Mr. Darcy's Promise (14 page)

Her forehead furrowed up with confusion before she frowned slightly. “A new bride should shop at Ellen’s. But if you feel strongly about that, then try
Everette’s Depot and Clothing.”

“And where might that be?”

“Next to Ellen’s.” Her frown deepened as Darcy only thanked her before leaving to collect Elizabeth.

This time when he handed her into the carriage the packages seemed to dominate his side of the carriage. He gestured at the seat next to her. “May I?” he asked, and she nodded her assent, slipping over towards the window, leaving plenty of space for him. “Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “There are only a few things left, and they should be easy to find.”

Elizabeth’s fears of shopping for a nightgown with Mr. Darcy resurfaced. Was he actually going to watch her shop for such a thing? The carriage went around the corner and stopped in front of a store called “Ellen’s.” When she peered at it, she realized with a flash that the windows were white-washed so one could not see what was inside. She had heard whispers of these sort of stores that sold scandalous clothing they couldn’t advertise in their window because of what they sold.
Oh no! I have endured him watching me measured and try on dresses but I will not do this with Mr. Darcy!
Luckily he spoke up.

“I have a few purchases to make across the street at the bookstore, but I am confident you will find what you need at this store.”

He handed her out of the carriage and took her arm, which she gave only with the greatest reluctance.
How dare he assume he can take such liberties and bring me to such a shop!
Her resolve to be a good wife was dwindling fast. He had promised he would not demand his rights as a husband until she was ready and she was definitel
y
no
t
ready. Just as she opened her mouth to protest, he passed the entrance to “Ellen’s” and headed for the next shop. She could see from its windows that it was a simple sort of shop. He held the door open to it and she sheepishly went in.
Perhaps he is more trustworthy than I had just thought.
He introduced her once again just as before and then he left, claiming he wanted to get the book he had been waiting for. It was most certainly an excuse, but one that she was all too willing to believe. She looked over at the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper introduced herself to Elizabeth, “Miss Tamara, madam. What can I help you find?”

It took a minute to recover from the mingled outrage and embarrassment that she had just felt. She took a deep breath.

“A nightdress,” she said, and then paused before Tamara stepped towards the corner. “A dressing gown as well.” She was guided to the corner of the shop where a pile of silk gowns were neatly folded. The shopkeeper showed her one and Elizabeth just shook her head. Another one was unfolded and displayed. It was a lovely ivory silk, and the bodice was trimmed with Ile
d’Aix lace. She reached her hand out to it and touched the fine, smooth fabric. She had never owned such a thing. It was what she imagined herself wearing on her wedding night if she married for love. But she didn’t have that kind of marriage. She shook her head. A simpler batiste gown was held up for her examination next. It was far less ornate, but the fabric was still good, and the neckline was gathered near the neck modestly. “This one will do.”

The shopkeeper started wrapping it up in brown paper before she looked up at Elizabeth. “Perhaps that second one too? I am sure Mr. Darcy would be pleased.”

Elizabeth truly loved the second silk one more, but when would she wear it? It was too fine for every day wear. She knew Mr. Darcy would not mind her buying two. He had been quite clear all day as he refused her protests time and time again. She looked around the store to make sure he hadn’t returned. “Perhaps I could see it again?” She was embarrassed for even thinking it, but there was a spark of hope that flickered into life. Perhaps one day he might desire her and then they might have a real marriage. Hope. It felt good for a change. Relishing the feeling, she followed Miss Tamara back to the corner. She held it up to her again. She decided to buy it simply because if offered her hope. “I think I shall take it as well. If you could wrap it together?” She didn’t want Mr. Darcy to see two packages.

Miss Tamara showed her the only dressing gowns she carried. There wasn’t anything that seemed to catch her eye and decided that her old robe would do for now. Perhaps Serafina could mend the torn ribbon that made it difficult to fasten in the front. She took her wrapped package and headed out the door. She found Mr. Darcy leaning against the carriage with a book. He looked up and bowed to her. She flushed upon meeting his eyes, thinking again about that second gown. Someday she might be able to wear such a thing and he would see it.

“I see you found something you needed. May I take it?” He reached for the package.

She pulled back instinctively. “No!” She was not about to let him touch her nightclothes! She then flushed deeper at the intensity of her reactio
n.
For goodness sake! It is wrapped in paper!

“I was just offering to put it in the carriage.” Mr. Darcy flushed himself as he absentmindedly had reached for what
was probably her nightclothes. “I apologize.”

They made a brief stop at the milliner’s and Elizabeth found a set of slippers and gloves quickly. Perhaps too quickly, she thought, selecting the first pair of embroidered slippers that were offered to her. Her heart was ready to be done shopping and ready to have
Darcy out of her constant presence. She couldn’t quite say she wished to go home, because she couldn’t quite think of the Darcy house as home yet. All she knew was that her emotions were nothing but tumultuous with Darcy by her side. She moved from feeling nervous, to grateful, to embarrassed, to fearful, to feeling an element of pride as he introduced her, irritated, and then finally feeling her first glimpse of hope. But right now she was at the end of her emotional fortitude. She needed to be away from Mr. Darcy.
Out of sight, out of mind
.
Or at least she hoped.

*****

During breakfast a few days later there was some voices heard in the vestibule before Mr. Taylor came in and announced, “Colonel Fitzwilliam, sir.”

Darcy let out a chuckle at the introduction. “Well, it sounds like we have our first visitor!”

Elizabeth looked curiously at Mr. Darcy. Who was their visitor that inspired such outright pleasure in her husband? A man entered— he was neither as handsome nor as tall as Darcy, but he had the most engaging grin. He openly and unashamedly eyed Elizabeth up and down. Who could he be? She stood to greet him.

“You must be Mrs. Darcy.
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam at your service.” He bowed, and then said, “I must confess, Mrs. Darcy, it does not surprise me that he picked you as his bride. If I know anything about Darcy, it is that his taste in beauty is impeccable!”

Elizabeth colored at the forward statement. Was he a friend?
A relative? She watched as Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam gave each other hardy slaps on their backs before exchanging teasing jests and pleasantries. He seemed to bring out the smiling eyes of Mr. Darcy.

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to Elizabeth and said, “I hope the old man has not been too boorish for you. If you ever need a little lively company, just call on me. My cousin is far better-connected than I am, but I admit that I still cannot seem to find why others might prefer him!”

Cousin? “Well then, I shall call you Cousin!” She liked him already. It was a relief to know that not all of Darcy’s relations would look down upon the daughter of a country gentleman. And besides, Colonel Fitzwilliam was so engaging. He seemed to have captivated their morning parlor with his presence and jovial laugh.

“Oh
, please no, call me Richard. Only Darcy calls me Cousin and knowing him he might just not share me with you! If you have not noticed, he is a very devoted friend, cousin, brother,” and while leaning towards Elizabeth and giving her a knowing smile said, “and I am sure husband.” He grinned back at Darcy, who had the grace to look flustered at the statement.

“Yes, well, Cousin, thank you for your flattery. I am sure Elizabeth will make up her own mind about me.” He briefly saddened at the thought that she probably had plenty of opinions about him already, and none of them were what he wished them to be. “Richard, you have come at a great time. Come, have some breakfast and catch me up on the things going around town.”

“Sorry chap, I just came to give you this.” He handed a letter to Darcy. “My mother would like to meet your new wife for tea today. And I must warn you that she insists you both accompany us all to the theatre Saturday.”

Darcy looked to Elizabeth for her preference but she gave no sign of an opinion. “We were planning to go to theatre Saturday anyway. If it acceptable to you, Elizabeth, I would love to accept Lady and Lord Matlock’s invitations.”

“As you wish, sir.” Elizabeth saw Darcy’s smile broaden and reach his eyes.
There, that was the smile I like so much.

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to leave, then turned back around, “Oh, Mrs. Darcy?”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “If you insist I call you Richard, my dear cousin, you must call me Elizabeth in turn.”

“Well then, Elizabeth, what do you call a cow that jumped over a barbed wire fence?”

She looked puzzled. What on earth could he possibly mean? She glanced at Mr. Darcy for an explanation, but saw only her husband shake his head and groan perceptibly. “I do not think I could say, Richard. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”

“Udder destruction!”
He turned and laughed manically as he left the room.

*****

Her tea with Lady Matlock went more smoothly than even Elizabeth could have hoped for. She was very kind and graciously hospitable, and kept her conversation to light topics that were easy enough to discuss. Thankfully, Elizabeth thought, Lady Matlock had the courtesy to avoid any but the easiest discussion of her marriage. Lady Matlock insisted on confirming the Darcys’ attendance at the theatre. After the pleasant afternoon, Elizabeth found it easy to consent. But, she had to admit to herself, as she left the richly furnished sitting room, she felt a little underdressed in spite of wearing her best day gown.

Elizabeth had also visited her Aunt Gardiner twice in that week, and had requested she come to the final fitting for her theatre gown. She was much more comfortable having her aunt there for that kind of thing rather than Mr. Darcy, although he did offer. It felt good to be with family and have her worries lessened. She discussed everything but Mr. Darcy with her aunt because she felt that she would have nothing but a jumble of confusion to tell. She did tell her about their day trip to the Chinese gardens and the art museum that Mr. Darcy insisted on taking her to, but she did not tell her about how holding his arm seemed to both calm and alarm her at the same time. She told her aunt about Colonel Fitzwilliam and his jokes, but she did not tell her how she was beginning to like being introduced as Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. She told her about the delicious fine food the French cook prepared for them, but she did not tell her about how when his eyes smiled it made her heart flutter. She told her about the plans to go to the theatre and how they were to sit in the balcony in his personal box seats, but she did not tell her about her hope to look spectacular and “tempting” to her new husband. Yes, she told her aunt about everything but the stirrings in her heart. For that
was both confusing and at times painful, as she was often reminded of the kind of marriage she was now in.

She now sat in front of the mirror letting Serafina create what looked like a masterpiece on top of her head. She was placing the last
of two silver combs in the crown and adding sprigs of baby’s breath behind them.

“I do think,
madam, that the master will not be able to take his eyes off of you tonight and he will not be able to recall one thing that happened on the stage.” Serafina’s words were lightly accented, but the meaning was still clear.

Elizabeth appreciated her words, but still doubt overcame her as she gazed at her reflection. Would he like the dress? Would he appreciate the efforts she was taking to impress him? Would he even look twice in her direction? Serafina tightened the corset one more time before helping Elizabeth into her new gown. Elizabeth gazed at the wall, not daring to look in the mirror.
What if he doesn’t like it? Will I embarrass him in front of his family and friends?
She shook her head to herself. Mr. Darcy was at the least indifferent to her appearance, and a change in her dress and hair would hardly change matters. Just then a knock was heard on the door that led to the master suite.

“That would be the master.”

Serafina went to open the door but Elizabeth held a hand out to stop her. “Wait, do I look acceptable?” She knew her face betrayed her fears but she couldn’t help herself.

“Oh yes, madam! You have never looked as beautiful as you do now.” She then opened the door and Mr. Darcy walked in.

He entered and immediately found himself speechless at the sight of her
.
Elizabeth, you are truly breathtaking!
His gaze traveled from her head to her slippered feet and back again. The skirt of her silk gown was a forest green interwoven with thin gold thread, while the bodice was made of shimmering gold silk. The neckline scooped becomingly into a point at the center. The high empire waist fit snugly under her breasts, accentuating her natural curves of her chest and waist. The rich green of the gown made her complexion gleam ivory and rose. Her hair was pulled up, and in the mirror behind her he could see several small braids looped around each other in a most flattering array of curls and braids. The combs held back the curls that often framed her face and for a moment he was saddened to not see those curls fall around her face. He then saw her eyes. He expected them to be bright and excited but there was anxiety and fear in them. He cleared his throat and tried to speak but only a croak came out. He tried again, “Have you seen yourself in the mirror?” He watched her shake her head silently. “Well, I suggest you turn around and look at what I have to endure tonight.” He had meant it as a compliment but he saw tears forming in her eyes.
What did I say?