by AmyJ
send them out as soon as I would have liked. I hope your aunt, uncle
and cousins will not be offended I was unable to send them anything.
I look forward to seeing you and Georgiana again in London. That
is, if I am not committed to Bedlam before then. If I am, you shall
know it was entirely your doing; you are the one who abandoned me
to my mother with a wedding to plan.
Until then, I remain your friend (and betrothed),
Elizabeth
Darcy chuckled as he read the closing. Then turning to the packages, he
quickly opened his, reserving Georgiana's gift for when he could give it to her privately. He smiled at the new watch fob enclosed. While it was not as ornate as some of his others, it was unique. In the deep blue ribbon, Elizabeth had embroidered a pattern of vines and leaves in golden thread. He set the fob aside for a moment to examine the two handkerchiefs that were also part of the
package. He fingered the stitching on them and smiled with the knowledge she
had most likely started these gifts even before they were engaged. The gifts were from a friend, and not sent out of a sense of obligation.
They were not the most expensive gifts he had received, but he treasured them nonetheless. Unlike the rifle his uncle had given him, and the books from his cousin, these required thought and time. The idea that she had spent so much time thinking about him unexpectedly made his heart beat just a little faster.
Carefully, he switched his current watch fob for the one Elizabeth had given him.
The day after Christmas, Darcy welcomed Lord Blakeslee and his family to
Pemberley.
"Darcy!" Blakeslee greeted with a warm handshake and clap on the shoulder.
"Wesley!" Darcy returned. "Good to see you. How were the roads?"
"Not too bad." Blakeslee turned to greet Georgiana while Darcy greeted the other new guests. "Lady Blakeslee." He greeted with bow. "Julian."
"Darcy." Lady Blakeslee greeted with a kiss on the cheek. "I have a mind to give you a stern talking to, but I suspect if I did, you would tell me nothing of your Miss Elizabeth."
Darcy chuckled. "My apologies, your ladyship," Darcy said with a reverent bow. "I shall tell you everything over dinner, if that is acceptable."
With an affectionate pat on the cheek, Lady Blakeslee agreed and the party
moved indoors. Lady Blakeslee and Julian retired to their rooms to freshen up.
Lord Blakeslee, however, followed to Darcy to his study.
Darcy did not even need to hear the door to his study close to know Blakeslee had followed him. He had expected as much and was already pouring two
glasses of port. After handing Wesley one, along with a cigar, he settled into his chair.
"I suppose I should wish you joy," Wesley said, after firing up his cigar.
"It would be the gentlemanly thing to do."
"Very well. I wish you joy. Now tell me how this came to be. Last time we spoke, Miss Elizabeth was just a pretty friend. " Blakeslee smirked, watching his friend squirm.
Darcy stalled, savouring the taste of his port. "I confess. When I saw you in London, I was already engaged. Indeed, my business in town was with my
solicitor to have the marriage contract drawn up." Wesley's brows went upward in intrigue, but he said nothing. "The announcement had not been made public, and it was agreed that no one outside the family would know until the contract was signed."
"I knew it!" Wesley exclaimed. He took a puff on his cigar and watched the smoke dissipate in the air above his head. "You were far too happy when I saw you. A pretty friend, indeed!"
"Is this your only reason for dirtying my study with your travel clothes? To harass me over the timing of my engagement?"
"Of course not. I insist on hearing all the details of your Miss Elizabeth that you will not tell Mother."
"What do you wish to know?"
"Do not play daft, man!" Wesley barked. "Everything!"
"She is intelligent, generous, and caring. Georgiana quite adores her."
Unwittingly a smile broke out and his eyes took on a distant look. "She has the most beautiful brown eyes," he said softly, and his smile increased. He blinked and looked over at his friend. "She loves to read, and could probably best you at chess."
Wesley let out a hearty laugh. "Good lord, Darcy. You are a lovesick fool if I ever saw one! Never thought I would see the day. I dare say you are in danger of looking like Bingley!"
First Richard, then Georgiana, now Wesley. Why does everyone believe I am in love with Elizabeth? Darcy opened his mouth to protest, but then thought better of it. It would be better if people believed love was the reason for his marriage.
He closed his mouth and smiled with a shrug of the shoulder.
"So how did the family take the news?" Darcy's pursed lips told Blakeslee all he needed to know. "That well?" he intoned.
"Lady Catherine was furious, as you can imagine. Lord Matlock, while he will support my decision, was not pleased."
"Nothing less than you expected..."
"No, their reaction was not unexpected." Darcy grew serious. "Wesley, Elizabeth may have a difficult time during her first season. Lady Matlock has agreed to assist her, and sponsor her coming out; I have no fears on that front.
Amongst the older members of the ton though, especially the dowagers, Lady
Catherine still wields some influence."
Wesley held up his hand, halting Darcy's request. "Think nothing of it. I am certain my mother will do whatever she can to assist your Elizabeth. I will speak with her on the way to London. Of course you have my support as well."
"Thank you."
With a wry smirk, Wesley said, "You should know, Mother was enthralled with the news. You have now become the revered son whom I should look to as an
example."
They both chuckled. "I am truly sorry, my friend, but neither of us could escape marriage forever."
"Indeed! But if you will excuse me now, I will freshen up for dinner." Before he left he said, "There are plenty more details you have not given me. Do not make me apply to Richard for them."
Darcy was left with nothing to do but shake his head.
Chapter Eighteen
The arrival of the Blakeslees brought a little more activity to Pemberley, but not the warmth Darcy was expecting.
After dinner, the gentlemen retired to the billiard room for game, drinking, and cigars.
"So Richard, it is down to you and me..." Wesley said, and then expelled a plume of smoke.
Richard examined the game going on between Stephen and Julian. "What are you speaking of, Wesley?"
"Why marriage, of course! Julian does not count; he is too young." He smirked at his younger brother, and added, "Stephen is long married, and Darcy here has gone and lost his heart to a young country lass."
Richard laughed aloud. "So you have noticed the lovesick grin he wears?"
A round of laughter erupted. "Indeed, I have, and it is not a pretty sight.
Whoever thought Darcy would be smitten so easily."
"The quiet ones always fall the hardest," Stephen offered.
After another round of laughter, Wesley said, "But Richard, since you are the only other one to have met Miss Elizabeth recently, I leave it to you to tell us about her. Darcy here is being far too close lipped." He grinned at his friend's glare.
"I must admit," Richard offered, "she is a pretty thing, though I would approve of any dame who can make Darcy dance."
All eyes turned to Darcy, who could only shift uncomfortably. "Darcy danced?"
Stephen asked. "When was this?"
"It was a dinner at one of Miss Elizabeth's neighbour's home." Darcy said smoothly, hoping to end the discussion. "Some of the young girls were
dancing, and I felt obliged to ask my fiancée." He gulped the brandy to hide his discomfort.
"Already bowing to the lady's wishes, and your engagement
is but a month old," Wesley chided.
"She shall have you tamed before you even wed at this rate," Stephen declared.
He received a round of guffaws from the others.
"Speaking from experience, Stephen?" Darcy rejoined. "Perhaps we should consult Lady Langford..."
"Ah, I fully admit to being at my wife's beck and call... But I am an old married man, and have been these last six years," Stephen chortled. "You are not yet married."
Darcy blew out a puff of smoke, hoping to hide his reddened cheeks behind it.
He should have expected nothing less from an evening with his friends.
In a somewhat serious tone, Stephen asked, "So Richard, what is your
impression of Darcy's Miss Elizabeth?"
A couple brandies down, Richard's tongue was well loosened. "Miss Elizabeth is a charming lady, and Darcy is completely besotted by her." He leaned over to Wesley conspiratorially and said louder than he intended, "But the eldest Miss Bennet is truly heaven sent."
Wesley chuckled. "So you disapprove of Darcy's choice?"
"Not at all," came the quick retort. "For his choice left Miss Bennet for me."
He grinned broadly.
Darcy looked at Stephen and shook his head. "Your brother's head was always easily turned by a pretty, fair-haired lady."
Richard placed a dramatic hand over his heart. "I freely admit they are my Achilles' heel, and Miss Bennet is one of the finest specimens I have ever
beheld."
There were several groans.
"Perhaps, Wesley," Darcy interjected, "if you were to travel to Hertfordshire, you might forestall your return to London." Happy to have turned everyone's curiosity from himself, with a smug look, he added, "It appears the good Lady Blakesee is determined to see her son engaged. Their stay at Pemberley will be short so they may attend Twelfth Night in London."
At this, Richard and Stephen gave let out hearty laughs and began unmercifully naming potential suitors; some were outlandish, others merely in jest, and some with tinge of sincerity.
When he had his fill, Wesley remarked, "At least you can have faith that when I find the right lady, I shall have no trouble with the courting. Pray Richard, what is Darcy like when he is courting?" He turned to his friend, "You do know how to court a woman, do you not, Darcy?"
A ruckus of laughter erupted, and an all too familiar heat crept into Darcy's face. Richard shook his head in feigned dismay. "The perfect gentleman, I am afraid. Not once did I catch him trying to steal a kiss!" After cries of disbelief and some cajoling for more information, Richard added, "Though I did catch him leaving for a secret assignation!"
The room was filled with loud hoots. "And he was conspicuously missing many a morning before breakfast!" More whistles and snickers were emitted.
"It was not..." The words died on Darcy's lips. Anything he said now would undoubtedly be twisted until they had their fun. Finally, he said, "I shall fare well enough on my own. I did manage to become engaged without counsel
from any of you."
"That may be, Darcy," Wesley slurred, "But perhaps you should have come to us. Now you are stuck with an interminably long engagement." After a curious pause, he asked, "You are eager to begin your marital felicity, are you not?"
Several leering grins were visible, and Darcy felt his face flush. He gently cleared his throat. "There were a great number of preparations." The response sounded lame even to him. Still, the ribbing he received was better than
discussing the truth around his engagement. Besides, there was nothing said that was not true. Elizabeth was pretty, and he was looking forward to her
companionship.
The rest of the evening continued in this manner until the decanter was dry and the cigars cold.
After the Gardiners returned to Gracechurch Street, life at Longbourn returned to its usual mundane condition. Kitty and Lydia bickered over baubles and
giggled over officers. Mary spent her time practicing the pianoforte and
reading. Jane spent the time with embroidery and sewing, correspondence, and visiting tenants. Mr. Bennet, as always, spent his days in his study, dealing with tenant issues, or in the potting room.
Elizabeth passed the time as best she could. When possible, she would escape the confines of the house. The lack of activity inspired Mrs. Bennet to turn to wedding planning. Never one for large quantities of lace, organza, and ribbon, the planning sessions often turned to arguments between the two, and a
headache for Elizabeth.
If that were not enough, Mrs. Bennet had planned a number of teas, dinners, and other gatherings for the week leading up to the wedding. For the sake of general domestic tranquillity, Mr. Bennet agreed to most of these, despite
understanding these gatherings were nothing more than poorly disguised
opportunities for his wife to flaunt the family's good fortune. Elizabeth,
however, drew the line at a ball. The last thing she wanted to do was subject Darcy to a ball.
In the evenings, Elizabeth spent time with Jane, tending to needlework, or reading. Despite her sister's words, Elizabeth knew she was suffering from a broken heart. Jane had been in moderate spirits when Georgiana and Colonel
Fitzwilliam had been about to distract her. Now that such distractions did not exist, Jane's moods were melancholy at best; more than once, Elizabeth had
heard Jane's tears.
The continued lack of communication from Bingley troubled her, and not only for her sister's sake. He had not even written Darcy in recent weeks. She
thought perhaps something truly tragic had occurred that had kept him away.
Darcy had not been concerned though, and being he knew his friend best, she trusted him. Whatever it was, answers were sure to come soon enough. Jane
and she would be in London for several weeks; they were bound to see Mr.
Bingley then.
Darcy made his way to the breakfast room. The house was quiet. Wesley and
the Blakeslees had left a se'nnight ago, and the Matlocks, except Colonel
Fitzwilliam, had departed the previous day.
He stopped by the salver to examine his correspondence as he broke his fast.
Without guests to entertain, the next days would be busy with other estate
business. He had a lot to do since he would not be at Pemberley as often as he preferred in the spring. He and Elizabeth had agreed to return to Pemberley after the wedding with a short visit to the Lake District. It was not the most extravagant wedding trip, but it was what they agreed to since they had to be in London for the Season.
In the stack, he found a letter addressed in a familiar feminine hand. He smiled; it was from Elizabeth. His brow crinkled upon further reading the direction; it was addressed to Georgiana, not himself. He rifled through the rest of the
envelopes, looking for his own letter. After all, he was her betrothed; Georgiana was only her future sister.
Not finding a letter addressed to him, he inquired. "Andrews, are these all of the letters?"
At his butler's affirmative response, Darcy nodded curtly. He made his way to break his fast, carrying with him the letter addressed to Georgiana.
"A letter for you," he said, handing her the missive.
He helped himself to coffee, a muffin, sweet sausage, and some eggs, scowling when Georgiana cried happily, "It is from Elizabeth!"
Trying not to show his disappointment, he said, "What does she have to say? Is everything well at Longbourn?" He knew he should not feel such jealousy.
They were only friends, and his letter could have been lost or delayed. He
should be happy Elizabeth was writing to his sister. That was what he had
hoped for, was it not?
He caught a teasing look from his cousin and turned his eyes to his plate, though the crease of his brow remained. He continued glancing at his sister as she read the missive. A happy glow lit her countenance as she studied the paper with unusual in
tensity. At different intervals, she let out a happy trill and then continued reading, not betraying any of the contents to her brother or her
cousin.
At each giggle, the grip on Darcy's fork tightened. What can be so damn funny that she can not share? Surely, there should be no secrets between Elizabeth and me; we are to be man and wife.
Georgiana released another giggle. Unable to hide his curiosity and annoyance any longer, Darcy snapped, "Georgiana, it is impolite to carry on as you do and not share its source with the others present."
To his further irritation, Georgiana burst into peals of laughter, nearly falling out of her chair. His cousin followed suit, as if he too shared her secret.
Put out, Darcy stood abruptly.
"Forgive me, brother," Georgiana said quickly and handed him the enclosed sealed note. "Elizabeth asked me to give you this."
Realizing he had most likely fallen into one of Elizabeth's traps, he snatched the missive from his sister and excused himself, muttering as he quit the room.
After settling in his study, he read the letter.
Fitzwilliam,
If you are reading this, I have most likely sorely tested your patience.
I hope you will forgive me and think only on the amusement of your
sister. Most of my letter to her was instructing her how to act to best arouse your interest. I suppose I will have to wait for an epistle from her for word on my level of success.
I must play these little tricks now; before I take a vow to obey you. I fear if I have not taught you to laugh at yourself by then, I shall have to find another way to entertain your sister, and she may not enjoy
my company so much then. But enough of that for now.
Allow me to thank you on behalf of myself and my family for the
lovely gifts. Shortly after receiving your gifts, my father and uncle
absconded into my father's study, and nary was a word heard from
that quarter for the remainder of the Gardiners' stay. My mother has
yet to remove the shawl you gave her, and young Jonathon is on a
new mission to find Robin Hood.
The hair brush set was beautiful, as were the hair combs. I do
believe I may enjoy being betrothed to you.
I must admit to feelings of guilt after seeing your generosity to my own family. I can only plead ignorance -- not having seen your