Darcy released Elizabeth’s hand to bow to her father. “I won’t.”
Chapter Twenty-One
There was, inevitably, a party that evening, during which Darcy struggled to appear normal. Richard’s and Jane Bennet’s engagement and news of the impending journey to Pemberley were welcome distractions, enlivening the community and turning eyes from Darcy and Elizabeth. For their part, Bingley and Anne appeared to suffer no difficulty in hiding the change in their relationship. This was even though Bingley had ridden out that afternoon and made circumspect arrangements for them to be married in a small, unfrequented church he’d located nearby.
Darcy had feared they would have to play up Henry’s injury to excuse his absence, adding another layer of lies and convolution to the mess they’d embroiled themselves in, but the earl arrived at the party before it became necessary. Darcy, standing nearby, heard Henry apologize to their host, saying he’d been attending to business concerns. Henry then strode over to him.
“Your horse will be brought back by one of my grooms tomorrow, in easy stages,” he informed Darcy in a low voice. “Don’t worry. He’s fine.”
“I shouldn’t have expected anything less.”
“No, but I could tell you did.”
With a grin, Henry strolled away. The next Darcy saw of him, he was dancing.
Later that night, once they’d all returned to Netherfield Park, Darcy, Henry, Richard and Bingley once again shed the company of Miss Bingley and the Hursts. Miss Bingley was particularly tart over another curtailed evening, but there were matters too pressing for excessive civility. Darcy reflected that it would work out better for all if Miss Bingley routinely retreated to her room early and Anne stayed up, but some things couldn’t be changed.
Once they were sure the others had retired, Darcy turned to Richard. “I assume from the talk this evening that Miss Bennet agreed to be wed at Pemberley?”
“I heard the talk too,” Bingley said. He reclined on a plush sofa with his feet resting on the arm, smugness still lingering in his features. “How did that come about?”
Darcy had explained the plan to Richard on the ride back from Longbourn, but hadn’t yet found the opportunity to enlighten Bingley or Henry. “Mr. Bennet wouldn’t permit me to remove Elizabeth to Pemberley without a reason the community will accept, wishing to safeguard her reputation. With Miss Bennet’s wedding taking place there, it is only reasonable for me to invite the entire family.”
“Even the mother?” Bingley said with a sly smile.
Darcy chose to ignore that comment.
“Isn’t your engagement enough to safeguard her reputation?” Henry asked. “I assume you spoke to Mr. Bennet.”
“Darcy wouldn’t be able to announce the engagement yet,” Richard put in quickly, shooting Darcy a sympathetic look. “Not until enough time passes to ensure Aunt Catherine knows Anne is wed.”
Darcy appreciated Richard’s effort on his behalf, but there was no point in denying Mr. Bennet’s answer. “Mr. Bennet did not give me permission to marry Elizabeth.” Darcy felt again the bitter disappointment experienced with Mr. Bennet’s answer.
Henry’s brows shot up.
Bingley let out a low whistle. “Sorry to hear it.”
“He didn’t reject the union out of hand,” Darcy hastened to assure them. “He said I must first be in a position to announce the engagement and that I must also put an end to any threat against his daughter, as we are attempting to do.”
“As we will do.” Henry’s tone was firm.
“Speaking to that, Anne has made a request.” Bingley swung himself into a sitting position, turning to Darcy. “She is reluctant to return to Rosings until after her birthday, or until we have confirmation Lady Catherine has accepted our union. I’ll send my attorney to Rosings to inform Lady Catherine of our marriage and obtain her written acknowledgement, but in the meantime, Anne’s not felt safe here since I told her about Mr. Wickham. With all of the talk tonight about Pemberley at the party, she’s asked if we may join you there. I feel Anne’s being a bit dramatic about it all, but I’d be happy to indulge her if you’re willing, Darcy.”
“It’s difficult to say if Anne’s being overly cautious. Lady Catherine can be quite the force when she’s of a mind.” Darcy shrugged. “We’d be happy to have you, of course.”
“And Caroline and the Hursts? I can’t very well leave them here and Mr. Hurst closed his house in London before joining us here.”
Darcy nodded, containing a grimace.
“It’s decided, then,” Henry said. “After the wedding in the morning, we’re all off to Pemberley.” He shot Darcy a quick grin, obviously aware he hadn’t specifically been invited.
Darcy shrugged again. His cousin knew he was always welcome in Pemberley.
Henry turned to Bingley. “Bingley, the documents Anne requested will arrive first thing tomorrow, though I pity whoever they send out early enough to get them here in time.”
“I’m sure he’ll be well paid. Thank you for seeing it done.”
“Also, you should know I made arrangements for Agatha to come to your wedding tomorrow, and bring Georgiana along.” Henry stood while he talked, stretching. “Aggie’s willing to come without knowing why. She said she’d bring Georgiana and her companion.”
“That was thoughtful of you,” Bingley said. “Anne will be pleased.”
“I’m a thoughtful sort of fellow.” Henry looked about the room. “Now, who’s up for some billiards?”
***
The following morning, Darcy rose early and made ready for the day, enjoying a quiet breakfast in his room. Leaving as soon as he was finished, he went to knock on Mr. Hurst’s door. It was opened by Hurst’s valet, who issued a bow.
“Is Mr. Hurst available?”
“Who the blazes is it?” Mr. Hurst’s groggy voice said inside the room.
The valet half turned toward the room. “Mr. Darcy, sir.”
“What the devil does he want at this hour?”
Hurst’s valet turned back to Darcy. “May I enquire what this pertains to, sir?”
Darcy resisted the urge to push past the valet. The man was only doing his job. “Please tell Mr. Hurst that Mr. Bingley is leaving to marry Miss de Bourgh. I am also departing now, to collect other guests. The Earl of Matlock will be leaving here in one hour. If Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, or Miss Bingley wish to attend the ceremony, they should be ready to leave with him. I’m tasking your master with letting the ladies know in a timely fashion.”
“I will convey that to him, sir.” The valet bowed.
“Thank you,” Darcy said.
“Did he say Bingley’s getting married?” Mr. Hurst’s surprised voice reached Darcy’s ears as the door closed. He lengthened his stride, not wanting to be available to detain. Perhaps it was better he’d told the valet after all. Servants didn’t argue.
Richard was waiting for him by the front door. “Good morning, Darcy.”
“Richard,” Darcy acknowledged with a nod. “Carriage ready?”
“It is.”
They walked outside and into the waiting carriage. In short order, they reached Longbourn and collected Elizabeth and Miss Bennet. Darcy and Richard didn’t share one seat, leaving the other to the ladies. Instead, they’d taken opposite sides, ensuring each man could sit beside his fiancée, or in Darcy’s case, the woman he hoped would soon be his fiancée. None of the four spoke of the change, though they did, perhaps, sit closer to the person they were sharing with than was necessary in the comfortably wide seats.
When they reached the church, it was to find they were the last to arrive. Darcy was pleased to greet his sister, Mrs. Annesley and Lady Agatha. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst both glowed with so much happiness, one would have thought they were brides. Mr. Hurst stood off to the side, looking half asleep still.
Darcy was glad they’d all managed to make it. Relatives weren’t needed to validate a wedding, but having her Fitzwilliam cousins in attendance would show Anne sh
e was cared for. Perhaps it would mitigate the fact that her mother wasn’t there to see her wed, though Darcy was unsure this troubled Anne.
He didn’t know how much Henry had told Lady Agatha, and assumed Georgiana knew little of the circumstances leading up to the nuptials, but trusted no one who knew Lady Catherine would be surprised by her lack of attendance. If anyone other than Anne actually regretted her not being there, Darcy would be amazed.
Finishing his greetings, he left Elizabeth, Richard and Miss Bennet with the throng of people, strolling to the front of the church where Anne, Henry and Bingley stood looking over some papers. Anne greeted him with a smile. Henry with a nod. A priest stood quietly off to the side.
Bingley looked relieved when he spotted Darcy. He proffered the papers. “Darcy, I’ve been waiting for you. I was hoping you would read over the contract for me before I sign. I’ve read it, but I want to see if you think it says what I think it says.”
“I told you what it says.” Henry sounded slightly annoyed.
Darcy lowered his eyes to the page, beginning to read. Blank spaces had been left for names of people and property. Those, and sums, were filled in Henry’s hand.
“If you don’t mind me saying, as Anne is your cousin, I feel you have a conflict of interests. You may behave impartially, or you may weigh things more heavily toward her best interests.” A slight smile flickered over Bingley’s face. “I don’t know you well enough to know if you’d let her take advantage of my lack of legal aplomb.”
Henry laughed. “If I thought you’d pose any challenge, I’d take offence and demand a duel.”
Darcy glanced up from the page. “Bingley’s a terrible fencer, but he’s a crack shot.”
“Darcy, don’t encourage Henry to shoot my soon to be husband,” Anne said. “Just read the document so you can assure Charles everything is in order.”
Darcy did. It was straightforward. Bingley would not inherit Rosings, but any children of the marriage would. If there were no children, it would go to a niece of Anne’s father. Bingley would have the right to half of the income from Rosings for his lifetime and Anne would have the right to the other half. If Bingley died prior to Anne, his half would revert to her. If she died first, though he wouldn’t inherit, he would keep his income. “It appears correct to me.” Darcy nodded to Henry. “I’m impressed you were able to get it written and here so quickly.”
“I had no difficulty being motivating.” Henry grinned. “After all, I was spending Bingley’s money.”
Anne and Bingley both signed the contract, with Henry and Darcy as witnesses. They waved the clergyman over. Darcy stayed beside Bingley, and Anne asked Miss Bingley to stand with her. As the vicar wended his way through the marriage ceremony in a reedy voice, Darcy was amused he didn’t receive a single covetous glance from Miss Bingley. When her eyes did stray from the ceremony, they went immediately to Henry.
The ceremony was concluded with a chaste kiss. Bingley and Anne, arm in arm, walked down the aisle amid a shower of congratulations. Georgiana and Miss Bennet both looked misty eyed. Elizabeth appeared glad for the couple. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst wore matching expressions of triumph.
They all filed out after the newlyweds, returning to Netherfield Park in a veritable fleet of carriages. The wedding breakfast was a happy affair, full of laughter and cousinly teasing. Darcy’s spirits were lighter than they’d been in days. In addition to the fact that Lady Catherine would now be forced to give up her quest to marry him to Anne, it was pleasant to have Bingley as part of his family.
As the meal wound down, Darcy let his mind wander over the arrangements he must make. He’d have to ride ahead to Pemberley to ensure all was ready for the influx of guests. He realized he may as well invite Lady Agatha as well, and encourage Georgiana to join them. With the entire Bennet family, the Hursts, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, Richard, Henry and Agatha, Pemberley would be fuller than it had been in years. There was more than enough room, of course, but it would be odd to have his home so enlivened. Georgiana would likely be horrified. For his part, Darcy found he was actually looking forward to it.
PEMBERLEY
“I once thought Mr. Wickham was an honorable man and your brother wasn’t.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The day following Miss de Bourgh’s wedding found Elizabeth ready to leave for Pemberley. She’d packed all of her possessions, sure she wouldn’t be returning. Mr. Darcy would soon meet her father’s requirements for consent to the marriage, and Pemberley would be her new home. Jane had packed similarly, for she and Colonel Fitzwilliam wouldn’t return to Hertfordshire after Pemberley, but rather planned to travel to his residence in London.
Elizabeth stood in the middle of the room she and Jane had shared for so many years. It was empty of all that had made it theirs. All, that was, except the memories. Unstoppable tears slid down her cheeks, but they mingled sorrow with joy, for she and Jane were both leaving to be with men they loved. She heard Jane call her from below and dried her eyes.
She and Jane took their place in the procession of carriages in a coach containing Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy. Miss Darcy’s companion, Mrs. Annesley, was journeying back to London with Lady Agatha. There, they would collect Lady Agatha’s and Georgiana’s things before heading to join the others in Pemberley.
Elizabeth was pleased for the opportunity to get to know Miss Darcy better, but sad she couldn’t know the same joy Jane did. Her sister and Colonel Fitzwilliam were quite clearly in love, and took no pains to hide how happy they were to travel together. Elizabeth, instead, must content herself with them and Miss Darcy. Fair travel companions indeed, but they didn’t quite dull the ache she felt at Mr. Darcy’s absence. She put a smile on her face, however, and told herself she was being silly. He’d left only the day before, to make his home ready for them, and she would be reunited with him before long.
More diverting than her travel companions were Lord Henry’s antics. The earl had elected to drive his own open carriage. Each time they stopped to change horses, he invited a different unattached lady to ride with him. Miss Darcy declined to ride with her cousin, but Miss Bingley was elated to be invited, though Elizabeth heard her complain more than once about the inevitable dust. To her amusement, the bits of Mary’s conversations with the earl that Elizabeth overheard seemed to contain earnest observation about the enhanced view. Kitty coughed so much that Lord Henry put her in with Mr. and Mrs. Bingley before they even reached the next scheduled stop. He never asked Elizabeth, which she hoped no one took note of. He did ask her mother once. To Elizabeth’s surprise, Mrs. Bennet accepted. When they reached the next change of horses, her mother complained vehemently about the dust, but Elizabeth knew she would relish recounting every detail of her ride with an earl. In the end, Lord Henry’s passenger alternated between Miss Bingley, Mary, and Lydia.
By the time they neared Pemberley, Miss Darcy had reemerged from her shell, once again relaxed as she’d been in the Girls’ Garden at Lady Agatha’s party. All four of them had agreed they should henceforth address each other on more intimate terms, as Richard was soon to be Elizabeth’s brother and Georgiana was now fast friends with both sisters.
Elizabeth had worried Pemberley would be ornate, imposing and ostentatious, as she’d found Rosings. Instead, the carriage approached the most elegantly situated manor she’d ever thought to see. Mr. Darcy’s home was placed in perfect accord with nature. The grounds they passed through evidenced the lightest, most desirable enforcements of man’s will, leaving natural beauty unaltered. Elizabeth caught her breath, unable to believe this would be her home.
When they reached the end of the stately drive, they found Mr. Darcy waiting for them. Among the seeming hoard of people arriving, it took all of Elizabeth’s will not to rush to his side. It seemed she must have forgotten how very handsome he was, or he’d somehow grown more so in little over a day. The smile he turned on her was warm, the sight of it making her blush with memories of their las
t kiss, stolen on the walk back from meeting with her father.
There would be no secret kisses among the throng of people descending from arriving carriages, though. There was only a polite greeting. Among the babble of voices, most prominent Mrs. Bennet’s and Lydia’s, Elizabeth looked over and took in Georgiana’s dazed expression.
Giving up on finding a moment alone with Mr. Darcy for the time being, Elizabeth went to Georgiana’s side, aware Jane excused herself from Richard to follow. “Georgiana, I know it’s your duty as hostess to see to all of your guests, but Jane and I are hoping vehemently you could show us the best place to stroll the grounds. We’ve been so long seated in the carriage, our legs are in need of a stretch.”
Georgiana turned to Elizabeth with grateful eyes. “Do you think it would be acceptable for me to show you? I should help see everyone situated. There are so many people, and someone needs to see to them.” Her voice trailed off as she turned from Elizabeth back to the throng of guests, something near to fear widening her eyes.
“Jane and I are country sorts with no manners at all,” Elizabeth assured her. “We’ve no idea it’s impolite to take you away from your other guests by asking to see the grounds. You, however, are possessed of fine manners. Too fine to correct us in our request.”
“And I think your brother and housekeeper have them in hand,” Jane added, the smile she gave Georgiana gentle.
Georgiana glanced about quickly. “This way,” she whispered.
That was the first of many walks the three of them took about the grounds in the following week. Everyone seemed to settle into Pemberley well, the large manor providing sufficient room for all. To Elizabeth’s surprise, and relief, her mother was so awed by the grandeur of Pemberley and the company of Lady Agatha, who arrived the day after they had, she became subdued. She spent large quantities of time sitting in a room with Mrs. Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Annesley and Lady Agatha, quietly taking in their conversations. Elizabeth’s father, for his part, was entranced with Mr. Darcy’s library to the point there was no other place one might hope to find him. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst often could be seen fishing.
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