25. Chapter 25
A fter having dinner with Georgiana, Darcy departed for Matlock House. When he arrived, he found everyone enjoying drinks in the parlor.
“Darcy! Come, join us!” Uncle Byron invited him.
“How are you, William?” Aunt Sophia asked. “Richard told us of the misunderstanding caused by the Bingleys’ interference.”
“I am well, thank you, Aunt.”
“I gathered from your note that you were able to undo the damage with Miss Elizabeth,” Fitz said.
“Yes, I was, and I am happy to say we are now courting,” Darcy said.
“Excellent!” Fitz replied, grinning.
Both Fitz and Stafford slapped Darcy on the back in congratulations.
“We are very happy for you, William,” Aunt Sophia said with a pleased smile.
“When shall we meet this young lady?” Uncle Byron asked.
“If you are free tomorrow, she will be spending the day at Darcy House. Would you like to come for luncheon?”
“Yes, we would indeed!” Aunt Sophia said. “We are eager to make her acquaintance.”
“Are we meeting at your house before going to the musicale?” Fitz asked Darcy, handing him a glass of port.
“Yes, I was going to tell you I invited her family for an early dinner.”
Fitz nodded. “Sounds good."
Darcy sipped his drink, then said, “I want to make you all aware of another development. Caroline Bingley is no longer an acquaintance of mine. I do not want that woman to even look in my direction anymore, let alone speak to me. I told Bingley if she so much as attempts to address Elizabeth or any member of my family, we will not hesitate to publicly humiliate her.”
“That harpy finally pushed you too far?” Stafford asked.
“Yes, she did, with her blatant disrespect of Elizabeth. I have only tolerated her for as long as I have because of my friendship with Bingley, but that ends now.”
“How did Bingley take it when you told him?” Fitz asked.
“I believe he was a little caught off guard by it, but he told me he understood and that his sister brought it all on herself.”
“From what Fitz says, she has grown quite possessive of you, Darcy,” Stafford added.
“Apparently, she has, but that is not my problem," Darcy said. "And I will not allow her to make it Elizabeth’s problem either.”
“You are wise to drop the association with Bingley’s sister and put distance between her and Miss Elizabeth,” Uncle Byron said approvingly. “Her interest in you was growing to a worrying degree. You cannot be too careful.”
Darcy looked at his uncle and nodded.
“Darcy, I have not told you, but lately, dunderhead here has been slipping in and out of events as stealthily as possible,” Fitz said, grinning.
Stafford groaned.
Darcy looked at Stafford, then back at Fitz. “Why all the stealth?”
“He is being tracked,” Fitz said, taking a drink of his port.
Darcy looked at Stafford and began chuckling.
Stafford shook his head. “This latest crop of debutantes is not to be underestimated, Darcy—two in particular. They are like bloodhounds hot on my trail!”
Darcy and Fitz both guffawed at that.
“Bloodhounds, I tell you!” Stafford insisted, eyes wide and brows raised in emphasis. Unable to resist, however, he joined in their laughter.
The next morning, a footman assisted Elizabeth into the Darcy carriage.
A maid sat across from her on the backward-facing bench.
Aunt Madeleine had accompanied Elizabeth to the carriage and directed a servant to load a small trunk on the back.
She now stood by watching as her niece settled herself and the driver prepared to put the team in motion.
Elizabeth smiled at her aunt and raised a hand in farewell as the carriage pulled away.
Her family would join her later at Darcy House for dinner then they would all travel together to the musicale.
Elizabeth sat back and relaxed into the plush squabs.
She could hardly believe the direction her life had taken.
Not only was she being courted, she was being courted by a very wealthy man.
If her courtship continued on to its natural conclusion, her life would change dramatically.
She would become a wife, but she would also enter a life of privilege.
Aunt Madeleine had given her an idea of how great an estate Pemberley was.
To be mistress of such an estate as well as mistress of his London home?
Elizabeth had never imagined such a future for herself!
As the carriage pulled up to the house, Elizabeth was struck by how beautiful it was.
It was constructed of an off-white stone.
A dark gray roof with sculptured dormers extending from it provided contrast. The second-floor windows had balconies made of intricate iron scrollwork.
The front door was navy blue with an arched transom window above it.
While she was admiring it, the front door suddenly opened, and Fitzwilliam stepped out.
He came down the steps towards the carriage, smiling, his eyes on her.
Seeing him, Elizabeth could not resist smiling as well.
The footman opened the door to the carriage just as Fitzwilliam reached it.
“Good morning, Elizabeth,” he said as he extended his hand for her to take.
“Good morning, Fitzwilliam,” she replied, then took his hand and stepped out of the carriage.
“Welcome to Darcy House,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you.”
He kissed her fingers, then wrapped her hand around the crook of his arm, keeping his hand over hers.
He gave her a warm look. “I am very happy you are here.”
Elizabeth was touched by his words. She squeezed his arm affectionately. “I am very much looking forward to spending the day with you.”
He gave her a tender smile, then led her up the steps to where Georgiana was waiting.
“Elizabeth!” Georgiana greeted her enthusiastically.
Elizabeth grinned. “Hello, Georgiana.”
They shared a brief hug.
“Please, come in!” Georgiana said.
When she stepped into the entrance hall, Elizabeth was immediately impressed with the fresh and airy space.
The floor was a black-and-white checkerboard pattern.
White walls were adorned with paintings of different flowers.
Wall sconces were dotted throughout the length of the entrance hall, providing a decorative element as well as practicality.
A round pedestal table sat to the side. On top of it was a large, yellow vase filled with purple crocuses.
A servant assisted Elizabeth with removing her outwear.
“Elizabeth, may I show you to your room?” Georgiana asked. “We have prepared a bedchamber for your use while you are here today.”
“Of course, thank you.”
“Shall I meet you in the parlor?” Fitzwilliam asked Georgiana.
“Yes, we shall not be long,” she told her brother.
He nodded.
Georgiana turned to the butler. “Mr. Brandon, could we have tea in the parlor, please?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Thank you.”
Georgiana linked arms with Elizabeth and led her to the staircase. She chatted cheerfully as they made their way to the guest wing. “Elizabeth, I am so happy that you and William are courting! I am also relieved the Bingleys did not ruin things between you.”
Elizabeth smiled at her young friend. “Thank you, Georgiana. You are very kind. I am glad to know that you approve of our courtship.”
“Oh yes! I do, wholeheartedly,” Georgiana said.
Elizabeth grinned at her enthusiasm.
They soon entered a bedchamber decorated in soft blue and ecru. The wood furniture in the room was a sun-bleached blonde. Touches of lace, antique brass, and cream-colored roses enhanced the space.
“This is lovely, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said.
“I am glad you like it. I hope you will find the room comfortable. If you need anything at all, you have only to ask.”
“Oh, I am sure I shall find it quite comfortable,” Elizabeth replied.
A footman entered carrying her trunk. He placed it on the floor at the foot of the bed, then left directly. A maid then entered the room and curtsied to them.
“Elizabeth, this is Emily. She will see to your things and assist you with whatever you need.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Emily, as we are to attend a musicale after dinner, my gown and accessories are in the trunk. Will you please see that all is made ready for this evening?”
“Yes, of course, ma’am.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said.
She and Georgiana then joined Fitzwilliam in the parlor and had tea together.
“Elizabeth, please forgive me,” Fitzwilliam began. “I neglected to mention that a few of my relatives will be joining us for luncheon. Lord and Lady Matlock, their eldest son, Stafford, and of course, Fitz. They are eager to meet you.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth said in surprise, “I look forward to meeting them.”
“You will love them,” Georgiana assured her, smiling.
How likely this was to be the case, Elizabeth could not say, but she returned Georgiana’s smile as convincingly as she could.
“Would you like a tour of the house?” Fitzwilliam asked.
“Yes, I would,” Elizabeth replied.
They stood, and he offered her his arm.
“Where should we take her first, William?” Georgiana asked, preceding them out of the parlor. “The drawing room?”
He nodded. “Lead on.”
Whereas the parlor was cozy, the drawing room was very spacious and more conducive to entertaining.
The next room on the tour was where Georgiana spent most of her time, and it was easy to see why.
The music room had large windows that allowed natural light to pour into the space.
Sitting in a position of prominence was a Broadwood grand.
It was a very handsome instrument with a gleaming walnut finish.
The walls were covered in a light gray paper with traces of a shimmering gold leaf pattern.
There was a serene atmosphere that was no doubt enhanced by the monochromatic color scheme achieved with various textures and shades of gray.
“This room is lovely. I can see why it is easy for you to spend so much time here, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said, her eyes moving around the room.
“Indeed! It is my favorite room in the house,” Georgiana replied.