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Hi all!
I am so glad you have enjoyed the additional character's to such a well loved piece of literature from a great author and I do not claim any ownership to the original characters, just endeavouring to pay homage to them -
This is where the pace will begin to pick up with this variation to come and I do intend this to be rather lengthy and for those wanting it happen, do not worry the 'sauce' is coming, and there will be enough of it to make you hot under the collar and keep your fans aflutter! It was important for me to set the scene for what I have planned as, I cannot lie and will admit I do like a bit of sexual tension and also like to have intimate scenes in the books I read. I am not however, a fan of sex entering a story prematurely because I just don't find it authentic and also feel that it can be a bit cringe-y when I don't understand the characters properly. (Just my personal preference)
I am intending for this to reach at least 30 chapters with this fic... I know! I am determined to give otherwise overlooked characters a bit more of a voice even if they are not the focus of the story (but will also endeavour not to swamp chapters with them, as we are all here for Darcy and Elizabeth! Hopefully it will be glimpses of them and their stories in the background)
This chapter has taken me so long to complete because I have been distracted with writing what proceeds it.
Please enjoy the next chapter!
V x
Please leave a comment, if you feel so inclined - I would like to say a special thanks to all those who are reading and following this story. Especially for all those who have left comments! I am so touched by your kind words and thank you for keeping me motivated and inspired to write more chapters !
Chapter Nine
Darcy sat in quiet contemplation, unaware of the pointed stares and looks passing between his cousins. His every thought consumed by his reaction Elizabeth… she had wanted a kiss from him, challenged him to give her one. Though he was no seducer of innocents he had known the odd widow, though had been celibate for more than a year since. However, none had ever moved his as the chaste kiss shared between him and his betrothed. The smell of her hair; a combination of the outdoors and orange blossoms, which he had initially mistaken for lemons, would forever serve as remembrance of her. When she had sighed the sound had rocked straight to his groin. Had he had the opportunity to deepen the kiss and take a taste of her he would have, but he would not rush things. Darcy knew he would need to be patient with her from her admission that she had not thought very highly of him, and thus must be feeling dreadfully conflicted with her changing emotions, not unlike his own.
In himself he could not decide whether he was happy in his choice of bride. If he were to go off of what he wanted without any consideration to his responsibilities and expectations in life, then he would not feel such trepidation over such a bond. His heart was aflutter every time he saw her, and he could not deny that she stirred him mentally and physically, but he could not forget that he had been the first to speak of the Bennet's in ill favour, although never of Elizabeth and the elder Miss Bennet. And their family connexions and situations in life are so decidedly below his own, his own relatives would most assuredly put forward a strong opposition to the match. Perhaps it would have been better to not write his family before marrying Elizabeth. In hindsight it would have been much better to have simply married and then returned to London as husband and wife, and then his family would have simply had to accept his decision, without now having to go through the whole rigmarole of trying to sway him from it.
"Come on Darcy! You have been far too quiet. Speak I beg you!" came Richard's voice pulling him back to earth.
"You are really going to make us ask the obvious question?" teased Percy.
"I do not need to ask. I would prefer it if you would just tell me of your thought now having met my betrothed and her family." He said evenly.
"Well, I am very happy for you!" exclaimed Percy.
"Forgive me, but you met the younger daughters and mother, just as I did, and you cannot tell me you find them all genteel respectability?!" asked James incredulously.
"Come now. They were a little excitable and you have to allow for how things are more relaxed in the country." Tried Richard.
"And what singular peculiarity displayed by Mr Bennet! To not even come and greet the gentleman visitors in his home." Scoffed James.
"Ha! Lord of the manor what his seniority recognised amongst the peasants!" laughed Percy.
"Don't be an ass. It is a deliberate affront! Is his reasoning that he is not pleased with the engagement? If it so, then I suggest you bow out now Darcy."
"There will be no 'bowing out' or 'crying off' we are to be married in a fortnight. It is settled." Said Darcy firmly.
"What is the rush if you did not actually bed Miss Elizabeth?" asked Richard with a shrug.
"Because everyone from here to London believes I have. The Bennet's need to maintain their respectability and whatever else you intend to malign them with, the two elder sisters are faultless." Replied Darcy.
"Yes, but an engagement is surely enough to repair any damage. Why not allow it to last a little longer and then you may learn of each other better?" asked Richard.
"Am I the only one that saw their eyes mist whenever they looked at one another?" asked Percy. "I dare say Darcy is as eager for his wedding night as most men are during their betrothal's." He added with a smirk.
"Percy!" Scolded James, "I have to say I agree with Richard here, Darcy. Why rush? It would go farther to prove that she is in fact innocent of the conjecture surrounding your engagement if you were to have the engagement last a year or so."
"James, you forget that I think very highly of Miss Elizabeth, and indeed as I mentioned previously, we regarded each other very fondly before the accident. I am happy with my decision." Replied Darcy his temper piquing. "She's beautiful, well read and can converse and debate many topics and not just the weather and ribbons."
"Miss Elizabeth has those things I grant you, but I have yet to see any other skills to be able to call her truly accomplished and even you have to admit she runs a fine line of being brazenly outspoken. And to top it all off, she has relatives in trade, Darcy." James hissed, his eyes flashing. "Trade!"
"So does Bingley and you are more than happy to offer him a place at your dinner table." Challenged Darcy in a near growl.
"But you are not marrying Bingley. Bingley is not going to be in our bloodline."
"You are beginning to sound like, Aunt Catherine. I am a gentleman, and she is a gentleman's daughter, on that score I see no trade in her 'bloodline'." Darcy said, his anger beginning to show in his posture.
"Are you really such a snob, brother?" asked Percy trying to prevent a fight erupting between his brother and cousin. "Her connexions to trade is an uncle through marriage, whom I gathered is very successful."
"What business is he in?" asked Richard.
"Imports. And I for one intent to take full advantage of this new connexion. He imports the brand of cheroots you favour, and has a few bottles left of the now contraband French brandy Papa and James are fond of." Percy said smirking at James posture and darkening countenance. "We should all go, and be sure to invite your wife, Millicent, James. For I was told by Mrs Bennet, that he brings in all the finest silks and fabrics that the finest modiste's on Bond Street purchase from him."
"Sod off, Percy!" James spat, as he spurred his horse on to create a distance between him and them, his blood boiling.
"James do not be that way. We were only jesting." Called Richard to his elder brother.
"Of course, we were, but at the same time, genuine in our intention to get discounted silks and tea." Laughed Percy.
"Please desist Percy. I need you all on my side if I am to face your father." Said Darcy, though he could not hide his grin.
"Very well. I will make nice with him. But only because you asked so sweetly." Said Percy before going after James, veering slightly and neatly propelling his horse to jump over a row of hedges on his way.
"Alone at last! Tell me the truth. How are you feeling?" Asked Richard moving closer to Darcy.
"Are you to braid my hair also Richard?" Darcy replied archly.
"Ha! You wish, I feel for your valet having to tame your mop!"
"Think about it at great length, do you?"
"I will actually admit I have thought upon it on more than one occasion," laughed Richard with a wink.
"Truthfully and confidentially." He said stressing the last word and giving his cousin a strong look. "I am not disappointed. It could have been worse. Heaven forbid it had been Miss Lydia or Miss Catherine stranded in the river-"
"Or Miss Bingley." Added Richard with a shudder.
"Yes, quite… I cannot deny that I am not certain I would have ever proposed to Miss Elizabeth, though I do hold her in great esteem." Admitted Darcy feeling relief at having said the words to someone.
"I do not disagree with James' opinion, and I know our family in London, not least in Kent will have much to say and no doubt are trying to find ways to break off the engagement… but if you are resolute in your intentions and your acting to secure your happiness and not out of duty, then you will have my support."
"You have my gratitude, Richard." He replied clapping him on the back, looking up in time as the approached Percy and calmer looking James.
Noting their smiles, James chuckled. "Do not rejoice too quickly. Hold you hurrahs and huzzahs for now the true heckling begins."
"What heckling do you allude to?" asked Darcy all serious concern.
"Once you are wed is when things grow more focused. Now you will be harassed about having babies and the begetting of heirs! People you are barely acquainted with will feel they have the right to mention it whenever they are in your company. Their intrusive questions and insinuations will cause arguments within your marriage -"
"I think you are getting a little excitable. It cannot be as bad as to cause discord within a marriage?" cut in Darcy incredulously.
"I assure you it does… every time a woman becomes catty towards your wife by inferring that she is failing in her duties by not providing you with an heir, or equally insinuating that she might be gaining weight… your wife will begin to take offense and how could you as her husband allow her to wear such an outfit that made her look so obviously rotund! My sage advice Darcy is this; if you Mrs Darcy every ask if she had gained weight… whatever you do Darcy, do not hesitate before saying no. Cut her off with a firm no, if you can! Trust that she will not let you to visit her chambers of anywhere near her person if you consider your answer, or glance to assess her figure before answering."
"It cannot be in earnest?!" said Darcy looking to the other men.
"Do not ask us we are unwed." Said Richard.
"What if she has become a little plump?" asked Percy.
"Even if she has become a ten-ton Bessy you tell the woman; no. Follow it with how great her figure is and how your admiration of her inspires you to do wicked things! Anything to make her feel beautiful, yes?"
By this point Darcy had halted his horse and was staring agape at his cousin in horror.
"Scared Darcy?" taunted Percy as he and his brothers began laughing at his expense.
Raising a brow, he collected himself and kicked his horse into a gallop, gaining the advantage over his cousins who raced after him and thankfully put an end to their teasing.
Upon reaching London the cousins parted ways, agreeing to meet the next evening where Darcy would have the burdensome task of informing his family that the rumours were true, and he was in fact engaged to be married to a Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Looking up at the exterior of his London abode, Darcy house, he breathed a sigh of relief.
It was good to be home!
He had barely made it through the front door before a whirlwind of blonde curls barrelled into him.
"Georgie, my sweet. I have missed you." he said instantly wrapping his arms tightly about her and lifting her from her feet.
Georgiana was tall and slender, though her face still held its youthful fullness in her rosy cheeks. Although she was taller than most ladies in society, she only reached his shoulders.
"Do not leave me for such a long duration again, I have missed you." she said tearfully.
"Come now, you have had fun with your aunts and cousins, I am sure." He replied putting her back to the ground.
Pulling back, she sniffed and laughed when he tweaked her nose affectionately.
"I cannot pretend I didn't, and I do not mean to imply that they were not good company. Indeed, our aunts treat me as they would their own daughters, but all the same I shall be pleased when I am officially out and can accompany you without being left alone in the evenings." She said talking quickly to try and get everything out at once, in her excitement. Her blue eyes shone with more tears, and she quickly dashed them away.
"Goodness kitten, what are all these tears for? You promised me you were feeling better after the Ramsgate ordeal. I should not have left you to aid Bingley in his quest for his own country estate, had I known you were not truly recovered." He said worryingly and using the nickname he and Richard often used for her.
"Brother, please! I am well. These are happy tears, I assure you." she assured him earnestly, "Now, I will have you tell me all about your lady love. It sounds terribly romantic!" she sighed dramatically and then grinned at him.
"You have been spending too much time with Frankie and Percy!" he teased with a wink.
"Well?" she pressed.
"I will tell you everything, kitten. Allow me to refresh myself after my journey and we shall take dinner in a small sitting room." He offered.
"Perfect. I shall meet you there in an hour." She said, spinning on her heel and moving towards the music room.
Watching her go, he felt a small pang of guilt over her tears at being left behind. Now he was to be married, he would be certain to always have him with her, once their honeymoon period had been observed. Mayhap they remove from Hertfordshire to London instead of Derbyshire. That way it would be easier to form a close bond between Georgiana and Elizabeth. They would have the opportunity to attend the theatre and go shopping together, which he knew Georgiana could benefit from. It would also bode well for Elizabeth to be observed in his family's company to dispel any lingering doubts over their marriage.
It was not that Georgiana lacked female companionship within the family. She had Francesca and she had always been a loyal friend to Georgie, but she was a little boisterous and happy to be the centre of attention, which allowed his sister to shrink into the shadows and cling to her shyness. Elizabeth seemed to have the ability to coax those she was with out of their shells, without forcing them to alter their personalities. He had watched her enough during his time in Hertfordshire and had seen first-hand, how she brought out the best of those around her without overshadowing them.
As he was to dine with his sister informally, he wasted no time in dressing properly for dinner and was happy to see his sister had been of the same mind. They both sat in their looser lounging garments and slippers and ate their dinner on their laps from trays. His sister showed genuine excitement at the prospect of having a sister, only showing her nerves when she asked as to whether he thought Elizabeth would like her. Though he assured her as best as he could, he now eagerly wished for them to meet so that he could assuage her fears completely.
"You will see, when you meet her, sister." He said putting his arm affectionately around his sister as they walked together towards the family wing.
"I admit, that as much as I am feeling anxious over the initial meeting, I am excited at the prospect of our alliance!" she said with a little stomp of her feet.
"And an alliance you shall have. She is not like your old man of a brother. She enjoys dancing and I am sure she will be a great asset to you when you are making your debut. But of course, I will allow you ladies to discuss these things amongst yourselves and I wanted to ask if you would come with me when I return to Hertfordshire, rather than join the rest of our relatives the following week?" he asked.
"Do you mean that brother? Yes! Yes! Yes!" she said launching herself at him. Georgiana loved these moments in privacy and away from company when she could allow herself to be more exuberant around her brother and loved him all the more for allowing such profusions. That he has asked her made her feel that little bit more important and her fears of being forgotten once he wed were pushed to one side.
He laughed heartily at her reaction and was pleased he had thought to find out her preference.
"Oh, but when will you be leaving?" she asked worriedly. "Will I have time to purchase a gift for Miss Elizabeth?"
"I promise you there will be time." He said as they reached her door. "It is late, we will talk more on this tomorrow morning. Forgive me I am fatigued from my travels." He admitted.
"Absolutely, you should rest. And we shall also go shopping for suitable attire for your wedding too, William." She warned knowing her brothers hate of shopping. Honestly why did all men show such an aversion to the activity? She wondered.
"Very well, but I have in mind one that I have not worn from my current wardrobe… I will allow you to pass judgment as to whether it is suitable or not." He said obligingly as he bent to kiss her forehead.
"William, thank you for telling me the truth and not trying to hide things from me. It felt nice to be trusted." Georgiana said with no little emotion, "I must also warn me that our Matlock relatives may be staging a coup. I heard names of a few debutants they wanted to put in your path, mayhap they think you will forget Miss Elizabeth when you spend time with them…" she said trailing off and looking at her brother with her wide innocence and a lingering of pain after her recent experience of being discarded by someone she had grown to care for.
"My dear, Georgiana, I will not change my mind. For as long as you have known me, have you ever known me speak of any lady? Even before the accident I had written to you of Miss Elizabeth in a positive light, had I not?" he asked her.
Instead of answering she threw her arms about his waist and buried her head against his chest, much like a child would embrace a father. Pulling away and standing on the tips of her toes she bestowed a kiss to his cheek.
"God bless and good night, William."
"Good night and God bless, Georgiana." Her replied as they always said when wishing one another a good night.
The following Evening…
"I should have known you are no better than the rest of them. You, who has always shown such good sense and judgement, yet it appears you are still only a man without the ability to control himself over his baser needs." Hurled Lady Catherine de Bourgh to Mr Darcy.
The gentleman maintained his unaffected air and looked quite bored over his aunt's tirade.
"Do not forget that I am your aunt, and I shall demand your respect!"
"You cannot demand respect it can only ever be earned." He stated calmly, keeping his ire hidden.
"ENOUGH!" bellowed the voice of Horatio Fitzwilliam the Earl of Matlock as he pounded his fist upon his desk.
The argument in the room petered out into silence and turned to his Lordship. The earl was always fair in character but was also known for being brutally honest at times. Most who knew him would not dare to upset him, though to watch him with his family, you would think him harmless. He was nearing sixty-five years old, and his hair was completely grey. his eyes a hazel carried the hues of each of his three sons.
"Come now Darcy. There is no need to become upset. As you can imagine this has all been quite a shock to your family. We would not be doing our duty if we did not ask certain questions." The Earl reasoned watching his nephew, turning to face him with his expression wary.
"Neither may any of you have need to speak to me in such a manner about my betrothed." Darcy said, with a pointed look at his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The woman currently sat perched in the chair in front of the large desk, facing the room. Her nose was up turned and as she leaned her rather rotund physique on jewel encrusted walking cane. She had chosen to attend this family dinner in mourning attire with a black veil across her face.
"It is what all of us were thinking, boy. No woman is that a good a lay!" she sniffed. "And no man bothers to be faithful after a woman bears his children. You had much better marry my Anne, she would not cause any trouble or pry into your private affairs."
"Must I keep repeating myself? Neither Anne nor I have ever expressed the desire to marry." He replied exasperated. "I will not hear the lady's honour called into question again. Do you understand me? You are entitled to your concerns, but I will leave if anyone speaks disrespectfully." He warned the room. They had been discussing this for an hour and his head was beginning to pound. There seemed to be no way for him to make them understand that his decision had been made and it was final. Where were his cousins when he needed them? He had purposefully arrived late hoping to ensure that they would be here.
"I am known for my wisdom and sage counsel. You would do well to heed my instruction, nephew. You would undoubtable grow to regret such an alliance. Who is this gals' family? Who are her friends?" demanded Lady Catherine. "Your mother and father would turn in their graves!"
"There is no need for all that nonsense!" said the instantly recognisable voice of his Aunt Dorothea Darcy.
Looking to the doorway Darcy was relieved to see his cousins, James, Richard and Lady Matlock behind her.
Lady Matlock was a conventional beauty. Her hair was a fair strawberry blonde, only greeting around her temples and her eyes the colour of violets. Her visage still maintained the youthful glow of a woman nowhere near her true age of fifty-seven. With a trim figure she was elegant in movements and poised in posture.
"I thought I gave specific instruction that I should be present when interviewing, my nephew!" continued Dorothea delighted by the audible grumble of Lady Catherine, the longstanding rivalry instantly ignited.
Miss Dorothea Darcy upon first glance, seemed to be a slim and frail older lady, when really, she was a formidable and outspoken opponent. She enjoyed the shock factor in speaking her mind, but unlike Lady Catherine who chose to scorn and belittle, she liked to root for the weaker party as their advocate, though she was known not to suffer fools gladly. The lines upon her face betrayed the hardships she had faced in her lifetime. Having had no children of her own, she saw Darcy and Georgiana as the closest she had to them, and indeed had similar looks to her brother, their father.
"That you the great Fitzwilliam Darcy are involved with a country trollop. It is not to be borne. My nephew is not such a man to be fooled by such arts and allurements!" seethed Lady Catherine rapping her cane on the floor.
"Do not deceive yourself CeCe! You know as well as I do, he was not tricked into this engagement and nor was he compelled by honour. If that were the case, he would have allowed himself to be manipulated by you and wed Anne many years ago!" provoked Dorothea.
"Why must you always call me by that, you know how I detest it so! You are not even a member of this family… be gone Mrs Tipton!" snarled her ladyship jumping to her feet and moving over to where Dorothea was now seated before the hearth.
"Are we to have an outright brawl CeCe, simply because I am a Darcy, and you are not. I am a Darcy by birth. We Darcy's know are own minds and I will not allow you to try to use his parents for you to force your own agenda!" stated Dorothea proudly and defiantly.
"Lady Catherine, come now, there is no need for such actions let us sit in a civilised manner." Soothed Lady Matlock under her husband's warm gaze, his pride shining at her ability to dispel the heated moment. She paused when they passed Darcy to give him a kiss on his cheek and offer him a bolstering smile.
Walking over to his Aunt Dorothea he bowed over her hand before placing an affectionate kiss upon her cheek and then moved to greet his cousins.
"Where is Percy?" asked Lord Matlock with a little concern.
"He had other business to attend to and said he is hoping to arrive a little later," supplied James.
"Coward," teased Aunt Dorothea with a wink. She knew better than most Percy hated conflict, where he felt humour would not override the discord.
"Which business is it this time? The actress or the opera singer?" asked Lady Catherine her lip curling in distaste.
"Lady Catherine do not forget whose house you stand. A young man's business is his own." Warned Lord Matlock.
"Oh, do not misunderstand me brother, I agree heartily with that sentiment… I only wish all the men in this family followed by that example and kept those... ladies of little consequence as opposed to marry them." She sniffed.
"Who would like tea? Something stronger?" offered Lady Matlock jumping in when she saw her nephew turn to her eldest; James, who then pinched his nose in exasperation.
"Tea, please my dear." Replied Lord Matlock giving her a small smile and Darcy thought to himself he would like that for his marriage if he were to be so fortunate, which oddly he felt he could achieve with Elizabeth. She was lively and passionate, and it was no secret that the Lord and Lady Matlock were a love match.
Lady Matlock pulled them bell and ordered tea and some sweet treats, while to the room remained silent as Darcy, Richard and James spoke in hushed tones.
"What are you talking of over there? What are you saying? I will have my share of this conversation. You forget nephew that your actions reflect back on your family tenfold! We have a right to demand your compliance in this shameful recklessness!" demanded Lady Catherine.
"No, Aunt Catherine, you do not. I must make one thing abundantly clear to everyone present in the room before we go further. I have not come to request permission to marry and have never intended to do such. I have come here as courtesy as you are my family, to inform you of my impeding marriage to a great woman of my choosing. As Mrs Darcy she will be awarded the respect that comes with being my wife and my equal. I will not allow a single member of this family to treat her with derision or condescension. I will neither tolerate the use of my parents and their purported arrangement with you, your aunt; to enter into a marriage with my cousin Anne. You forget that I was no child when they died and therefore, I would have known if such an arrangement had existed." He spoke clearly and levelly when he addressed the room. Lady Catherine huffed and puffed out her large bosom repeatedly, whilst his Aunt Dorothea looked on with gleeful pride.
"Obstinate boy!" thundered Lady Catherine, "I am shocked that you stand before us, refusing to do you duty. Are the shades of Pemberley to be this polluted? Brother, do something!" she demanded whipping the veil from her face.
"Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to cordially invite you all to attend the wedding at her father's estate of Longbourn in Hertfordshire in a fortnight. There will be an engagement ball to celebrate our union the Friday before we will be wed. If you do not wish to attend, I will take it as direct snub towards my family and as result I will limit all interactions for the foreseeable future. If, however, you cannot attend at such short notice, I will understand and send your apologies to Miss Elizabeth and her family." Explained Darcy.
"Well said cousin!" said Richard clapping him on the back and handing him a tumbler of brandy.
"Here, here!" added James raising his glass and taking a sip.
"Ahem!" came their Aunt Dorothea looking pointedly at the brandy.
"My dear aunt, forgive my negligence!" begged Richard theatrically handing her his glass as he dropped to his knee before her. Chuckling Dorothea cupped his cheek and took the glass and downed the drink in one better that most men could.
"Brother, put a stop to this nonsense!" Lady Catherine hissed.
"Come along aunt, there is no need to be so upset. Darcy is correct. As his family it our duty to wish him well and I have to agree with the earlier statement. We know Darcy is hardly the type one would accuse of jumping into something rashly." Tried Richard.
"Hmph, I will not be told what to do by you, Richard. It is laughable to think that you -"
"Careful, your Ladyship. I will not take kindly if you were to insult my son." Said Lady Matlock a little too sweetly to be seen as anything other than the warning it was. "But I am certain that is not your intention, is it?"
Lady Catherine at least had the decency to flush, although whether it was in anger or humiliation was unclear.
"You!" She said prodding her cane in the air towards James.
"Me?" He asked pointing to himself with raised brows.
"Yes. You have always shown a modicum of sense. What is your opinion of this interloper Miss Bucket?" She snapped in reply.
"Miss Bennet..." corrected James, "Is charming and is a joy to be around. Her teeth are in excellent condition, though I have not had the opportunity to check her feet, but her hair is glossy enough." He replied unable to help himself. His Aunt Catherine always had the ability to make him lose his composure and become rather like his middle brother Percy.
The room tried as they might but could not contain the small snickers of laughter that escaped them.
"You are all a disgrace!" shrieked Lady Catherine utterly offended, as she tore from the room.
"Pray, will someone tell me who summoned the old crow?" asked Dorothea chuckling to herself. "It never fails to amaze me at the invectives she uses to direct slurs and insults at those who do not jump to her every whim."
"My dear aunt, I have missed you." said Darcy giving wrinkled hand a squeeze.
"Apparently her new parson is feebleminded dense sort of nitwit." Dorothea said with a roll of her eyes.
"Right, boy. Now that she has taken flight -" started Lord Matlock.
"Ha! The crow has taken flight!" Cackled Dorothea causing a chuckle to rise out of Richard.
Giving a reproachful look after being interrupted, Lord Matlock continued, "As I was saying, now that my sister has left. We do need to discuss the seriousness of this matter Darcy. It is not that we are not happy for you, but you understand that your name comes with expectations and there had better be a good explanation coming as to why these will not be met."
"I do not see how they will not be met, father." Spoke James before Darcy could answer, "We have long acknowledged that Darcy would never marry Anne. I thought we had all wished he made a match of the heart. I believe he has earned as much by the way he has lived his life, stepping up to the mantle far sooner than any anticipated, and living his life more to the benifit of those around him."
"I do not argue that point, son. But you must understand that it can be easy for a man to mistake lust for love." Said the Earl his gaze never leaving his nephew as he continued to regard him thoughtfully.
"Oh pish! It cannot be a scandal you fear. Their marrying undoes the scandal and luckily as it did not take place in London it can be easily brushed off. Besides the Darcy name can survive such scrutiny." Spoke Dorothea bristling on her nephew's behalf.
"Do not be so obtusely anal in your observations Dot. You comprehend my intentions well enough to keep from stating the obvious -"
"Please can everyone stop talking about me as though I am not present." Said Darcy leaning against the bookcase. "I understand your concern and if I need your advice, I will ask for it."
"Sorry dearest." Apologised Lady Matlock.
"Very well. We shall put a stopper on this conversation now until I can interview the both of you together. And I assure you I will observe her family with a critical eye." Said Lord Matlock.
"To what endeavour? Any observations will not alter my course, uncle," asked Darcy.
"I should be disappointed if it did. I should like to understand what may need to be addressed to prepare this lady to our society and if we might need to make allowances not to invite her relations to any public events etcetera." He replied waving his hand dismissively.
A sudden crash in the room as the swung open and bounced off of the wall.
"Well?" Demanded an out of breath Lady Francesca Fitzwilliam, who unlike her father and brothers bore an uncanny resemblance to her mother.
"Here she is! What mischief had you shaking the walls with that entrance? And just when I was trying to impose our superiority over the Bennet's." Chuckled Lord Matlock who had a soft spot for his daughter and youngest of his children.
"Forgive me but I could not stand it any longer, when all the excitement seemed to be in here." She apologised. "I confess I saw Aunt Catherine leaving and thought it would be safe to enter after a few minutes had passed -"
"Of course, she left! She who can never see beyond her own interests!" huffed Dorothea.
"There is of course excitement my dear. Your cousin Fitzwilliam has found his mate, and we are all invited to the wedding! Now come and let us sup and we can discuss the logistics of the event." Said the Earl authoritatively.
Normally her mother would have scolded her daughter, but it seemed to be just the thing needed to end this discussion and proceed to dinner.
Darcy breathed an inward sigh of relief. Although, he knew that this was most certainly not the end of the matter, and he was dreading the ball at Netherfield. If only he could send her mother and two youngest sisters away until the wedding, or indeed, stall his family in their arrival until the wedding…
"You seem awfully serious cousin, for gentleman who has victory in sight." Said Richard walking beside him as they all filed from the study.
"Not at all, now comes the pandemonium in the lead up to the event." Darcy said forcing a smile.
"Yes, but then it will be worth it on the wedding night." Teased Richard gently.
"Always focused on dessert and not the journey brother." Scoffed James as he caught up to them.
"We disposable sons, have to take what little joys available to us when we can. Before I know it I will be back -"
"Save it for the ladies you will be seducing, as I have seen first-hand that this is your favourite play to curry their favour." Interrupted James.
"And you will also be able to vouch having seen first-hand that it works every time!"
And so, the conversation continued in this amiable vein and to Darcy's satisfaction, the topic of his marriage was mentioned briefly and focused more on Elizabeth's looks and how terribly romantic it all sounded.
The rest of the week flew by, the meeting with his solicitor to update his last will and testament and the marriage settlement was sorted with efficiency. The only reason for his duration in town lasted until the week's end was due to a delay in securing the special license. It was also decided that James and his wife Millicent, Percy, Richard and Georgiana would return with him and see about leasing a property nearby, to save Bingley from having to play host to so many of his relatives. He knew Bingley would not mind the imposition, but Darcy did not wish to place so much pressure on him in addition to planning the ball, when he was so new to running his own estate. He could not deny that he would be pleased when this was all over, and he could go back to a much more peaceful existence. Thankfully Elizabeth was as fond of the country as he and he was confident that even if she did not relish the idea at becoming his wife, she would be most pleased to be mistress of Pemberley.