. What time shall I come for you, dearest?”
“You are sure you want to go?”
“Yes, I am. I want to spend time with you.” Darcy says as a matter-of-fact manner.
Elizabeth smiles coyly. “I like to spend time with you too; I missed you last time.” She caresses his cheek again. “Will ten o’clock be agreeable, darling? This time will not take too long.”
“Ten o’clock will be fine.” Darcy smiles satisfyingly at her declaration of wanting to be with him.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30th
At exactly ten o’clock Darcy and Georgiana are at the Gardiner’s residence for Elizabeth and Jane. Elizabeth tells William that there is a mix up of time.
“Darling, Jane wants to come with us, but I did not know that she had already agreed to Mr. Morgan’s visit at eleven o’clock. Additionally, we do not know if he would even want to go shopping and there is not sufficient time to contact him ahead of time to let him know.” Elizabeth turns to Jane and says, “I think we should not impose upon him to come shopping with us, Jane. Maybe you should just stay here and visit with him.”
“Yes, I think you are right. We do not want to make him feel compelled to go shopping with ladies for hours. You are the perfect gentleman, William.” Jane praises William genuinely.
Darcy is actually, somewhat, bashful from Jane’s compliment. He is agreeable to go with Elizabeth anywhere because he simply enjoys being with her anywhere, at any time. He does not care if that makes him different from other gentlemen. He has a most lovely fiancée; why would he not want to spend time with her?
At Mrs. Templeton’s, Elizabeth asks William what his favorite color is because she wants to purchase her winter coat in that color. William says that he likes dark blue; he shows her his greatcoat.
“Darling, may I show Mrs. Templeton your coat so that she knows the color?”
William agrees and hands her his coat. Elizabeth hugs his coat to her body and goes to show Mrs. Templeton. Darcy sees Elizabeth smiling coyly at him as she smells his coat while walking off. Lord! He just wants to go grab her and kiss her lips senseless when he saw her do that. He can tell that she is very expressive and loving; their marriage will be extremely fulfilling, indeed. With tenderness, love, and care, he does not think that she will be reluctant or fearful of their marriage bed.
As Elizabeth goes to pay for her order, she finds that she does not have enough money. She had ordered two thick fur-lined leather walking shoes before coming to Mrs. Templeton’s so evidently she miscalculated with the last two coats that she ordered. She will have to put back the two thinner shawls and one Spencer. She will need the two thick coats more. She quietly tells Mrs. Templeton of her changed order. She does not realize that William is nearby enough to hear her. He comes to where Elizabeth is talking to Mrs. Templeton and says, “Mrs. Templeton, I would like to speak to my betrothed privately for a moment.”
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy. Please, take your time.” Mrs. Templeton walks to her back room.
“Dearest, you do not have to change your order; I can pay for it.” Darcy says coolly.
“No thank you, darling; this is my wedding trousseau – the groom does not pay for it. My father is paying for it, but I miscalculated a bit, so I just have to put a couple of shawls back; that is all. Thank you, darling.” Elizabeth smiles pleasantly.
“Lizzy, can I not buy anything as a gift for my betrothed? You will make me very happy if I could do this for you. If you do not get it now, then I will have to purchase it for you another time, anyways. I would like to save a trip.” Darcy says logically with his handsome smile; he knows how to get his way with her, too. He tries to distract her with his common sense because he knows that she does not want him to pay for anything.
Elizabeth says softly without looking at William. “Darling, I do not feel right about it.”
“Dearest, look at me, please.” When Elizabeth looks up at William, he continues, “I will be your husband in less than five weeks; why would you not feel right that I buy you gifts? I can afford anything you want. You only need to let me know. There is nothing wrong with it. Does this mean that I cannot buy you any more gifts until we are married?”
“You know I do not mean that. This is not a gift; it is because I miscalculated my purchases, and do not have sufficient funds. Please understand for me; I do not want anyone saying that you had to help me pay for my wedding trousseau. My Father said that he would allow me more funds if I let him know. I just need to write to him.” Elizabeth explains calmly. She does not want William to pay for any part of her wedding trousseau.
“I am not happy that you would not simply accept my offer, Lizzy, but I understand your reason. However, you know I can buy you anything you want, right?”
Elizabeth nods as she pouts prettily at him to get her way.
“When we are married, I will buy you whatever I want, whenever I want, and as much as I want. I will yield to your request this one time to make you happy.” Darcy is firm but understanding.
“Thank you, darling.” Elizabeth smiles satisfyingly. She knew that he would understand; conversely, she also knew that he would not be happy. She smiles at him again and again until he also breaks out into a smile.
&nb
sp; Darcy is certain she knows that she can ask him to do anything, and he will do it for her; what a clever and enchantingly beautiful young lady she is, and she is going to be his wife forever – thank goodness!
When they get home, it is time for luncheon and Mr. Morgan has already left. Elizabeth asks William and Georgiana to stay for luncheon. They eat and talk with Jane regarding Elizabeth’s purchases. Afterwards, Georgiana goes with Jane to see which gown Jane will wear for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve Ball. Elizabeth remains with William, but she asks Jane to show Georgiana her gown that she will be wearing tomorrow night.
Relaxing in the drawing room, Elizabeth softly asks, “Darling, are you still bothered about earlier?”
“No, I am not. I understand your thinking. I just want to do everything for you and give you everything you want, especially because I can afford it all. You will be my wife – my life, Lizzy, thus if I can give you something, then I would like to be able to do that. In my mind, you are my wife already; therefore, it feels natural for me to provide you with the funds for anything you might need or want. You are not frivolous with your spending; I see that clearly, so I would never be worried that you would spend recklessly. Do you understand my viewpoint, dearest?” Darcy explains rationally; it is all reasonable to him.
“I do understand it. I just do not want anyone mistaking that I expect that from you. I know you are naturally very generous with me; I will try to accept your generosity more graciously, sweetheart – thank you.” Elizabeth teases William as she squeezes his hand, “All right, it will not be my fault if the shops on Bond Street all come looking for payment at Darcy House because your betrothed has bought everything in sight.” Elizabeth giggles.