by Wells, Linda
“Yes, that occurred to me, too.” Elizabeth would have liked to explore the subject of clubs and mistresses, but thought that would be far too intimate of a conversation for this fledgling friendship. Madame Dupree reappeared with pattern books and assistants bearing bolts of fabric. By the time that Elizabeth’s new wardrobe was ordered, three hours had passed. There were new women in the shop, so they were able to exit without notice. When Audrey waved goodbye to her on the steps of the Gardiner home, Elizabeth’s thoughts returned to her sister.
MR. GARDINER LOOKED UP from his book to see Darcy staring across the carriage at Elizabeth, and she in turn staring out the window. He cleared his throat and she looked at him then back to the scenery. “Have you spoken with Jane, Lizzy?”
“Yes.”
“What did she think of her visit with Mr. Harwick?”
“She finds him pleasant and kind. She enjoyed dancing with him at the ball, and had no idea that she had impressed him so much then.” Elizabeth finally turned to meet her uncle’s gaze. “She feels confident that they will get along.”
“You sound doubtful.”
“I seem to be feeling more emotion than she.” She looked down to her gloved hands. “She says that at least she will have two little girls to love, and since they have no memory of their mother, they will hopefully readily accept her. Mr. Harwick was glowing in his descriptions of the children and that reassured her of his kind heart.”
Darcy spoke softly. “Layton did assure us of his excellent reputation, Miss Elizabeth. I am sorry that I cannot add my direct knowledge of him, but I have never heard anything that would cause alarm. I joined society just as he left it. Richard knew a little more than I, and he seems convinced of his sincerity.”
“It is a fate that all of my sisters face, sir. I am increasingly cognizant of how fortunate I am, and how foolish were my girlish dreams.”
“I hope that you have not given them up.”
Elizabeth looked back up to see his concern, and his clear desire to reach across the coach to her. “No, Mr. Darcy, I intend to live them out daily.” His mouth lifted in a small smile and he nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on hers. “I find it odd now, all this fuss over our sudden engagement when Jane and Mr. Harwick know even less of each other. But it seems that an immediate engagement and marriage for them is unremarkable. What is the difference, I wonder? Is it because we dare to care for each other and theirs is a business transaction?”
“That is a very valid question Miss Elizabeth. I think that the difference is that this is our first marriage, I am young and noted to be very eligible, and the disparity in our situations also comes into play. Although Mr. Harwick and I are similar in that we do not particularly care to participate in the activities of the ton, he has already been down the road of courtship, marriage, and children. Miss Bennet is …”
“Simply a new member of his staff.” She closed her eyes and clasped her hands tightly. “Forgive me; that was entirely uncalled for. Mr. Harwick is no ogre. He is offering Jane a sound future.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed as he tried to understand the root of Elizabeth’s unmistakable discomfort. “I was going to say that she would not undergo the scrutiny that a first wife would. However, keep in mind that Mr. Harwick’s eligibility was noted, and many women had marked him as a potential husband. His reappearance in town is very recent. Have no doubt that your sister will be envied by those who missed this opportunity to charm him. Mr. Harwick is a veteran of the marriage mart, and knew that he had no desire to wed one of those women. That is what caught his attention when he looked at her. First he saw beauty, then he saw possibility.”
“And I nearly ruined everything by lashing out at him,” Elizabeth sighed and looked at her uncle, “as you told me in no uncertain terms. I conveniently forgot that marriage for duty is the normal course of events, not the exception.” Darcy looked between niece and uncle and realized that he had taken her to task for her outburst at Matlock House.
“Lizzy, I think that you are taking this much too hard. We have discussed your behaviour with Mr. Harwick, and he was kind enough to listen to my explanation that you were thinking of the marriage you grew up witnessing at Longbourn. He was actually grateful for the information, realizing that it undoubtedly would affect his relationship with Jane, although admittedly it will probably manifest itself differently with her. I am just grateful that none of the residents of that house witnessed your outburst and prejudiced them further against you.” He noticed her embarrassment. “Enough, we have been through this already. Please remember that this is a very advantageous offer for Jane, and I believe that she recognizes it.” Mr. Gardiner closed his book and glanced at Darcy.
Elizabeth smiled ruefully and blinked back the tears that had begun to fall. “I know that Uncle. You will forgive my pensiveness today. I am afraid that I am allowing my thoughts of Jane to occupy me rather than dwell on more personal concerns.”
“What may I do to convince you of my dedication, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy sat forward and touched her hand. She shook her head and turned to the window. Darcy looked at her helplessly then at Mr. Gardiner.
He glanced out of the window. “We are here, this is Meryton.”
Elizabeth sat up and found Darcy’s handkerchief being held out for her. She took it and wiped her eyes, and handed it back. In the process they entwined their fingers for a few moments before resuming their places. She took a deep breath and looked around. “We are drawing attention with this magnificent coach.”
“I am certain that my sister will be gossiping about it in moments, especially if she spots us in the windows.” Mr. Gardiner smiled. “Ah look, there she is.” He lifted a hand and Mrs. Philips’ jaw dropped. He chuckled and looked at Elizabeth who had turned to Darcy. “That is my aunt Philips. She married the man who was clerk to my grandfather, who was a solicitor. Uncle Philips took over the business.”
“You did not wish to pursue your father’s trade, sir?”
“No, I am afraid that the law never really caught my fancy.” He smiled and looked around the town. “I had dreams of London, so became apprenticed to an importer friend of my father’s there, and built my business after leaving his.”
“I suppose that I would have followed the path that Stewart has if that was my destiny.” Darcy mused. “I have an uncle who is a judge.”
“I cannot see you in a wig, sir.” Elizabeth teased.
He smiled to see her spirit appear. “No, that fashion has happily gone by the wayside for the rest of society, although I suppose it has its merits for the winter months.” They looked at each other and took deep breaths, and Elizabeth turned back to the window.
“There it is.” She said softly.
Into a gate the coach rumbled and they slowed to a stop by the entrance. The footman jumped down and opened the door. Mr. Gardiner descended first, followed by Darcy who held out his hand for Elizabeth. “I love you, nothing will change that.” He said as she clutched his hand and moved past him. She looked up and he smiled. The front door flew open and there he received his first brush with Elizabeth’s fear.
“OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CARRIAGE!” Darcy recoiled instantly and he felt Elizabeth stiffen by his side. He recovered, and taking her hand placed it firmly on his arm. “We were wondering when you would arrive. Mr. Bennet only told us this morning that we were to have company. I thought that you would have told us sooner, Brother!” Mrs. Bennet received his kiss on the cheek and turned to see Elizabeth with her hand on Darcy’s arm. She beamed up at him. “And who is this?” Darcy’s brow creased, realizing that she was not going to greet her daughter. Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat.
“Mr. Darcy, this is my sister, Francine Bennet. Sister, I am sure that you are aware, Mr. Darcy is courting Lizzy.”
“Yes, of course, Mr. Darcy. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard that news! Now, come in and meet the rest of the family. I am sure that my husband will be along soon. He has disappeared this morning, so vex
ing, he is always here in that bookroom of his, but for some reason he took it in his head to go out today.” She led the way indoors without pausing for breath. “You must tell me all about yourself, sir. Mr. Bennet has kept all of the news to himself.” She entered the drawing room. “Girls, girls, come greet your uncle and our guest. Mary! Put that book away at once!” She turned and waved. “Mr. Darcy, these are my daughters, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.”
“I am happy to meet you all.” He said quietly and bowed.
They curtseyed and swarmed Elizabeth. Mary kissed her cheek and Kitty hugged her. Lydia naturally asked for any presents and Elizabeth hugged them all, assuring them that she and Jane were well, and promising that the next time she saw them she would definitely come bearing gifts. When the noise of the greetings died back she peeked at Darcy, who was standing silently by Mr. Gardiner and watching the reunion with a slight smile. The girls broke apart and his attention was taken by Mrs. Bennet’s cloying voice.
“I am certain that you would like some refreshment after that long ride! Please, sit here next to Lydia.” She urged him to a love seat where Lydia sat perched and studying him. He swallowed and saw that Elizabeth had taken a seat across the room on another sofa, and he quickly moved to her side. Mrs. Bennet frowned for a moment and then brightened. “Some tea, Mr. Darcy?”
“No thank you, madam.” Darcy smiled slightly and watched as the teapot was replaced on the table then leaned away when a plate of biscuits was thrust forward. “I will await the meal, madam, I am certain it will be delicious.”
“Well, I had no idea of your favourite dishes, but it is two courses, I am sure that for a fine man such as yourself it will be simple fare. You must have four French chefs at your disposal!”
“No madam, I have a cook in town, and another at Pemberley. I do not entertain often.”
“Well that is something that will certainly change with marriage, will it not, sir? Have you met Jane?”
Darcy glanced to where Elizabeth sat silently looking down to her clasped hands. “I have met Miss Bennet. She is a very pleasant young woman.”
“Do you not agree that she is beautiful? I wonder why she has not been snapped up by now. I fear that my brother has kept her quite hidden away. Of course you managed to meet Lizzy; no doubt she was running about somewhere when you did. I never could keep her in the house, she was always outside behaving as a boy, wandering the fields and forests like some wild creature. Were the girls together when you met?”
He lifted his chin. “As a matter of fact, Mrs. Bennet, they were. I noticed Miss Bennet, but once I glimpsed Miss Elizabeth, I could not look away.” He looked directly at Elizabeth and she lifted her eyes to meet his steady gaze. “I find her to be everything lovely.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Bennet noticed him staring at her blushing daughter. “Well, I understand that you live in Derbyshire, sir?”
“Yes madam.”
“I have heard no mention of your income …”
“I do very well, madam.” He said stiffly.
“Well of course you do. Why you must have four carriages at least!” She looked at him hopefully and he closed his eyes then reopened them to see that she was still staring at him eagerly. “I have several.”
“Mr. Darcy, do you have any siblings?” He turned gratefully to see Mary looking his way.
“Yes, I have a sister. She is thirteen.”
“I am almost thirteen.” Lydia declared. “Do you know any soldiers?”
“My cousin is a colonel.”
“ohhhhhh. Does he wear a red coat?”
“Yes he does. He will soon be returning to duty.”
“Why did he stop?”
“He was wounded in battle in Portugal.”
“Where is that?” Lydia asked. “That is near Paris is it not?”
“Portugal is a country, Miss Lydia. It is located adjacent to Spain.” He frowned.
“Oh.” She turned to Kitty and they started giggling and whispering. Darcy had no doubt that it was about him and looked back to Elizabeth. She was making no attempt to chastise or interfere; he realized very quickly that she had made a conscious decision to let him see her family in their full glory. He glanced at Mr. Gardiner and he lifted his shoulders slightly.
“I am certain that my brother will return soon, Mr. Darcy.” He looked to Mrs. Bennet. “He told you this morning that we were coming?”
“Oh, yes, and he said that he was looking forward to seeing what Lizzy’s suitor was made of!”
Mr. Gardiner shook his head. “Perhaps Sister, we could take this opportunity to refresh ourselves from our journey before he arrives.”
“Certainly, you know the way.” She turned to Elizabeth. “Show Mr. Darcy where to go, Lizzy. If you are to be a wife you must know how to behave to your guests!”
“Yes, Mama.” She stood and he followed. “This way, sir.” Darcy waited until they left the room to speak, but just as he was about to he heard Mrs. Bennet in the background directing her other daughters. He waited for the shrill voice to quiet and bent to her.
“Are you well, Elizabeth? I expected your mother to be happy to see you attached.”
“So did I. I thought that she would be ecstatic, but I suppose that she remembers that I failed before.” She indicated that he follow her uncle. “I should remain here. My uncle can show you where to go.” She looked up to him and met his eye before turning away. Darcy looked after her then proceeded upstairs, finally taking in the decor of the old house. It was clean, certainly not of the most fashionable style, but seemed adequate. Mr. Gardiner took the opportunity of their privacy to apologize for his sister’s display and his brother’s absence, which was certainly intentional. When they descended, Elizabeth was standing at the foot of the stairs.
“My father is home, please come with me.” She led them to the bookroom. “Papa.” He glanced up from his book and stood. “Mr. Darcy, this is my father, Mr. Thomas Bennet.” Mr. Bennet raised his brows and bowed slightly.
“Sir, it is an honour to meet Miss Elizabeth’s father.” Darcy bowed in return.
“It is an honour to meet someone of such eminence.” He nodded to the door. “Please leave us, Lizzy.” She looked at Darcy, holding his gaze for a moment and left the room, the click of the latch startlingly loud against the strained silence within. “Well, take a seat.” Mr. Bennet sat down. “Forgive me for not being home when you arrived. I expected you to come later.”
“I told you of our plans, Brother.”
“Yes.” He turned to Darcy. “So you are courting my Lizzy. What could draw such a man as you to my daughter?”
He raised his brow at such an abrupt beginning. “Do you find her wanting in some way, sir? I find her appeal to be obvious. She is as fascinating as she is beautiful.”
Seeing that he would not rise to the bait, Mr. Bennet tried a different provocation. “I suppose that you are used to getting whatever you want.”
“I am accustomed to having my way, yes. However, that applies to my estate and my amusements, not to my family. I am certain that you are aware sir, one cannot control free will, only direct it to be expressed properly.”
Mr. Bennet heard the criticism of his household, but moved on. “Your intentions for my Lizzy?”
“I hope to make her my wife.”
“And she would live …”
“At my estate, Pemberley in Derbyshire, and of course in town. I would hope to travel with her as well. I notice that she has great curiosity for the world. I would like to show her as much as I can.” He saw Mr. Bennet’s attention drifting to his own thoughts. “I would make a very generous settlement upon her. She would never have any worries for her or our children’s future.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes narrowed. “Is that directed at me, sir?”
“It is a simple statement of fact.”
“My wife feels that you should have chosen my eldest daughter, Jane. I cannot help but agree that she should have the honour of marrying first, it is her right. Lizzy ma
y have to wait for that to take place.” Mr. Bennet watched for Darcy to anger and make demands, but was disappointed to see him remain calm.
“Regardless of Miss Bennet’s prospects, which are through no fault of her own admittedly poor, why would you risk the chance to secure the future of Miss Elizabeth, and potentially the rest of your family? You have acknowledged my wealth; surely you know that unlike some other suitor, I am capable of assuring your family a home following your demise. I have enquired of Mr. Gardiner what sort of income your wife would receive and it is unfortunate indeed. You would wish to see your family struggle by the loss of such a promising suitor out of some misguided sense of … fairness for the order of marriage? I find that irresponsible, sir.”
Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat and Darcy ignored him, sat back, folded his hands in his lap, and stared at Mr. Bennet steadily.
“I believe that I shall reserve my blessing of this proposed union until Jane is clearly attached.”
“So you say that Jane must find a suitor before Elizabeth may marry?” Mr. Gardiner said quickly.
“Yes.” Mr. Bennet smiled. “That should teach this haughty man that he cannot have everything that he wants.”
“I am happy to report then that Jane does indeed have a suitor, a very serious one.” Mr. Gardiner contained the smirk that was attempting to appear. Darcy’s face remained blank but he stood and bowed.
“I thank you for your blessing, sir. I will go immediately and inform Miss Elizabeth. She will be very pleased. I proposed just three days ago, and she has accepted me. I am sure that her mother will want to begin to plan for the wedding immediately.” He nodded to Mr. Gardiner. “I know that you have a great deal to discuss with Mr. Bennet regarding Miss Bennet, so I will leave you to your privacy.” He turned and left the room quickly.
Mr. Bennet stared at the closing door then at Mr. Gardiner. “He hoodwinked me!”