My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

  Darcy is ecstatic with his current life. He will marry the lady of his dreams in three days. He always knew that he wanted love in his marriage and if his wife could be intelligent, beautiful, responsible, caring, loving, passionate, faithful, and loyal, then she would fulfill all of his dreams and fantasies. He has all of that with Elizabeth, and he will never let her go – not for anything or anyone.

  As Jane stands there listening to Elizabeth’s commentary and observation of Mrs. Crawford, she feels anxious about meeting Mrs. Crawford, again. Jane wants to see how Mr. Morgan will act. How should Jane act? She will be nonchalant. Mr. Morgan has asked to continue with their courtship. He is the one that was very sorry for making those mistakes against her. He is the one that asked to be forgiven. He is the one that wants their courtship to advance further. He is the one that invited her and her family to his parents’ dinner party where everyone will know of his courtship with her. She trusts what he had explained to her. She will not let Mrs. Crawford come between them.

  Darcy’s group talks amongst themselves for a few more minutes before they see Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Morgan walk into the drawing room with their two sons behind them. The parents and the two sons split up to socialize with the guests. Mr. Morgan comes over to Darcy’s group and immediately speaks to Jane after he greets everyone again.

  “Would you like a cup of punch, Miss Bennet? We have several types.” Morgan asks caringly.

  “Yes, thank you, Mr. Morgan.” Jane replies fondly.

  Morgan signals for a footman to come over and tells him the drink orders for this entire group. Afterwards, Morgan continues his conversation with Jane for a few moments, and then he turns to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to ask them about their trip to town.

  “The trip was as expected when one travels in the winter.” Mr. Bennet answers politely. “Mr. Morgan, I hear that you are a barrister. How do you like that profession?”

  “I like my profession quite well, Mr. Bennet. I like it more than being in the military or taking orders.” Morgan chuckles as does the other three men.

  “How long have you been a barrister, Mr. Morgan?” Mr. Bennet asks casually.

  “I have been a barrister for four years now, sir.” Morgan replies courteously.

  “Do barristers make good money, Mr. Morgan?” Mrs. Bennet chimes in cheerfully.

  Everybody cringes imperceptibly, including Morgan; however, he responds modestly, “They do better than a soldier and a minister, ma’am.” Morgan smiles civilly. He can clearly decipher that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth do not take after Mrs. Bennet. They are not indiscreet and forward – thank God!

  “Ah, well, that is good. Is this your house, Mr. Morgan?” Mrs. Bennet continues delightedly without any recognition of Mr. Morgan’s discomfort. She needs to find out these details to see if Jane will have a luxurious life that she deserves.

  “This is my family’s home in town, ma’am. I live here for most of the year while court is in session. I visit our family estate in Northampton on holidays and for special occasions. Have you been to Northampton, Mrs. Bennet?”

  “No, I have not, Mr. Morgan, but now that Lizzy will be marrying Mr. Darcy and their home will be Derbyshire then I may pass through Northampton when I go up to Derbyshire. Northampton is on the way to Derbyshire, I believe.” Mrs. Bennet states affably; she is oblivious to two people’s alarm and uneasiness.

  Both Darcy and Elizabeth squeeze each other’s arm when they hear Mrs. Bennet’s statement. Darcy does not even want to visualize Mrs. Bennet running around inside Pemberley making demands with her shrill voice and bothering Elizabeth. No, he will not let that come true.

  “I hear that Mr. Darcy’s estate in Derbyshire is very grand, indeed; it is much bigger than his home here in town.” Mrs. Bennet states.

  “Mama, I heard from Mr. Darcy that Mr. Morgan’s family estate in Northampton is very fine.” Elizabeth interjects tactfully and quickly so that her Mother will not have a chance to crow about something she does not know. Moreover, she does not want Mr. Morgan to be uncomfortable about his home being compared to Pemberley or to anyone else’s; it is just inconsiderate and tasteless to do such a thing.

  “Oh, I am sure that it is, and I am certain that your estate is just as grand as Pemberley, Mr. Morgan.” Mrs. Bennet says eagerly with contented smiles.

  “No, ma’am. Our estate is only about half that of Pemberley. Pemberley is a magnificent home, indeed. I always feel at peace when I am there. The house itself is elegant and luxurious sitting imperially on a perfect piece of land. The majestic views of the surrounding Darcy lands are a sight to behold.” Then Morgan turns to Darcy. “You are a fortunate man to have all of that for all of your life, Darcy.” Morgan pronounces graciously. He is correct and fortunate – Miss Bennet is not like her mother – thank God!

  “Thank you. Your estate is quite serene, Morgan. You have that a pond that reminds me of Pemberley’s. Your lands are lush – perfect for your beautiful horses to be raised. Our homes are dear to us, thus there really is no comparison. You may like one style and I may like another. Is that not true, Morgan?” Darcy expresses eloquently. He wants to stop Mrs. Bennet’s comparison because her comments and questions may be embarrassing or offending Morgan.

  “Yes, that is very true, Darcy. However, in all honesty, Pemberley is a splendid place to live. You should be very proud.” Morgan claims amiably.

  “Thank you, I am.” Darcy responds contentedly and then slightly nods his head in acknowledgement of Morgan’s compliment.

  “I concur with Mr. Morgan, Mr. Darcy. As you know, I lived near Pemberley when I was younger, and I still think it is one of the most elegant, refined, beautiful houses all around. The gardens are immaculately designed and situated. The pond is charming. The verdant lands are picturesque. It feels like a peaceful dream.” Mrs. Gardiner interpolates pleasantly.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner.” Darcy responds humbly, but silently, he is proud; he is always happy to hear anyone praise his home and his family’s legacy.

  Elizabeth squeezes William’s arm affectionately as she gazes up at him adoringly while he is talking to the others in their group. He is strikingly handsome. All of his features are impeccable; she can stare at him all day long and not be bored. His stature is tall, broad, and proud. His demeanor is genuinely gallant and gracious; on top of which, he is intelligent, sensible, responsible, and loving. His voice is manly and mesmerizing. His eyes and smile are captivating. Basically, he is the epitome of a gentleman, in every way. She could not ask for anything more in a husband. She feels blessed to have met him and, now, to marry him in three days is the ultimate marvelous dream come true.

  Darcy looks down at Elizabeth’s alluring, smiling face that is gazing up at him, and he is delighted that she seems to be very happy. She is breathtakingly beautiful. He would like to kiss her tantalizing, luscious lips right here and now but obviously he cannot. In three more days, he will kiss them until he is satisfied! By this time in three days, he will have more than her delectable lips! Instead, he has to settle for gazing at her lovingly and squeezing her hands. Well, no one can read his mind; he can think whatever he wants about his betrothed in his mind.

  Darcy and Elizabeth are broken out of their reverie for each other when they hear Mrs. Bennet speak again about coming to Pemberley. Darcy does not flinch; Elizabeth’s eyes widen instantly, but she calms herself. Even though there is no outward signs of Darcy’s discontent, Elizabeth can tell that he is displeased with the idea of her Mother coming for a visit at Pemberley or at Darcy House; she does not blame him. However, Elizabeth does not know how to turn her down, especially for a visit at Darcy House.

  Fortunately, at this moment, the footman comes back with a tray of the group’s drinks; hence, neither Elizabeth nor Darcy comments on Mrs. Bennet’s wish to see Pemberley. Yet, that is not the end of Mrs. Bennet’s effusions.

  “I can’t imagine how absolutely grand Pemberley must be. The furnishings must be of excellent quality, and they
must be very expensive; are they not Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet inquires gleefully.

  “They are of decent quality, Mrs. Bennet.” Darcy replies nonchalantly. He wishes that he and Elizabeth could stand away from Mrs. Bennet, but that would be rude and he would never want anyone to think ill of Elizabeth’s manners; therefore, they must suffer Mrs. Bennet.

  “How many rooms are there in Darcy House, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet persists.

  Mr. Bennet intercepts quietly. “Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Morgan’s home is beautifully decorated, is it not?” Mr. Bennet cleverly redirects the conversation away from Mr. Darcy because he can tell that the gentleman is uncomfortable with Mrs. Bennet’s constant questioning.

  “Yes, yes, Mr. Bennet. It is quite fashionable. Your mother has elegant taste, Mr. Morgan.” Mrs. Bennet praises readily while wondering just how huge and grand Pemberley and Darcy House is.

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Mr. Morgan, how long has your family lived here?” Mr. Bennet continues with Mr. Morgan to distract Mrs. Bennet.

  “We have lived here for the past thirty years, sir.”

  “Will this be your home once you marry, Mr. Morgan?” Mrs. Bennet poses. She wants to know if this house will actually belong to Mr. Morgan. Jane will need to be mistress of her own house if they marry.

  “I will continue to live here whether I am married or not, Mrs. Bennet. My younger brother, Alexander will also live here when he is done with schooling this summer. I think there is sufficient room for all of us.” Morgan replies straightforwardly. Goodness, he is being interrogated. He is not opposed to these questions because he understands that he is Miss Bennet’s suitor, thus her Father is entitled to know all of this information, but the way Mrs. Bennet talks makes her look like a fortune hunter.

  “Oh how nice; what will be your brother’s profession once he is finished with his schooling, sir?” Mrs. Bennet continues to question openly. She feels she is doing right by Jane.

  “He is also planning to be a barrister, ma’am.” Morgan keeps his demeanor and tone casual.

  At this point, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Morgan reach their group and both smile good-naturedly at everyone before Mrs. Morgan says, “Mrs. Bennet, I heard that you and your family just arrived from Hertfordshire this afternoon. I hope the roads were tolerable.”

  “Oh, it was barely tolerable, Mrs. Morgan. The bumpy roads gave me a headache; I do not like long trips.” Mrs. Bennet replies unguardedly; her voice, tone, and manners display her non-genteel upbringing.

  “Oh, I am sorry to hear that, Mrs. Bennet. I hope that you will be able to get some rest before Miss Elizabeth’s wedding, then.” Mrs. Morgan states eloquently and compassionately; her words and mannerisms show her genteel background.

  “Yes, thank you, Mrs. Morgan. Elizabeth’s wedding will be a grand affair, indeed, with the Archbishop Peters presiding in The London Church.” Mrs. Bennet declares happily.

  “Yes, that is very special, indeed.” Mrs. Morgan turns to Darcy to ask, “Mr. Darcy, Archbishop Peters is your Godfather is he not?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Morgan, he is.” Darcy answers politely.

  At this point, the dinner bell sounds and conversation shifts to everyone being guided into the dining room. Name cards indicate where everyone is to be seated. It turns out that the Gardiners sit across from Darcy and Elizabeth at Mr. Brandon Morgan’s end of the dining table. Elizabeth sits in between Darcy and another gentleman Mr. Hugh St. John.

  Mr. Hugh St. John looks younger than Darcy; he is the son of Mr. Brandon Morgan’s very good friend, Mr. Leonard St. John. Mr. Hugh St. John is delighted that he is seated next to the beautiful Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He saw her walking into the drawing room with her group when they first arrived and he wanted to meet her. When he saw her smile, it brightened up the room. He noticed that a couple of other gentlemen also discreetly looked her way. She was on the arm of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy who seemed to be quite distinguished. When he asked about Mr. Darcy, Mr. Hugh St. John was told that Mr. Darcy was of the first circles. St. John will take this opportunity to speak with Miss Elizabeth and find out more about her. She and Mr. Darcy definitely are not married.

  Elizabeth looks down at the other end of the long table to see that Jane is seated to the left of Mrs. Morgan with Mr. Morgan sitting in between Jane and Mrs. Crawford. Mrs. Crawford seems to be very comfortable with her seat. She is already talking to Mr. Morgan as Mrs. Morgan is saying something to Jane. Across from Jane are Elizabeth’s parents. Elizabeth prays that her Mother will not make any displeasing, revealing comments again. Mrs. Morgan seems to be a smart, sensible woman who could most likely decipher that Mrs. Bennet is probably not as genteel as Mr. Bennet is a gentleman. Elizabeth is embarrassed already; if only her Mother would heed the advice of her family members, then it would not be so very discomfiting for everyone.

  When Elizabeth is not conversing with William or Mr. Hugh St. John, she observes Jane, Mr. Morgan, and Mrs. Crawford. Mr. Morgan seems to converse more with Mrs. Crawford, and she laughs in a carefree manner. Jane is shy; hence, she is quieter. Elizabeth sees that her Mother seems to be speaking with Mrs. Morgan quite a bit – actually, her Mother is speaking and Mrs. Morgan is listening. Lord, Elizabeth hopes that with her Father sitting next to her Mother, she will not speak offensively.

  “Miss Elizabeth, are you enjoying your stay in town so far?” Mr. Hugh St. John asks amiably.

  “Yes, I am Mr. St. John.” Elizabeth answers politely.

  “How long are you planning to stay in town before going back to Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth?” St. John asks eagerly. He surely wants to know so that he can make a call upon her.

  “I will not be going back to Hertfordshire, sir.” Elizabeth answers forthrightly.

  “Oh? You will be residing in town permanently, then?” This is very good news for St. John.

  “No, sir. I believe that I will be residing in Derbyshire most of the year.” Elizabeth gets the feeling that Mr. St. John is not just asking from a friendship-curiosity standpoint.

  “Are you and your family moving to Derbyshire, Miss Elizabeth?” St. John continues to inquire.

  “No, sir, just myself. My father’s estate is still in Hertfordshire.”

  “Oh…you will be moving to Derbyshire by yourself, then?” St. John asks quizzically – not quite understanding the situation.

  “I will be married in a few days; thus, I will be moving to Derbyshire into my husband’s estate, Mr. St. John.” Elizabeth responds courteously. She figures that Mr. St. John has not heard of her betrothal to William.

  “Oh…of course…forgive me; I did not know of your betrothal. Congratulations to you, Miss Elizabeth.” St. John is disappointed, indeed. It is obvious that a charming, beautiful young lady like Miss Elizabeth would be taken already.

  “Thank you, Mr. St. John.” Elizabeth replies genially, and then she turns to William to make the official introduction as her betrothed, but he is talking with Mr. Brandon Morgan; therefore, she turns back to her plate. She hears Mr. St. John continue his queries.

  “Which is your betrothed’s estate, Miss Elizabeth?”

  “Mr. Darcy’s estate is Pemberley; do you know of it, sir?” Elizabeth replies unassumingly.

  “I do not know Derbyshire well, Miss Elizabeth.” St. John answers honestly.

  “I have heard from some people who have lived there or visited Derbyshire that it is lovely, indeed. I look forward to spending my life there.” Elizabeth says candidly and with clear joy. She smiles good-naturedly at Mr. Hugh St. John and then turns to William to give him an affectionate smile that she reserves for him alone. This time William is unoccupied in conversation; hence, she makes the introductions.

  Darcy missed a part of Elizabeth’s conversation with Mr. Hugh St. John while he was speaking with Mr. Brandon Morgan. However, he hears Elizabeth’s current conversation with him, and Darcy knows from Mr. Hugh St. John’s questions that he does not know or does not realize that Elizabeth is engaged to be married. Mr. Hu
gh St. John looks admiringly at Elizabeth with his happy demeanor. Well, well, well…Darcy is not surprised that Mr. Hugh St. John is fascinated by Elizabeth. He is proud to have such an estimable betrothed; truth be told, it is rousing to have a betrothed or a wife that many admire.

  Darcy is thrilled that Elizabeth is always thoughtful of him. She includes him in everything; he always feels loved and cared for by Elizabeth. Her current smile, which reinforces and reassures him of her love even when they are not conversing with each other, is a perfect example. He could not ask for a better wife to share his life. Darcy smiles back charmingly at Elizabeth.

  “Mr. Darcy, I would like to introduce to you, Mr. Hugh St. John. Mr. Hugh St. John, this is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, my betrothed.” Elizabeth smiles prettily when she gazes at William.

  The two gentlemen lean over the table slightly, as Elizabeth leans away, to acknowledge each other with a nod of the head and a verbal greeting.

  “Mr. Darcy, Mr. St. John was asking me about Derbyshire. How many miles is Pemberley from London, sir?” Elizabeth asks pleasantly; she knows the answer, but she wants to have William join in the conversation.