Elizabeth replies, “Georgie did the drawings for me. We would work on the drawing when you were out on business. She would do rough sketches and finish them in her room. If you look carefully, there is a smaller picture that will fit in your pocket watch as well.”
Darcy hugs Elizabeth and says, “Thank you, love. It is perfect.”
Elizabeth looks up at Darcy and asks, “Fitzwilliam, have you heard from Richard or George lately?”
Darcy replies, “No, love. I expect them to be busy for a while. They will pop in when they get a chance. In the meantime, you and Georgie need to go to the modiste and finish filling your wardrobe.”
Chapter 25
Over the following weeks, Darcy escorts Elizabeth and Georgiana to a few social events and the theater. The Gardiners come and have dinner at Darcy House, and in turn, the Darcys are guests at Gracechurch Street as well. Elizabeth and Georgiana go out shopping, much to Elizabeth’s dismay. Darcy has Aunt Eleanor help Elizabeth with her wardrobe, and they often have tea with Lord and Lady Matlock, who have come to love Elizabeth.
One evening about two weeks after arriving back in town, Darcy tells Elizabeth, “Sweetheart, I just wanted to let you know that I received a letter from Hurst today. They have safely delivered Miss Bingley to her relatives in Ireland. Hurst says that they have had a long discussion with Miss Bingley’s family, and it has been decided that Miss Bingley will never be allowed back in England. It is over, love.”
Elizabeth looks at Darcy, searching his face, and asks, “It is really over? She will not come after me anymore?”
Darcy smiles down at her. “No, love, you are safe now. I also received a note from Uncle Edward today. He wanted to let me know that Jane is coming to town to shop for her wedding but that your mother will not allow you to see Jane.”
Elizabeth sighs and says, “I understand, Fitzwilliam. It is a shame that Jane is not marrying into Richard’s family. Aunt Eleanor would have my mother in raptures—having tea with a real live countess.”
Darcy grins. “Elizabeth, you are brilliant!”
Elizabeth looks at him and asks, “What are you talking about?”
Darcy says, “Sweetheart, I will ask Aunt Eleanor to host a tea at Matlock House and invite your mother, sister, and aunt, and I will be sure that we will be there as well. There is nothing your mother can do if a countess invites others to her tea.”
Darcy quickly writes a note to his aunt and to Mrs. Gardiner. Darcy receives word that Mrs. Gardiner thinks that would be wonderful that the sisters could see one another. Aunt Eleanor agrees on the condition that once the Darcys marriage in public, Darcy will allow her to host a huge ball in their honor. Darcy agrees.
One night about two weeks before Bingley’s wedding, Richard and George stop by Darcy House and have dinner with Darcy and Elizabeth. After dinner, when they are all sitting in the drawing room, Darcy asks, “Richard, George, are you going to be able to join us for Bingley’s wedding?”
Richard replies, “Yes, Darcy, we will be attending. We are going to stay at the local inn. We do not want to impose on Bingley.”
Darcy looks down at Elizabeth, who is wrapped in his arms on the couch. He smiles and looks up at them and offers, “Do not stay there. Come and stay with Elizabeth and I. I bought Pulvis Lodge for Elizabeth so that she would have a safe place to stay anytime she wished to see her family.”
Richard looks at Darcy. “We appreciate the offer, but we cannot impose on you either.”
Elizabeth stands and says, “Richard, George, please say you will stay with us. I have already had rooms decorated and prepared for each of you anytime you wish to visit.”
Richard and Wickham are surprised and looked at Darcy, who says, “Richard, George, you are part of our family. Could you deny Elizabeth the chance to grow our small family and decorate rooms just for you? Please say you will stay with us.”
George stands and hugs Elizabeth and says, “Darcy, Lizzy, it would be an honor to stay with you. Thank you for giving me another chance and for giving me a chance to have a family again. I appreciate it.”
Richard hugs Elizabeth and says, “Lizzy, I do not deserve the honor you give me, especially after all the trouble I gave you in the beginning.”
Darcy watches in pride as Elizabeth says, “Hush, Richard. It is all forgotten. What family is perfect?”
Richard and George are happy to oblige Elizabeth and promise to stay with them for Bingley’s wedding.
The day of Bingley and Jane’s wedding is perfect. The day is bright and sunny. The bride was radiant, and the groom was grinning during the entire ceremony. Darcy saw none of this. All Darcy saw was his beautiful wife, who was calm and poised, and the ceremony reminded him of their own wedding. Mrs. Bennet had tried once again to have Mary stand up with Jane, but Jane held firm and Mr. Bennet stepped in, and Elizabeth was allowed to stand up with her sister.
Darcy has to admit that while Mrs. Bennet is mean toward his beloved Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet can plan a lovely wedding breakfast. Darcy and his family circulate with the neighbors during the breakfast, and many stop and speak with Elizabeth without censure this time. After being at the wedding breakfast for about an hour, Darcy looks down and sees that Elizabeth is starting to tire.
Darcy leans down and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, are you well?”
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, I am well, but I must admit that I am feeling a little tired.”
Darcy replies, “Let us make our excuses and find Georgiana, and we will leave.”
Darcy finds Georgiana and says, “Excuse me, Georgie. Miss Elizabeth is weary. Let us say our farewells.”
Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana go over to Bingley and Jane. Darcy shakes hands with Bingley and congratulates Jane. Darcy watches as Elizabeth hugs Jane and says, “Congratulations, Jane. You look so happy. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the ball, Mrs. Bingley.”
Jane laughs, and Elizabeth turns to Bingley and says, “Congratulations, Mr. Bingley. Jane is the sweetest person in the world, and you have found a wonderful woman to be your wife.”
Bingley smiles and says, “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, or should I say Lizzy since I am now your brother, please call me Charles.”
Elizabeth grins and says, “Please, call me Lizzy. I have always wanted a brother.”
Darcy leans down and says, “Miss Elizabeth, let us say farewell to your parents so that you may rest.”
Darcy offers his arm to Georgiana and Elizabeth. Darcy says, “Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, congratulations. You have a fine new son. Mrs. Bennet, my compliments on the wedding breakfast. I have heard nothing but the highest compliments. I hope you will excuse us. My sister is fatigued. I look forward to the wedding ball tomorrow evening.”
Mr. Bennet says, “Mr. Darcy, thank you for attending. Your family was very kind to come. I know my daughters have enjoyed your cousin and friend in their uniforms.”
Mrs. Bennet coolly says, “Mr. Darcy, thank you for coming. We will see you tomorrow.” With that Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana depart.
The next day after Darcy and Elizabeth have broken their fast, they are in the library when they receive a note from Bingley. Darcy opens the note and starts laughing.
Elizabeth asks, “Fitzwilliam, what is so funny?”
Darcy replies, “Elizabeth, how do you feel about announcing our marriage at the ball tonight?”
Elizabeth starts shaking her head and says, “No, Fitzwilliam. This is Jane and Charles’s day.”
Darcy smiles and says, “Well, your sister and new brother want us to announce our marriage by dancing the last dance together. Bingley has arranged for a waltz just for us. What is one day, love? The announcement will be in the paper tomorrow anyway. Besides, I would love to have all your friends and family see you dressed as Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth replies, “But, Fitzwilliam, I would not be able to show up dressed as Mrs. Darcy but as Miss Bennet.”
Darcy smiles and hands Elizabeth the note and says, “Jane
knew you would fight and has asked to have your dress and accessories sent over before the ball, and after the dinner set, you and she will go upstairs and change your dress.”
Elizabeth sighs. “Very well, Fitzwilliam. I can see I am not going to win. I will head upstairs and lay out the things that need to be sent over to Netherfield Park. I hope I do not embarrass you tonight, Husband.”
Darcy kisses Elizabeth and says, “Sweetheart, you could never embarrass me. I love you. Please be sure to rest. I will see you later.”
Chapter 26
The Darcy carriage is one of the last to arrive at the ball. Darcy, Richard, and Wickham exit the carriage, and Darcy hands out Georgiana and Elizabeth. Darcy and his party move through the reception line and again congratulate the Bingleys. Darcy and Elizabeth move through the crowd, often stopping to greet friends and acquaintances.
Darcy looks down at Elizabeth and says, “Miss Elizabeth, while I would like to dance the first with you, I believe I should dance with my sister. Will you save me a dance—the last perhaps?”
Elizabeth offers a beaming smile to Darcy and says, “Of course, Mr. Darcy.”
Richard comes over and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, may I have the pleasure of the first dance?”
Elizabeth looks to Darcy, and seeing his nod, Elizabeth says, “It would be my pleasure, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
Wickham comes up as well and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, may I have your second set?”
Elizabeth offers a smile and says, “I would be happy to, Captain Wickham.”
The Bingleys join the small group, and Bingley asks Elizabeth for a dance as well. Darcy, Richard, and Wickham all secure a dance with Jane as well. Darcy is only allowing Georgiana to dance with members of their party and Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennet. After the Bingleys move on, Mr. Bennet joins Darcy’s party and quietly says, “Good evening, Mr. Darcy, Lizzy. Colonel, Captain, it is a pleasure to see you both again.”
Turning to Darcy and Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet says, “Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, I just wanted to let you know that we had a guest come and stay with us. It is my distant cousin Mr. Collins, who is to inherit Longbourn when I pass on.”
Elizabeth asks, “Why is he here, Papa?”
Mr. Bennet sighs and says, “Lizzy, Mr. Collins has the living at Hunsford in Kent, and his patroness, a Lady Catherine de Berg, has suggested that he marry and repair the differences in the family by marrying one of my daughters. The man is a fool, and unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet is suggesting that he marry you, Lizzy.”
Darcy looks surprised. “Mr. Bennet, did you say Lady Catherine de Berg? I know her. She is my aunt—mine and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I have not met him, but if he is like her past vicars, the man will be an idiot and believe everything my aunt says.”
Mr. Bennet starts laughing. “Mr. Darcy, you are quite correct. My other daughters are going to do their best to keep Elizabeth as far from the man as they can. I hate to say this, Lizzy, but you might want to hide in the corner tonight—just to avoid the man—and dance the dances that have been requested.”
Elizabeth looks to Darcy, and he sighs. Finally, Darcy says, “Mr. Bennet, we will discuss it and see. Thank you for the warning.”
Darcy and Elizabeth dance with their various dance partners and, when not dancing, enjoys spending time together. Georgiana and one of Elizabeth’s sisters are often with them. After one dance, Darcy fetches Elizabeth a glass of wine and says, “If I read your mother’s face correctly, she is not happy that your sisters, Georgiana, and Miss Lucas are preventing Mr. Collins from coming over to dance with you by staying by your side all evening and taking dances intended for you.”
Elizabeth smiles and says, “I will owe my sisters for saving me from that fate. Have you watched him dance? I believe he trod rather hard on poor Mary’s toes during their dance.”
Darcy chuckles and says, “I do believe you are right. However, I noticed that when Miss Mary danced with Captain Wickham, her toes were just fine.”
Darcy watches as Elizabeth laughs. Darcy looks over her head and then looks down at Elizabeth and says, “Miss Elizabeth, Mrs. Bingley is trying to get your attention.”
Elizabeth looks up at Darcy and smiles and says, “Please excuse me, Mr. Darcy. Apparently, I am needed. I hope you will enjoy the last dance.”
About five minutes after Elizabeth has left, Mr. Collins approaches Darcy and asks, “Excuse me, sir. Are you Mr. Darcy? Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire? Mr. Darcy the nephew of my esteemed patroness Lady Catherine de Berg, who is engaged to her lovely daughter?”
Darcy sighs, realizing this man is indeed an idiot, and replies, “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Collins. Yes, I am the nephew of Lady Catherine. However, I am not engaged to my cousin Anne. I ask that you not spread that lie around.”
Mr. Collins replies, “Of course, Mr. Darcy. I will say nothing. Mr. Darcy, may I ask, was the young lady who just left you Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
Darcy replies, “Yes, Mr. Collins, that was Miss Elizabeth. May I inquire as to why you want to know?”
Mr. Collins gives Darcy an oily smile and says, “Mr. Darcy, your aunt suggested that I marry one of my cousins, and Mrs. Bennet has offered Miss Elizabeth as the partner of my future life.”
Darcy looks at Collins in astonishment and asks, “Mr. Collins, are you telling me that you plan on asking Miss Elizabeth to marry you when you have not even been introduced to the lady?”
Mr. Collins replies, “Mr. Darcy, I know that you are a gentleman and will not say anything, but Mrs. Bennet assures me that Miss Elizabeth will not be made any other offer of marriage, so I have a very good chance to win Miss Elizabeth’s hand.”
Darcy asks, “How can you explain Miss Elizabeth’s dancing tonight then?”
Mr. Collins replies, “Mrs. Bennet explained that she allowed Miss Elizabeth to dance tonight as a favor to her sister Mrs. Bingley.”
Darcy straightens and says harshly, “Mr. Collins, I do not believe that you will have any luck winning Miss Elizabeth’s hand. Also, a mother’s blessing has no sway. You must have Mr. Bennet’s blessing, and as Miss Elizabeth is his favorite daughter, I do not believe he will give you his blessing.”
Mr. Collins replies, “You will see, Mr. Darcy. I plan on winning Miss Elizabeth during the last dance. Her mother assures me that she never dances the last dance.”
Darcy nods. “Please excuse me.” Darcy walks away before he loses his temper.
Darcy looks up about a quarter of an hour later to see Elizabeth slipping back into the ballroom in her new dress. Elizabeth is dressed in a cream silk dress with cream flowers and diamond pins studded throughout her curls. Darcy thought Elizabeth looked lovely earlier when she arrived in a lavender-colored dress in muslin.
Darcy whispers, “Elizabeth, you look lovely, sweetheart. I am proud I can call you Mrs. Darcy.” Darcy stops contemplating his wife as he hears Bingley calling for everyone attention.
Bingley steps into the center of the ballroom with Jane and says, “Thank you, everyone, for joining us tonight to celebrate our wedding and all your well wishes. I never knew that when I decided to lease Netherfield Park I would end up a married man. I would like to take a moment to thank Mr. Bennet for his assistance in helping me to teach me estate management. I would also like to thank my old friend, Mr. Darcy, who also took time away from his family to help me. I would also like to take this opportunity to dedicate the last dance to my friend, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy listens to the crowd as it gasps as they recognize the beginnings of a waltz playing. Bingley continues, “Darcy himself is a newlywed, and he married a few months ago in his home county, thus depriving his wife’s friends and family from participating in their nuptials.”
Darcy starts to feel uneasy. He feels everyone staring at him. Darcy feels a small hand on his arm and relaxes. Bingley says, “Darcy, would you and your lovely wife please join us and lead the final dance?”
Darcy starts to move with Elizabeth when he is jerked to a halt. Darcy turns to see Mr
. Collins refraining Elizabeth, saying, “Miss Elizabeth, you are promised to me for this dance. Come, let us make way for Mr. Darcy and his lady wife, Miss Anne.”
Elizabeth looks from Darcy to Collins. Darcy whispers fiercely, “Collins, I am not married to my cousin, and you are not promised Elizabeth’s last dance regardless of what her mother may have told you. I am Elizabeth’s husband, and I suggest you let go of her arm and never touch her again.”
Darcy watches as Collins drops Elizabeth’s hand. Darcy leans down. “Are you well, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth replies, “Yes, Fitzwilliam. Let us go. They are waiting for you.”
Darcy joins Bingley and Jane, with Elizabeth beside him. Bingley says joyfully, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
Darcy hears several gasps of surprise, but Darcy ignores it as he takes his wife in his arms and starts to waltz with his wife. Darcy watches as Bingley enjoys the dance with Jane. Slowly several other couples join the dance floor. Darcy is happy to see Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner dance the waltz, and even Mr. Bennet dances with Kitty.
Once the dance is over, Darcy and Elizabeth receive well wishes from various friends and neighbors. In the distance, Darcy and Elizabeth can hear Mrs. Bennet boasting of Elizabeth’s advantageous marriage. Darcy looks down at Elizabeth to see a sad smile on her face. Darcy leans down, “Elizabeth, are you well?”
She replies, “Yes, Fitzwilliam. I am well. I am sorry for my mother. Perhaps we should go. My mother will continue to get worse, and soon she will take credit for our wedding.”
Darcy replies, “Elizabeth, your mother made your life miserable since you were a young girl. You are now my wife, and it is my job to protect you. Let us give Mrs. Bennet a taste of what it is like to be Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, the wife of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Your position gives you power your mother cannot even conceive of. Come, let us see your mother. This ends tonight.”
Darcy watches in pride as Elizabeth straightens her back and takes Darcy’s arm as together they approach Mrs. Bennet.
Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 24