My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

  “No, Miss Bennet. The invitations went out on the day before you left for Hertfordshire. I was going to hand deliver it to your family when I was supposed to meet you the morning of your departure, but I could not due to my Mother’s accident. I decided I would hand deliver it to you once you got back, but if you were going to be too long, then I would have it delivered here. However, this past week occurred, and…I completely forgot about our dinner party; me and my bad timing again.” Morgan sighs exasperatingly. “As for any complications – there are no complications. I understand what it will imply if my parents and your parents meet. I truly want to advance beyond our courtship. I am more than willing to progress to that point if you are.” Morgan reassures Jane of his genuineness to their courtship.

  “Yes, I am willing.” Jane responds softly and then smiles shyly back at Mr. Morgan.

  That night Jane tells her Uncle, Aunt, and Elizabeth about Mr. Morgan’s invitation to his parents’ dinner party. They are all happy for Jane because they know the implication of her family’s attendance. Jane and Elizabeth talk some more about the dress that they will wear to this dinner. Elizabeth reminds Jane that their Mother may become effusive which will embarrass them all; therefore, she should be adamant that their Mother be mindful of her surroundings. They surely do not want their Mother to speak freely and openly as she does at home or when she is with their Aunt Phillips. That may make the Morgans think twice about Jane.

  “Do you think Mama will be that indiscreet in someone’s home, Lizzy, especially when she knows that Mr. Morgan is my suitor?” Jane asks innocently.

  Frustratingly, Elizabeth counters, “Jane, when has Mama ever held her tongue? Even at the Meryton assemblies, Mama talks as if she is enjoying herself at home.”

  “You are right; I will subtly remind Mama. I am certain that Papa will also remind Mama. He understands the importance of this dinner. Oh, Lizzy, what did you decide about Lydia coming to your wedding?”

  “I asked Papa to assess if Lydia has gotten any better with her attitude or has shown any repentance; if she has, then she may attend my wedding. If she has not, then she is not invited. However, Sergeant Denny is not invited to my wedding even if Lydia is coming. I will no longer tolerate Lydia’s behavior and comportment. As for Mama, I am obliged to tolerate her one more time which, unfortunately, will be the most important time of my life. I am certain that Papa will curtail her talk and actions at my wedding. I cannot be shamed anymore, Jane, especially in front of William’s relatives. I pray that Mama and Lydia have improved, but I will not hold my breath. Lydia probably thinks that since she is a married woman now, she can speak however she wishes. I will definitely not stand for that.” Elizabeth’s expression clearly illustrates intolerance and irritation.

  “I do hope that Lydia thought about what we lectured her on and changed for the better. As for Mama, let us pray that she will mind Papa’s suggestions.” Jane sighs tiredly.

  The next day, Elizabeth and Darcy meet with Lady Matlock to finalize their wedding breakfast details. They both thank Lady Matlock sincerely for all her help and guidance. Elizabeth is tremendously glad that she has some nice relative-in-laws. Lady Catherine comes to mind again, and Elizabeth shivers at the thought of all of William’s relatives being against their union; that would have been most distressing and hurtful. She would not have been able to accept being William’s wife with all of his relatives against their union. How could she be without him, though? Her life would shrivel up and turn into something unrecognizable; she would be a lost soul, never to be the same again. She does not like to think of her life without William in it; it hurts her head and her heart to consider it.

  The last few days, Darcy went everywhere with Elizabeth, and they were delighted to have time together. It felt natural like they were married already; Elizabeth was joyous every morning because she knew that she would spend the entire day with William. Her life was finally falling into place as she had always wished for; most definitely, her wish was to fall in love with an intelligent, handsome, loving, caring, responsible gentleman who marries her, and then they have a wonderful life. Obviously, she could not deny that she had thought of this gentleman being wealthy but to have William’s amount of fortune is something she never imagined. She was staggered by William’s affluence after her Father told her about her marriage settlement. However, William’s love and devotion is most important to her. She could live without his fortune, but she could not live without his love. They would be able to conquer anything as long as they loved each other.

  They picked up some more of Elizabeth’s wedding trousseau. The rest of her trousseau will be delivered on the day before her wedding. Elizabeth made sure that her best gown, other than her wedding gown, was ready for William’s cousin Andrew’s wedding this Saturday. It is sure to be a grand event – the marriage of Viscount Somerset. Her gown must be especially befitting for the betrothed of the distinguished Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy because she is certain that the wedding will comprise of the first circles only, and she will be closely scrutinized. She is proud that she pleases William in many ways as he has told her plenty of times. She values his evaluation and opinions more than anyone else’s. As long as she has his love and devotion, she does not care who assesses her. She will not be intimidated.

  CHAPTER 3

  ***************

  SATURDAY, JANUARY 24th

  After the church ceremony, Darcy proudly escorts Elizabeth along with Georgiana inside the Davenport’s family residence to attend his Cousin Andrew’s wedding breakfast. As Elizabeth had predicted, her best gown was befitting this occasion. It is alluring yet elegant – beautiful and refined. The fabric, cut, design, lace, and crystals are tastefully impressive – not garish – exactly suitable for the first circles. She wears her engagement jewels, and she has multiple strands of colored jewels weaved into her hair to give it sparkle and sophistication. Once again, she is content that she looks befitting of William.

  Earlier today, Elizabeth took extra care with her gown, hair, and facial appearance. She wanted to impress William, thoroughly. William was very appreciative of her overall look when he came to escort her to this wedding. He said that she looked enticingly and radiantly beautiful; he expected that she not leave his side at any time for any reason during this wedding breakfast. Elizabeth giggled and blushed at his compliments.

  Every lady, especially the unattached ones, at the wedding breakfast is also adorned prettily from head to toe; some more sophisticated than others but, nonetheless, all the ladies show their wealth. The Davenport’s residence is large almost like Darcy House. Lady Matlock had told them that the guests come to about 400 people. The Davenports are very proud that they have a viscount for a son-in-law. Their family is well established in the upper gentry circles for generations. It is not as old as the Darcy name, but they are also quite affluent. With their apparent wealth, they surely can afford to have a large lavish wedding breakfast for their only daughter out of four children.

  Elizabeth had only conversed with Miss Davenport a couple of times during the Christmas Eve dinner party at Matlock House. Elizabeth sensed that Miss Davenport thought very well of herself, thus she spoke confidently yet impassively to Elizabeth that night. She was not forwardly conceited with Elizabeth, but Elizabeth could tell that she was not easily impressed by any young lady at that dinner party, including Elizabeth, which was fine by Elizabeth because she was not there to impress Miss Davenport. Elizabeth does not agree with it, but she can understand why Miss Davenport would be haughty. She comes from privileged circumstances; she brings thirty thousand pounds to her marriage. Now, she is married to a viscount.

  Elizabeth knows, from William, that his cousin’s marriage is a marriage of convenience. However, minimally, the bride and groom are agreeable to each other even though they were expected to marry, regardless. It is no wonder Elizabeth did not detect any apparent tender regard between the couple at the Matlock Christmas Dinner. On the other hand, Elizabeth knows that
it is not common for people to express themselves romantically in public; she thought that they may be more loving with each other in private. Elizabeth cannot imagine being in a marriage with William under any other circumstances other than love.

  Knowing all these facts and coming into contact with William’s society makes Elizabeth think about how much William must honestly love her for him to forgo marrying another young lady similar to Miss Davenport’s wealth and connections. With William’s distinguished reputation, family name, connections, and wealth, he can certainly secure a young lady with a title, if he wishes. Elizabeth brings a measly one thousand pounds to her marriage, only after her Mother’s passing! Elizabeth is still incredulous of William’s wealth and that of the people in the first circle. Wealth can surely lift and support anybody to a higher echelon even those who may not belong there or deserve it.

  All she has to give William is her love, devotion, faithfulness, and loyalty – oh, and of course, her 40 pounds a year! She giggles to herself at the paltry amount of her dowry. It surely is not 30,000 pounds! Well, all Elizabeth knows is that she gives him all of her heart, forever. He has said he loves her completely and endlessly. To have all his love and devotion is all she wants; everything else is a fortunate luxury.

  Darcy’s group has some wine and champagne in the grand ballroom before dinner is served. The decorations, furnishings, and setups are displayed to show the Davenport’s fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Davenport look very proud of themselves. They speak a few words to everyone as they walk around the ballroom. They speak very nicely with William at all times. William, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Richard stand together to chat when Richard relays the fact that Lady Catherine will not be attending this wedding. Lord Matlock has forbidden her to show up and potentially cause gossip to develop between her and Darcy. Lord Matlock did not want to take the risk of a flare up to embarrass him in front of these prominent families here today.

  “Well, excuse me cousins, Elizabeth; I am going to go greet the beautiful Miss Grace Winchester and ascertain my supper set after you agree to give me your second set, Elizabeth.” Richard says so charmingly that Elizabeth could do nothing except to giggle and agree with him.

  Darcy raises his brow at Richard with a small lift of his lips as a smile. Darcy knows that Richard can be very smooth with the ladies if he wants to be. It brings to mind again that Richard and Elizabeth could have ended up being a couple. However, Darcy has come to realize that Elizabeth would not have merely settled for marriage with any gentleman just to be married. She has to respect and love the gentleman before she considers marriage with him. Nevertheless, Richard could have made a good husband for Elizabeth if it came to that. Darcy is extremely glad that it did not because it would have been pure agony to admire Elizabeth silently while only having her as his cousin-in-law. That is something he does not like to think about.

  Darcy is broken from his thoughts when he hears Elizabeth and Georgiana giggle; they are trying to see who Richard is talking about. When Richard leaves, Elizabeth and Georgiana instantly turn to William to get the information on Richard’s young lady. Darcy tries to be casual, but his two ladies will not relent until he gives them some information.

  “Lizzy, you know I am not a gossiper.” Darcy tries to be serious, but he cannot help be caught up in Elizabeth’s amusement.

  “I know, darling; that is why you are not gossiping with me and Georgiana. You are answering our questions about Richard’s interest. It is not considered gossip if Richard, himself, has told us about the young lady, already.” Elizabeth explains neatly and logically with a sweet smile directed at William.

  “But he has not told you anything about the young lady except her name.” Darcy counters, teasingly.

  “That is why you are going to tell us, darling.” Elizabeth smiles widely before saying. “Richard is practically my family now, so it is not really gossip, is it, Georgie?” Elizabeth asks Georgiana innocently and then turns back to her betrothed with an attractive smile that always gets her what she wants with him.

  “I agree with Lizzy. If it was a big secret, then Richard would not have mentioned her, at all.” Georgiana goes along with Elizabeth’s teasing; they always have much fun with each other.

  Darcy feigns exasperation when he expels a long breath. “Fine, I do not think I will have a peaceful supper if I do not give you some information about Miss Grace Winchester.” Darcy pretends to narrow his eyes at Elizabeth, but she just giggles at him and then Georgiana joins in. “Miss Grace Winchester is a cousin to our new cousin – The Viscountess Somerset - Mrs. Andrew Fitzwilliam. She is nine and ten years old with two older brothers and one younger brother. Richard has called upon her a few times and has found her delightful. There, is that enough information, ladies? You would think that I was Richard’s personal secretary or someone like that.” Darcy jokingly frowns and pulls back one side of his lips lightly to convey that they have forced him to give out information against his will.

  Elizabeth and Georgiana giggle some more behind their hands as Elizabeth affectionately hooks her other hand into William’s arm to soothe his feeling of unfairness against him. “Certainly you are not Richard’s personal secretary or anyone other than a great cousin and a best friend. You are the illustrious Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire who has many if not all the young ladies here wishing for your attention. Alas, they will not be getting any of your attention because I will be getting all your attention. Is that right, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth grins ingenuously and temptingly at her betrothed. She is quite forward and brave today.

  “That is correct; you will get all my attention, no one else.” Darcy looks intently at Elizabeth to impress upon her that there will be no misunderstanding in this quarter; he knows that she is teasing him. He reminds himself to hold back or else he will forget and lean in to kiss her lips, right here.

  At dinner, Elizabeth is seated between William and Georgiana; their particular table comprises of relatives and friends from the groom’s side. Without a doubt, all the Ellingtons are present, including Miss Sophia Ellington who has glanced at William a few times already. All of Lord and Lady Matlock’s relatives were invited; many, if not all of them, are in attendance. There are many more of Lady Matlock’s relatives than Lord Matlock’s. Darcy and Georgiana are the closest relatives to Lord Matlock. Darcy knows many of Lady Matlock’s relatives from past family parties that he has attended throughout the years.

  Elizabeth is glad that Lady Matlock is sensitive enough to place Miss Sophia Ellington and her family at the opposite end to Elizabeth and William. It would not be good for anyone if Miss Sophia Ellington or her Mother should provoke William into setting them down publically. Elizabeth and William are attentive towards each other, and it is apparent to anyone looking. She does not even give Miss Sophia Ellington one full look.

  Darcy is liberal with Georgiana today. He is allowing her to remain in the family sitting room with Mrs. Annesley when the dancing begins or they can go home ahead of Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana chooses to remain; even though she will not be allowed to dance, she will be able to hear some music. She is certain that there will be other young ladies in her same position there. Possibly, they can talk to each other; she is going to try to be less shy and more sociable.

  Undoubtedly, Darcy dances the first set with Elizabeth. Her dance card is full up to the supper set which is also reserved for William along with the last set of the night. Darcy says that he will not be denied his sets with his almost-wife; he does not care who sees that he has three sets with her. Darcy does not plan to dance with anyone else other than Elizabeth.

  As Elizabeth is dancing with Mr. Nathaniel Ellington, she sees William speak to some men, including Richard and Andrew. They talk and laugh gaily. She is glad to see that William is enjoying himself; she has told him that she does not want him to be bored while she is dancing. She would gladly not dance with anyone except him, but she knows she cannot do that. As she turns to walk down to the line with her pa
rtner, she sees the bride walk up to the men with two other young ladies. One young lady, Elizabeth recognizes as Miss Grace Winchester. Elizabeth does not know of the other pretty young lady who is being introduced and is engagingly smiling at…William. Elizabeth wants to see how William acts with other ladies when she is not present.

  When Elizabeth can observe William again, she sees him smile attractively, and then that young lady coquettishly talks to him. Does this young lady not know that William is betrothed already? The bride definitely knows. If this young lady is the bride’s friend or relative, then the bride is probably disregarding this fact and helping out this young lady with an introduction. Well, that shows Elizabeth what kind of a person the bride is. Elizabeth will find out about the situation and will be on guard with the bride from now on. It will not do Elizabeth any good if she weakens her bond with Lady Matlock by not getting along with their new family member. She is certain Lady Matlock will be closer to her daughter-in-law than to Elizabeth. Elizabeth hopes that Lady Matlock is sensible and fair in her dealings with people that are not her immediate family.

  Elizabeth sees William listening with pleasure to the young lady who continues talking. He responds nicely, and the young lady giggles some more. Well, they seem to enjoy themselves quite a bit. Richard is speaking with Miss Grace Winchester, the bride and the groom. The bride giggles and leans into the unknown young lady; afterwards, they both talk and then look at William with bright smiles.

  This dance set is interminable; Elizabeth wants to be with William and see what is occurring with his group. She feels her jealousy rise, but she will not jump to conclusions and cause any disruptions here. She will be the ultimate lady. Now, the entire group moves to the drinks table; they walk in couple formation, and it looks rather cozy for them all with the bride and groom leading the pack. When the music stops, her partner leads her off the dance floor towards where William was standing before. When they arrive there, she and her partner bow and curtsy to each other before he walks off. Elizabeth feels awkward standing here alone, so she takes advantage of the break in the music to go into the family sitting room to ask after Georgiana.