by Kara Louise
Elizabeth drew in a breath to calm herself as she shook her head firmly. “The last person you need at their wedding is me. Your aunt will have enough to contend with without my presence.” She smiled and her eyes displayed a mischievous sparkle. “We would not want people to speculate about us. Heavens! What would people say if I came as your guest? We are not even engaged yet!”
Darcy appreciated her humour, but earnestly said, “In my heart, we are engaged. I am committed to you now as I ever will be.” He looked down at her slender fingers encased in his. “I shall care not a whit what anyone thinks! Let them speculate all they want!”
Elizabeth’s breath caught and she closed her eyes as she felt his lips touch her fingertips. When she opened them, she saw that he had drawn closer to her, his eyes level with hers. “I am an exceedingly fortunate man. It is not often that one is granted a second chance when one behaved so reprehensibly the first time.”
Elizabeth met his intense gaze. “And I am an exceedingly fortunate woman,” she replied, her voice trembling, “indeed, for very much the same reason.”
His eyes searched her face, and slowly he leaned in and kissed her forehead. Drawing back only slightly, he whispered, “Forgive me for this, Elizabeth…”
His lips touched hers before she could object or give her willing consent. Her eyes immediately closed again as his arms wrapped about her, pulling her even closer. Elizabeth’s heart beat thunderously and she was certain Darcy was just as aware of it as she was. In truth, their hearts beat as one, with the same fervour.
Very reluctantly and slowly he pulled slightly away.
“Elizabeth,” Darcy said, his voice raspy, “my staff is very discreet; however, I would not wish for your reputation to be compromised.” With a slightly raised brow and crooked smile, he added, “Although it would serve to expedite my wishes if one did raise an objection to my behaviour just now and insist we marry without delay.”
He removed his arms from about her and took her hand again. She wrapped her fingers tightly around his and looked up into his face. “Trust me when I say, Fitzwilliam, that I would marry you tomorrow if it were not for my concerns.” She looked down and shook her head slowly. “I think it is imperative that I wait until I am well settled with Mr. Bingley and my sister, if not for you, for your sister’s sake.”
“It is fortunate, then, that Bingley is talking with your sister this very day about moving the wedding to an earlier date. With the matter of his estate settled, he sees no reason to delay.”
Tilting her head toward him, Elizabeth smiled. “The more I come to know Mr. Bingley, the more I feel he is a very wise man.” A single raised brow revealed her suspicions that this had been Mr. Darcy’s idea. Darcy’s awkward glance down at the ground confirmed her thoughts.
She gave his hand a fervent squeeze. “Do you know how soon he hopes to marry?”
“As soon as the church is available. Perhaps two weeks. Three at the most.”
“Then we shall have much to do!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Another wedding!”
His voice now grave, he spoke softly. “I leave again on the morrow for Kent with Colonel Fitzwilliam. I shall miss you.”
“I shall miss you too.” She studied him pensively. “It is regrettable, is it not, that whilst I was at Pemberley, we were together almost every day and knew not how the other felt? Now that our feelings have finally been voiced, we have not spent even two consecutive days together. This is lamentable, indeed!”
Elizabeth reached up and stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. It took her by surprise how smooth his face was. As she studied his face, he clasped his hand over hers and brought it to his lips again, kissing it before he said, “We ought to return inside. I would not wish to set a poor example for my sister.”
“Heavens!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “How ill-mannered of me! How could I have neglected her as I did?”
Darcy rose and took her arm. “Shall we go in, then, and make the first of what will likely be many apologies to Georgiana?”
Elizabeth tucked her arm farther into his. “I think we must.”
***
It was apparent that Miss Darcy was well aware of her brother’s intentions, for when they told her of their engagement—along with the extenuating circumstances requiring it to be kept a secret—she feigned surprise and exhibited true delight.
Both Mr. Darcy and his sister accompanied Elizabeth back to the Gardiners’ later that day. Her aunt, uncle, Jane, and Bingley enjoyed the added company of the young lady. Elizabeth detected no awkwardness at all between her and Mr. Bingley, and he informed everyone with utter delight that he and Jane would now be marrying in only two weeks.
Knowing it would be safe with them, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth announced their engagement, along with the news that it was to be kept a secret until a later date. Everyone was delighted.
The two gentlemen and Miss Darcy took their leave close to midnight. As Elizabeth sat with her aunt and uncle and Jane in their small sitting room, they talked excitedly amongst themselves about two forthcoming weddings.
***
The next week passed with wedding plans made and finalized. The banns would be read for the following two weeks at their churches, and their wedding would take place the Saturday following.
Mr. Darcy and his sister spent a little over a week in Kent for their cousins’ wedding. Elizabeth was delighted to receive several letters, posted from Georgiana, but one hidden inside from her brother. Elizabeth came to understand that their aunt was becoming more inclined to accept her daughter’s marriage with each passing day, but occasionally bemoaned how unfortunate it was that the Colonel had not been the firstborn. Elizabeth laughed when she read Mr. Darcy’s words that if that had been the case, it was highly unlikely that he would have remained unwed for as long as he had. He assured her, however, that the Colonel did have a fond regard for Anne. Elizabeth pondered whether Lady Catherine would accept the marriage of her other nephew as readily.
As the day of Charles and Jane’s wedding approached, all their family and friends descended upon London for this celebration. Households were crowded, and there was a constant flurry of activity. Despite all this, Jane remained calm and serene.
The day of the wedding broke bright and warm. The excitement was palpable, very different than what was felt the day of the Wickhams’ wedding. Elizabeth and Jane spent a good amount of time up in their room readying themselves. Elizabeth did not think she had ever seen a bride more beautiful and told Jane that Mr. Bingley was a very fortunate man. Jane corrected her sister, saying that she was the one who was most fortunate.
As the time for the ceremony drew near, Elizabeth and Jane waited in a small room in the back of the church. Jane took Elizabeth’s hand in hers. “Oh, Lizzy! Do you truly know how happy I am?”
Elizabeth gave her a reassuring smile. “I certainly do.”
“And you know how happy I am for you and Mr. Darcy. While I look forward with great delight to your residing with us at Braedenthorn, I cannot wait until you marry and become Mistress of Pemberley!”
The mere thought of that flooded Elizabeth with a sense of eager anticipation. Before she could reply to Jane, their uncle poked his head into the room. “It is time, ladies. Are you ready?”
Elizabeth nodded and looked at Jane. “Are you ready, Jane? This is your wedding!”
“I am.”
Elizabeth preceded Jane down the aisle, keeping her eye on the gentleman who stood beside the groom. Mr. Darcy had never looked finer, and her heart skipped a beat when she realized that the next time she walked toward him down the aisle of a church, it would be as his bride. From the look on his face, he had also come to that realization.
***
After the wedding, Elizabeth remained in London with her aunt and uncle. They were often the guests of Mr. and Miss Darcy. He immediately began acquainting her with his circle of intimate friends. He made a point of introducing her as the esteemed Miss Elizabeth Bennet, sister of Mrs.
Charles Bingley of Braedenthorn, Derbyshire. She was also introduced as the particular guest of Miss Darcy, which served to thwart any premature speculation about her and the Master of Pemberley.
The weeks she spent in Town were unlike any she had ever experienced. She watched with rapt delight a Shakespearean play performed onstage. Darcy enjoyed seeing her fascination as she enjoyed a ballet and an opera for the very first time. The music that filled her ears, both in voice and instrument, was far superior to anything she had ever heard in all her years in Hertfordshire.
At length she received a missive from her sister expressing her wish for her to join them. Plans were made for the journey that Elizabeth and the Gardiners would take. Mr. Darcy and his sister made immediate plans, as well, to return to Pemberley. They all looked forward to reuniting in a few days.
Chapter 28
Jane rushed out to greet Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle when she happened to pass a window and see the carriage approach. Elizabeth readily noticed the glow of happiness that lit her sister’s face. She seemed truly happy.
Mr. Bingley was away when they arrived, which gave Jane the opportunity to give them a leisurely tour of the house. While not as large as Pemberley, it suited them well.
After seeing the house and visiting for a short time, Elizabeth excused herself. She wished to get a little fresh air and exercise, or so she told them. When she stepped out, she sought out to find the best view of the ridge off in the distance—the ridge that was situated behind Pemberley.
Coming to a tree which offered both shade and an unobstructed view of the ridge, she sat down and leaned against it. Her hands lightly skimmed over the grass at her side, and she stopped to pick a few blades, bringing them up to her face and twirling them against her nose.
“Do you plan to eat those or merely inhale them?”
Elizabeth gasped at the sound of Mr. Darcy’s voice, and she struggled to turn around and rise to her feet. He stepped around and held out his hands to her. She reached out, and he took each hand in his, easily pulling her up. As she came to her feet, she leant into him, wrapping her arms about his neck.
“I am so glad to see you, to finally be here!”
Darcy returned her embrace by drawing her even closer, his arms encircling her waist. “I am delighted you are here as well.” He kissed the top of her head and pulled back with a smile. “It has only been three days, however, since we last saw each other.”
“It seems like forever!” she countered, nuzzling her head against his chest.
Darcy let out a hearty chuckle. “Yes, I suppose it does.” He released one hand and lifted her face toward him. “Is this the kind of reception I can expect now that we are neighbours?”
Elizabeth skewered her mouth. “Was my behaviour terribly shocking?” She began to pull away, but Darcy held her tight.
Darcy lifted his eyes toward Braedenthorn. “You do not fear that someone might see us?”
She reached up tentatively and fingered his neckcloth. “You know they already know.”
He smiled down at her. “The Bingleys know, but what of the servants? They are the ones who talk more than anyone else.”
A look of comprehension coloured her features, and again when she tried to pull away, his arms held tighter.
“Not yet.” His gaze held her fast, and she watched as his face drew near. When his lips pressed against hers, all thoughts were swept away, and she experienced a wave of light-headedness, prompting her to grasp onto him more tightly. The blades of grass she held fell to the ground.
There was something so right in his kiss that she did not want it to end. She was pleased that he seemed just as inclined to keep her in his arms, his lips pressed to hers. At length, he pulled away, but only slightly.
He touched his forehead to hers and took several slow breaths. He seemed unable to speak.
Elizabeth casually ran her hand down her dress to smooth it out and to settle her senses. She was the first to regain command of her voice. “Do you think we truly need to worry about the servants talking?”
Darcy chuckled. “Ah, now you are concerned.” He drew back and smiled. “Most of those whom Bingley hired have worked at Pemberley at one time or another. They know what is expected of them and that it could cost them their jobs if they gossip about what goes on inside and out of the house. Unfortunately, it does not always guarantee their silence.”
Darcy tucked Elizabeth’s arm in his, and they began to walk back toward the house. Darcy turned to her. “Speaking of servants, you now will require your own personal maid. I am sending a young lady for you from Pemberley.”
“My own maid?” she asked with surprise. “Goodness, I used to have to share one with my four sisters at Longbourn.”
“The decision rests with you whether you want to keep her, but I am inclined to think you will like her. Her name is Anna Harrington.”
Elizabeth instantly turned to him at the mention of her name. “Anna!” she said excitedly and clasped her hands together. “I think she and I will get along admirably!”
A satisfied smile appeared. “I thought she would be good for you.”
***
The Gardiners returned to London after having spent a pleasant fortnight at Braedenthorn. They had enjoyed their stay with their two favourite nieces, and Mrs. Gardiner particularly enjoyed visiting her friends in Lambton, including the Ketterlings. The couple reassured Elizabeth that they would return in a day’s notice for another wedding.
During the next month, the Bingleys and Elizabeth were invited to three small dinner parties, a whist party, and a ball. The hosts all appeared to be on quite intimate terms with Mr. Darcy, and they received their new acquaintances warmly. Bingley won them over with his friendliness, Jane with her kindheartedness, and Elizabeth with her liveliness and intelligent conversation.
Two weeks later, Caroline Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst arrived. Elizabeth had not seen Charles’s sisters since his and Jane’s wedding. A small dinner party was held to welcome them.
Elizabeth was certain that Caroline must have been disappointed that things did not go as she expected—or at least as she hoped—between her brother and Miss Darcy. While those hopes were now dashed, Elizabeth wondered whether Caroline still clung to hopes regarding Mr. Darcy and herself.
Later, when the men had joined Bingley in his study, Elizabeth found herself alone with Caroline, who took the opportunity to speak her mind.
“Tell me, Miss Bennet,” Caroline said, “whatever happened with your ward? Will you be returning any time soon as her governess?” She emphasized the last word in a vulgar tone.
“I do not believe so. I am confident the Willstones will find another.”
Caroline leaned in, as if wanting to share with Elizabeth some secret between them. Instead, her voice was accusatory. “Do not expect, Miss Bennet, to overcome your standing in society by merely residing with my brother at his estate. You are a governess, and that shall always be before you. If you suppose to attract the eye of some man of distinction and fortune, I would kindly offer you a word of advice. Do not get your hopes up. This arrangement will not change anything.”
Elizabeth remained silent while she collected herself. “There is doubtless some truth in your words, Miss Bingley. I would imagine most gentlemen would not pay me notice, and I have no intention of seeking them out.”
Caroline seemed satisfied. “It is good you understand your place.”
Elizabeth smiled knowingly back at her. “Oh, I understand my place. Believe me, I truly do.”
Later that evening Elizabeth overheard Miss Bingley’s excited voice.
“You see the futility in it, do you not? She wants to pass herself off as an esteemed lady, when she is not! You must alert my brother, so he will not earn the scorn of those in the neighbourhood!”
“I fail to see your point. Why should she not be received with the respect she deserves?”
“Because she cannot change the fact that she was a lowly governess! Tha
t will always be what people see! Certainly you can see that she has aspirations that are completely unreasonable!”
Finally, in a somewhat stern voice, Mr. Darcy said, “I see. Do you speak from your own personal experience, Miss Bingley, due to the fact that your father merely made his fortune in trade? Do you encounter people who have blocked your own aspirations?”
Elizabeth stepped toward them. She walked up to Mr. Darcy and unflinchingly slipped her hand through his arm. Elizabeth’s smile was returned by Caroline’s look of bewilderment and shock. Darcy, seeing Elizabeth’s bold action, had somewhat the same look on his face.
“Has he told you the good news yet, Miss Bingley?” she asked, looking intently at her. “Has he told you that we have recently become betrothed? Shall you now wish us joy?”
Caroline sputtered something unintelligible. She looked at Mr. Darcy, and her eyes pleaded with him for a repudiation of Elizabeth’s absurd announcement. Instead, he said, “It is true, Miss Bingley. You may have not heard, as we have not yet made a formal announcement. But we are to marry!”
For a brief moment, Elizabeth noticed a look of grief and resignation pass over Caroline’s features, but just as quickly, she threw back her shoulders and lifted her head high. “May I offer you my congratulations? I hope you will be happy.” She then turned and walked stiffly and quickly away.
Elizabeth waited a few moments before turning to Darcy, who was shaking his head in Caroline’s direction. Elizabeth gave his hand a furtive squeeze. “I feel rather sorry for her.”
“It is because you are not like her. You are not meanspirited.” He turned and looked at Elizabeth. His hand cradled her chin, tilting her face up toward him. “We ought to announce our engagement soon.”
Elizabeth met his gaze. “I believe you are right.”
There was only one thing Elizabeth wished to do, however, before they formally announced their engagement, but she was not sure how to bring it about. Later, as she spoke with Georgiana about the small gathering coming up at Pemberley in a few days, she asked her if she had any ideas on how she could accomplish this.