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Chapter Eight

Posted on 2009-10-27

Elizabeth awoke to the unusual sensation of a finger running up and down her arm. Momentarily confused as to why Jane would do such a thing, she abruptly remembered that it was no longer her sister who shared her bed. Turning her head, she beheld her husband propped up on an arm looking at her.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to wake."

"Good morning," she said groggily.

"For a woman who professes to enjoy early morning constitutionals, you certainly slept later than I would have supposed."

"I was under the impression that a bride was given the benefit of the doubt as to how late she could sleep."

"Only when the groom awakens after she does. Did you sleep well?"

"Mmmm, yes. This is a very comfortable bed." Elizabeth's stomach rumbled.

"Is that a sign that we should get dressed and break our fast?" Darcy enquired.

Elizabeth laughed softly. "I think it is a good idea." Darcy made no effort to move. "Fitzwilliam, I thought you said you wanted breakfast."

"I did say that." He rolled onto his back and put his hands behind his head. "Just as I was beginning to anticipate relaxing in bed for the rest of the morning."

Seeing that he was not going to leave, Elizabeth was compelled to gain his attention.

"Fitzwilliam."

"Yes?"

"You need to go to your chambers to dress, and I need my maid."

"Why?"

Elizabeth bit her lip. "I need to refresh myself."

"Oh ... Then I shall leave you. Let me ring for your maid. Shall I order extra water be made ready?"

"Yes, please, on both counts."

Almost immediately after Darcy left, Marie entered Elizabeth's chambers. Elizabeth guessed that the maid had been at the ready for her summons, since she, too, had anticipated Elizabeth's needs and had already requested that water be prepared for her mistress's use.

Refreshed and dressed, Elizabeth had a few minutes to herself before Darcy came to escort her downstairs. She knew she needed time to reflect on the astonishing discovery of her altered feelings. There was a part of her that rejoiced in her newfound love; how much richer her life suddenly seemed! How could it be a bad thing to be in love with one's husband? But another part of her – the dispassionate, logical Elizabeth who had accepted Darcy's proposal – sounded a warning. Her romantic love for her husband was an entirely unexpected complication; it could directly affect her marriage. Darcy could be displeased, or even reject her love. It was not part of their agreement; their union was to be built on friendship and compatibility. If she told him of her feelings, would their friendship survive? Could she spend the rest of her life loving a man, being daily at his side, with no assurance that he would, or even could, reciprocate?

With such thoughts floating through her mind, she decided that, for now, it would be prudent to say nothing until she could better ascertain the potential ramifications to their relationship. To do that, she needed to know if Darcy had considered whether love might play a part in their marriage. She believed she understood her husband's character in general, but admitted she knew little of him in the specific. She had time to become better acquainted with him and with her new situation – as his wife and in her love for him – before she would tell him how dear he had become. It was better that she understood what he thought and what she felt, so that when the time came, she would be better prepared to confess all – and to accept the consequences.

At breakfast, Elizabeth asked Darcy what he had planned for the day.

"I hoped that you would accompany me on an excursion this morning."

"Where to?"

"I ordered something made for you. I wanted it to be delivered before the wedding, but it was not finished. However, a note came yesterday to say that it was ready for inspection."

"What is it?"

"That, Mrs. Darcy, is a surprise."

No matter how hard Elizabeth tried, she was unable to compel Darcy to reveal where they were bound. It was only when their carriage stopped at its destination that Darcy explained their errand.

"This is a furniture maker's shop, one of the most fashionable in Town. Before I returned to Hertfordshire for the wedding, I commissioned a piece for you – and that is all I will tell you until we see it."

Once inside, the Darcys were shown a large, exquisitely rendered writing desk. Elizabeth was delighted with its subtle and sophisticated lines.

"Do you like it?" Darcy asked, though there was little doubt of Elizabeth's affirmation present in his voice.

"Yes, it is a lovely piece. Thank you."

"I believe it will be perfect for your rooms."

"I was thinking the same. You anticipated my tastes very well."

"Good. Then I will have them proceed with the rest of the order."

"You ordered more?"

"Yes, of course. You said that you wished to redecorate your rooms. I assumed you meant furnishings for your sitting room as well as your bedchamber. I noted which pieces seemed to delight you most when you toured the house and I considered what would compliment what we already have. The owner here is a much sought-after craftsman. I felt it important to initiate an order so your rooms would be complete when we return for the season. Indeed, part of my reason for bringing you here today is to finalize the selection of pieces for your sitting room."

Elizabeth was not entirely certain she was pleased with her husband's presumptions in proceeding without her participation. However, she did admit his tastes matched hers, and she would most likely have picked what he had, or at least something very similar. Deciding it was prudent to graciously accept his initiative on her behalf, she pushed her annoyance to the back of her mind, and with Darcy's help, decided on the pieces to complete the order.

The skies were clear and the air brisk as they journeyed back to their townhouse. Inside the carriage, Darcy told Elizabeth of his plans for the next few days.

"I know we talked of going to Brighton on Thursday, but we will delay our departure until Monday."

"Is there a reason for the change?"

To Elizabeth's amazement, her husband appeared to be blushing. "I, err ... I had hoped that our first time together as husband and wife would be in our own house. You said you would be able to ... I believe a week is sufficient for that purpose?"

She knew she should take pity on her clearly disconcerted husband, but Elizabeth enjoyed watching his discomfort too much to rescue him just yet.

"Is a week's time enough?"

"Enough time for what?" she asked, not quite innocently.

"Elizabeth, please!"

She laughed merrily. "Yes, unless this is the second time this week my body decides to be uncooperative."

"Thank you. Are you finished teasing me?"

"For now, Fitzwilliam."

He answered with a groan.

Once home, they retreated to the familiar setting of the library. She and Darcy had discussed the need to become better acquainted with each other during this less pressured time, and Elizabeth was determined to make the most of the few weeks they would have together in relative privacy.

"Fitzwilliam, will you tell me some of the memories you have of this room? I would like to know more of your past."

"Hmmm. Let me see. A fond memory?"

"As you like."

"I remember when I was a lad of about eleven. We were in Town for the season. I came in search of a book my father had spoken to me about the previous evening and discovered my mother sitting where you are now. She asked what I was looking for and then told me where to find it. When I had the book in hand, she invited me to sit with her while we both read.

"Of course, I was more than happy to accede. Before I knew it, my eyes grew heavy, and I lay down with my head in her lap. She would let me do that from time to time. I noticed a change in her, her belly was much larger than I remembered, and I asked her about it. That was when she told me she was with child. I do not think I have a happier memory of my mother than that day."

Elizabeth looked affectionately at her husband. He was far away, lost in his thoughts.

"Thank you for sharing that with me."

Darcy gave her a small smile. "And what of you? Tell me, what memories does a library bring to mind?"

"A room like this will always remind me of my father. Other than our meals together, I think I saw my father most in the company of his books. What education we were given beyond the rudimentaries of reading, writing and mathematics, came at the direction of Papa. He encouraged the honest pursuit of knowledge, never discouraging my desire to learn."

"He was your teacher, then?"

"More my advisor. He pointed out books he thought I might find beneficial, but he always left it to me to apply myself." Elizabeth thought better of her statement. "No, that is not entirely true. He did teach me French. He decided the study of another language required active participation on his part, if I were to learn how to speak it and not just to read it."

"Do you know any other languages besides English and French?"

"I can muddle my way through some German and Italian, but I can hardly be described as a proficient."

"Would you like to learn either better?"

"Yes, but I fear I have little time to properly apply myself to that study. Just learning to be your wife is more than enough of a challenge for me at present. After the season, perhaps?"

"I will secure masters for any subject you wish."

"You are most generous. I thank you." Elizabeth was touched by her husband's solicitude, but was yet again amazed at how easily all things were settled by the very rich. She had vaguely understood that she would never want for anything as Darcy's wife, but that understanding had not included the knowledge that whatever she desired could be hers as well, with little more thought than she had previously given to buying ribbons.

"It is nothing. You are Mrs. Darcy, after all."

After dinner, they retired to the music room, where Elizabeth played for her husband.

"I can assure you that one thing I will do to prepare for the season is apply myself to practise!" Elizabeth exclaimed after a mistake-filled rendition of a Mozart sonata.

"I was prepared to censor the pianoforte, not the pianist. It must be a year since I last had it tuned."

"You are being very gallant. While I will concede that the pianoforte is in need of some attention, that in no way excuses my failure to practise. I think it prudent that I forgo improving my German until I can better demonstrate on this instrument."

"Very well," Darcy laughed, "but I reserve the right to enjoy the fruits of your efforts as well as occasionally indulging myself by listening to your 'creative' fingerings."

Elizabeth laughed back and began to play another piece, this time purposefully making mistakes.

Unable to hide his amusement and his reactions to the discordant notes, Darcy cried, "You have proven your point, madam."

Elizabeth smiled and finished the song without error.

"Do you intend to often torment me like that?"

"Only when you provoke me."

Darcy abruptly changed the subjects. "Elizabeth, tomorrow the decorators will bring fabrics for your rooms and the furniture you selected today."

"So soon?"

"We will not be in Town long."

"When did you arrange this? We have hardly been out of each other's company."

"Before the wedding, of course. You did tell me you wished to redecorate. Are you displeased?"

Elizabeth paused, willing her annoyance with his presumption to subside. "Not at all. I am only surprised that you took the trouble."

"You will quickly discover that I am a man of action. Once I come to a decision, I waste little time. I asked you to marry me the day after I decided to do so."

"I begin to comprehend that, sir. Still ..."

"Still?" There was a trace of annoyance in his voice.

"You are my husband and I recognise that you have authority over me. I ask only that on matters directly affecting me that you demonstrate your respect by asking my opinion on the subject before you make a decision."

"Ordering furniture without your knowledge was not meant to demonstrate my newly granted position, Elizabeth. I only wanted to please you. I thought it would be a pleasant surprise." Darcy seemed genuinely puzzled.

"Yes, in many ways it was." Elizabeth paused, choosing her words carefully. She wanted her husband to understand. "It was very considerate of you to attend to my needs in this manner. Do not mistake me, Fitzwilliam, I very much approve of your choices and will be perfectly content with them in my rooms. Every day I reside in this house, I will see what we ordered this morning. I would have preferred to have a say in the original decision, as a matter of principle. Can you comprehend why something that affects me so intimately is my concern as well as yours?"

Darcy considered Elizabeth's words. "I have answered to no one since my father died. Your request is reasonable, and I will consult you, as I am able. However, I cannot promise to always oblige you. Situations might arise that make it impractical or even impossible. The habit is deeply ingrained and will not be discarded overnight."

"I understand, and I appreciate your assurances. I fully expect your memory will fail you from time to time, and I must learn to accept that, just as I must learn to accept many other things now that I am your wife." Elizabeth smiled, to remove any sting that her words might imply. "I am, perhaps, as unaccustomed to someone making decisions on my behalf, however benignly, as you are in having someone question yours."

"Then tomorrow is acceptable for the decorators?"

"You do not give in easily, sir." Elizabeth laughed. "I will do my best to graciously accept your arrangements for expediting the improvement of my chambers."

On the last evening of the year, the Darcys marked the end of one year and the beginning of another with little fanfare. They sat, as usual, in the music room after dinner.

"At Longbourn tonight, Papa will gather all the household around the hearth and instruct them to hold hands. Just before midnight, he will stand next to the front door. When the clock begins to chime, he will open the door and hold it open until the last of the hour has struck."

"I have heard of others who do the same, though my father never did so at Pemberley."

"My father always complains of the cold draft. Each year he swears that the next year we would have a clock with a faster chime."

"Somehow I doubt he will follow through on his threats."

"Of course not. My mother has her nerves; he has a slowly chiming clock."

Darcy cocked his eyebrow. "It does not seem a fair comparison."

Elizabeth laughed. "You forget papa has the compensation of a thick library door. I assure you that when mama suffers from her nervous complaints, my father demands his solitude with his books."

"Indeed."

As Elizabeth softly laughed, she fingered the pearl necklace her husband had given her at Christmas.

"Fitzwilliam, you promised to tell me more about this necklace and why you wished that I wear it for our wedding."

"They were my mother's and my grandmother's before her. For the last five – now six – generations, every Darcy bride and every Darcy daughter has worn those pearls on her wedding day. One day, God willing, our daughters and the brides of our sons will wear them for their own weddings." Elizabeth put her hand on his. "But the pearls belong to the mistress of Pemberley. When we are at home there, I will show you the portraits of your predecessors. Each of the previous five chatelaines are wearing that necklace."

Then Darcy fingered the necklace nestled against Elizabeth's throat. "I have many memories of my mother wearing it. She told me that as she held me, I was quite fond of playing with the pearls when I was small. Actually, the necklace had to be restrung after I pulled too hard and broke it. We had quite a time hunting for all the loose beads. I remember laughing as I watched a hugely tall, immensely dignified footman crawling around on his hands and knees. Needless to say, Mother was not nearly as amused."

Darcy's mood became pensive. "It was the last time Mother allowed me to touch the necklace. Elizabeth, promise me that the pearls will grace your neck when you sit for your first portrait."

"I would not have it any other way."

The clock struck midnight, breaking the silence that had fallen. Darcy poured them each a glass of champagne.

"What is past is prologue.* To new beginnings."

The next days were a flurry of fabrics, colours, samples, and drawings. Elizabeth chose, with her husband's counsel, a green colour scheme for her rooms. The covering for the walls and for the sitting room furniture was selected, and Darcy proposed several paintings from the family's collection that could be hung.

The days were filled with improvements – to her rooms, and in the newlyweds' understanding of each other – but the nights continued to be chaste encounters. Once in her chambers, husband and wife did little more than share a glass of wine, talk, and then share a bed – but only to sleep.

Once again Elizabeth awoke in the middle of the night, enveloped in her husband's arms. Each night he asked to come to her, knowing that her time was not yet finished. Each night, they shared nothing more than a glass of wine and a quick, chaste kiss before snuggling against each other and falling asleep. Elizabeth was perplexed by her husband's seemingly passionless response to this most intimate position; it was such a contrast to his increasingly passionate kisses and caresses stolen at odd moments of the day.

As she lay enjoying the still-novel feeling of his embrace, it dawned on her that his indifferent demeanour in their bed was more a function of self- control rather than a lack of desire. She knew he preferred to wait to consummate their marriage until all traces of her courses had disappeared. The ride in the carriage after the wedding should have shown her how quickly the physical need could build between them. Just thinking about the effect of his touch caused her to tremble. The excitement of the unknown and, until now, the forbidden, along with her husband's kisses, made her impatient, and she once again cursed her body for making them wait. Still, the delay had given her time, for which she was now exceedingly grateful – time to re-evaluate her state of mind and her emotions.

Elizabeth had come to some decisions regarding her more intimate duties as a wife. Her mother had engaged her in a frank discussion about what to expect, and although thankful for her mother's candour, Elizabeth was not sure she would make the same choices as her mother. Elizabeth Darcy would not be a woman who turned her husband away from her bed, as she believed her mother eventually had, when there was no longer hope that Harriet Bennet would conceive a son.

Elizabeth believed that her physical relationship with her husband should not be defined solely by the need for a Darcy heir. She had the feeling, more intuition than experience, that it would be in the marriage bed where the two would forge and strengthen the bond without which they could not be true partners in life. Passion, certainly, would play its part; but what Elizabeth sought was intimacy of the mind as well as of the body, and she reasoned that could be achieved only when each opened completely to the other. Darcy may not wish to share all the burdens he carried, but she would help when and where he would allow it. Her relationship with Jane had taught her the value of a confidante. She would rely on her husband and hope that her husband would rely on her.

Had her opinion been all drawn from her own family, she knew she would not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort. But she also was privy to the excellent example of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, whose happiness and contentment in the marital state was undeniable. What she sought was not unobtainable, where respect, esteem, and confidence existed between partners.

But what of love?

Should it make any difference?

A good question. Darcy had never spoken of love; he had not changed his expectations of her. She was to be his companion, his wife, and the means by which the Darcy line would continue. How she approached him in the privacy of her own chambers would not affect that, whether she loved him or not. She was prepared to abandon the dictates of polite society when it came to being his lover. Should not her love for him be an even stronger inducement to overcome her maidenly modesty for his, their, pleasure?

Elizabeth decided that it was. She knew she loved him, and intrinsic to that love was a desire for his happiness. She only hoped that she had properly discerned what it was he wanted. Otherwise, in a few nights, she would be a very embarrassed bride, standing before her bridegroom.

On Saturday morning, Elizabeth knew that everything would change. Finally rid of the extra articles necessary for her modesty and comfort, Elizabeth's mood altered. Darcy noticed an increased flirtatiousness, and when he gathered the courage to enquire of their source, Elizabeth only teased him, explaining that although she had been feeling indisposed of late, now she felt invigorated. If he understood her unspoken message, he did not let on, and since he was not very forthcoming, then neither would she be. Two could play at that game.

That afternoon, Elizabeth practised on the pianoforte. Struggling with a particularly difficult passage, she stopped and grunted in frustration.

"Georgiana struggled with that piece, as well."

"Fitzwilliam! I did not hear you enter."

"I did not wish to disturb you. After your outburst, however, I thought you could use a distraction,"

Elizabeth laughed. "Come, sit by me. I take it your sister played. Little wonder you have such a fine instrument here."

Darcy brought a chair and sat next to her, close enough to turn the pages of the music. "I enjoyed providing Georgiana with the finest of everything."

"Did she play well?"

"Yes, very well. She devoted hours and hours to her music. I think she found her sanctuary in it. After Mother and Father died, she and I had few sources of amusement."

"You were lonely."

"I suppose we were. The rift between Aunt Victoria and the rest of the family too often placed my sister and me in the difficult situation of being in the middle."

Elizabeth saw the sadness that was still a part of him.

"Does my playing bring to mind memories best left forgotten?"

Darcy seemed puzzled until recognition dawned. "Oh, no! Not at all. I enjoy hearing you play. When you play the pieces that Georgiana loved, it reminds me of her as she was happiest, with her music. Georgiana is gone, but I have no desire to wipe her from my memory to or pretend she never existed. Remembering her happier times is a great comfort to me."

"You still miss her."

"Yes, obviously, and my parents as well – as you would miss your family if they were lost to you as mine are to me. Elizabeth, please, music brings joy and beauty to life. I want you to play whenever you wish. I want you to feel uninhibited when playing in my presence. Let us make good, new memories – to fade the unpleasant, old ones.

"We are just beginning to know and truly understand each other. I admit to you that before I came to Hertfordshire my life was increasingly lonely. I needed – wanted – someone to share it with me, and it was not long after I met you that I knew you would be my choice. People may wonder at our match, but let me assure you that I am satisfied we made the right decision to marry.

"And heavens, if I decided to stop enjoying everything my family loved because those things remind me of them, I would never get out of bed in the morning!"

Elizabeth listened intently to his words. She smiled and began to play a song from memory, a sweet simple tune. It was the perfect choice. Darcy looked at his wife, marvelling anew at her uncanny ability to understand and respond to him so perfectly and so completely.

That evening Marie laid Elizabeth's silk nightgown on the bed and hesitated to add a cotton one.

"You are correct, Marie," Elizabeth said, "I do not need that one tonight."

"I will bring the matching silk robe."

"No, not tonight. Leave a wool one."

"Madame?"

"Just for tonight. I must have some surprises for the master."

Marie raised an eyebrow. It was evident she understood Elizabeth's meaning. "Oui, Madame," she said, and smiled as she fetched the thick wool robe.

"You may go now. Goodnight, Marie."

"Mrs. Darcy?"

"Yes, Marie?"

Marie gave Elizabeth a shy smile. "Mr. Darcy will be very pleased."

"Thank you, Marie," came Elizabeth's soft reply.

"Bonne nuit, Madame."

As soon as Elizabeth was alone, all the nervousness she had tried to suppress came upon her in full force. Did she have the courage to do what she planned? Would her husband be pleased? She was quite ready for the glass of wine he would bring.

The knock came.

"Enter."

Darcy strode in, wine and glasses in hand. Elizabeth could tell that he was a little disappointed to again find her in her heavy robe.

Ah, you expected to see something quite different, did you not? Patience.

Elizabeth fought a small smile of triumph as Darcy sat in his usual chair and offered her the usual nightcap, which she accepted with an unusual eagerness that Darcy appeared not to notice. She rather quickly finished her wine, then stood, took two steps, and stopped. Darcy could see her hands fiddling with the ties of her robe.

She turned, stood directly in front of her husband, and very deliberately opened her robe, revealing the nearly transparent silken gown underneath, a wisp of a covering that left little to his imagination. She slowly shrugged off the robe, watching as his eyes widened. Elizabeth most definitely had Darcy's complete attention. His gaze roamed over her body, and she saw passion kindled in him.

"Fitzwilliam."

His eyes immediately returned to her face.

"Before we married, you spoke of a desire that our marriage be different from those of your peers. You said you wanted companionship and you offered me your honesty and respect. I gladly receive them from you. You spoke of one other thing. Do you remember?"

His eyes answered her.

Passion.

"I know what is expected from two people in our situation, what polite society says is proper behaviour. In the privacy of our own chambers, I do not believe that is what you want, nor is that what I wish."

Never taking her eyes from his, Elizabeth slid first one shoulder, and then the other out of their silky covering and let the garment fall to ground at her feet. Darcy's eyes slowly travelled down her now naked form and then back to her face.

"Are you pleased?" she asked in a near whisper. She felt as if she were blushing from her crown to her toes.

He gave her a tender smile and answered, "More than you can know."

Elizabeth shyly stepped towards her husband, silently praying fervently that her courage would not fail her. She undid Darcy's belt and removed his robe. He offered no resistance – although Elizabeth saw that he was trembling – as she reached for his nightshirt, then removed it. When she stepped back, she saw that he was looking at her intently, his gaze tinged with surprise and pleasure.

"Fitzwilliam, I know nothing of the arts of a woman. You must teach me. Omit nothing. I am, and will always be, yours alone to make into your ideal lover."

He hesitated only a moment before closing the distance between them and sweeping his wife into his arms.

Later, when at last they fell asleep embracing, Elizabeth Bennet was no more. That night, in her house in London, by the tender attentions of her husband, she was irrevocably ushered into womanhood. She had, truly and at last, become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

* Shakespeare, The Tempest – Act 2, Scene 1

Posted on 2009-10-30

Darcy woke to the exquisite feeling of flesh against flesh. If lying with a cotton-gowned Elizabeth had been agreeable, holding a naked Elizabeth, now truly his wife, was infinitely better.

She could not know that offering herself to him had been the single most erotic moment of his life. Even the memory of it caused a frisson of delight. He wanted to ride to his uncle's house and thank him for causing him to choose this woman as his wife. In his haste to both oblige his family by taking a wife and disoblige the Earl and Lady Catherine by choosing a woman of comparatively humble social standing, he had unwittingly chosen a treasure.

Last night as Elizabeth stood naked and willing before him, his first impulse was to carry her to the bed and immediately consummate their marriage, so lost was he in the passion she had unleashed. Fortunately, that compulsion did not have enough time to become action before her words took root in his mind.

Teach me.

Two simple words, one profound challenge. Even as he held her, he was at a loss how to proceed. How could he prove himself worthy of her trust in him in this most intimate act to come? Where should he start? She had done an admirable job thus far by offering herself so unconditionally. Darcy realised then that she had unwittingly demonstrated an innate knowledge of a truth it had taken him years to understand – in the physical union of a man and a woman, it was as gratifying to impart as it was to accept. Indeed, to give pleasure could bring even greater satisfaction than to receive it.

Elizabeth's offering was first and foremost an unselfish act, motivated by a desire to please him. He had almost selfishly taken, without thought of giving in return, and that would have been a betrayal of the absolute trust she had shown him. How could he be so insensitive? He was ashamed of himself, and it struck him so forcefully that he momentarily pulled away, confusing Elizabeth.

"What is wrong?" she asked.

Darcy could see the bewilderment on her face. He shook his head.

"Nothing. Forgive me, I was about to do something very foolish."

"What? Have I displeased you?"

"No, no." He kissed her again. "I am very pleased."

"Then why?"

Darcy recaptured her lips. "Shhh," he said against her mouth, "It is nothing. Concentrate on what is happening now, and what is to come."

That interlude had given him the restraint he needed to consider the task before him. The marriage bed could be something very beautiful for them and Elizabeth had asked him to make it so. The prospect was paradoxically both exciting and overwhelming.

She was a fresh canvas, ready to become a representation of the true beauty of the womanly form, and he was the unprepared artist.

He began to speak to her, urging her to talk to him, guiding her through their initial voyage of discovery. It was a slow and tender process; they had no demands on their time but their own. Before he allowed himself to finally make her his wife, he made sure she experienced the same release he knew he would soon have. Then, and only then, did he make Elizabeth his.

Sunlight was streaming through the windows when Elizabeth finally emerged from her slumber. She pulled the covers up under her chin to ward off the chill, and it was only then she discovered that she was alone. Disappointment coursed through her; she had not thought he would leave her for his own bed after all that had happened last night.

Feeling all the pain of his abandonment, she was startled when the door between their chambers opened, and her husband sauntered back into the room.

"You are finally awake! Good. I had some tea and toast brought up to us. More food will come when we call for it."

Darcy walked over to the bed and climbed back in. When he took off his robe, Elizabeth was shocked to see that he had no clothing on under it. She got an even greater shock when he lay down beside her.

"Your hands and feet are freezing!"

"Hmm, and I can think of no better way to warm them."

"Fitzwilliam! You are incorrigible."

"I know."

"Insufferable man! Where is the tea you spoke of?"

"In the other room."

"Are you going to bring it to me?"

"But it is so much colder away from you."

"The tea will warm you. Would you please bring it here?"

"If you insist. But I expect payment for my labour."

"Your price, sir?"

"You will discover it soon enough."

"Fitzwilliam, get the tea."

"Must I?"

"Yes. Go!"

Darcy reluctantly swung his legs out of bed. Pulling on his robe, he brought Elizabeth her tea. When they had finished, he took her cup and plate and laid the tray next to the bed.

"I believe I spoke of my wages."

"So you did. What do you have in mind?"

Darcy pulled the counterpane partially off her, and began to explore her thoroughly with his lips.

"Fitzwilliam," she hissed, though not at all displeased with his attentions. "It is daytime!"

"Yes, and I must admit you are even more breathtaking in the light of day."

"But it is not done!"

"I assure you, the amount of light in the room matters not. It is as delightful in light as it is in darkness."

"What would society think if they knew?"

"Frankly, I do not care. You did tell me last night that you did not want the expectations of our station to influence who we are – or what we do – in private."

Elizabeth bit her lip. "Yes, but I never imagined it would be during the day!"

"Elizabeth, stop thinking and feel."

"I ... I will try."

"And let me make one thing perfectly clear, Mrs. Darcy. Neither of us is going beyond our chambers today. So please disabuse yourself of any notion of the need to make an appearance downstairs. Today, you are mine, and I do not feel like sharing you with anyone. Have I made myself clear?"

"Perfectly, sir."

"Good. And now it is time to learn another lesson."

"What would that be?"

"Sometimes the best way to learn is by experimenting. I volunteer to be your subject."

"Very generous of you."

"Yes, it is. Now then, you may commence today's assignment."

Darcy had not been quite accurate in his prediction. He and Elizabeth did not emerge from their chambers until after noon the following day. Only their impending departure for Brighton the next morning could induce him to quit her presence, and he was sorely tempted to cancel the expedition altogether. But he had planned the trip for a reason. And so, at first light, they found themselves on the road to Brighton.

The house he had taken afforded a good view of the channel. Elizabeth could not see the water when they arrived, as it was past sundown, but she could hear the surf and smell the tang of the sea. The house had been built within the last five years and was situated in the most fashionable quarter of the town. The latter was one of its most redeeming qualities, and the main reason Darcy had chosen it.

The man himself was pleased with what he saw. He had never been to Brighton, but the seaside town had the advantage of being within a day's journey from London, boasted elegant housing arrangements, and most importantly, offered a miniature version of the London social scene. People of fashion came to Brighton, and there would be opportunities for his wife to associate with a few of his peers without becoming overwhelmed. It was the perfect place for her first foray into the world as Mrs. Darcy.

Elizabeth had been disappointed that she had not received a letter from Jane; she was convinced that her own wedding to Fitzwilliam had been the only impediment to Mr. Bingley's long anticipated proposal. But on the evening of their first full day in Brighton, her faith in her sister and her suitor was finally rewarded.

Elizabeth tore open the missive and eagerly began to read.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

My dearest sister,

Do not be cross that I have not sent this missive by express. I was unsure of your location and decided it best to post to your house in Town with the knowledge that if you were not there, it would be forwarded with your other correspondence to Brighton.

I will not toy with you any longer. You were right about Mr. Bingley; we are to be married! Oh Lizzy, this happiness is almost more than I can endure. How could anyone be as blessed as am I? What have I done to deserve such a fate? I am afraid to pinch myself lest I be dreaming.

A broad smile spread over Elizabeth face.

"Whatever the news, it must be excellent to make you so pleased."

"Mr. Bingley has finally proposed."

"I was wondering how much longer he would tarry."

Elizabeth continued reading.

You will never let me rest until I reveal all, so I shall diligently recount the pertinent information.

Mr. Bingley called the day after your wedding. Mama shamelessly contrived to leave us alone. I must say that although I was mortified, Mr. Bingley only smiled and laughed to himself. He knew EXACTLY what Mother was doing and later confessed to taking great delight in vexing her by not proposing. We actually spent most of our time alone speaking about the weather and the condition of the roads. At the time, this made perfect sense as he had just that morning bid farewell to the last of his houseguests.

When Mama returned to the drawing room, she was none too happy to see us seated in the same places we had occupied when she left us.

Mr. Bingley called again a few days later, and this time, our father joined us. Yes, I said our father! Mama was visibly unhappy with his presence. I was relieved. Even I was growing weary of her relentless matchmaking. She has no notion of how embarrassing it can be for us. You are very fortunate to be married, my dear Mrs. Darcy! Needless to say, Mr. Bingley left promising to call again.

Oh, Lizzy, you will never guess what happened when he came. Kitty spied him first, and we heard him enter the house, but he did not come to us for a full ten minutes! Finally, I was summoned to see Papa, who was standing outside the dining room. He kissed me on the forehead and told me to wait for him inside the room, and that he would return shortly. I suppose I should not have been shocked by what happened next, but I am being truthful when I tell you I was unprepared for what I met. HE was there, waiting for me. Mr. Bingley walked to where I stood, for I could not move. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and then took my hand in his and brought it up to his lips. Oh, Sister, I could barely breathe! He smiled and then dropped to his knee and said the most precious words I have ever heard.

"Miss Bennet. I was taught that when a man was ready to tell a woman that he loved her, that he should also be prepared to complete the phrase with a question. I am ready. Jane, I love you with all that I am. Will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?"

I started to cry and somehow managed to say "yes." Oh what bliss! He told me how dear I had become to him. He told me many things I shall always treasure. He also confessed that he had been waiting to ask me for weeks, but did not wish to deflect any attention from you before your wedding, not for your sake alone, but for my new brother's as well. Charles greatly respects your Mr. Darcy. He also had granted our father's request for a brief respite from wedding preparations. Charles told me he had first revealed his intentions to Papa many weeks ago and had obtained his permission to court me.

That, my dearest Sister, is the sum of my news. I eagerly await your reply. I am more than curious as to the resolution of our discussion on your last night at Longbourn. Have you discovered your heart? Have you told your husband?

Write soon!

Yours affectionately,

Jane

"It seems that Mr. Bingley delayed asking Jane to marry him out of deference to his friend! I should be cross with you, Mr. Darcy, for delaying the happiness of a most beloved sister."

Darcy laughed. "You assign me too much influence over the gentleman. It was entirely his own doing. I believe he wanted your sister to glory in the undivided attentions of your mother."

"Now I am cross with Mr. Bingley! Heaven help my father. Derbyshire is becoming an even more appealing locale for the next few months, given its distance from Longbourn."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Undoubtedly!"

The dancing was well underway when the Darcys arrived. The room was not overfull; this was not the season when many normally journeyed to the seaside. Still, the Assembly Room was open, offering society to those who were in town. Darcy steered Elizabeth into the room with the practised ease of a man accustomed to being an object of interest. He recognised a passing acquaintance, a Mr. Humphries, and prepared to introduce his wife.

"Mr. Darcy! What an honour to meet you again. In Brighton of all places." The man spoke to Darcy, but his gaze wandered to Elizabeth.

"Allow me to introduce you. Mrs. Darcy, this is Mr. Humphries. And sir, this is my wife."

"A pleasure, Mrs. Darcy. I read of your engagement and wedding in the papers. My congratulations on your nuptials. My own wife is dancing at the moment," Mr. Humphries pointed to a woman dancing with one of the many officers in attendance. "May I introduce her later?"

"Of course," Darcy replied, with no expression of approbation or contempt.

"And may I claim a dance with you this evening, Mrs. Darcy?" The gentleman seemed eager to secure such a prestigious and lovely partner.

"After the next, sir. I dance first with my husband."

Darcy decided to take control of the conversation. "How long have you been in Brighton?"

"We arrived before Christmas."

"Are there many families in town?"

"Not many more than you see here tonight. There is a regiment of soldiers, of course, but I am afraid things have been rather dull."

Just then, Darcy spotted another familiar face. The man in question was making his way toward them.

"I say, Darcy. I would never have expected you to bring your lovely wife here. Mrs. Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you at last."

"Thank you, sir. And whom do I have the honour of meeting?" asked a slightly confused Elizabeth.

Mr. Humphries took this as a cue to leave and bowed before walking away without another word. Darcy eyed the new gentleman carefully, trying to ascertain the man's intent.

"Mrs. Darcy, may I present my cousin, Colonel Andrew Fitzwilliam. His father, the Earl of Perryton is my mother's brother."

"Ah! Mr. Darcy has told me much about you, sir."

"Should I claim innocence?"

"Hardly. He had nothing but praise."

"Then I should thank my cousin for his tact."

"What brings you from London?" Darcy enquired.

"A soldier goes where he is told. I am at the mercy of General Abernathy, I am afraid. His whims prevented me from attending your wedding."

"We understand, Colonel," Elizabeth replied.

Darcy could see that his wife sensed tension between the men.

"Yes, duty first. However, since you are here now, would you dine with Mrs. Darcy and me in the next few days?"

The Colonel happily accepted. He solicited Elizabeth's hand for a dance and before he left them, introduced another officer, a Colonel Harris, and his wife. Colonel Harris was the commanding officer of the regiment currently quartered at Brighton.

The music changed, and Darcy claimed his first dance with Elizabeth.

"You are surprised to see your cousin?"

"Quite." She raised an eyebrow. After only one week of marriage, Darcy could easily recognise his wife's moods. He knew they would discuss this later.

"This is only the second time we have danced together, sir. You dance very well. I believe I shall be the envy of every woman."

"Whether they shall envy or pity you is debatable. I am afraid I would rather not dance with any woman other than you."

"Should I be flattered, or do you simply dislike the activity?"

Darcy smiled. "My like or dislike is wholly dependent on my partner."

"Then you admit you enjoy dancing with me?"

"I have only two experiences to draw upon, but yes, I can more easily endure the occupation when accompanied by you."

"Fortunate for you that for once, it is the women who are in scarce quantity. You may sit by yourself, while I am compelled to dance."

"Few here are worthy of your notice," Darcy said with a tinge of disappointment. "Then again, dancing is the order of the evening, and I suppose you must oblige the other gentlemen."

Elizabeth responded only with a slight scowl. Darcy had no idea what he had said to displease her. He decided not to continue their conversation, instead allowing himself to take pleasure in the remainder of the dance.

While Elizabeth danced the next with Mr. Humphries, Darcy stalked the sides of the room. He was disappointed not to find anyone else he knew, and acknowledged to himself that perhaps he had been overly optimistic about the quality of people who would be in Brighton at this time. Conversely, there was no one of importance present to witness any impropriety on Elizabeth's part, should one occur. He did not anticipate any foolish action from his wife. However, this was her first exposure to a level of society higher than that to which she was accustomed, and until he saw her meet the challenge, there would be doubt lingering in the back of his mind.

The night progressed. The Darcys made many new acquaintances, though none, to Darcy's disappointment, who could even pretend to belong to his circle in society. To Darcy's great relief, his qualms about his wife's comportment were without foundation. Elizabeth displayed all the superior manners he had come to expect and respect. She may have been friendlier than he would have wished, but her liveliness was part of what had attracted him in the first place. Surely, as she became more knowledgeable about what was appropriate to her position as Mrs. Darcy, she would recognise when restraint was appropriate, and more importantly, when it was allowed to be relaxed. Within limits, of course.

As they lay in bed together after again enjoying the physical bliss of lovers, Elizabeth broached a subject that had occupied her thoughts all evening.

"Did you enjoy the assembly tonight?" she enquired of her husband.

"As much as I ever do. I have never particularly enjoyed any assembly."

"I confess that I had a lovely evening. I was very pleased with several new acquaintances, including your cousin."

"Elizabeth, I commend your ability to strike up a conversation, but please do not become too attached to any of the people we met tonight, with the exception of my cousin, of course. I doubt we will associate with them again after we leave Brighton."

"Why ever not?"

"They are decidedly beneath us socially. I see no need for more than passing acquaintance with anyone we meet here."

Elizabeth propped her head on her hand to better look at him. "They seem like good people, not unlike those I grew up among."

"My point exactly. Society in Meryton is not the same as society in London."

"My family is a respected part of the Hertfordshire gentry."

"Elizabeth, your family is another matter entirely."

"I see little difference."

"I see a great difference. They are now connected to me, and it is assuredly the best connection they possess. Even you must admit this. Your sister's engagement to Bingley will further enhance your family's status, although not, of course, as much as our alliance has." Darcy was slightly frustrated with Elizabeth's inability to see as he did. To him, it was obvious that the people they met tonight would be below their notice when those from his normal sphere were present.

"You alluded to this when I proposed. Surely you see that as my wife, you now travel in the upper sphere of the ton? None of the ladies and gentlemen we met tonight do, not even the Humphries. While we are here, I have no objection to being in their company. However, after we leave, it is unlikely that we will meet any of them again. We simply do not travel in the same circles."

"I think I understand your reasoning, but surely you do not intend to snub them should we meet again?"

"Certainly not. That would be rude. What I mean is, we will not go out of our way to associate with them. Elizabeth, please, give them credit, too. The men and women we met tonight are older and understand the difference in social rank. Only the most brazen and deluded of social climbers would solicit increased intimacy with us. Let us simply enjoy their company for now and leave it at that."

"Is Derbyshire so stratified?"

"No, not at all. The differences in wealth and situation are somewhat blurred, as they are in Meryton. You will find more large landowners than you are accustomed to, as well as smaller ones like your father. However, Pemberley is one of the larger estates, and we do hold a position of respect among our peers. Mind you, Pemberley is no Chatsworth. Very few estates in England are."

"I look forward to seeing Pemberley with my own eyes. I have heard so much about it."

"I think there is no finer house in the country, but I am naturally prejudiced."

"Naturally."

Darcy smiled and reached over to caress his wife's face. He wanted to put an end to future discussion about who would be welcome in their home.

"Elizabeth, you may not like it, but we are prisoners of our society and class; everyone is. We cannot escape certain expectations, no matter how we may wish it."

"I suppose you are right. Be patient with me."

Darcy knew by the look on her face and the tone of voice that she was not reconciled with his explanations, however much she tried to hide it, but he had no intention of continuing the discussion.

"I will." His reply conveyed that the subject was closed.

"I have one more matter I wish to discuss tonight – your cousin. Are you displeased he is in Brighton and that we are to dine with him?"

"Not displeased."

"But not pleased. I could see you were not overjoyed to see him again. Are you harbouring resentment over his failure to attend our wedding?"

"That is a difficult question to answer. I fully understand that he may not have wished to anger his father. Still, Andrew is a grown man. His excuse that he was at the mercy of the General rings false. He has never had any difficulty securing time away from his commission's duties to travel to Rosings every Easter with me."

"Has it occurred to you that he has come to Brighton on our account?"

"I do not follow your reasoning."

"Fitzwilliam, I can empathize with your cousin's reluctance to displease his parents. He cannot possibly maintain his style of living on a soldier's stipend. Two months ago, I faced the same dilemma. I knew I needed to marry well or face a form of poverty when my father was gone."

"Yet, I had to persuade you to marry me."

"You were quite persuasive, too." She grinned. "I was able to overcome the fantasy of marrying for the deepest affection by the reasoning of a respectable gentleman, willing to overlook my lack of connections and dowry. But I digress. If your cousin retains as much independence as you assert, is it not possible he decided this was the best way to meet me without incurring the wrath of his father?"

"I will concede that possibility." Darcy frowned. "I should not be so affected by this. We have scarcely seen each other since the accident. I would not consider us to be great friends."

"Still, you felt the sting of his absence. It must have reminded you of others who could not be there."

"You could be correct. I cannot say."

Elizabeth took a deep breath before continuing.

"I count myself most fortunate. I have married a man I admire, respect, and now love."

Darcy immediately tensed. No. She cannot mean what she said.

"You love me?"

Elizabeth sighed. "I need not ask if this pleases you. Your tone speaks volumes, and I admit I am not surprised."

Darcy rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

"If you are not surprised, then why have you told me? Have I ever asked for your love?"

"No, Fitzwilliam, you have not. Yet you have it."

She waited for him to respond. He said nothing.

"The night before the wedding, Jane asked me if I was in love with you. I told her I did not know. She then said to me, 'Elizabeth, when you do, tell him.'"

"Do you always do as your sister suggests?"

"Not at all, but I heed her advice when I find it sensible and wise. Fitzwilliam, I realised at the moment I vowed to honour, love, and obey you that I love you as a woman should love her husband. I have pondered long and hard at the wonder of it and the ramifications of telling you. I know full well that you have never asked for my love. I suspected that you did not wish for me to love you, and though I cannot understand your reasoning, I cannot change what I feel for you. How can one deny the beating of her heart?

"I could have chosen not to tell you, to wait and see if you would come to love me. I did not keep silent because that would be disrespectful to the friendship we have built. You are a man of integrity; you are honest; you do not profess feelings not your own for my approbation. You have answered my questions with an openness that at times astounds me. You have never made me feel inferior. You have earned the right to hear the same truth from me."

Darcy was silent for a long moment, and when he spoke, he could not look at her. "I do not know what to say."

"Say nothing. I wish you to know and accept that I love you and will always seek your happiness. I ask nothing of you beyond this. I cannot deny my greatest hope that someday, you will love me as I love you. But if not, I hope that you continue to like me, to respect and esteem me ... that you will always be my friend." Elizabeth added in a shy voice, "And my lover."

Darcy could not stop himself; her final comment made him smile. He rolled back onto his side to face her.

"Elizabeth, I cannot ask you to stop loving me, but I will ask you not to speak of it. I cannot promise what I can no longer give – to you – or to anyone. But you are my life's companion and my lover." Darcy reached to caress her face with his finger. "As much as I hate to admit it, you were right to tell me. It will be less awkward for both of us now that it is out in the open. I would not have you harbour such deep secrets from me."

Elizabeth leaned over and kissed him. "Thank you."

"For accepting your kiss?"

"For listening to me. For not becoming angry or upset."

"Elizabeth, any man would be flattered to know that he inspired such devotion without consciously encouraging it. Now, wife, come lie next to me."

Elizabeth obeyed and soon fell asleep spooned against her beloved's body. Darcy was not so fortunate. He lay awake replaying Elizabeth's confession.

It could be worse. I could actually return her love. Then what heartache would befall us?

Posted on 2009-11-03

Colonel Fitzwilliam called at the Darcys well before dinner. The gentlemen disappeared into the study; Elizabeth had learned enough about her husband to know that he would bring his cousin to her when he was ready.

The men said little as they went through the ritual of selecting cigars and pouring drinks.

"I did not know you were working for General Abernathy."

"For the last six months or so. You and I have not been in each other's company since my current assignment began."

"It is hard to believe it has been that long since we spoke."

"We both had our duties." The Colonel took another drink. "Mrs. Darcy seems to be a very amiable woman. My father will be relieved."

A muscle twitched in Darcy's jaw. "I can imagine what the Earl has said about Elizabeth."

"You have no idea what your announcement has wrought. I was thankful that I was obliged to be away during most of your engagement."

"Your father and our aunt made their feelings quite clear on the matter, I assure you."

"To the rest of the family, as well. After you left Kent, they spent the next several days attempting to come up with schemes to prevent your marriage to Miss Bennet." The Colonel laughed softly. "After they saw the formal announcement, they knew it was a hopeless cause."

"How do you know this?" Darcy thought he knew the answer, but decided to test his cousin.

"Lady Catherine returned to Town with my parents; Anne came, too. Martin, Harriet and Northem were summoned to Alton House, as was I. We were informed of your meeting at Rosings."

"A family conference?"

"Yes. Even Aunt Victoria was asked to come, but she refused. The Earl made it abundantly clear that he would be extremely disappointed if any of us witnessed your wedding. I am sorry, old man. I hope you know that I wanted to be there, but I cannot easily afford to alienate my father. I am unfortunately dependent on his good will to continue living comfortably as a gentleman."

"Elizabeth suggested the same the other evening. Will your dining with us tonight cause you to fall into disfavour? If so, I would not have had you risk it."

"No, you may rest easy. I will see that he credits my presence here this evening as seizing the opportunity to convey the family's, shall we say, 'official' stance about your situation." The Colonel paused and took a sip of his brandy.

"I have yet to tell you the rest of the discussion. Lady Catherine was very insistent that your wife not be recognised, but my father was able to prevail. He saw more potential for harm than for good by such a course. Mind you, he was furious. He is angry with you still, but realistic enough to understand that ostracizing you and your wife would produce more problems than it solved."

"Yes, more problems for them. What, then, should I expect from the family?"

"Indifferent acceptance. You and Mrs. Darcy will be acknowledged in public, but no effort will be made to encourage intimacy."

"In other words, I am to be treated as a wayward child, patronized for my indiscretions."

"If you would put it in those terms, yes."

Darcy sighed. It was not as bad as it could have been. "So they will acknowledge Elizabeth?"

"To a point, and in public. Do not expect invitations to intimate family gatherings or visiting to and fro." The Colonel laughed ruefully. "In that, you might count yourself fortunate. However, I think it politic to wait to tell my father that he is a fool to dismiss your wife without even taking the time to meet her. She is a lovely woman, Darcy, and it is obvious that she is very fond of you."

"Obvious?"

"Heavens, yes! The way she looks at you, the smiles she gives you – men will be jealous of you, Cousin." Darcy's brow furrowed; he was not at all pleased. The Colonel was surprised. "Do you not want your wife's good opinion?"

"I never said that."

"You did not look pleased when I spoke about it."

"I am not happy that she is so unguarded of her feelings."

"Darcy, you have been married for less than two weeks. I see nothing about which to censure your wife. She is supposed to be enamoured of you."

"Still, it will not do if she continues in such a blatant way when we are in Town for the season."

"Darcy, let me give you a little advice about women. Do not make the mistake of attributing to them your own ideas of how the world ought to behave. They are different creatures from you and me, and I for one am nearly always at a loss to know what they are thinking. I am confident that you have told your wife what is expected of her. In the few hours I have been in her presence, I developed no doubts that she will do as you ask, but in her own, feminine way."

Darcy was thoughtful. "You are correct, of course. But your father and our aunt will be most vigilant and unforgiving in their observation of Elizabeth. I do not want her behaviour to provide any confirmation of their opinion that I chose beneath me. I would not give them that satisfaction."

"You wish to show that they were wrong. Darcy, for your sake and your wife's, I hope and pray that you shall. And speaking of the lady in question, shall we join her now?"

"... And so the general addressed the poor colonel sitting across from me, 'I see no reason why your regiment should not be ready to fight the French at a moment's notice. Surely if worse came to worse, your officers could challenge theirs to a ball, since improving their dancing skill appears all for which they have time. Heaven forbid that they should actually drill!'"

Elizabeth's laugher filled the room at Colonel Fitzwilliam's tale. "What did the poor man say to that?"

"There was nothing he could say. I was very glad I was not in his shoes."

Colonel Fitzwilliam had spent much of the dinner hour regaling Elizabeth and Darcy with tales from his army life. Gradually, any misgivings the Darcys had experienced in anticipation of the evening faded away. The good colonel was not handsome of face, but he was, in person and address, proof that a true gentleman was a manifestation of good breeding and even better character. He and Elizabeth engaged in spirited conversation while Darcy remained a mostly silent observer.

"How long shall you remain in Brighton, Colonel?" Elizabeth asked.

"The general's intent was for me to remain about a week. He is expecting a report on the regiment's preparations and readiness when I return."

"How very fortunate for us to be here at the same time as you."

"I was never so surprised as when I spied my cousin at the Assembly, Mrs. Darcy. Had I known that you were here, I would have called as soon as my duties permitted."

The evening progressed equally amiably, and the Darcys and the Colonel parted on the best of terms possible.

After the Colonel left, Darcy related to Elizabeth what his cousin had discussed.

"I must say it was nothing more than you expected," she remarked.

"This places an unfair burden on you."

"Fitzwilliam, from the day of your proposal, I have known, apparently better than you, that the greater burden of obtaining acceptance of our union would be mine. Nothing that has happened since has altered my understanding of the matter."

"We have never truly discussed what you may expect during the coming season."

"Other than my wardrobe."

"I do not speak of what you will wear, Elizabeth, I speak of those who are spiteful and cruel and would like nothing better than so see you overwhelmed, even humiliated."

"You will find such people everywhere, even in such inconsequential places as Meryton."

"Yet if my family, well, at least those under the Earl's thumb, are so intent on indifference, it will make things worse, not better. The ton will pick up on their attitude, no matter what my uncle believes."

"Lady Victoria is not part of their scheme. I must take some consolation from that. Did you believe they would act any differently?"

"No, I did not. I could even argue that I incited such a response by my behaviour in Kent when I informed them of our betrothal. It could never be mistaken as conciliatory."

"You have spoken very little of what occurred at Rosings."

"And I do not wish to talk about it now. Suffice it to say that my relations acted exactly as I anticipated. So it is little wonder that we are to be treated the same way now."

"It will make my first season that much more challenging," Elizabeth agreed.

"You shall not have to bear it alone. I will not forsake you in the face of the harridans of society."

"Fitzwilliam, you are an honourable man, and I would expect nothing less than your support, as you are able. However, you are not the unknown country upstart who married one of the 'most eligible men in England,' as my mother once called you. There will be many times when you are safely away with the gentlemen, and I shall be left to fend for myself among those 'harridans' in the drawing rooms of society."

"When you speak that way about drawing rooms, you make them sound absolutely primitive."

Elizabeth laughed, breaking the tension. "In their own way, they might be. Fear not, I will survive. By the time Lady Victoria has finished with me, I shall be impervious to even the most subtle of attacks. Besides, there will be good, honourable people in those same drawing rooms. I shall make it a point to meet them."

"Elizabeth, do not think my aunt is coming only ..."

"We both know very well why she is coming to Pemberley. Truly, dearest, I am not offended, far from it. I know nothing about being presented at Court, or the intricacies of higher society. I look forward to learning much from Lady Victoria. And if I feel she is overstepping, I am perfectly willing to tell her so.

"I am determined to be concerned only with matters over which I have control, Fitzwilliam. I have confidence in the rightness of your actions, and I believe myself capable of becoming the Mrs. Darcy you expect and deserve. Surely the world in general has too much sense to remain fascinated for very long with any scorn they may perceive from some members of your ... our family towards me. Perhaps we should wish for an enormous scandal during the season to distract the ton?"

And on that note, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy adjourned to their chambers.

On the morning of their last full day in Brighton, Elizabeth marvelled at what she beheld – clear, bright, crisp weather. It was a rare thing in the dead of the English winter. The sunshine warmed her cheeks as they walked along the seaside, and a gentle wind made those same cheeks pink.

"Are you warm enough?" Darcy enquired as Elizabeth leaned into him.

"I shall manage. I refuse to waste the opportunity to enjoy the sun. It is so seldom that I have the chance at this time of year."

Once assured that Elizabeth was not too cold, Darcy was content to continue their ramble for he, too, luxuriated in the warmth of the sunshine. They walked in silence, satisfied to listen to the sound of the surf and the sea gulls, each immersed in their own musings.

Elizabeth's thoughts were tuned to the man beside her. It had been a revealing fortnight. They had come to Brighton to learn more about each other, and, she suspected, to give him the opportunity to gently introduce her into his level of society. He had been disappointed not to meet anyone he knew, or knew to be of his class. Darcy's reaction to the people they did encounter was unexpected, to say the least. Elizabeth had known her husband to be a man proud of his estate, his family name, and his station in life. She did not suspect that he could look so disdainfully on people he believed to be decidedly below him. His attitude was confirmed each time they ventured from their lodgings. They had walked about the town when the weather allowed and attended several events in the evenings. His prejudice needed little inducement. Something as trivial as an inferior cut of clothing was enough for him to judge the worthiness of a new acquaintance, to exhibit that same hauteur he had displayed the very first time they had ventured into society at the assembly room. They had even discussed it. She would not have let the subject drop as easily as she had were she not so intent on confessing her feelings that night; she had simply swept past it. It was not until later, when she was alone with her thoughts, that she was able to further consider the words and actions of her spouse.

What were her opinions on the subject? Elizabeth was not one to think of herself as very far above others, but she had to admit that her exposure to higher society, where gradations of rank were evidently of considerable importance, had been extremely limited before her marriage. She now understood that although her father was also a gentleman, there were more significant differences than she had anticipated between Mr. Bennet's situation and her husband's. It occurred to her that Darcy had, from the first, merely tolerated her relations. But to be truthful, though she loved her family, she had often been disgusted by the unseemly manners and foolishness of her mother, her three younger sisters, and her Aunt Philips. To hold her husband guilty for feelings she herself owned was ungenerous. He did appear to respect her father, despite his lack of connections, and he seemed genuinely happy for Jane and Mr. Bingley. His opinion of the Gardiners was unclear.

She knew no one was perfect, that everyone had flaws; she might have uncovered Darcy's. Clearly, this could become an issue between them if she were not careful. No one had taught her how to respond, in a way that did not contradict her vows, when she did not agree with her husband. It was something she would have to learn on her own. She could either accept his prejudices, dwell on them, or try to use her influence to soften his manner. Perhaps she should wait; it had been but a fortnight since she had noticed this disdainful side of his character, and with only a small segment of society. She could observe his manner at Pemberley and when among Derbyshire society, before deciding what to do. Above all, he was her husband, and she had vowed to love, honour, and obey him.

While Elizabeth was contemplating the pride of her husband, Darcy was just as occupied thinking about his wife.

His purpose in coming to Brighton had been met, though the outcome had caught him off guard. He and Elizabeth were now quite comfortable with each other, whether in the privacy of their chambers or strolling along the seaside, as they were now. She continued to demonstrate the superiority of her understanding, and Darcy relished the thought that he would enjoy her intelligence and wit for many years to come. The cold months of winter no longer seemed so daunting as when, virtually alone and housebound at Pemberley, he first accepted that his family was gone and that he must take a wife.

And what a wife he had taken! Elizabeth certainly seemed to enjoy warming his bed – an unexpected, but very welcome, surprise. Though he was still not comfortable with the knowledge that his wife was in love with him, he was beginning to see that the result of her confession need not be total doom. If anything, it allowed Elizabeth greater freedom to enjoy their intimate times together. Her willingness to become more adventurous surprised and delighted him. Since her declaration, he noticed an even greater passion when they were alone together, a greater tenderness, a greater enjoyment in the physical expression of her love. She cleaved to him in a way he had never before experienced with a woman. He admitted that it moved him, and that he savoured his time in her arms. At the same time, he knew he must protect his own heart. He could not allow his need for her body to turn into a devotion of an even more intimate, and most ardent, kind.

Darcy had been concerned about Elizabeth's behaviour towards him in public after their dinner with Colonel Fitzwilliam. If his confirmed bachelor of a cousin could discern her feelings, would she betray herself in society?

He need not have worried.

The next event they attended was a concert. Some time after they arrived, he found Elizabeth to be unusually quiet and reserved, although she assured him that she was well. Darcy was not convinced, and enquired if she wished to leave. He was surprised when she asked him to escort her outside for some fresh air. Once alone, Elizabeth told him that she had only been attempting to follow his wish not to become attached to the people they encountered in Brighton. At that point, he realised that when in society such as this, the mask he donned ill-suited Elizabeth. To conceal the artless sincerity that had first attracted him would repress too much of her.

Darcy confessed that he now saw the injustice of asking her to act in a way contrary to her nature, and told her to enjoy herself as well as she could, knowing that she would likely never meet these people again. Elizabeth visibly relaxed, and rewarded him with a smile – a smile that demanded one in return. They returned indoors, and she seemed more like the Elizabeth he had married. As long as she could discern the sincerity of the people she would meet in future and make sound judgements about the worthiness of their character and situation, he was content to allow her a certain freedom of expression in company that she so obviously enjoyed. But that would change; Elizabeth must learn to be more guarded when among the ton. The liveliness he so appreciated in his wife would be less valued by London society, where stricter rules of decorum prevailed. Thank God Lady Victoria would be there to guide her through the first few weeks of the season! Without that matron's experience, he wondered if his wife could emerge from the dreaded drawing rooms with the Darcy name unscathed. So much of her acceptance into society depended on a good initial impression. His family had made it clear, through Fitzwilliam, that they would not seek to humble his bride, but neither were they of any mind to aid her. At least the Earl had not become an outright enemy. Darcy vowed that Elizabeth's comportment would do nothing to change that.

Elizabeth would be recognised as a worthy Mrs. Darcy.

The Darcy coach slowly traversed the last five miles of the long journey from London to Pemberley. Darcy could have sworn that every inhabitant of Lambton, the small market town that bordered his estate, sought a glimpse of the new mistress of the Great House. Windows were thrown open and dogs danced around the wheels of the carriage, barking heralds of the Darcys' progress through the main thoroughfare of the town. Elizabeth maintained a pleasant look on her face as they made their way, neither acknowledging nor ignoring the curious horde. Surprised and a little disconcerted at the villagers' interest, she was not entirely sure what was expected from her, and her mind was otherwise occupied: she was eager to see the manor she would preside over and tired from the long journey that had brought her there.

After the Darcys left Brighton, they had stayed in Town for a few days. For Elizabeth, there seemed to be no end to the list of items deemed indispensable to a woman of her new rank. She had stopped trying to keep track of all the fabric that the seamstresses of her household, and a few outside her household, would transform into a myriad of gowns for her to wear. Surely she had acquired more in the few weeks since her marriage than in her entire existence to that point! Being imprisoned in a carriage for consecutive days was not a pleasant thought, but when they finally left Town, Elizabeth was happy to escape from endless trips to drapers, craftsmen, and High Street merchants.

Now, three long and draining days later, the journey was finally nearing its end. It was nearly an hour since they passed through Lambton, and they had been travelling uphill for not quite half that time. As they reached the crest of the hill, Darcy ordered the coach to stop, opened the door and handed Elizabeth out. She was rendered speechless by the sight before her – an immense, grand house on the other side of a valley.

Of all this I am to be mistress?

"Do you like it?"

"Fitzwilliam, nothing you have told me has done it justice." Elizabeth's surprise and awe were evident. Her fatigue instantly vanished.

"Come, let us continue on to the house. There are many people who have long awaited your arrival. I want to get there before we lose the light."

When the carriage arrived at the house, Darcy quickly escorted his wife inside. The front hall was filled with servants dressed in assorted livery, and the atmosphere fairly crackled with anticipation and excitement. Darcy made a short speech thanking the staff for their warm welcome of his bride, allowed Elizabeth to briefly greet the servants, then dismissed them to their tasks with the promise of punch and cake with their dinner that night in celebration of his marriage. Elizabeth was pleased to discern an unspoken affection toward their master.

A light repast was available when they wished, and was gratefully accepted sooner rather than later. Both Darcys were tired, and food and rest were all they desired. As the fires in the grates throughout the great house burned low, master and mistress drifted off to sleep in the room that had belonged to the late Lady Anne Darcy, once again occupied after so many empty years.

Elizabeth had no idea of the time when she awoke. It was still dark out, no great surprise at that time of year. She was alone in bed, but only because her husband was tending to the fire.

"I tried to be quiet and not wake you. I was concerned that if I did not do something with the fire, the room would be too cold for you at first light."

"You must be chilled; hurry and finish so you can come back to bed." Elizabeth pulled back the covers when he came to join her. "Lie on your side of the bed and warm up before you inflict your cold hands and feet on me," she commanded.

"I would warm up much faster if I held you."

"True, but then I would also be cold."

Darcy stayed on his side of the mattress. "How do you like Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy?"

"From what I have seen, I like it very much indeed."

"I shall give you a proper tour in the morning. Unless ..."

"Unless what?"

Darcy threw back the covers from both of them and put on his robe.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth hissed. "In case you forgot, it is cold in here." She pulled the blanket back over herself. Darcy did not notice; he had failed to locate one of Elizabeth's heavy robes and was on his way to his dressing room. A minute later, he came back with another of his own robes and held it out to his wife.

"I could not locate yours, so I fetched one of mine."

"You wish me to put on your robe?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"So that I might show you some of the house."

"Now? Fitzwilliam, it is cold, it is dark, it is the middle of the night. What would the servants say if they saw us?"

"The servants know to keep their thoughts to themselves. As for the cold, that is why I brought you one of my robes. As for the dark, I will light the candles on the branches and take it with us. Now, are you getting out of bed, or do I need to roust you myself?"

"Oh, very well," Elizabeth grumbled. It really was the middle of the night.

Feeling a bit like a mischievous schoolboy, Darcy hurried the still reluctant Elizabeth down the stairs. The candles barely threw enough light for them to see, but with bright moonlight streaming through the windows, they could see just enough to make their excursion worthwhile.

"Most of the principal rooms are on this floor. The dining room, music room, library, my study, and the main hall are all here. When all the doors are open, you can see from one end of the house to the other."

They walked through the progression of rooms, stopping to talk about their uses and their furnishings. Elizabeth was impressed by the elegance of it all – from the carpets, to furnishings, to what she could make out of the paintings on the walls. It was quite evident that generations of Darcys had been patrons of the arts, if the sheer volume of artwork was any indication.

"The family portraits are in the main hall. I commissioned one of you, which you will sit for it as soon as we return to Town. With any luck, it will be ready when you are presented."

"Such a thing is necessary," she said in resignation.

"Most definitely. It would be odd if you did not have a portrait to unveil while we are in London."

"I have never had my likeness taken. My mother could never convince my father to have one done. I rather think it was because he despaired of my ever being able to sit still long enough."

As they walked along the gallery, looking at the various Darcys of the past, a light came towards them from the opposite direction.

"Who goes there?" a deep voice challenged from the darkness beyond.

"I could ask the same of you," Darcy retorted.

"Mr. Darcy! Forgive me, sir. I heard voices and came to investigate."

"You have discovered their source, and you may now go."

"Yes sir, Mr. Darcy, sir."

"And John?"

"Sir?"

"Well done. I am pleased to see that you are not asleep at your post."

"Thank you, sir. Goodnight, sir, madam."

Elizabeth, who found the situation quite diverting, was valiantly trying to suppress a laugh when she saw the expression on her husband's face. He looked ... playful? Yet another new facet of her husband's character! She was undone, and laughter spilled from them both.

What a complex man I have married.

"I think I like this night-time rambling. The house does not seem as intimidating when there are no servants underfoot."

"Intimidating? I would think you are a woman whose courage rises at every attempt to intimidate her."

Elizabeth sighed. "Fitzwilliam, you know that Longbourn, and even Netherfield, are nothing to Pemberley. I can scarcely believe that I am mistress of such a place. How on earth did I ever think I could manage a household of this size?"

It took him several moments to formulate an answer, and in that breath of time, Elizabeth convinced herself that her husband shared her opinion; he was merely choosing his words. Thus, those words, when they came, surprised her.

"I believe that what you think yourself capable of and what you truly are capable of do not always coincide."

"You think I am ready now?"

"I think that if you are not, you will be in time. In the interim, Mrs. Reynolds can continue to act as she has since my mother died. You need not feel obliged to relieve her of all her duties at once. Besides, if you did, what would she have left to do?"

"This is no trifling matter, Mr. Darcy!" Thankfully for him, she smiled as she spoke.

"I do not trifle with you. Soon, Elizabeth, sooner than you expect, this transition will be complete, and you will reign as rightful mistress of Pemberley, with no need of anyone's assistance or interference."

"The faith you have in me is at times overwhelming. But I am most grateful, husband. Thank you." They stood now in front of his portrait. "I do not wish to disappoint you, or the man on the canvas before me."

"There is barely enough light to make out my features."

"Enough to see that you are a formidable man, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy offered his arm and guided them back to the warmth of the mistress' chambers. And the warmth of the mistress' bed.

Darcy allocated the next several days to showing Elizabeth the house and, weather permitting, parts of the estate. Elizabeth was astonished by the amount of land her husband controlled, which only accentuated all the more the vast – and vastly underestimated – differences in their stations in life when they married. She had known that Pemberley was a great estate, but "great" had been a vague and relative term, her frame of reference confined to Longbourn, Netherfield, and short tours of fine country houses, about which she knew nothing beyond the quality of their furnishings. What power for good and for evil Darcy held in his hands! So many people were under his care, so many relied upon him and Pemberley for their prosperity; not only the servants and field hands, but the town of Lambton, as well.

She also noticed another change in his manners. While in Hertfordshire, he was somewhat guarded; in Brighton, aloof. At Pemberley, he was relaxed, yet there was an earnest concern for the fate of those who were dependent on him. She heard him spoken of as the kindest of landlords and the most generous of masters. From what Elizabeth observed, she would agree with that assessment, but this was still in contrast to the haughtiness he showed in Brighton. It was somewhat of a mystery how the same man could act so differently in company from one locale to the next. She wondered what the inevitable social events in the neighbourhood would entail. How would he behave among his neighbours, and what would he – and they – expect of her?

There was one particular part of the house that he did not immediately show her. She knew there was a floor in the guest wing that they had yet to inspect and wondered when he would take her there. She was left in suspense for only an additional day. Darcy found her finishing a consultation with the housekeeper.

"I have neglected to show you one part of the house, Mrs. Darcy. Would you care to see it now?"

"I am at your disposal. Mrs. Reynolds and I have completed our business." The older lady discreetly withdrew. Darcy led the way though many doors and up a flight of stairs.

"This wing contains the remainder of the guest quarters."

"We are some distance from the family apartments, are we not?"

"Yes, nearly the opposite end of the house."

"A perfect location for unruly family members?"

Darcy smiled a little and patted his wife's hand. "Yes, a perfect place."

Elizabeth wondered at his evident reluctance to show her these chambers. The rooms were handsomely fitted, but nothing more than she expected to find at Pemberley, and little different from other chambers she had already seen. Until they came to the last one. Elizabeth was astonished. It was at least as large as her own quarters, and the furniture and wall coverings, though clearly from an earlier era, were especially elegant and richly adorned. A great bed dominated the view. It was unlike any other room in the house, the kind of room she imagined that royalty would inhabit. She turned and looked at Darcy, questions written all over her face.

"This room was prepared for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1716. It is still referred to as the Wales Bedroom." Darcy sighed and continued on. "Before my father died, he told me the room's secret. The Prince invited himself to stay at Pemberley during one of his journeys into Derbyshire. Though not happy with the prospect of hosting the man, my great-great grandfather ordered that no expense be spared to prepare suitable accommodations for him. My ancestor hoped to cultivate ties to the future monarch that would result in benefits to Pemberley and the family.

"Alas, though the Prince came with a host of attendants, his wife did not accompany him. Unknown to my great-great grandfather, two of His Royal Highness' paramours also came as guests of the Prince. Word is that the women were surprised to see each other. The exact events of that night have thankfully been lost to the mists of time. All that is known is that a highly indignant Prince of Wales left Pemberley the next day, followed shortly by the departures of the two women in question, headed in opposite directions, and just as ill-tempered and put out as the Prince. God only knows what happened in this room or how my ancestor was able to keep the incident from becoming public knowledge. Never before or since has there been a situation that could have brought shame and scorn down on our family's good name.

Elizabeth was amused at the dire look on her husband's face.

"Fitzwilliam, I believe that the Prince was rather infamous for his mistresses. Your family has nothing of which to be ashamed."

"It is no small matter, Elizabeth." His tone signified just how serious he was. "For generations, the Darcys have scrupulously avoided scandal. For such disreputable behaviour to have taken place under our own roof was unpardonable. I am mortified to think on it."

"Then why have you told me?"

"As a token of my respect. Would you rather I had not? We have spoken honestly with each other from the first. I hesitated to bring you here precisely because I struggled with what I should reveal. In the end, the truth prevailed, although I am still uneasy speaking of such things with you, as any decent man should be. To take a mistress is bad enough. To have two at the same time – and under the same roof – is unconscionable."

"Has the room been used since?"

"No. No member of the royal household has come to Pemberley since then. The room is normally kept closed. I had Mrs. Reynolds open it for your benefit."

Elizabeth took one more long look about the room. "Fitzwilliam, it is a room fit for a king." After a short pause she added, "Perhaps it is good enough to impress my mother?"

Mrs. Bennet's son-in-law wisely kept his opinion to himself.

As for Mrs. Bennet's daughter, a small smile flitted across her lips as a daring thought sprang to life. It entirely escaped Darcy's notice.

A few days later, Marie gave the housekeeper a note from her mistress. Mrs. Reynolds read the instructions and looked at the maid in wonder.

"Do you know what Mrs. Darcy has requested?"

"Oui, and Madame asks if it can be accomplished today? Or will it require an additional day?"

"Inform Mrs. Darcy that all will be ready this evening. Those rooms were cleaned recently, and it should not take long to prepare them as requested."

Before Elizabeth retired for the night, she asked Darcy to wait for her in the study. He was surprised, but acquiesced. After a while, but not so long as to try Darcy's patience, a footman delivered a note to the master.

I await you in the place fit for the ruler of my heart.

~ED~

Darcy's blood pounded through his veins.

The Wales Bedroom. It had to be.

He seized a candleholder and quickly walked to the door of the opulent room he had shown Elizabeth only a few days before. As he entered, Darcy felt warm air assault his face, in marked contrast to the chill of the darkened hallway. A blaze raged in the firebox, casting dancing light across the room. Illuminated by the warm glow of dozens of candles was Elizabeth Darcy, lying against the pillows on the massive bed, her auburn locks cascading over her shoulders. She wore a nearly transparent ivory nightgown that clung to her, outlining the curves of her body against the dark drapes of the bed linen.

"Mr. Darcy, you have come at last."

Trembling, he walked to the edge of the bed and stood before her.

"We should not be here."

Elizabeth put her finger to his lips.

"You told me that the future ruler of England met his mistresses here." Sliding her finger slowly down his lips, down his neck, and onto his chest, she continued in her most seductive voice, "Fitzwilliam, am I not your mistress?"

"No ... Yes."

"Which is it?"

"Both."

Elizabeth smiled in triumph. She snaked her arms about his waist and with a passionate kiss pulled him down onto the bed. He could do nothing but obey her ...

Chapter Eleven

Posted on 2009-11-07

Early February

A large carriage pulled into the circular carriage sweep leading to the front steps of Pemberley, where the master and mistress were waiting. The coachman opened the door and Darcy extended his hand to assist his guest.

"Lady Victoria, welcome to Pemberley."

"Darcy, attentive as ever. Mrs. Darcy, how nice to see you again."

"Thank you. We are delighted that you are here. Please, come inside where it is warm."

Once within and her ladyship was divested of her wrap, Elizabeth asked, "Lady Victoria, would you prefer refreshments now, or to go to your rooms directly? Your usual chambers have been made ready for you."

"Then there is no need to show me the way. I would like to attend to a few things first. After that, I would be delighted to join you."

"Allow me to accompany you," Darcy said, tucking his aunt's arm into his.

"I know my way, Darcy."

"I insist. Mrs. Darcy, I will return to you shortly."

Elizabeth took her dismissal with good grace, and repaired to the drawing room.

"Elizabeth looks well, Darcy. At least you have not been starving the poor woman."

"You know very well that I would never do such a thing. A man appreciates a soft woman."

"Ha! I have always maintained such, but you are the first man other than my Reginald to say so plainly." She smiled. "Tell me truly; are you as happy as you appear?"

"I would say that I am a very contented man, Aunt. My wife is an amazing woman."

"Have all your doubts been answered?"

"Mostly, I confess. She has a natural aptitude for her responsibilities. However, there is still the season and St James's Court. I will not rest easy until that challenge and our first ball are past."

"That is wise of you. How quickly has she settled into her role as mistress of Pemberley?"

"More rapidly than I dared hope. We have yet to entertain anyone from the neighbourhood, with the exception of Mr. Mitchell, the parson, who came for tea last Sunday, but I have enough faith in Elizabeth to press forward as planned with our social obligations."

"Good, good. I shall be down to join you and your wife within the half-hour. Darcy, it is a pleasure to be here now that Pemberley once again has a proper mistress."

Lady Victoria did not tarry in her rooms and was back with her hosts in good time.

"We expect Mr. Bartholomew Arnold to arrive on Monday," Elizabeth told her as she poured the tea.

"Monday? My son is most attentive to his parish duties. Have you met him, Mrs. Darcy?"

"Not yet. The weather has been very cold and I am told that Kympton is several hours away. Mr. Darcy suggested timing his invitation coincident with your arrival."

"That is most considerate. I have not seen him in months, not since he announced his engagement."

"We have invited Miss Tell and her family to dine with us while he is here."

"Excellent!"

Darcy added, "Our neighbours, the Halleys, will be joining the Tells."

"A full table of guests! Your first, Mrs. Darcy?"

"Presiding over, yes, as you are no doubt aware."

"Come, come, my dear." She patted Elizabeth's hand reassuringly. "You have been married for little more than a month, and travelled about the country at that. I would have been surprised had you already hosted a dinner party, or any social gathering, for that matter."

Lady Victoria had decided to be generous, at least initially, with her praise of her nephew's wife. There would be time enough to test the young woman in the coming weeks, and it was best to begin her visit on pleasant terms.

"I have every confidence that it will be a delightful evening. If we lack for entertainment, we can ask my son to sing the praises of the bewitching Miss Amelia Tell."

Darcy nearly choked on his drink.

"I see you have been subjected to my son's rhapsodies over his intended, Darcy."

He arched his brow. Elizabeth answered for him. "My husband has described Mr. Arnold's enthusiasm about his choice of wife."

"Enthusiasm is a fine choice of words. The man is completely besotted and the lady in question seems equally afflicted. It will serve them well; the realities of a clergyman's life are significantly different from what Miss Tell has known. But you have given him a valuable living, Darcy. They should be comfortable enough in Kympton."

"I was pleased to have such a fine man to bestow it upon. Its former intended recipient was rather less suitable. Elizabeth, you met that man at Bingley's ball."

"Yes, I remember him. He told me that he would not have made a good clergyman."

"No, not at all. I hear nothing but praise for my cousin, and it comforts me to know that the people of the parish are so well tended."

"I am looking forward to making his acquaintance, and meeting some of our neighbours."

"One must start somewhere, my dear," Lady Victoria said in assurance.

Later, when she retired for the evening, Lady Victoria declined Darcy's invitation to escort her to her rooms, instead choosing Elizabeth's company.

"I would not have you think that I have come only to give your husband my impressions of you, my dear," she laughed. "I am delighted to be at Pemberley once again. It has been too long."

"When were you last here?"

"Several years ago. Not long after Fitzwilliam's father died, I came to stay with him and Georgiana. They were both so alone. I stayed for several months as Fitzwilliam grew into his role as master. I returned twice for visits, but never stayed long. I intended to return the summer before last, but after Georgiana's accident, your husband was not entertaining guests."

"He told me he was not at Pemberley often during that time. Only as much as the estate required."

"You are with him here, now. I hope you do not resent my presence."

"I beg your pardon, but that is nonsense. We both know why Mr. Darcy asked you to come." Elizabeth turned and looked Lady Victoria full in the face. "Madam, I truly welcome your assistance and am most grateful for it. I freely admit that I need all the help and advice that you are willing to provide. Heavens, I even need someone to teach me how to walk in a Court dress!"

Darcy's aunt eyed her nephew's wife. She could see that the young woman spoke truthfully and without guile. There was an artlessness about Elizabeth that the older woman found endearing. Her first impressions had proved valid – Elizabeth was an intelligent woman who could become an accepted member of the ton. If Lady Victoria Arnold had any say in the matter, Elizabeth Darcy would do just that.

The sounds of a pianoforte echoed through the house. Lady Victoria followed the melody to the music room where she found the mistress steadfastly working her way through a difficult passage. Elizabeth did not hear the other woman enter, and, after a rather dreadful chord, stopped and gave voice to her frustrations.

"Leave it to you, Lizzy, to ignore the one accomplishment that you need as a hostess."

"Do not be so severe on yourself, Mrs. Darcy. You are playing a rather challenging piece."

Elizabeth threw her hand to her chest, startled.

"I did not hear you enter. Forgive me."

"You have a good notion of the fingerings. It will come to you in time."

"It would come to me sooner had I spent more time practicing while growing up! I have not applied myself so diligently in years. Mr. Darcy insists that I spend time each day improving myself on the instrument. I would rather spend my time learning about Pemberley, but I understand his position and thus, do as I am asked."

"Ah yes, the dreaded exhibiting. Be thankful when you are old enough, or have enough children, to be past such displays. Has Darcy offered to bring you a master?"

"Yes, which I have declined at present. It would be a hideous waste to bring a master all the way from London when an hour a day is all I can spare for the instrument. Once we are in Town, I will avail myself of a teacher, but for now, I am left to my own devices. Unless you are able to assist me?"

"No, you are doing quite well enough without my interference. I should let you continue."

"Please, stay. I have practised enough for one day. I would enjoy your company, and we have a Court dress to discuss."

"Ah, yes, the feathers and hoops. Have you a selected a design?"

"Not as yet, although my maid and I have had several conversations about her experiences with Miss Wyatt, who made her curtsey while Marie was in her service. I have also reviewed the latest published fashion plates. I have to admit that when younger, my sister Jane and I agreed that we were very happy not to have to wear such complicated gowns." Elizabeth sighed. "It does seem an enormous waste of time and money on regalia that I will wear only once."

"Perhaps, but the Queen is very insistent about what must be worn."

"Fortunately, Marie seems to have a talent for designing elaborate gowns. She has shown me some of her drawings, and I would like you to see them as well. Work on the gown must commence very soon if it is to be ready in time."

"Do you have all the fabrics and hoops that are needed?"

"I believe so. I was very busy during the few days we were in Town. The basic components of the dress are in my possession, and the servants are awaiting direction."

The two ladies spoke with Elizabeth's maid, then with the other seamstresses on the staff. Lady Victoria counselled against elaborate embroidery, favouring instead the use of subtle colour and different textures to achieve the desired effect. Her reasoning was two- fold – to save time, and to free some of the ladies to work on other garments; Elizabeth still needed a great many new gowns. Marie, responsible for designing the Court dress, was also delegated the task of creating a mock headdress and a hooped skirt with train that Elizabeth would use to rehearse for her debut.

The much-anticipated Bartholomew Arnold finally arrived at Pemberley. Darcy was pleased to have another man in the family party; all the talk of gowns, Court protocol, headdresses, and the need for this item or that had sorely tested his resolve to bring his wife before the Court.

Arnold laughed at the look on his cousin's face when Darcy described what had occupied Elizabeth and Lady Victoria.

"If you had waited for a later date, you would not be in the throes of the females' schemes," Arnold remarked when he and Darcy were alone after dinner.

"You, my innocent cousin, do not understand my tactics. The sooner the date, the sooner this will be a distant memory. My wife shall have her day in the Queen's Drawing Rooms and her night at the ball we shall hold to mark the occasion. Following that, I may disappear back into the country."

"Only to reappear when your daughter performs her curtsey."

"You have forgotten that you have no sisters. My wife may bear only sons."

"Enough of this! I am to be married in a month to a wonderful woman, and frankly, I have no pity to spare on you. You have your bride, I await mine."

"Ah, yes, the wedding, how could I have forgotten?"

"You need not be so sarcastic."

"You need not be so verbose in extolling Miss Tell's virtues."

"I am not stopping you from extolling Mrs. Darcy's virtues. She is a handsome and clever woman, Cousin. It is apparent that my mother likes her, even if she claimed she was not ready to form a judgement when they first met. Mrs. Darcy seems to have won her favour."

"To my relief. Elizabeth needed a sponsor and an advisor. Aunt Victoria graciously consented to act as both.

"You do know that the Tells and the Halleys come to Pemberley for dinner on the day after tomorrow?"

"Miss Tell informed me by letter."

"You should be thankful that your intended lives so near. Waiting for letters would otherwise be interminable."

"Her family resides close enough to easily visit, yet far enough to prevent the journey from becoming an everyday occurrence."

"I count the distance from Elizabeth's family in Hertfordshire as a definite advantage. A woman can settle too near her parents. Fortunately, you have nothing to worry about. The Tells are a reputable, well-bred family. You can have no cause to repine."

"I take it, then, that your circumstances are not as favourable?"

"Elizabeth's mother could be Aunt Alice's long- lost twin sister."

"So that is the lay of the land! I have not had the privilege of spending as much time as you with the Earl and his family, but enough to pity our cousins. I am thankful for my parents, Mother especially. So unlike the Earl, or Lady Catherine."

"Your mother is nothing like her siblings, my own mother excluded."

"Much to my own and my brothers' joy – and relief."

Pemberley was readied for the pre-nuptial dinner with the Tells and the Halleys. Mr. Mitchell, the Darcys' parson, had also been included in the invitation. An early meal was planned and rooms readied, should the weather turn poor precluding the families from travelling home under the light of the moon. Bartholomew Arnold was very eager for his intended bride to arrive; Darcy, Elizabeth, and Lady Victoria had all laughed at his lovesick impatience.

Elizabeth might have also teased her new cousin, but she was far too nervous. The dinner would be her first official event as Pemberley's newest mistress; she was anxious that the evening be a success. Darcy assured her that she had no cause for concern. The families had known each other for years, and he had every confidence that their guests were eager to be pleased and would find her as charming as he knew she was.

That is easy for him to say, she mused. He is not the interloper. She had not grown up with these people. To make matters worse, she likely would be the youngest person present – the hostess younger than all her guests! Percival and Evelina Halley had raised and married off all their children; they had ten grandchildren to dote on, and a few more on the way. Miss Tell was the last of her siblings to marry, and Elizabeth had learned that Amelia was two years older than she. Mr. Mitchell, a widower, had three grown children.

The Tells' carriage was first to arrive. Arnold was there to open the door as soon as the conveyance came to rest. He handed out a beautiful young woman before giving way to an older gentleman who followed next out of the carriage. Everyone quickly went inside to escape the cold.

"Mrs. Darcy, may I present Miss Amelia Tell."

"Miss Tell, a pleasure. I have heard so much about you and your family."

The gentleman from the carriage and the older woman on his arm were in turn introduced.

The older gentleman adjusted his spectacles. "Charmed, madam. I have been anxious to meet the woman who finally captured my diffident neighbour."

Mr. Tell and his wife smiled in genuine pleasure at making Elizabeth's acquaintance and their hostess immediately relaxed, instinctively knowing that these were good people. Their years of friendship with the Pemberley family had predisposed them to approve of Darcy's choice.

Within half an hour, the Halleys arrived, followed shortly by Mr. Mitchell, making the party an even ten. They gathered in a parlour to await the summons to dinner. As was customary in the country, they would eat earlier than they would in Town; Elizabeth had planned a two-course meal with a light late supper to be served just prior to her guests' departure.

The food was praised, the conversation was pleasant, and all seemed to enjoy each other's company. After dinner, the women left the men to their pursuits, and Elizabeth had a chance to become better acquainted with the ladies.

"Mrs. Darcy, I am told you came from Hertfordshire," said Mrs. Halley.

"Yes, my father's estate, Longbourn, is near the town of Meryton."

"That is where you met Mr. Darcy?" Mrs. Tell asked.

"His friend, Mr. Bingley, leased a nearby estate, and Mr. Darcy came to visit. We met at an assembly. Mr. Bingley is to marry my elder sister at the end of March."

"Both friends smitten with sisters! How charming!" Mrs. Tell continued, "Do you have other siblings?"

"Yes, three younger sisters."

"No brother to inherit? It is fortunate that you were able to secure such a husband."

Elizabeth inwardly bristled, then rallied her composure. Mrs. Tell's tone was not cutting, and she did, after all, speak only the simple truth. Stop it, Lizzie! If you take offence at such a small and surely unintentional slight, how will you survive London's drawing rooms? Some of those matrons will make a real effort to draw blood. She drew a breath, then smiled at the speaker. "I consider myself the most fortunate woman in the world, Mrs. Tell. You all know what an excellent man my husband is – you must agree that there is no finer."

"Mrs. Darcy, I am afraid you will not find us in complete agreement," said Lady Victoria. "I think it safe to say that every woman should believe that her own husband is the better man."

"Forgive me, I did not mean to disparage ..."

Mrs. Tell graciously put an end to Elizabeth's discomposure. "Mrs. Darcy, I, for one, think it quite romantic that you have such strong feelings for your husband."

"As do I," Amelia Tell said to further reassure Elizabeth. "I can very much understand your feelings."

"Marriage seems to suit your husband," Mrs. Tell continued. "I have not seen him so congenial since before Miss Darcy's death, although he was not what one would call an unreserved man." The other ladies nodded in agreement. "He never prattled away like some young men do these days. Always so very serious."

Lady Victoria joined the conversation. "Not that he was always so reserved. When he was a lad, he got into his own share of mischief. My sister's letters would be full of this or that bit of boyish mayhem. He certainly kept his parents' attention. I have many stories I could tell, as could the other ladies whose sons he played with as a youth. Alas, with the death of his mother, he lost some of that joie de vivre."

"And then when George Darcy died, he became Master of Pemberley and proved himself as the man his parents raised him to be," Mrs. Halley added. "It was extraordinary, if you consider it. So young and so many responsibilities."

Elizabeth smiled at the fondness these women, who had known Darcy from the time he was born, held for her husband.

The three older women began to reminisce about people whom Elizabeth did not know, and Miss Tell took the opportunity to engage her in private discourse.

"Do not fret. I have never met some of the people they are speaking of now. I am thankful for the chance to get to know you better. We will be cousins soon." Both young women smiled.

"I met Mr. Arnold only a few days ago. I like him very much. He is a pleasant and intelligent man, most eager to be married."

Amelia laughed. "We both are! My parents insisted on a long engagement, but as the months have dragged on, I think Mother has begun to regret that decision. I suspect she is tired of my complaints about waiting."

"My own engagement was rather short, not even two months."

"I envy you."

"It did not seem enviable at the time. Everything was so hectic. I think I was more relieved than happy when the wedding was over."

"You are happy now, though. No one who has seen you with Mr. Darcy can doubt it. I have known him all my life, and I am pleased that he has found a woman who could bring joy back into his life and into this house."

The two women talked together until the gentlemen rejoined them, the older ladies content to let the two progress in their acquaintance. Elizabeth and Amelia, they knew, could develop an enduring friendship, founded on a similarity of age and temperament, kinship through their husbands, and the relatively short distance between their marital residences. The matrons were correct. Elizabeth and Amelia formed a good opinion of each other that evening, which would develop into a strong bond and secure a lifelong friendship. Jane would always hold that special place in Elizabeth's heart that belonged only to a beloved sister, but Elizabeth would later call Amelia her closest friend after Jane.

The weather held and the dinner guests made it safely to their homes in a clear, bright moonlight. Darcy was pleased. The evening had gone very well indeed and Elizabeth had demonstrated that she was the consummate hostess. Lady Victoria complimented her before retiring for the night. And Darcy showed his satisfaction in a way only a lover could do.

A few days later, Bartholomew Arnold returned to Kympton, while his mother remained with the Darcys. Her presence was no intrusion. She and Elizabeth spent several hours each day discussing the upcoming season in Town. Lady Victoria did her best to educate her protιgι on the many potential pitfalls the young woman would face in her foray into society. Elizabeth learned with whom Darcy was on good terms, and more importantly, with whom he was not. The complex web of social ties was drilled into the young woman, until she could identify each member of each prominent family she was likely to meet. Her education also included a thorough briefing on the scandals and scuttlebutt of the ton, and especially those associated with her new family.

Lady Victoria was not a sympathetic taskmaster. "Elizabeth," she would say, "if you fail to remember that Lady Seaton coveted your husband as a son-in- law, and are not on your guard when you meet her, you may justly draw her scorn and ridicule. Trust me, the woman is as vindictive as they come, and she will not be pleased that some country nobody stole Darcy from her daughter, no matter how repellent that simpering creature may be!"

The lessons also continued about Court.

"You must never turn you back on the Queen, which can make moving difficult when you must walk backwards. Concentrate on what I have told you!" Lady Victoria would say as Elizabeth practised wearing the hooped skirt that was shaped similarly to the dress she would wear at St James's.

Elizabeth bore all of the testing with good grace. Her new aunt would be purposely caustic, trying to goad her into losing her poise and her temper. Lady Victoria rarely succeeded, unless Elizabeth was particularly tired from attending to her other duties as mistress, or had an unsatisfactory time practicing on the pianoforte.

The work on Elizabeth's Court dress was also moving forward. Several fittings were held to assure that the special gown designed to be worn before royalty would fit perfectly. Other gowns that Elizabeth would need were being sewn as well. After consultation with Lady Victoria and Mrs. Reynolds, additional women were employed to produce the raiment necessary for Mrs. Darcy.

Elizabeth was tired. She wanted nothing more than for it all to be over – the fuss and the fittings, the lessons, the presentation, the season, the testing that would determine, once and she hoped for all, her suitability as a Darcy bride. She wanted nothing more than to settle in comfortably with her husband here at Pemberley, far away from that handful of social arbiters in London who had the power to decide if she was worthy of their notice. What gave them the right? What if she failed? Not a few times, she found herself frustrated or very close to anger. Not a few times, she questioned her decision to enter into this marriage. But then she would spy her husband, and her love for him filled her with strength and happiness. A lifetime with Fitzwilliam Darcy was worth anything. He had been most perceptive; she discovered within herself an unexpected courage that rose at the thought of any attempt to intimidate her. It would serve her well in the months ahead.

The seemingly endless fittings continued daily. One in particular stood out in both Elizabeth's and Lady Victoria's mind. Marie was once again checking the suitability of the fit of the bodice of the court dress. As the maid fretted and pulled at the garment's neckline, Elizabeth winced in pain.

"Marie, faites attention, s'il vous plaξt ! Je suis trθs sensible lΰ-bas, comme vous le savez bien !"

"Pardonnez-moi, Madame, je vous en prie! Je serais plus prudente dorιnavant."

Lady Victoria's attention was immediately drawn to the lack of English in the exchange, and by the implied meaning behind the words. She looked more closely at her new niece, studying her for signs of change. She could see nothing different, but did not fail to notice the blush that coloured Elizabeth's cheeks, and the young woman's inability to meet her eyes.

Interesting.

The wedding of Amelia Tell and Bartholomew Arnold was finally near at hand. The Earl consented to attend the ceremony as a sign of family approval. Lady Catherine could not be bothered to travel so far in winter, and in any event, her contempt for Darcy's marriage outweighed, in her mind, all other considerations. Many months ago, well before the Bennet-Darcy wedding, it had been agreed that the Fitzwilliams and Arnolds were to stay at Pemberley. The now-strained relationship between Darcy and his uncle, and the continuing coolness between the Earl and Lady Victoria, dictated that the Earl and his wife stay elsewhere. The Tells would host them; there was, fortunately, a prior acquaintance between the families.

Elizabeth was relieved that at least one potentially explosive situation seemed to have been averted, but they would still play host to the entire Arnold clan. Michael Arnold and his wife Helen, Charles Arnold, and Joseph Arnold would come to see their brother married. None of the Fitzwilliam cousins would attend. Colonel Fitzwilliam sent his respects, but his army duties prevented his journey to Derbyshire. No one had expected his siblings to come and thus, were not disappointed when they begged off.

The first week of March found the Darcys inundated with family. Pemberley was nearer to the church where the wedding would take place than Kympton, which was in the opposite direction. Amelia Tell would be married from her father's house, in the church where she had been baptized, and where she had worshipped since childhood.

Both Darcys rejoiced in opening Pemberley to so many of their family and sharing the happiness of their cousins. Elizabeth was delighted to further her acquaintance with the oldest and youngest Arnold sons and to meet Charles, who had been unable to come to Hertfordshire for her wedding. Michael's wife, Helen, as she knew from their previous meetings, was a delightful woman, and Elizabeth enjoyed the time she was able to spend with Lady Victoria and her daughter-in-law.

The groom was the last to arrive at Pemberley. True to his convictions, he discharged his pastoral duties on Sunday before travelling to Pemberley to be with his family one last time before he became a married man.

The night before the wedding was a special evening. Elizabeth had arranged for all of the groom's favourites to be served at dinner. The family party reminisced about days gone by: exploits from their youth, fond remembrances of those no longer alive, and hopes for the future filled the conversation that night.

After Elizabeth led the women to the drawing room following the meal, Darcy and Michael Arnold, as the married men, offered Bartholomew a few words of wisdom. When Darcy spoke of finding happiness and contentment in his marital union, the brothers were amazed to hear such words from their cousin. But his ease and seeming satisfaction with his life gave his words added power and authority. Even Michael was impressed. To those who did not truly know Darcy, he appeared to be the same man he had always been; to those who knew him well, it was evident that something had changed. All the Arnolds believed it was for the better, and only Darcy was oblivious to it all.

The men shared their spirits, cigars, and advice then reconvened with the ladies. The rest of the evening was spent listening to Elizabeth and Helen Arnold play the pianoforte; even the matriarch, Lady Victoria, was prevailed upon to provide a song.

As the evening came to a close, Darcy had several special bottles of wine brought in. Once everyone was in possession of a glass, he began.

"Bartholomew, some of my earliest memories are of you trailing behind, trying to be included in play with your older brothers and me. Little could I imagine the men we would one day become. When you chose to make the church your profession, one of my greatest delights as master of Pemberley was to bestow upon you the living at Kympton. Since the day you were installed in the parish, you have proven yourself a worthy man of the cloth. You have also proved worthy of the hand of one of my dearest friends, a woman I have known all of her life. Had you not been so worthy, I would never have allowed you near Amelia." Everyone laughed.

"Tomorrow, you will take your biggest step towards happiness when you take Amelia Tell for your wife. Honour and cherish her as a husband ought, and you will secure an excellent helpmeet for all the days of your life. I am happy for you, and I am happy for Amelia. May God give you harmony and joy all the days of your life together. May your household expand with the gift of children, who will bring you delight as you grow old. And finally, may you never exceed your income."

Again all laughed as they raised their glasses. It was a memorable end to a perfect evening.

Before retiring for the evening, Darcy made a point of speaking privately with the groom to be.

"I owe you an apology," Darcy said. "Were it not for my disagreement with our uncle, the family party would have been more complete."

"Do not worry, my friend. My brothers and I never have been close to our Fitzwilliam kin. The Earl never made an effort to know us; I am not sure he ever truly accepted us. I think his attendance is as much predicated on a design not to offend Amelia's family as to support mine."

"The Earl has always been concerned about appearances."

"Thus he came to Derbyshire and brought his wife, but not his children. Darcy, I understand his motives and refuse to allow you to assume responsibility for his prejudices, much less his failings. He has not even had the courtesy to pay his respects to your new wife, despite being in the neighbourhood. I know you extended the invitation. The less thought of him, the better."

"But the connection is important and you should retain it if at all possible."

"I am a clergyman, Darcy."

"You are a gentleman by birth. Remember your children before you dismiss it out of hand."

"Oh, very well then, I shall. But enough of this. Off to your wife, old man. I look forward to privilege going to mine tomorrow."

The following day, two young lovers were joined forever in holy matrimony. All those present rejoiced in the new union. At the wedding breakfast, Elizabeth was at last introduced to the Earl and his wife. The meeting was short; both couples were unfailingly polite for a few strained minutes until they could make their excuses and find more agreeable conversation with people they actually liked.

In the days following, the Darcys' guests vacated Pemberley, including Lady Victoria, who travelled back to Town with her three sons and daughter-in-law. Neither did the Darcys tarry long at Pemberley. Preparations were made for the journey south. Directions were given for the upkeep of the house while the family was not in residence. Trunks were packed and carts were loaded with all that would be needed during the next few months. It was time to return to London society.

To Netherfield, first, they would go. Jane and Bingley's wedding would take place at the end of the month, and Elizabeth wanted to be near her sister for at least the last few days before she shed the name of Bennet. Then the Darcys would journey to London, where all their hopes for Elizabeth's entry into society waited.