“I do hope we will have your company soon.” The softer and higher pitch voice drew his attention to Mrs. Gardiner. “You are welcome to call at your earliest convenience.”
“I look forward to it.” Elizabeth’s hand squeezed his arm. “I shall need to travel to Longbourn within the next se’enight, but I do expect I shall call often.”
Richard rolled his eyes, stepped around, and gave a small bow. “I requested the next set from a young lady, so if you will excuse me.” He lifted Elizabeth’s hand but did not complete his farewell as he gaped at her finger.
“You actually asked her to marry you at a ball, Darcy?” With a snicker, Richard kissed her hand. “I knew he was eager, but I thought he would wait at least a day or two.”
His mother slapped his wrist with her fan. “Go see to your partner and stop goading your cousin. You would do well to follow his example.”
Mrs. Gardiner pulled Elizabeth aside, examining her ring and speaking in hushed tones as Richard stalked off with his mother following close behind. In the meantime, Mr. Gardiner took Richard’s closer spot to Darcy.
“Lizzy’s father sent a note with her to London in which he gave his permission for your betrothal. If you do not wish to journey to Longbourn, it is not required of you.”
“For the last fortnight in London, I kept myself occupied with the usual estate matters, but I also had Miss Elizabeth’s settlement prepared in the event she agreed to speak to me again.”
“You were rather confident,” stated Mr. Gardiner with a teasing grin.
“On the contrary, I was clutching for some shred of hope that she would absolve me of guilt—that she would make me the happiest of men.”
“I have no doubt she will do just that, Mr. Darcy.”
He peered to the side where Elizabeth gazed at him from the corner of her eye. “She already has.”
Chapter 19
Elizabeth stretched as the morning sun filtered through a gap in the bed curtain and gasped. With haste, she drew back the heavy fabric blocking the light and lifted her hand to ensure the stunning ring Mr. Darcy placed upon her finger truly existed.
In the early morning light, fresh from sleep, her memory of the night prior was a beautiful dream, but she wanted it to be more. She pinched her thigh and hissed at the piercing sting. Definitely no fantasy!
With a gentle touch, she fingered the pearls to further solidify the night before in her mind. What a broken-hearted creature she would have been had she awakened to find their reconciliation and betrothal no more than a creation of her own mind.
A soft rap came from the door. Betsy peeked inside. “I come to replenish the fire, miss.”
“Of course.” She rose and donned her slippers to prevent the chill of the floors from freezing her toes. As Betsy worked, Elizabeth sat at the small escritoire in the corner and penned a quick letter to Jane, sealing it as the maid finished her chore.
“When you are ready, a late breakfast is laid out in the dining room. Mrs. Gardiner is in the parlour.”
“Has Mr. Gardiner left for his warehouse?”
“Yes, miss. He left before sun-up this morning.”
Elizabeth peered down at the missive for Jane. Hopefully, her father would not mind the expense of such a short note; she could not bear to wait until she had more time. After all, Fitzwilliam would be here…
She glanced at the clock. Oh my, he would arrive in less than an hour!
“Betsy!” The girl paused at the door. “Please see this is put in the post?”
“Yes, miss.” With a quick dip, she disappeared through the door.
Elizabeth rose and opened the cupboard, sorting through the gowns within. Her fingers brushed against a pale green she had always favoured and pulled it from the peg to hold it by the shoulders. “I think he will like this one.”
As she took a seat before the dressing table, another knock startled her. “Come in!”
Aunt Gardiner bustled in with her maid in tow. “Millie will help you prepare for the day.” Elizabeth opened her mouth, but her aunt held up a hand. “I know you are capable of doing for yourself, but like last night, you will be expected to look and dress to a certain standard. I do this to aid your acceptance into the ton. Lady Fitzwilliam may have callers today, and you must look every bit the gentleman’s daughter rather than that of a simple country squire.”
She lifted her chin and sat taller. She wanted to appear at her best for no one other than Fitzwilliam, yet her aunt was likely correct. Fitzwilliam would also expect her to have a lady’s maid once they were wed. Perhaps she should become more accustomed to the practice now rather than later.
Even with Millie’s help, preparing for the day was more time consuming. Hairstyles were more intricate; stays were cinched tighter. When she took in her appearance in the looking glass, she balked. Her attire and coiffure were supposed to be more elaborate last night, but for the day, she was overdressed, and her stays were digging into her ribs. Why was she not allowed to breathe?
“Do you not like the hair, miss?”
She tilted her head and studied herself in the glass before her. “I do, but I am unaccustomed to such finery for a simple call.”
Aunt Gardiner placed her hands upon her shoulders. “Yet that is how people of fashion behave.”
“Does Mr. Darcy truly expect this?”
Her aunt excused the maid. “You adored this gown when we purchased it for you, and never took issue with wearing it before today. Why are you questioning matters all of a sudden?”
“I feel different.”
“You do not regret accepting him?”
“No!” Elizabeth fidgeted with the wrist of the long sleeve. “I suppose I am concerned with the differences between being Miss Bennet and Mrs. Darcy; how I shall change.”
“Lizzy, he will expect you to dress to his station once you are wed, though I doubt he has given it much thought as of yet. Every person who enters the state of matrimony alters, but though you may change, you will remain the same in essentials—what he loves about you will not disappear.”
Her aunt turned Elizabeth around to face her. “I can tell you from my experience that both of you will find more to love about one another as time passes. What I adored about Edward when we first wed still exists but is not the attribute I hold dearest at this moment.” She shook her head. “I do not know if this makes sense.”
The slight concern, which had begun to become louder as the morning progressed, quieted. “I believe I understand.”
Aunt Gardiner’s expression brightened. “That is good since I do not know how else to explain it.” She pointed to the dressing table. “Do not forget your reticule. You will not have much time for breakfast before Mr. Darcy arrives.”
She reached back and grasped her bag, hurrying down the stairs after her aunt, who drank tea and chatted with Elizabeth while she ate. When a knock sounded at the door, they had only just situated themselves within the parlour.
Voices from the hall grew louder until the housekeeper bustled inside. “Mr. Darcy to see Miss Bennet, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Henderson.”
Mr. Darcy moved around the servant as she exited, and bowed. “I hope I find you ladies well this morning.”
With a nod, her aunt curtsied. “Quite, Mr. Darcy. Thank you.”
“I am pleased to hear it.” His intense gaze settled upon Elizabeth, and a fluttering erupted within her belly. “I did locate Mr. Gardiner’s letter as well as one from Mr. Bennet once I returned to Darcy house early this morning.”
Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat. “You conducted your search when you returned from the ball?”
“I did. We may have come to an understanding without the correspondence, but I wished to read them myself—in particular the words you wrote. I also penned a response to your father. I do need to travel to Longbourn for the settlement, though I confess to desiring a day or two in your company first.”
Her aunt’s raised eyebrows were visibl
e out of the corner of her eye, but she would not turn lest her face burn crimson.
Madeline, Grace, and Lewis burst through the door and halted as if they had hit a stone wall. “Lizzy!”
The children took a sudden step back as Aunt Gardiner moved around Mr. Darcy. “The three of you know better than to burst into the parlour, not to mention running within the house.” She continued to glare at her children. “Please excuse them, Mr. Darcy. They adore Lizzy and attempt to claim as much of her time as their father and I shall permit. I daresay they did not realize we had a guest.”
“I can hardly blame them since I would hope to have as much time with Miss Elizabeth as you will allow.” Elizabeth swallowed a giggle and placed her palm over her mouth as Fitzwilliam knelt before her young cousins. “And what is your favourite activity with Miss Elizabeth?”
Lewis looked to the ceiling for a moment in thought and then grinned at Mr. Darcy. “Lizzy is the best at Conkers!”
“Is she?” His lip curved as he peered in her direction.
“She is! She always wins.”
With a huff, Madeline stepped forward. “Conkers are a bore! You always complain when you lose, too.” His sister placed her hands upon her hips. “Lizzy is the best at reading aloud. She pretends to be all the characters in the story.”
Elizabeth covered her cheeks with her palms, allowing them to cool her heated face.
Mr. Darcy leaned towards Madeline as though sharing a secret with her young cousin. “What is your favourite story?”
“Any tale by Mother Goose.” The young girl’s eyes glowed as she mentioned the tales she begged Elizabeth to read. Thank heavens there were multiple stories, lest Elizabeth beg for a new book!
He stood and tilted his head towards her. “Do you read from the original Perrault?”
“I have read Perrault, but my uncle has a version of Samber’s translations. If it is not their bedtime, the children will read along with me. Madeline has just begun to learn French, so I am certain we shall read Perrault together when she can understand them better.”
“Your plan is a sound one. Her prior knowledge of the stories should aid with the vocabulary she lacks.”
When they were not attending, Lewis had stepped forward and now pulled at Fitzwilliam’s sleeve. “Who are you?”
Aunt Gardiner gasped. “Lewis!”
Fitzwilliam gave that low chuckle that made her knees wobble and turned to face the children. “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
After a swift glance at his mother, Lewis narrowed his eyes at the interloper. “Why are you so interested in our Lizzy?”
“Lewis!” Elizabeth bit her lip as she and her aunt cried out at the same moment. His mother should be the one to reprimand him for his behaviour rather than Elizabeth, but how could he be so impolite?
“Apologise to Mr. Darcy this instant, young man.”
Lewis stared at his shoes as his body almost caved into a hunched position. “Please forgive me, Mr. Darcy.”
Fitzwilliam maintained a serious mien though a twinkle in his eye betrayed his amusement. “I believe the fault is mine. I should have introduced myself more fully.” He held out his hand, at which Lewis frowned, but took. “My name is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. I am betrothed to your cousin, Elizabeth.”
Lewis peered around Fitzwilliam. “You are leaving?”
“Not today.” She stepped just behind Fitzwilliam and placed her hand on his shoulder. “In fact, we have not yet set a date, but once I am married, I shall still spend time with you.”
“You could also journey to Pemberley to visit,” suggested Fitzwilliam in a hopeful tone. “We have lots of places for you to play out of doors, a stream begging for an able bodied fisherman to pluck a few trout or pike from its waters, and a stable with horses to carry you around the peaks near the estate.”
Lewis’ wary eyes transformed as Fitzwilliam spoke, and he began to bounce as the description of Pemberley continued. “Can we, Mama?”
“Not today. Mr. Darcy and Lizzy must wed first.” Her son’s lip protruded in an excessive pout. “But I want to go now.”
Her aunt folded her arms across her chest. “I believe you should return to Mrs. Bunting for your lessons, or I shall have Nanny Kate put you down for a nap.”
Young Madeline’s eyes bulged. “Yes, Mama.” She stumbled as she curtsied. “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Darcy.” Without another word, she slipped through the door.
Her brother, however, was not as prompt at taking his leave. “But I want Lizzy to read to us.”
“If you behave, she will read to you before bed tonight. As it is, Lizzy will be late for the call she is supposed to make today.”
Hopeful blue orbs turned to her. “Do you promise?”
“As long as you are a good boy for Mrs. Bunting and Nanny Kate.” His body sagged before he shuffled from the room.
“I apologise for their manners. Lewis has never been so forward.”
Using a nearby chair, Fitzwilliam pushed himself to his feet and shook out his leg, which must have ached from kneeling for so long. “Please do not make yourself uneasy. They love Elizabeth and wish to spend time with her. I can hardly blame your son for his possessiveness. After all, it was I who threw propriety to naught and introduced her as my betrothed last night.”
“My father sanctioned the match through my uncle. You did nothing scandalous.”
A giggle escaped his aunt’s lips. “By the expressions of a few of the ladies, Mr. Darcy’s betrothal alone was a scandal. In particular the one… I do not remember her being introduced to us.”
“I confess to not listening as my aunt was making the introduction.”
“I believe the daughter’s name was Althea.” Elizabeth shrugged.
Fitzwilliam grimaced. “I do remember her mother painfully elbowed me in the ribs several times while I awaited you near the entrance. Her terrible attempt to garner my attention gained not even a glare in her direction, I am afraid.”
“Did she really?” Elizabeth’s tone conveyed her astonishment.
“Yes, she did.” He pulled his pocket watch from his coat. “I do not mean to be rude, but we shall not be at Clarell House by eleven if we continue to talk.”
Aunt Gardiner helped Elizabeth, who had just retrieved her reticule and pelisse from a side table. “You need not fret about offending me. You indicated last night you would bring a maid?”
“Yes, Ruth awaits us in the carriage.”
Her aunt gave a satisfied nod as she adjusted Elizabeth’s collar. “I appreciate your willingness to provide the service. I intend to hire more help for the move, but I admit to being behind. We have had so much to prepare in advance with the new house.”
“It is no bother. If you require any aid in the endeavour, I can introduce you to my housekeeper. She might know of some worthy candidates.”
Elizabeth placed her hand upon his sleeve. “What a wonderful idea!”
“I would appreciate any help she might offer.” Aunt Gardiner walked with them to the door, and once they were within the plush interior of the carriage, waved and closed the door.
While his maid stared out of the window, Darcy shifted in his seat. How he wanted to whisper in Elizabeth’s ear! He wished to tell her how happy he was they were betrothed, how pleased he was to be spending the day with her. Well, a myriad of nothings that were everything. His heart was so full of her, yet he could not express such sentiments. How could he speak of his feelings with a servant present? They were not for all to hear—only Elizabeth.
“I look forward to having tea with Georgiana.”
His eyes darted to Elizabeth. “She has been desirous of meeting you for some time, so I know she is anticipating today as well.”
“Have you had an opportunity to speak with her since last night?”
“I slept later than is my wont and came directly to Gracechurch Street for you.”
She laced her fingers together, set her hands upon her lap, and tilted her head as
she appraised him but did not say a word. He wished to touch her—nothing scandalous, mind you. A touch to her fingers or wrist would satisfy, but with the presence of the maid, he swallowed his disappointment and held her gaze instead.
A hint of a smile graced her lips as they rode to Clarell House. Was her pleasure from being in his presence, or was she amused? Where was Miss Bennet when she was needed?
Upon their arrival, he alighted to the pavement and waved away the footman. Any excuse to take her hand, whether they wore gloves or not, would be seized without delay; however, before she exited the carriage, the driver climbed down and approached.
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Darcy, but I need to speak with you.”
Kirby had never behaved as such. What could not possibly wait until their return to Darcy House?
“Now?”
He nodded with his entire upper body as he held his hat before him. “Yes, sir.”
A squeeze of his arm redirected his attention. “I shall await you here.”
“Are you certain?”
“I shall be well for a few minutes. I do not think he would request a word were it not important.”
After a kiss to her knuckles, he followed Kirby a few feet away while the driver shifted his hat in his hands.
“As I said, please forgive the interruption, sir, but I thought it important to tell you that I believe someone has been following us.”
He took a step closer and leaned forward. “Following us? You are certain?”
The driver dropped his hands to his sides. “Yes, sir. I remember seeing his horse this morning as we prepared to depart Darcy House. I noticed him again in Cheapside while I awaited you and Miss Bennet. I asked young Leonard to keep an eye out since he rides on the back, and he watched the man follow us from Gracechurch Street to here.”
“Do you know who this man is?”
“No, sir. Never seen him before.”
Darcy’s eyes swept the street for any sign of someone familiar. “Is he nearby?”
“When I stopped, he continued into the park on the corner.”
Who would want to follow him and why? No one was visible at the moment in the trees on that side of the park. “Please inform me if you see this man following us again. I cannot imagine how this could be a coincidence, but I want to be certain you did not simply see two similar horses.”
Particular Intentions Page 18