Chapter 10
The housekeeper poked her head into the library where Elizabeth had been reading. “Excuse me, Miss Bennet. The master is awaiting you in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.” Elizabeth made her way to meet Mr. Darcy.
Her betrothed stood with a lovely young woman. “Elizabeth, allow me to introduce you to my sister, Georgiana.” His gentle voice comforted her. “Georgie, my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
“Miss Darcy, I have long desired to make your acquaintance.” She offered her beautiful future sister a smile and tried to exude warmth from her eyes.
Miss Darcy’s figure was well formed, and her appearance was already womanly and graceful for one so young.
Elizabeth hoped they would quickly become friends.
The young lady’s clothing was fine but not excessively so.
Although Elizabeth’s new wardrobe did not compare, her gown was far better than the clothes she wore before her recent shopping excursions.
She had no reason to be self-conscious about her attire.
“My brother has told me so much about you that I feel I know you already. My companion, Mrs. Annesley, was not feeling well today, but I hope you will meet her soon.”
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. Her betrothed’s sister was so welcoming and her manners unassuming. Perhaps the rest of his family would accept her in the same way.
They all stood in awkward silence until Mr. Darcy said, “I thought I would leave you two alone so you can get to know each other better. I have a meeting with Bethel and shall join you later.”
The women sat together on the settee. What should she say to her new acquaintance? Eventually Elizabeth broke the ice. “Your brother tells me you are a talented musician. I hope it will not be overlong until I hear you play the pianoforte.”
“He told me that you play and sing as well. I believe he said you have the voice of an angel.”
How was she to respond to hearing the first compliment her betrothed had paid her albeit not while they were together? “Did you know I have four sisters in Hertfordshire?”
Miss Darcy’s eyes widened. “You are so lucky—I have always wanted a sister.”
Elizabeth took her future relative’s hands in hers. “I am overjoyed to have another sister; one who will soon be living with us in the manor house.”
Miss Darcy had tears in her eyes. “I knew my brother would choose a caring and generous woman as his bride. Do you really wish me to live with you?”
“You are to be my sister. Where else do you think we would want you to be but with us?” Elizabeth was astonished by the hug that Miss Darcy offered following the statement.
“Thank you. I have been living away from Pemberley for so long, I did not know whether I would ever live here again. Since my father died, my brother and I have only had each other. Oh, pray do not misunderstand me. My aunt and uncle have been more than kind, but it is not the same.”
“As soon as the rebuilding of the family wing is completed, we can all move in.”
“Have you any idea when that will be?”
“Sadly, the destruction was widespread, but we hope it will be habitable before next summer. The plans are to rebuild the north wing first—you must know more about what that means than me.”
“Now I have two things to look forward to: your wedding and coming home!” The ladies talked and laughed until Mr. Darcy returned. “Brother, I am so excited that you are marrying Miss Bennet. She and I are already friends!”
“I am pleased to hear it.” He did not sound as satisfied as his words indicated. “Georgie, the carriage is ready to return you to Oakmont Hall.”
The future sisters embraced as they said their goodbyes.
Mr. Darcy walked his sister out while Elizabeth stood before the leaded glass windows and looked at the many names that were etched there.
Did any of these couples marry for convenience?
Were they a love match or simply compatible?
Maude Darcy did not marry for love, but because of the so-called “enchantment” of the cottage, she saw her husband in a new light.
How distressing—Miss Darcy was more enthusiastic about the wedding than was her brother.
Would Mr. Darcy ever open his heart to her, or would their love always be one sided?
When Mr. Darcy returned, he stopped just inside the door. “Thank you for being so kind to my sister. She cannot stop singing your praises.”
“She is a delightful young woman, and I look forward to her being my sister.” Mr. Darcy would not look at her as she stood near the windows.
He said nothing more even though Elizabeth expected further conversation about her meeting with his sister.
She pursed her lips and clasped her hands together.
“I believe I shall return to the inn now. I am quite tired.” She did not know how much longer she could abide his indifferent treatment.
“Very well. I shall make the arrangements.”
“Thank you.” He did not make any attempt to encourage her to remain at the cottage.
Mr. Darcy left the room, and when the carriage arrived, a coachman helped her step inside. She did not see her future husband anywhere. He had not come to see her off. What did this mean? She blew out a breath as she attempted to stop from pitying herself.
* * *
The carriage stopped in front of the cottage as Elizabeth once again made her regular visit.
Mr. Darcy was in close conversation with a man wearing the uniform of His Majesty’s army.
She was eager to meet someone new. A moment later, she was introduced to Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy’s cousin.
He appeared to be older than Mr. Darcy but not as tall or handsome.
The colonel bowed and kissed her hand before smiling.
His eyes sparkled. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Bennet. I am thrilled my obstinate cousin has finally found his match.”
“Thank you, Colonel; I am delighted to meet you as well. Your cousin has often spoken of you, and it is good to be able to put a face to a name. Mr. Darcy, would you prefer I return to Lambton so you can spend time alone with your cousin?”
“That will not be necessary. We just need a few minutes alone to discuss family business. We shall be in the library and then we shall join you.” Did he not send her away only because he chose not to embarrass himself or could it be for her sake?
The colonel offered another smile. “My visit today cannot be as long as I would like but I hope we may have many more opportunities to talk.”
“As do I, sir. Gentlemen, I shall be in the drawing room.” They separated, and Elizabeth sat down with a book in her hand.
What family business could they be discussing that she could not hear?
In a few days, she would be a member of their family.
Mrs. Hopkins described marriage as a partnership, but that concept did not seem to apply to her future husband and her.
She decided to have a cup of tea so, rather than ringing for a maid, she walked towards the kitchen.
As she approached the library, the door was partially ajar, and when her name was mentioned, she slowed her pace.
For what reason would they be talking about her?
“I was quite surprized to receive your letter. I have never heard you speak about her. Is that awful mark on her face a burn?” The voice belonged to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“No, it is not a burn, it is a birthmark. Richard, there is something special about her; her personality, kindness, and charm more than compensate for her having a mark on her face. Once you spend time with her, you stop noticing any blemish. Besides, I am less concerned by how she looks than what is inside her. You cannot deny that Beatrice was beautiful, but she had the morals of an alley cat. Elizabeth is the right woman for me. She is intelligent and well read—praise I cannot offer to any of the belles of the ton I have been forced to dine with at your parents’ home.
You know I have never been tempted by any of the dull daughters of your father’s peers who were paraded in front of me in town.
Elizabeth is brave, unassuming and accomplished, and I am attracted to her compassion.
Her eyes sparkle with joy, and I see in her what has always been lacking in myself. I am a better man because of her.”
Elizabeth was incredulous when her betrothed spoke in such a way.
Why had he never voiced those views to her?
He had never told her why he wanted to marry her.
Nor had he ever complimented her, yet now, he was singing her praises to his cousin.
Perhaps Mr. Martin told her the truth about Mr. Darcy’s sentiments—that he did have something in his heart towards her.
“I understand the family will disdain her lack of connexions, yet she will outshine them all when we are together.” Mr. Darcy defended her further.
“That is high praise indeed, and it may all be true, but is what you say of her enough? I hesitate to question your choice, but can she be a good mistress of Pemberley? Can she ever perform those duties anywhere near the level of your mother? You are one of the wealthiest untitled men in England, and the lady’s family is a significant problem.
You know how quickly this news will spread to town.
You will expose yourself to the ridicule of your peers by marrying the daughter of a gentleman unknown to our family, a woman far beneath you.
How badly will linking our family to that of a simple country squire’s damage the Darcy name and affect Georgie’s chances of making a good match? ”