Chapter 29
Alone in their room Elizabeth waited for her husband thinking with satisfaction on the evening. He joined her whilst she was having her hair brushed out, a habit she had got used to since becoming Mrs Darcy. She dismissed Polly and Darcy took up the brush once she had left. He loved her hair and she loved the feel of him brushing and caressing it.
"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" Asked Elizabeth
"I find the company most agreeable. I have known Mr Gregson for a long time, but not this well. His ideas for his estate are clever and well thought out. Mr McGrath is quite the interesting gentleman too."
Elizabeth was pleased he had introduced the topic of that particular gentleman "yes, although I found his attention somewhat distracted"
Darcy narrowed his eyes at her "not scheming, are we? You almost sound like a match making mama!"
Elizabeth playfully swatted his hand "no indeed, but they do seem like a well-matched couple! What is your opinion?"
Darcy weighed his words for a moment "I see there is a preference for now, but please let's not interfere. It may all come to nothing and I would not wish to raise any expectations." He paused a minute then moved in front of Elizabeth looking in her eyes "your invitation for Charlotte to stay longer was not to encourage a supposed attachment was it?"
Elizabeth answered with wide eyes and an incredulous note to her voice "Mr Darcy, how could you say such a thing!"
He merely looked at her and raised an eyebrow
She looked a little sheepish "not the only reason"
"Elizabeth!" His tone was warning
"No honestly, it was not my main motive, but I confess it was a consideration. Please don't be angry" she looked at him in such a pleasing way that he couldn't help but forgive her
"Alright, but please don't push them together. Let us just see what occurs."
Elizabeth smiled up at him "I promise, now let me see what I can do to distract you from any unpleasant thoughts!" She kissed him softly on the collar bone and started to trail kisses up his neck and nibbled on his earlobe. "How's this?" She whispered in his ear
He groaned and snaked his arms around her waist, leaning his head down to capture her lips. Within a minute he swept her up in to his arms and moved her to the bed. He gazed at her for a few minutes before joining her on the bed.
"You are so beautiful Mrs Darcy," he kissed her before she had time to answer and proceeded to show her how much he loved her, thoroughly distracted from the preceding conversation.
...
The Gardiner's visit continued to go well. Both Mr and Mrs Darcy cherished their company and by the time they left there was many a profession of good intentions to see each other often. A plan for Christmas was already in the making, to include the children. Their leaving was inevitable but Elizabeth was sad to see them go. She was comforted by the presence of her sisters and Charlotte and the increasing intimacy with many of the neighbours. Jane and Mr Bingley were expected in a little over a month was also a source of comfort and in the meantime, there was much to be done in preparation for the upcoming house party. Acceptances were pouring in and each person needed rooms preparing befitting their station.
The response from Lady Catherine was most firmly in the negative and Darcy refused to show the content of the letter to Elizabeth before confining it to the fire. He was not going to tell his wife the many terrible names she had called Elizabeth and his reply was curt and to the point.
.
Dear madam
The invitation you lately received was at the insistence of my wife and no other. Given your illbred response and your continued lack of remorse for your despicable, unladylike, actions last Easter I hereby sever all connection, both private and public with yourself.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
.
There was a missive from Anne which followed her mother reply stating she could not travel so far as to attend but was hoping to travel to London for some of the season and would very much like to pay her respects to Mrs Darcy if she would allow her to. Elizabeth smiled at this piece of rebellion and vowed to write to Anne. She was not sure her letters would get through, it was possible Lady Catherine checked her daughters mail, but she was content to try at least.
A/N - extra chapters today as I am probably not going to be able to update for a couple of days. Also I realised that I have left a whole scene out and now need to sit down and write it. the rest of the story is written and proofed once so just needs a couple more readings and will all be up in good time thereafter.
