"You have two days to pull yourself together, sir. Plenty of time. However, there is the ball this evening. And Lord and Lady Matlock are due to arrive this afternoon."
"Need coffee."
Thomas helped Darcy to a sitting position then placed the tray on his lap.
As Thomas went about preparing his bath Darcy tried to fit the pieces together. He remembered the Champagne and glass or two of Scotch but after that all was a blank...except, was there brandy involved? And he had a nightmarish memory of sitting on Bingley who was lying on the floor. Good heavens! That had to have been a nightmare. His brain was pulsating. "I think I've been poisoned," he groaned.
"Not to worry, sir" Thomas responded lightly. "No one's after you. The poisoning was done by your own hand."
Darcy rolled his eyes and immediately regretted it. His eyeballs ached. He took a sip of coffee. "How does Charles fare?"
"According to James, Mr. Charles seems to think that someone poisoned him last night."
"You might at least try to keep the amusement out of your voice," Darcy growled.
"Well, sir, as comical as it was to see all of you struggling to climb the stairs with a modicum of dignity last night, it was even more hilarious to see three grown men straining as they attempted to carry Mr. Hurst up the stairs."
Darcy laughed and immediately regretted it. His head was pounding. "At least the ladies weren't there to see it," he managed, rubbing his temples.
"I'm afraid the commotion brought Lady Catherine from her boudoir."
Darcy muttered a mild oath. "What exactly did she see?"
"Fortunately she came out after you had made it safely to your room, but she saw the General barking orders at the servants as to the best way to carry two hundred and fifty pounds of blubber up the stairs without killing him."
Darcy groaned, "surely you exaggerate."
"Apparently they all found the word 'blubber' to be a comical sound and the more they used it, the funnier it sounded so they used it with great frequency. Eventually the servants began to use the word along with an assortment of not so mild oaths. This had the effect of sending the young gentlemen into further fits of hilarity.
Darcy emitted another groan, "knowing my Aunt Catherine," he said, "I'm surprised she didn't throw them all out. Did she say anything?"
Thomas shook his head, "she looked displeased, but if I may, sir, she always looks displeased. However, she was out of sorts when she returned from Longbourn. There was a very large wine stain on the front of her dress and she was berating Miss Bingley for having caused it and Miss Bingley was telling her to shut up."
Darcy stared at Thomas in disbelief. "Good grief!"
Thomas grinned, "indeed, sir. Miss Louisa and Miss Anne and Miss Georgianna tried to calm the situation but to no avail. The two ladies continued to rail at each other until they reached their rooms and slammed the doors behind them. Then an hour later, your party returned and added fuel to the fire. I have it on good authority that she thinks the Bingleys are a bunch of drunken barbarians."
Darcy sat in a daze unable to fathom Caroline Bingley daring to tell Lady Catherine De Bourgh to shut up. What was happening to this woman who valued status in the Ton above all things? It was the height of conceit for Darcy to think that Caroline had gone a little crazy once she had lost the object of her desire for so many years. Surely there had to be more to it. The only other possibility that came to mind was the arrival of General Bailey Foxx and the assiduous attention he was paying her. She had gone riding astride in a most improper way with the General and now apparently had spilled wine on Lady Catherine. Surely it had been a mistake. He could not imagine what might have provoked a deliberate act.
"What have you heard about the incident?"
"Two opposing views," Thomas replied, "and neither view satisfactory. Miss Bingley swears it was an accident while Lady Catherine swears it was either deliberate or due to Miss Bingley's inebriation. But the truth sir, is perhaps somewhere in between. Lady Catherine was not as sober as I've ever seen her."
"But they were at Longbourn," Darcy responded with astonishment. At a lady's party. Surely nothing stronger than sweet wine was served."
Thomas shrugged, "I have heard that Mrs. Bennet is famous for her Champagne punch. Perhaps that was the culprit."
While soaking in his bath Thomas related all the news concerning his and Miss Lucas' plans. It seemed that the Gardiners had generously invited Charlotte to stay with them for a few months. She would in return, work several hours a day in the shop learning the business. It was the way the Gardiners had started and now Mrs. Gardiner knew as much about art as Mr. Gardiner did. It would afford Thomas and Charlotte more time together with a proper chaperon. If all went as they hoped it would, Thomas and Charlotte would marry shortly before they boarded a ship in the Spring. The Lucas' would not suffer the disgrace of having their daughter marry a valet. Instead, in a whirlwind courtship she had married a wealthy merchant whose home and business lay somewhere in the Caribbean.
"It sounds like a plan," Darcy allowed. "You can be married through the Gardiner parish and even invite her parents to the wedding."
After his bath Darcy dressed casually as he would not be visiting Longbourn that day. Elizabeth had made it clear that she herself would not be allowed to leave the grounds. Her description of the nerves her mother suffered while preparing her five daughters to attend a ball was quite fearsome and nothing she wanted Darcy to see. She owned that much of the joyful anticipation inherent in preparing for such a lovely evening lost most of it's charm under her mother's ministrations.
This admission led to other confessions. Her family had embarrassed her and Jane so many times throughout the years that they had become inured to it though never blind to their imperfections. She, however, tried to make allowances for them. Most people saw Mrs. Bennet as nothing more than a silly woman, but Elizabeth and Jane understood what drove her. Elizabeth suspected that her mother lived in a constant state of terror fearing her own uncertain future as well as the future of her five daughters. Longbourn was after all entailed away from the Bennets and when Mr. Bennet died they would lose their home. Their income would go from two thousand a year to a paltry two hundred and fifty a year. Mrs. Bennet had every reason to fear her future. Unfortunately, her fright took the form of nerves instead of silence and withdrawal from society. She always spent more than she should making the future even more uncertain.
As for her father whom she adored, she was not blind to his neglect. After the three youngest daughters were born and his wife became more unstrung he gave up and began to retreat to his study more and more. He found the foibles of his family something to laugh at instead of being appalled at some of their actions. Both Elizabeth and Jane had spoken to him on various occasions pleading with him to show more interest in Lydia, Catherine and Mary, but he just laughed it away until Jane and Elizabeth simply suffered in silence.
For the first time in many years Darcy opened up about his aunt, Lady Catherine, and what she had done to his cousin Anne and the guilt that he and Richard had felt knowing that their disinterest had caused their cousin to suffer for so many years. Once they arrived back at Pemberley with Anne Darcy had watched her carefully and felt his self-loathing grow. His selfish disdain for the feelings of a beloved cousin had made him examine his life. He told Elizabeth how his mother's early death had been the end of a childhood as he had known it. His father in his grief had lost interest in living and had begun to hand over the responsibilities of Pemberley to a twelve year old boy. When he grew to manhood he had a fear that he had been damaged in some way. He had lived with that fear for most of his adult life.
Elizabeth was quick to console him for his fears and assured him that in her eyes he was perfect. This assertion made him laugh out loud and warn her that he was many things, but perfect he was not.
It was so wonderful talking to her, bearing his soul. Not even with Bingley had he been so forthright. At first he felt shy to be so open with Elizabeth but it didn't take long before confiding in her was as natural as breathing. His desire to be her husband was at moments like that overpowering. All he wanted was to see her at Pemberley where they would live happily ever after. Darcy smiled at his musings. He knew that he had created a fairy tale future for them but he also knew that he would do everything in his power to make his fanciful dream become a reality.
Entering the dining room he cast an eye over the company and as expected, Bingley seemed to be holding himself together with difficulty. His eyes kept drooping shut, then startled, he opened them wide, then start the whole process again. Lady Catherine De Bourgh eyed her host with distaste. "I do not approve," she spoke with authority, "of a man who can't hold his liquor. It shows a distinct lack of character. My husband Louis De Bourgh was never under the influence."
"No," Richard said in a stage whisper, "he was usually under a table."
Georgianna giggled and Darcy threw her a warning glance, softened by a wink.
"You ran into me!" Caroline snarled, glaring at Lady Catherine.
"I never run into people," snapped Lady Catherine. I am excessively attentive to all those things."
Caroline rolled her eyes and winced in pain. "Of all the nonsensical things I've ever heard you say, that has got to be the most absurd! In what way do you practice not running into people?"
"A lady has no need to practice. She is born with the knowledge."
"What did she say?" Bingley asked in confusion.
"Go back to sleep, Charles," Louisa said.
Hurst chuckled, patting his wife's hand.
Darcy was fascinated by Caroline Bingley. She appeared to be making a great effort to hold her head high in her usual aristocratic pose but her success was poor at best. She didn't seem to have the heart for it. Darcy suspected that he was seeing the real woman for the first time.
Across the table the Red Foxx was eying her with sympathy and a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"Darcy," Richard said, "there's a rumor going around that there's a mass poisoner roaming the streets of Hertfordshire.
Caroline managed a glare at Richard who laughed in return which in turn caused a look of rebuke from the General. Richard also earned a displeased look from Anne and he lowered his head much like a sullen little boy deprived of his favorite teddy bear.
Darcy dropped into a chair and waited to be served. "Did we have fun last night? he asked. Bingley's groans were smothered by the chuckles which erupted around the table.
Guy spoke up, "we're going for a shoot this afternoon."
"Just shoot quietly," Bingley begged which elicited more good humor.
Richard's parents, the Matlocks were due later on that afternoon so Darcy wanted to spend an hour or so walking the countryside alone with his thoughts. Once more that curious feeling pervaded his mind. He knew he was happy but couldn't feel it. It was almost as though he were seeing himself through eyes other than his own. He still saw himself as a tall lonely figure wandering the world looking for that someone who would make his life complete. Every moment Elizabeth was away from him he had to remind himself that his searching was over. He had found the perfect woman. He would not have to marry to beget an heir. He was going to marry for the deepest love and he knew in the deepest recesses of his heart that her passion for him matched his desire for her.
How many years he had dreamed of a companion who would share the pleasures of a life he had been born to. He was wealthy beyond most men's dreams and the master of an estate that was as close to heaven on earth as could be yet it in the middle of the night when all the world slept, he was alone in desperate need for a warm body to hold him, to love him.
Now, he'd have someone to share his meals, someone to talk to about books and poetry, someone to accompany him to the theatre, to travel, to enjoy life together. All the years of longing was within his grasp and he was terrified that something would happen to spoil it all. He found himself silently berating himself for the tomfoolery of the night before. He could hardly imagine what Elizabeth's father and uncle thought of him. He would eventually discover that they found his lack of control rather endearing. They also discovered that he had a sense of humor which was good because Elizabeth dearly loved to laugh.
He was now counting the hours. In eight and forty hours they would be on their way to London as husband and wife. Subtract sixteen hours for sleep, that would leave only two and thirty hours. He stopped walking and stood quietly, his head bowed. When he looked up again, he was grinning broadly and made a mental note to ask Elizabeth if she indulged in such silly reflections. He hoped she did.
The Matlock carriage was just pulling up to Netherfield when Darcy arrived back. Richard was already standing on the steps waiting impatiently. When the Earl and Countess alighted they both greeted Darcy and Richard with smiles. Being family they dispensed with the normal civilities and got to the point immediately. They wanted to meet Elizabeth.
Darcy laughed, "so would I, but I've been banned from Longbourn for the day. But you will meet her this evening." Darcy embraced his favorite aunt, "you will love Elizabeth. Georgie and Anne already look upon her as a favorite sister."
Lady Matlock returned Darcy's smile, "I must say it's been many years since I've seen you in such good spirits. Is this all due to your Elizabeth?"
Darcy nodded, "she is everything to me, Aunt."
Her eyes glistened with tears, "I do want you to be happy, Will. It would break my heart if you were hurt."
Richard spoke up, "Miss Elizabeth is the perfect woman for Darcy, Mother. I've never seen her without a book and she loves to play the devil's advocate with Darcy when he suddenly spouts some bit of poetry to prove a point. And what's even better, she laughs at his jokes."
Lord Matlock remained silent throughout this discourse which was not unexpected. He was a man of great reserve and would not prejudge until he met Elizabeth Bennet. This suited Darcy very well. He was certain that the Matlocks would be charmed by his bride.
Later he indulged in another two hours of sleep. Time was moving fast now. After the ball and a good night's sleep there would only be one more day and Elizabeth would finally belong to him.
He continued to daydream through another bath then slowly allowed Thomas to dress him, now counting down the times when Thomas would attend him. He had to stop this incessant counting or he'd lose his mind.
The Bingleys had sent over a carriage to accommodate the Bennets and their guests and now Darcy and Bingley were standing impatiently on the steps of Netherfield waiting for their ladies. "Darcy," Bingley said, "I swear I'll go distracted before this is over. Can you believe that I'm now counting the hours?"
"Yes."
"How does Richard do it? He's so calm. Doesn't that fool know he's getting married in forty hours?"
"If you don't count bedtime, it's only four and twenty hours. And I have it on good authority that Richard is wearing a hole in the carpet with all the pacing he's been doing lately."
"Four and twenty hours? Good heavens! Oh! Here they come," he said, dashing down the steps.
When Mr. Bennet helped Jane out of the carriage Bingley was there to take her arm. Darcy opted to remain where he was. Elizabeth descended the carriage and looked up at him. She waited for him to come to her but he remained still, filling his eyes with the sight of her. She tilted her head in question, then, a smile playing on her lips slowly began to climb the steps, never taking her eyes off him. When she reached him he reached out his hands and clasped hers, raising them to his lips. He couldn't take his eyes off her, neither could he speak. She placed her hand on his arm "William," she murmured softly. Together they ascended the steps and entered Netherfield.
When Darcy and Elizabeth entered the ballroom they were dazzled by the sight of hundreds of candles flickering throughout the room. The scent of Autumn flowers permeated the air and the gowns the women wore represented all the colors of a sparkling rainbow. Caroline Bingley had spared no expense and had hired a small string orchestra from London. It was all so breathtaking that Elizabeth gasped in pleasure.
Elizabeth was the first to exclaim on the beauty of the rooms and for the first time since the beginning of their acquaintance was rewarded with a genuine smile from her future sister-in-law. "Thank you, Elizabeth," Caroline responded. "Though I must admit that I was incapable of rational thinking today and left most of the final preparations to the servants. Apparently," she added with a wry glance at Darcy, "we were all poisoned last night. I must ask your mother for her punch recipe. I'd like to send a bottle to Lady Catherine for Christmas."
Georgianna hurried towards them and hugged Elizabeth. "You look beautiful, Elizabeth. Lavender suits you."
"And you, my darling are a vision in lemon ice," Elizabeth responded. "The young men in Hertfordshire are sure to lose their hearts on this magical evening."
Georgianna blushed prettily and took Elizabeth's hand. "Come, Elizabeth, Aunt and Uncle are anxious to meet you."
As they approached the older couple Darcy tightened his grip on Elizabeth's arm sensing her apprehension, "just remember sweetheart," he whispered, "they are Richard's parents so no harm will come to you."
She looked up at him with a grateful smile,"thank you," she murmured.
And indeed, no harm came to her on that blessed evening. Her relatives awed by this other worldly sight of what the future held for the elder Bennet sisters behaved themselves with decorum. The younger Bennets could not keep their eyes off Georgianna Darcy and took note of the respectful glances that came her way from all the eligible bachelors. Habits are hard to break and Lydia occasionally slipped but Mr. Bennet reminded her immediately that she would be sent home at the next infraction of impropriety she dared.
Even Mrs. Bennet controlled her nerves and tongue during the course of the evening for Mr. Bennet had threatened to have her sent home in disgrace the first time she mentioned the wealth, jewels and carriages of her new sons-in-law.
As expected, The Matlocks were enchanted with Elizabeth Bennet much to their relief. They adored their nephew and niece and wanted only the best for them and knew that happiness did not necessarily come in the guise of wealth or status. They too had married out of the deepest love and understood fully Darcy's need to do the same. They found themselves smiling throughout the evening watching the lovers dancing and whispering and touching. At one point, they exchanged a secret smile remembering the beginnings of their own love.
The ball finally came to an end when all the celebrants lined up to face each other for the last dance. Charles and Jane, Darcy and Elizabeth and Richard and Anne took their places beside the Bennets and the Gardiners, the Matlocks and the Hursts and Caroline and her General Foxx. As they went up and down the line broad smiles were exchanged for it was agreed that never before had they all enjoyed themselves so well. It had all been magical.
As the dance concluded Darcy leaned close to his beloved and whispered, "do you believe in fairy tales?"
Elizabeth smiled, "I do now," she said.