by AmyJ
family in many years -- and hope they will not think too ill of me for
it. Though if I am to be truly honest with you, I must also own I can
think of little I have to offer an earl and a countess.
Christmas at Longbourn has been wonderful. It is hard to believe
though, that it will be my last. That fact alone has perhaps made it
all the more enjoyable.
With the holidays now over, my mother has focused all her attention
on the wedding. Thankfully, the weather has held, and much to my
mother's vexation, I have been allowed to continue my walks. I am
looking forward to the time I depart for London.
I must go. Kitty and Lydia are bickering again, and I must make the
peace.
Your friend (and betrothed),
Elizabeth
Darcy laughed aloud. Teasing woman! Pemberley shall be such a lively place once she is here. Without wasting a moment, and ignoring the other business that required his attention, he pulled out a quill and his ink bottle and began writing.
Elizabeth,
By all means, have your fun now. You are correct; I envision many
nights in which you are locked in your room without dinner for
failing to obey me.
I fear Georgiana, too, may find herself in her rooms more frequently.
She follows your instructions all too readily, and I have to wonder
what I have wrought upon myself.
I jest, of course. You have been wonderful for her, Elizabeth, and I do not know how to express my gratitude. In the short months
Georgiana has been acquainted with you, she has blossomed. She
played quite a recital for the Blakeslees and the Matlocks this year,
with only the slightest prodding. She has never done that before, and
I could not have been more proud.
Christmas at Pemberley has not been the same since my mother
died. Father continued some of her traditions, but when he too
passed, I found it difficult to continue them. The public rooms are, of
course, still decorated, and the Yule log lit, but aside from that, the holidays passed somewhat uneventfully.
Wesley and his family stayed at Pemberley for four days before going
on to London. He has expressed his eagerness to meet you, as has
Lady Blakeslee. Do not worry, Elizabeth. Were it not for my aunt's
willingness to sponsor you, I am certain Lady Blakeslee would have
done the honours. Wesley and Lady Blakeslee think me smitten, and I
confess I have done nothing to dissuade them of that notion.
I suppose you may think it dishonest of me, but I can think of no way
to enlighten them of the truth without disclosing other truths. If this makes you uncomfortable, tell me so at once.
Business at Pemberley keeps me busy, as I am trying to ensure I will
not have to return until after our wedding. It seems strange to say
that. That you and I shall be married. And yet, I must be honest and
tell you that your acceptance of my offer has lifted a weighty burden
from my shoulders.
I promise you, Elizabeth, I shall do everything in my power to see to
your happiness.
Mrs. Reynolds sends you her warmest wishes, and is looking forward
to seeing you again. She has made me promise that there will be no
bloodshed -- at least in the house -- and has extracted a promise that
I will increase her staff should that not be the case. (I must own I do not recall any incident that led to bloodshed between us. Do you?) I
should also tell you the staff that remember you, recall you with
fondness and have expressed great anticipation in welcoming you as
their mistress.
I will close by passing on greetings from Georgiana, though I am
certain she will be sending her own salutations soon.
Until then, I remain your friend (and betrothed),
Fitzwilliam
Elizabeth laughed as she read the letter, particularly Mrs. Reynolds' reaction.
She recalled only a single escapade that had resulted in bloodshed, but it had left little red footprints through the main hall of Pemberley. With quill in hand, she set out to refresh Darcy's memory.
Fitzwilliam,
How easily one forgets their wrong doing... Though perhaps I only recall the incident because I still bear the scar. Nonetheless, I
remember the incident quite well and will now endeavour to refresh
your memory.
I will begin by saying it was not my intention to create such a mess,
but what else was I to do? You and G had stolen my slippers while I
was playing in a grassy area near the stream and would not return
them. Thinking back, I believe you thought taking my slippers would
prevent me from following you or returning to the house without you.
(I truly do not recall your particular motives.) Whatever your
reasons, they did not work.
Sans slippers, I walked back to the main house, and cut my foot on
the way. In order to avoid detection and a mess, I hopped most of the
way to my rooms. Unfortunately, on my way, your mother discovered
me. Upon seeing her, I forgot all about the cut, and could only think
to hide my slipper-less situation. Though I performed all the
courtesies required, and attempted to take my leave as soon as
possible, your mother discovered my bare feet.
You will laugh when I tell you the fanciful story I told her to explain my situation. I told her a mother duck had stolen my slippers and
was using them in her nest. That being the case, I could not in good
conscience take them from her young ones. Looking back now, I am
certain she did not believe me, but she allowed me to return to my
rooms without question.
Happy to be dismissed, I forgot all about my bloody foot and left
quite a trail in my wake. Poor Mrs. Reynolds and her staff had been
left to clean up the mess. Of course, at the time, I did not feel very
sorry for anyone but myself, as I was confined to the house until the
wound healed. My only consolation was that you, too, were
restricted to the indoors.
Now that I have refreshed your memory, you may have a good laugh
and make any promises to Mrs. Reynolds she demands.
As for the other matters in your previous letter, let me say I will bow to your judgement on how to handle the topic of our marriage with
your acquaintances.
I shall see you again in a few short weeks. Until then, I remain your
friend and betrothed,
Elizabeth
A warm laugh rang out from Darcy's study as he read Elizabeth's latest letter to him. He had long forgotten that incident. Now, he remembered receiving quite a scolding from his father and had to disclose the location of his secret hiding spot; the one he was trying prevent Elizabeth from discovering.
Elizabeth,
If I have not already apologized for the cut on your foot, I do so now.
I did not recall the incident until your letter. Perhaps you will find
some comfort in knowing that being confined to the house was not
my only punishment. I also had to help beat the carpets, to make up
for the time the servants spent cleaning the floors.
On another note, my business here is progressing well and I foresee
nothing that will delay my departure for London, especially since
Georgiana has taken it upon herself to see the house is prepared for
your arrival.
She has ordered a nu
mber of my mother's former rooms opened and
thoroughly cleaned. Furniture has been moved about, and some of
the drapery and wall coverings have been updated. I hope you
approve, though you may change anything that is not to your liking
when you arrive.
It has been too long since you have been here, and I hope you look
upon your return as I do, as a homecoming.
Until London,
Fitzwilliam
Throughout the month of January, the post between Longbourn and Pemberley
was not at all idle. In truth, not three days could pass without the arrival of the post. Elizabeth wrote of the daily activities of Longbourn, as well as the
progress of the wedding plans. Darcy wrote of his progress in tending to estate business, questions concerning changes to the house, and other daily anecdotes.
Despite the abundance of letters, Elizabeth was looking forward to London.
Letters were entertaining, but she found herself missing their lively debates, the teasing, and Georgiana. The quiet girl reminded her very much of Jane, and she was very much looking forward to spending more time with her.
Chapter Nineteen
The Darcys arrived in London on a Friday, and the twenty-fourth day of the New Year; a full five days earlier than originally planned.
When Darcy had first approached his sister with the idea - using his predictable reason of business as an excuse - he was surprisingly met with little resistance.
He had expected to hear objections to travelling while snow was still on the ground, and lamentations about missing Pemberley. The calm manner in which
Georgiana expressed the wisdom of the action -- stating it would give them
more time to prepare the house for Elizabeth's purview -- amused him. It
seemed neither was willing to own to such fanciful emotions as excitement and eagerness to be rejoined with their friend and betrothed.
The two Bennet sisters, however, travelled as planned; disappointing any hopes the Darcys had that their early arrival in London might also induce Elizabeth to travel sooner.
The day Elizabeth and Jane left Longbourn for London arrived not a day too
soon. Despite the wedding still being months away, Elizabeth had been
hounded on nearly a daily basis by her mother concerning its details. The
organza that would decorate the house changed every time Meryton's milliner received a new shipment of material. The flowers changed from tulips, to
orchids, to lilies, to roses, and back to tulips -- despite Elizabeth's desire for wildflowers. The dishes to be served at the breakfast, those changed daily, both in a number and name.
If that was not enough, Elizabeth had been dragged to the dressmaker at least once a week to look at dress designs, only to have Mrs. Bennet declare at the end of each session that the use of a London dressmaker was an absolute must.
Elizabeth cringed each time. Her only consolation was that each of her sisters and her mother would order a new gown in honour of the event, so the
dressmaker's effort would not be entirely in vain.
By the time she was packing for London, Elizabeth had agreed to attend
several teas and dinners before the wedding; at least she had held firm against her mother's plans for a ball. It was not that she objected to the event, but she refused to put Darcy and his extended family and friends in a position that could start rumours. The fact that Georgiana was not out yet, and thus could not participate, served as a good excuse; and for fear of angering Darcy, Mrs.
Bennet relented.
The sound of a carriage pulling up the drive alerted Elizabeth it was time to leave. Darcy had been kind enough to send his own equipage to convey them, a fact that brought Mrs. Bennet no little amount of pleasure. "Did I not tell you what fine carriages you would have, Lizzy! Mr. Darcy is such a gentleman,
sending his own carriage to take you to London. Wait ‘til Lady Lucas hears of this! Why Mr. Collins is nothing to Mr. Darcy," her mother cried as Mr. Bennet assisted his daughters into the conveyance.
As the carriage pulled away, both sisters let out giggles of relief that drowned out any last minute instructions from their mother.
Anticipation made it difficult for Elizabeth to remain still. She was going to see him again; they would be able to pick up where they left off. To distract herself, she reread letters from Darcy and Georgiana that she had craftily hid behind a book; the giggles and smiles though, were a little more difficult to hide. She knew it was odd to feel such excitement at seeing him... well, them...
but reasoned it away with any number of excuses, including deciding her
excitement stemmed from seeing her cousins again.
She looked at Jane and was dismayed at the apprehension she saw. Without
having to ask, she knew her sister was thinking of Mr. Bingley. The loneliness and disappointment was etched in Jane's pretty face. She prayed the man's
reasons for not returning to Hertfordshire were valid, and he was not as
capricious as he currently appeared. She smiled at Jane and received one in return. Nothing needed to be said.
Before Elizabeth knew it, the carriage was pulling in front of the Gardiners'
townhouse on Gracechurch Street. After exchanging warm greetings and seeing their trunks unloaded, Elizabeth quickly penned a note to Darcy informing him of their safe arrival and thanking him for the carriage.
She was pleased to receive a note in return, almost within the hour. However, the invitation to dinner at Arryndale turned her joy into anxiety. It would not be a small welcoming dinner as she had hoped; the Blakeslees would be
present. At least I will not have to contend with the Blakeslees and Matlocks together.
Though he would not admit it, the day the Miss Bennets travelled to London, Darcy found it difficult to focus on his business. He checked his watch with regularity, smiling each time at the watch fob; it was the one Elizabeth had given him. Her entire journey was mapped in his head; when she would depart, the stops she would make, and the hour at which she would arrive at
Gracechurch Street. For the sake of his sanity, it was a good thing her actual travel schedule did not deviate far from his.
This, however, was nothing compared to what he currently felt waiting for
Elizabeth to arrive at Arryndale. He did his best not to let his distraction show, but would have been hard pressed to name the piece his sister was currently playing, though he had heard it numerous times.
If he did not know any better, he would say he was suffering from a fit of
nerves. In truth, he felt like a child at Christmas, waiting to open his presents.
He told himself repeatedly that he should not feel such anticipation; that
Elizabeth was just a friend, but it seemed all his reason had left him. It did not help seeing Blakeslee's teasing smirks directed at him.
He cursed himself for the hundredth time. He should have had Elizabeth and her party arrive early. She would have had a moment to relax, and they could have conversed before the inquisition. How did he not think of this earlier? He checked his watch again. They should be here by now! Why must women
always keep men waiting?
A moment later, the door to the drawing room opened. It took every ounce of Darcy's self control not to leap from his seat. Finally! Elizabeth was finally here!
Affecting a calm demeanour, he made his way to the door to welcome his
betrothed and her family. The sight that greeted him, however, threw him once again off balance. Elizabeth was a vision of loveliness. Her dark hair
shimmered, and when she smiled, it was as if a hundred candles had been
suddenly lit. She was radiant. Has she always been so beautiful? How is it that my memory of her could be so lacking?
He swallowed once, and then placed a kiss on her hand, causing Elizabeth to blush. She is even more beautiful when she b
lushes! Stop it! This is Baby Betsy!
"It is so good to see you, Elizabeth," Georgiana said softly, pushing Darcy aside and drawing her soon to be sister into an affectionate hug. While
Georgiana greeted the other newly arrived, Darcy took a moment to quiet his rapidly beating heart. He was less successful at suppressing his smile.
More in control of himself, Darcy then led the party to introduce them to the others, the Dowager Countess Blakeslee, Lord Wesley Blakeslee, and Mr.
Julian Pearce, the Blakeslee's second son.
After the requisite curtsies and introductions were performed, Darcy added,
"Unfortunately my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, could not join us this evening.
He was required to report to his regiment, and his return to London has been delayed. We expect him perhaps later this week."
Elizabeth found the comment odd, but a glance at her sister explained
everything. Based on her sister's blush, more had occurred between her sister and Colonel Fitzwilliam than she knew. Is it possible Jane has been pining for Colonel Fitzwilliam and not Mr. Bingley these last weeks?
Before she could think more on this, her attention was called by Lady
Blakeslee.
"Miss Elizabeth, I am so pleased to finally meet you. Darcy has been far too secretive about you, so I hope you will forgive my impertinence when I ask
you tell me about yourself."
"I would be happy to answer as I am able, your ladyship."
Lady Blakeslee smiled and asked small leading questions. She was inquisitive, but friendly. Her interest was genuine, and not solely to find fault, as Elizabeth was expecting. Her knowledge and affection for the Darcy family was also
evident. Until dinner was announced, Elizabeth answered a number of questions of her family, their estate, and her experiences in London.
Once dinner was announced, Darcy rose and gallantly offered his arm to
Elizabeth. Feeling unreasonably shy, she looked away and then took his arm.
She was pleased he did not seem disturbed or require any explanation over her odd behaviour.
As she was seated, she noticed her sister had been escorted in by Lord
Blakeslee, and he had a familiar entranced look about him. She smiled. Lady Jane would be quite lovely. Realizing how much the thought sounded like her mother, she laughed at herself and turned her attention back to her betrothed.