Chapter 3.8
Darcy was awake at dawn and ready to leave the inn, but it was still dark, and all his relatives slept. He asked for coffee and took a stroll about the inn, but time passed slowly. His cousin Thomas was the first to join him, followed by the earl.
The sun was up and shining when Lady Catherine eventually asked for breakfast. And she needed another two hours to be ready to travel.
Darcy and Thomas carefully arranged things in the carriage so the ladies could travel safely.
Mrs. Jenkinson and Dr. Bowles were in one carriage; Lady Catherine, Anne, the earl, and Thomas were in another.
“I shall return to London on horseback,” Darcy declared as he enjoyed a last sip of coffee.
His statement startled the party.
“On horseback? What kind of nonsense is this? You cannot ride such a distance,” Lady Catherine uttered.
“Darcy, the weather is not appropriate for riding,” the earl intervened.
“I thank you for your concern, but my decision is made. I hope you arrive in Town safely. Please send me a note, and I shall answer you as soon as possible.”
He delayed only a few minutes, made his farewells, and left, much to the others’ puzzlement.
“Well, he would rather ride than spend his time with us. That is how much respect he has for his own relatives,” Lady Catherine growled.
“I think it is not disrespect for us but rather impatience to be with his wife as quickly as possible. That must happen when one marries for love,” the viscount said with a grin.
“Thomas, sometimes you speak such nonsense.” Lady Catherine then began a long tirade about young men who forget their duties and their place in society. Neither of her companions actually listened though they nodded from time to time.
∞∞∞
Although she was reluctant to visit the house without Darcy, Elizabeth decided to see the library.
She knew it to be a place they equally enjoyed, and he would be happy to know she was there.
The moment she entered, she fell in love a second time.
The richness of the room and the books enchanted her so that she was lost for a couple of hours: in his armchair, at his desk, searching through his books. His scent was still there.
Around noon, Sarah informed her that she had visitors: Miss Darcy and Lady Matlock. Excited and slightly nervous about her first guests as mistress of the house, Elizabeth met the ladies in the drawing room.
Greetings and embraces were exchanged, refreshments were ordered, and a pleasant conversation was begun.
“How are you, my dear? I imagine it must be very unpleasant to have Darcy leave on the first day of your marriage,” Lady Matlock said.
“It is.” Elizabeth blushed. “But I am aware that Mr. Darcy has many responsibilities.”
“Yes, and I am glad you are wise enough to understand that. Now, as soon as you are settled, we must schedule a visit to the modiste. You will need several new gowns, and it will take time for them to be made properly. Oh, and next week is the reopening of the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. It will be a fabulous event! We have purchased a box; nobody of consequence can miss that spectacle. It will be a production of Hamlet with the great Robert Elliston! I am all anticipation!”
“As am I, Lady Matlock. I am certain it will be a thrilling evening. I have not discussed it with Mr. Darcy yet, but I am certain we shall be happy to attend,” Elizabeth replied.
“Discuss? There is nothing to discuss,” Lady Matlock said. “Of course you will attend.”
“I am excited about it too,” Georgiana intervened. “I am so happy that you will be with us, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth smiled and squeezed her hand; then Lady Matlock unexpectedly said, “You should invite the Gardiners too. The box is large enough, and they are lovely company.”
“Thank you. Your ladyship is very generous. They would be honoured and enchanted, I am sure,” Elizabeth responded with genuine gratitude.
“Now, about the gowns; you will need four or five for the parties and opera and theatre and at least as many for balls. The Season has just started, and…”
Lady Matlock continued to speak animatedly and make plans that an amused Elizabeth readily accepted.
She appreciated the lady’s obvious intention to support her in her new position.
As time passed, Elizabeth became more relaxed and easily engaged in the conversation.
They chatted, Georgiana played for them, and then Elizabeth joined her singing, much to Lady Matlock’s enjoyment.
She praised their talent, asked for more, and then inquired about Elizabeth’s first official dinner.
Late in the afternoon, their little party was suddenly interrupted by Darcy’s arrival.
The ladies were first startled by his appearance as it was in great disorder: tangled hair and a dirty, sweat-streaked face. Elizabeth hurried to greet him, rather more warmly than was proper in company.
When Darcy finally spoke, his eyes still gazed at Elizabeth. “I am glad to see you all. I hope you are in good health?”
“Yes, we are,” Lady Matlock answered. “And you? Already home? So soon? Is everything well?”
“Yes. Aunt Catherine and Anne were but slightly injured. They will all travel to town in carriages. Uncle and Thomas are with them. I arrived sooner as I rode.”
“You rode? In this weather? That is madness,” Lady Matlock declared.
“It was fine; the rain has stopped, and the journey was rather short.”
“You look tired, brother,” Georgiana said affectionately. Darcy kissed her forehead.
“I confess I am very tired, dearest. I wish only to take a hot bath and rest for at least two days.”
Elizabeth blushed, and Lady Matlock nodded in approval.
“You should do just that,” Georgiana replied. “We have spent such a lovely time with Elizabeth, but we shall leave now.”
“Thank you—I appreciate your concern,” Darcy spoke readily. “We shall call on you soon.”
“I talked to Elizabeth about the opera,” Lady Matlock added.
But Darcy interjected rather unceremoniously, “Dearest aunt, I deeply appreciate your support and your care. We shall do everything you suggest. For now, I must retire. Have a good day,” he ended with a meaningful glance at Elizabeth.
Flustered, the new Mrs. Darcy mumbled something until her guests finally left. Then, she informed Sarah she would not be needed until further notice and hurried upstairs to her chamber, closing the door after her.
Her heart, filled with love and gratitude for seeing her husband home safely, beat wildly. She pressed her hand to her chest to temper her breathing.
Then she sat on the bed, waiting a few minutes until she realised the moment had come and she should be prepared for it—and for him.