by APRIL FLOYD
Elizabeth felt strange using the young lady’s Christian name but as she was indeed related to the Fitzwilliams and Darcys, it was expected.
Miss Darcy made her final selection of fabrics for the modiste and beckoned Elizabeth to make her choices so they might sit for tea and speak of the new addition to the Bingley household. “I do wish we might see Miss Sophia this day but William would never allow it.”
“You may come and visit in the next day or so. I do not expect Jane will observe a month of lying in, she simply refused it with Rose.”
Miss Darcy’s countenance brightened. “Such wonderful news! I expect she did so as well with young Thomas?”
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip and looked down at her slippers. The tea cart arrived then and she was grateful for the timely interruption.
She turned her attention to Madame Kent and her assistant as they gathered their things. Miss Darcy went to them and Elizabeth remained seated as they quit the room.
Providence had kept her from telling a lie to Miss Darcy and she closed her eyes in thankful prayer. Never in her life had she been fond of subterfuge, not even the kind employed to make a match between a young lady and gentleman.
The time she might be able to keep the secret of Richard’s only child seemed shorter the more she came to know the Darcy family.
Before Miss Darcy might return, Mr. Darcy appeared at the door. He glanced about and stepped over the threshold as Elizabeth stood to greet him. “I see it is safe to enter my own salon.”
“Yes sir, it is. The modiste has just left.”
Mr. Darcy saw the tea service and quickly joined Elizabeth. “You must call me William, or Fitzwilliam, whichever you prefer. Sir and Mr. Darcy are reserved for business partners, strangers, staff, and acquaintances.”
He sat across from her and Elizabeth attempted to calm her racing heart. He was more handsome to her eyes today than in days before. “I suppose you are correct, William. Though your aunt and uncle might have something to say about it. I do feel as though I am a part of the Darcy family, truly. You and your sister have made me most welcome.”
Miss Darcy entered the salon and hurried to her brother’s side. She placed a hand upon his shoulder and bent to kiss his cheek. When she stood again, she went to sit with Elizabeth. “Richard was our favorite, Elizabeth. Just as you are becoming the more we know of you.”
Elizabeth felt the heat rise in her cheeks. After her disastrous meeting with the Matlocks, she had not expected to find friendship nor a welcome amongst Richard’s family but the Darcys had come to her side. “I cannot say how pleased I am to know it, Georgiana. It is not so simple a matter for Lady Matlock, but I shall do my best to prove my worth to her.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled at this. “The Elizabeth Bennet I knew in Hertfordshire would not have cared what Lady Matlock thought of her.”
“I fear that young lady is long since changed, William. The years between our last meeting have been kind and cruel in turns. I am able to see what the pain of loss can do to a person.” Elizabeth sipped her tea and glanced away, her heart twisting at the somber note she had introduced into the moment.
“Certainly the two of you have more in common than my aunt might believe. The love of my cousin comes to mind. Richard did have a way of stealing hearts without a second thought.”
Mr. Darcy’s words touched Elizabeth. “He was imminently suited to a life of admiration from those around him. Richard thought as much of his soldiers as he did the highest peer. A purer heart cannot be found.”
Except within our son, Elizabeth thought, as young Richard so reminded her of his father at times.
Miss Darcy sipped her tea. Her face brightened and she led the conversation to happier topics. “Madame Kent shall have our dresses in two weeks’ time, Elizabeth. I asked that she deliver yours to Fitzwilliam House. Your sisters should surely arrive soon with the birth of Miss Sophia.”
“I must send a letter this very afternoon. I had almost forgotten. I must go.” Elizabeth stood, her countenance regretful. The truth was she did not wish to speak more of Richard. It would be too easy to reveal her son.
Mr. Darcy rose as well. “You must not leave so soon, Elizabeth. We would not keep you from Charles and Jane and the new babe, but you are welcome to the use of my study if you wish. I could have the letter delivered by express. It would be an honor to perform such a service for my friend Bingley.”
Elizabeth could not refuse him the opportunity to pay a favor to the Bingleys and so she followed Mr. Darcy to his study to write her letter.
The room was much like the study her Uncle Gardiner kept in his townhome, dark wood and the scent of leather ever present. Correspondence was piled neatly awaiting perusal and signatures. The fire crackled faithfully and served to make the intimate space more comfortable.
Mr. Darcy pulled out the large chair behind the desk and removed the pile of papers. “I apologize for the disarray. I never leave my desk in such a state, but today I rushed out when I heard the fittings had ended. I did not wish for you to go before we might speak.”
Elizabeth sat gingerly, her countenance one of curiosity. “I did not know you had news for me, William.”
Mr. Darcy placed a few sheets of thick, cream-colored paper before her. “There is no news. I only wanted to find whether there was something I might do to make Fitzwilliam House more comfortable for you. I could send to Longbourn or Netherfield for any thing you might wish to have brought here. But perhaps your family might do that service for you.”
Elizabeth was touched by his thoughtfulness. Dipping the pen in ink, she set about her letter. Raising her head after a moment, she looked up at Mr. Darcy. He had not moved away. “I am honored you thought of such a thing as my comfort. I would not like to be a bother. It is not in my nature to expect such favors.”
He moved then, stepping back to allow her the privacy to continue her letter. “And that is precisely the reason I wish to do such a favor, because you do not expect nor demand it, Elizabeth. You are a rare lady amongst your sex.”
She smiled at him, the spark of merriment from happier days appearing in her eyes. “I thank you for the kindness and for thinking more of my character than perhaps you ought.”
Her heart squeezed as he sat and pinned her with his gaze. Mr. Darcy had no idea he was being deceived and she despised the dread that rose in her breast. She would not like to hurt him or Miss Darcy, but her dedication to her son was stronger than her tenuous bonds to this family.
Mr. Darcy nodded to the paper beneath her hand. “Please finish your letter, Elizabeth. Your sisters shall have a better future now that you have come to London and claimed your place in this family. You are a Fitzwilliam and there are doors open to you now that were closed before.”
Elizabeth forced herself to write as she wondered at Mr. Darcy’s words. He was opening a door wider to her with each passing day.
Chapter 10
A few days after the arrival of Sophia Bingley, Elizabeth watched as trunks were carried up the stairs of Fitzwilliam House. Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet had been contentious in choosing their rooms.
There had been some tears, a bit of shouting, and the pounding of dainty footsteps up and down the stairs until Elizabeth made the ultimate threat. “Either you three settle the matter of whose room is whose without further argument or I shall have you sent back to Bingley House where you must all three share one room.”
The trio of young ladies turned in unison, their grumbling barely rising above a whisper, and Elizabeth clapped her hands at them. The sound of six running feet echoed in the entryway. Happy that she had quieted them for the moment, Elizabeth made her way upstairs behind the last trunk and sought the peace of her salon.
The room was cheerful though the day was dreary as an icy rain fell steadily outside. Rose and young Richard had come with Elizabeth in the Fitzwilliam carriage that was now hers and were likely having a nap in the new nursery after their tireless exploration of the place. The sister of
Jane’s midwife had come to Town with the Bennets and Elizabeth had taken her on as a nanny for the children.
When her sisters came down at last for tea, Mr. Harley entered the salon and announced visitors. It was Miss Darcy and Lady Matlock. Elizabeth had not expected the pair but she rose quickly and went to them. “How terribly you must have wished to see me to come out in such weather!”
Georgiana embraced her and gave a lighthearted laugh. “I am always pleased to attend you, Elizabeth, but I was much too curious over your sisters to wait another moment to meet them. William insisted that Aunt Margaret come too.”
Lady Matlock gave an icy smile to match the chill that came in with her from the outdoors. “I must say I was eager to see Fitzwilliam House open again. Richard and Andrew lived here together when they were in Town.”
Elizabeth gave a small curtsey to Lady Matlock. “It would be wonderful to hear your memories. I find so many things throughout the house remind me of Richard. He was a rare man. I imagine Andrew was as well.”
Lady Matlock seemed surprised and her cold manner warmed for a moment. “My sons were without parallel. Even Darcy could never compare. It is a comfort to have him become our heir, and he is the perfect example of a gentleman, but he is not Richard or Andrew. Tis no fault of his own.”
Elizabeth did not know what to make of such a statement and so she turned and gestured at Mary, Lydia, and Kitty. The Bennet sisters still stood patiently awaiting an introduction and Elizabeth was amazed, and thankful, for their unusual display of decorum. The threat of sharing a room certainly was a potent one.
When all the introductions were made, the ladies sat for tea. Miss Darcy quizzed the Bennet girls exclusively, leaving Elizabeth to make conversation with Lady Matlock.
“I meant to say how kind it was of you to hold a ball for me this coming week. If I am honest, there is some trepidation at being introduced as Richard’s widow.”
Lady Matlock placed her teacup on the low table between them and allowed her eyes to wander the salon. “In that we are equal, Elizabeth. I had hoped both my sons might marry the most eligible young ladies. Now I must present your courtship and secret nuptials as wonderfully romantic.”
An icy tingle climbed Elizabeth’s spine as she met the woman’s cold glare. This would always be their relationship, she supposed. Richard had been most serious in his warnings and it was painfully clear he had made no mistake regarding his mother’s prejudice.
“It was most romantic, if it pleases you to know. Perhaps if you knew more of our meeting and the course of our courtship it would be much easier to tell the story to your friends.”
Elizabeth had not meant to answer with quite so much impertinence but she would defend her marriage to Richard as strongly as she protected their son.
“Perhaps if you knew the grief of a mother who could not bury either of her sons because their bodies were lost to battle and fire, you would speak to me with greater respect.”
Lady Matlock stood and without another word to Elizabeth, made her way to the salon door. She turned before leaving and called out to Miss Darcy. “Come along, Georgiana, I wish to go home before I break my promise to your brother.”
Miss Darcy had not heard the conversation between her aunt and Elizabeth and she was perplexed by the woman’s behavior. “Aunt Margaret, we have only just arrived. You must not leave so soon, it simply is not done.”
Lady Matlock ignored her niece’s advice and quit the salon, calling loudly for her carriage to be brought around.
Elizabeth felt the heat rise in her cheeks as Miss Darcy hurried after her aunt. The young lady paused and turned again to Elizabeth. “She promised William she would not be unkind today. I suppose it was too soon to expect a miracle where her feelings are concerned. I am sorry, Elizabeth.”
“’Tis not your fault, Georgiana. I should not have said my piece but there is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
Georgiana rejoined the Bennet sisters and smiled at Elizabeth. “Aunt Margaret is the same, she never allows a soul to intimidate her but I believe she has met her match. At least at the ball, and other social events, she must pretend to adore you.”
Elizabeth filled her teacup again and attempted to forget the imperious woman who had just left her salon. Had Lady Matlock intended to be cordial, they might have spent the afternoon in the peaceful ritual of teatime and learned a little more of one another.
Elizabeth wondered how she might endure the ball and subsequent soirees the Matlocks had planned. As Miss Darcy intimated, Lady Matlock would not be rude to her in a social setting.
The afternoon passed in the bright laughter and chatter of young ladies finding friendship. Elizabeth rose at last when the clock struck six and went to find Mr. Harley and have the Fitzwilliam carriage readied to take Miss Darcy home.
Mr.Darcy’s voice in the entry surprised her and Elizabeth rushed to the stairs to see him. He was handing Harley his greatcoat and hat and lightening flashes illuminated the narrow windows beside her front door.
“William,” she called, still wincing inside at the use of his Christian name.
“Elizabeth, I have come at last for my sister. Aunt Margaret caught me quite by surprise on her return home. I feared she was impolite but was afraid to come and find I was correct. Might you forgive me?”
Elizabeth could not be angry with him. “There is nothing to forgive,” she assured him as he took the steps two at a time.
He had a jovial air about him and Elizabeth was pleased he did not seem to be concerned with Lady Matlock’s temper.
Offering his arm as he gained the landing, Mr. Darcy nodded toward the salon. “I presume the giggles and high-pitched squeals are a good sign? Poor Georgie has not very many friends.”
Elizabeth placed her hand upon his arm and kept pace with him as he moved away from the stairs. “You are aware these are my sisters she is befriending?”
Mr. Darcy chuckled as she attempted to keep a straight face. “There is no reason to malign your sisters, Elizabeth. You may find they have much in common with Georgie.”
Elizabeth wondered at the change in his attitude where her sisters were concerned. Miss Darcy seemed quiet and reserved amongst strangers, with the notable exception of meeting her sisters today. It did not seem she might be one for folly.
When they entered the salon, Miss Darcy hurried to her brother’s side prepared to apologize for staying behind when their Aunt had left Fitzwilliam House.
Mr. Darcy held up a hand to ease her worry. “Georgie, I would have been most upset had you come away from Fitzwilliam House with her. I must rely upon you to represent the family and I am pleased with your dedication in welcoming the Bennet sisters .”
Hearing their names, Elizabeth’s sisters gathered round and soon they had persuaded Mr. and Miss Darcy to remain for dinner. Elizabeth sat on the sofa beside Mr. Darcy as Georgiana played the piano forte with Mary. Lydia and Kitty danced about together and Elizabeth worried they might irritate Mr. Darcy with their capering. “I should have them sit and listen politely, but they do so love your sister’s company.”
Mr. Darcy was quick to allay Elizabeth’s fears. “I do not mind. Every savage can dance, but the exercise is elevated by the joy it brings to those much younger than myself, and particularly lovely young ladies.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You speak as though you were in decline, William. You cannot possibly be so old as to abhor the merriment of dance.”
“I am, Elizabeth. A man does not suddenly become responsible for his family estate and the well being of his sister and remain carefree. Even in my youth, I was never one to spend the evening dancing with each lady who caught my eye.”
Elizabeth did not laugh at this revelation. Instead, she felt her heart pierced for the man beside her. “With the ball coming, I hope you will change your mind about dancing for my sake. I would not be able to attend without you
and Georgiana by my side. You must realize that.”
Mr. Darcy, leaned closer and took her hand. “Aunt Margaret was not so angry today as your first meeting was she?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Her words still stung but she was cold instead of cruel. I believe your interference on my behalf has made a difference.”
“Good, she must not be allowed to run roughshod. It can too easily become her habit.”
Mr. Harley entered then and announced dinner. Elizabeth found she was pleased to have the Darcys as guests for the evening.
Their presence made the fact that Fitzwilliam House was now her home much more solid in her mind. She and young Richard could make a life in Town. It would not be terrible if the Matlocks would come to accept her over time.
Chapter 11
Elizabeth moved effortlessly as Mr. Darcy’s partner at the ball at Matlock House. There had been many introductions made and not a few of the young ladies of her age were unskilled in the art of concealing their emotions.
Jealousy was evident in two particular young ladies. One was the second daughter of an earl from the north near Derbyshire and the other was the niece of one of Lady Matlock’s dearest friends.
That Richard had been sought by her contemporaries was not a surprise, but their constant whispers and covered giggles perturbed Elizabeth until she wished she might leave the warmth of the ballroom.
It would not do as the guest of honor to seek the balcony and so she retreated to the table bearing refreshments after assuring Mr. Darcy she was only in need of some punch.
Georgiana found her in the shadow of one of the columns near the table. “Elizabeth, it is not so bad as all that surely?”
Surprised by Miss Darcy’s knowledge of her discomfort, Elizabeth immediately began to smile. She must remember to school her expressions when at such events with the Matlock family.
“Tis not so terrible, really. Just that one would think with all the eligible young men in the room, they might forget me and move on to more exciting conjecture.”