AN: It's a few minutes to midnight here in Australia and I should have published this earlier in the day. I hope you enjoy as we start to wrap up the story.
"I should wish for Wednesday once again," Darcy whispered into Elizabeth's ear.
"You would willingly place yourself among society," she quipped, looking up and down the table. Set for almost forty people, the most notable families from the district gathered this night at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet had outdone herself. This betrothal dinner would be much spoken of in Hertfordshire.
"I would rather be trapped inside a carriage for the better part of the day with Bingley and your sister for company," Darcy stated acidly, "than paraded like cattle at an auction. At least our party spent only a quarter of an hour with each of these families."
"Poor Fitzwilliam," Lizzy tried in vain to repress a chuckle of amusement at his discomfort, "to have such attention lavished upon you by so many is not to be born. Take heart, Dearest, we are on the second of three courses. It cannot be more than an hour until the men separate."
"I have promised you that the society of a particular lady will be limited after our marriage. Perhaps it is time you returned the favour," Darcy said acidly, watching Mrs. Long and Mrs. Bennet fawning over Miss Bennet's supposed attachment to Mr. Bingley. Their voices loud enough to reach the betrothed couple seated in the middle of the long table.
"But I am fond of company," Elizabeth smiled, her eyes twinkled, attempting to distract Darcy from the more ill-mannered behaviour of her relatives. "After we are married, are we to remain alone at Pemberley without any society? I believe we would become quite dull, Mr. Darcy. Or perhaps, if I should reserve several evenings for your pleasure alone, you will allow me into company?"
"As your husband," Darcy could not help the smouldering want from entering his eyes, "I shall demand your attention always. Yet I will bow to your need for society, although I am loath to share you."
Elizabeth was saved from answering as Mr. Yates claimed her attention. "Will you take a wedding tour? I am told it is most fashionable to spend time on the continent."
"Old Boney has made sailing the channel quite difficult," Colonel Fitzwilliam, seated across the table, answered. "I should advise my cousin to tour the lakes or peak district. I understand Miss Elizabeth holds great affection for nature and the outdoors."
"Such should not be attempted until next summer, or late spring at the earliest," Darcy responded. "The roads will adequately dry to travel and the weather improved."
"I have never visited either," Lizzy said wistfully.
"It shall be arranged," Darcy offered easily, "if that is your wish. Pemberley will survive without its Master and new Mistress for several weeks during the spring season."
"As easy at that," Lizzy told her sister as they readied for bed later that same night.
"Why are you surprised," Jane berated in her soft tone. "The gift on the night of your engagement ball indicated Mr. Darcy's wealth. You have spoken of your marriage settlement which is astonishing and demonstrated Mr. Darcy's attachment towards you. Why should he not wish you to see the great beauty of his home county?"
"Jane," Lizzy sighed, once again humbled by her sister's thoughts of the good to be found in others. "Truly you are angelic. It will take time to fully understand the fortune and connection which will soon be at my disposal as Mrs. Darcy. Fitzwilliam is eager for me to take on the role for Mistress of his homes. I confess to some uneasiness at the transition, yet I look forward to spending time with my new husband. I am honest enough to express my delight at visiting such natural wonders. I had not considered how easily wealth allowed one to traipse about the country-side."
"I believe you shall soon become accustomed to your new role, Lizzy," Jane smiled.
Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth could only agree. "Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley are to call tomorrow," she announced. "So, I will not require your company for my ramble."
"Are Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy to join the party," Jane enquired.
"Our mother and younger sisters' attentions will be far too trying. On this I require your council, Jane. Georgiana is shy among strangers, painfully so," confessed Elizabeth with a deepening frown. "Fitzwilliam though it best to send her to school after his father passed and he inherited the estate. I believe she is lonely but ill equipped to recommend herself to strangers."
"Then we shall have to help her to be at ease in company," Jane commented, "just as you have eased Mr. Darcy into Meryton Society."
"How is such to be achieved," Lizzy questioned. "I fear it will not be an easy task, for I believe she takes her brother's likeness, more than is good for a young lady about to enter society. Fitzwilliam has come to see his past decision in a new light, spending time in Mr. Bingley's home and Georgiana's reaction to it. It grieves him to see his sister so timid, even in the company of her family."
"I feel sure," Jane allowed a slight smile to steal across her features, "that your natural wit shall win her affections, just as they have Mr. Darcy's, Lizzy."
"I pray it will be so," Elizabeth sighed, still a little uneasy. "We are for London on Monday."
"T'is four hours," Jane commented, folding down her side of the bed, "in a carriage. Are the gentlemen to accompany us in the coach or ride alongside?"
"I confess, I do not know," Lizzy stated.
When the gentlemen called the following day, Darcy owned the weather would dictate his and the Colonel's mode of transport. As the first days of December arrived, so did the inclement weather. As much as Darcy and Bingley would have enjoyed being trapped in a coach with their ladies, propriety, and the need for space, ensured both gentlemen's carriages made the twenty mile journey.
"I have never seen the roads in such a state," Elizabeth commented in an arch tone. "We are but an hour into the journey and have scarce made five miles. At this rate, do you think we shall reach London by night fall?"
"Lizzy," Jane gently reproved, "patience is a virtue."
Although her countenance remained serene, Jane knew her sister should like to be with her betrothed. Mrs. Bennet had commandeered Lizzy for the purpose of displaying the good fortune of her daughter on Friday. Indeed, Mr. Darcy waited in vain for his fiancée atop Oakham Mount in growing frustration. The two eldest Miss Bennets were bid to Netherfield to dine on Saturday evening. Mr. Bennet insisted they not leave until after their cousin, Mr. Collins bid Longbourn goodbye and the ladies be returned to their home no later than ten in the evening, for the banns were to be read for the second week on Sunday. Apart from a short conversation after services, Elizabeth and Darcy were forced to wait until this very morning to sight each other.
The slow pace of their journey meant many hours before Lizzy and Mr. Darcy would once again be in company. Perhaps, at the next stop, she would suggest a change in the arrangements to place the soon to be Darcy family together. That the arrangement would leave her with Miss Darcy as a chaperone whilst allowing Jane the presence of Mr. Bingley and Mrs Annesley. Once they arrived at Gracechurch Street, it would be many hours before the party came back together. Even then, they were to dine at Lord Matlock's townhouse this evening.
"Oh, Jane," Elizabeth sighed theatrically, "patience is a virtue of which I have little in reserve for such occasions as these. What of you, Georgiana? How do you find amusement when in such a trying situation?"
"I…I," glancing to her companion, Mrs. Annesley encouraged the young woman to continue the conversation, "keep a lyre harp in the carriage always. I find, on long journeys with my brother, it is most soothing and passes the time most agreeably."
"I have never seen such a harp," Elizabeth commented, somewhat intrigued.
"I should very much like to hear you play," Jane added, "if you will grant us the opportunity."
Shyly, Georgiana reached into the alcove beneath her seat. It had been cleverly built into the equipage for a very different purpose. However, the space stored her harp beautifully. Once on her lap, she tuned the Lyre quickly and began to play. It sounded quite different from a more traditional instrument but filled the limited space with a pleasant resonance. The volume perfect, the ladies spent the next hour listening with rapt attention. Before they knew it, the midpoint for their journey had been reached. After the stop, and upon returning to the carriage, Georgiana spoke of her instrument's history. It seemed the musical interlude had aided her courage in forming an attachment to the Bennet sisters.
"It is an ancient form of the harp, spoken of in the Bible," shyly, Miss Darcy opened up, her voice becoming stronger as she spoke on a matter she knew well. Her superior playing and love of music shining through her clear blue eyes. "My brother has read accounts of Bedouin tribes using such an instrument, indeed making improvements so as to increase its ease of transport upon a camel's back."
It did not take much in the way of effort for Jane and Elizabeth to encourage the younger woman to continue her discourse, and do so with eloquence. They spoke of music initially, but soon found themselves moving on to other subjects considered suitable for young ladies. The remainder of the trip to London saw much improved roads. The hours melted away and soon the Darcy carriage pulled up before Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's Gracechurch Street home.
Darcy and the Colonel alighted their coach immediately, leaving Mr. Bingley to follow if he wished. They waited for the ladies to be handed out by the liveried footmen. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, who demurred in favour of his cousin. Instead, with a quick glance at Miss Darcy, she allowed her reason to be known: the girl looked terrified at the thought of an introduction to Lizzy's relations.
"Mr. Darcy," Aunt Gardiner curtseyed when the party entered her parlour. Her nieces had made the introductions, after greeting her with a warm embrace. "Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. My nieces have written of your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is ours," Darcy bowed, observing the tastefully decorated home. It appeared the Gardiners were people of sense and fashion whom his betrothed adored. They had spoken much of the connection, one Elizabeth was loathe to give up. Indeed, she wished to call upon her relations in Cheapside whenever they were in town. Her mother, however, she had agreed to subject to Darcy no more than twice a year.
"I should like to offer your party refreshments," Mrs. Gardiner stated, watching for Mr. Darcy's reaction to her words. It seemed Mr. Bingley and the Colonel were at the great man's disposal, as they looked to him for direction. "However, I will understand, on such an inclement day, if you should wish to retire before dining with your relations this evening."
"I should like to linger," Darcy replied, watching his sister's reaction carefully. "However the roads from Meryton to the London road were a quite a trial for the drivers and subsequently took longer than expected."
Mrs. Gardiner, carefully observed the care displayed between brother and sister. It spoke well of the gentleman's character. "I understand, Sir. You have little enough time to fulfil your obligations in town. Perhaps you will consent to tea after your visit to the modiste on the morrow."
"Until tomorrow, Madam, when it will be a pleasure" Darcy bowed, avowing he would take the opportunity to know Elizabeth's family.
"Elizabeth," Mrs. Gardiner motioned for the younger woman to see the visitors out. It would be but a moment's work to unload the trunks, for her nieces were to stay but two nights. Even then, their time would be limited.
Cheeks stained red, Lizzy did as requested. In the foyer, Colonel Fitzwilliam guided his young cousin to the waiting carriage with Mr. Bingley following behind. It gave Elizabeth and Darcy a few moments alone. They revelled in the first quiet moment shared on this day.
"I shall return for you at six. My aunt and uncle keep town hours, so we will not sit down to dine until eight," Darcy warned, his eyes attempting to say all his lips could not.
"I shall be ready," Lizzy responded, appreciating the silent warning. Yet, several hours later, Elizabeth came to rue those words.
"I hope you are enjoying your conquest," Lady Susan stated tartly when the introductions had been made. It seemed the woman would do little to put Miss Bennet at ease. For this first meeting with her nephew's intended, the Countess wished few to witness her interrogation, for she intended to openly vent her displeasure in private. Neither of her sons, nor the Viscountess were to be witness to her display of disdain.
"Conquest," Lizzy responded, holding her ire at bay. Reaching out to touch Darcy's coat sleeve, she shot him a look before returning to her antagonist. Although stiff with indignation, her betrothed understood the plea and let Elizabeth continue, for he knew her courage would rise to the occasion, just as it had many time in the presence of Miss Bingley. "I fear you have the mistaken me with Cupid's Arrow, for it is his aim that created the conquest."
"A love match," Lady Susan's scorn could not be kept from her tone.
Once again, Darcy bristled at the provocation. Lizzy slipped her hand into Fitzwilliam's, lacing their fingers together in an open display of unity. "So it would seem," she challenged with a slight smile. However, the light in her eyes could only be anger. "Cupid's bow has been most active, for his arrow has bested my heart. I may say, nothing less than the deepest love and admiration would induce me to matrimony."
"Then it is fortunate for you," Lady Susan responded, only a little mollified by the young woman's ability to withstand her attack, "this arrow struck such a man."
"How so?" questioned Elizabeth. Without awaiting a reply, for she no longer wished to put this hostility aside but face it head on. "I suspect you speak of Fitzwilliam's rank. And yet, he is a gentleman while I am a gentleman's daughter. In this I believe we are equal."
"You speak of rank, as if all gentlemen were the same. Even you cannot hold such an opinion to be true," Lady Susan rose from her place on the couch suddenly. Approaching the pair, she looked upon Elisabeth's simple gown with horror. "How can you compare your simple country," pausing she found a word that would not distance Darcy completely, "fashion with that of the first circles?"
"Lady Susan," Lizzy straightened her spine, "if my situation in life is nothing to my betrothed, how can it mean anything to you?"
"I am the daughter of the Duke of St Christabel," she stated in a proud tone. "In marrying my nephew, you gain that connection, as well you become the niece of an Earl, not to mention a relation to many other illustrious personages. Now tell me your station in life is equal to the marriage you have orchestrated."
"I will not boast of connections I do not have," Elizabeth stated. "Nor will I pretend to be that which I am not. Lady Susan," forcing her voice to become lower and calmer, Lizzy sighed, "tomorrow I am to visit Miss Darcy's modiste for Fitzwilliam and I have discussed what will be necessary for my introduction into the first circles. If you wish, you may accompany Miss Darcy, my sister and myself."
"You are too clever by half young lady," Susan eyed the girl. "Should I refuse, my nephew will be angered and if I consent, society will see my patronage as acceptance of your position."
"You mistake me, Lady Susan," becoming somewhat fatigued with the argument, it appeared neither Darcy nor Lord Fitzwilliam wished to interfere. Both knew this battle too important to the future of Elizabeth's place in society. If she could not make her way against the Countess's sharp tongue, there would be little hope against those who were not disposed to the match. However, Darcy allowed his fingers to flex, lending his strength to his betrothed. In his opinions, Elizabeth was magnificent in defence of her character. "My intention was to offer an olive branch. I had hoped this meeting would lay the foundations for our future familiar felicity."
Brows furrowed, it took Lizzy some moments to understand Lady Susan was not accustomed to such honesty. It gave her the courage to speak plainly. Withdrawing her touch from Fitzwilliam, she approached the woman who would make or break her entry into society. It seemed the first circles spoke in ambiguity and made much out of their own ideas without foundation in truth. Something Lizzy would have to remember.
"May we sit, for I wish to have this subject complete before going into dine," Elizabeth suggested, taking the countess's arm and leading her to the couch. "Fitzwilliam and the Colonel have praised your table. I should like to enjoy its fruits and not have my digestion spoilt by dissention between us."
"You state your opinions very decidedly," Susan said, somewhat ill at ease with the younger woman. Under other circumstances, she would enjoy spending time with her nephew's intended.
"So I have been informed," a wide smile broke out on Lizzy's face as she turned it toward her betrothed.
Watching the interaction, Susan could not deny Cupid had indeed struck these two. Miss Bennet's wit matched that of her nephew and her manners were somewhat impertinent. Yet she would need such to battle the drawing rooms of the first circles. If only the family fortune and connections could be kept from general knowledge, the gossip would be of short duration.
"Lady Susan," Elizabeth finally broached the subject she considered essential to their continued acquaintance. "Do you not think my betrothed and I have not spoken of the change in station which will occur upon my marriage?"
A sharp nod her only answer, Susan Fitzwilliam knew Darcy to be overly analytical with every decision he made. He would have considered every aspect of this marriage before requesting Miss Bennet's hand. Even now, the young man watched his betrothed perform without interruption. It seemed he trusted her to conduct herself with dignity and respect against the wife and daughter of a peer.
"Fitzwilliam wishes my introduction be gradual. We shall be married in a sev'night and spending our first few days as husband and wife in London. I am told this invitation to dine will be the only opportunity both you and I will have to take each other's likeness, for we will be indisposed to callers next week."
"Is this true, Nephew," Lady Susan demanded, to which Darcy nodded his assent. "I suppose you will spend the festive season with your new family."
"We have been invited to stay at Netherfield, a property recently leased by my good friend Mr. Bingley," Darcy allowed.
"That young man you saved from himself," snorted Lady Susan. "Oh he is jovial enough. Now it seems he wishes to establish himself in the world as a gentleman. Of course you are aiding him. Tell me of his estate."
"It would meet your standards," Darcy stated somewhat condescendingly.
"Should the Earl and I attend your nuptials, I gather we should be welcomed," Susan dismissed this idea. "When are you to introduce the new Mrs. Darcy to society?"
Elizabeth gave her betrothed a calming glance. "We are to spend Christmas and Boxing Day in Hertfordshire before traveling to Pemberley. I would like to start the New Year in our home, surrounded by intimate family. I believe Fitzwilliam plans to return to London in February for a short season."
"I had hoped," Darcy finally joined the conversation, "to limit the number of invitations to private balls and dine with only select company."
"You mean," Lady Susan frowned, "those of my acquaintance that will accept your bride."
"Indeed," Darcy countered with a hard stare. "We shall participate in wider society the following season, if my wife is not attempting to fill the nursery at Pemberley. There will be preparations for Georgiana's coming out to be planned. I had hoped you will be responsible for her presentation, should Mrs. Darcy be indisposed."
"So you are to wait until my niece turns eighteen," Lady Susan considered this. "that will give us time to ensure Mrs. Darcy is widely accepted and your sister's chance of a good match have not been materially damaged." Turning her complete attention on Elizabeth, the Countess declared, "I shall call at Leighwood at ten tomorrow. I expect your party to await my arrival and be prepared to spend much of the day shopping, for if we have so little time, arrangements must be made."
Before either Darcy or Lizzy could answer, the butler announced dinner. As Fitzwilliam took her arm to follow his relations into the dining room, he leant in to his betrothed. "Shall your digestion cope," he enquired with a completely straight face.
"I shall rally," Lizzy stated archly, allowing one eyebrow to rise.
"I believe the worst to be over," Darcy sounded relieved.
"It will take more than a single olive branch," Lizzy predicted, "to overcome your aunt's notions of a proper wife. I look forward to the challenge."