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Chapter 21

Darcy was thoughtful as he sat with his sister in the parlor the next morning following breakfast, but his sister was quite cheerful, anticipating the coming visit by her new friends. Jane and Elizabeth had accepted Georgiana’s invitation to spend the morning with her prior to their shopping excursion with Mrs. Gardiner, in order that Elizabeth could be shown around the house while he visited with his solicitor. Obviously, any anxieties that Georgiana had previously entertained regarding his choice of Elizabeth had been relieved, and he smiled in response to her comment on how much she had enjoyed the previous evening.

“I begin to believe that you approve of Elizabeth, dearest,” he ventured.

“Oh, yes, William. She is so very nice.” She colored slightly. “I shall try to talk more this morning, but it is still difficult for me.”

Darcy chuckled. “It is not so very much easier for me, Georgie. Perhaps Elizabeth will help me as much as you. I am fortunate that I will not have to guide your entry into society without her aid.”

Georgiana’s good humor dimmed somewhat at the thought of coming out in another year. “I am not looking toward that with any enthusiasm, William. I am not sure that I will be ready even a year from now.”

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “I thought now that you do not have to fear being guided by Miss Bingley that you would be filled with anticipation for that happy event,” he teased her.

“William, that is not funny,” Georgiana said in exasperation. “The thought of being presented at court and then having to attend all the balls and parties is rather frightening. Especially the dancing.”

“Your dancing master says that you do quite excellently, dearest. He, at least, has no fear, and I have seen you myself when you danced with Fitzwilliam or myself.”

She looked at him anxiously. “That was different. Those were at small parties of families and friends, and you and Richard were the only partners I have had. But what . . . what if no one wants to dance with me when I come out?”

Darcy chuckled, “Georgie, the problem is not going to be dealing with an empty dance card but rather how to fit all the requests into a fixed number of spaces.” He sighed in relief. “At least I won’t have to try to weed out the fortune hunters all by myself. I daresay that Elizabeth can spot one as he enters the room. Yes, I am indeed fortunate.”

“That’s another thing that distresses me, William. How can I tell? I know I’m not beautiful like Elizabeth or Miss Bennet. If someone pays attention to me, how will I ever know whether he is after me or my fortune?”

Darcy patted her hand. “Don’t talk like that, dearest, you are quite a lovely young woman already and will grow more so. As for knowing a young man’s intentions, I cannot say it will be easy. Just remember to take your time, listen to your own heart, and listen to Elizabeth and myself, especially Elizabeth.”

The sound of the bell at the door alerted him. “And now, I believe, your visitors are arrived,” he said.

As they waited for Elizabeth and Jane to be shown to the parlor, Darcy laid his hand on Georgiana’s. “Georgiana,” he said earnestly, “we haven’t spoken of this before, but do not feel that you are being forced into coming out next year. If you desire to wait, speak to me. I will not attempt to force you when you have reservations.”

Georgiana quickly leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, William,” she told him, her spirits much relieved.

Elizabeth looked at the exterior of the Darcy house with great interest as she stepped down from the carriage. She was most curious, since this was the house where she would live once she and William were married, and she rather dreaded finding that she would be living in a version of Rosings.

William. She tasted that word in her mind, wondering at the newness of it and yet also wondering at how it seemed to suit him so very well. She had thought of him as ‘Mr. Darcy’ for so long that it seemed as if it ought to feel strange to call him anything else, at least at first. Yet he already seemed so very much a ‘William.’ It was all very strange how so many things that would have seemed unthinkable just weeks ago were now becoming quite accepted and even expected in her own mind. Things such as living in this house before her, built to a larger and more expensive scale than her own home of Longbourn. Of being Mistress of that house and Darcy’s even larger estate in Derbyshire. Of making her new home in those places and not returning to Longbourn, except at some undefined time in the future when she would then be a visitor. Yet she was beginning to accept it, to expect it, and even to anticipate it. She felt a chill run down her spine at the scandalous thought of departing each night to her own bedchamber, where her husband might join her to claim his marital rights. She knew and accepted that such was only right and proper, but the thought of sharing her bed with another person, a man, and the mysterious things that they would do there was quite disconcerting. And also quite exciting, as she felt yet another tingle run up and down her spine.

She climbed the steps with Jane to the door and rang the bell, stepping back to continue her study of the house. The house was one of several, all appearing to have been built at about the same time and of the same fashion. It was larger than her uncle’s house on Gracechurch Street, but not of especially elegant or ornate design. The outside was of fitted stone blocks, the windows were many and well sized, and the number of stories was four. The door was of thick carved wood but not elaborately so. It was impressive but not as impressive as she might have imagined.

An older man dressed in somewhat old-fashioned black formal dress opened the door and bowed to them as they entered. “Good morning, ladies,” he greeted them. “You are the Miss Bennets, I presume? Miss Georgiana is awaiting you in the parlor.”

As he led them down the hall, Elizabeth had a chance to glance inside several other rooms. One was obviously the library, with the bookshelves heavily laden with books from floor to ceiling, while another was obviously used as a music room, dominated by a massive pianoforte. What she was able to see of these rooms left her with an impression of being furnished with well-made and well-finished furniture that was oriented more towards functionality and comfort than towards being overly decorative.

Darcy was sitting with his sister when she and Jane were shown into the room, and Georgiana crossed to each girl to share a quick embrace and a kiss on the cheek. Elizabeth was surprised at the warmth and familiarity of the greeting, but she remembered that Jane was actually more familiar with her, having spent considerable time with her during the past eventful week. Darcy waited for his sister to finish her greeting, and when Elizabeth turned to him, she was again taken aback at the intensity of his dark eyes as they gazed into her own. With her own gradually increasing familiarity with his expressions, she could easily recognize the warmth and the total approval in his expression. She wondered if her newfound recognition was due to her own increased sensitivity and familiarity with his expressions or whether he was simply expressing himself more openly in the familiar environs of his own home and family. But while she was bemused by her thoughts, he was greeting her with a warm smile, bowing and raising her fingers to bestow the lightest of kisses on them. She smiled in return, cheered by his usual warmth and gallantry, and she could not help but wonder if this would be his normal reaction to her. Surely he will become more informal as we grow more accustomed to each other, she thought, but in the meantime it is really quite nice to be treated in such a manner. Life with this most complex and perplexing man promised many rewards and many challenges, and Elizabeth was certain that the coming months and years would be far from dull.

Darcy excused himself after only a few minutes to keep his appointment at his solicitor’s office, and the three ladies were left to themselves. After their conversation about music the previous night, Elizabeth was very interested in hearing Georgiana play and sing, but the younger girl suggested a tour of the house first and music later. Accordingly, the housekeeper, Mrs. Taylor, was summoned, since Georgiana explained that her brother wanted the housekeeper and Elizabeth to confer on any changes which Elizabeth might desire to make in her own rooms.

When Mrs. Taylor arrived, Georgiana introduced her to Elizabeth and Jane, who greeted her most cordially. “I am very pleased to meet you both,” the older woman responded with a curtsey before she turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy gave me quite explicit instructions to take the best care of you. He wanted me to take special notice of any changes that you might like to make in your own chambers.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Taylor,” Elizabeth responded with a smile, “and I shall keep that in mind. But I am not disposed to change for the sake of change, and, since everything I have seen of the house thus far has been quite impressive, I believe that I shall require considerable thought before I start recommending changes.” While Elizabeth had only seen a few rooms, the taste and elegance of what she had seen was very much to her liking, and she expected the same from the rest. Most importantly, at least from her view, was that there was absolutely no similarity in this house to the overly ornate décor of Rosings.

Mrs. Taylor smiled back at the friendly young woman, already impressed that she did not appear to be one of those elegant and fashionable ladies of society who treated the staff like serfs. Many of those ladies would have jumped at the opportunity to completely redecorate the house in order to put their own stamp on it. She had worked for the Darcy family since she was a young girl, coming to the house after she married her Henry, one of the very junior grooms at Pemberley. She had been recognized over the years for her talents and sense, and, after her husband’s death, she had become the housekeeper of Darcy’s London house, a position of considerable prestige and trust. She was confident of her position in the household, but she appreciated being treated with the dignity due that position.

Elizabeth was greatly interested as Georgiana showed them through the various public rooms of the house and then took them upstairs to show the private areas. Her first stop was the room intended to be Elizabeth’s new sleeping chamber, and, as she had expected, it was very much to her liking.

“I understand that it has been little changed since my mother’s death,” Georgiana told them, “though I really cannot remember. I was only five when she died.”

“It is perfectly delightful,” said Elizabeth, and Jane echoed her sentiments. The color scheme was a light green with trim in wood and wallpaper that, when Elizabeth looked closer, appeared to be in much better condition than was likely for a room that had not been used in more than ten years. Mrs. Taylor smiled as she observed Elizabeth’s close inspection, and she offered, “The room was cleaned up and readied for use earlier this year at the master’s direction, Miss Elizabeth.” She smiled at the other’s quizzical expression. “I suppose we should have realized that the master’s attention had been captured by some young lady when we received that unusual request, but none of us at the time suspected anything.”

Georgiana and Jane both smiled at Elizabeth’s sudden blush at yet another reminder of the direction that Darcy’s mind had been taking these past months, but she said nothing as she entered the dressing area. “Everything is not only more elegant but also much larger than I had expected,” she said to her sister. She pointed at the extensive closet, which was easily large enough to hold scores of dresses. “I cannot imagine ever needing so much room.”

“I suspect that you will need to purchase a good many more dresses than you know, Elizabeth,” Georgiana said slyly from behind her. “And I volunteer to be your guide to make sure you know all the best shops!” The three ladies laughed gaily and continued their tour in good humor.

Mrs. Taylor was quite interested in the ease and liveliness of the young Miss Elizabeth as she accompanied the ladies on their tour. She had obviously formed a bond of friendship with Miss Georgiana, and her sister was certainly exceedingly polite and pleasant. Her opinion of Miss Elizabeth, at least on first meeting, was favorable. The lady seemed to possess both sense and manners, though it would take more experience to make a full judgment. After receiving her instructions from Mr. Darcy this morning, she had been consumed with curiosity to meet the young lady who had attracted the master’s interest and who would be the Mistress of his household after their marriage. The character of this lady would also be a matter of some interest among the staff, though Mrs. Taylor was determined to ensure that interest never degraded into speculation and gossip. This was, after all, the Darcy household, and such unseemly behavior was not countenanced.

When they had finished the tour of the house and released Mrs. Taylor to her other duties, Georgiana ordered tea sent to the music room. There she consented to play for Elizabeth and Jane, after which she successfully enticed Elizabeth to take her own turn, and the rest of the morning passed most pleasantly.

While Georgiana sat with Elizabeth at the pianoforte playing the parts of a duet for the amusement of Jane, a knock sounded at the door and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered. Elizabeth stood up to greet him as he immediately walked over to join them. “Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth,” he said, bowing to each lady, “we meet again and so soon. Williams told me that Georgie had company, but I certainly did not know you both were here.”

Turning back to Elizabeth and lowering his voice to a stage whisper so that all could hear, he said teasingly, “I hope you are making sure that Georgie is getting her full measure of practice, Miss Elizabeth. You know how Lady Catherine worries that she may slacken off, and she was most specific that Darcy should ensure that she practices every day!”

Georgiana giggled, “Richard, stop that! You have been using Aunt Catherine to scare me with for years, and I must admit that I thought her quite fearsome. But now that Elizabeth is here, that will no longer work – she has promised to protect me when she next comes to visit.”

“And so she shall, cousin, for she is quite fearless,” said Fitzwilliam, sitting down with the ladies. “I watched with considerable amusement as she would listen to our aunt’s many suggestions, which are often offered without pause for hours on end, and respond by offering a contrary point of view that quite disconcerted her ladyship. Darcy and I have for years simply listened to Lady Catherine’s many comments without response, preferring avoidance rather than challenge. But Miss Elizabeth would have none of that!”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam!” laughed Elizabeth. “You make me sound quite formidable, and I have been trying to impress Georgiana with my amiability. You shall leave her quite confused, I am sure.”

“But you are formidable,” responded Fitzwilliam cheerfully. “Have you not shown yourself equally adept at dealing with Georgiana’s most impulsive brother?” Georgiana giggled at this comment, which made Elizabeth glance at her curiously. Obviously, the cousins were sharing a private jest, but her curiosity was soon forgotten as Fitzwilliam’s usual intelligent and amiable conversation quickly moved to other topics. He soon beseeched Elizabeth and Georgiana to play for him, saying that all too soon the both of them would be spirited off to the wilds of Derbyshire, leaving none to entertain a penniless and friendless Colonel of horse cavalry. Georgiana giggled again, and she and Elizabeth played several pieces for him, several together and others singly, all to effusive compliments from Colonel Fitzwilliam and more restrained but no less admirable compliments from Jane. At last, as they finished a particularly difficult piece without any major errors, the general compliments were supplemented by a hearty round of applause from the doorway.

Twisting around on the bench, Georgiana and Elizabeth saw that Darcy and Bingley had come into the room while they were playing and had observed silently from the doorway until they were finished. “Bravo! Well done indeed,” said Darcy, showing again one of his rare smiles that Elizabeth was coming to appreciate more, especially as they seemed mostly directed her way. She could not help but be pleased that she appeared to have such a salutary effect on her future husband, as it promised much for the future, and Darcy’s greeting of her was as warm as that in the morning. Bingley quickly crossed to Jane and seated himself by her, while Darcy sat on the couch beside Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“It appears that your morning has passed quite agreeably,” said Darcy, pleased and encouraged by the cheerfulness and lack of restraint he had already observed in his sister.

“Very much so, sir,” said Elizabeth. “Your sister has been a most charming hostess. And you were quite accurate in describing her as quite proficient at her play. She has both skill and a feel for the music that makes her presentation a complete delight.” Georgiana flushed slightly, pleased by the compliment but subject to her usual reserve in being made a center of attention. Elizabeth noticed and leaned over to clasp her hand, “Though we shall have to work more on accustoming her to receiving compliments with more grace, for she shall certainly be most effusively complimented once more have the opportunity to hear her!” That made Georgiana blush furiously, pleased and apprehensive at the same time, but Elizabeth gave her hand another squeeze and a warm smile, drawing at least a slight smile from the shy girl.

“And where have you taken yourself off to this fine morning, Darcy?” queried Fitzwilliam.

“Bingley accompanied me while I visited my solicitor to consult on marriage agreements and the special license for myself and Elizabeth. He shall soon be preparing for his own wedding, though he has more time at his disposal.” A sudden thought struck him, as he realized that Fitzwilliam was ignorant of the problems with Elizabeth’s father. “I believe that I have not informed you that a date has been settled on, Fitzwilliam. We shall be married on this coming Saturday.”

Fitzwilliam suddenly grinned hugely, and offered, “Capital, my good cousin, simply capital! Impulsive to the last, I see!” Elizabeth was amazed to see Darcy blush a deep red, and she was almost equally surprised at Fitzwilliam’s vast amusement at that and Georgiana trying to stifle her giggling beside her. She looked curiously at Darcy, who suddenly would not meet her eyes, and Fitzwilliam leaned forward to ask Elizabeth slyly, “Perhaps you might like to take a walk with me in the garden while Darcy recovers, and I can play the part of a helpful cousin to give you some background on the impulsive Darcy family. It is information that you will very much need to know in the trying years to come!”

“Fitzwilliam!” growled Darcy, but his cousin’s smile did not falter, and Darcy sighed and closed his eyes. He had hoped to at least make this a private conversation between him and Elizabeth, but his hope had not been especially optimistic, given Fitzwilliam’s promise earlier.

“Will you relent, cousin?” he asked in exasperation, but his cousin only shook his head in denial. “Very well, then,” Darcy said with a sigh. He had hoped to tell this to Elizabeth in a more confidential setting, but he could see that was not to be. Even Bingley and Jane were interested as he began, “You may have noticed, Elizabeth, that Richard quite enjoys teasing me. You have probably also noticed that both myself and my sister tend to be somewhat reticent. No, do not deny it,” he said, as he saw Elizabeth start to protest. “I know it is so. It might have been different if my mother had lived, but even then it might have turned out much the same. We Darcys,” he smiled, “are not known to be great conversationalists.”

“However,” he said with a warning glance at Fitzwilliam, who appeared ready to interject a comment, “we Darcys are also known, at least among the family, to be somewhat . . . impulsive. My cousin enjoys relating the story of how my father courted my mother as an example of how . . . unconventional . . . the Darcy side can be, when in so many other respects we are the opposite.”

Elizabeth, remembering their acquaintance, colored slightly but said nothing as Darcy sat back in his chair and continued, “My father first met my mother when he visited the home of a friend from Cambridge, the elder son of the Earl of Matlock and the present holder of that title. My father was a young man of five and twenty, but my mother was then only sixteen and not yet out in society. He immediately . . . ”

“And impulsively!” interjected Fitzwilliam.

“ . . . lost his heart to her, and, after considering the matter for a few hours, determined to speak to her father that very day. That very daunting person was considerably shocked and more than a little affronted when my father informed him of his feelings and of his intention to offer marriage to his daughter at a future date when it would be acceptable. Then, since she was not due to be presented for some two years, he further informed the Earl that he was cognizant of the fact that any attentions on his part at the present time would be wholly unacceptable and that he would accordingly remove himself from their home. The family was upset, and some thought was given to ordering my father’s friend to sever the acquaintance, but, since the Darcy family was wealthy and prominent, it was decided to let the matter lie and act as events unfolded.

“My father thus did not see my mother for two years, until after she was presented at court. Then, on the day following, he again presented himself to the Earl and confirmed his intention to seek my mother’s hand in marriage. The Earl, though considerably surprised by his most unconventional approach but impressed by his constancy and determination, at length assented to allow him to make his presentation. But he informed my father that he would not yet allow my mother to respond, since she was only then starting her first season. Accordingly, he accompanied my father to his daughter’s presence, where my father formally offered his hand in the presence of the Earl and then went away as previously determined without any response being allowed from my mother.

“My mother then enjoyed the various events attendant on a young girl’s season, and my father had numerous occasions to see her in society, for he quite immersed himself in the social life which he normally avoided. My mother had several requests from young men to court her, and her family induced her to accept the court of one quite eligible young man. For three months, this young man courted my mother and eventually made an offer, but she politely declined, since, as she later told my father, she had already decided to accept his offer when he should be allowed to make it again. She evidently had no doubt of his dependability, despite the fact that she did not even lay eyes on him for those three months and had thus no idea of what might be occurring in his life. Eventually, at the end of the season and with the other courtship over, my father was allowed to court her.”

Darcy smiled as he glanced over at Elizabeth. “The courtship lasted a grand total of three days, at which time he again tendered his offer, she accepted, and the Earl’s consent was somewhat reluctantly given. It was, you see, a good but not a splendid match.”

Elizabeth, interested but not sure how to interpret this information, at length was moved to a teasing mood. “I suppose, sir, that this history is offered as evidence of the eccentricities of the Darcy family?”

Darcy smiled at her. “It is rather offered as an example of the lengths we Darcys will go.” To this rejoinder, Elizabeth could not help but laugh, which was joined by the whole party, especially Colonel Fitzwilliam. Both parties most immediately concerned also had pleasure from the conversation, Elizabeth from having additional evidence that Darcy had at least a semblance of a sense of humor, while Darcy had the pleasure of her laugh, which gave him such exquisite enjoyment.

Chapter 22

Darcy had returned home the previous night to find that he had received a reply from Lord Matlock that he and his wife would be available at one o’clock. He was working his way through his back correspondence when the clock struck twelve, and he sent word to Johnson that he would be departing immediately. He then went in search of his cousin, finding him sitting in the rear garden with Georgiana and her two friends, all of whom were laughing at one of his myriad of stories. Darcy was never able to determine to what degree his cousin mixed truth and fiction in the tales he related of his many and varied exploits in the service of his King, but he did know that his cousin could not have survived to this date if even a quarter of them were to be believed.

“I’m sorry to interrupt yet another sterling saga, cousin,” he said as he entered the garden, “but I must borrow you immediately if we are to reach your parent’s home by one.”

“But Darcy, I was just getting to the climax! You cannot leave the ladies in suspense, man!”

“Ladies,” Darcy said firmly, “you must excuse my cousin, and he may complete his tale at another date. Of course, it is possible that his continuation will bear no resemblance to what he has related thus far, possibly because he makes it up as he goes along. But that you shall have to judge for yourself.”

“William,” Georgiana laughed, “do not speak so of our cousin. If he had not been a younger son and thus unable to buy more than a lieutenant’s commission, he would undoubtedly be a general by now!”

“You see?” said Fitzwilliam, rising to his feet and preventing his sword from clattering with the instinctive motion of one who has worn such a weapon daily for more than ten years. “At least one of the Darcy family appreciates my service to my sovereign!”

In truth, Darcy knew that Fitzwilliam’s service had indeed been valuable, because he knew that the previous Lord Matlock had actually offered to buy his son a majority at seventeen and a colonelcy at twenty, but Richard had refused, accepting only a lieutenant’s commission. His other promotions had occurred through accomplishment, and he had seen a goodly share of action on the continent, in Spain and the Netherlands. But Fitzwilliam did not voice that aloud in gentle society, preferring to pose as a gentleman soldier rather than the experienced professional that he was.

“Sweetling,” Darcy said to Georgiana, leaning over to kiss her on her cheek, “enjoy yourself this afternoon. Remember, I am depending on you to make sure that Elizabeth purchases what is needed. If I am any judge of her character, I predict that she will protest that she surely will never need so much and will be quite reluctant to spend my money. I hope you will be able to convince her of the futility of such a course.” Elizabeth looked at him in confusion, for his face was perfectly serious, and it was only the sound of the stifled giggle from Georgiana that let her know that the unpredictable Darcy was teasing her.

“Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed. “If you do not stop this immediately, we shall have to reveal to the world that you actually do have a sense of humor!” Georgiana laughed aloud, and Darcy gave a slow smile while Elizabeth considered him with her chin cupped in her hand and one finger tapping on her cheek. “It is a warped and droll sense of humor, to be sure, and I am sure you will not be allowed in any of your clubs once it is made generally known,” she said with an intent seriousness equal to his own.

Darcy threw up his hands. “I surrender, madam! I should have known not to joust with you, and I yield the field to attend to family duties.” He turned to Fitzwilliam, “Richard, we must be off, before I decide that my chances would be improved with your parents if I left you behind.”

Fitzwilliam laughed in good humor before both men bade the ladies farewell and departed.

As Darcy and his cousin entered the small sitting room where Lord and Lady Matlock were having tea, he could only hope that this interview would go more favorably than his interview with Mr. Bennet. He had acquainted Fitzwilliam during the drive with a summary of that uncomfortable session, and his cousin had clucked in disapproval at Mr. Bennet’s thoughtlessness.

But now Darcy had to deal with this interview, and as he greeted his uncle and aunt, he was unable to predict their reaction. Lord Matlock took seriously his position as head of the family, and he had often urged Darcy to have a care when he chose a wife, selecting with attention to both her fortune and the connections of her family. He had at times remarked that Anne De Bourgh would fit those categories handsomely, but he had not urged her selection with any great fervency. His wife was more of a possible ally than her husband, even though she herself came from a wealthy and landed family. Her good sense and optimistic nature had proved invaluable in guiding the rearing of the four Fitzwilliam brothers, three still living, and the single Fitzwilliam sister, all of them inheriting in full their father’s decisive and dominant nature. No wonder Fitzwilliam had made a good soldier, thought Darcy, and no wonder his brother Henry had made a considerable name for himself as a captain of one of His Majesty’s frigates. Their competitive family life well prepared them for open warfare with the French.

When both Darcy and Fitzwilliam had been served tea, Darcy addressed his uncle. “Sir, I have the honor to inform you that I am engaged to be married.”

Lord Matlock paused with his cup part way to his mouth. “Indeed, nephew? I have heard nothing. This is rather surprising, you know.”

“Impulsive might be a better term,” murmured Fitzwilliam, and Darcy’s didn’t even let his irritation at his cousin show. He had expected nothing else, and it was at least a relief that no part of the gossip in the paper had spread to Matlock.

“Who is the young lady, Darcy?” asked his more practical aunt.

“She is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a landowner in Hertfordshire that I met when I was visiting there with my friend Bingley last autumn.”

“Oh, yes, I remember him,” said Lady Matlock. “A very cheery young man. I just read that he was also newly engaged, to who was it . . . ” Her eyes opened as she made the connection in her mind.

“Yes, Aunt, to Miss Jane Bennet. Her sister.”

“How extraordinary,” said Lady Matlock, pouring herself another cup of tea.

Her husband had a frown on his face. “I do not know of this young lady, Darcy. But I remember that a friend remarked of the announcement of Bingley’s engagement that his intended had no fortune and her family was completely unknown.”

Darcy nodded. “That is true, uncle. Her father is a gentleman who owns a small estate, but Miss Elizabeth is essentially undowered.”

“A fortune hunter, then,” Lord Matlock stated firmly.

He was startled by the hoot of laughter from his son. “Hardly, father,” laughed Fitzwilliam, “I assure you, nothing could be farther from the truth!”

The frown never left Lord Matlock’s face as he turned his attention to his rather bewildering son. “I know of no way in which you could be sure, Richard,” he said sternly. “I remember one of my friends at Cambridge was engaged to the most charming young lady, came from a good family, everything looked perfect. Only shortly before the marriage did it come out that her father had essentially gambled away the family fortune and that the daughter was desperately trying to secure my friend’s fortune through marriage. But he wouldn’t believe it and married the lady, only to find out the truth when it was too late. An utter disaster, she sucked him dry.”

“Father,” his son said, leaning forward and fixing his father’s gaze. “I cannot speak of it, for it is a private matter, and you will have to take my word on this, but I am not just certain, I know, that such is not the case for Miss Elizabeth. I told Georgiana as much yesterday.”

Lord Matlock looked at his son in consideration but was disturbed by the soft laugh of his wife. “Give it up, James. If you had to pick a man to judge a woman’s heart, you could do much worse than choose your son. And, in any case, it does not matter. Look at Darcy! Can you not see it in his eyes? After all these years, he has at last made a choice of who to marry. He is eight and twenty, after all. If he does not marry the woman of his choice, he may well not marry at all.”

“Of course, he will marry,” said Lord Matlock. “He must, to secure an heir for the Darcy fortune.”

“Georgiana could provide an heir as easily as myself, uncle,” said Darcy. “And I might submit that I need neither fortune nor name from the woman I marry, for the Darcy family has a sufficiency of both. I will further offer that I would rather not marry than to marry without love, and Miss Elizabeth is the only young woman I have ever loved or likely will.”

“Believe him, father,” offered Fitzwilliam. “I know the lady, and she is indeed a good match for him in the qualities that truly matter.”

Lord Matlock looked at his son closely and detected none of his customary irony in his demeanor. He appeared to be completely serious. At last, Lord Matlock said, “Perhaps you are right, son. But even if you are, there still remains the matter of Darcy’s cousin Anne. The assumption in the family has long been that only Anne’s health prevented her marriage to Darcy. How will she take this?”

“Anne already knows, or at least has guessed,” said Fitzwilliam.

Darcy nodded. “I assure you that Anne will not be hurt by this, Uncle. She and I have often spoken of Aunt Catherine’s fixed and oft-repeated determination that we marry, but that determination was my aunt’s alone. Neither Anne nor I have ever desired a closer attachment than cousin, but we did not openly dispute my aunt in order to avoid overt disagreement.”

“A wise thought, cousin,” murmured Fitzwilliam, “I could escape to Spain and have only Bonaparte’s legions to deal with. Scotland would not be far enough for you to escape our aunt’s wrath.”

Lady Matlock had to stifle a smile at this comment, her amusement stirred by both her son’s irreverence and her husband’s predictable glare directed toward that same son.

“I have dispatched letters to my other relatives, including Aunt Catherine,” Darcy continued, “and the engagement will be announced in the Times. I have no doubt that my aunt will be upset, and I considered traveling to Rosings to inform her in person. I decided against it, due to my belief that she would not refrain from openly abusing Elizabeth, which I absolutely will not tolerate, and the result might be an open rupture of our relationship.”

Lord Matlock made no response to this, because, while he loved his sister, he could not deceive himself that she was so used to getting her own way that she was indeed likely to do just as Darcy predicted. An open insult of that sort could not be ignored, and Darcy was likely correct in his estimation of the result.

For his part, Darcy had decided against mentioning either the gossip at Rosings that had been the key link in this chain of events or the published item in the Chronicle. He hoped that the announcement in the Times would be sufficient to kill any further interest in that disreputable organ.

“Uncle, I will be hosting a small dinner party tomorrow night for the Miss Bennets, their family, and Bingley. I would be honored if you and my aunt would attend.”

Lord Matlock was rather reluctant to accede to this request, since the attendance of himself and his wife would be tantamount to official approval of the match, and he was not sure he was ready for that yet. He knew nothing of the lady beyond his son’s assurances, and he was desirous of a private talk with Richard before he went that far. While he was trying to phrase his rejection of the invitation, however, his wife disturbed his thoughts.

“James,” she said softly, putting her hand on his arm and leaning closer. “Remember, it is Darcy’s choice here. Not ours.”

“But Sophie, if we attend, it will be the same as saying that we approve of the match, and I’m not sure I’m ready to do so at this time.”

His wife just looked at him, not saying anything, but thirty years of marriage enabled him to read her thoughts as clearly as if spoken aloud. At length, he sighed in defeat. “Very well, Darcy, we would be pleased to attend.”

“Thank you, uncle,” said Darcy in relief. “Would seven o’clock be convenient?”

“Quite convenient, Darcy. We will see you then. Richard, if you would be so good as to linger, I’ll provide transportation to return you to Darcy’s house later.”

“Certainly, father,” Fitzwilliam responded easily, turning his head to give Darcy a wink where his father could not see it. “I’ll see you later in the evening, cousin.”

Darcy bid the three of them farewell and departed. He was somewhat troubled, since he knew that his uncle was still not settled in his mind about Elizabeth and wanted to interrogate his son, but that matter would have to be left to Richard’s discretion. His wink indicated that he was fully aware of his father’s intentions.

Mrs. Gardiner called shortly after Darcy and Fitzwilliam left in order to assist Elizabeth in arranging for a new gown for her wedding. She remained somewhat doubtful that the task could be accomplished in the available time, but soon the four ladies were ready to embark on their expedition. She suggested that they might go first to one of her own favorite shops, though she expressed doubt that they could complete a gown by Friday. Georgiana was rather reluctant to offer a differing point of view to Mrs. Gardiner, but the older woman quickly recognized that she had something to offer and was quick to solicit her opinion.

“I think I know a shop that might complete Elizabeth’s gown in time,” she said timidly. “I have had several dresses made there, and I know that others have commissioned dresses in very short periods of time.”

When she named the shop, Mrs. Gardiner was familiar with it. “I have heard of them, but they are frightfully expensive for even the most ordinary items.”

“My brother was most adamant that I should make Elizabeth spend as much money as she needed,” offered Georgiana triumphantly. “And he said I should ignore her protests against spending so much!”

Mrs. Gardiner laughed as Elizabeth turned red and looked away. “That does sound like Elizabeth. We must be most careful to follow your brother’s advice, Miss Darcy.”

The owner of the shop recognized Georgiana immediately, and upon being informed that Elizabeth and Darcy were to be married on Saturday and that a new gown was desired in time for the wedding, was most insistent that the task could be accomplished in time. “If a suitable dress and fabric can be selected today,” he told them, “I can have the gown ready for a first fitting on Wednesday evening and a final fitting on Thursday. We will have it delivered to your hands by no later than Friday afternoon.”

Elizabeth started to ask how expensive this would be, but her aunt stopped her by laying her hand on her arm. Georgiana was obviously in her element when looking for clothes, and she quickly arranged with the owner for a room to be set aside for the ladies and a variety of different styles and materials made available for their perusal. Georgiana also gave instructions that all bills were to be sent to her brother, and that all necessary accouterments -- stays, chemise, stockings, garters, and slippers – were to be included. The owner was most solicitous and quickly escorted the ladies to a room along the side with several couches and low tables where they were able to make themselves comfortable while the various selections were prepared.

Soon, a procession of different dress styles and materials were being brought for their inspection. Tea was served as the seemingly unending stream of choices left Elizabeth quickly bewildered by the variety. But Georgiana and Mrs. Gardiner made an alliance, recommending certain dresses and materials be left for examination while others were rejected as unsuitable. Elizabeth was inclined towards simplicity of style, and that was taken into account, but Georgiana proved an excellent judge of what was currently fashionable while Mrs. Gardiner proved an equally excellent judge of what would look good on Elizabeth. Georgiana was unwavering that the cost of materials or sewing was of no significance for her new sister and would not even allow the subject to be brought up.

Jane, for her part, mostly watched the others, seldom offering a comment, since she thought Elizabeth looked lovely in everything and was thus useless in making any decisions. Her only concern was her sister’s happiness, and, since Elizabeth was in good spirits, she was content. She had been worried by what Elizabeth had told her of the manner in which her engagement was accomplished, but, since her younger sister was determined not to be distressed by matters that could not be changed, Jane was accordingly happy with a day spent with such agreeable companions.

Mrs. Gardiner was skillful in finding common ground between Georgiana’s fashion-oriented suggestions and Elizabeth’s desire for simplicity, and by four o’clock an elegant gown to be sewn in pale green silk had finally been selected. Elizabeth was quickly measured for the gown, after which the selection of the other items was similarly accomplished. By five o’clock, all arrangements were complete, appointments made for fittings, and the carriage had been summoned. Before it was a quarter past the hour, the ladies were clattering back toward Darcy House, leaving Elizabeth feeling totally overwhelmed by the whole experience.

“I feel more exhausted than I would if I walked all the way back to Longbourn,” she complained. “I only sat on a couch and sipped tea and watched other people bring in items for my inspection, and I am completely done in!”

Georgiana laughed. “It was rather a whirlwind, but at least our task is accomplished. Or, at least,” she said slyly, “our main task, your wedding gown, is accomplished. Now we shall have to shop for the other things you will need to fill up your closet, Elizabeth.”

“Georgiana,” Elizabeth pleaded, “have mercy! I am overwhelmed, and I demand that we do no more shopping for at least one day. Else I shall have to talk to your brother of Gretna Green!”

“But Elizabeth, you will need to shop for Pemberley also,” Georgiana teased. “It gets very cold at Pemberley, and you will need fur-lined gloves, boots, cloaks, and bonnets, as well as any number of evening gowns for the opera, the theater, balls, and dinners.”

“Gretna Green, Georgiana!” Elizabeth threatened, to general laughter in the carriage.