by Robin Helm
“Thank you, John. It would have been difficult to carry on a conversation with a bunch of daisies all evening,” Charles said with a chuckle.
Mr. Darcy seemed satisfied with the seating arrangement, but she was unsure whether or not she would be able to eat a thing with him so close to her.
Jane said, “I am so happy you are come, Lizzy. The task of furnishing an entire house is daunting, to say the least.”
“Georgiana recently had her rooms refurbished in both London and Pemberley. We used an excellent furniture maker who is quite reasonably priced,” said Mr. Darcy.
He turned to Jane. “Mr. Terrell has some items ready-made that he uses to gauge your tastes. They are, of course, available for sale if you wish. He would then arrange a time to visit your home. Within a week from his visit, he will sketch ideas. Of course, you do not have to use him exclusively, or at all for that matter, but it might be a good place to begin, or at least to gain some experience.” He looked at Charles. “If you are free, we could escort the ladies there any day this week, and I could make the introduction.”
Mr. Darcy was at ease as he spoke. It seemed once he understood Jane was not mercenary, he was allowing himself to like her.
Charles met Jane’s gaze and raised his eyebrows. Jane nodded. “I would feel better going to someone who is so highly recommended. Lizzy?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I am at your disposal, Jane. Though I would request a visit to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner at our earliest convenience, and a trip to Vauxhall Gardens any mild day at some point before I leave for Hertfordshire, wherever else you lead, I shall follow.”
“We are engaged to dine with the Gardiners on Friday,” Jane said. “Oh! And Charles has accepted an invitation to a ball on the following Friday.”
“This all sounds wonderful,” Elizabeth said.
Mr. Darcy asked, “Is this the ball hosted by the Wallaces?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, it is,” Charles answered with mirth in his voice.
Mr. Darcy caught Elizabeth’s eye. “I was about to decline the invitation, but now I will be sure to accept.”
The conversation moved on to Charles and Darcy’s first meeting at school, and all enjoyed hearing of their exploits. Jane brought up how she used to pretend to be her younger sisters’ governess. Elizabeth was always her star student. Then they would switch places, and Elizabeth would teach her sisters botany and led their daily exercise.
The sexes did not separate after dinner. They took coffee and tea in the parlour. As the evening wound down and Mr. Darcy was taking his leave, Charles led Jane aside for a moment. Mr. Darcy moved a step closer to Elizabeth.
“I am surprised to hear you will be attending the ball, sir. I thought you disliked dancing?”
“As I told you in Kent, I dread dancing with ladies with whom I am unfamiliar,” he said. “Since I will know at least two ladies attending that night, I will anticipate it with pleasure. In fact, Miss Bennet, I will take this opportunity to request the first two dances.”
She blinked. The first two dances? In London? That was making quite a statement.
Perhaps she should be as bold? “I accept, sir. Thank you.”
He smiled so widely, his dimple made an appearance. “Thank you, Miss Bennet.”
He took her hand and bowed over it.
After Jane and Charles approached and they made plans to meet in the morning to visit Mr. Terrell’s furniture warehouse, the group bid their adieus.
Elizabeth immediately excused herself. Not fifteen minutes later, after Elizabeth had changed into her nightgown and the maid was brushing out her hair, Jane appeared at her door
With a look from Jane that she understood all too well, Elizabeth dismissed her maid, Ruth.
As soon as Ruth exited the room, both Jane and Elizabeth burst out in giggles.
“Lizzy! After what happened this evening, you must tell me all immediately! I will not wait another minute.”
“If I must…”
Jane moved behind Elizabeth, took the brush from her hand, and started working out the knots from her sister’s hair, just like they had always done when they discussed important events.
Joy was among the jumble of emotions she was feeling, for even though Jane had married, Elizabeth was still important to her sister. Jane would still listen to her concerns.
“Oh, Jane. I am unsure where to begin. Mr. Darcy travelled to Rosings the day after I had arrived at Hunsford Cottage, and as you know from our cousin’s exhaustive description, Hunsford is separated from Rosings only by a lane.” She held her hands up parallel to each other, imitating Mr. Collins.
Elizabeth went on to disclose everything that happened between herself and Mr. Darcy, and though she was tempted to skip over a few parts, she did not withhold anything. At some point, they had moved to sit on the bed, exactly like they used to before Jane had married. Elizabeth spoke for an hour straight, having Jane as her attentive audience, with only a few comments or questions.
“And so, we decided to begin again, as if none of our history ever happened.” Elizabeth sat back. “I confess I have read and reread his letter so many times, I know it practically by heart.”
“Elizabeth Bennet! That is not the end of your story. Your feelings have changed; I know they have. It is true I have never seen a man more in love than Mr. Darcy — well, other than perhaps Charles. And you could not take your eyes off him all evening, either.”
Elizabeth felt heat creep up her face. “Was it that obvious?”
Jane nodded.
“I will have to keep my feelings in check tomorrow, then.”
“I am not so sure, Lizzy. After all that has happened, I think it might be best not to hide your feelings. But how did you go from hating the gentleman in Hertfordshire to falling in love?”
Elizabeth sighed. “It happened so gradually, I did not know it had begun until after I had refused him. Oh, Jane! On one side, I felt as though I was justified in refusing him, but on the other, I felt just dreadful that I had lost him. And all along, as I started to like him, I felt guilty, as if I were betraying you somehow. Then tonight, when Charles said he was coming, I was at once elated and afraid… afraid he would despise me after all.”
“But he did not despise you in the least. You must have been relieved.”
“I was.” She hesitated. “He asked me for the first two dances at the ball.”
Jane smiled. “He adores you, Lizzy. You deserve that.”
Elizabeth blinked back tears. “I hope you are correct.”
The clock chimed midnight. “I am sorry for keeping you so late, Jane. Go, and sleep well, dearest. I will see you in the morning.”
⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟
~Tuesday, February 4, 1812
The next morning, when Elizabeth came out of her dressing room, she heard the click of her door to the hallway. There was a letter on her bed. She dismissed Ruth and, thinking the note must be from Jane, she opened it straight away.
But it was not from Jane.
In fact, though it was not signed, she recognized the handwriting immediately. It was from Mr. Darcy!
Was there ever an urchin like Cupid to fly?
Well-armed and aloft in the sky.
He wounds, we fall in love, and then off he does fly.
That I have been wounded, alas is too true
And that I can only be healed by you,
Ah! What shall I do?
I will rely on thy pity, dear charmer of mine,
Please, will you be my Valentine?
Elizabeth had to sit down. Mr. Darcy wished her to be his Valentine?
A knock sounded. Elizabeth ran to open the door. Finding her sister there, she grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. “Come in, Jane. Quickly!”
“What has you in such a tizzy?”
She handed the paper to Jane.
Jane’s eyes opened wide as she read through it. “Who is it from?”
“Mr. Darcy! Remember I told you he had written a letter?
This is his handwriting. But it is only the fourth of February. Why is he sending this now?”
“I have heard the servants talking. It is in fashion this year to send valentine poems early, so that the lady can have time to think about it and reply.”
“Reply? I could not do so, especially not in writing, Jane. It is risk enough that he wrote to me. If I should send him a letter…” If anyone found out, she would be ruined.
“Yes, I know you should not.” Jane seemed confused. She turned the note over. It was blank. “I wonder how it got here. It was not sent through the post.”
“It is quite romantic. Heavens! I am not sure what to think.”
Jane’s face lit up. “Perhaps he wishes you to know that his feelings for you have not changed. He must mean to renew his offer.” She looked it over again. “The boarder is beautiful. It was drawn with such loving attention to detail.”
Elizabeth had been so focused on the words, she had not noticed. There were roses, the stems fashioned into scrollwork. Some of the leaves were shaped like hearts. “You do not think he drew this?”
“I know not. If not, it is certain he chose it with you in mind.” Jane hesitated. “May I show this to Charles? Mayhap he will have some insight.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “I suppose he knows about my feelings already since you told me I was so obvious last night. What did he say about Mr. Darcy’s behaviour?”
“He has never seen him act this way before, not even in school, and he is sure Mr. Darcy is in love with you.”
“Then show him.”
“I will.” Jane refolded the letter. “I believe he is still dressing. I will show him right this moment. We will meet you at table in a few minutes.”
Elizabeth wished to re-read and examine the poem as she had done to his letter. She felt its absence, even though it was sure to be returned to her as soon as Jane and Charles arrived at the morning meal.
Charles was laughing when he came down. “I cannot tell you how much I enjoy knowing Darcy sent this. I am having some trouble putting this together with the man I have known all these years.”
“But it is his handwriting?” Elizabeth asked, wondering if she had gotten it wrong. Could it have been from someone else? Who?
Charles waved the letter. “Oh, yes, without a doubt this is Darcy’s hand.”
“I think his sending a valentine poem is very romantic,” Jane said with a sigh.
Charles became thoughtful. “I have always thought of Darcy as a brother, and I can vouch for his character. Though he can become ill-tempered at times, he is a most loyal and reliable friend, and he has always been the finest brother to Georgiana. His servants have told mine that he is the best master.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I have seen one look from you change more than a few of his irritable moods into more affable ones in an instant. You would do well together.”
“Mr. Darcy was not in an irritable mood last evening,” Elizabeth observed.
Charles handed her the letter. “I am speaking of when we were in Hertfordshire.”
“Really?” Elizabeth was in shock.
“Absolutely. I was telling Jane of it while we were on our way to Scarborough.”
Jane nodded. “Yes, Lizzy. We had even discussed the possibility of you and Mr. Darcy, but I did not think it likely. We would both be very happy if you married.” She grinned. “I am sure Mama would change her mind about him instantly upon hearing the news.”
Why was Jane saying such things when she knew Elizabeth had already refused him? Did she really think he would offer again? She could not expect a man like Mr. Darcy to do so. But then why was he acting the way he did last night? And why send a valentine?
She would have to wait and see how this developed and enjoy the time she had with him now, in case it went no further.
As she was folding the letter and putting it away in her pocket, a sudden panic enveloped her. “Charles, do not say anything to Mr. Darcy about the valentine. Please? I do not know if he would appreciate my sharing it with you.”
“Well, that does spoil my idea for teasing him about it, but I do understand your point. If it were from anyone else, I would inform them of my knowing. You are, after all, under my protection while you are here. But as it is Darcy, I will follow your wishes.”
They finished their morning meal quickly and were ready to leave when Mr. Darcy arrived. Before long, the party of four were on their way to the furniture maker. Nobody actually said anything about the valentine, but there were too many curious expressions from Jane and Charles for Elizabeth’s comfort.
What she expected, she did not know, but she thought it strange that Mr. Darcy did not behave any differently from the way he did the evening before, though his gazes were still openly admiring of her. It seemed she could not stop blushing!
Elizabeth felt she should say something about the poem at some point today, but she was not sure what it should be.
All fell quiet as the coach turned a corner. Elizabeth looked out the window. The scene was familiar. “Is this Gracechurch Street?”
“I believe so. The warehouse is on Fleet Street,” Mr. Darcy said. “The coach will make two lefts from here to be on the correct side of the street to let us off.”
“Fleet Street?” Elizabeth watched Mr. Darcy carefully as she said, “Perhaps it will be near Uncle Gardiner’s warehouse.”
To Elizabeth’s relief, he did not bat an eyelash.
He asked, “Have you ever been to his warehouse?”
“Yes, we have been there often,” Elizabeth answered.
“Do you think we can stop in so Charles may see it?” Jane asked.
Everyone waited for Mr. Darcy’s answer, given that they were using his coach.
He laughed. “I am at your disposal.”
His smile faded quickly.
Did he feel forced into meeting her uncle? Maybe it would do him good. Her aunt and uncle were refined enough for most people to mistake them for a lady and gentleman. He would not have to worry that they would embarrass him if they married.
Where did that thought come from? Elizabeth blushed thoroughly even though nobody else could possibly be aware of her thought.
They all went to Mr. Terrell’s furniture warehouse first. Jane’s taste was very much like her own — excellent, if Elizabeth did say so herself. Mr. Darcy pointed out a few pieces that he liked, which showed he too had similar preferences. Charles did not seem to care as long as they were serviceable and, more importantly, Jane was happy. Mr. Terrell would visit the house soon to get an idea of the size of the rooms and what other furnishings they might need. He recommended a warehouse down the block to choose the fabric for the upholstery, rugs, lamps, and other decorative items, Gardiner Imports. He had many nice things to say about the owner. Charles explained that Mr. Gardiner was the ladies’ uncle, and Mr. Terrell was even more complimentary.
As they walked down the street, they found Mrs. Gardiner just leaving through the door to the office.
“Jane! Lizzy! Mr. Bingley. Oh, it is so good to see you. I just had luncheon with your uncle. He will be so pleased you are here.”
She ushered them into the office. Introductions were made to Mr. Darcy.
“Pemberley is such a beautiful estate,” Mrs. Gardiner stated.
“You know it?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“I spent my youth at Lambton.” She turned to the others. “Lambton is the village closest to Mr. Darcy’s estate.”
The two spoke of area surrounding Lambton and Pemberley for a few minutes, then moved on to the reason they had come.
As Mr. Gardiner was about to take them into the warehouse area, Mrs. Gardiner took her leave. “I must return to the children. Mr. Darcy, the others of your party will dine with us Friday evening. My husband and I would be pleased if you could join them. If you are free, of course.”
Leave it to Aunt Gardiner to give him a way out of the invitation, thought Elizabeth.
She turned to Mr. Darcy. Would he accept an invitation
to the home of a tradesman? This would say much about the man.
He seemed hesitant. “I would not want to put you to any trouble.”
“It would be no trouble at all,” said Mr. Gardiner. “There is always room for one more around our table.”
Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth, as if asking permission. She smiled, and his demeanour brightened. His gaze returned to Aunt Gardiner. “I would be happy to attend. Thank you for including me in the invitation.”
As Uncle Gardiner opened the door to the warehouse, her aunt touched Elizabeth’s arm. Elizabeth said, “I shall catch up to you presently. I would speak to my aunt for a moment before she leaves. I have not seen her in many weeks.”
The other three filed out of the small office. The moment the door closed, Aunt Gardiner turned to Elizabeth. “Lizzy! What is going on, dear? Why is Mr. Darcy shopping with you and your sister and brother?”
“I had told you we met the gentleman in the autumn, Aunt. He was at Jane and Charles’s house last night for dinner and told us of Mr. Terrell’s warehouse, just two doors down, and came along to introduce Charles to the proprietor.”
“Yes, but you also told me you did not like him. The looks between the two of you say otherwise, dear, which is the reason I invited him tomorrow. Did I put you in a bad position by doing so?”
“Oh, Aunt, please do not distress yourself. I am very happy you invited him. I cannot clarify now, for obvious reasons, and as he will be there Friday, I will not be able to explain then, either. But I will. I promise I will. Jane and I shall call at our earliest opportunity.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. Now, go join the others.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “Oh! The children’s nurse was expecting my return half an hour ago.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath and entered the warehouse.
⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟
~Saturday, February 8, 1812
Georgiana practically bounced into the breakfast room. Darcy rose and moved towards the sideboard to prepare his sister’s plate.
Georgiana said, “Brother, I will get my own. You always think I can eat the same amount of food you can.” She giggled.