As Lady Carlisle stood so did Lady Fitzwilliam. “I had not heard she was in town.”
“I hear the duke has been rather poorly, so they journeyed to London for the doctors.”
Elizabeth rose with Fitzwilliam suppressing a shake of the head at Lady Carlisle’s gossipy whisper. Those who thought her mother was a gossip should travel to town. Her mother could tittle-tattle with the best of high society if skill were taken into account.
Lady Althea sidled closer to Fitzwilliam and tilted her head as her eyes raked up to his face. “You should come to Durham House for tea, Mr. Darcy. You would be welcome. Would he not, Mother?”
“Oh, yes, of course. You may come when you wish. Althea would be pleased to have your company.”
Anne, who had the fortunate position of standing behind the two ladies, covered her eyes with her hand and shook her head.
“We shall have to call on Lady Catherine soon as well.” With a start, Anne dropped her hand before Lady Carlisle turned. “It has been too long since I called on her.”
“We have not spent much time in London until recent events returned us to town. I shall inform my mother of your intention to call. I am certain she would enjoy your company.”
Lady Catherine enjoy company? Elizabeth had yet to see the woman smile much less show true pleasure in an activity. Instead, Lady Catherine professed an appreciation of a great many things, none of which she possessed as an accomplishment. No, precious little amused Anne’s mother—or her stays were too tight, which could render any woman of sense peevish.
Once Lady Fitzwilliam managed to usher Lady Carlisle and her terror of a daughter from the room, they all relaxed and took their seats.
“I have oft times wondered why men of sense take silly wives,” observed Anne, “and does the daughter believe her flirtations will make you leave Lizzy and offer her your hand? I thought Lizzy would claw her eyes out at church, but today you appeared to find her comical.”
“I did, but she was not eyeing my betrothed as though he were a pudding she wished to savour.” Fitzwilliam shuddered and they laughed until Lady Fitzwilliam returned.
“I do not mind Lord Carlisle, but I detest having to be polite to that woman, and if it were not for her father, that daughter would not step foot in my house! I pity the poor man who she lures into her trap!”
Anne snickered. “As she is still spinning her webs for Fitzwilliam, perhaps we should take pity on him.”
“How could you prefer Elizabeth to Lady Althea, Fitzwilliam? Such an amiable creature should not be cast away.” Lady Fitzwilliam tilted her head as she appraised her nephew, who gave a huff, took Elizabeth’s hand and pulled her from the sofa towards the door.
“I was teasing,” called his aunt as Elizabeth trotted at his side to maintain his pace. “I promised Marianne that Elizabeth would be chaperoned in your company!”
Fitzwilliam slowed when he reached the hall, but took the corridor to the right while he wrapped her arm around his. His thumb traced her knuckles as he slowed to a more sedate pace.
“Your aunt was not serious. You should not have walked away while she spoke.”
“I shall apologise, but I could not bear another minute of them laughing at my expense.”
She clutched his arm closer to her. “You are well aware they were making sport of Lady Althea and Lady Carlisle more than you.”
They reached a small conservatory where he led her inside, but before he could close the door behind them, Anne squeezed through the opening. “Aunt Charlotte insisted I play chaperon. I am sure you have confidences you wish to share, and I would be in your way should I remain. I shall stand just outside the door where I can see you through the glass.”
“Thank you, Anne.” Elizabeth nudged Fitzwilliam in the ribs.
“Yes, thank you.”
Anne pointed to Fitzwilliam. “You owe me for this, but do not put me in a bad position with our aunt. I do not want to be rebuked by her since she allows me to escape my mother and see Charles every day.” She pivoted and proceeded back to the entrance.
Fitzwilliam lunged forward a step as Elizabeth’s hand slid down his arm and into his. “Anne!”
She turned in the doorway to glance back.
“I apologise if I am in an ill humour. I do appreciate your willingness to act as chaperon.”
Her shoulders rose and fell as she breathed. “I understand your frustration. I may not have had the trials you face at present, but my mother has stood in the way of my happiness for too long. Lizzy confided that part of the reason you have waited rather than marrying with haste is due to Charles and myself.”
“One of several reasons, but yes.”
Anne’s attention wavered to a rose at her side. She grazed the silken red petals with a finger before she looked back to Fitzwilliam with a determined glint in her eye. “I believe I speak for Charles and myself when I tell you to seize your happiness when you can. We do not require all of society talking of our wedding to be content in our situation. Our desire is to begin our lives together as I believe yours is as well.”
She glanced between the two of them. “If I were you, I would not tarry. Our aunt and uncle support a swifter wedding in an effort to see if it resolves the issues at hand. Lizzy’s aunt and uncle would not object either since you cannot restrain yourself, dear cousin. Nothing stands in your way except yourselves, so what is preventing you?”
Elizabeth lay her forehead against Fitzwilliam’s arm as the click of the door signalled Anne’s departure. “She has told me we should plan according to our wishes and not with deference to her and Mr. Bingley.”
Her head shifted from the rough wool of his topcoat to the silky fabric of his waistcoat as he took her in his arms. With the uncertainty that lay outside of Clarell House, his arms were of great comfort and security. As a child, her father’s embrace gave a similar gratification, yet Fitzwilliam’s arms now replaced Longbourn and her father. She was home. With a deep inhale, the scent of his cologne invaded her senses and her body relaxed.
“I have never seen her so adamant and insistent, though I must admit that I can understand why.” His lips brushed her temple as he caressed the bare skin of her neck above the hooks of her gown.
She felt as though a feather was tickling from his fingertips down the length of her spine and down to her toes. His warm breath prickled against her scalp and the thumping of his heart filled her ear. How was she supposed to think? “I know you want to wait for the date we set.”
His hand slid to her cheek and his thumb lifted her chin. “I would marry you wrapped in a burlap sack in the mews of Seven Dials if that was your desire, but I want you to have a wedding you will not regret.”
“As long as you are the bridegroom, I shall have no regrets, Fitzwilliam, though I would prefer more than a burlap sack.”
His chest shook with the low rumble of his suppressed laugh. “You would not mind the mews of Seven Dials?”
She scrunched her nose. “A church would be my choice.”
“With the unanswered questions of who is following me and why, I thought the drawing room of Darcy House. The ceremony would not be accessible to any party with nefarious motives.”
“Such a ceremony requires a special license, does it not?”
“I am attempting to procure one, but I shall not know for a few more days if I am successful.”
His eyes fixated on the embroidery of her gown, tracing it with his eyes. Why was he not looking at her?
“Have you had difficulty procuring one thus far?”
His gaze returned to hers. “Why would you assume I have?”
“You avoided my eye when you spoke of it.”
His fingers had long since returned to her back where they wreaked havoc on her ability to form a coherent thought. She removed his meandering hand and held it tight. “Will you not confide in me?”
“I applied for a special license after you noticed the man at Darcy House. This morning, I returned to Doctor’s Common, an
d the request appears to have been misplaced. Lord Fitzwilliam intends to confirm the replacement is not lost on the morrow.” He buried his face in her hair. “I want nothing more than to marry you as soon as possible. I cannot bear waiting, yet I fear I might put you in harm’s way when we wed.”
She lifted her face and threaded her fingers through his dark curls. “I want to be your wife. I know you have concerns, but I do not want to wait.”
“You are certain?” Her gown bunched in the back where he gripped the gathers as he studied her face.
“I am.”
His lips stroked hers once, twice, three times before he opened her lips to his tongue and pulled her flush to his body. “When?” He trailed kisses down her neck as she could do naught but rest her forehead against his chest. Her knees wobbled, but his arms about her kept her upright.
“When what?”
He paused at her shoulder and lifted his face with a huge grin. “When do you wish to marry?”
“Oh! As soon as you can arrange matters would suit me.”
A small kiss was bestowed to the tip of her nose. “I shall speak with a vicar or as many as I require, I shall pen a letter to your father, inviting your family, and make the arrangements. You are to shop with my aunt, Anne, and Georgiana on Monday?”
“I am, but I am certain they would not mind—”
“No, I think Tuesday or Wednesday would be better days. I would also have time to obtain a common license should my uncle fail.”
A weight suddenly exerted itself upon her chest as she took a straggling breath. “You want me to have no regrets, but will you regret me?”
His head jolted back. “Whatever do you mean?”
“I have a pittance of a dowry, few connections—”
“I do not care.”
“Regardless, they are a problem, and my mother has always bemoaned that my father educated me. I also have seen the ladies in London. They are a far cry more handsome than me.”
“I am enamoured of your wit and intelligence.” He brushed a curl back from her face. “And I do not know why you think yourself less than the most handsome woman of my acquaintance. I see naught of any other lady in your presence, and when I am not with you, I still pay them no heed. In my eyes, you have no equal.”
Her vision blurred and she sniffed. “My mother has said—”
“Your mother is blind and fit for Bedlam if she does not see your beauty.” Fitzwilliam pressed his cheek to hers. “I want no more of this nonsense. I love you, and I shall wed no one but you. Do you understand?”
A soft laugh overrode the sob leaving her throat. “I do understand. I feel the same, but I had to ask.”
“Do not doubt me, Elizabeth. I shall never have cause to repine.”
“I love you.”
Her voice was a croaky whisper, but Fitzwilliam paid no mind as he said, “I love you, too.” His lips descended upon hers as he kissed her as though he were starved for her, pressing her against the icy window to the outside. They remained thus entwined until the irritated and loud voice of Lady Fitzwilliam intruded.
“Fitzwilliam, remove yourself from her at once!”
1Standing Budge – a thief’s scout or spy
Chapter 24
A brisk knock roused Darcy from his ledgers. “Enter!”
Without introduction, Richard in gentleman’s dress strode in and closed the door behind him. “Why is it I always find you in this room? You have this grand home, here and at Pemberley, but you spend the entirety of your time in the study.”
“One could comment that you have an uncanny ability to appear only at those times as well.”
“Touché.” Richard glanced at the clock on the mantel. “I understand from Mother that the ladies are to arrive in an hour?”
“Yes, which is why I was attempting to complete these figures. I wanted to have my day free to accompany them to Bond Street.” He looked to Richard’s cravat as he dipped his pen in ink. “Do you have plans for today?”
“I intend to accompany the group as well.”
Darcy’s shoulders tightened and he placed his pen on its stand. “You? Shopping with ladies on Bond Street? What do you know that you are not telling me?”
Examining his cuff as though it was the most important piece of his wardrobe, Richard shifted and gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I have naught to report.”
“How do you keep secrets for the military when you are a terrible liar?”
“I am merely incapable of telling falsehoods to family. You have witnessed me lie enough at social functions to know the truth of the matter.”
He had a point. Richard could deceive the matchmaking mamas at his mother’s balls, but he became awkward when making the attempt with those for whom he was closest. As a child, they never escaped punishment since Richard could not spin a convincing tale to his parents.
“Mr. Gardiner has men accompanying us as well as the three men I brought from Pemberley. Why do you feel the measures we have will not be adequate?”
“I have told you how we lost the man from the pub a few nights ago.” Darcy nodded and gestured with his hand for Richard to continue. “I mean, Gardiner’s men are good, but mistakes and barking dogs happen. I do not blame them.” He ran his palms down the legs of his trousers with an awkward stretch. “I have had this feeling in my gut since that night. This man might become desperate. We do not know who is behind this nor why, and I shall not see you, Miss Bennet, or Georgiana harmed when I could prevent it.”
As Darcy leaned back from his desk, he caught Richard’s eye. “Regardless of what occurs, I appreciate all you have done, cousin.”
“You sound as though you expect the worst.”
“No, I worry that if one of us is harmed, you will blame yourself.”
“You fret like a woman,” Richard groused. “I shall not permit any of you to come to harm—not while I am present.”
The sound of a door opening caused the study door to shift in its frame as the sound of ladies voices, muffled by the heavy oak panel, brought Darcy to stand and make his way to the hall where Elizabeth and Georgiana were removing their pelisses and gloves.
“You were not expected for almost another hour.”
A radiant smile lit Elizabeth’s face when she turned, and his breathing hitched. Her eyes sparkled and her skin glowed with health and happiness. She was going to be his! Maybe not today, but in a mere few days!
Georgiana rushed forward and kissed his cheek. “I wished for a gown I had here, so Lizzy accompanied me.” She stepped past him and hugged Richard. “I shall be swift.” With a glance at both Darcy and Elizabeth, she pressed her hand to Richard’s arm. “I am under strict orders to ensure they are not left on their own.”
“Georgiana!” he and Elizabeth cried at the same moment.
Richard chuckled. “Do not fret. I shall ensure they behave in my presence.”
Georgiana hastened up the stairs as Richard started. “I almost forgot. Father’s call on Doctor’s Common met with success.” A paper was pulled from Richard’s inside coat pocket. “He returned with this yesterday and requested I deliver it to you.”
Darcy’s heart gave a jolt. Could it be the license? He took the document, unfolded it, and perused it to ensure there were no mistakes. “Thank you and thank your father. I shall have to find a suitable gift to repay him for his help in this matter.”
Elizabeth’s small hand tilted the paper. “Does this mean we can wed when we wish?”
“That is precisely what it means.”
Her arm wrapped around his and hugged him a bit closer. “When my uncle discovers you have received this, he might insist on an immediate wedding.”
Despite the company of his cousin, he pressed his lips to her hair. “I would welcome his demand and request the vicar myself.”
Her uncle had been little pleased by events a few days ago. Darcy’s aunt refused to conceal their misbehaviour in the conservatory, revealing all to Mrs. Gardiner, who in turn, divulged the
ir lapse of propriety to her husband. If not for the lack of license, Mr. Gardiner, without delay, would have marched Elizabeth to Darcy House with her trunk on the back of the carriage for the ceremony.
“I did tell Georgiana I would ensure you behaved in my presence, so at least give me a moment to depart the room before you become too lost in one another.” He began to walk in the direction of the library. “You wed in two days’ time. You would think you could behave with decorum. Darcy is a besotted fool as it is. What happens once you are wed and he…”
Richard’s voice faded as he closed the door, and Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at her betrothed. “And you what?”
“I am afraid to venture a guess.” His eyes darted from where Richard departed and back to her. He knew, but did not want to say! Before she could question him further, he grabbed her hand and pulled her inside his study. “I have a present for you.”
“You do?” His dimple shown in his cheek as his entire being radiated joy. She was so fortunate to be betrothed to Fitzwilliam. He was an honourable man—a good man and he loved her. Who knew what she had done to deserve him, but why question good luck?
He left her by the fireplace where she was warm from more than just the fire. The familiar click of a key in a lock could be heard as he fiddled with a side drawer on his desk where he removed a wooden box. When he stood before her once more, he lifted her hand as he set the case on her palm. “You may wear it every day should you choose.”
The polished wood was smooth to her fingers as she traced the length to the clasp, which she lifted. As she cracked the lid, she gasped. “It is lovely!”
“Do you truly like it?”
She studied how each pair of gold flowers resembled a heart shape that joined to another of the same at the top, while a round peridot was between the two dimples and one teardrop shaped peridot sat in the middle of each heart. Pearls accented the arrangement. The floral pattern repeated and was held together by tiny loops of gold between the sections.
He removed it from the velvet and wrapped it around her wrist, joining it together at the clasp. “I have carried it with me the past few days. I wanted to present it to you when you wore your green gown.”
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