Chapter 4 #2
What is he about? Could he be any more blatant in attempting to force an alliance between Colonel Fitzwilliam and my Anne?
She had not failed to notice the two sat next to each other. Is Darcy’s wife in on my brother’s scheme?
Her ladyship had to admit that Anne never looked happier. A few moments of observation persuaded her there might be some merit to the scheme after all.
My Anne could do far worse than marrying my nephew. His being a second son guarantees that the two of them will reside at Rosings Park. I believe I should like having my nephew as a son-in-law.
Kitty and Lydia’s unseemly behaviour intruded upon Lady Catherine’s new found pleasure, and caused her to wonder at their even being at the dinner table. The younger ones out with an older sister unmarried ... heaven and earth.
I have never witnessed so much cleavage on display in my life. How does one support all of that weight with a mere corset? My Anne had better stake her claim on her cousin quickly with these wild Bennet girls roaming the halls.
Darcy and Elizabeth tucked Ben in bed earlier that evening amidst his protests of wanting to remain in company beyond his bedtime as he had done on Christmas Eve.
Promises that Christmases to come would offer as much or more joyousness as this one, and that soon enough he would be allowed to remain awake longer, accompanied by an entertaining Christmas tale, sufficed to send the young man to dreamland with merry hopes for the future dancing in his head.
With Ben tucked in bed, Darcy and Elizabeth were at liberty to give their guests their undivided attention for the rest of the evening.
After hours of lively entertainment and gaiety inherent in the Season amongst the family, Darcy and Elizabeth now sat upon the sitting room sofa basking in calm serenity. Finally, it was their time.
“You seemed surprised by your father’s invitation for us to visit Longbourn next year.”
“Indeed, especially in light of his dictate that I was never to grace the halls of his home again after spurning Mr. Collins’s hand in marriage.”
“I believe he would do anything to take back those words. He and I spoke at length after dining this evening once you ladies had departed the room. He expressed his unequivocal support of our marriage. Have you not spent much time with him since his arrival? Did he not convey his good wishes and support?”
“I confess to enjoying my papa’s company during those times when there was no possibility for such talk.”
“Well, I must see what I can do about that. Especially in light of how you manage it so I am forced to spend significant time with Geoffrey Collins.”
“Be careful, Mr. Darcy. I contend that I might manage the company of less than agreeable guests with far greater tolerance than you.”
“Perhaps. Of course, I have yet to see you and your brother engaged in any meaningful discourse.”
“I am guilty as charged. It will take some time, I imagine, before I am able to cast aside his cruelty and the bitterness of our acquaintance in Hunsford. With that said, I have witnessed no such harshness on his part towards from Jane. I judged her intentions poorly when she agreed to accept his hand in marriage; she cares for him deeply. She confided as much to me, which is surprising, for Jane rarely shares her true feelings with anyone.”
“I will endeavour not to say I told you so.”
“You are too kind, Mr. Darcy.”
“Speaking of kindness, my lovely wife, you were very clever in arranging things so I was compelled to spend the greater part of this evening with Collins and his brother.”
“Surely you did not expect to partner with Charlotte, Jane, and me? Besides, I had a far greater purpose in pitting wives against husbands than merely vexing you, my love.”
“What other purpose might you have had?”
“My reasoning is simple. I merely wanted to prove that we women are far more intelligent than you men.”
“In this case, what you refer to as intelligence, I liken to cheating!”
“Is it my fault that Charlotte, Jane, and I have been partnering in charades for years?”
“You have made my point exactly, my love.”
“You must not be too upset with me. My brother and you make a formidable team, in spite of my cousin’s ineptness. I say you two have the makings of a strong and lasting friendship.”
Darcy’s furrowed brow suggested otherwise. “Tell me again. How many days remain until the Collinses take their leave of Pemberley?”
Elizabeth shook her head and walked over to their bed. She climbed inside and arranged the covers about her waist. “Richard and Anne were pleasantly engaged throughout dinner, as well as in the drawing room.”
“Indeed.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“What would you have me say?”
“Has Richard confided in you how he feels about Anne?”
“He does not have to ... she has the single most important quality he seeks in a woman.”
“Are you speaking of her dowry?”
“Yes, that and Rosings Park to boot. He could do far worse than marrying Anne,” Darcy said, having disrobed and joined her in bed.
“Now who is parroting Lord Matlock?” Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s midsection, “I wonder which other of your uncle’s traits you might embrace?”
Darcy was aghast! The years had not been pleasant to Lord Matlock’s waistline. “Heaven forbid!” said he.
“Whilst we are on the subject, I might remind you of my unanswered question as regards a far more enticing stomach. Have you anything to confide in me?”
“My love, is it fair to confide in you that which is mere supposition on my part?”
“I shall let you have your secrets ... for now. Although, I wish to confide in you that nothing would please me more than—”
With a cautioning smile, Elizabeth placed a silencing finger to his lips.
Not that she suffered a superstitious nature.
Far from it, as her willingness to go along with Ben and Georgiana’s scheme to decorate the halls of Pemberley days before Christmas Eve evidenced.
In such matters regarding the possibility of their family increasing in the coming months, she preferred to guard her hopes until the evidence presented itself with certainty.
“The only thing I am prepared to confess this evening is my overwhelming happiness. Though I did not immediately relish the prospect of sharing our first Christmas at Pemberley amongst estranged and conflicted family members, I am very pleased that Georgiana and Ben saw fit to arrange it all as a surprise.”
“Indeed. God willing, we shall enjoy Christmas amongst family every year, for the rest of our lives.”
“I am persuaded that nothing will make Ben happier. I believe he is happiest when he is surrounded by a great number of family and friends.”
A light tap at the door caused Darcy and Elizabeth to look at each other knowingly. They repeated what had by now become a well-rehearsed routine, even if it had been weeks since last exercised.
Darcy opened the door and spoke not a word. He lifted Ben in his arms, carried him to the bed and placed him beside his mother. Darcy and Elizabeth blew out the candles on either side of the bed.
“Good night, Ben.” He placed a light kiss atop the child’s head. “Good night, my love.” Darcy bestowed a gentle brush of his lips against Elizabeth’s cheek. “Merry Christmas.”
A faint drowsy whisper echoed, “Merry Christmas.”
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