Author's Note: Thank you so much for all of your reviews. They have been so encouraging. The story-line is basically written, but now I am filling in some of the gaps, adding more dialog, and editing and editing and editing. I hope to be able to post twice a week. I know that many of you may easily pick up on this, but I am from the U.S. so my knowledge and understanding of the peerage and how to address them is somewhat lacking. I have tried to understand it but to no avail. I admit that the intricacies of the British nobility may be beyond me. Hopefully, my errors in dealing with the Lords and Ladies will not upset your sensibilities too much. The story is unbeta'd so all the errors are my own. I appreciate your reviews, but please be kind.
Chapter 1
Three Days Prior, October 5, 1812
Elizabeth peered through the window and caught sight of her handsome fiancé riding his big black stallion alongside the carriage. When their eyes met, he gave her a quick wink without changing his habitually, stern expression save for a twitch of his lips. Elizabeth felt her cheeks grow warm and could not suppress a low, delighted laugh. On the seat beside her sat Jane with a sweet, serene smile on her lips and a far away look in her eyes. Elizabeth giggled, "Jane smiles, but I laugh." She heard her father chuckle to himself from the seat across from her. He raised his eyebrows at her irrepressible spirit and boundless joy.
After a year of misunderstandings and family misfortunes, Elizabeth and her sister, Jane, were both happily engaged to the men of their dreams. At long last, the future looked bright. No, it was dazzling. Jane was marrying the amiable Mr. Charles Bingley, while Elizabeth was marrying the enigmatic but endearing Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. The past month had been unbelievably blissful. The two couples had enjoyed long walks in the countryside and strolls through the garden. The joy of having thrown off all the encumbrances that had seemed to keep them apart was dizzying.
The bans had been read, the contracts signed, and the date for the double wedding was set for Wednesday, October 21.
Frantic planning and shopping had been underway for weeks in preparation for the blessed day, and the current trip to London had been undertaken to complete their trousseaux. In addition, Elizabeth would renew her acquaintance with her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Georgiana Darcy. She had met the shy young lady during the previous summer and was certain that they would be the closest of sisters. She would also be given a tour of Darcy's London townhouse and meet the staff.
The increase in traffic and change from country roads to cobblestones signaled their arrival on the outskirts of London. Having made good time with no delays, they arrived at their uncle's house on Gracechurch Street. Edward Gardiner who was their mother's younger brother and his wife, Madeline, were Jane's and Elizabeth's favorite relatives. Although Uncle Edward was a tradesman, he had used his shrewd business acumen to acquire quite a bit of wealth. He and his wife were elegant, genteel people who had been instrumental in the development of the two eldest Bennet daughters into fine ladies.
Bingley and Darcy stopped only long enough to greet the Gardiners and exchange a few words with their fiancées before continuing on to their town houses.
After refreshing themselves, the Bennets returned downstairs to partake of a light midday meal. The four Gardiner children were made much of by their Bennet relatives and were finally persuaded to return to the nursery after receiving a promise of an afternoon walk to the nearby park with their favorite cousins.
Elizabeth conferred with Jane and Aunt Madeline as to the week's schedule of shopping, visiting, and entertainment. Jane and Aunt Madeline were to accompany Elizabeth to Darcy House on the following morning. The afternoon would be spent shopping, and Elizabeth hoped that they would be able to persuade Georgiana to attend them on their visit to the shopping district. Fitzwilliam had invited them to join him for a night's entertainment at the opera on Wednesday evening. Whereas the rest of the week was not firmly committed.
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That evening during dinner, Elizabeth valiantly tried to control the blush that threatened to overtake her features as the handsome man beside her captured her hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. She surreptitiously glanced around to ensure that no one had noticed before returning the gesture. Fitzwilliam stared into her eyes with such a penetrating look that she lost the battle with her blushes and felt that her cheeks were on fire. Nay, she felt like her whole body would ignite. At the sharp clearing of her father's throat accompanied by a very pointed look, they quickly withdrew their hands and applied themselves to their meal.
The company was congenial, the conversation was lively, and informality was the rule. Darcy had been a frequent guest at the Gardiner townhome while facilitating the marriage of Lydia, the Bennet's youngest daughter, to George Wickham, a scoundrel of the worst sort who had convinced the silly girl to elope with him. While saving Lydia from ruin, Fitzwilliam had come to appreciate the Gardiners and to feel at ease in their presence.
Bingley was enthusiastically relating a very entertaining story involving a family of mice that had taken up residence in his sister's room at the Hurst's London townhouse. Gerald and Louisa Hurst were Charles's brother-in-law and older sister. Caroline was his single, younger sister who, for years, had tried and failed to induce Fitzwilliam to offer for her. Predictably, she had taken the news of his engagement to Elizabeth with ill grace. None of the current party held her in much esteem due to her supercilious manners and haughty airs.
Warming up to his tale, Charles continued, "Caroline screamed and carried on for a full ten minutes as the mice scurried from corner to corner looking for some means of escape. A lad from the kitchens was finally successful in trapping them with the aid of a broom and a hatbox. But the young fellow was poorly rewarded for his service by receiving a scolding for not catching the mice in a more timely manner and for ruining the hatbox. I slipped him some coin and thanked him on my sister's behalf. Caroline was taken to bed with the vapors and has not been seen since the event."
The men were unrestrained in their mirth, while the ladies were a bit more decorous in their gaiety. Nonetheless, everyone found a great deal of humor in the description of Miss Bingley standing on a stool as the mice ran about in her bedroom. Though entertained despite herself, Jane, suspecting that the story was not exactly appropriate, halfheartedly chided her betrothed. "Charles, I can only imagine how distressed your sister was. Poor Miss Bingley."
The gentlemen shared derisive looks before breaking out in guffaws at what must have been quite the spectacle.
Eventually, the topics drifted to other more serious topics. Their schedule for the week was discussed at length prompting Fitzwilliam to inform them of an invitation from his aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. He addressed the whole party as the invitation included them all, but he primarily kept his eyes on Elizabeth as he relayed the details. "I was very pleased at the response of my aunt and uncle to our betrothal. Both told me how happy they were for us and how pleased they would be to host all of you this Thursday evening for dinner. My aunt will be inviting my cousins and a few of my more distant relatives to meet you. She has informed me that she is very anxious for you to feel properly welcomed into the family. I am sorry to say that my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, will be unable to attend due to being on assignment for his General."
Elizabeth could not conceal her astonishment and joy at the news of his relations acceptance of their union. "What an honor. I am delighted to hear of their support. Aunt, Uncle, does that fit into your schedule? Shall we all attend?"
Uncle Gardiner chuckled at her query. "Elizabeth, seeing that we have been invited to dine at the home of an earl, rest assured that we will clear our schedule in order to attend. One does not refuse the invitation of an earl. And we most assuredly desire to be there to support you. This will be a very important event for you, my dear."
After the children returned to the nursery and the ladies adjourned to the drawing room, the men decided to forego their port and cigars to join them. The party was divided into three groups, two of which were comprised of the engaged couples while the other group was made up of the older adults.
Sitting on a settee, Fitzwilliam once again sought Elizabeth's hand and held onto it discreetly.
As they discussed the upcoming dinner at the home of the Earl, they gazed into each other's eyes. She was thoroughly entranced with how handsome he was when his face was infused with happiness as it was now, and he was utterly bewitched by her artless beauty and guileless, playful manner.
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Tuesday, October 6, 1812
The visit to Darcy House was everything that Elizabeth had hoped that it would be. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley, her companion, met them in the grand foyer. Georgiana was effusive in communicating her delight in gaining Elizabeth as a sister. Within moments of renewing their acquaintance, the young ladies were so easy together that they elected to address one another by their Christian names.
The housekeeper was friendly and appeared pleased to introduce her to the staff and servants.
However, Elizabeth experienced much awe and trepidation as she toured the fine town house. The scale of the house and the lovely style of the furnishings served as a reminder of her fiancé's wealth. Yet, at the same time, she was relieved to note that the style was understated and elegant. It had the look of a warm, welcoming home. Still, she worried that she would disappoint Fitzwilliam and not be able to perform her duties as mistress of such a fine house.
At the end of the tour, her betrothed appeared and requested a private moment in his study to present her with a gift. Aunt Madeline gave her approval provided that the door remained open.
As they entered his study, Elizabeth could not help but appreciate the masculine look of the room and the way that it carried his unique sandalwood scent.
He reached for her hand and placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist. "Well, my dear, what do you think of your future home? Do you think it will suit?"
She gave him an impertinent smile, "I suppose it will do. I just hope it is large enough.'
He gave her a wicked grin, "I know it may be a problem when we try to fill it with our ten children."
Unable to hide the deep blush that stained her cheeks, she shook her head at him, saying "You sir, are intent on seeing me blush."
"Yes, I love the color of your cheeks," he murmured, as he placed a quick peck on both and then gave her a lingering kiss on her lips.
"William, I am beginning to believe that you have lured me into your study under false pretenses."
Smiling roguishly, he stepped over to his desk and retrieved a small, blue, velvet pouch. "See, I am a man of my word." as he placed it in her hand.
"I was not expecting anything. You know that I do not require you to shower me with gifts." She gasped in awe when she pulled out a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring. "Oh. How beautiful."
He reached for it and slid it onto her finger. "It was my grandmother Darcy's ring. I thought that it would be perfect for you as an engagement ring."
She looked at him with her heart in her eyes, "I love it." Then, she added softly, "But I love you more."
His eyes burned into hers. "I am so honored that you will wear this ring and be my bride. You are my heart."
Leaning over he kissed her lips once, then twice, then he pulled her in for a longer kiss." At length, he stepped back, took her hand and kissed the ring. Elizabeth, for her part, felt quite witless and could not raise her eyes to look at him, such was the turmoil of her emotions.
Comprehending her dilemma, he drew her hand through the crook of his arm and led her back to the others.
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The shopping trip was both exhausting and exhilarating. With an exuberant Georgiana in tow, they had scoured all the best shops on Bond Street for the items needed to complete their trousseaux. Elizabeth and Jane had been fitted for gowns, shoes, and all the accompanying accoutrements until everyone was exhausted.
Grateful for the respite, Elizabeth sank into her seat at a table in Gunter's to await their order of tea and confections. Aunt Madeline and Mrs. Annesley were chatting happily about their shared interests, while the younger ladies were discussing the day's orders and purchases.
Georgiana, who was facing the shop's entrance, suddenly narrowed her eyes in puzzlement. "Why, that looks like my aunt."
Elizabeth turned in the direction of the younger girl's gaze. "Where, Georgie? Do you mean your aunt, Lady Matlock?" She noticed two ladies exiting the shop, one was an older lady with a cane and the other was a much younger lady. Both of their faces were obscured by their fine hats, but Elizabeth was able to spy a shock of red hair on the young lady. Otherwise, Elizabeth could make out very little about the pair.
Georgiana answered a bit uncertainly, "Right there. That lady who just exited the shop. I guess she did not see me. Surely, she would have greeted me if she had. And no, I was not referring to Lady Matlock. The lady there looked like my Great-Aunt Matilda, Lady Holman. Perhaps it was not her. I could very well have been mistaken. After all, I have not seen her in two years. She is a widow who no longer moves in society."
Mrs. Annesley asked, "Did you recognize the younger lady?"
Georgiana shrugged, "She looked vaguely familiar. But I cannot place her. I saw her face but for a brief moment."
Elizabeth looked slightly worried. "Do you think your aunt avoided you because of our presence?"
"No. Please do not even consider such a thing. Fitzwilliam said that Aunt Matilda will be there at Matlock House to meet you. He has assured me that everyone in the family is delighted to welcome you into the family."
Elizabeth chuckled in relief. "Everyone but your Aunt Catherine, I dare say." Lady Catherine de Bourg had long held out hopes for a match between her daughter, Anne, and Fitzwilliam. At the first suspicion of an attachment between Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, she had whipped herself up into a fury and made her displeasure known to one and all. Fitzwilliam had vowed to sever contact with her until she was willing to accept Elizabeth as his wife. But no one expected that to happen anytime in the near future.
Georgiana rolled her eyes. "I understand that she has been banned from attending Thursday night. No one, except Aunt Catherine, considers my cousin Anne to be a suitable match for Fitzwilliam." She shook her head in revulsion, then brightened in anticipation "I am so excited to have you meet my family. They are all so kind. Well, everyone is very kind save my cousin, Viscount Lisle. Although I suppose Lisle is typically kind to me. However, he has a teasing manner that makes me uneasy at times. Otherwise, I believe you will like him."
Elizabeth beamed at the younger lady. She could see how alike Jane and Georgiana were. Both saw only the good in everyone or tried to make allowances for any apparent flaws.
It was such a relief to know that Fitzwilliam's family looked upon their engagement with such open approbation. She wanted to pinch herself to prove that she was not dreaming. The future looked bright indeed.