Chapter 54 #2
“If you wish to wait, we will. I am not opposed to eloping, though, as our union will already be awash in a cloud of scandal.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
Elizabeth giggled merrily but soon sobered.
“I think I would like to work on my uncle first. If he does not relent within a few days, you will have to take Georgiana to Pemberley without me. As much as I hate to be parted from you, it will be easier knowing we are promised to each other. I will write to you, but if my uncle does not allow me to receive letters from you, you may send them through the Gardiners. We are sure to gain their approval.”
Darcy sighed. “I fear you are correct. Let us speak with Mrs. Gardiner before we leave for London, and I will talk to Mr. Gardiner when we return. My carriage is available to take you all back to Gracechurch Street, as it seems your uncle is still unable to come for the wedding.”
“That would be perfect. Thank you.” She held him tightly and rested her head on his chest. “Do you remember I told you the miniature I have of my mother is very like me?”
Darcy nodded, holding her close and stroking her arms, her neck, her hair. He had not thought he would have to relinquish her for more than a week. “Yes, I recall.”
She looked up to his face. “It is in London, but I will give it to you before you go to Pemberley. I do not know how long we will be apart, but I pray it will be a comfort to you.”
A few tears escaped her eyes, and he kissed them away.
Knowing this could be the last time for a while they were alone together, he took advantage of the situation and covered her mouth with his, pulling her ever closer and pouring his love into his kisses so she could not forget or imagine he would falter in his affections.
They were interrupted he knew not how much later by a discrete cough. He slowly pulled away from his intended and opened his hazy eyes to an embarrassed but smiling Matthew. He stepped back from Elizabeth’s warmth but retained one hand in his and gave the footman a nod.
“Are congratulations in order, Miss, sir?” Matthew’s smile grew wider.
“I have agreed to be Mr. Darcy’s wife, but my Uncle Bennet has refused his consent.” Elizabeth sounded as though she might cry again, and Darcy wrapped his arm around her waist.
“We have agreed to work on him and wait a little longer. I will not give up. Thank you, Matthew, for your congratulations. As to our discussion some days ago, Miss Elizabeth now knows she must be on her guard, and I will send two footmen over tonight to patrol the grounds. They arrived at Netherfield yesterday once the rain eased up.”
“Very good, sir. I’m sure your uncle will relent once he understands your heart, Miss Elizabeth. He can’t deny you’re well-suited to each other.”
“Thank you Matthew. Shall we return to the house?”
Elizabeth was determined to keep her tears in check at the ball that night and shared two glorious sets with Fitzwilliam before sitting close to him at supper.
Unfortunately, Uncle Bennet had deemed it enough, and he had taken her home early, so she could not spend another moment with Fitzwilliam after the meal.
She had begged him to allow her to remain since Fitzwilliam would be leaving for his estate in a matter of days, but her uncle was unmoved.
He could not stop the couple from gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes the next morning at the wedding, however. She would be of age in exactly fifteen months, but Elizabeth prayed she and Fitzwilliam would not be required to wait the full term to exchange their own vows.
Mary and Mr. Lucas and Jane and Mr. Bingley separately departed after breakfast to begin their wedding tours, and the rest of the Netherfield party, aside from Fitzwilliam, returned to London the next morning.
Fitzwilliam attempted to call on her repeatedly, but for three days he was denied.
Elizabeth spoke daily to her uncle, but he refused to hear reason.
When she and Dinah began to pack her trunks to return to London, he told her she would remain at Longbourn, at least until after Christmas when the Gardiners returned.
Her heart fell, but she had no recourse.
Aunt Gardiner had also pleaded Fitzwilliam’s case but to no avail.
Her aunt then advised patience, and Elizabeth told her where her mother’s miniature portrait could be found in her London bedchamber.
She charged her aunt with giving it to Fitzwilliam, which she readily agreed to do.
Her aunt also agreed to be an intermediary for letters between the couple, although she advised discretion.
Her Aunt Bennet could not fail to learn Elizabeth had received an offer of marriage, but not even her plaguing demands could sway her husband into permitting the match.
Elizabeth saw Fitzwilliam at church and rushed to speak with him after the service before her uncle could forbid her.
She tearfully informed him she was required to remain at Longbourn, which did not seem to surprise him.
He reminded her to be careful and to stay close to Matthew.
She told him of the arrangements she had made with her aunt, and he held her hand tightly while promising to write often. All too soon, they were made to part.
Although Elizabeth no longer had any doubts about Fitzwilliam’s love or his intentions, her heart had never hurt as much as it did when she watched from an upstairs window the next morning to see the Gardiners enter his carriage and drive away.
Uncle Bennet had not permitted her downstairs, so she had been able to do no more than wave to him from the window.
He had placed his hand on his heart as he bowed to her before entering his carriage.