by Leenie Brown
“We should likely not be gawking out the window when they arrive,” said Aunt Gardiner as the carriage began to draw to a stop before the house. “Come, have a seat.”
Jane did as her aunt suggested, but Elizabeth remained at the window until she saw him alight from the carriage. He stood for a moment in front of the open carriage door, looking toward the house. Seeing her, he smiled and lifted a hand in greeting, which she returned in kind. Then, as he turned to assist his sister from the carriage, she took her seat to wait for him. The wait was not long.
“You are looking well, today.” Darcy said as he took his place next to her.
“Do you truly think so?” Elizabeth fidgeted with the seam of her dress.
“Yes, I do. I am correct, am I not, Georgiana?”
Georgiana laughed. “You are rarely incorrect,” she said, “which is highly annoying.”
He shook his head and held up a finger. “Ah, but when I am wrong, I am grievously wrong.” He glanced at Bingley and then gave Elizabeth a sheepish grin.
Elizabeth’s cheeks grew rosy. “A trait we seem to share, although I do think I am, in all likelihood, wrong more often but in lesser degrees, punctuated now and again with an error of enormous proportions.”
Darcy said nothing but his eyes flickered with amusement.
“See how wise he is to neither contradict or agree with my assessment of myself?” Elizabeth asked Georgiana.
“Another annoying trait,” Georgiana assured her.
“Were you successful in finding what you sought this morning?” Elizabeth asked.
“Mrs. Annesley and I have crossed everyone off our list. Not an item remains that needs to be purchased for our Christmas celebration.”
“You will be joining Caroline and me for Christmas at Netherfield, will you not?” Bingley asked.
“Indeed, I would not miss Christmas in Hertfordshire for all the world,” Darcy replied.
“I have told Caroline that we are to give a ball on Twelfth Night, which has made her nearly delighted to be returning to Netherfield to display her talents.” The amused smile Bingley wore spoke to the truth of his sister’s preference to not be returning to Netherfield at all. “Before I left Hertfordshire last, I promised Miss Lydia that I would hold a grand soiree.” He clapped his hands. “We must invite your cousin, Darcy. He would add a certain something to our lot!”
“If you mean he will fill your home with copious amounts of tales, and there shall never be a dull moment, then yes, Richard will fill that role admirably.”
“I have no doubt the good colonel will keep us entertained, but that is not the particular skill I had in mind.” He gave Darcy a pointed look, allowing his eyes to flick to Georgiana for a brief moment.
“I shall be well, even without Richard standing guard.” Georgiana crossed her arms and pursed her lips in displeasure.
“I know I would feel much better knowing your cousin was near, my dear.” Mrs. Gardiner interjected. “That scoundrel needs to feel his disgrace.”
The subject of Georgiana’s travelling to Hertfordshire was one that had been canvassed several times before her brother had agreed that with all the festivities of the season, it was unlikely that Georgiana would have to be in Wickham’s company for longer than a brief meeting on the street — if even that.
“I will ask him tonight,” Darcy assured Bingley. “I would also feel better knowing he was there.” He patted his sister’s hand. “And not just for you,” he said softly.
The conversation shifted to more mundane topics as tea was served. Then, as Mrs. Gardiner gathered empty teacups and insisted on the gentlemen relieving her plate of the remaining sweets, Elizabeth slipped out of the room and went upstairs to collect her pelisse and refresh herself before leaving for dinner — an engagement that made her stomach flutter and her heart race.
Half an hour later, as she exited Darcy’s carriage in front of Matlock House, she was not entirely certain her heart would survive its wild thudding.
Georgiana wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s. “They will love you,” she whispered.
“And even if they do not,” Darcy said. “I do.”
“As do I,” Georgiana whispered, “and we shall not leave your side the whole evening.”
Elizabeth drew a breath, summoning her courage to face whatever might lie beyond the threshold to Matlock House.
“Then, let us begin, shall we?” she said with a smile.
Her heart might still be beating faster than was its normal wont in anticipation of tonight’s events, but it was simultaneously filled with a most welcome peace, knowing that both Georgiana and her brother would stand with her.
“So this is the lady that has finally captured my nephew?” A distinguished looking gentleman with dark hair, flecked with silver, stood just behind the butler as the Darcys and Elizabeth entered.
“My uncle, Henry Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock,” Darcy introduced as he removed his hat, gloves, and great coat. “Uncle, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
As soon as she was free of her outerwear, Elizabeth curtseyed and greeted him with a my lord.
“I do apologize. I was far too excited to wait in the drawing room for a proper introduction.” He extended his arm to Elizabeth. “Darcy has never brought a female dinner guest with him before who was not his sister,” he explained, covering Elizabeth’s hand with his free one when she placed hers tentatively on his arm. “There is nothing to fear,” he assured her. “We are delighted to meet you.”
Elizabeth tried to take in the beauty of the entry hall as he led her the short distance to a grand staircase, where they left the tiled floor of the entry hall and ascended the steps to the first floor and a very pretty pale blue drawing room. Lord Matlock stepped into the room and cleared his throat, drawing the attention of all who were gathered there.
“May I present, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
It was strange to hear herself presented in such a fashion. She had never before felt quite so dignified as she did standing there, on the arm of an earl, being introduced with her name and place of residence. At home, she was just Miss Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet,” Lord Matlock was continuing, “might I begin by presenting the only lady in the room that outshines you, my countess, Audra Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock.”
Elizabeth dipped a shallow curtsey as anything deeper, though proper, was prevented by her hand still being fastened to Lord Matlock’s arm by his hand.
“And this,” he said, leading her to stand in front of a very fashionable blonde, “is my daughter, Lady Elinor Fitzwilliam and next to her, my son, Charles Fitzwilliam, Viscount Wyndmere.” Lord Matlock leaned closer to Elizabeth and whispered. “He has no viscountess, but we are hopeful.” The handsome gentleman before her rolled his hazel eyes at the comment.
“My father is very improper, is he not?” asked the Viscount.
“Indeed, he is,” Darcy answered for Elizabeth. Georgiana had taken a seat, but Darcy trailed along behind his uncle and Elizabeth.
“Are you following me?” his uncle asked with a laugh. “I promise I will take good care of her.”
“I have no doubt of that,” Darcy replied. “But I do not wish for you to seat her on the opposite side of the room from me.”
A second gentleman, who shared the same hazel eyes and light brown hair as the viscount, joined them. “Mr. Hughes said our guest had arrived.” He bowed to Elizabeth. “Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam at your service.”
“Colonel,” Elizabeth greeted with another shallow curtsey.
“Well, that is all of us,” said Lord Matlock. “Now, I suppose I shall seat you where Darcy can be at your side before he becomes too impatient.” He chuckled as he led her to a pair of chairs near Georgiana. “I should not put you in such an uncomfortable position as to endure my teasing, but I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have one of my children so happily attached.”
Elizabeth’s brows drew tog
ether.
“Oh, I know Darcy is not actually my son, but he is very nearly the same.” He clapped Darcy on the shoulder and moved to take a seat next to his wife as his son while Colonel Fitzwilliam took a seat next to Darcy.
“My father,” he tipped his head toward where Lord Matlock sat, “is not cut from the standard aristocratic cloth as most of his rank are.”
Elizabeth glanced at Darcy as she nodded her agreement. She had expected a more reserved greeting from his family. “He seems very pleasant.”
“He is unless you are an opponent in the House,” Richard assured her. “This assembled lot is the portion of our family that is agreeable — although Mother can be rather exacting at times,” he added before continuing. “Our aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is as exacting as Mother but far less cordial. However, my father is the head of the family, and Lady Catherine is too well-bred to cross him.” He smiled. “He is perhaps the only person she will not cross.”
“Indeed,” Darcy muttered as he shifted in his chair. He would rather not speak of his aunt at present. This evening was progressing well, and he did not wish to sour it with thoughts of Lady Catherine. “Bingley would like to have you join us at Netherfield for Christmas if your mother will allow it.”
Richard shrugged. “I will petition her, but I cannot guarantee she will be amenable to the idea. Does she realize you will not be in attendance at Matlock House this year?”
Darcy shook his head. “I have not mentioned it yet.”
“Ah,” Richard said as he nodded.
“Georgiana is going to Hertfordshire with me,” Darcy added.
Richard’s left brow rose, and his face grew grim. “Is not that scoundrel in Hertfordshire?”
“He is,” Elizabeth said softly. “I believe that is why Mr. Bingley wishes to have you join his party.”
Richard’s features softened, and he winked at her. “Are you certain it is not to foist his sister off on me?” he asked Darcy.
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide.
“She has twenty thousand,” Darcy replied with a grin.
Richard paused and rubbed his chin as if thinking, then shook his head. “No, not even for twenty thousand.”
“You are both horrid,” Georgiana interrupted.
“No,” Richard retorted, “Miss Bingley is horrid.”
Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open slightly. Miss Bingley was not her favorite person, but to hear her spoken of in such a fashion was not pleasant. “I would not say horrid.”
“Would you not?” Darcy asked in surprise.
“No,” Elizabeth replied.
“Not even after she attempted to separate your sister and her brother?”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “Very well, I will admit she is not my favourite person. However, I do not believe it is best practice to speak ill of another, even if that person is arrogant and disdainful, for you may find that you have done so in error.” She cocked a brow at Darcy as her lips curled into a slightly sheepish smile.
He tipped his head, acknowledging he understood of what she spoke. “You are correct, of course.”
“But you are not the son of an earl or a wealthy landowner,” Richard pursued the topic. “You have no idea how disagreeable it is to be pursued by one such as Caroline Bingley.”
Elizabeth tipped her head and studied Richard’s face. “Do you mind it so much?” she asked.
“Yes,” he retorted.
Elizabeth, who was beginning to feel quite at ease, shrugged. “I will allow it to be true.”
“You do not believe me?”
“My belief or disbelief does not prove your words true or false,” she replied.
Richard laughed. “I can see why Darcy is enchanted. You argue very well, but do you not believe that being pursued for your name or fortune is unpleasant?”
“I believe, Colonel, that to be pursued for title or wealth is just as disagreeable as being cast aside for lack of either.”
“I did not say I am casting Miss Bingley aside due to either of those things.”
“No, you did not, but imagine, if you will, being the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. You have a fortune, but your lineage is not what is desirable. Might not those circumstances cause a lady to place herself above others?”
Richard opened his mouth and closed it again, vexation scrawled across his face.
“I may not, at this moment, like Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth said, “but I can attempt to understand her. I have been contemplating such things as of late. It seems my judgments of people have at times been wanting.”
Richard shook his head. “No, I reject your conclusion.”
Elizabeth smiled at him. “Your acceptance or rejection does not make it either true or false.”
Richard shook his head and laughed heartily. “Do you read the papers, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Occasionally.”
“My father would be thrilled to have a person of your reasoning skills to debate the happenings in the world.” He slapped Darcy on the back. “Again, I will repeat, I can see why Darcy is enchanted. You are as astute as you are beautiful, Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a bow of his head. “However, I would beg you to feel at least a hint of compassion for me when Miss Bingley begins her barrage.”
“Of course, Colonel, as long as you refute her when she disparages either me or my family.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed. “The way your eyes are sparkling, I fear I am being led into a trap.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together and shrugged.
“Is there a reason why Miss Bingley would disparage your family?” he asked as he extended his hand to Georgiana to lead her into dinner.
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “Being pursued by Miss Bingley may pale in comparison to being pursued by my mother. She does have five daughters to see well-matched — none with a fortune –, and she does prefer a man in uniform who is a lively conversation partner.”
Richard’s responding chuckle was deep, rumbling from his belly, and filled with delight. “I thank you for your warning,” he said as they began to descend the stairs on their way to the dining room below.
Chapter 11
“Not be here for Christmas?” Lady Matlock repeated what Darcy had just said. “But we are always together for Christmas. It is tradition.”
“I have promised my help to a friend.” Darcy smiled. “Which is not the only compelling reason to be in Hertfordshire.”
“But it is Christmas.”
Elizabeth pulled the left corner of her lip between her teeth and looked from the man she wished to have with her in Hertfordshire and his aunt who would clearly be disappointed if he were not here, in town, at Matlock House.
“Georgiana is going with me. I do not wish to be separated from her for this holiday.” Darcy reclined in his chair, cradling in his hand the glass that held what remained of his wine. He cast a glance in Richard’s direction. “I have asked Richard to accompany me.”
“My son? You would take my son from me at Christmas?”
“Not without good reason,” Darcy said softly.
“Mr. Wickham is in Hertfordshire,” Georgiana interjected.
Lady Matlock, who had been poised to protest Darcy’s reason, snapped her mouth closed.
“Is it safe to take Georgie?” Viscount Wyndmere asked.
“With Richard as an escort, I see no need to fear,” Darcy answered. “With any luck, just the knowledge that your brother is in Hertfordshire will send Wickham scurrying to some hole to hide.” Wickham knew that, while Darcy would not call him out, Richard was not above taking such a risk or, at the at the very least, attempting to find a way within the laws of the land to make Wickham’s life miserable.
The viscount allowed Darcy’s answer to be true.
“Perhaps you could join Bingley after Christmas,” Elizabeth offered.
“No,” Georgiana said with a firm shake of her head, “that will not do.”
“Are you certain?” Elizabeth asked in surprise. “I
would very much dislike being the cause of a less than joyful holiday for your family. I know mine — or at least my mother’s side of the family — has always gathered at Longbourn, although it is only my aunt and uncle Gardiner who have to travel to be with us.”
“Not your father’s family?” Viscount Wyndmere asked.
“They are estranged,” Elizabeth answered. She smoothed the cloth that lay on her lap. “They did not approve of my mother.” She could feel her cheeks growing warm. “Her father was a tradesman, as is my uncle Gardiner.”
“Ah, so that is how you know it is just as unpleasant to be pursued for your wealth and status as it is to be cast aside for lack of the same,” said Richard.
Elizabeth nodded. “My father would never admit it, but I believe he felt the disapproval quite strongly.”
“Your father?” Richard asked in surprise. “I thought you were referring to your mother’s not being accepted.”
Elizabeth smiled. “There is that, too. However, it is my father of whom I was speaking — not that he did not have wealth or standing but that his choice of bride did not.” She looked from Richard to Darcy and tears unexpectedly gathered in her eyes. He had fled Hertfordshire because he feared being cast aside as her father had been. She blinked and lowered her eyes to her plate. “There is more on which I based my comments, I suppose. Though I am not penniless, I have no fortune, and I have ties to trade. I know that does not make me a favourable match for many.”
“You are a gentleman’s daughter,” Lord Matlock said. “That is all that matters to me. That and how much my nephew seems to love you.”
Elizabeth gave him a grateful smile as her cheeks grew rosy and his wife scolded him softly for having spoken of Darcy’s feelings.
“I do love her,” Darcy said, drawing the attention of the table. “However, you are speaking as if things have been settled between us. They have not, which is why I would like to spend Christmas in Hertfordshire.” He glanced at his aunt. “It is not because I wish to be separated from you. It is just that I…” His voice failed him as he saw the smile that shone in Elizabeth’s eyes.