Susan was the first to embrace Elizabeth. “We’re pleased to finally meet you, my dear. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you from David and Georgiana. I hope you will feel at home in our house.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. I am very pleased to finally meet you and Mr. Darcy as well. Georgiana tells me you are very close with my husband and his brother.”
“Yes, we are, but you must call us Susan and Harvey. We are family, so there’s no need for formalities.”
Harvey stepped forward. “Oh yes, my dear! You mustn’t be formal with us. That will never do. I’ve watched these boys grow up. They’re like sons to me,” Harvey smiled warmly. “Now, Elizabeth, I want you to meet our sons, William and Benson, and William’s date, Amanda Elliot.”
After they’d been introduced, Elizabeth said, “I’m very pleased to meet you all. Fitzwilliam has often spoken of you. I’m also honored to meet you, Miss Elliot.” She shook hands with each brother as well as with Amanda.
The two Darcy cousins smiled, but said nothing, their demeanor curious, but reserved. Reacting to the cool reception, Elizabeth stiffened slightly but returned their smiles, choosing to ignore their aloofness. Fitzwilliam placed his hand on Elizabeth’s back to show his support for his wife.
Breaking the awkward moment, Amanda spoke. “It is an honor to meet you, Mrs. Darcy, and do call me Amanda. Miss Elliot seems so stuffy.”
“Yes, I will, and you must call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy, as my family does.”
“That will be lovely. I shall call you Lizzy, and you should call me Mandy. All of my close friends, except Wills, call me by that name. He can be so stuffy at times. He insists on calling me Amanda no matter how much I ask him to call me Mandy.” Amanda cut William a wide, mischievous grin, which he returned as he gently encircled her waist with his arm.
“Mandy it is, then.” Elizabeth gave her an affectionate smile.
David and Georgiana exchanged small talk with their aunt and uncle as the entire party moved towards the main drawing room. Dinner passed with much conversation and light laughter. As the evening wore on, Elizabeth relaxed with her husband’s family, very relieved they were nothing like she had anticipated. She also liked Mandy very much. Observing the interaction between Mandy and William, she concluded that they were much more than just dating. In fact, she could tell they loved each other. She wouldn’t be surprised in the least if she and Fitzwilliam would be attending a wedding in the foreseeable future.
~*~
After dinner, the ladies and gentlemen separated for conversation and drinks. Uncle Harvey led the men to his private library for wine and cigars. Very pleased by the interaction between Fitzwilliam and his wife, Harvey relaxed. He had watched them closely all evening and had determined that they not only loved each other, but that George had missed a blessing.
Satisfied with the evening, Harvey pulled his nephew aside for a private word. “Fitzwilliam, I like your wife very much. I can see why you were drawn to her. She’s not only beautiful, but has grace and style, too, and I might add, she appears to genuinely care for you. She complements you. She’s outgoing and friendly where you are cautious and reserved.”
“Thank you very much.” Fitzwilliam laughed softly. “Elizabeth is all of those things and more. And I would say that we do complement each other perfectly. I only wish my dad could see how happy we are. I’m sorry he’ll never know Alex and Emily. He would have loved them, and he would have loved Elizabeth too, if he’d only given her a chance.”
Harvey sighed with a slight smile. “Fitzwilliam, I, too, grieve for the fact that your father never met your wife or his grandchildren, and I do feel sorry that your children will never know either set of their grandparents, but I want you to know that your father would have accepted Elizabeth. He told me so before he died.”
“Thanks for telling me, but I already knew that. I read his last entry in his journal. His words were a bittersweet revelation—and painful.”
“I’m sure they were, but you’ll have to move on and relay to your children their Darcy family history and heritage. It’s what my brother had wanted to do in the later years of his life. He wanted grandchildren, and he wanted to pass along our history and heritage.”
Fitzwilliam glanced from his glass to his uncle. “Yes, I know he did, and I’ve already thought about these things. Elizabeth and I are both proud of our family histories. It is our intent that our children know who they are.” Shifting uneasily and not wanting to reopen an old wound, Fitzwilliam changed the subject. “Now, Uncle, Elizabeth and I would like to invite you and Aunt Susan to come for dinner on Monday of next week. I want you to meet our son and daughter.”
“We would be honored to come and meet the children, and since I have no grandchildren of my own as of yet,” he said as he eyed William with a wide smile, “I would like very much to know my niece and nephew. Perhaps I can be a grandfather to them, since Elizabeth’s and your parents are no longer here.”
“It would please us very much. Thank you. We’ll look forward to Monday at seven, then.”
When he left Fitzwilliam, Harvey took the opportunity to speak to David. He knew from talking with Fitzwilliam that David was about to follow in the family tradition of self-imposed unhappiness, but not if he could help it. Although Fitzwilliam had warned him of David’s stubbornness, Harvey was determined to speak with him.
“David, why the despondent look? You’ve been out of sorts all evening. It wouldn’t have to do with a certain young lady in South Carolina, would it?”
David shook his head, giving a sarcastic laugh. “Uncle, how did you know about that? Fitzwilliam, I suppose.”
“Let us just say that I keep a close watch on my nephews. I understand that the lady means a great deal to you.” Harvey raised his glass and took a sip while studying his nephew.
“Meant a great deal,” David scoffed, his words betraying what he really felt. “I had planned to ask her to marry me, but the relationship is over.”
Harvey caught David’s gaze and held it. “Is it really? What have I told you about love?”
David’s jaw clenched. “You don’t understand. She betrayed me. And I just can’t forgive her.” His voice was cold and aloof as his eyes shifted away from his uncle’s knowing gaze.
Harvey took a long, slow drink of wine, his eyes never leaving his nephew. “Then another one bites the dust,” he said as he arched one brow.
“What do you mean by that?” David retorted.
Harvey drew a deep breath. “Simply put. Another one falls…You, David. You will follow in the long tradition of Darcy men who have let their pride stand in the way of happiness, and you’ll be in good company, too, standing alongside Great-great Uncle Charles, Great Uncle Edgar, my father’s brother, Randall, me, and now you. One victim falls with each generation.” Harvey finished his wine and set his glass down. “Think about it, Nephew.” He raised a brow and nodded, and then turned and exited the room.
David stared at his uncle’s glass. Empty—empty like his life. …Why won’t they leave me alone, damn it?
~*~
As soon as it was appropriate, Fitzwilliam strolled across the library floor and approached William and Benson. “I noticed that you were rather standoffish towards my wife when we first arrived, and I think I know why.”
Both brothers momentarily dropped their gazes. Benson remained silent as William spoke for the two of them. “Fitzwilliam, we truly are glad you’re happy, but after what she put you through, well, we’re just a little surprised that you have so easily taken her back.”
“William’s right,” Benson interjected, “I would never have done it. If a woman were to ever burn me like you were burnt, she’d not get a second chance.”
Fitzwilliam sighed. “It’s not what you’re thinking. Whilst it is true that we had a very rough go of it last year, I want you to know that all of that is behind us now. We’re together as a couple and as a family. Let me tell you everything from the start to the present.”
Fitzwilliam related the entire story to his cousins and insisted that his wife was to receive the full measure of respect due her.
William spoke up. “Don’t trouble yourself over us. We only want your happiness. And now that you’ve explained what happened, of course she will always be treated with the utmost respect she is due as your wife. We always knew you loved her. It was the pain she caused you that concerned us, but now we understand. I suppose if you can forgive, then so can I.”
“Count me in as well,” Benson expressed with a broad smile.
“Thank you, I appreciate your concern,” Fitzwilliam clapped their shoulders, “but it isn’t necessary anymore.”
After Benson left to join David, Fitzwilliam changed the subject. “William, tell me about Amanda. Are you two becoming serious?”
“I suppose you could say that. I intend to ask her to marry me in the very near future.” He raised his glass to his lips. “We met at the Yuletide Ball we attended last December. I think you remember.”
“I remember you staring at her. Did you actually talk to her?”
William chuckled. “Yes, I did. In fact, I even danced with her. It must have been after you left for the evening.”
Fitzwilliam shook his head and smiled. “I’m afraid I wasn’t good company that night.”
“No, I must say you weren’t.” William laughed and shook his head. “Anyway, we saw each other for much of the Christmas season. She was the reason I hesitated about the position in New York. However, I think it’ll work out just fine. I called her regularly until finally inviting her to come and stay with me there. We’ve been together ever since.” He grinned. “I’m not the type of man to trifle with a woman, and since I love her, I’m going to propose rather soon. If she’ll agree to it, we’ll live primarily in New York, with a second residence here in London.”
“William, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.”
Fitzwilliam shook his cousin’s hand in sincere congratulations. Then they returned to the drawing room where they rejoined the rest of the party for the remainder of the evening.
~*~
Once at home in the privacy of their bedchamber with the children sound asleep, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth finally had the opportunity to review the evening. As Elizabeth sat at her dressing table, Fitzwilliam sat behind her, brushing her hair while he recounted his conversation with his cousins.
Elizabeth turned slightly to catch his attention. “I wasn’t worried about their opinions of me. They weren't rude. I understood that they were only cautious and reserved, much as David was when he first met me long ago, and I can imagine that they were concerned for you,” she said. “It’s evident that they care for your wellbeing. I don’t mind being scrutinized as long as no harm is intended, and I don’t believe it was. We’ll all get along fine, so don’t worry. Besides, I can see that William’s girlfriend and I are on our way to becoming fast friends.”
“Well then, did you enjoy yourself this evening?”
“Yes, I did, actually. I really liked your aunt and uncle. They do have very pleasing manners just as Georgiana said, and your aunt has invited me to a garden party next Tuesday. I’m very much looking forward to it, and I’m looking forward to spending time with Mandy.” Glancing at Fitzwilliam’s reflection in her mirror, she continued. “I hope your cousin realizes what a jewel he has in her.”
“I’m quite sure he does, and if all goes well, we will be attending a wedding in the near future.”
“Oh, I hope you’re right. I really like her. We have a lunch and shopping date next week. She’ll be returning to New York soon, but we plan to spend several days together before she leaves.”
Studying her husband, Elizabeth finally came to the point. “Fitzwilliam, are they living together?”
He only smiled.
“Well, are they?” Elizabeth asked, turning around and placing her hands on his knees.
He grinned, setting the brush aside. “He didn’t tell me that exactly. All I know is that he loves her.”
Rising from his seat, he took Elizabeth’s hand. “Let’s go to bed. It’s been a long day. Tomorrow you and Georgiana need to discuss the upcoming Middleton Ball. If you don’t have a suitable dress, you’ll need to get one, and we need to look at my mother’s jewelry to see if you can find something appropriate to wear, or, if you would rather, I can buy something special just for you. Let me know what you prefer by Friday.”
He pulled her into his waiting embrace, effectively ending all conversation and taking advantage of the opportunity to love each other before Alex and Emily wailed for their parents’ attention.
Chapter Sixty-seven
…look beyond the pretty face to the heart of a woman…
The night of the Middleton Ball, Elizabeth fretted over her hair, her dress, and her jewelry. Knowing her worry went deeper than her appearance, Fitzwilliam folded her in his arms.
“Elizabeth, you are a beautiful and elegant woman. No one who has seen you could ever deny that. Yes, there may be those there who are predisposed to find fault, but they are of no consequence. Others will see you as I see you—a very warm and beautiful woman. Besides,” he smiled, “Amanda and William will be there. Just be yourself, and you’ll be fine.”
“I’m not so sure,” Elizabeth hesitated, “but I’ll do as you say and be myself. However, it is a relief to know Mandy will be there. At least I will have somebody to talk to.”
As his eyes took in her form dressed in the deep fuchsia pink silk-satin evening gown, he couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. The halter style flattered her bust, showing just enough cleavage to be alluring, and the skirt fell in elegant folds, clinging to her every curve, complementing her hourglass figure.
“No,” he whispered, “you’ll have far more than Mandy to talk to. Of that I am sure. Elizabeth, you are absolutely stunning. Every man’s head will turn when you are announced.”
“Don’t be silly. They won’t even notice me among so many guests.”
“Oh, they will notice you, my love. The fact that you are my wife will cause them to take notice. But it will be more than that. Trust me. You will be the most beautiful woman there.”
“I don’t know.” She dropped her gaze and shook her head. “I’m as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof.”
He smiled and hugged her close. He knew the significance of this ball better than she did. The most important members of Parliament, the nobility, and possibly even some of the Royals would be there. But he wouldn’t tell her that. There was no need to increase her anxiety. He shook his head as he held her close. She’d do just fine, for she possessed the uncanny ability to rise to the occasion, and this time wouldn’t be any different. However, there were a few details that required his attention.
Feeling the tension ease from her body, he pulled back and stepped away. Walking over to his bureau, he opened the door and took out a small box. “Liz, come here. I have something for you.”
“What is it?”
“Come and see.”
Elizabeth crossed the short distance and took the box from his hand. When she opened it, she gasped. “Oh, these are beautiful! They match the hair sticks you bought me for Christmas when we became engaged.” Elizabeth lifted the piece from the box. It was a diamond necklace with a teardrop ruby framed in tiny diamonds with a bracelet, earrings, and a ruby ring to match, all set in platinum. She brushed her fingers over the deep fuchsia stone. “This ruby must be at least fifteen carats. You really shouldn’t have. You mother’s pearls are suitable and very lovely.”
“Yes, I should have. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted you to have your own jewels for tonight—not my mother’s, so I had Garrard make these for you. It’s the finest ruby they had, and it is twenty-five carats. When I saw the dress you chose, I knew these would complement it perfectly. Here, let me help you with it.” He took the choker from her hand and fastened it around her neck.”
Stepping back, he beamed. “You loo
k lovely, Liz. Truly lovely. And,” he said as he brushed a lock of hair from her brow, “yes, they do match your hair sticks. The set looks lovely grouped together. Now let’s talk about your announcement. The ladies are announced as they descend the stairs to the ballroom. You will give a card to the servant at the top of the stairs before descending. As you walk down, he will read the information. When you step onto the floor, I’ll be waiting to escort you. We’ll walk over and pay our compliments to our host and hostess. At this point we will either dance or mingle with the others,” he said. “I’ll write the announcement for you, so you needn’t worry about that.”
“I’m not worried,” Elizabeth insisted, “so let’s address the card and go.” She smiled as he hastily put pen to paper, and then they grabbed their coats to leave.
~*~
The hum of conversation buzzed throughout the ballroom until Elizabeth Darcy handed her card to the servant. Silence fell over the crowded room, and heads turned as Fitzwilliam Darcy’s wife descended the elegant spiral staircase. Her striking beauty held them spellbound while cameras flashed like twinkling stars as the reporters grabbed the opportunity to capture the moment. Fitzwilliam only smiled as he listened to the quiet murmurings while Elizabeth carefully made her way down the winding stairs. Lady Westcott and Lady Crawford came by to give their approval. There was even an approving comment from the Duke of Westchester, who said Darcy had the prettiest wife at the ball. Another commented that from the foolish grin Darcy wore, marriage must agree with him. Fitzwilliam only chuckled as he shook their hands.
While Fitzwilliam waited for his wife, two men in particular took careful notice. Artimus Dashwood, Fitzwilliam’s first cousin and son of Samantha Darcy Dashwood, stood at the wine table with Stuart Hampton, the twelfth Earl of Westbury—a tall, handsome, fair-haired man who had always disliked the Darcys, especially Fitzwilliam. A long-standing grudge between the two rivals dated back many years and ran very deep.
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