by AmyJ
Darcy thought to correct him, but decided it was best to let things lie. Besides, he was not exactly incorrect. Elizabeth would be his, so long as she did not change her mind. He felt an unfamiliar sensation course through him but chose to ignore it. "Yes. The Fitzwilliam family will be joining Georgiana and me there."
"I leave for Trentholm in a few days, though Mother is insisting on returning to London for Twelfth night." At Darcy's expectant look, he added, "She is hoping I meet the future Lady Blakeslee."
Darcy chuckled and shook his head in commiseration. "I wish you all the best then, my friend." Tentatively he asked, "Will you remain in London then after Twelfth Night?"
"I had not decided, but I imagine for a bit anyway. Why do you ask?"
Darcy shrugged, trying to appear casual. It was, in fact, important for him to have his friend in London when Elizabeth arrived. Wesley and his mother were necessary allies in gaining Elizabeth's acceptance amongst the ton. "Trying to ascertain the countess' determination is all."
"No more so than most years."
"I intend to be at Pemberley a week before Christmas. You and your family will dine with us before you return to London?"
"Of course. I will speak to Mother, and let you know our plans."
Darcy stood to see his companion off. "Until then, Wesley."
When Lord Blakeslee was gone, Darcy retook his seat and mulled over the conversation. One question in particular had stuck out in his mind. "Are you going to court her?" Wesley had asked.
He had never considered it. He and Elizabeth were friends. They had
effectively skipped over the courting stage and had entered directly into an engagement. But should he court her now?
He contemplated the idea. How hard could it be to court a woman? A few
nosegays, a few kisses on the hand, an occasional trinket... He took a drink of wine and considered the possible advantages.
For starters, people might consider them to be in love. The idea of marrying for love was not popular amongst his circle, but there were a few who had done
that. If people thought them in love, it would quell some of the questions, especially after learning the long history Elizabeth shared with his family. He rubbed his hand over his face. He would have to make that history public if the plan was to work. He did not enjoy revealing details of his family for the public to scrutinize and contort, but the truth was bound to come out; details like that always did. It was better if the information was released on his terms.
Not only that, but if Georgiana believed them to be in love, she would not
question the circumstances around their marriage.
The more he thought about it, the more the idea appealed to him.
Court Elizabeth. He puffed on his cigar while wondering what Elizabeth's
reaction would be if he did court her. It would be awkward at first for both of them, but they would adjust. They had been more familiar with each other than even courting permitted years ago. He had seen her toes and ankles numerous times as they waded in the stream at Pemberley. They had even held hands,
without the barrier of gloves, on a few occasions.
He chuckled, recalling the way she had always thrown off her bonnet and
gloves the moment the house was out of sight.
Turning back to his original train of thought, he nodded to himself. Yes. He could do this; he could court Elizabeth.
The departure of the Darcys from Netherfield brought an abrupt change to life at Longbourn. Elizabeth had become used to the almost daily visits from Darcy and Georgiana. With no visitors, she suddenly found herself in search of other modes of entertainment.
Therefore, after three days without callers, it took little effort for Lydia and Kitty to convince Elizabeth to follow them into town. While she was cognizant her sisters' motive lay with the regiment that had recently taken up residence in Meryton, she could not deny her mother's request to fetch meat from the
market for dinner, or the chance for a long meandering walk.
Donning her pelisse and bonnet, she followed the other two at a leisurely pace.
As she observed her youngest two sisters, she smiled, realizing that when left alone, the two were much like her and Jane. They whispered, talked, and
giggled the entire way. Unfortunately, the happy picture vanished when they approached town.
Before she could stop them, both Lydia and Kitty were running and calling
loudly after a pair of red coats.
Unable to stop them, Elizabeth quickened her pace. As she neared, she rolled her eyes at the sight of Lydia hanging on the arm of one of the officers. That girl will be the ruin of us!
"Lizzy, this is Denny and his friend Mr. Wickham," Lydia said. "Mr. Wickham arrived only yesterday. Does he not look handsome in his uniform?" She let out a flirtatious giggle and batted her lashes at the man.
Elizabeth felt her stomach churn, and it was not due only to her sister's overt flirtation.
"Miss Elizabeth," Wickham greeted with a bow and his best charming smile.
"It has been many years since we last met."
Doing her best to remain civil, Elizabeth curtsied and replied coldly, "Mr.
Wickham." She turned to her sisters. "Kitty, Lydia, we had best finish our errands. The cook is waiting for our return to prepare dinner."
With a dismissive curtsey, she grabbed Kitty's arm and headed towards the
shops. She was rather dismayed when Mr. Wickham followed them and began
conversing. "I understand Mr. Darcy is also in Meryton."
"He was, but he has gone to town."
"And how do you find our old friend?"
"He is much as he always was."
Wickham shook his head slowly. "I was surprised when Miss Lydia informed me he was a frequent visitor of Longbourn."
Elizabeth returned a disingenuous smile.
"I am very glad he has not cast you off as he has me." He sighed dramatically.
"Then again, you are a gentleman's daughter, while I am just the son of a servant."
They entered a shop, where Elizabeth hoped she could dispatch of her
unwanted escort, but it was not to be. As they continued to shop, and even as they returned home, Wickham trailed them and rambled on, expressing his
sadness over the death of the late Mr. Darcy, how he had hoped to honour his godfather by taking orders, and how Darcy had gone against his father's wishes by denying him the living. With a sad smile, he added, "I can only hope Darcy saw fit to carry out his father's wishes with respect to you."
"I find it difficult to believe Mr. Darcy would dishonour his father in any manner," Elizabeth returned with an icy glare.
For a few moments, she thought she might have rid herself of the man, as he was suddenly very quiet. It was not to be. Changing the subject, Mr. Wickham said, "Our godfather often spoke of the two of us, you know."
"Mr. Darcy was a kind man."
"He often spoke to me of his desire to see the two of us joined in marriage. I imagine that is why he left me the living at Kympton. Between the living, and his bequest to you, we could have lived quite comfortably."
Elizabeth felt bile tumble in her gut. The very idea of being married to such a cad! "You speak as though you are aware of what Mr. Darcy bequeathed me."
With a pert smile, she added, "Perhaps he left me nothing at all."
Mr. Wickham had the grace to blush. "Forgive me, the late Mr. Darcy was a generous man. I only assumed he attempted to look after you as he did me." He hid a calculating look behind a beguiling smile.
"What does he mean, Lizzy?" Lydia cut in. "Did Mr. Darcy leave you money? I wish someone would die and leave me money! Then I would have all the
bonnets I should ever want." She giggled.
"Lydia!" Elizabeth admonished.
It was not long after that, Longbourn came into sight. Wanting to rid herself of Wickham's company, Elizabeth turned, and with a short curtsey said, "Good day,
Mr. Wickham. I hope you find life in the militia very satisfying."
With no invitation to take refreshment issued, Wickham and Denny could do
nothing but depart. Elizabeth was subjected to several cries from Lydia and Kitty for her less than cordial treatment of the two officers, but she dismissed them out of hand. It had taken all her self control to be polite to the man. She knew though, it could be dangerous to provoke Wickham. Who knows what he
would do if he discovered she knew the truth.
She became anxious for Darcy's return. She felt uneasy knowing Wickham was
in Meryton; not that she was afraid of him, but her sisters had taken a liking to the officer, and she did not trust him. She knew Darcy would know how to
handle the rogue.
Lady Matlock arrived at Arryndale House at three in the afternoon for tea. She was anxious to see Georgiana. She did not believe such a miraculous change
was possible, but without evidence to the contrary, she could say nothing.
Upon her arrival, she was shown to the music room by Cardwell, Darcy's
butler. The first thing that struck her was the sound of laughter coming from the room. That could not possibly be Darcy and Georgiana.
The door to the room was opened, and Lady Matlock swept in, uncertain of what to expect. To her surprise, Richard, Darcy, and Georgiana were seated
around a small table talking and laughing.
Upon the announcement of her arrival, all three stood and bowed and curtsied.
Then, to Lady Matlock's further surprise, Georgiana stepped forward and
placed a kiss on her cheek. "It is good to see you, Aunt. I was so pleased when Fitzwilliam said you were to join us today, else I may not have seen you until Christmas."
Lady Matlock blinked several times and then looked to Darcy, who returned a proud smile. She looked back to Georgiana. "You look lovely, my dear." And she did! Unlike before, Georgiana stood tall. She still had difficulty meeting her aunt's eye, but she did not shrink away as she was wont to do.
The four sat. Lady Matlock wasted no time in learning more of Miss Elizabeth.
"How was your stay in Hertfordshire, Georgiana?"
Georgiana veritably beamed. She was about to make a loud proclamation, but
remembering herself, said cheerfully, "It was lovely. Fitzwilliam introduced me to Elizabeth again, and her older sister Jane."
Lady Matlock gave Georgiana an inquisitive look that was tinged with
disapproval. Georgiana shrank in her chair for a moment, but then straightened.
"They have given me permission to address them by their Christian names, Aunt." With a hint of a blush, she added, "I have given them leave to do the same."
"And you remember Miss Elizabeth from when you were younger?"
"A little. But she is everything that I remember. She is very kind, as is her sister. They do not mind that I am much younger." As she spoke, she became more animated.
Lady Matlock nodded slowly.
"Georgiana has been helping Miss Elizabeth with the pianoforte. They were kind enough to play a couple duets for the party at Netherfield," Darcy interjected.
Georgiana let out a little giggle.
"Miss Elizabeth's playing is amusing?" Lady Matlock inquired.
"Forgive me, Aunt. I was only remembering something Elizabeth said when I teased her about not practicing." Georgiana replied, suddenly feeling self conscious.
"Pray, enlighten me."
Georgiana kept herself in check by pressing her hand to her lips for a moment.
"Elizabeth told me how Lady Catherine used to scold her for not practicing."
She giggled again. "She did the most delightful impersonation."
Lady Matlock had to bite her lower lip to keep from laughing herself. "That is rather ungracious, do you not think, Georgiana?"
With a bowed head, Georgiana demurred. "I suppose it is, but Lady Catherine always tells me I do not practice enough either, and I practice daily." In another moment, her countenance brightened. "I can not wait for you to meet her, Aunt.
Fitzwilliam says we may invite her to London after the holidays."
"Yes. I think I should like to meet her." A look from Lady Matlock dismissed her son and her nephew. After the two gentlemen left, she said, "Tell me, Georgiana, what happened to the sad, melancholy girl that left my house in
October."
Georgiana almost instantly shrank in her seat. She was unable to look at her aunt for several minutes. Finally, she looked up and said, "I am sorry, Aunt, for the trouble I caused our family last summer. I acted selfishly and against my better judgment. I have learned from my mistake, and hope that in time you can forgive me."
"Of course I forgive you, my dear. It was not your fault. I was only curious as to what brought about this change."
Georgiana smiled. "Perhaps not all of it was my fault, but I did act against my own conscience, and were it not for Fitzwilliam, it could have ended badly for me, and the family. I must take responsibility for my part."
"Very well," Lady Matlock said, still a little taken aback. "But I still do not understand this change. It is as though you have grown up over night."
Receiving such high praise from her aunt caused Georgiana to sit a little
straighter. "A friend helped me sort through it all, and I understand things better. I am not a little girl anymore. I am responsible for my own actions."
"A friend?" Lady Matlock intoned. "Would this friend be Miss Elizabeth?"
Georgiana nodded.
Lady Matlock nodded to herself. If nothing else, her curiosity had been piqued.
Miss Elizabeth was certainly a singular lady, and appeared she would be a good friend to Georgiana. She was a little dismayed by the lapses in decorum
Georgiana displayed, but those were easy enough to correct.
After her visit with Georgiana, Lady Matlock left her niece to her studies and prevailed herself upon Darcy's study.
At the knock, Darcy bid entry. He stood, fully expecting his aunt. After seeing to her comfort, he reclaimed his own chair. He waited patiently for his aunt to begin. She appeared to be in thought, so he remained silent.
Finally, she said, "I would like to meet Miss Elizabeth. When can this be arranged?"
"I do not think I could arrange something until after the holidays. Unless you were to return to Hertfordshire with Georgiana and me."
"Then what can you tell me of her family?"
"She has no connections of consequence. She has one uncle who is an attorney in Meryton, the other resides near Cheapside, on Gracechurch Street, and is in trade." He watched as his aunt took in the facts. The gentle purse of her lips told him she was less than pleased.
"Her father is a gentleman though, if I recall correctly?"
"He is. But the estate is entailed away to Mr Bennet's cousin." He paused for a moment, but then continued, knowing Longbourn's heir presumptive would be
made known sooner or later. "The cousin is Aunt Catherine's rector for her Hunsford parish." He watched his aunt falter momentarily.
"Fitzwilliam, are you certain of your decision?"
"I am. You can not help but notice the change in Georgiana. Elizabeth
accomplished in one day what none of us could do in three months."
Lady Matlock stood and paced slowly in front of the large oak desk. "I can not deny that." She paused. "I think this Miss Elizabeth would make a better companion or acquaintance for Georgiana, though."
"You think I should employ her?" Darcy asked, his voice thick with incredulity.
"She is a gentleman's daughter!"
"It is not like she would be the first of her kind to seek employment. If her family situation is as you say, it is highly probable one or more of her sisters will be required to find employment at some point."
"Elizabeth is a friend, and we owe her a great deal for her kindness to Georgiana. I will not repay her by making her my employee. While she may
&n
bsp; lack some of the town bronze, she is intelligent, and I am certain under your guidance she will blossom."
"Her acceptance may be difficult to manoeuvre."
Darcy arched a brow at his aunt. It was not, perhaps, the easiest thing to effect, but after generations of carefully arranged marriages, the Fitzwilliam and
Darcy names were formidable amongst their circle. They both knew it. After
resuming her seat, Lady Matlock said, "Very well, Darcy. If you are
determined, I suppose we have no choice."
"I intend to make Elizabeth's previous connection to my family public. I think it will be easier to accept her, knowing the relationship was long standing."
Receiving an affirming nod from his aunt, he continued. "I will have Lord Blakeslee's support, and most likely his mother's as well. I am hoping Lady Blakeslee's influence will be able to counter any influence Aunt Catherine
might have amongst the dowagers." His aunt's face visibly soured at the mention of Lady Catherine.
"Marcus will see that Catherine is brought to heel, even if grudgingly." Lady Matlock stood again, effectively bringing their visit to a close. "I have my reservations with your decision, Fitzwilliam. But I have never known you to make a gross error in judgment. You seem to have thought this through. See
that Miss Elizabeth will be able to spend at least a month in town. From what you have said, I gather her mother has never had a Season. It will take a great deal of preparation to make Miss Elizabeth ready for the scrutiny of the ton.
That is, if Miss Elizabeth is up to the challenge."
"Thank you, Aunt. I think you will be pleasantly surprised."
Lady Matlock smiled and left. She could not put her finger on it, but there was something different in Darcy as well. He was quick to defend the girl. He
obviously respected her a great deal; that alone was a feat. She would reserve her final judgment for the lady until they met. With both of the Darcys so
enamoured with her though, she had little choice but to accept Miss Elizabeth into the family circle and aid her where necessary.
Chapter Fourteen
Darcy and Bingley entered Boodle's and immediately searched for a place to
dine. The invitation to dinner had been extended under the guise of ‘estate business,' after receipt of Bingley's unexpected missive.