Chapter Eleven #2
For the next twenty minutes, Darcy escorted Elizabeth through many of the rooms. Her amazement delighted him. “William, the house is magnificent,” she gushed before studying the portraits in the gallery.
“I am happy you approve.” He cupped her hand, pulling her closer to his side. “I want you to make this your true home. You may decorate rooms or arrange them as you see fit.”
“I would never be so presumptuous!”
“You will, at least, make changes in your chambers and sitting room. Please make them yours. They were my mother’s rooms before her passing.”
Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, William, for making this transition easier. I am honored at having Lady Anne’s rooms.”
“You will be happy here, Elizabeth. I will do my best to make it so.”
She gazed up at him. “I will be happy as long as I am with you.”
Upon entering the front parlor, Darcy rushed to embrace the delicately beautiful girl who rose to her feet to greet them. “Have you been waiting long, my dear?” He bent to kiss her cheek.
“No, William, we just arrived.”
Darcy led his sister to where Elizabeth stood. “My dear, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” he began. “Elizabeth, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Both women dropped a curtsy. “Oh, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “you are as lovely as your brother declared. I am so pleased to claim your acquaintance.”
“Miss Bennet,” Georgiana said in a whispery voice as she shot a quick glance at Darcy. “You are most welcome at Darcy House.”
“Might we sit together, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth said, pointing to a nearby settee.
“I am delighted to be given another sister. I do not know whether William told you, I am one of five girls, and as much as I look forward to becoming your brother’s wife, I must secretly confess I dread losing the company of my sisters. ”
When Darcy left them alone so he might see to the supper preparations, Georgiana finally mustered enough courage to say, “Miss Elizabeth, I have never seen my dear brother so excited!”
“Really?” The observation amused Elizabeth. “Mayhap it is because your brother realizes he must no longer face the world alone. He possesses in me a person who knows his deepest secrets and will stand with him.”
“Then you believe there is hope for my family, Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana lowered her voice. “I do not wish to see William sacrifice himself to end the family madness.”
Elizabeth touched the girl’s hand. “I wish the same, Miss Darcy. I am determined to change what your brother accepts as his fate.”
“Mrs. Annesley believes you are William’s future.”
“And he is mine,” Elizabeth assured the girl.
The following morning Darcy escorted Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and Georgiana to Bond Street. “William, this is ridiculous,” Elizabeth protested for the third time. “I do not require a new wardrobe.”
He assisted her from the carriage. He whispered, “Elizabeth, as my wife, you will be expected to attend certain functions. London Society is exacting, and clothing acceptable in the country is frowned upon here.”
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, a habit Darcy now recognized as a mixture of fear and determination. “Are you confident about this arrangement? Would not a more fashionable lady be more appropriate? Despite everything, you have an obligation to your name.”
Darcy leaned close. “I would never force you to become part of my life, but you know very well, Elizabeth, if I do not marry you, I will not marry.” Elizabeth frowned her disapproval.
“Permit me to share my wealth with the woman who devotes her life to me.” He placed her hand on his sleeve and led her into the modiste’s shop.
“Mr. Darcy,” said a heavy-set woman with silver-grey hair who left the counter to greet them. “We are pleased to serve you again, Sir.”
“Madame Lucinda, this is my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and her sister Miss Bennet. Miss Elizabeth Bennet will require several new items. I assured her you are the finest modiste in London.”
“Bless you, Mr. Darcy. Your patronage is appreciated.” She motioned two waiting seamstresses forward. “Miss Elizabeth, if you will go with these young ladies, they will take your measurements.” Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Jane followed the two employees into the back room.
Darcy assumed the seat the matron offered. “What do you have in mind for the young lady, Mr. Darcy?” She offered him a cup of tea.
“The lady will protest, but we will ignore her sensibilities,” he said as he sipped the hot brew.
“Miss Elizabeth will require at least three gowns for evening wear, four day dresses, a traveling ensemble, and appropriate accessories,” he began.
“Whatever my sister suggests should be considered my own. Also fit the elder Miss Bennet for two day dresses and a gown.”
“Assuredly, Mr. Darcy.”
“If you have something appropriate that would require but a few alterations to fit the lady, she will take those items immediately. You may send the others to my home by the end of the week. We will marry on Monday next and leave London for my estate at that time.”
“A … a week!” the woman stammered.
Darcy enjoyed the surprised look on the dressmaker’s face.
He knew she would pass the story of his engagement on to others, and so he told her the story he had prepared.
“You know I am not a patient man, Madame Lucinda. I have courted Miss Elizabeth since Michaelmas, and I must say that almost from the first moment I laid eyes on her I knew she would suit me quite well. Once she agreed to be my wife, I acted with urgency. She stays with her aunt and uncle in London. That is the reason I returned so suddenly from the country. In fact, her aunt is from my home county of Derby.”
“Ah, then this is a love match?” Madame Lucinda recognized how many society ladies had pursued him.
“Yes.” Darcy took another sip of his tea. “Would you care to show me some of your newest items? My sister speaks of your excellent taste.”
While Elizabeth endured the fittings in the privacy of the dressing rooms, Darcy chose items which he knew she would consider frivolous, but which gave him pleasure to choose especially for her.
Among them were a new night rail and wrapper, a painted fan, kid leather gloves to match her riding habit, and several pairs of silk stockings.
He imagined Elizabeth’s blush when she observed what he had chosen.
Madame Lucinda would see these intimate items as proof he and Elizabeth were indeed a love match.
“Be certain to include a new bonnet and gloves for both Miss Elizabeth and the lady’s sister. Send the bill to my secretary.”
“Assuredly, Mr. Darcy.” Mentally calculating what the bill might total, the woman hurried away to fulfill his needs.
After an hour, Georgiana’s appearance relieved his boredom. “William,” she confided, “Miss Elizabeth is so amusing. You would not believe how she entertains Madame Lucinda’s staff!”
Darcy chuckled. “Miss Elizabeth’s expertise in word play is one of her many charms.”
“She is so petite,” Georgiana continued. “Madame Lucinda says Elizabeth is the perfect size. Those of the ton will be jealous when they take her acquaintance.”
“Georgiana, I must speak to my man of business today regarding the marriage settlement papers. May I return for you, Elizabeth, and Miss Bennet in an hour?”
“Be on your way,” Georgiana assured him. “We will enjoy being pampered by Madame Lucinda’s staff.”