25. Chapter 25 #3
It had been a lovely day! She had thoroughly enjoyed spending it with Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.
Elizabeth believed she could see herself living here and being mistress of this fine home because there was warmth and love here.
Still, it would be quite an adjustment. Acknowledging that made her think of what his uncle said to her.
Lord Matlock said that Mrs. Darcy would need to take care when she ventured out.
Elizabeth was sure that meant she would always need servants nearby.
She had to admit she did not find that prospect very appealing, but she understood the necessity of it.
She would never want to put Fitzwilliam in the position of being extorted because of her own thoughtless actions.
No doubt there would be other areas where she would need to adjust. But Elizabeth was willing to accustom herself to these changes for the joy of being his wife and the happiness they would find together.
Darcy could not remove the smile from his face even if he wanted to.
As he stood there, allowing Jones to tie his cravat, he thought of Elizabeth pausing to look back and see if he was watching her.
His smile grew wider. He knew he looked ridiculous.
Jones, no doubt, was laughing inwardly. Darcy had enjoyed Elizabeth’s visit immensely.
He had also derived great satisfaction from simply having her in his home.
She belonged here. Having her here made him want to take steps to ensure she would always be here.
He was ready for that. But he knew she needed more time, so he would be patient and give it to her.
After his valet had made him presentable, Darcy stood at the window, gazing outside for a time, letting his mind wander.
He checked the time and saw that it was later than he thought, so he quickly left his bedchamber and began walking towards the library.
As he neared it, he saw Elizabeth walking towards him from the guest wing.
Darcy came to a stop in front of her, never taking his eyes from her.
They gazed at one another with expressions of pleasure.
“You look beautiful, Elizabeth,” Darcy said, raising her hand to his lips.
She smiled at him. “Thank you.”
Her gown was a deep blush color, made of a lightweight, shimmery fabric.
The sleeves were capped at the shoulder.
Around her neck was a ribbon choker in the same shade as her dress.
The pendant was filigree with clear and blush-colored crystals.
Matching filigree-crystal earrings dangled from her ears, and she wore blush-colored crystals in her hair.
“May I escort you to the drawing room, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, you may, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said with a smirk.
She took his arm, and together they descended the stairs. When they reached the second floor, Darcy paused and looked down at her.
“It has been delightful having you here today.”
“It has been so for me as well. I enjoyed spending so much time with you. Thank you for inviting me, Fitzwilliam. You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you. There is still much of it you have not yet seen. I hope you will come spend the day with us again soon.”
“I would love to."
He led her to the drawing room. Once they sat together on the couch, Darcy turned to her. “Elizabeth, there are a couple of things I wanted to address with you.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. First, I do not want you to think that a life with me will mean people constantly staring at us or intruding on our privacy. At the ball, we drew quite a bit of notice because I have never shown such preference for a young lady before. I hoped we would soon be courting, so I did not hide my interest in you. I wanted it known, and I wanted you to feel it. It was also my intention that the matchmaking mamas and their daughters accept the reality of the situation. I also wanted any gentlemen who planned to present themselves at your uncle’s door to think twice before doing so, or better yet, to back off. ”
Elizabeth grinned. “Very clever of you, Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you, I thought so,” he said smugly.
“The staring was also due to the fact they had no idea of who you were. Which brings me to what we experienced in the park today. As you said earlier, the ton is curious about you. Once they learn more about who you are as well as the fact that we are courting, the staring and the invasions of privacy will cease.”
“And we will become old news.”
“Exactly,” Darcy said, searching her face for any discontent.
She smiled and nodded.
Encouraged by her understanding and acceptance thus far, Darcy continued, “The other matter pertains to what my uncle said about the precautions that my wife would need to take. Elizabeth, I do not want you to feel—”
“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth interrupted him, “you always go out of your way to show consideration for my feelings and wishes. I appreciate that so much. Nevertheless, I do not want our relationship to be only about pleasing me. I want to please you as well.” She took his hands in her own.
“What your uncle said had an impact on me. I thought on it further while I was getting ready. I am glad he brought it up because I had not considered it. You have told me in previous conversations how you were targeted in the past. The potential of you being so again would naturally extend to your wife. I realize that now. I accept it and everything it entails. Do not feel that you would need to find a way to absolve me of the responsibility of showing caution and prudence in this regard. As your wife, I would want to make your life easier, not harder.”
Darcy looked at her, fully comprehending how fortunate he was to have found such a caring and selfless young woman.
He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them.
“Are you quite sure, Elizabeth? I know how much you value your freedom to roam the countryside.” His fingers caressed hers as he met her gaze.
“I would do everything in my power to ensure your happiness.”
She smiled softly. “I know you would.”
Lost in each other’s eyes, they did not notice Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley enter the room.
Georgiana called out in a sing-song voice, “Hello, you two!”
Elizabeth startled slightly, then turned to his sister. “Oh! Hello, Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley.”
Darcy stood and greeted the ladies as well.
“May we join you?” Georgiana asked, giving Darcy a mischievous look.
“Of course!” Elizabeth said.
A few minutes later, Fitz arrived. Soon after that, Elizabeth’s family did as well. And after an enjoyable dinner, they all departed to attend the musicale.