by Webb, Brenda
“Oh, Lizzy, that was my fault! If I had not been so careless, she never would have learned that you and Fitzwilliam were going to arrive two days before the wedding. Then she would not have hastily arranged that dinner party in order to show off for our neighbours. Why she would want to pretend that you and she are close, I cannot begin to know.”
“It is not your fault. The news would have reached her the minute after our coach rolled through Meryton. After all, Aunt Phillips would have known and hastened to inform her. Looking back on it, I suppose I should have convinced Fitzwilliam to dine at Longbourn in order to appease her.”
“I do not think you would have been successful. I cannot see Fitzwilliam feigning good relations with Mama. He is very protective of you, and does not take kindly to our mother’s manipulations.”
“He is very protective,” Elizabeth said with a slight lift of the corners of her mouth. “But by him not accommodating Mama, she almost ruined your wedding. I thought she was going to stand up and denounce Fitzwilliam and me just before the ceremony began. If not for Papa—”
“Yes, fortunately he was able to curb her tongue,” Jane interjected. “Though I only imagine she had plenty to say on the way back to Longbourn after the ceremony.”
“I still regret that we could not stay for the breakfast.”
“Think nothing of it. We shall have ample opportunity to share each other’s company in the future. After all, we are to be at Pemberley for Christmas.”
“Yes. Sharing the holiday with you and Charles will be a blessing. And I am so happy that you were invited to Richard’s engagement ball.”
“I was surprised by the invitation. I suppose we were invited because of my connection to you.”
“Your Mr. Bingley has always been a favourite of my husband and a good friend to Colonel Fitzwilliam. So, I can safely say that you and Charles would have been invited no matter who Fitzwilliam Darcy had married.”
“That is kind of you to say, but I am of a different opinion. In any event, I am glad that it was YOU who married Fitzwilliam Darcy!”
From the doorway a deep voice broke in. “I am profoundly glad as well!”
Immediately Elizabeth was on her feet, hurrying to her husband to receive a hug. With her in his embrace, William smiled at Jane over his wife’s head. He had learned of the Bingley’s arrival the minute he dismissed his steward and opened his study door. After installing Charles in the billiards room, he had excused himself in order to speak to his wife.
“Elizabeth has been ecstatic since learning that you were going to be in London to attend Richard’s engagement ball.”
“As I just told Lizzy, I am so pleased to have been included in the guest list.”
“Wait until the ball is over and then we shall see if you are still pleased,” William teased. “There are many members of the ton, along with a few family members, that I could do without seeing.”
All three occupants of the room laughed. “I am done with estate business and shall be in the billiards room, sweetheart. If you need anything, do not hesitate to send for me.” Then addressing Jane he added, “Charles and I intend to see just who is the most unpracticed.” With that, William smiled and left the room.
“He is certainly very happy, your Mr. Darcy.”
“We are both happy,” Elizabeth said, still staring at the empty door. “And he is even more attentive since he learned of the baby.”
Jane reached out to touch her sister’s stomach, saying wistfully, “I wish I were expecting a child.”
“Aunt Audrey said it will happen when you least expect it, and she was right in my case. She also said that fretting over the situation is never a good way to accomplish it.”
Jane smiled. “I shall try to remember that. Now tell me, when can I expect to become an aunt?”
“At the end of April.”
“The end of April,” Jane repeated thoughtfully. “I cannot believe that we are married, Lizzy, and you are to be a mother! It seems only yesterday that we lay in our bed at Longbourn and plotted our future.”
“I do not think either of us plotted anything as wonderful as we have found.”
“We are the most fortunate of women! Agreed?”
“Agreed!”
“And now that we have settled that, let me see the illustration you mentioned in your letter. Your description was unclear, and I fear I could not imagine how the hair would be styled.”
Elizabeth went to the dresser, opened a drawer and pulled out the latest issue of The Lady’s Monthly Museum 30 which featured two elegant, coloured plates portraying the latest fashion.
“The minute I saw this illustration I knew your hair would look lovely styled in this manner!”
The sisters spent the rest of the day planning their mission to dazzle the ton at Matlock Manor the following evening.
~~~*~~~
Downstairs
The clack of billiard balls hitting one another replaced most conversation until the end of the game, which ended with another win for William. Charles Bingley tossed his cue stick on the velvet table in defeat.
“I cannot believe how soundly you trounced me, Darcy. Three games out of three and you say you have not played in months?”
“It has been at least three months, perhaps longer,” William smiled wryly. “My attention has been taken by more pleasurable activities lately.”
“As a newly married man, I understand completely,” Charles said, grinning widely. “I am just glad that I did not wager more on this game.” Sighing, he reached in his coat pocket to retrieve a shilling and tossed it to William. “What say you to retiring to your study for a glass of that brandy I am so fond of? At least that shall not cost me anything!”
“No, that shall cost me! That is the finest brandy being smuggled out of France and it costs a king’s ransom!” Tossing an arm over his friend’s shoulder, William began walking towards the door, “But you are worth that and more. I shall never forget your steadfast help during Elizabeth’s rescue.”
As they continued down the hall towards the study, Charles tried to protest that he had done nothing extraordinary but to no avail. Once they were seated inside William’s sanctuary, glasses in hand, his host’s expression became solemn as he brought up another subject.
“Richard informs me that Caroline has recently married Colonel Hedges, who is one of his oldest army acquaintances. The colonel has already been invited to the engagement ball and now Caroline will, no doubt, accompany him.”
“Yes, I only learned of it just last week from Louisa. I intended to tell you in person, as I knew you would not be pleased.”
“Bloody awful development,” William said dryly. “I despise that she managed to capture someone with connections to my family. How did it come about?”
“Hedges’ father died suddenly, and he resigned his commission in order to run the family estate. Rumours abound that the father was quite a gambler and sold much of the land to pay his debts. It is now half the size of Longbourn and provides roughly a thousand pounds a year. In any event, Hedges had escorted Caroline around Town a few times before I banished her to live in Scarborough. Once he became master of the estate, he sought her out and made an offer. Now that she is no longer my responsibility, the decision was entirely up to her. The only advantage to the match is that she will not end up a spinster, as there is little income and no title. She will never be received in the circles she has always coveted.”
“Except those where her husband’s army connections gain her entrance—such as my cousin’s engagement ball.”
Charles looked sheepish. “Yes, exceptions will occur on occasion, I imagine.”
“I do not relish seeing her again or exposing Elizabeth to her vitriol.”
“It would be foolish of her to ruin a chance to be in polite society again, especially while a guest at the earl’s home,” Charles replied, sitting his empty glass on the top of William’s desk. He stood and paced nervously. “But prudence was never one of Car
oline’s virtues.” Then he stopped in front of the desk. “I apologise, Darcy. If I could forbid her to come, I would.”
“She is no longer under your protection, Charles. Let us hope that if she attends, she surprises us all with good manners.” William stood to stretch his legs. He walked around the desk and stopped in front of a map of England on the wall. “Have you given more thought about moving farther from the Bennets?”
Charles’s expression became pensive. “I have but I have not discussed it with Jane as yet. Why, have you come across a property already?”
“I have it on good authority that there is one within ten miles of Pemberley and another within thirty that shall come on the market after the first of the year.” He pointed to the map. “The one closest to Pemberley is located here.” Charles walked over to see where William was indicating. “And this is the location of the other.”
Charles was pondering the map and had not replied, so William continued. “If you want me to inspect them and I find them satisfactory, when you and Jane come for Christmas you may inspect them yourselves.”
“I would be obliged for your help.”
“Good. Elizabeth and I would love to have you both close by.”
“Yes, I expect you would so you can whip me at billiards whenever the mood strikes you!”
The sounds of boisterous laughter startled Mrs. Barnes as she passed the study on her way to the conservatory to gather some flowers. She stopped to listen and smiled.
It is so good to have the family back and to think a child is on the way! With such handsome parents he is sure to be a fine-looking boy! She quit walking to reconsider. It could be a girl. Yet, Mr. Darcy’s mother said all the Darcys have a boy first! So this child is sure to be the heir!
Satisfied with her logic, the old housekeeper continued down the hall.
~~~*~~~
Matlock House
The Engagement Ball
The next evening
Once again, the stately townhouse of the Earl and Countess Matlock served as the setting for a gala occasion. Every surface was polished and shined as it had for the Darcys’ wedding, but this time it was in celebration of the engagement of their younger son, Richard, to Lady Colleen Tierney. Never known for sparing expense when it came to entertaining, the sky was the limit when family was concerned.
As the Darcys’ carriage approached the front of Matlock House, every window of the manor was glowing, thanks to hundreds of candles in every room as well as in the huge chandeliers. The sounds of chamber music could be heard on the street below, and the night seemed alive with people. Some were being helped from expensive carriages, while still others gathered across the street to witness the spectacle. There were even a few poor souls hiding in the shadows, hoping to beg a farthing when the men hired to secure the house were not looking.
William instinctively leaned over to peer out the window at the three storey facade and sighed.
“Any regrets?” Elizabeth said with concern. At his look of confusion, she added, “I heard a sigh. Are you sad that Georgiana was upset at not being allowed to come?”
William smiled and took her hand. “No. She was allowed to attend the dinner, and that was sufficient for her age. I am not sad at all. I was remembering our wedding day—the happiest day of my life.”
She squeezed his hand. “Being here makes me remember it too. But you have been so subdued all day, as though you were not eager to attend tonight.”
“While I shall never relish attending balls, I no longer dread them as long as you are with me.” He lifted her hand and softly planted a kiss on the back of it.
“So you think me your charm—something to rescue you from the schemes of the ton?” she teased.
His eye grew dark. “You are so much more than that. You are my salvation, Elizabeth.”
A passionate kiss ensued before the door swung open, and they were forced to leave the privacy of the carriage. Still holding hands and exchanging loving glances, they entered the foyer to find it empty of all but a few servants. At that instant, the band struck up a minuet.
“Oh dear,” Elizabeth said. “We have missed the receiving line, and the ball has begun in earnest. I do hope our family will forgive our tardiness.”
“Do not worry, love. I informed Aunt Evelyn that we would arrive after everyone else, as I did not want you on your feet all night. I also informed her that we are leaving directly after supper. She had no objections to my plans.”
“Fitzwilliam!” Elizabeth declared, her brows furrowing with concern. “You will have them think me an invalid. I am perfectly able to stand for long periods of time. In fact, I plan to dance often tonight.”
William stopped, bringing her to a halt as well. “With whom do you intend to dance in your condition?”
Elizabeth tried not to smile. “Both our aunts assured me that the way my gown is designed my condition is not obvious. I dare say most may not realise I am with child. And I intend to dance with whoever cares to ask!”
With that, she let go his arm and boldly walked towards the ballroom. By the time she reached the door, he had caught up with her. Taking her arm, he again wrapped it around his own, causing her to look up and smile. And as they stepped inside the ballroom, every head turned to observe the handsome couple.
“Come, Mrs. Darcy,” William whispered, “if you wish to dance, I am your willing partner.”
~~~*~~~
After supper, the ballroom became so congested that it was almost impossible to keep track of the family though, in his usual manner, William tried. He and Richard stood to one side, waiting until Lady Colleen and Elizabeth were through dancing with Lord Matlock and Edgar respectively. He had seen Alicia accept Bingley’s offer to dance, while Colonel Neilson partnered Lady Ashcroft, and glancing to his left, he watched as Lord Landingham led Jane to the dance floor. Still in the far corner, his Aunt Evelyn seemed to be holding court along with several of the ladies of Almacks.
William’s eyes narrowed when he caught sight of Caroline standing near the countess. Every so often, she tried to insinuate herself into the group with a remark, but she was having no success. It was little wonder as her usual attire—a burnt orange coloured gown and a turban covered in ostrich feathers of the same shade—stood in sharp contrast to the pale gowns worn by the ton. The deepening frown on her face each time her efforts went unrewarded caused her usual pinched expression to be even more pronounced and William chuckled aloud.
At the sound of William’s laugh, Richard looked in the direction of his cousin’s gaze. Seeing the spectre in orange, he laughed as well, which caused William to begin anew. When those standing nearby turned to see what was so amusing, they both struggled to calm and keep a straight face.
Finally able to speak again, Richard whispered, “I am relieved that she has had the good sense not to approach you or Elizabeth. Still, I find it hard to believe that Colonel Hedges married that worrisome gossip, though I suppose Caroline is a step up for him. Do not mistake my meaning. He is a good man, just not the most handsome of men.”
“Your mother remarked that Caroline has the advantage when it comes to height and that Hedges has the advantage when it comes to freckles! She noted that while Caroline has a few freckles across her nose, the colonel is covered in them from head to toe—or at least all the visible parts.”
“That is undisputable! Well, I can only hope the man knows what he has signed up for by marrying her. As for me, I would rather face Bonaparte! And as for Caroline, Mother has no intention of recognising her, now or in the future. You can rely on that.”
Once more turning his attention to the woman he loved, Richard searched the crowd on the dance floor until he found Colleen. After watching her graceful moves for a few seconds, he asked, “So, what is your impression of Lady Colleen?”
William glanced to his cousin. “I have only just met her tonight.”
“I know, but you are quick to take the measure of new acquaintances, and I wish to hear your fi
rst impression.”
“Other than being very beautiful, intelligent and good natured, I see nothing to recommend her,” William teased.
Richard punched his cousin on the arm. “I knew you would like her. She is a lot like your Elizabeth, though she is not as lively. I think that shall come in time, as she becomes accustomed to all of us.”
William studied his cousin seriously. “In all these years, I have never known you to misjudge anyone’s character. If you love her, then we shall all love her, of that I am certain. It is obvious that every woman in the family is already enchanted with her, even Frances. A man can easily be charmed, but not another woman.”
“Yes, even Frances seems to like Lady Colleen, though one can never be sure what Edgar’s wife truly thinks. As long as she acts in a friendly manner, I am satisfied.”
“I feel the same about her actions toward Elizabeth.”
With the mention of his wife, Darcy rose on his toes to locate her on the dance floor. Seeing her laugh as she twirled about the floor with Edgar caused him to frown. Having had two dances with her already, it was irrational to be envious of Edgar’s set, but he was. Not insensible to his cousin’s feelings, Richard noticed his discomfit and, as usual, decided to make the most of it.
“Edgar is a very a good dancer,” he ventured. “I think he has bested you and me at the art, would you not say so, Darcy?”
William took a deep breath but refused to comment, so Richard tried again.
“Though he has never been my favourite person, I will give him his due! He is light on his feet! I can certainly see why Elizabeth, well, all the ladies, love to partner with him.”
Just then the dance ended, and William tired not to smile as he whispered to his cousin, “I suppose Lady Colleen is fortunate then, for since Edgar has exhausted his sets with Elizabeth, he will most likely impress your fiancée next.”