Chapter Nineteen #3
For the next hour, William willed himself to be patient as he listened to Lady Eleanor and Lady Gwendolyn put forth their plans while asking many questions of Elizabeth.
It was decided Lady Gwendolyn would host her dinner later in the week and that Lady Eleanor would continue on with preparations for the ball which would take place a week later.
Lady Eleanor informed Elizabeth that she had already sent round a note to her Aunt Gardiner and had an appointment scheduled for the three of them to meet with her dressmaker in two days.
Though the time would be short, Her Ladyship was determined that Elizabeth’s attire would not be neglected for her grand event.
In addition, she expected Elizabeth to spend at least one day with her making calls on various women of importance, and in turn Her Ladyship would be available to receive calls with Elizabeth once William put the knocker on door.
Even though they were newly married, she insisted that he not wait too long.
While the adults continued to chat, from time to time Elizabeth would make an effort to interact with Anna, who was perfectly well-behaved enjoying her strawberry ice. The little girl was particularly delighted when Lady Gwendolyn remarked about her pretty dress.
“My dear, it is such a lovely shade of pink.”
Anna smiled sweetly and demurely replied, “Thank you, Your Ladyship. Pink is my favourite colour.”
Lady Eleanor was also pleased, saying she knew the dress would look endearing on her little niece when she had sent it over. By the time they had finished their tea, ices and sweetmeats, much had been decided and Lady Eleanor was satisfied.
“Aunt, Lady Gwendolyn, I thank you for your hospitality,” William cordially said when they were ready to depart.
I should like to invite a small party of friends, including the Gardiners, to join us for an evening at the theatre or perhaps a musical event at St. James before we depart for Longbourn.
I hope you will both be available, and I shall send over the particulars once the arrangements have been made. ”
“Very good, Nephew. I should think a small party of ten or twelve would be delightful, would it not?”
“Yes, Aunt,” he nodded in compliance. “I shall make it so.”
Darcy House
Later That Evening
The Music Room
After finishing their evening meal, William, Elizabeth and Anna settled in the music room for a bit of relaxation before going up to bed.
To begin with, since Anna was eager to sing her new song for her Papa, she and Elizabeth happily performed the Welsh ballad, All through the night.
Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte and periodically added a bit of harmony to Anna’s angelic voice as she stood poised before her father, singing the lullaby her mother had taught her.
Sleep my child and peace attend thee, All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee, All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and vale through slumber sleeping.
I my loving vigil keeping, All through the night….
All Through the Night ~ Ar Hyd y Nos
Musical Relicks of the Welsh Bards 1784
At the conclusion, William clapped and stretched out his arms to his daughter, saying, “That is one of the loveliest songs I have ever heard. You and Mama sang it beautifully, and I could not ask for a finer gift.”
“Thank you, Papa. Mama and I sang it every night when the bad man took us.” Anna’s little face became serious and she tried not to cry with the remembrance. “Mama said the angels would watch over us until you could come, and you did.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” He held her close, wishing he could take away the horror of those few days. Continuing to hold her he tenderly added, “You are safe now, my sweet child, and the bad man will never bother you again, I promise.”
“I am glad, Papa. I just want to be here with you and Mama and with Aunt Georgie when she comes home.”
“I know, and tomorrow all of us shall be together again. Do not forget, Mama is planning another celebration.”
“I remember, Papa and I am going to help her.”
“Ah, yes, so the two of you said. Nevertheless, before today’s celebration is over, Mama would like to give you a gift.”
“For me?” Her eyes brightened.
“It is here on the table,” Elizabeth said, taking a seat next to Anna and reaching for the box. Opening it, she continued, “This garnet cross was given to me by Grandmamma Elizabeth. She gave it to me when I was only one or two years older than you, and now I would like for you to have it.”
“Mama, it is very pretty.” She smiled up at both her parents while Elizabeth opened the clasp to the necklace and William pushed Anna’s long hair to the side, removing Elizabeth’s emerald cross from her neck.
“Grandmamma Elizabeth told me many years ago that she had the necklace made especially for me, and one day when I had a daughter I should give it to her.” Securing the necklace around Anna’s, neck she adoringly said, “I love you, my sweet child, and one day when you are much older, you may give this necklace to your daughter, just as I have given it to you.”
“Thank you, Mama,” Anna said, placing her little arms around Elizabeth’s neck and hugging her as tightly as she could. “I love the necklace and shall wear it every day and take very good care of it, I promise.”
“I know you will, sweetheart.”
When Elizabeth extended her hand to William, he leaned in and momentarily held the two of them in his embrace. After releasing them he looked to his daughter saying, “Anna, I thought it would be nice if Mama had a present, too. What do you think?”
“Yes, Papa!” she said enthusiastically.
“I gave her the emerald cross on the day we were married and now one week later, I would like to give her something else. Elizabeth, this is for you, my love.”
“William.” She took the box, tears misting in her eyes as she opened it and saw the exquisite emerald necklace.
“Oh, my.” Gingerly picking up the necklace and holding it in her hand, she looked at William, saying, “Your gift is beyond words. I have never seen anything more beautiful. Thank you. Will you help me to put it on?”
“With pleasure.” Moving a few of her long curls to the side, William carefully placed the necklace about her neck and fastened the clasp. Although he wanted to kiss her lovely flesh, he did no more than tenderly stroke the back of her neck with his fingers. “There now, let me see.”
“Mama!” Anna exclaimed. “You look like a princess!”
“I agree, Anna. She is Princess Elizabeth, my lovely wife.”
Elizabeth reached for their hands. “William and dearest Anna, you are spoiling me with your compliments.”
“I think not, my love. Like the emerald cross, these stones match the brilliance of your eyes, and I could not resist buying it. I thought you might like to wear this necklace for my aunt’s ball.”
“Yes, I should like to wear it then, and when I join Lady Eleanor and Aunt Gardiner at the dressmaker, I shall be sure to choose a gown that complements your gift.”
“While I am not particularly fond of dancing in a crowded ballroom, I shall be proud to be your escort, though my only regret is that we cannot dance every dance together.”
“A scandalous thought,” she chuckled, “but one which I share.”
“Mama, do you think I can go to the ball, too? I should like to dance with Papa.”
“Ah, sweet one, I regret the ball is only for adults. But if you like, I shall play something nice on the pianoforte and you and Papa may dance together now. Would that please you, my sweet child?”
“Yes, Mama, it would.”
“William?”
“Of course.” Then rising, he turned to Anna, bowed and said, “Miss Anna Elizabeth Darcy, I would be honoured if you would stand up with me for the next dance.”
In awe of her father’s grand gesture, Anna bashfully curtseyed and replied, “Thank you, Papa.”
Picking up his daughter, William twirled her around, causing her to giggle.
Setting her down in front of him and leaning forward, he took her hands and they began to do the steps as William gently guided her which way to turn and move.
After a time, he picked up his daughter again and swayed in place allowing her to rest her head against his chest. She could not help but yawn, for the hour was growing late and she was beginning to tire.
By the time Elizabeth finished playing the song, his little one had fallen asleep.
“Come, Elizabeth, let us take her to her room. I doubt she will awaken even when Hannah readies her for bed.”
“Yes, I agree, and after a day filled with so many happy events, I trust she will sleep far better tonight.”
“I hope so too. And you, my lovely wife, how shall you sleep?” He reached over and tenderly stroked his fingers along the side of her face. “It troubles me that we have spoken so little of what you endured. If it would help, you may unburden your thoughts before we retire.”
“Ah, husband,” she teased, arching a mischievous brow, “You are kind to offer; nevertheless, that discussion can wait. You must never underestimate the comfort and safety that being held in your loving arms provides me. Tonight my greatest need is to spend time with you, alone.”
“Elizabeth, my heart, I am yours to command.”
Standing on her tiptoes, Elizabeth kissed his cheek and whispered, “I love you, William.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart, so very, very much.”