Chapter Eleven
MR. BENNET’S CARRIAGE PULLED UP BEFORE A SERVICEABLE TOWN HOUSE in Cheapside.
Darcy recognized Elizabeth’s trepidation.
There had been no time to prepare her aunt and uncle for the announcement of their marriage, and with her sister’s company, they had shared no privacy to discuss what they would tell her Aunt Gardiner.
As Darcy assisted both ladies from the carriage, their aunt and several children scrambled from the house to greet them. Both Elizabeth and Jane affectionately hugged each of the children and showered their aunt with affection. However, the woman visibly stiffened when her gaze fell on him.
“Aunt Gardiner,” Jane began, “I am confident you recognize Mr. Darcy.” The woman presented a quick curtsy before she turned her attention on Elizabeth. “Mr. Darcy, this is our aunt, Mrs. Gardiner.”
Darcy bowed. “Mrs. Gardiner, I am pleased to claim your acquaintance. Elizabeth speaks so fondly of you.”
“Elizabeth?” Mrs. Gardiner’s voice was tight.
Elizabeth caught her aunt’s arm to steer her towards the door.
“Yes, Aunt, I am ‘Elizabeth’ to my dear William. Mr. Darcy has seen me to London, for we are to marry in a week. Papa has provided him with permission for me to marry and acknowledged there are no impediments. He has signed over his rights to Uncle Gardiner for the services. Mr. Philips did all the paperwork for my father and mother. His seal is on the documents.”
Mrs. Gardiner halted their progress. “You jest, Lizzy!”
Elizabeth turned to the woman again. “I do not, Aunt. Mr. Darcy and I will marry, and I wish you to be happy for me.”
Mr. Gardiner joined them in the front foyer. “Who is to marry?” He offered Jane a quick kiss on the cheek.
Elizabeth possessively claimed Darcy’s hand. “I am to marry, Uncle. This is my betrothed, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
Mr. Gardiner glanced suspiciously to his wife before saying. “Mr. Darcy, welcome, Sir. Please, join us in the parlor. We must learn of Elizabeth’s happiness.”
Darcy escorted Elizabeth as they followed her family. Mr. Gardiner directed them to a settee, and when the civilities were complete, an explanation was required.
“Papa sent a letter explaining everything.” Jane produced the note for their uncle.
Mr. Gardiner placed it in his pocket. “I will read my brother Bennet’s version later. What I require now is a few words from Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”
“As Aunt Gardiner knows, at Michaelmas, Mr. Darcy came to Netherfield Park with Mr. Bingley, and our relationship began. We have grown exceedingly fond of each other.”
Mrs. Gardiner demanded, “Lizzy, are you in love with Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth blushed. Neither she nor Darcy had spoken of love. “Yes, Aunt.” Elizabeth’s voice was barely audible. “I have fallen in love.”
Darcy’s hand cupped hers where it lay between them. He lifted the back of it to his lips for a kiss.
“And you, Mr. Darcy?” her aunt inquired, astounded. “Do you love our Lizzy?”
“I would give my life for Elizabeth. I have never known a finer woman.”
Jane explained, “Mr. Darcy saved Elizabeth’s life twice, Aunt.”
“Twice?” Mr. Gardiner demanded.
“I will explain more later. We have so much to do before the wedding, but suffice it to say, without William, I would not be alive.”
“It was romantic,” Jane volunteered. “Mr. Darcy left Netherfield, but he realized he did not want to lose Lizzy, so he returned for her. Fortunately, he came across a suspicious situation. A stranger attacked Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy fought him off.”
“That is the reason for our hurried marriage,” Elizabeth confided.
“I was so happy to see William that I foolishly threw myself into his arms. Unfortunately, Papa and some of our servants burst into the room and found us in a compromising position. Mr. Darcy felt it best we marry quickly to protect my reputation.”
“But do you wish to marry Mr. Darcy?” her uncle asked.
“Yes, Uncle, I do. Mr. Darcy is my chosen mate.”
“Then that is all that matters, Lizzy. Neither your aunt nor I wish to see you forced into marriage. How might we assist you two with the upcoming wedding?” Gardiner offered.
“Unfortunately, I must leave to make arrangements.” Darcy explained.
“When I returned for Elizabeth, my baggage continued on with Mr. Bingley. I have Mr. Bennet’s permission and the other documents in my pocket.
I must call upon the local vicar to arrange for a license and make a call upon my sister to impart my good news. ”
“Do you require my carriage, Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy prepared to take his leave. “Mr. Bennet’s carriage will see me to Darcy House. But if you would provide me the name of the parish church your family prefers, I will see to the details of the ceremony.” As he stood, Darcy reached for Elizabeth. “Would you see me out, my dear?”
“May I take Miss Darcy’s acquaintance this evening?”
“I would relish that very thing if your aunt and uncle could spare you for supper. Moreover, it would provide you an opportunity to view your new London home.”
“Would you and your sister care to join us for the evening meal, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked reluctantly. Her expression remained troubled.
“Aunt, such is too much on such short notice. I would not have our intrusion upset your household. If you are willing, I will meet Miss Darcy this evening. From all of William’s reports, his sister is quite shy.
Greeting her brother’s future wife and my family might be too much for her at one time.
Shall we dine together tomorrow instead? ”
“Excellent solution, Lizzy.” Mr. Gardiner declared. “But Jane must accompany you as your chaperone.”
“Then it is settled,” declared Elizabeth. “Now, off with you,” she said to Darcy as she maneuvered him towards the door. Alone in the entrance hall, she went up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
Darcy caressed her face. “I will call for you at four, if that is acceptable. That will provide you time to tour the house before Georgiana arrives. She will delight in the opportunity to speak privately.”
Elizabeth caught his hand in her two. “William, I vow to make you proud. I will do my best for Georgiana, and I will learn to be a proper wife.”
“Listen to your intuition, and we will live well together. Now, I must leave. Your father’s coach awaits.
I promised to return it today.” He kissed her knuckles tenderly.
“I anticipate presenting you to my staff and family.” In the carriage, Darcy felt both joy and trepidation.
How they would get on would prove him blessed or plagued by temptation.
Surprisingly, Elizabeth convinced her relations to permit her to dine at Darcy House without the company of her sister.
They sent a maid instead. Darcy called promptly at four, arriving in a sociable, which he explained was a phaeton with a double body.
Even though the air was crisp, Elizabeth loved the idea of an open carriage.
“I thought you might wish to view a bit of London’s architecture.
” Darcy placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm as he escorted her to his vehicle.
“I have never ridden in a sociable. I was not even assured it was a real carriage,” Elizabeth confided.
Darcy flashed her a wicked grin. “Our adventure continues! You will enjoy the wind in your face.” After the Gardiner maid climbed on the bench with Darcy’s driver, he mounted the carriage beside Elizabeth, offering her a lap rug for warmth.
The coachman maneuvered the carriage into the late afternoon traffic of the warehouse district. Once they were on their way, he leaned close to whisper, “You are very handsome, Vixen.”
“Do you find my new cloak flattering?” she asked coyly.
The corners of Darcy’s mouth turned up. “It enhances your eyes, Miss Elizabeth. I find the garment quite enchanting.”
“It was a gift,” she bantered. “From a wealthy gentleman.”
“I seem to recall that I am that wealthy gentleman.” He caught her hand up to rest in his lap.
They sat in silence for several moments. “I assume you procured the license,” she ventured.
“I did.” Darcy assured her. “Your uncle spoke to his clergyman. The church is reserved for us in one week’s time for ten in the morning for our nuptials.”
Elizabeth shifted closer to him. “Yes. He informed me of the time. Uncle Gardiner read Papa’s letter. Papa explained everything … the two incidents …” She glanced around to know confidence the servants maintained a detachment. “Our discovery … the reason for our coming here.”
“They are agreeable—your aunt and uncle?”
“Aunt Gardiner withholds her approval, but she will not interfere. Jane will remain with them for several weeks, which should assuage my aunt’s need to nurture.”
A dreadful, guilt-ridden remorse filled his tone. “I apologize if my proposal keeps your family from wishing you happiness.”
Elizabeth giggled. “Believe me, Mr. Darcy, I am often from form with my family.”
They traveled on in silence for several minutes. Elizabeth pointed to several interesting buildings. Darcy dutifully identified them, amused by her awe and her curiosity. “You rarely come to London?” he observed.
“My mother would hold no objection, but my father despises London.”
Engrossed in recounting her most recent journey to London, Elizabeth did not notice when the carriage stopped before a stately Town home in Mayfair. Darcy stepped down and came around to lift Elizabeth from the vehicle. He whispered close to her ear, “Welcome to your new home, Elizabeth.”
“William, this is where you live?” Her voice was barely audible.
“No, my love, this is where we will live when we are in London.” He led her up the steps and into the front entrance, with the maid going around to the servant entrance.
A butler awaited Darcy’s orders. “Mr. Thacker, this is Miss Bennet.” He handed her cloak and bonnet to the man. “Has my sister arrived?”
“Welcome to Darcy House, Miss Bennet.” The butler bowed. “Miss Darcy has yet to arrive, Sir.”
“Then I will show Miss Bennet the house. Tell Miss Darcy we will join her in the front drawing room.”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy.”