My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

  Elizabeth could only think of keeping the serene smile on her face, looking straight ahead as she walks towards Queen Charlotte, walking correctly so that she does not trip on this huge gown with the excessively long train, curtsying deep enough to be respectful but also in a way where she can straighten herself up to a standing position gracefully, kissing the Queen’s offered hand, and backing away properly at the conclusion of the presentation. She is very glad that she has William’s arm for strength and support at the end. She does not want to make any errors to embarrass him, his family, or herself.

  She took this task as a challenge to show that she could do this as well as any other young lady of the Ton; she is not limited by her family’s social ranking. She has practiced the presentation just as Lady Matlock has instructed her. Even Lady Matlock was satisfied in the end. Elizabeth practiced until she felt no discomfort with the moves; she was determined not to make a mistake. It was like when she first learned how to dance; she practiced with Jane until she felt fluid with her dance steps so no one could comment that she did not deserve to be at the dance with adults. Yes, in some ways she is also proud, but she does not think that pride which pushes her to be a better person or to do better in her life is the bad type of pride. It is unhealthy pride when one is conceited about it and is demeaning to others due to it. When she decides to do something, she endeavors to do her absolute best to achieve success. Her court presentation is no different.

  After successfully standing up from her deep curtsey and kissing the Queen’s hand correctly, Elizabeth thought she would back away from the Queen and then be escorted away by William. However, she was very surprised to be addressed by the Queen.

  “Your husband’s estate is in Derbyshire, Mrs. Darcy?” The Queen asks Elizabeth nonchalantly after her Lady-in-waiting finishes whispering something to her.

  “Yes, your majesty.” Elizabeth answers modestly as she demurely gazes at the queen.

  “It is Pemberley – near the Duke of Devonshire’s estate?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Elizabeth smiles genuinely and graciously in response.

  “I believe I have seen Pemberley once – passing through that part of Derbyshire. Pemberley is quite pretty.” The Queen deigns a comment to Elizabeth.

  “Thank you, ma’am. We are very proud of our home.” Elizabeth states unassumingly and humbly.

  “As you should be.” The Queen’s statement is regal and final – signifying the end of her conversation with Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth curtsies again once she is certain that the Queen has finished speaking with her. With poise, she moves away on William’s arm. Unbelievable! She has spoken with the queen! Elizabeth’s family will be incredulous! Her Father will appreciate her observations of this entire event and all of its elaborate protocol. She will enjoy telling her Father all about it when her family comes to London for Jane’s wedding. Absolutely incredible!

  With a handsome smile, Darcy praises his wife for completing her presentation with finesse. “You were wonderfully elegant, dearest. I am very proud of you.” Darcy inconspicuously caresses Elizabeth’s hand to demonstrate his satisfaction. Subsequently, he tightens his arm closer to his body so her hand would touch the side of his body. Darcy gazes down at Elizabeth and says, “You are so beautiful, and you are mine.”

  Elizabeth blushes upon hearing her husband’s praises and then she says, “Thank you, darling. I am yours in every way just as you are mine.” She smiles brightly; this is her special smile for William only. She squeezes his arm to send him her love. “You were a great comfort to me throughout this entire experience. I was very glad you were with me.” She smiles gleefully again. “You look dangerously handsome in your outfit there.” Elizabeth quietly giggles at her husband’s side as they make their way to the side waiting room for couples who have finished presenting.

  Darcy can feel her ardor for him with that alluring smile of hers; it warms his heart to have such a loving wife. She easily brings out his passionate nature which only she knows, intimately. He could not be more blessed with Elizabeth as his wife.

  Elizabeth and Darcy host an intimate family dinner party after her court presentation. After changing out of her presentation gown, Elizabeth keeps her jewels on. She wants to wear them for a little longer; she is mesmerized by them when she observes herself in the looking glass; they are striking. When William comes to her dressing room to escort her down to dinner, she thanks him again for the radiant jewelry.

  “Thank you for my jewels, darling; you spoil me. They are absolutely exquisite!” Elizabeth declares excitedly, again. “They are beyond anything I have ever imagined.”

  “You are absolutely exquisite! You are my beloved wife who deserves to be lavished with all that is great. I love you.” Darcy says most naturally and enthusiastically as he kisses the nape of her neck.

  “I love you, darling. You already lavish me with your love and devotion – those are the greatest things in this world.” Elizabeth states with the utmost sincerity, and then she tilts her face upwards as she reaches for the nape of his neck to gently pull him towards her lips to kiss him the way he likes. She suckles his lips individually before she does the same with his tongue; she continues her ministrations until she is satisfied. She has become quite bold in expressing her love for William these days because there is nothing wrong with doing all she can to please him, especially with his encouragement.

  Darcy devours Elizabeth’s mouth with zeal after her impressive display of affection for him. He could not let her go so easily. Her show of love for him is exactly what he desires; he is thrilled when she initiates their lovemaking even if it is only a passionate kiss. He has been sated every time they love one another and today is no different.

  When Jane and Mrs. Gardiner get a chance to speak with Elizabeth, they compliment her extraordinary jewels. She humbly thanks them. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner are excited to hear all about Elizabeth’s presentation experience, thus they speak quietly but lively about it. Lady Matlock shares with them her experience when she came out at eight and ten and was presented at court in front of a much younger King George III and Queen Charlotte. Everyone else shares their own experiences. Jane is the only other gentlewoman present that has not been presented, but everybody is aware that she will be once she is married to Morgan. Dinner is a light and fun affair for everyone. Everybody else merrily shares their own presentation experience.

  TUESDAY, APRIL 16th

  The first notable ball of the season is right after Easter; this year it is given by the Marquess of Leeds to which the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams are invited. The London townhouse of the Marquess of Leeds is impressive, indeed; it is sizeable – larger than Darcy House and is ostentatious. Elizabeth discreetly notices her surroundings as she, Darcy, and Richard enter the house right behind Lord and Lady Matlock. When Elizabeth and William are announced, they enter the very large, stately ballroom which is fully brightened by four grand candelabras amongst many other wall sconces.

  The ballroom is half full already, so many eyes turn to them as they enter. Elizabeth can feel the scrutiny, but she is confident with William by her side supporting her and guiding her. Once again, she is bejeweled with her impressive presentation jewels; her light yellow, crystal embedded, off the shoulder, luxurious silk gown of the highest quality shows most elegantly on her which makes the statement that Mrs. Darcy is not a mere country miss, in a country dress. Hertfordshire has never seen the likes of this opulent gown and jewels; this gown is as beautiful and sophisticated as her wedding gown. Her hair and maquillage are befitting of this imposing event. Coupled with evident good manners, intelligence, and beauty, Mrs. Darcy could not be considered inappropriate for the illustrious Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. The only constant comment is that her family estate is small, and she is not of the Ton from where everybody thought Mr. Darcy would choose his wife.

  The match-making mothers are definitely disappointed and envious upon seeing Elizabeth, thus they console themselves an
d their daughters to the fact that they are richer than the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet. However, silently, they acknowledge that Lord and Lady Matlock, other prominent families of the Peer, and Lord Leeds have accepted Mrs. Darcy; therefore, they should not do anything too rash as to garner a negative memory of their acquaintance with Mrs. Darcy. Consequently, other titled families, at least outwardly, greeted them courteously and then carried on with the ball although everyone is conscious that Elizabeth will be observed throughout tonight for her worthiness. Elizabeth is cognizant of this; she can only be her true self. She is not a mean person, thus if people should choose not to associate with her because of her family’s lack of significant wealth and social status, then she cannot rectify it any further. Now, that she is Mrs. Darcy, those people will have to move on with their lives. She will not let anyone jeopardize her happiness with her husband – not even her own family.

  There are some friends and acquaintances that Darcy gladly introduces to Elizabeth; these particular people are able to see how genuine and lovely Mrs. Darcy is. It is also obvious that Darcy is in a love match with how captivated he is with his wife. Afterwards, they are approached by Lord and Lady Leeds; introductions are made and all greetings are relayed. Elizabeth smiles and directs her amiable attention towards Lady Leeds as Lord Leeds asks Darcy about some new industrial equipment invention that is being talked about which could replace hundreds of laborers with one machine. Another subject of interest to the Marquess is the steam locomotive. Darcy gives his well-informed opinions. He is very much interested in different ways of diversifying his investments in order to advance his wealth; therefore, he has investigated these forms of businesses and has found them to be sound endeavors for him to consider. Lord Leeds expresses his wish to speak further with Darcy about these investments, at a later date. Darcy agrees and relays that he will be in London until no later than the end of May; he would be glad to meet with Lord Leeds before that time.

  Elizabeth could not help observing William’s countenance with pride. He is an intelligent, astute gentleman that genuinely cares about bettering his family legacy instead of just spending it frivolously in his young age as many have been known to do. She is also certain that he will be a most admirable, caring, responsible, and loving father for their children. They have spoken of children and they both would like a minimum of three children. With Pemberley not being entailed to the male line, Elizabeth can rest easy to have children naturally without fear and in constant want of an heir. She does not want to be in a position to think that the heir is so much more important than any other child; she feels it to be most unfair to the children once they are old enough to understand the order of things. No matter how anyone explains it, it is inevitable that the other children would feel the inequity of it. However, she understands that a legacy such as the Darcy’s cannot be continually divided up between the children, generation after generation; otherwise, it would diminish in size and standing. Therefore, she has spoken to William about putting aside a small estate for each of their children so that none of them would have to suffer with not having a secure home if their careers are a hardship to attain. This does not mean that the younger children can take advantage of the fact that their lives will be provided for them; therefore, they will not have to put much effort into attaining a good future for themselves. With William as their father, Elizabeth doubts that their children would ever take their blessed lives for granted. William did not; their children will not either.

  The ladies in the vicinity of their group could not help but see the sincere love and bliss radiating from Elizabeth for Darcy. It reminds them of what love could look like, and, for a fleeting moment, they wish they could have it too or at least that their children or grandchildren could have it. However, they know how difficult it is for a love match to occur. The ladies observe and listen to Elizabeth’s responses to their questions and comments; they are satisfied that Elizabeth is not an embarrassment with whom they can acquaint themselves.

  Elizabeth’s first dance set with William is exactly as she likes, any time she dances with her husband. He dances very sophisticatedly. She has teased him about why he does not dance much, before meeting her, if he has learned to dance so skillfully.

  “You know that if I learn anything I would like to learn how to do it well – not just do it with mediocrity. Moreover, you know that I did not want to raise any young lady’s expectations by dancing with them; therefore, I never really danced that much.” Darcy responds straightforwardly.

  “Ahhh, so if you did choose to dance with any young lady, then it must have meant that you were interested in them?” Elizabeth teases while arching her brows playfully and then smiling coyly at her handsome husband.

  Nonchalantly, Darcy replies, “I know what you are trying to do, dearest, but you were aware that I have participated in several seasons before my eyes laid on my beautiful, alluring wife. I am not merely twenty years old.” Darcy smiles his handsome smile that always catches her breath. “I wish I met you when I was twenty years old because then I would have been able have your love and to love you for these past eight years, already.” Darcy’s eyes glint in the candle light with sincerity and passion.

  Elizabeth giggles and then says good-humoredly, “I do not think you would have wanted to meet me when you were twenty; I was only three and ten years old at the time.” She chuckles freely as they separate during their turn in the dance. Once their dance steps bring them together again, Elizabeth continues, “My hair was down and disheveled; I was running around playing with all the neighboring children; I laughed and climbed trees in the garden with them; I did not let any boy tell me that I could not do what they could do…so many fun things. I think I still would have found you utterly handsome, though, if I saw you back then just like when I saw you for the first time at Hyde Park when you were walking with those two young ladies.” Elizabeth deliberately included that last part to tease William.

  “I was walking with Bingley, dearest – not with those two young ladies.” Darcy lightheartedly narrows his eyes at his wife, and then she laughs openly at his reaction. “I would like to have seen you all disheveled – uh hmm – but you are right; three and ten is too young. I very much like to see you disheveled, nowadays.” Darcy’s brow rises up and down in merriment. He likes to make his wife fluster – in a good way.

  Elizabeth smiles and blushes red at William’s blatant comment. “Darlingggg!” Elizabeth exclaims quietly and then giggles. William’s devastatingly attractive smile appears, and Elizabeth is enthralled by it. She feels such joy when he smiles; it does not matter why he smiles. His smile brightens her mood and her life; she could not imagine living a life without his love and laughter.

  Throughout the night, anyone paying attention could see the sheer joy and love between the newlyweds; no one could fault Mrs. Darcy for her constant state of bliss and laughter with her handsome husband. They only wish that they could experience some of it. Elizabeth dances with some of Darcy’s relatives and friends, but Darcy does not dance with anyone else. As usual, she can tell that many young ladies surreptitiously peer at William with longing, but she is secure enough, now, not to let it bother her, especially when he gives them no acknowledgement other than if they were introduced. Once again, Elizabeth assures him that she is not bothered by it if he should dance with someone else, but he maintains that he does not wish to dance with anyone else.

  “Are you…uneasy because of what happened at Andrew’s wedding breakfast, darling? You do not have to be; I know that it was not a deliberate disregard of me, and you were trying to be polite and helpful, only. I do not hold it against you.” Elizabeth explains sensibly with a genuine smile to show her love for him.

  “I am not uncomfortable, dearest. I know you are not a petty and unreasonable person. Besides, you know that I usually do not dance with many others, anyways. I like to watch you perform your dances.” Darcy smiles good-naturedly as he gives her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  E
lizabeth’s smile and demeanor expresses her love, trust, and understanding in her husband. They finish their set before she dances next with Richard and then Andrew. Elizabeth and Sarah greet each other cordially but do not have any conversation individually; however, they do speak with Lady Matlock as a group. Elizabeth notices that Sarah is neutral towards Elizabeth; hence, she feels slightly inclined not to hold a grudge against Sarah’s involvement with her cousin’s ploy to try to attract William. Elizabeth will see how time will display Sarah’s true behavior and conduct before she can be comfortable befriending her. For now, they will be polite cousin-in-laws.

  Lady Matlock introduces Elizabeth to quite a few more socially important ladies, and they seem to get along agreeably. Elizabeth attributes this to the fact that Lady Matlock has given Elizabeth her full support, thus the other ladies followed suit. Either way, Elizabeth is happy to make acquaintances of anyone who is a decent person. She tells William about it, and he is happy that she is being received with courtesy and respect as she deserves because he will not tolerate anyone disparaging or embarrassing her in any manner.

  Elizabeth and Darcy have a fun time at Lord Leeds’ ball without any mishap occurring. Lady Leeds is impressed by Elizabeth’s caring and unpretentious manners when they speak about how young women should also be educated so that they will not be helpless should their husband or father not be present. Lady Leeds praises Elizabeth for being an understanding woman of the next generation. With Lord and Lady Leeds’ praise upon Elizabeth’s intelligence and worthiness, it is silently understood that she is accepted in high society. Mr. Darcy has willingly bestowed his love upon Elizabeth; that must also count for something.