Pride, Prejudice & Secrets (14 page)

Elizabeth laughed and laid her hand on his arm. “I am only teasing you, sir. Yes, I would be happy to call you ‘William’…William.”

“Excellent. That sounds ever so much better.”

After a few moments, Elizabeth again looked down the table where her uncle and aunt were following the quiet, but still animated, conversation between Jane and his cousin. They watched with the ease of long-married couples as well as loving relatives — with interest and a degree of amusement but without any particular need for open discussion or enquiry.

“It always astonishes me when my aunt and uncle seem to almost know what the other is thinking,” she said when she looked back at him, and he nodded, aware of the note of wistfulness in her voice.

“I was old enough and aware enough to perceive a similar closeness on the part of my parents,” he said carefully, knowing that her pensiveness derived from the wish of a similar affection on the part of her own parents. But it took no special powers to know the direction of her thoughts when she looked at him speculatively.

“No, Elizabeth,” he said in reply, “I cannot foretell the future to know whether we will share such a capability. But I do have hopes.”

She gave a small, somewhat pained smile and nodded, then visibly changed the subject, and said obliquely, “My life is moving in directions I never would have imagined just a few days ago.” Darcy was somewhat puzzled as to what she referred, but decided the topic was not one he wished to follow and contented himself with a simple nod.

He felt the urge to ease the tone and make lighthearted banter about George being well able to support her sister should this chance encounter turn into something more serious, but he decided against it. This was still early times for them, and such a comment might lead her to think he believed her sister to be mercenary when nothing could be further from his mind.

Not only have neither Elizabeth nor her sister evidenced any of those attractions to fortune so common to young ladies, I have certain knowledge that Jane Bennet is not afflicted with that vice. Had she been so inclined, she would have feigned an overt affection for Bingley whether she felt it or not. In fact, had she looked on him as she looks at my cousin, I never would have advised Charles of her indifference.

That thought reminded him of Bingley’s sister who had so overtly thrown herself at him, and he hid his disapproving grimace behind his napkin. Why she had done so when she had no need to marry a rich man, given the wealth of her family, had always eluded him. Elizabeth was like a fresh breeze by comparison, all honesty and lightness as well as a complete absence of overbearing condescension.

He and Elizabeth had been leaning close to talk when an inaudible comment from Colonel Fitzwilliam to Georgiana, resulting in a fit of giggling from his sister, drew their attention.

“I do believe your cousin is enjoying himself at our expense, William,” Elizabeth said archly.

“I believe you are correct, Elizabeth.” Darcy considered his cousin seriously. “What is worse, he is ensnaring my sister in his sordid schemes.”

“I thought better of him.” She shook her head in feigned sadness.

“I wish I could say that he will someday correct his manner, but I begin to wonder whether that will ever happen.”

“Perhaps he might learn to modify such behaviour” — she tapped her chin in thought — “if he marries well.”

“I see our minds are moving in similar courses, my dear,” Darcy’s smile was so beatific that Richard suddenly decided to change the subject.

“I say, Darce,” he said quickly, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice, “how long will the charming Miss Bennets remain in town? Their presence is certainly desirable.” His teeth flashed as he glanced at his brother listening attentively to Jane Bennet. “But I daresay you will not be able to enter the state of married bliss until you return them to their home.”

“I am afraid it will be sooner than I desire, Richard,” Darcy replied. “Elizabeth’s father sent a note requesting her return as soon as she felt up to the rigours of the journey.”

“The journey to Hertfordshire, alas, is not all that rigorous, so I am forced to agree with you about ‘sooner,’” Richard said sympathetically.

“I shall discuss it with Mr. Gardiner, who will, I am sure, be cognizant of the opinions of his wife.”

“Indeed, I will be,” Mr. Gardiner said cheerfully, entering the conversation. “But it is encouraging to see a young man about to be married with such a well-informed realization of the requirements of a happy marriage.”

“And what, pray tell, are those requirements, sir? For I have certain doubts that his knowledge is as close to the mark as you suppose,” Richard said jauntily, looking forward to turning the tables and being able to tease Darcy instead of the reverse.

“Why, it is quite straightforward, sir, and it goes like this. Mrs. Gardiner quickly established dominion over much of the household, as is only right and proper, exempting only my study and the management of the stables. And she has never shown any desire to intervene in affairs of business, leaving those solely in my hands.”

“Well, that sounds rather expected and is true of most households,” Richard said. “But I believe you have some further example that my cousin Darcy should use to guide his life?”

“You are correct, and I see that you are a gentleman with true insight. This division of authority still leaves much that does not fall neatly into either category, and it is the management of these affairs that so often sows discord. So, Mr. Darcy, follow my example and exercise your complete freedom in those areas…to do exactly as your wife desires.”

Richard laughed aloud and Georgiana giggled, then Mrs. Gardiner rapped her husband sharply on the arm with her fan.

“Edward, stop going on so and teasing Mr. Darcy!” she scolded. “You will frighten the young man away!”

“Just remember what I said, Mr. Darcy,” a completely unabashed Mr. Gardiner said, “and you will find that married life will be most amiable.”

Georgiana wondered whether she ought to be alarmed at this sportive talk though she suspected it was part of the teasing that most new husbands and wives received. She was comforted when she looked at her brother and saw him smiling and showing no discomfort at all. Still, she was not certain, especially when she observed Elizabeth scrutinizing her brother rather speculatively.

“Surely, your uncle is jesting with William?” she asked Elizabeth cautiously.

“I am not sure.” She looked at Darcy, who only gave her an inscrutable smile. “I feel certain your brother has already formulated some plan of action. He looks too…well, satisfied is the closest word that comes to mind.”

“I think Darce will, with proper training, make you a satisfactory husband, Miss Elizabeth,” Richard said. “But I stress that proper training will be necessary.”

“Or I could finesse the situation and simply lock her in my chambers for a month or so.” Darcy calmly sipped his wine.

“Or that, too,” Richard said agreeably. “I am not certain which way you might choose, you know. And I am not at all certain you could, in safety, act on your suggestion of locking her in your chambers. It will be interesting, very interesting, to see how events transpire.”

“Except that Pemberley will be closed to visitors, as is usual after a marriage,” Darcy said. “So you will be unable to assuage your curiosity.”

Well, I know which way I would choose,
Elizabeth thought.
I do not look forward to my mother showing me off throughout the neighbourhood for weeks on end, only to then have to attend her for hours and hours while she discusses decorations and clothes and everything else. I should rather go instantly to Pemberley…even if William’s threat is serious!

She looked up to see Darcy’s eyes on her, and she impulsively reached out to take his hand under the table, caring not whether she was seen. The result was that his eyes darkened and peered so deeply into hers that she was convinced, for that instant at least, that he really could read her mind.

While few at the table could interpret the look they shared, Mrs. Gardiner had no need for interpretation.

Not that I harboured any real doubts about this match,
she thought in satisfaction,
but had I done so, seeing the look she gave Darcy and the way she took his hand, any misgivings would have instantly evaporated. Lizzy, at least, is well content.

Her glance at Jane was interested rather than satisfied since she could not foresee whether her observations portended anything meaningful. But at least Jane seemed cheerful and interested, which was a step forward from the unhappiness of the past months.

“Mrs. Gardiner would prefer the girls stay several more days, of course.” Mr. Gardiner took a leisurely pull on his pipe. The four men sat together at their tobacco and brandy after the ladies retired. The energetic harmony from the music room suggested Georgiana had achieved her aim of enticing Elizabeth and Jane to play duets with her.

“She had hoped for a number of engagements, including the theatre,” Mr. Gardiner said, “but my brother’s note was clear that he wished the girls’ return as soon as feasible, so my wife is doomed to disappointment.”

“Regretfully, I must agree with you since Elizabeth appears fully recovered,” Darcy said, “though my personal and admittedly selfish views parallel those of your wife, especially regarding the theatre. But her father’s wishes must be dominant, and I am sure her mother desires to proceed with the wedding arrangements.”

“Likely so.” Mr. Gardiner knew Darcy could not look forward to those events with pleasure, but while he did not blame the man for his anxiety, he would have to grit his teeth. Mr. Gardiner’s sister was who she was, and Darcy had agreed to marry Lizzy despite knowing of her mother’s foibles. In any case, he suspected his niece was well aware of Darcy’s antipathy to numerous social occasions and would do what she could to shelter him.

“And my sister wants to show Lizzy off, you know.” Mr. Gardiner thought nothing was to be gained by avoiding the obvious. “It might be best to wait a few days before you go down, sir. Fanny has her silly moments, and I doubt her ability to control her joy at having a daughter so well married.”

“It is a military axiom that discretion is often the better part of valour, Darcy,” George said in his gravelly voice. “You could, in fact, take Miss Elizabeth to Gretna Green and avoid all the frills, finery, lace, and decorations. I remember when my sister married — a bunch of fluff and nonsense.”

“It would be an option, Darce, if Miss Elizabeth would go with you.” Richard cheerfully agreed with his brother given the additional advantage of being free to offer advice without any possibility of suffering from an inadequately considered strategy.

“No, I will go when my solicitor has the papers and license ready,” Darcy said with only a slight grimace. “I want to be with Elizabeth, I have matters to discuss with Mr. Bennet, and I know what her mother is like. I cannot deny her the opportunity of a triumph.”

Mr. Gardiner raised his glass to him in salute. “You are a brave man, sir.”

“Though perhaps not devious enough for his own good.” Richard was enjoying himself immensely. “Gretna Green appears quite sensible to me, especially after remembering Miriam’s wedding. Mother was in full feather for nigh on two months.”

Darcy’s lips thinned as he thought.
Two months! Can I endure two full months of Mrs. Bennet in “full feather”? I shall have to speak with Elizabeth; surely, she will be as hard-pressed as I in dealing with her mother’s excesses. But I wonder…might she actually agree to Gretna Green?

He shook off these thoughts since it was useless to speculate at the moment. “Now, to return to our original subject, Mr. Gardiner — are you agreed as to tomorrow? I can take both the girls, and Georgiana is likely to accompany us, so there would be no need for you to join us unless you particularly wish to do so.”

“Yes, tomorrow would be best, and thank you for your offer. My business affairs, unfortunately, demand my presence in town.”

“Then we are agreed,” said Darcy. “But I must return to London immediately afterwards to consult with my solicitor. I want to go to Netherfield as soon as the papers are ready, hopefully no later than Monday.”

“Have you and Lizzy discussed a date yet?” Mr. Gardiner asked.

“It will be Wednesday if Darcy has his way,” Richard said slyly, which drew a round of chuckles from all except Darcy, who only looked at his cousin with long-suffering patience.

“Not yet. It will be an item to discuss with her father, and her desires will, I am sure, be a part of his decision.”

“Along with my sister’s, unfortunately,” Mr. Gardiner said in regretful agreement. “I give you fair warning, young man: though she may be my sister and I love her dearly, she will want to prepare and prepare and prepare. I advise you to stand firm and, if need be, threaten to take Lizzy to Gretna Green. Get my brother to fix a date, else you may find yourself still unwed in autumn.”

“I do not think setting a date will be a problem,” Darcy said. “Elizabeth is a most sensible young lady.”

While Darcy knew his comment about Elizabeth’s sensibility was true, he also remembered how she took his hand when they walked to the Bridge.
I believe she also prefers an early wedding,
he thought.
Certainly, some of that is due to her mother but not all, which is somewhat surprising. I rather anticipated she would be more…well, cavalier about the whole matter, but that does not seem to be the case.

“Then perhaps we might agree on a departure time of, say, ten o’clock, Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Gardiner asked.

“Excellent suggestion, Mr. Gardiner,” Darcy said. Then, looking at his mostly smoked cigar and his empty glass, he suggested, “It appears time to join the ladies, gentlemen. I believe we are missing the duets.”

“Oh, my,” Elizabeth said, as Georgiana proudly led her into the chambers once used by her mother, which would, in the not distant future, become her own.

“My brother ordered them thoroughly cleaned and prepared,” Georgiana said, “but he wished to defer the selection of colours and furnishings until you make known your preferences.”

Elizabeth turned slowly and surveyed the room, with the several comfortable chairs, tables, lamps, and an enormous bed with the curtains pulled back.

“It is so large,” she said dubiously. “I could never need so much space.”

“So shall I tell my brother you wish it rebuilt to, what, half the size?” asked Georgiana with an admirably benign expression, holding Elizabeth’s arm in her own. “Will that be sufficiently small to suit you?”

“No, no, you little imp!” Elizabeth laughed at her future sister. “It is wonderful just as it is; the colours and furnishings are quite satisfactory. It is just so…large.”

“It is decorated in very good taste,” Mrs. Gardiner said, looking about with interest, and Elizabeth nodded her agreement. Like the rest of the townhouse, the room was lofty and handsome, and the furniture, while clearly suitable to the fortune of the family, was not uselessly fine.

“It is very elegant, Miss Darcy,” Jane said.

“My mother was responsible for decorating this room and, I believe, much of the rest of the house,” Georgiana said with quiet pride. “I wish I could have known her…”

Elizabeth put her arm about Georgiana and squeezed her shoulder. “You have been alone long enough, Miss Darcy…Georgiana. You may grow tired of me, but trust me — you shall not be lonely.”

“Oh, do not say that, Miss Elizabeth!” Georgiana said anxiously. “I could never tire of your company!”

“Then call me ‘Elizabeth,’ Georgiana.” She squeezed the younger girl’s shoulder again then moved to the dressing room and looked in the closet.

“Come look, Aunt.” She gestured at the closet. “My pretensions will have to swell greatly before I could be grand enough to fill this closet.”

“William said you would say that.” Georgiana put her hand about Elizabeth’s waist. “He instructed me firmly that I was to give you all necessary assistance to ensure you do not indulge in unwarranted economy.”

Mrs. Gardiner and Jane came and looked, commenting on the many shelves and fixtures.

“It is imposing, Lizzy, but you should listen to Miss Darcy,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I know you will not spend your husband’s money unwisely, but your clothing needs will be significantly greater here in London than at Longbourn.”

“And you will need a selection of much warmer clothing for Pemberley…Elizabeth.” Georgiana tasted the sound of her new sister’s name on her tongue and liked it very much. “We usually spend the summer and much of the fall at Pemberley before returning to London, but I know William likes Pemberley best. I believe you will spend more time there than here.”

“You may be correct about that, but
this
house already intimidates me,” Elizabeth said. “Nothing in my life has prepared me to be the mistress of this house, much less as grand a house as Pemberley must be.”

“You will not learn what you can actually do until you have an opportunity to do it,” her aunt said. “I felt the same doubts as a young bride…”

“But it is all so grand!” cried Elizabeth anxiously. “I do not know…I am not at all sure I can be what Mr. Darcy wants me to be.”

“You will learn what you need, Lizzy. After all, both this house and Pemberley have gotten along for some years without you, and I daresay you will find many people willing to give you whatever assistance you need.”

“I will help you, Elizabeth. All I can!” Georgiana said eagerly.

“There!” Mrs. Gardiner said triumphantly. “You will have assistance when you need it, Lizzy. Do not worry so! It is not like you at all.”

Perhaps they are right,
Elizabeth thought uncertainly,
but I thought that deciding whether I could live with Darcy was the only meaningful question facing me. It is suddenly blindingly apparent that marrying such a wealthy man is not simply a matter of fine dresses and carriages and jewellery; I will have responsibilities I have never considered, and it is not as if my mother — or my father! — has prepared me for such tasks.

She was uncommonly quiet during the remainder of the tour of the house as she reflected on the magnitude of the changes facing her, and she hoped the confidence other people placed in her was not unwarranted.