Chapter 5 Aristocratic Reception #6
The colonel released a loud guffaw. “Trust me, Miss Bennet, if my mother says she will ‘take care’ of something, you can bet it will be done, painfully if necessary! You are warned, Cousin.”
The other three listening gentlemen contributed their chuckles, but Darcy ignored them.
Instead, he focused on the grinning colonel.
“I shall heed the warning, Cousin, trusting your claim comes with a wealth of personal knowledge, considering how often your poor mother was forced to administer discipline.”
Richard grunted, but did not deny the charge. Then, bowing in his aunt’s direction, Darcy promised, “I vow to be extra cautious and diligent to my wife, your ladyship, giving you no cause to reprimand.”
“Wise.” Lord Matlock nodded sagely. “Very wise.”
Lady Matlock also nodded firmly. Then she turned to Elizabeth. “In all seriousness, Miss Bennet, you have no cause to worry. Pemberley may seem imposing, but the Darcys have made it a home. William is the soul of patience and kindness. I assure you, you will be most happy there.”
“Thank you. I do not doubt that Mr. Darcy will lead me gently.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam, wearing a sportive grin, contemplated his cousin. “Indeed, Mr. Darcy is patience personified, as all can attest. Even his horses declare it so!”
“Sadly, a lesson I could never impart to you, Richard. Your horses habitually choose to throw you rather than listen to instruction.”
“That happened one time, I was fifteen, and the horse refused to jump that creek!” Richard turned to Elizabeth, pointing at Darcy with his thumb.
“This braggart was twelve, rode a horse larger than mine, and jumped cleanly over the creek without hesitation.” He shook his head in mock dismay, then groaned dramatically.
“Very well, I concede. You are the superior horseman. Just never forget that I trump you at dancing and witty conversation!”
Lady Matlock said, “Miss Bennet, you have now seen what shall henceforth torment your existence whenever these two inhabit the same room. Their supreme entertainment since childhood is in baiting the other. Presumably, it will continue into their senility. God help us all.”
“I only relate the truth Miss Bennet already knows, having confessed to me the dreadfulness of William’s dancing and conversation in Hertfordshire.”
“Colonel! You tease as well as color the truth,” Elizabeth laughingly accused. “I said Mr. Darcy refused to dance, not that he danced poorly. He proved his skill at the Netherfield Ball, dancing with the grace of a gazelle.”
“Grace of a gazelle? High praise indeed. Is this true, Darcy?” Lord Matlock grinned up at Darcy, who was now the center of attention. Even Mrs. Fitzwilliam had stopped playing and was watching him with an amused gleam in her eyes.
Darcy coughed. He felt heat flooding his cheeks, but Elizabeth’s gay expression relieved his embarrassment.
“Miss Bennet is generous, as always. I managed to avoid stepping on her feet and making a total fool of myself. In my particular case, it remains fortunate that dancing proficiency and engaging repartee are not the only inducements to affection.”
“Quite so,” Jonathan Fitzwilliam agreed. “I abhor dancing and socializing more than you, Darcy, and that is saying something, yet my wife tolerates me. One’s beguilements and personality can be hidden secrets for only select individuals to divine.”
“I concur, Mr. Fitzwilliam. Thank you.” Elizabeth bowed her head gratefully—Mr. Fitzwilliam inclined his head to acknowledge—and then swung her eyes back to Darcy.
Again wearing the secret smile imbued with love, she spoke in a hushed pitch that somehow grabbed attention better than if she shouted.
“Some people are rather like a fine bottle of aged red wine. The cork must first be removed. The wine is then poured and allowed time to breathe. One must wait patiently for the aroma to rise and captivate those who wish to partake of its delights. The wine warms in the glass, aided by the touch of a hand, as the flavor softens and mellows. Slowly, gradually, the wine’s true essence is exposed.
” She paused, adoring eyes locked onto Darcy’s.
Concluding in a whisper, “Some people are structured so, and they are abundantly worth the wait.”
Everyone in the room was mesmerized by her impromptu speech. For at least a minute, the only sound was the ticking of the mantel clock.
“Superbly spoken, Miss Bennet.” Lady Matlock’s murmured comment broke the spell. Darcy could not pull his eyes away from Elizabeth but peripherally noticed the pointed non-verbal exchange between his aunt and uncle.
In time the evening came to an end. As Elizabeth was retrieving her redingote from the footman while talking with Lady Matlock, Darcy and Lord Matlock casually stepped a bit away.
“I like her, my boy, enormously. There is absolutely no question that she loves you. Her father is a gentleman, intelligent and humorous. Both have impeccable manners. I can find no faults.”
“Thank you, sir. Your opinion means a great deal to me.”
Lord Matlock’s eyes narrowed as he peered intently at his nephew. Cocking his head, he asked, “What would you say if I did not approve? She is, after all, manners notwithstanding, not quite in your class. What if I agree with your Aunt Catherine?”
Meeting his uncle’s gaze with the same intensity, Darcy answered, “Sir, it would grieve me, as I grieve over Lady Catherine’s attitude. However, my choices are just that. Mine. Elizabeth is my life. I am nothing without her.”
“And Pemberley?”
“My lord, I understand what you are asking and why. All my adult life I have placed Pemberley’s needs before my own.
I believe I have been a worthy Master of Pemberley and that I carry the Darcy name proudly.
Years have I searched for a woman of quality, someone strong and brave, intelligent and wise, empathetic and giving.
All the characteristics the Mistress of Pemberley must have.
I am not a blind fool, Uncle. Elizabeth possesses these attributes, amongst a host of others.
I have fallen in love with a woman my equal, if not superior.
As remarkable as all of this, it is inconsequential compared to the fact that she loves me.
Her paramount value to me, and to Pemberley, is in this truth. ”
The warmth and emotion in Lord Matlock’s voice were more than Darcy could have hoped.
“Your father would be very proud of you, Fitzwilliam, as would your mother. James and Anne loved each other, as you know. It is an emotion uncommon in our society, sadly. They were better human beings because of it, and Pemberley thrived. I do approve of your Miss Bennet, wholeheartedly. You have my approval and blessing…for what that is worth.”
The earl clapped Darcy on the shoulder as the two turned around.
Instantly, Darcy’s eyes veered to where Elizabeth had last been standing, but to his surprise, she was a mere three feet away.
A rosy blush covered her cheeks, and she ducked her head, but not swiftly enough for him to miss seeing the moisture in her eyes.
She was eavesdropping. Rather than feeling irritation, Darcy wanted to laugh aloud.
Instead, he crossed the short distance and clasped both hands. “Are you well, my dearest? You are flushed. Have we overtaxed your strength tonight?”
“Tease,” she mumbled, staring at her toes.
“You caught me listening, I know it.” Lifting her eyes, she smiled.
“Guilty as charged, I confess. Now it is I who wants to kiss you. Desperately. You had to suffice with my hands, but I shall toss caution to the wind.” Rising onto her tiptoes, she pressed her lips firmly and lingeringly against his cheek.
Then, while still inches away from his face, she breathed, “I love you. With all my heart and for eternity.”
He was so startled and overwhelmed that she had pivoted about and was nearly to the door before he recovered.