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Preparing for dinner at Darcy House, Elizabeth donned her finest gown, a sea-green silk. Mrs. Gardiner sent her maid to assist Elizabeth with her hair. The maid piled it high, creating a mass of curls at the crown of her head, with several ringlets left to fall over one shoulder. Tucked among the curls were white rosebuds. A single pearl on a chain drew the eye to Elizabeth's décolletage, and small pearl drops dangled from her delicate lobes. A white shawl woven with silver and gold threads completed her outfit.

“You look very lovely tonight, my dear,” said Mr. Gardiner as she entered the sitting room where her relatives waited. Lydia was not present, as they felt it necessary to continue with the subterfuge regarding her ill health. She had been unusually silent since her recovery. Elizabeth frequently heard crying coming from her sister’s room. She had tried to speak to her earlier in the day, but Lydia was not yet ready to talk. Elizabeth promised herself she would try again after they returned from Darcy House.

As the carriage drove through the London streets, Elizabeth quietly watched the changing neighborhoods. In spite of its nearness to the business district, the homes in the Gracechurch Street area of Cheapside were surprisingly spacious, with pleasant yards at the rear of each property. As they approached Darcy House in Mayfair, the houses became significantly different. Here the homes were much larger, many of them quite ornate. Darcy House was on Park Lane, overlooking Hyde Park. Elizabeth was delighted with the thought that such a beautiful location would be her future home.

The townhouse before which the carriage stopped was one of the largest on the street, though somewhat modest in appearance, for it lacked the ostentation of many of the nearby mansions. The front of the house contained several windows on each floor, and many of them glowed brightly from the light of the candles within. Mr. Gardiner stepped down and reached in to hand out his wife. Before Mrs. Gardiner’s feet had touched the sidewalk, the door of Darcy House opened and their host was moving down the stairs. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner moved aside and Mr. Darcy reached into the carriage to hand out Miss Elizabeth. Placing Elizabeth’s hand on his arm, he welcomed his guests before he and Elizabeth led the others into the house and up the stairs to the drawing room, where Georgiana waited.

“Lizzy!” Georgiana cried as her friend entered the room on Fitzwilliam’s arm. “I am so glad to see you again. I am particularly pleased to offer my congratulations on your engagement. I am so delighted you will be my sister!”

“Thank you very much, Georgiana. I am happy to gain another sister, especially one as sweet as you.”

As the guests moved fully into the room, Elizabeth saw that Colonel Fitzwilliam was also present. While the Gardiners continued in discussion with Miss Darcy, Elizabeth moved across the room to greet the colonel.

“Good evening, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Please allow me to thank you again for your assistance in recovering my sister.”

“I was delighted to be included in the drama, especially as it allowed us to find a permanent resolution to an unending problem.” A satisfied grin accompanied the colonel’s words.

“I just hope the end will come quickly, without Wickham having much opportunity to speak.” Worry was evident in Elizabeth’s tone.

Darcy wrapped Elizabeth’s arm around his and covered the hand resting there. “All will be well, Elizabeth.”

“Indeed, Miss Elizabeth, because he deserted in time of war, nothing but his desertion and debts will be raised at the trial.”

“That is good to know, but I am afraid that will not stop Wickham from attempting to gain his revenge.”

“It is likely they will ask him only whether he had permission from his commanding officer to leave Brighton.”

“Let us hope that is the case,” replied Elizabeth. “Let us pray his smooth tongue remains still.”

At that moment, the butler, Simmons, entered and announced dinner. Darcy, with Elizabeth still on his arm, led the others to the dining room. He seated Elizabeth on his right and Mrs. Gardiner on his left. Georgiana sat opposite Darcy, and Mr. Gardiner and Richard flanked her. With such congenial company, pleasant conversation flowed throughout the several courses of the meal. There was a brief separation of the sexes following supper.

“Mr. Darcy, I must congratulate you on your incredible forethought and planning in arranging the recovery of Lydia. Your attention to detail and ability to organize and carry out a plan that protected Lydia’s reputation was a remarkable sight. Our family will be eternally grateful.”

“It is my family as well, Mr. Gardiner, since Elizabeth has accepted my proposal of marriage.”

“Mrs. Gardiner and I are delighted to welcome you to the family. I feel sure that you and Elizabeth will be very happy together.”

Meanwhile, in the music room, Georgiana spoke to her soon-to-be-sister. “Lizzy, when must you return to Longbourn?”

“As we are pretending that Lydia is ill, I imagine we must wait a few days before we travel.”

“I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to my dressmaker tomorrow. I thought perhaps I could assist you in picking out your wedding gown or some items for your trousseau.”

“I would enjoy shopping with you, Georgiana, but as we have not yet received my father’s permission, I do not know if that would be appropriate.”

“Lizzy,” began Mrs. Gardiner, “I believe it would be acceptable to start this process. Have you given any thought to how soon you wish to marry?”

“Due to unexpected circumstances, Mr. Darcy and I have not had an opportunity to discuss the matter. I would hope to marry in a few weeks—perhaps as soon as the banns can be called.”

“I would agree with that wholeheartedly,” said Mr. Darcy, who entered the room in time to hear Elizabeth’s words. I am even willing to obtain a special license. We need not wait for the reading of the banns.”

“Mama will most likely be unhappy with only three weeks to plan. She will certainly desire an extravagant wedding and wedding breakfast since you are a man worth ten thousand a year. However, I am hopeful we can convince her that we do not wish to delay.”

“I would be very happy to do so, Mr. Darcy. Aunt, Uncle, do you think we will be able to travel by Wednesday?”

Mr. Gardiner thought for a moment. “I do not see why not. Are you available to travel to Meryton that day, Mr. Darcy?”

“I will make myself available whenever necessary. Georgiana, do you wish to accompany me or would you prefer to wait until we set a wedding date?”

“I would be delighted to travel with you, William. Do you think Mr. Bingley will be able to host us at Netherfield?”

“An express can be sent in the morning letting him know we will arrive on Wednesday. Now, did I hear mention of some shopping tomorrow?”

“Georgiana offered to introduce me to her modiste and perhaps begin shopping for my wedding gown and trousseau. I was hesitant because we have not received my father’s approval of our engagement.”

“Are you concerned about obtaining your father’s permission?” A frown creased Darcy’s forehead.

“No, but he is not yet aware of my changed feelings for you. He is aware only of the dislike I held for you last autumn,” was Elizabeth’s sheepish reply.

Though he smiled confidently at Elizabeth, Darcy wondered if Mr. Bennet would give his approval of the betrothal. Consequently, he asked, “Miss Elizabeth, when is your birthday?”

“Then I believe September sixth would be an excellent date for a wedding. Does that meet with your approval, Miss Elizabeth?”

Darcy’s smile showed his pleasure, for now nothing could stand in the way of their wedding.

Both Elizabeth and Georgiana entertained the group on the pianoforte. Then they made arrangements for Georgiana to pick up the ladies at ten o’clock in the morning for their shopping adventure. With many expressions of thanks and a discussion about an outing to the theater three days hence, the evening broke up.

The next morning, the Darcy carriage arrived promptly and the ladies were off to Bond Street. The carriage pulled up in front of a shop with several gowns in the window. The sign above the door read “Madame LaRue, Modiste”. A footman let down the steps and assisted the ladies from the carriage. A bell above the door tinkled as they entered the shop.

The proprietress glanced up to discover who her first client of the day would be. She offered a welcome in a heavily accented voice. “Bonjour, Mademoiselle Darcy. ‘ow lovely to see you today. Did we ‘ave an appointment?”

“Good morning, Madame LaRue. We did not, but I wished to introduce you to a dear friend who is looking for a wedding gown and some other items for her trousseau.” Georgiana extended her arm in the direction of the other ladies. “Miss Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner, this is Madame LaRue. Madame, this is my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and her aunt, Mrs. Gardiner.”

“I am ‘appy to meet any friends of Mademoiselle Darcy. How can I ‘elp you ladies?”

“My niece will be marrying in just over a month. We would like to have you make her wedding gown, and at least three other dresses. More will be needed, but we realize with short notice that they may have to wait.”

Madame LaRue nodded in the direction of a group of workers as she led the trio into the largest of her private rooms. Two assistants immediately appeared to help with the measurements. A short time later, a third carried in a tea tray. As the assistants measured Elizabeth, Madame LaRue asked, “‘Oo is your betrothed, Miss Bennet?”

Elizabeth glanced in the mirror and looked at her aunt and Georgiana. “He is a member of the ton, but I am afraid I cannot say who at this time because he has not yet had a chance to obtain my father’s permission. Once it is received, we plan to arrange for the banns to be called and to marry shortly after their completion.”

Madame looked speculatively between Miss Bennet and Miss Darcy but said nothing further.

When the assistants had finished measuring Elizabeth, another appeared with a book of patterns and several ladies’ magazines. They spent an hour looking through the patterns and discussing which would best suit Elizabeth. Once they had decided on the dresses, three stock boys entered the room carrying bolts of fabric.

Elizabeth looked at all the material and at the patterns she had chosen. “This ivory silk is so beautiful. I would like to have the wedding gown made from it.”

“I think this amber silk with the thin green stripes would be lovely with your coloring, Lizzy,” added Georgiana.

Elizabeth selected a royal blue sprigged muslin and arranged to have small yellow and white flowers embroidered on it and a dark purple wool for the day dresses.

Madame LaRue called for an assistant to bring a selection of trims from which Elizabeth could choose adornments for her dresses. After Elizabeth had made all her choices, the modiste cut a sample of each fabric for the ladies to take with them so they could purchase the necessary accessories. While arranging to have the gowns sent to Gracechurch Street, Mrs. Gardiner ordered several sets of silk undergarments to accompany Elizabeth’s new gowns.

Upon leaving the dress shop, the ladies stopped at a tea shop located in the next block. Over tea and scones, they discussed the other shops they would need to visit before returning home.

“Do you mean that after two hours with the modiste, there is still more shopping to be done?” said Elizabeth in mock distress.

“I know how you dislike shopping, Elizabeth. We will try to make it as painless as possible,” replied her aunt with a smile.

“Fear not, Aunt, I am enjoying this shopping expedition far more than I usually do. I believe it was the bickering of my youngest sisters over who got which fabric or my attempts to prevent Mama from drowning my gowns in lace that caused my previous aversion to the activity. With congenial company and excellent suggestions, not to mention the attention we received from the modiste and her staff, I find that under such circumstances, I could enjoy shopping more often than in the past. It has also been rather pleasant making these choices as I imagine Mr. Darcy’s reaction to seeing them.” All three of the ladies laughed softly at Elizabeth’s words.

“I can assure you that William will admire your choices, but I imagine he would find you lovely even if you were wearing sackcloth,” said Georgiana with a smile, causing the others to laugh again.

They left the shop in high good humor and headed for a store that specialized in accessories. Georgiana purchased a shawl for Elizabeth as well as several sets of adorned hairpins. As an additional gift for her niece, Mrs. Gardiner bought Elizabeth a lovely beaded reticule and fan to accompany her evening gown. The next stop was the cobbler and boot maker, where Elizabeth ordered two pairs of slippers for her wedding dress and evening gown, as well as a pair of kid boots for her day dresses.

As they entered the Gardiner residence, they could hear the deep sound of male laughter coming from the vicinity of Mr. Gardiner’s study. Mrs. Gardiner moved down the hallway to the door of her husband’s office. “How nice to find you home early, Edward. Mr. Darcy, this is a pleasant surprise. Can you join us for dinner this evening?”

“We would be delighted to stay, Mrs. Gardiner. How was your day of shopping?”

“It was a success, but I will let Lizzy tell you about it. Would you gentlemen care to join us in the parlor? I shall order tea.”

Darcy was on his feet in an instant, causing Mr. Gardiner to laugh as he replied, “We would be delighted to join you, my dear.”

Darcy excused himself and stepped past Mrs. Gardiner, then hurried down the hall. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged a smile. Mrs. Gardiner remained by the door, waiting for her husband. As he joined her, they shared a quick kiss before walking arm in arm to the sitting room.

After a conversation about the shopping excursion, the group discussed the trip to the theater on Monday evening. On Tuesday, Elizabeth would walk in Hyde Park with Darcy and Georgiana. Then, on Wednesday, they would return to Longbourn.

On the morning of the theater outing, Elizabeth again attempted to speak with Lydia. However, as she had previously done, Lydia turned her sister away, saying she was not ready to talk with anyone. Discouraged, Elizabeth strode to the parlor to speak to her aunt.

“I am concerned for Lydia, Aunt Helen. She is still refusing to speak to me about what happened. I do not know if she is embarrassed or heartbroken. Surely, she must be very confused about the way in which things ended with Wickham. Has she by any chance spoken with you?”

“I understand your concern, Lizzy. I have tried talking with her as well, but the only things I could get out of her were a request for a copy of Fordyce’s Sermons and a book about proper behavior for young women.”

Elizabeth’s face showed her surprise. “Well, I will leave her be for one more day, but I will insist she speak to me before we return home on Wednesday.”

I am relieved to know that Lydia is recovered and safe. I have informed the family of this news. First, Mama was prostrate with relief, but a short time later wished to share the good news with all the neighbors. I was forced to remind her that no one knew of her situation and that it must remain so to protect the reputation of all her daughters as well as the family.

As to Father’s illness. He had been out riding the estate on the morning before Colonel Forster’s arrival when a sudden storm broke. Apparently, the lightning and thunder spooked his horse, and he was thrown. We assumed he had taken shelter with a tenant, but we discovered this was not the case when his horse returned riderless.

Due to the weather, we could not make an immediate search for him. It was late afternoon before he was found and brought to the house. Papa was soaking wet and seemed a bit disoriented. A thorough examination did not find any bumps or broken bones, so Mr. Jones assumed Papa would be well when he got over his cold.

Papa quickly developed a fever and was delirious for more than a day. Once his fever broke, he seemed much improved, though a bit weak. His usual sense of humor appears lacking, but I can only assume it is caused by his general ill health or from a headache.

I look forward to your return, dear sister.

After arranging the theater outing, Mrs. Gardiner had taken Elizabeth to her modiste to obtain a new dress. In her window, the seamstress had a lovely blossom-colored silk gown with a cream-colored lace trim. Another customer had ordered the dress but decided she did not like the finished gown. Fortunately, only a few alterations were necessary to make the dress fit Elizabeth.

Descending the stairs, Elizabeth could hear Darcy’s deep voice. She entered the sitting room, noting that Georgiana and the colonel were also present.

Darcy stepped forward and took her hand, bowing over it as he kissed the back. “You look very beautiful tonight, Elizabeth.” His eyes spoke far more than the few words he said.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were thrilled. Darcy was the perfect match for their niece. They looked forward to watching the couple throughout the years as they faced parenthood and life’s challenges. “I believe we should depart,” said Mr. Gardiner, “or we shall miss the opening act.”

Darcy’s largest carriage was quite comfortable for the six of them. The ride to the theater passed quickly, with interesting conversation.

The crowds at the theater were light, as many of the ton were still at their country estates and would not return for another month or two. Darcy stepped down and handed Elizabeth out of the carriage, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. Mr. Gardiner followed, assisting his wife. Finally, the colonel exited to assist Georgiana. The couples followed as Darcy led the way into the building and up the stairs to his box. Though they received many surprised looks, no one had the opportunity to speak with the new arrivals. Many wondered about the fashionable young lady on the arm of London’s most eligible bachelor. Speculating glances followed the fashionable older couple who trailed in Darcy’s wake. By the time they reached the Darcy box, word had spread throughout the theater about Darcy’s presence with an unknown beauty.

The performance that evening was a production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Elizabeth was delighted at the opportunity to see one of her favorite plays performed on the stage. Soon the lights dimmed, and Darcy hesitantly reached out and grasped Elizabeth’s hand, entwining their fingers. The first act seemed to end much too quickly. Darcy released Elizabeth’s hand just as the lights returned.

“Would anyone care to walk during intermission or may I fetch refreshments for you?” Darcy asked.

“I believe I would prefer to stay here for the present,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

Elizabeth, who had been glancing about the theater since the lights came back on, agreed with the other ladies. “I, too, would wish to remain for the present.”

Georgiana spoke with Mrs. Gardiner, while Mr. Gardiner and the colonel began a discussion on the progress of the war. With everyone else thus occupied, Darcy and Elizabeth had a moment of relative privacy. “William, there seems to be a great deal of interest in your box. Is it always like this when you are in public?”

“It is as I have said before. I am often the target of unwanted interest. However, tonight I think the beautiful woman at my side is the cause of the interest,” said Darcy as he lifted Elizabeth’s hand to his mouth and placed a lingering kiss on the back of it. A loud murmur ran around the crowded theater as the audience members observed Darcy's action.

A short time later, the lights dimmed again and the second act was underway. As soon as it was dark, not waiting for William to initiate the contact, Elizabeth moved her hand towards Darcy’s, and again their fingers entwined. Darcy was quite pleased with the fact that Elizabeth did not hesitate to return her hand to his. He also enjoyed watching her excitement at the play unfolding before her.

When the second intermission occurred, Elizabeth and the three gentlemen decided to leave the box and seek out refreshments. They had barely left the box before a couple who could claim only a slight acquaintance with Darcy accosted the group. They sought an introduction (or, as Elizabeth whispered, gossip). Darcy made the introductions but deflected most of the intrusive questions, giving only a minimal amount of information.

The group was barely able to take a few steps before being stopped again. Mr. Gardiner excused himself to retrieve glasses of lemonade for the ladies still in the Darcy box. Richard remained at Darcy’s side to help him deal with the inquisitive society members who made claims on his time and attention.

After several minutes, Richard Fitzwilliam could tell that Darcy’s patience was wearing thin. Stepping in to end the current conversation, Richard said, “Please excuse us, Lady Symington. If we do not retrieve our refreshments, we will miss the beginning of the final act.”

Darcy nodded to the woman as Richard spoke, then began moving away with Elizabeth. He retrieved three glasses of wine and handed one to Richard as the colonel rejoined them.

“Thank you for securing our release, Richard. If the interruptions had continued, I am afraid I might have said something I would later regret.”

“I am well aware of that, cousin,” said the colonel with a grin. “I suggest we make for our box quickly before the hordes again descend upon you.”

“You are showing unusual wisdom, dear cousin.” So saying, Darcy led Elizabeth back to their box. He kept his eyes straight ahead and pretended not to hear those who called out to him. Elizabeth restrained the smile that she felt threatened to break out across her face. Having observed Darcy this evening, she now understood his behavior at the Meryton assembly. No one would enjoy the constant barrage of attention that Darcy had endured this evening. Elizabeth smiled to hear Darcy release a relieved sigh when they finally gained the privacy of his box.

Elizabeth slept late the morning after the theater. After breaking her fast with her aunt, the two of them ascended the stairs to Lydia’s room. After knocking on the door, they waited, but no answer came. Mrs. Gardiner tried again. “Lydia, you must let us in. We need to talk before you return home tomorrow.”

At first, no sound came from within the room, and Lizzy became concerned. Just as she raised her hand to knock again, the key turned in the lock. The door opened slightly. Mrs. Gardiner pushed it open farther to see a despondent Lydia returning to a chair near the window. It was the fifth day since Lydia’s recovery. Dark circles rimmed her eyes, which no longer held a spark for life in them, and her face appeared thinner.

Elizabeth’s heart broke at the sight of her youngest sister. “Oh, Lydia! Oh, my poor dear sister. You should have let us in sooner. Are you well? Have you been eating and sleeping?”

“I am sorry I did not listen to you and Jane, Lizzy. You tried to tell me about proper behavior, but I ignored you because your words disagreed with Mama’s. How could Mama have been so wrong? Why would she tell me to behave in a manner that would make men think I was loose?”

“Mama is concerned for her future and the future of her daughters if they are unmarried. She did not come from the same society she entered; perhaps she is telling you the same thing her mother told her.”

“Papa is a gentleman. Would he not have realized her teachings were incorrect?”

“You know how fond Papa is of his library, and he rarely accompanies us to events. Perhaps he was not aware of what was occurring.” Elizabeth offered this to soothe her sister, knowing their father preferred to laugh at the behavior of his youngest daughters rather than correct them.

“But you and Jane behave better. Neither of you followed her instructions for attracting a man.”

“From a younger age, Jane and I were fortunate enough to have the example of Aunt Gardiner. Though her father was in trade, her mother was the daughter of a gentleman and was raised to be a gentlewoman, as was Aunt.”

“He said I was no lady, but a flirt and a tease. He said I was stupid and annoying. I did all the things Mama told me to do to catch a husband, but he did not truly want me. I do not know what to think or what I should do differently next time.”

Thus far, Mrs. Gardiner had remained quiet. “What of the things you read, Lydia? Did you learn anything from your reading?”

“Yes. Much of the information agrees with the things Mary says and with the behavior I have observed in Jane and Lizzy.”

Lydia hesitated. The things her mother permitted her to do made life fun and exciting. Then she remembered Wickham’s words. They had not been pleasant to hear. “I must behave more like Elizabeth and Jane.” She turned to her sister. “Would you please help me?”

“Of course I would, Lydia,” said Elizabeth as she embraced her young sister. Lydia felt like crying, but she had no more tears left. “Would you like to come with me today to walk in Hyde Park with the Darcys? I think you could use some fresh air and sunshine to help your outlook.”

Lydia gave her sister a gentle smile, but she seemed hesitant. Looking at the ground, she quietly asked, “Are you sure they would not mind? Mr. Darcy must think poorly of me.”

“Not at all. Mr. Darcy feels guilty that he did not make our neighbors in Meryton aware of Wickham’s less-than-honorable behavior before he caused the trouble he did and made off with you.”

“But no one liked Mr. Darcy before. They would never have believed him.” Lydia had the grace to blush at her less-than-kind remarks, remembering how she had felt upon hearing Wickham’s hurtful words.

“Yes, Mr. Darcy’s shyness made him appear aloof and unfriendly. And though Wickham spoke so politely and charmingly to everyone, everything he said was a lie.”

“I am, except for obtaining Papa’s approval. Mr. Darcy will return us to Longbourn tomorrow and then speak to Papa.”

“He must care for you a great deal to go out of his way to help me,” said Lydia.

“Mr. Darcy and I have not had the smoothest of relationships, but we have come to care for each other very much.”

“Thank you, Lydia. I am very happy as well!” The two sisters laughed and hugged one last time. Lydia set about to improve her appearance and prepare for their outing.

Elizabeth and Aunt Gardiner descended the stairs to await Lydia. “She will be well, Lizzy. Do not worry. I believe this experience has been good for her. And as Kitty follows Lydia’s behaviors, this should also bring about a change in her. If you can lighten Mary’s somberness, there will be hope for her, too!”

A short time later, the Darcy carriage arrived. It took the girls to Darcy House, where they met the Darcys before beginning their walk in Hyde Park. Lydia and Georgiana walked ahead of Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana’s natural shyness and Lydia’s recent embarrassment made their conversation stilted. Instead of looking about with her usual eagerness, Lydia kept her head down, making eye contact with Miss Darcy only when directly addressed.

“I am fine, William. I always wished to see Lydia behave with more decorum, but I do not like to see her joy for life extinguished.”

“I was anxious about her,” said Elizabeth, “but after our discussion earlier today, I hope she will be well. Aunt says she will be better than ever with her new understanding of proper behavior.” Elizabeth related to William the conversation she had with her youngest sister.

“I am sure she will regain her joy, but perhaps her new understanding will temper it,” offered Darcy reassuringly.

“That is what Aunt said as well. She also pointed out that because Kitty follows Lydia in everything, another of my sisters should soon be behaving more appropriately.” A small smile accompanied her words. Darcy patted her hand comfortingly.

After a very pleasant afternoon in the park, the Darcys remained for one last dinner with the Gardiners. The siblings had become very fond of the Gardiner family. Before departing for the evening, they made arrangements for the return to Longbourn the next day. Mr. Gardiner would join them in his carriage so he could bring his children back to town.