Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
As Aunt Rebecca left, William returned. He greeted her pleasantly and then, smiling, went off searching for Elizabeth. He found her in the library looking pensive.
“Is everything well, my dear?” he asked worriedly.
Elizabeth turned and smiled at him. “Yes, just thinking.”
“How did you find your rooms?” William asked.
Elizabeth turned thoughtful again. “Your aunt and I went up to view them, and I asked her for help with the redecorating.
The rooms need some brightening, and I wondered about choosing one dominant colour throughout the rooms to keep them cohesive.
But then she asked me some questions that left me thinking.
“She asked me how I viewed marriage, and I talked about it being a partnership where there was mutual respect. But then she talked about that partnership extending into other aspects of marriage, particularly the physical.” Elizabeth’s face was bright red, but she pressed on, unwilling to look up at him as she continued this topic.
“When we are married, do you anticipate us needing two bed chambers?”
William smiled softly at her and lifted her chin so she met his eyes. “I would prefer us to share one, but if you prefer to maintain two, I will do whatever you want.”
She held eye contact with him. “I think I would also like to share. When she mentioned it, I remembered sleeping in your arms on the ride here. I liked waking up in your arms.” Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, but he heard her.
He groaned but still answered, “I would very much like that, my love. Now, I think it is time we head to lunch.”
They both stood, but he could not resist drawing her to him for a quick kiss.
“I was successful today, and we can be married as soon as it can be arranged. My great uncle gave me several days and times next week he will be available, and now we just need to confirm with your aunt and uncle and mine. We will have much to discuss when we arrive at Gracechurch Street tonight.”
Elizabeth took his arm as she agreed with him.
He escorted her into the drawing room where Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley sat.
“Good afternoon, William. I am glad you are back,” Georgiana called.
“Lizzy, I am sorry I missed the visit with Aunt Rebecca, but I needed to rest after our travels the previous few days.”
“Are you feeling better now, Georgie,” Elizabeth asked. “I had a lovely visit with Aunt Rebecca; we discussed redecorating in the mistress’s suites.” William noticed that Elizabeth blushed slightly and wondered what else had been discussed.
The afternoon proceeded with the three in frequent company, although William spent part of the afternoon in his study attending to business matters. Soon, Richard arrived, and it was time for the party to leave for the Gardiner’s residence.
When they arrived, they were immediately ushered into the parlour where Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were waiting. “We learned a lot in our short time in Hertfordshire. Lizzy, we have letters for you from Jane and Mary,” Gardiner said when everyone was seated and greetings had been exchanged.
“Richard also brought news, but we have a quick matter to discuss first. After discussing it with my aunt and uncle, we have decided to marry next week instead of waiting for October if that meets your approval. My great uncle, the archbishop, helped obtain a special licence and has agreed to conduct the ceremony for us,” William informed them.
Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement. “Aunt and Uncle, I know I am welcome to stay here as long as I need, but I feel a bit lost knowing I no longer have a home. And I do not want to be introduced in society as ‘Miss Bennet from Longbourn’ when that is no longer strictly true,” Elizabeth explained.
“When I enter society, it would be easier to do so as Mrs. Darcy.”
Her aunt nodded her acceptance of the decision, and recognising that, her uncle did as well. “I understand, my dear. Thomas has created a difficult situation for you,” Mrs. Gardiner said.
“We have news on that score, Lizzy and William. Lydia was sent home from Brighton after being caught attempting to elope with none other than George Wickham,” Gardiner stated. He was surprised at the knowing looks from the others. “How did you know about this already?”
“Since Darcy told me in April that Wickham had joined the militia, I have had him watched,” Richard informed them.
“His commanding officer is a friend, and he has been keeping an eye on him, along with a few enlisted men I know who have also reported to me on occasion. Forster was aware that he was on the verge of fleeing and allowed him enough rope to hang himself. He planned to desert his regiment and take Miss Lydia to fund the escape. Forster knew of the plans, and Wickham was arrested before anything could happen, but Forster sent Miss Lydia home for her protection.”
“And she has not been seen in Meryton since. She is being kept above stairs, and Bingley has said he has not seen her since she returned,” Gardiner told them. “Phillips believes they may be concerned she is with child.”
Both Elizabeth and Georgiana gasped at that news.
“I am sorry, girls, to say it so bluntly, but Lydia behaved poorly in Brighton. Lizzy, you warned Thomas not to let her go, and both Phillips and I believe that may be the reason behind Thomas’s reaction to your engagement.
I do not know if it is to protect you by keeping you from home or if it is due to anger at you for being right about warning him,” Gardiner stated.
William squeezed Elizabeth’s hand sympathetically when she sighed. “What of Jane? Is Mr. Bingley still intending to marry her? Does he know any of this?” she asked.
“He is aware,” Mrs. Gardiner put in. “And he will marry Jane as soon as the banns are called. I am not certain that Bennet knows that Mr. Bingley is aware of the situation, but he and Jane have spoken of it. Jane is unhappy about the situation at Longbourn and looks forward to coming to London with Bingley after they are married. Fanny is, at least, happy enough about Jane’s coming wedding that she has ignored everything else—including Lydia’s situation and seems unaware or unconcerned that you are not returning. ”
Elizabeth groaned. “I love my family because they are my family, but if they were not, I would have nothing to do with any of them, aside from Jane. Papa is indifferent, Mama is foolish, and Lydia may have ruined herself, along with Mary and Kitty. Is there anything that can be done for either of them?”
“Your sisters may benefit from coming to Pemberley if we can persuade your parents to allow it after some time has passed,” William offered.
Elizabeth smiled at him. “It might help, but since my father will not recognise me or respond to our letters, I am not certain we could manage it. Thank you for being willing, William.”
“Well, that is enough of that,” Mrs. Gardiner said, changing the topic. “When is this wedding to be? Have you decided on a date?
William handed Gardiner a piece of paper.
“My great uncle gave these dates and times. A special licence allows us to marry whenever we wish, so we planned to use the library at Darcy House. We know Elizabeth has an appointment at the modiste on Monday morning, but we wanted to ask you about a date and time that allows you to be there.”
“Thursday at ten is ideal for us,” Gardiner replied after reviewing the paper. “I have several meetings early in the week, but I know Thursday is free.
“And, with any luck, the modiste could complete one new dress by that time,” Mrs. Gardiner offered. “I assume the wedding breakfast will take place at Darcy House as well?”
“It would be the simplest solution if you do not mind,” William answered.
“We are keeping things small and restricted to family, so it will be no problem for my housekeeper to arrange things for a wedding breakfast for a dozen or so people. You and Elizabeth are more than welcome to do whatever you would like to prepare for the event. I am sure my aunt would be more than happy to assist.”
Soon after, dinner was announced, and the group moved to the dining room.
The conversation around dinner flowed onto topics other than Hertfordshire and the wedding.
After dinner, Georgiana and Elizabeth played a duet they had practised that afternoon.
Before long, William, Georgiana, and Richard excused themselves to return to Darcy House.
Elizabeth was saddened to see William go; she had been in his company for several weeks, and this was the first time since she arrived at Pemberley that they would not be under the same roof.
She escorted them all out, wishing them all a good night. William lingered behind the others and kissed her hand before he left, telling her he would call in the morning. “Do not forget that I love you, dearest,” he murmured before he left.
When she returned to the parlour, the Gardiners were waiting for her. “How did you find Darcy House, Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
“It is beautiful, Aunt, just like Pemberley,” Elizabeth replied.
“Perhaps, in some ways, a bit grander since it is in town, but very elegant and timeless in its decorations. The housekeeper showed me what will be my rooms, and they do need some work, particularly the attached sitting room. Mostly new window coverings and some paint to brighten the rooms since they are a bit dark. Lady Matlock called this morning, and she offered some suggestions about improving them as well, but much of the work can wait until we are leaving London.”
“How did you find Lady Matlock?” her aunt asked next.
“She is lovely and very welcoming. She looks at William as her third son and is thrilled one of them has finally decided to marry,” Elizabeth laughed.
“I hinted that we needed to join forces to find a wife for Richard, and she is very much in favour of that. I have not met the viscount yet, but we will at dinner tomorrow night.”