Omg. Annoyingly I, once again, can't get the reviews. Argh how frustrating. I'm sure they were all lovely. Second most reviewed story. I'm not sure it'll over take number one though. Not too much left
Hope u all well. I'll just get on with it :)
Chapter 28 - Daunting duties.
...
Darcy stood for a moment looking up at the facade of the Earl of Matlock's London seat. The building was constructed in a similar style to his own home and so he should not find it imposing. He should not.
He knew, without a doubt, that he would marry Elizabeth regardless of his family. But even he had to admit their support would be welcomed. Lady Matlock was a society leader and if she accepted the new Mrs Darcy, half of the ton would too. Georgiana was to come out the following year, her debut would go smoother and her options would be more varied if Elizabeth were accepted.
With those thoughts in mind he raised his hand and knocked.
When he was shown in to the parlour and saw both his aunt and uncle sat to welcome him. He could see by the expression on their faces that this was not going to go easily.
...
Back at Longborn, Elizabeth found herself facing her own, daunting, task.
"It is very high." She sighed and Henry chuckled
"Unfortunately if one is too short it will not be able to hold you."
Elizabeth shot a look at her brother and he chuckled again. She turned her attention back to the horse.
She had wished for something to occupy her time whilst Darcy was in London and both Georgiana and Henry had offered to help her get back in to the saddle.
Georgiana was not present for her first attempt, on Nellie, but was returning to Longborn that afternoon with her own horse.
"Come on." Henry cajoled her "looking up at her will not make her smaller!"
She took a deep breath and allowed the stable hand to aid her up on the block and then Henry helped settle her in the saddle. Showing her where her legs should go, pointing out the correct tension for the reins and tightening the stirrup.
Once settled she allowed Henry to lead her around before she felt confident to kick Nellie in to a slow walk. She hoped fervently that Derbyshire was worth it.
Later that afternoon she took Nellie out for a walk whilst Henry rode his horse and Georgiana rode hers. She had found it remarkably easy to remember her lessons from years prior. It had helped that Henry and Georgiana were both such competent and patient teachers.
She allowed her thoughts to turn to the south and wondered how Darcy was getting on. They had spoken of his thoughts on calling on the Earl and she felt it to be appropriate, she hoped she would not be the cause of a breach in the family.
The colonel had been very personable and she knew he thought highly of Henry and Mr Gardiner, even after only a handful of meetings. It was a shame he was on manoeuvres in the north and likely had not even spoken to his parents of her.
His brother was less complacent about rank, apparently, and had married for the very best connections.
She looked over at Georgiana, who was laughing at something Henry had said, and she smiled. It would all work out in the end.
...
"Darcy. Perhaps you could explain what Lady Catherine was blethering on about just yesterday. She barrels through here then leaves at the crack of dawn only to return with protestations of you being engaged to some country chit and not caring for her greatest wish."
Darcy opened his mouth but the Earl was not finished.
"No I do not think you should marry Anne, but surely you could make that point with someone better than a country nobody?"
Darcy waited for ten seconds, allowing his ire to cool and ensuring there was no more.
"First, let me say, that if you refer to my betrothed in such derogatory terms again I will be leaving directly, no matter the consequences." He watched as his aunt and uncle exchanged a glance but neither of them commented. He nodded "I have, just three days ago, asked Miss Elizabeth Bennet Of Longborn in Hertfordshire to be my wife. She has, finally, accepted me and I have procured a license. We will be wed in eight days."
The Earl jumped up exclaiming "Now hold on just a minute!"
Lady Matlock spoke for the first time "sit down Peter."
Lord Matlock looked a bit stunned at being addressed so informally in company, but he did as he was bid. Lady Matlock took a deep breath.
"You must agree this is all rather sudden for us."
Darcy shrugged "I apologise if this has come as a shock. I confess, telling you had not been high on my priorities of late. I am sorry for your having to deal with Lady Catherine, but this is the situation."
Lady Matlock's lips twisted. "I suppose there is nothing to be done?"
Darcy shook his head.
"She is not a fortune hunter, is she?"
Darcy laughed, the sound startling both is aunt and uncle.
"I apologise Aunt. No, she is not."
"How can you be certain." His uncle blustered, not wanting to back down.
Darcy stood and paced, then whirled to face them "because the first time I proposed, in Kent, she refused me. It has taken quite a serious amount of effort to convince her I was not the blaggard she believed me to be. I rejoice in my success."
The Earl Of Matlock had nothing to say to that. Lady Matlock tittered suddenly "she would be the young lady that Richard spoke of who stood up to Lady Catherine? He did not mention her by name."
Darcy smiled at the memory and nodded.
Lady Matlock tittered again "I would like to have been witness to a lady saying no to you Darcy. She might actually be worth knowing."
She heaved a sigh, mirth dropping away. "When can we introduce her?" She asked.
"I...uh" Darcy was at a loss for words, was that all the objections? His uncle was staring, red faced, at his wife. Clearly unhappy with her turn of countenance.
"The season is almost over. I can start to speak of you both at the last few events. I assume you will go to Pemberley over the summer?" She glanced up at him and he nodded "the little season will be the best time to introduce her then. She will have ample time to ensure an adequate wardrobe."
Darcy and his uncle exchanged bemused looks, clearly Lady Matlock was in full planning mode and required no input from either gentleman.
Two hours later Darcy left with a letter of introduction to take to his betrothed, a list of instructions for his housekeeper and an invitation for dinner. It seemed Lady Matlock was taking everything in her stride. His uncle had tried to interrupt but his attempts at dispute were half hearted, he knew the battle was lost.
...
Elizabeth found herself, once again, staring at the horizon. It was getting late on the third day after Darcy's departure. If he did not return today it would be another two. It was Sunday on the morrow and he would not travel. She sighed again, kicking a stone as she walked along the path that bordered the lane to Longborn.
"You know, watching the road does not help people move faster along it."
Elizabeth spun to see Henry leaning nonchalantly against the wall.
"Does it not?" She said innocently.
He smiled and strolled over. "You have been out here for most of the afternoon."
"There is nowhere I would rather be."
"It may have taken him longer than he thought to get the licence, or the settlement papers."
"I know all of this Henry." She said irritably.
Henry moved closer and pulled her tight against him. "Come, let us try trotting. You need something to take your mind off that patch of road." He playfully pushed her shoulder. "That is, if you are not too scared."
She laughed and nodded, allowing him to lead her to the stables.
Once up she practiced walking around the yard whilst Henry mounted his own horse and then instructed her to follow him.
"Alright Miss Bennet" he spoke over his shoulder "tighten the reins, lean forward and give Nellie a kick with your leg, keep that heel down. At the same time use your whip on the right. With a little encouragement and my horse to follow she should start to trot."
Elizabeth took a deep breath and did as she was bid, the field in front of them flat and even, but seemingly long to her eye.
Henry kicked his horse and she did as she was bid. Leaning forward but maintaining her spine in line with the horse. The movements were more jolting than walking but Nellie could not be accused of being fast. After a few seconds she became used to the new rhythm and started to appreciate the speed, or at least the potential speed. She let out a laugh of triumph. She was riding, enjoying it, she understood now why Lydia had become so enamoured. Henry looped around and brought his horse to a stop.
He smiled at the brightened eyes of his sister. He chuckled "I am glad I will not be responsible for funding your horse also. Lydia is quite enough."
She smiled widely at him.
"But I don't think Darcy will be hard to convince." He added, gesturing behind her.
Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and saw Darcy at the entrance to the field, watching her.