Mr. Darcy's Promise
Page 13
Elizabeth laughed softly. “If you insist I call you Richard, my dear cousin, you must call me Elizabeth in turn.”
“Well then, Elizabeth, what do you call a cow that jumped over a barbed wire fence?”
She looked puzzled. What on earth could he possibly mean? She glanced at Mr. Darcy for an explanation, but saw only her husband shake his head and groan perceptibly. “I do not think I could say, Richard. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”
“Udder destruction!” He turned and laughed manically as he left the room.
*****
Her tea with Lady Matlock went more smoothly than even Elizabeth could have hoped for. She was very kind and graciously hospitable, and kept her conversation to light topics that were easy enough to discuss. Thankfully, Elizabeth thought, Lady Matlock had the courtesy to avoid any but the easiest discussion of her marriage. Lady Matlock insisted on confirming the Darcys’ attendance at the theatre. After the pleasant afternoon, Elizabeth found it easy to consent. But, she had to admit to herself, as she left the richly furnished sitting room, she felt a little underdressed in spite of wearing her best day gown.
Elizabeth had also visited her Aunt Gardiner twice in that week, and had requested she come to the final fitting for her theatre gown. She was much more comfortable having her aunt there for that kind of thing rather than Mr. Darcy, although he did offer. It felt good to be with family and have her worries lessened. She discussed everything but Mr. Darcy with her aunt because she felt that she would have nothing but a jumble of confusion to tell. She did tell her about their day trip to the Chinese gardens and the art museum that Mr. Darcy insisted on taking her to, but she did not tell her about how holding his arm seemed to both calm and alarm her at the same time. She told her aunt about Colonel Fitzwilliam and his jokes, but she did not tell her how she was beginning to like being introduced as Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. She told her about the delicious fine food the French cook prepared for them, but she did not tell her about how when his eyes smiled it made her heart flutter. She told her about the plans to go to the theatre and how they were to sit in the balcony in his personal box seats, but she did not tell her about her hope to look spectacular and “tempting” to her new husband. Yes, she told her aunt about everything but the stirrings in her heart. For that was both confusing and at times painful, as she was often reminded of the kind of marriage she was now in.
She now sat in front of the mirror letting Serafina create what looked like a masterpiece on top of her head. She was placing the last of two silver combs in the crown and adding sprigs of baby’s breath behind them.
“I do think, madam, that the master will not be able to take his eyes off of you tonight and he will not be able to recall one thing that happened on the stage.” Serafina’s words were lightly accented, but the meaning was still clear.
Elizabeth appreciated her words, but still doubt overcame her as she gazed at her reflection. Would he like the dress? Would he appreciate the efforts she was taking to impress him? Would he even look twice in her direction? Serafina tightened the corset one more time before helping Elizabeth into her new gown. Elizabeth gazed at the wall, not daring to look in the mirror. What if he doesn’t like it? Will I embarrass him in front of his family and friends? She shook her head to herself. Mr. Darcy was at the least indifferent to her appearance, and a change in her dress and hair would hardly change matters. Just then a knock was heard on the door that led to the master suite.
“That would be the master.”
Serafina went to open the door but Elizabeth held a hand out to stop her. “Wait, do I look acceptable?” She knew her face betrayed her fears but she couldn’t help herself.
“Oh yes, madam! You have never looked as beautiful as you do now.” She then opened the door and Mr. Darcy walked in.
He entered and immediately found himself speechless at the sight of her. Elizabeth, you are truly breathtaking! His gaze traveled from her head to her slippered feet and back again. The skirt of her silk gown was a forest green interwoven with thin gold thread, while the bodice was made of shimmering gold silk. The neckline scooped becomingly into a point at the center. The high empire waist fit snugly under her breasts, accentuating her natural curves of her chest and waist. The rich green of the gown made her complexion gleam ivory and rose. Her hair was pulled up, and in the mirror behind her he could see several small braids looped around each other in a most flattering array of curls and braids. The combs held back the curls that often framed her face and for a moment he was saddened to not see those curls fall around her face. He then saw her eyes. He expected them to be bright and excited but there was anxiety and fear in them. He cleared his throat and tried to speak but only a croak came out. He tried again, “Have you seen yourself in the mirror?” He watched her shake her head silently. “Well, I suggest you turn around and look at what I have to endure tonight.” He had meant it as a compliment but he saw tears forming in her eyes. What did I say?
Elizabeth bit back the tears of disappointment that sprang to her eyes. He would need toendure her appearance tonight? Soon anger replaced the disappointment and she opened her mouth in rebuttal. “Well, perhaps I should not go if my appearance is not tolerable to you. I would not want to embarrass you in front of all your friends and family.” She bit her lip, stopping herself before she said more.
Darcy was confused. She was obviously offended by what he said. Not tolerable? He knew she was referring to his comment at the Meryton assembly. Will I ever live that down? She is everything beautiful and perfect! “Let me explain myself . . .” he began.
“No, Mr. Darcy, I believe you have made yourself quite clear.” She turned around and for the first time saw herself in the mirror. Never had she even hoped to be wearing something so fine. She brushed her fingertip against her puffed sleeve, marveling at the careful construction of the pleats. She watched in the mirror as Darcy approached her from behind. He reached into his waistcoat and took out a gold chain. Careful not to disturb her braids, he reached around her neck to place a necklace there. In the center of the necklace hung a simple emerald, with a pearl dangling beneath. The shape of the chain was perfectly matched to the neckline of her gown. His hands worked to fasten it securely behind her neck, so she stood in silent awe, watching his head bent behind her. It seemed to take an enormous amount of time to clasp the necklace and she felt his breath on her neck giving her chills. His hands seemed to have their own pace as each touch or brush of his fingers on her neck seemed to extend the moment into eternity.
Mr. Darcy was having a difficult time fastening the necklace as he had never done such a thing before. The clasp was so little and his hands were shaking! Good Lord! Just finish it already! His gaze kept wandering back to the smooth feminine line of her neck and the loose ringlets that escaped Serafina’s careful work. His hands finally accomplished the task and he stepped back, clasping his trembling hands behind him. “If I may clarify, you have never looked so tempting before and that is what I must endure tonight.” He then bowed before he turned around and left the room.
*****
Mr. Darcy returned to his room feeling the heat of embarrassment. Why did I let my guard down with her again? Her feelings for me obviously have not changed. The flash of anger in her eyes, her silence as he fastened the necklace around her neck, and her scornful response all told him that she did not wish to go to the theatre tonight. At least not with him. Could she still be pining over Wickham? By gads! How beautiful she looked! His valet was waiting with his cufflinks and his everyday pocketwatch. “No, Martin, tonight I will wear the gold watch.”
Martin looked at him and then cleared his throat. “Sir, I cannot find it.”
“Cannot find it? Whatever do you mean?”
“I mean it is nowhere to be found. I went to retrieve it this evening, but it is not where I usually store it. I am sorry, sir, but I realize I do not remember unpacking it from Netherfield and to be honest, I do not remember seeing it after the Netherfield Ball. You did
sleep in your clothes that night and I did not assist you, so I do not know where it was placed. I apologize, sir. I should have been more careful.”
“Truly? We have lost the watch my father gave me when I graduated from Cambridge? It was solid gold!”
“I know, sir.” Martin waited for a moment. “Perhaps the staff at Netherfield has found it when they cleaned the room.”
Mr. Darcy promised to write to Bingley right away in case it had been discovered. He let his valet fasten his cufflinks and brush his coat before dismissing him. “Tell Mrs. Darcy I will be detained a few minutes,” he instructed, before sitting down to pen a quick letter to Bingley.
*****
After they returned, Mr. Darcy walked Elizabeth back to her room. In spite of his best efforts, he had not been able to shake the foul mood that had descended upon him. Elizabeth had been quiet for much of the play, and every time he checked his watch he was reminded that one of his most precious possessions was missing. The watch had been one of the last gifts his father had given him. All night he had tried to pay attention to the stage, but he was too easily distracted. The few precious times Elizabeth did laugh, his eyes betrayed him and went to look at her beauty once again.
He reached for her hand before she could open the door to her bedroom. “Elizabeth, I feel I must apologize for my mood tonight. I got some distressing news prior to departure and it has affected me more than it should. You were everything lovely tonight. I hope you had a pleasant time.”
She was grateful for the opportunity to speak to him in private, “I did, thank you. If I may say, the necklace is exquisite and matched my gown perfectly. Thank you.”
“It was my mother’s but when I saw the fabric you picked I knew it belonged on your neck.” He raised her hand and turned it over and kissed the tender flesh on the inside of her wrist, his lips lingering a moment longer than necessary.
Elizabeth breath caught in her throat. He had bowed over her hand and kissed it many times, but not like that! She watched as he turned and walked to his own door. His hand reached for the handle but paused. He then looked back at Elizabeth and smiled. She gave him her best smile in return. She watched him as he entered his room and closed the door. Her heart was still pounding and she flushed pink once again as she felt the kiss still lingering on her wrist. She entered her room and rang for Serafina.
Serafina made quick work of removing the gown and undoing the masterpiece on top of her head. Elizabeth sat docile as she did so, silent pondering all that had occurred tonight. “You have never looked so tempting before and that is what I must endure tonight.” And yet after that, he had seemed distant and quiet during the play. She hadn’t even had the chance to tell him how nice he had looked in return. The news he received must have been difficult indeed.
“Serafina? Mr. Darcy received some troubling news prior to leaving for the theatre but he did not mention the details as we were so preoccupied. Do you know what it was?”
“Yes, madam, his valet could not find his gold pocketwatch. It upset the master because his father had given it to him.” Serafina began unlacing her corset.
“Has it been stolen?”
“I cannot imagine it has been, madam, just misplaced. Martin takes very good care of the master’s things.”
She let Serafina finish her work in silence. Her mind went again to Mr. Darcy’s words when he gave her the necklace. Her hand absently went to her neck but Serafina had already removed the necklace and it lay gleaming in its box on her vanity table. I was tempting? The thought was foreign. Her mind wandered to the many moments in the last week where they interacted. Had it only been a week? Her body felt weary, but she knew that sleep would not come easily tonight.
“Goodnight, madam,” Serafina said, curtsying and interrupting her thoughts.
“Goodnight,” Elizabeth said. She tried to push away the feelings she felt when he kissed her wrist but they would simply resurface unwillingly. No, sleep would not come easily tonight. She reached for her book and tried to read but her heart would start fluttering every time she remembered his hands at her neck and the breath that had sent chills down her spine. Even more disturbing were his kind eyes as he said those words.
She put the book down and walked the room, hoping to tire herself out without avail. Tomorrow was Sunday and they would be in each other’s company more than they had been for the last few days. That morning they had agreed that a week from Monday they would depart for Pemberley. Elizabeth’s gowns would be finished and that would be the end of their social obligations here for now. From what her aunt and Miss Bingley had told her of Pemberley, there would be plenty of places to hide. Aunt Gardiner had grown up not five miles from Pemberley in Lambton and had toured the estate several times over the years. She talked about the sculpture room, the ballroom, the painted vaulted ceilings . . . but what she had praised most of all was the gardens. Elizabeth couldn’t wait to walk among the many trails and lakes she had heard about. It had been a good week since she had gone out walking, and she felt the lack of fresh air in the confusion of her thoughts. She finally settled down to sleep. Before she closed her eyes, her thoughts veered back to what Mr. Darcy had said. “You have never looked so tempting before and that is what I must endure tonight.” She remembered once reading a book that had reminded her that “hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”
Well, Mr. Darcy, she thought before she closed her eyes once more. Dare I hope?
Chapter 6
“W
e should get our first glimpse of Pemberley in a few minutes,” Mr. Darcy said.
Elizabeth turned to him. They had sat in silence for much of the journey, and now the window was cracked open, filling the carriage with the sounds of the road and the scent of fresh country air. Something about the place felt oddly familiar, but she couldn’t imagine why. She had never been this far north. They passed by magnificent hills and cliffs, lush with greenery and groves of cedar, sweet chestnut, beech, and sycamore trees. The warm scent of cedar and sage filled the air. Although her gaze was ostensibly fixed on the land outside, she couldn’t stop glancing back at Mr. Darcy every few moments.
She would have thought another week together would have clarified their relationship, but the events of last week had done nothing but confuse her further. She had watched him interact with the servants with nothing but kindness and respect. He had insisted that they invite her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner to dinner, and had been nothing but amiable and considerate in their presence, and had declared that he already considered them family. Her aunt had even commented about how “charming” he was, and had praised his intelligence and warmth. Elizabeth had to admit he wasn’t the prideful and quiet “Master of Pemberley” that she once thought him to be in Hertfordshire. She didn’t know what to make of this change. When had this first begun? She had to credit her shift in thinking to when Georgiana came to Netherfield. His loving embrace and kindness towards her was so endearing! Her coming had seemed to transform Mr. Darcy, and the cold man Elizabeth had met at the Meryton Assembly had become someone who smiled at her often, and was perhaps even a little charming. As she listed all of these changes, her mind seemed to protest, urging her back to her first impressions of her husband. For example, when he asked for her hand in a private audience, he had been so stiff and cold! She concluded that surely he hadn’t changed too much.
Although he had been distant during that moment, he had still been kind to her. Even in the shock of realizing the marriage must take place, Elizabeth had still been determined to make the best of it. After she had given her assent, she had then paused and asked him to humor a request. She remembered keenly his words. “Whatever you wish.” Those were not the words, she realized, of a man who thought only of his own pride. And when she then asked that he openly support Bingley’s preference for Jane, or at least not hinder his advances in any way, he had immediately agreed. It was the only positive result of such a forced marriage that she could think
of at the time.
She had once promised herself that if there was anything she could do to ensure Jane’s happiness, she would do it. If marrying Mr. Darcy had any benefit, his blessing on Bingley and Jane’s marriage would be enough. She had not thought much of his agreement at the time; after all, how could he oppose such a connection if he himself was marrying into what she knew he felt was a wretched family. And now Jane and Bingley were engaged. Yes, she knew why she “agreed” to marry him, or at least accepted the inevitable. It was for Jane’s sake, and she hoped her sister’s marriage would bring her nothing but happiness.
The question that kept eating at her, though, was why did he agree to marry her? A man of his wealth and status could have simply said no without much consequence to his reputation. She had been sure he would have told her father about what really happened, and therefore absolved Darcy of any responsibility. Still, he had offered his hand without hesitation! She would find an opportunity to ask him outright, regardless of propriety.
Elizabeth studied him, watching him look out the window of the carriage. So far he had been the perfect gentleman, and quite trustworthy in keeping his promise. He hadn’t made any advances towards her or invaded her privacy. The long trip to Pemberley from London required an overnight stay at an inn and he had procured two rooms. What did the servants think about it? Surely Serafina has noticed that I wake up in my own bed every morning and his valet, Martin, I am sure, suspects something. They have to! How could they not? After their day of shopping, Serafina had unpacked her purchases. Although she admired all of them, it was the silk nightdress that earned the most praise. Serafina had suggested wearing it that night but Elizabeth refused, saying “perhaps another night.” Twice she had set it out for her, and twice Elizabeth picked either her old nightgown or the more modest batiste gown. Serafina had seemed to take the hint and had stopped laying it out.