by Wells, Linda
“I am thirteen, Fitzwilliam.” Georgiana huffed.
He chuckled. “Of course you are, how silly of me to forget. Well, I did have her go to Madame Dupree and have a ball gown made. I do not know what to do beyond that, though. It was rather presumptuous of me to suggest that purchase.” He rubbed his jaw and thought of speaking to Mr. Gardiner.
“What of her jewellery?”
“Um.”
“She cannot go to the ball without some sort of jewels.” Georgiana said positively. “May I lend her some of mine?”
“Oh, well, certainly. I would lend her the mistresses’ jewels but they are at Pemberley.” He watched her jump up and run from the room, and heard her ascending the stairs. Five minutes later she flew back in and handed him a velvet bag.
She gasped for breath. “She may wear this, it is my prettiest necklace.”
Darcy opened the bag and peeked in, and began to laugh. “Very well then, I will present it to her today, unless you would like to do the honours and come with me?”
“Oh no, Fitzwilliam, after I interrupted you two in here when she visited, I know that you do not wish for my company!” His mouth dropped open and she giggled. “Maybe you will get to kiss her this time!” She ran from the room again before he could chastise her.
“It seems that I have to have a talk with my sister about proper behaviour.” He sighed with the prospect and shaking his head he picked up the necklace, looking at the single pearl surrounded by diamonds. “However, the next time I have an opportunity to kiss you, Elizabeth, I am locking the door.”
“IT IS BEAUTIFUL.” Elizabeth said softly as she looked at herself in the mirror. The fine fabric in a rich shade of emerald green draped over her body, exposing a shape she hardly knew she possessed. The modiste walked around her, tugging here and there, then dipped her hand down the front of the gown to lift Elizabeth’s breasts. Jane stared at her and gasped. Madame Dupree took no notice and nodded. “You have the perfect figure for a man, Miss Elizabeth.” She ran her hands down her flat stomach and over her hips. “A man likes curves.” She tugged again at the neckline. “And such plump breasts. You will have every eye on you.”
Elizabeth was blushing furiously. “I think that you must be mistaken, I have a very unfortunate figure. All of the magazines …”
“The magazines prefer a figure like Miss Bennet’s.” She turned to her. “Tall, willowy, fabric drapes well without fuss. Men like this.” She turned back to Elizabeth. “But you have the figure that appeals to a certain man, a passionate man.” She nodded and stood back. “Yes, I will enjoy dressing you.”
“I … I hope that I will be able to come again sometime.” An assistant had jumped when the modiste nodded and began to remove the gown from Elizabeth.
“I am the best, and for Mr. Darcy, there is nothing but the best.” She raised her chin and looked over the simple gown that Elizabeth was slipping on and eyed it unhappily. “Perhaps we could make you a few other things now?”
Mrs. Gardiner interjected, “We will return soon. I must thank you for performing this miracle for us.”
“It is nothing madam, but I thank you for the kindness.”
Madame Dupree left the room and Elizabeth’s gown was packed in a box. The three ladies followed a man out to the carriage, where their dresses were stored on a seat, and began the journey back to Cheapside. Elizabeth was silent as they travelled. Their carriage passed near fashionable neighbourhoods, containing homes similar in size to Darcy House. She observed the people in their fine clothes strolling by and glanced at the boxes across from her. Gradually the neighbourhoods changed. The streets were still crowded, but it was a different population. Not the enormous crested carriages of Mayfair, but the carts of the peddlers hawking their wares. People were dressed simpler as well, and the sight of a woman in a fine gown meant that it was bought from a ragman or given as a cast-off from the mistress. What does he want with a girl like me? I am going to an Earl’s home, dressed like a doll, and pretending to be something I am not. And when the evening is over, I will return to this world, put away my pretty gown, and will have nothing suitable to wear anywhere that he belongs. They will hate me!
“Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner touched her hand. “Are you well?”
“No.”
“Tell me what is wrong.”
She said nothing, and only stared at her hands. Mrs. Gardiner exchanged worried looks with Jane and rubbed her shoulders until they arrived home. Outside of the house, Darcy’s carriage waited. Elizabeth saw it and choked back a cry, then ran into the house and up the stairs. Ten minutes later, a soft knock on her door went unnoticed, and slowly it opened. Mr. Gardiner looked in to see her sobbing on the bed. “Lizzy?”
“Is he still here?”
“Yes, he is very worried about you. I had to use threats to keep him from tearing up the stairs after you.”
She sniffed. “What did you say?”
“I said that I would never allow you two a second alone again.” He smiled to see her shake her head. “I know how frustrated you both are. You have so much to say to each other. I think that this difference in your circles is something that is troubling you both.”
“He regrets me? Well …fine, let him end it now. I am used to being rejected!
“Hush, Lizzy enough of that! He does not think anything of the sort! He wants to help you into his world and has no intention of leaving you. We just had a long talk about this. After this ball, he will be escorting you all over town. He wishes to take you to the theatre, to other balls, even to the Derby.”
Elizabeth looked up to see his smile. “That is a special place for you, I gather.”
“I can go nowhere, Uncle. Our Father cannot afford the dresses.”
“Mr. Darcy has offered to purchase whatever you need. Your father did send some funds for purchases in town, but I will write to him for more. This is his duty to you.”
“Mr. Darcy is buying me.” She said dully.
“Mr. Darcy is showing you his feelings.” He hugged her. “Do you think that Mr. Darcy would offer all of this to someone he did not care for? He has no doubt whatsoever that you will shine in his world. It will not be easy for either of you, but he is positive that it will be well. Just remember, he is a very young man who is barely confident in the role he has as master of an estate, guardian of his sister, and, he hopes, husband.” Elizabeth looked up to her uncle’s kind eyes. “He desperately needs you, nobody else will do.”
“Why has he not said this to me?”
Mr. Gardiner laughed. “Because your aunt and I have not let him.” He hugged her again. “I think that we will loosen our restrictions a bit. We will allow you to occupy an empty room, with the door open, so that you may visit in some privacy.” He stood and held out his hands. “Beginning now.”
“I must look horrible!”
“You look lovely.” Elizabeth followed him down the stairs; and into the parlour where Darcy was staring out of the window pensively. “Mr. Darcy.”
He spun around. “Elizabeth! I …Miss Elizabeth, are you well?”
Mr. Gardiner left the room and Darcy took her hands. “What is wrong? Did I do anything …?”
“No, no. Forgive me, I … I left the modiste and she made me feel …so terrible.”
“What did she do?” Darcy said sharply.
“Nothing … I realized that in her eyes I was unsuitable for you; she hinted rather baldly that my clothes were poor. And then I began to think of your family. Your uncle is an Earl! What are you doing with me?”
He shook his head and disregarding the open door pulled her into his embrace. “Dearest Elizabeth, you are perfect for me.”
“How do you know?” She whispered into his waistcoat. Darcy sighed and felt her arms tightening around his back and the fierceness of her hold. She clearly did not want them to end, she simply needed his reassurance.
“How do you know that I am the man for you?”
“That is not fair, answering my question wit
h a question.”
“I believe that we have similar answers.” He smiled and looked down to her teary eyes. “I need you, and nobody I have ever known has touched me as you do. Nobody speaks to me as you do, nobody makes me laugh and smile, or pine the way you do. How do I know? I just do.” Darcy leaned down and brushed his lips over hers then moved away to read her expression.
“Was that …a kiss?”
“A little kiss, yes. Have you never been kissed?”
Elizabeth shook her head, and Darcy beamed. He would be the first and only man to ever kiss her. “Would you like another?” She nodded, and this time his lips pressed to hers, lingering then stroking lightly before he moved away, and looked down to see the light of passion kindling in her eyes. He took a shaking breath. “I dare not do more, but …oh how I wish to kiss you again!”
“There is more?” Her voice trembled.
“Oh, so much more.” Darcy rested his cheek in her hair, and forced away the temptation of her soft inviting lips. “I am a doomed man now.”
Elizabeth laughed softly and nestled into his protective arms. “How is that? What crime have you committed?”
“I have tasted forbidden fruit, and now I will be satisfied with nothing else.” He whispered and held her possessively. “Are you frightened, Elizabeth?”
“Yes.”
“So am I.” She looked up to him. “Not for anything that you may or may not do. I fear that I will need to kill every man who dares to have a dishonourable thought about you.”
She giggled. “I find that highly improbable.”
“Me killing or men thinking of you?”
“Both.”
“Hmm.” He let go as he felt her relax. “Georgiana sent you a gift, well a loan.” He reached into his pocket to draw out the velvet bag. “She wanted you to wear something special with your gown. I recently gave her this from the Darcy jewels.” He placed the pendant around her neck and noted how it just touched the swell of her breasts. He looked up to find her staring at the diamonds in stunned silence. “This is Richard.”
“Who?”
“The pearl is named Richard.” He chuckled and hugged her. “I will let its namesake explain it to you tomorrow night.”
“Is it a sordid tale?”
“As sordid as a five-year-old boy can be.” He moved a curl from her brow. “Are you better now?”
“Yes, thank you for bearing with me.”
“I am counting on you to bear with me tomorrow. I am terrible in crowds, especially ones that expect me to perform. I will need you to assure my good humour.”
“How may I do that?” He shrugged and smiled while she cocked her head and considered him. “Fitzwilliam.” He closed his eyes and sighed. Elizabeth rose up on her toes and brushed her lips to his. Darcy’s eyes flew open. “I think that I found a way.”
Mr. Gardiner’s throat clearing loudly in the hallway forced them apart hurriedly. “Well, are you ready to join the rest of the household?” He looked from one flushed face to the other and bit back his laugh. “Come along children. Back to propriety.”
LORD MATLOCK WALKED slowly down the steps, fiddling with the emerald stickpin nestled in the folds of his neck cloth, and paused at the bottom to observe the frenzied activity of the servants. Fitzwilliam appeared from one of the supper rooms, a piece of ham in his fingers. His father raised his brow and his son shrugged. “Why wait? There will be crumbs left by the time the supper dance comes around.” He finished the morsel and wiped his fingers on his handkerchief. “Now I am thirsty.”
Walking over to a table, Lord Matlock poured them both glasses of port. “I can use this.”
“Not looking forward to the evening, Father?” Fitzwilliam’s eyes moved to watch his mother, brother, and sister-in-law descending the stairs. “I cannot wait to meet Darcy’s Miss Elizabeth and better yet, see him with her. It is an exceptionally important night for him.”
“I hope that this love affair of his survives it. I do not want to see that boy hurt.”
“What of his lady?”
Lord Matlock shrugged. “I hope that she is what he claims. I have to meet her first. My concern is with family, and she is not family.”
“Yet.” The men exchanged glances and set down their empty glasses.
“Henry, what are you doing? That is for our guests!” Lady Matlock looked over the trays and the punch bowl, then hurried off to check the card rooms and the ballroom.
“She is in her element here.” Layton laughed and turned to his wife. “Did she let you do anything at all?”
Alicia shook her head. “I was permitted to check the responses to the invitations and review the menu.”
Fitzwilliam grinned. “Well that is an improvement over last year when all you were allowed to do was show Lord Hancock your wedding ring.”
They all laughed except for Layton, and his wife patted his arm. “Never mind Stephen, he is not invited this year.”
Lady Matlock bustled up to them. “Well we are as prepared as we will ever be.”
“It will be a glittering affair and a crush, Mother.” Fitzwilliam kissed her cheek as the first guests arrived. The family lined up to receive them, and gradually the house filled with the cream of London society. Each time the door opened, Fitzwilliam and Lord Matlock looked up expectantly.
“Hmm, Miss Gannon looks excited.” Fitzwilliam murmured to his father. Mrs. Gannon and her husband shook hands and smiled, pausing to exchange whispered words with Lady Matlock. Miss Gannon looked around the hallway, searching for someone. Fitzwilliam greeted her. “Do you seek anyone in particular, Miss Gannon? Perhaps I can tell you if the person has arrived?”
“Oh yes, Colonel, I was hoping that Mr. Darcy was here?”
“I am sorry, but he has yet to arrive. I am certain that you will notice him when he enters, he will be the tall man, likely in black.” He smiled and she nodded eagerly and bent her head with her mother as they moved into the home. Fitzwilliam met his father’s eye. “She is on a mission.”
“He danced with her; she thinks she is the one.”
“She is in for a rude awakening.”
Lord Matlock felt a hand on his arm and looked up to see his friend. “Moreland!” The Earls shook hands, and he bowed to his wife. “I am delighted to see you. Are any of your brood joining us tonight?”
“Just Stewart.” Moreland bent down. “I hope that you invited some interesting girls, he is still moping about someone who got away.”
Lord Matlock looked around to see Stewart standing and quietly listening to Layton tell a story, his expression was neutral. “Poor bastard.” He heard Richard whisper. The family moved on and he turned to his son with raised brows. “He fell in love but rejected her, felt he could not marry a poor girl.” Richard looked at his father significantly. “She left quite an impression.”
“What are you saying, Richard?”
“Ah, there is Bingley.” He straightened and said under his breath. “Here we go.”
“Is it too late for another drink?” Lord Matlock muttered.
Bingley approached, smiling and greeting his hosts affably. On his left arm was a beautiful blonde woman, a soft serene smile on her face. Beside her walked an older woman, dressed very fashionably in a blue gown and speaking to the girl quietly. Lady Matlock was polite but brushed them along, rolling her eyes at her husband then turning to the door, and did not notice when Bingley stopped and turned to the door as well. Her mouth dropped open when into her house stepped Darcy, whose focus was entirely on the lovely dark-haired woman holding his left arm. He was leaning down and speaking softly in her ear. Lady Matlock saw her smile and look up at him. Her expression said everything and his matched it exactly. Darcy approached, stood next to Bingley, and bowed. “Lady Matlock, Lord Matlock, Viscount Layton, Lady Layton, Colonel Fitzwilliam, may I present Mrs. Edward Gardiner and her nieces, Miss Jane Bennet and,” He smiled down at Elizabeth, “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
The women all curtseyed and looked expe
ctantly at their hosts. Richard met Darcy’s gaze and stepped forward. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure. Miss Elizabeth, it is a delight to meet you at last!” Lady Matlock turned to stare at him. He took Elizabeth’s hand and bowed. “May I ask for a dance before the rest of the room steals them all?”
Darcy felt her hand clutch his arm and saw her take a breath before speaking. “Oh, yes of course Colonel, I look forward to it. I … I believe that I am available for the third set.”
He held her eyes and smiled reassuringly. “The third? Who has stolen you already?”
Elizabeth relaxed then looked up to her escort with a smile. “Well, Mr. Darcy owns the first.”
“I have anticipated this for a very long time.” He raised her hand to his lips. Lady Matlock gasped.
Elizabeth blushed and turned back to Fitzwilliam. “And Mr. Bingley asked for the second, so you see sir; you are my only other partner.”
“Hmm, well I suppose that I can wait.” He paused and tilted his head. “Miss Elizabeth, is it my imagination, or are you wearing …”
“Your namesake? Yes, Colonel, I am. Miss Darcy insisted that I borrow it, and Mr. Darcy promised me you would tell the tale behind its creation.” Her eyes danced and he grinned in delight to see the woman Darcy described come to life.
“I promise to give it to you in excruciating detail.” He bowed lingeringly over her hand, only to rise and see Darcy’s glare. He laughed. “Ah, I believe this will be a fascinating evening.” He turned to Jane. “Miss Bennet, has your first dance been requested?”
“No, sir.”
“Well then, I must claim it if Mr. Bingley has no objections?”
“Not at all, sir. It was my error not to ask before. I would like to request the third, however.” He smiled and Jane nodded. “Excellent!”
Richard held out his arm to Jane. “Shall we go into the ballroom now? I believe the arrivals are petering out, and I hear the musicians preparing to play. We can be in place immediately.”
“Thank you, sir. I look forward to our dance.” The couple moved away and Mrs. Gardiner looked speculatively between them and Darcy, and deciding that Elizabeth needed her presence more than Jane, stood off to the side to watch her reception. As soon as Richard departed, Lady Matlock spoke quietly.