Chapter 7 #2
During the visit, Mr Darcy repeated the details about the wedding day and issued an invitation for the Gardiners, including the children, to join them at his — their —house after the service.
“My cousin will certainly be there, too, and probably my friend Mr Charles Bingley, whose answer I am waiting for. Since we have agreed to keep the event private, I am not sure there will be any more people from my side.”
“I shall be perfectly content to have only your friends and my uncle and aunt in attendance, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth responded and briefly noticed the colonel’s raised brows. It was not the kind of wedding expected of Mr Darcy, it seemed.
Eventually, the guests left, and Elizabeth and her aunt made their planned visit to the dressmaker’s. The rain had not abated, and her disposition had only slightly improved, but it was another task that must be completed.
“We should commission at least a few new dresses for formal events. Something appropriate for a party or a ball in the highest circles, in case you need them. Once you have discussed your social engagements with Mr Darcy, you can order more. And you will certainly need another dressmaker, maybe one who is more renowned and certainly closer to your home and more appropriate to serve Mrs Darcy.”
“I am sure two new gowns will be enough. Mr Darcy seems to have as little interest in social engagements as I have.”
“He might lack interest, but you will be obliged to attend at least some events. Mrs Darcy must take her first steps into society, whether you both like it or not. Mr Darcy might not enjoy public engagements, but he knows the importance of being seen in order to uphold his name and reputation, and you see how important they are to him. Establishing yourself as a proper Mrs Darcy is a necessary step.”
“Very well, Aunt.”
“And we must order other items to be ready before the wedding. We shall have to visit a stay-maker very soon, too, and the cobbler, the mill— Oh, and I should not forget that you will also need a few new nightgowns and such.”
Elizabeth frowned. “New nightgowns? Whatever for? Nobody will see me dressed for the night.”
“Your personal maid will see you. And the housekeeper — and perhaps even your husband will have something to discuss with you in the privacy of your chamber. You must consider all these possibilities, my dear. Everything you do or wear must be appropriate for your position.”
“Very well, Aunt, I shall do as you suggest,” Elizabeth agreed with a sigh as they entered the shop.
While the dressmaker presented Mrs Gardiner with several plates showing the latest fashions and began proposing patterns, fabrics, alterations, and embellishments, Elizabeth listened less and less, approving of everything absently when prompted by her aunt, trusting Mrs Gardiner’s judgment.
She had other things to occupy her mind, other things to concern her.
As Mrs Gardiner said, there were many things to be carefully considered, and she must always be alert, always guard her actions and her words, with everybody around her.
The more she thought of it, and the closer their wedding date came, the more difficult her circumstances seemed to be.
The web of lies that surrounded her marriage to Mr Darcy was precarious and could become a dangerous trap for them both.
***
After another restless night, the day dawned with clearer skies than the previous one.
This was the day that would take Elizabeth to Mr Darcy’s house.
Her feelings were mixed, her anxiety so high that not even the Gardiners’ assurances could temper it, although she knew not why it felt so daunting a task.
She began to dress, considering what she should wear for the occasion, mindful of her conversation with her aunt the day prior.
Besides Mr Darcy, she would meet the housekeeper, her prospective personal maid, some of the upper servants; and some of his friends or family might happen to be there.
She selected one of her best morning gowns, arranged her hair carefully, and after a last look in the mirror was ready to go downstairs when a knock at the door announced Mrs Gardiner’s unexpected presence.
“I am ready, Aunt. I hope you approve of my appearance. We may leave whenever you want.”
“You look lovely, Lizzy, but there has been a change of plans. We have just received a note from Mr Darcy.”
“Has something happened? Is Mr Darcy well? You sound concerned.”
“He is well, but he has been called away urgently to attend to an important business matter in the North. He left last night and expects to return in five days.”
Elizabeth stared at her aunt, her chest clenching in panic.
“Urgent business? In the North? So suddenly? This means he will return only on the eve of our wedding.”
“Yes…but you must not be anxious, Lizzy, all will be well. He will return in time if he says he will.”
“In truth, I am not concerned about that. If the wedding is postponed or even cancelled because of him, I have nothing to lose or to regret. I just hope he is not hurt or in danger. Does Uncle know the nature of this urgent business?”
“He does. He will assure you — as I have — that all will be well. Regarding our visit, Mr Darcy has allowed you the liberty to decide whether you wish to go or not. He has granted you full leave to visit the house and to request any changes you want. His housekeeper will be there to welcome and serve you.”
“Surely that would not be appropriate, Aunt. How could I invade his house and introduce myself to his servants in his absence? Or even brazenly demand changes?”
“Your uncle and I are well acquainted with the house and the servants.”
“Perhaps, but it still sounds wrong to me.”
“As you wish, my dear. Just like Mr Darcy, your uncle and I shall allow you complete liberty of choice in this regard.”
“Thank you. In that case, I shall take my cousins for a walk in the park. The weather looks fine.”
Mrs Gardiner smiled and left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone, thoughtful and concerned.
How could she not be anxious when the man she was about to marry, the man who had so carefully made all the arrangements, had abandoned all their plans and hurried across the country to attend to some business matter that was apparently more important than his own wedding?
Was the matter related to the reason why he needed thirty thousand pounds so urgently?
Or perhaps Mr Darcy had more than one problem that he hoped to resolve through their marriage contract.