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Two carriages appeared in the drive of Longbourn just before breakfast. The visitors stepped down and were admitted to the house, where they received an invitation to join the family in breaking their fast. The meal was a happy, somewhat noisy occasion. Excitement ran high with the upcoming trip to London. Lydia had seen little of it during her previous visit and Mary and Kitty had never been.
After the meal, the young ladies gathered the items they would take with them in the carriage as Mr. Darcy directed his footmen on where to place the luggage. Before hurrying down the stairs, the sisters each stopped at their father’s room to kiss his cheek and offer wishes for his improved health. Their excitement was so high, they barely took the time to wish their mother farewell before rushing from the house.
Elizabeth and Lydia rode in the Darcy carriage with Mr. and Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley. Jane, Mary, and Kitty rode with Mr. Bingley in his coach. Mrs. Bennet remained on the front porch, waving her handkerchief until the carriages were out of sight. Everyone was in much better spirits on this trip than they had been on the previous journey from town.
They took a brief break halfway through the journey to enjoy lunch at an inn along the way. The carriages pulled up before the Darcy townhouse shortly before time for tea. Mrs. Baxter, the housekeeper, was on hand to welcome everyone and direct them to their rooms. Mr. Bingley received a room near the family suites, while, to help preserve proprieties, the Bennet sisters found their accommodations on a separate floor.
After refreshing themselves, Georgiana gave the sisters a tour of the house. When they rejoined the gentlemen in the drawing room, they were delighted to see Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner in attendance. Georgiana served as hostess, and Mrs. Annesley spoke to the younger girls about the proper way to serve tea. She suggested that each girl take a turn acting as the hostess so that they might better learn the duties they would assume when they became the mistresses of their own homes.
After serving everyone, the girls made plans for the shopping that would begin the next day. Elizabeth gave her uncle the draft from her father so he could provide them with the funds they would need. The group enjoyed a pleasant evening meal and some music before retiring for the night. The knocker would not be put up on the door until after they completed the majority of the shopping and other business needs.
Before everyone retired for the night, Darcy managed to draw Elizabeth apart from the others for a few moments of private conversation. They sat on the window seat and listened to Georgiana play. “So much has happened in such a short time that I have not had an opportunity to give you something of great important.”
“And what could that be?”
Her raised brow and teasing voice caused Darcy to smile. He extracted a small, square, black velvet box from his pocket. “Your engagement ring.” He pulled back the lid to expose an exquisite diamond and ruby ring. The center ruby was round and the diamonds encircled it. An engraved heart, situated close to the set stones, appeared on each side of the gold band.
“Oh, William. It is beautiful.”
“It was my grandmother’s. I love the red highlights in your hair when the sun shines on it, and that made me think of this ring.” Lifting the ring from the box, Darcy reached for Elizabeth’s hand and slid it on her finger.” His heart swelled with love as he looked at the ring on her hand.
When Darcy looked up at Elizabeth, he saw that tears glistened in her eyes. “It fits perfectly, and I will cherish it always,” she said. “I love you, William.” Her last words were no louder than a whisper, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes.
The next three days were a whirlwind of activity. The ladies of Darcy House, with Mrs. Annesley as their chaperone, spent Tuesday morning at Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse. Mrs. Gardiner joined her nieces and the others to help with their selections. Two shipments of fabric arrived the preceding day. Mr. Gardiner assigned two stock boys the responsibility of unpacking and inventorying the items, then placing them in his showroom for display. He closed the showroom for the morning, allowing his nieces first choice of the new materials. It had taken several hours before Jane and Elizabeth had each amassed enough fabric for a good-sized trousseau and for the other girls, including Georgiana, to select the fabric for their new gowns. That afternoon, Mrs. Annesley met with the younger girls and discussed appropriate behavior for their upcoming expeditions. She impressed upon the Misses Bennet the importance of quiet voices and demure behavior as well as balancing that with their individual natures.
Fearing Lydia and Kitty’s exuberance as well as Mary’s strictures on pride and humility, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Gardiner each felt some trepidation at the outing. Bringing the three youngest Bennets sisters to the shop of London’s most renowned dress designer seemed, on the face of it, to be a poor idea. However, to the women’s great shock and delight, everything went very well. Georgiana had set the appointment for nine in the morning—an hour before the shop usually opened, thus allowing them time to arrive and settle in the largest of the private rooms without others seeing them.
Madame LaRue expressed her pleasure upon seeing Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner again. Georgiana then introduced the others. Madame’s eyes lit up when she realized she would be creating a much larger trousseau for Miss Elizabeth as well as an additional trousseau for the elder Miss Bennet. Looking at the differences in the appearances of the two young ladies, Madame found her mind becoming aflutter with ideas. Miss Jane Bennet was the epitome of society’s perfect lady. Madame LaRue could create new styles that would grow her business, as everyone would wish to emulate this extraordinarily beautiful young woman. On the other hand, Miss Elizabeth’s petite size and voluptuous figure would allow Madame LaRue to showcase her talents with other body types. She imagined creating styles that would show off Miss Elizabeth’s striking figure while giving the illusion of conforming to the style of the day in an entirely unique way.
Two of the footmen from Darcy House accompanied the ladies on their excursion. Their task was to carry the fabrics the women had purchased the previous day. Madame exclaimed over several of the fabrics that Elizabeth and Jane had chosen.
“I must know where you found such beautiful fabrics!” exclaimed Madame LaRue. “I ‘ave rarely seen zeir like.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled with pleasure at the modiste’s words, but it was Elizabeth who replied. “They are from my uncle’s warehouse. He is the owner of Gardiner Import/Export.
“I ‘ave ‘eard of Monsieur Gardiner, but ‘ave not ‘ad the pleasure of meeting ‘im. Perhaps, Madame Gardiner, you might arrange for ze introduction. If ‘e can obtain such beautiful fabrics, I must have access to ‘im.”
“I would be happy to arrange a meeting between you, Madame. He received two large shipments this week and has not yet displayed them in his showroom, though I believe he may do so today. When would you be available to meet?”
“For such an exciting opportunity, Madame Gardiner, I would ‘appily cancel the appointments I have zis afternoon.”
“If you have some paper and someone who could deliver a message, I shall write to him immediately.”
Madame opened the curtain and snapped her fingers. An assistant appeared at her side. After a whispered conversation in French, the assistant disappeared.
Two assistants waited in the room for Madame’s orders. Another appeared carrying a small portable writing desk, which she placed before Mrs. Gardiner.
As Mrs. Gardiner wrote the note to her husband, Madame turned to Elizabeth. “When you were last ‘ere, Mademoiselle Elizabeth, you could not tell me the name of your betrothed. I would imagine since you are back zat you can do so now?”
Elizabeth smiled and prepared to answer the question, but before she could, Georgiana burst out with, “Elizabeth is going to be my sister. They will be wed in a double ceremony on September sixth with Miss Jane Bennet and her betrothed, Mr. Bingley.” Georgiana’s words abruptly ended as she heard the giggles from her companions. Her face turning a brilliant shade of red, she added, “I am sorry, Lizzy. I should have allowed you to answer.”
“You need not worry, Georgiana, it is a delight to know you are happy to gain me as a sister.”
“I am, indeed!” This sparked another round of giggles and an indulgent smile from Mrs. Annesley.
While the assistants measured Jane, Elizabeth had the first fitting for her wedding gown and the other dresses she had already ordered. Upon the completion of those measurements, the ladies looked through Madame LaRue’s pattern books. There were enough books to go around, so while Mary and Kitty perused day dresses, Lydia looked at evening gowns. Georgiana gazed at afternoon dresses, while Elizabeth looked at ball gowns and Jane at wedding dresses. The group took more than four hours, but when they departed, they had ordered more clothing for Elizabeth and Jane then the five sisters together had owned in their whole lives.
Mrs. Gardiner accompanied Madame La Rue to her husband’s warehouse, while the others returned to Darcy House for luncheon. The peace of the study, where Darcy and Bingley sat discussing marriage settlements, disappeared when the sounds of laughter and feminine voices reached them from the entryway. The gentlemen set down their glasses and strolled out to meet the ladies. Bingley’s face lit up at the sight of his angel and warmth filled Darcy’s heart upon seeing the two women he loved most in the world.
When Wednesday arrived, the ladies from Darcy House met Mrs. Gardiner at her modiste in Cheapside. The shop did not have the elegance of the one they had visited in Bond Street the previous day, but the fabrics and patterns were of equal quality. The younger Bennet girls had initially experienced disappointment when they learned that Madame LaRue would not be making their dresses. However, Mrs. Gardiner explained that by using her modiste, they would have funds remaining to purchase some accessories they would like. As only three gowns were necessary, this outing was much shorter.
After completing their errand, the ladies split between the two carriages and drove in the direction of Hyde Park, turning in at the entrance to Rotten Row from Park Lane. As it was early in the day, they were able to avoid the fashionable crowd that usually came to see and be seen. Consequently, the carriages traveled without many delays. A newly cut track led off the main path towards the banks of the Serpentine. In a freshly created clearing sat a small restaurant, reminiscent of the cafés along the Champs-Elysees. Two horses were tied up outside, and from the carriage window, Elizabeth could see Darcy and Bingley waiting by the water.
At the sound of the carriages, the gentleman turned and moved forward to assist the ladies. Darcy placed Elizabeth on one arm and led the group to the café. He requested one of the outdoor tables overlooking the water. They placed an order for tea, lemonade, and a selection of pastries.
“Now that you have finished your shopping...” began Darcy.
All the ladies laughed.
“Am I mistaken in my thinking? Have you not finished ordering all the dresses and other clothes you need?”
Elizabeth patted his arm and tried to keep her amusement under control. “You are correct, William. We have ordered all the new clothes we needed. However, we still have many things to purchase as well as at least one or two fittings to attend.”
“In any case, I was wondering what you would like to do while in London. We can certainly partake in at least one or two activities, can we not?”
“I would like to see the animals at the royal menagerie,” said Lydia.
“I would like to see the new art exhibit,” added Georgiana.
“As would I,” chimed in Kitty.
“Jane and I would enjoy a trip to the theater or a musical evening.” Elizabeth added her choice.
“A concert sounds pleasant,” agreed Mary, “or perhaps a walk in Kensington Park.”
Bingley felt he should contribute something to the conversation. “I think all of those ideas sound very enjoyable.”
“William, have you and Mr. Bingley completed all the business you said required your attention during our stay in town?”
“We have met with our solicitors to finalize the marriage settlements and have placed the announcements of the engagements in the papers. They should appear tomorrow.”
Elizabeth leaned close to him and whispered, “Have you told your Fitzwilliam relations about the wedding?”
Darcy could hear a touch of anxiety in her voice. Reaching over to pat her hand, he answered her question. “I wrote to my aunt and uncle, and they expressed their desire to attend the wedding. Apparently, Richard had given a good account of you after our meeting in Hunsford and had taken it upon himself to indicate I might have a preference for you. They plan to arrive two days before the wedding and to stay at Netherfield.”
“I hope they will not judge me too harshly, as their first exposure to my family will likely be my mother’s nervous excitement as she finalizes the arrangements for the wedding breakfast and orders Mr. Bingley’s staff about.”
“You need not worry, my love. They will be delighted with you, particularly when they see how happy you make me.” Darcy’s whispered words were like a caress and caused a soft blush to suffuse her cheeks.
As they finished their refreshments, they set a date for each of the desired activities. Then they returned to their homes. The first event was to be dinner at the Gardiners’ home on the following evening.
At the same time the shopping party arrived in London, Charlotte Collins received a letter from her mother, informing her of the two engagements, the shopping trip to London, and Mr. Bennet’s ill health. When Mr. Collins asked his wife about the news in her letter, she was slow to respond. The only excuse she could come up with was to claim that it was her mother’s answer to a question about female matters.
The parson’s face turned red with embarrassment. “I hope you are well, my dear,” had been his only comment.
Unfortunately, as Mr. Collins sat at the table several days later, he noticed the announcement of two engagements. As he read them, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
“Oh, dear. Oh, dear! I do hope Lady Catherine will not blame me for this matter.”
“Is something wrong, Mr. Collins?” his wife asked.
“I believe the paper has made a mistake. There is an announcement here of Mr. Darcy’s engagement to my cousin, Elizabeth. Lady Catherine will be most displeased.”
“If you think that to be the case, perhaps you should not mention the matter to her.” Charlotte voiced her suggestion tentatively. “I am sure Mr. Darcy will write to his aunt about the matter, and as you say, it could be a mistake. There is no need to upset your patroness if it is an error.”
Mr. Collins hesitated. His wife made a good point. “Perhaps I should travel to Longbourn to speak to the Bennets about the matter. Should my cousin have overreached in such an infamous manner, it is my duty to talk her out of the betrothal. In fact, I made the family aware of Mr. Darcy’s engagement to Miss de Bourgh, when I visited last fall.”
“I would suggest a letter. It would be an expensive trip to undertake if the notice in the paper is a misprint.”
“You are quite correct, my dear Charlotte. I shall write to Mr. Bennet directly. I believe I shall send the letter express, as well.”
“You do that, my dear. I have some correspondence I should attend to, also.” Charlotte finished her breakfast before shutting herself in her private parlor. Knowing that Elizabeth was in London and having the Gardiners’ address, Charlotte wrote to her friend, relating her husband’s reaction to the news and his plans to learn more.
“I do not know what Lady Catherine’s reaction will be, but hopefully, with foreknowledge of her probable response, you and Mr. Darcy will be prepared to deal with the lady.”
Looking over her last paragraph Charlotte signed and sealed her letter.
Knocking on her husband’s door, Charlotte peeked her head inside. “I have some shopping to do in Hunsford. Would you like me to take your letter to the express office, husband?”
“I would appreciate that, Mrs. Collins, for I must finish my sermon for this week and review it with Lady Catherine.” Mr. Collins rose and handed the letter to his wife, kissing her cheek as he did so.
“I shall return soon.”
At the close of their first week in London, Elizabeth received Charlotte’s letter. After a brief discussion with Mr. Darcy, he sent an express to his Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam. William requested his uncle’s early return in case Lady Catherine decided to make trouble. By the time he received the return express, they were on their way.
Midway through their second week in London, the residents of Darcy House spent an enjoyable morning walking the paths of Kensington Park. They were enjoying tea when they heard Simmon’s slightly raised voice asking someone to wait to be announced. However, Caroline Bingley had no intention of waiting.
“There is no need to announce me, as Mr.—uh, Miss Darcy and I are such old and close friends.” So saying, she flounced past the butler and headed for the stairs. Halfway up, she paused and turned back to the servant. “In which drawing room will I find him, I mean them?” She did not wait for an answer, calling out, “Never mind, I shall just take a peek in each room until I find my friends.”
The occupants of the room exchanged looks showing a variety of emotions. Georgiana looked disconcerted, Bingley looked embarrassed, and Darcy appeared extremely irritated. Rising to his feet, he looked at his friend, saying, “I am sorry, Bingley, but I will no longer tolerate your sister waltzing into my home as if she owned it. I hope you will not be offended, but I plan to address the matter with her.”
Darcy stepped into the hall to see Miss Bingley exit the room nearest the stairs. She did not glance about before pausing to preen before a nearby mirror. As she turned, she saw Darcy coming towards her. Her usual predatory smile appeared on her face.
“Mr. Darcy,” she purred. “I am delighted to see you again. It has been much too long. We stopped at Pemberley on our way back from the north. We hoped to continue our visit that had been so rudely interrupted and abruptly cut short. When you were not there, we rushed to London so that we might be reunited.”
By this time, Caroline had arrived at Darcy’s side and reached out to take his arm. He stepped back, preventing the lady from attaining her goal. The expression he directed at her was very stern.
“Miss Bingley, I believe it is only polite to wait to be announced when entering someone’s home.”
“With a friendship as close as ours, we can dispense with such formalities.”
“No, we cannot. I am not at liberty to receive you today, as we are entertaining other guests.”
“Then I shall take only a moment to greet Georgiana and invite her to tea tomorrow before departing.” Darcy tried to grab her arm as she waltzed past him, but she was too quick. He followed her to the open doors of the drawing room. “My dearest Georgiana! Oh, how I have missed you!” Trying to make a grand entrance, Caroline Bingley swept into the salon. She was curious to know who Darcy was entertaining. She wished it might be the Earl and Countess of Matlock. She had previously failed to gain an introduction to them and was hoping to make a good impression.
She stopped abruptly, noticing a significant number of females in the room. As she focused her eyes more closely on the occupants, her face took on a decided frown.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Eliza, whatever are you doing here?” Looking more closely, Caroline almost screeched. “Oh, good heavens! All the Bennet sisters are here and the tradesman’s wife, as well.” Pausing for breath, Caroline noticed three children seated near Mrs. Gardiner. All of them stared at her with wide eyes. A shudder ran through her, for Caroline detested children. “Thank goodness I have arrived, Georgiana! Your brother should dismiss your companion for allowing you to receive people of such lowly status. It could damage your reputation! And that woman did not have the sense to leave her children at home. Children should not be allowed in Darcy House. Their dirty, grubby hands will ruin so much and could damage many of the precious heirlooms.” She grabbed Georgiana’s arm in an attempt to remove her from the unfortunate influence of the Bennet sisters.
“Miss Bingley, please release me.” Fury at the rude way in which Miss Bingley spoke about her friends gave Georgiana confidence. “How dare you come into my home and speak so to my guests? Nor have I ever given you permission to address me so casually. Please desist in doing so.
“Do be quiet, Caroline!” Bingley whispered to his sister as he took her elbow and tried to drag her from the room.
“Stop it, Charles. I shall certainly not leave. I have as much right to be here, if not more, than these interlopers.”
“That is where you are wrong, Miss Bingley.”
Caroline turned slowly towards the sound of Darcy’s voice. He stood in the doorway, bearing a forbidding expression. “As I stated earlier, good manners dictate waiting to be announced and to see if your hosts can receive you. Miss Darcy and I are unable to accept a visit from you today.”
She moved to stand within inches of Darcy, her look pleading. “How can you be helping that fortune hunter ensnare my brother, again? You must let me save both of you from a most disastrous situation!” Caroline Bingley made little attempt to lower her voice, intending for the others in attendance to hear her insults.
Darcy’s look grew even more furious. “That is enough, Miss Bingley. I never agreed that Miss Bennet was a fortune hunter. I am particularly familiar with that type, as one is standing right before me.”
Caroline looked around, assuming someone must be standing behind her. She was appalled to realize Mr. Darcy was referring to her.
“You forced your way into my home, you have insulted my sister, my betrothed, my future sisters, and myself. I believe it is time for you to leave. The staff will have orders to not admit you in the future without explicit instructions from me to do so.”
Caroline was flabbergasted. “Mr. Darcy, it is unkind of you to tease me so.” She attempted to laugh off his words, but the sound fell flat. Darcy swept his arm towards the door, indicating she should precede him from the room. When she did not move, he gave a quick nod to Bingley, who stepped forward and again took hold of his sister’s arm, pulling her from the room. Once the three of them were in the hallway, Darcy closed the doors to the drawing room, for he did not wish any further insults to reach the others.
Simmons was standing in the upstairs hallway with two large footmen. One look from their master and the footmen stood directly behind the unwelcome intruder, one on each side of Miss Bingley, though she was not aware of this.
Caroline reached out to grab Darcy’s arm. “Mr. Darcy, what have they done to you? Please, you and Charles must leave with me now, before those dreadful Bennet sisters manage to entrap you in a compromise.”
“Both Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are far too ladylike to attempt such a thing, unlike some I can name.” Darcy gave her a derisive look as he recalled the footman’s words about finding Miss Bingley trying to enter the family wing before his trip to London. “Indeed, there is no need for them to take such action. Betrothals already exist between your brother and Miss Bennet and between Miss Elizabeth and myself. The wedding is less than two weeks away.”
“No, it cannot be. You are mine. I have been your friend for years and have done everything I can to prove to you that I am the perfect mistress for Pemberley and Darcy House. I have patiently waited for you to make me an offer. I was sure it would be soon.”
“I do not know why you would think such a thing. I have done absolutely nothing that would lead you to believe I had feelings for you. You are merely my friend’s sister.”
“How can you say such a thing? I am the only woman you have ever invited to Pemberley. Why else would you invite me to your homes?”
“Miss Bingley, I have never directly invited you to visit, nor would I do so. However, you have always insinuated yourself into your brother’s invitations. In the past, I chose to ignore such behavior in deference to my friend's feelings. However, I will no longer tolerate your presence. You are not welcome in any of my homes. For Bingley and Miss Bennet’s sake, I will be polite in public, but I recommend that you keep your distance rather than try my patience on the issue.”
Miss Bingley could not believe what she was hearing. All of her dreams were crumbling at her feet and all because of the dreadful Eliza Bennet. Caroline’s anger blazed. She pictured Elizabeth standing before her and the satisfaction she would feel upon striking her rival. The picture was so vivid in her mind that her arm reacted of its own accord. However, the satisfying sound of her hand connecting with Elizabeth’s face caused an unusual amount of pain. It was the feeling of pain that returned her to her present surroundings. Her face showed horror when she saw a handprint appearing on Mr. Darcy’s face.
Before she could speak to offer an apology, the footmen grabbed her elbows, lifting her feet off the floor. They whisked her away and down the stairs before she could blink. When the motion finally stopped, Caroline Bingley was staring at the closed door of Darcy House.
Elizabeth sat staring at the door, waiting for William to return. When Darcy and Bingley entered, she was out of her seat in a second, pulling the bell to summon a servant. Then she moved to stand before her betrothed, studying the mark on his face.
“Did Miss Bingley actually strike you, as it appears?”
Darcy tried to laugh it off with a teasing comment. “Indeed, she did. It is a good thing I am such a big, tall fellow, for she would have knocked a lesser person to the ground. She has an impressive strength.”
His words did not fool Elizabeth. Raising a brow at him, she asked, “Does it hurt very much?”
“I have experienced much worse when sparring with Gentleman Jackson, Elizabeth.”
At that moment, Mrs. Baxter entered in answer to the bell. Elizabeth looked at the housekeeper, saying, “Is there any ice available? I believe Mr. Darcy requires some for his cheek.” Mrs. Baxter looked confused but hurried to carry out the request.
Elizabeth took William by the hand and moved him to a seat that kept the injured side of his face from view. Upon settling him, she walked to a small table on which sat a set of decanters. Taking a glass, Elizabeth poured Mr. Darcy two fingers of brandy. She handed him the glass before taking a seat on his injured side. It was fortunate the younger girls were engrossed in conversation. Only Jane and Georgiana had looked at the gentlemen when they returned, and both gentlemen had rolled their eyes at Miss Bingley’s antics before turning away.
“Was it something you said that caused your injury or was it merely a temper tantrum?” Elizabeth’s voice was so soft, only Darcy could hear it.
“I banned her from my homes and told her not to approach me in public. My patience with her would extend only so far as to not embarrassing Bingley and Miss Bennet.”
“I am not surprised she did not take such a statement well. I suppose we are lucky her hand was the only weapon available to her. Do you think she will comply with your request to keep her distance?”
“I can only hope so.”
Mrs. Baxter returned with a small chunk of ice wrapped in a towel. She handed it to Elizabeth, then bobbed a curtsey and returned to her duties. Elizabeth leaned closer and applied the ice to Darcy’s cheek. To the others, it would appear like she was acting forward, but she did not care.
Darcy sighed in relief as the coolness soothed his inflamed skin. “Are you prepared to meet my family tomorrow?”
“Do you think they will like me?”
“Of course they will. The earl and countess will love you, just as Georgiana and I do.”
“I am glad they will be dining here. Mrs. Annesley will be able to keep an eye on my younger sisters so that I will be free to concentrate on making a good impression on your illustrious relations.”
“Just relax and be yourself. It was those qualities that made me fall in love with you and that made such a positive impression on Richard. I am sure you will charm them before the night is over.”
Elizabeth bestowed a radiant smile on Darcy. This new William always seemed to know the right thing to say. Glancing quickly at the other occupants of the room, she realized no one was paying them any attention, so she lifted the ice and planted a quick kiss on William’s cheek before pulling back and replacing the cold compress.
Richard Fitzwilliam arrived at Darcy House ahead of his parents. He needed to speak to William. Earlier that day, the colonel had received a letter from Colonel Forster in Brighton. The court martial for George Wickham had taken place two days prior, and William had to know the outcome.
As he entered the room, Georgiana spotted him first. “Richard! You are early!” she cried as she rushed to embrace him.
“Hello, Georgie. I needed to speak with Darcy for a moment and did not wish to take him away from his guests once my parents arrived.” He glanced about him, greeting the others he knew. “Good evening, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Lydia, Bingley.”
The others returned his greeting, Lydia somewhat shyly.
Turning back to Georgiana, he said, “When I have finished speaking with your brother, I shall expect you to introduce me to these other lovely ladies.” Nodding towards Darcy, he said, “If you will excuse us for just one moment.”
“I will return shortly.” As Darcy bowed over Elizabeth’s hand, she leaned in and whispered something to him. He nodded in return and turned to lead his cousin to his study.
“What was so important, Richard? Please tell me that Wickham has not escaped!”
“No, indeed, cousin. Wickham shall never bother you, or anyone else, again.”
Darcy stared, waiting for Richard to give him the details.
“The court martial was two days ago. Wickham was found guilty of desertion and conduct unbecoming an officer. Not one mention of the attempted elopement. And though he tried to blame you for every problem in his life, the court refused to listen to anything he said. Because the losses on the peninsula have been considerable, desertion is up, so the Army decided to make an example of Wickham. The hanging was the same day.”
“I know learning he is dead will cause the ladies distress, but they must be aware that they have nothing further to fear from him. Though, I shall wait until after dinner to make the announcement.”
William was, indeed, correct. The Earl and Countess of Matlock were delighted with Elizabeth and her sisters. The younger girls behaved like perfect ladies. As the countess sat with Georgiana and the Bennet sisters during the separation of the sexes after dinner, she took the opportunity to ask many questions of Elizabeth.
“So, you have one last appointment with Madame LaRue on Friday and will return to Hertfordshire on Saturday?”
“Yes, Lady Matlock.”
“I should love to join you ladies if you would permit it.”
“We would be happy to have you, your ladyship.”
“Now, none of that. You will be my niece in just under a week. I would love for you to call me Aunt Elaine.”
“I would happily do so, but only if you call me Elizabeth or Lizzy, as my family does.”
“What time should I arrive? I will bring my carriage so that we have plenty of space.”
“If that is the case, perhaps the Darcy carriage could leave a little earlier and pick up my Aunt Gardiner from her home in Cheapside.”
When she mentioned her aunt’s address, Elizabeth watched Lady Matlock closely. She saw a look of puzzlement appear on the countess’ face, but no disdain.
“Would your aunt be associated with Mr. Edward Gardiner, the owner of Gardiner Import/Export?”
“She is his wife.” Elizabeth’s face showed her surprise at Lady Matlock’s words.
“I will look forward to making her acquaintance. I have been delighted with some of the items I have purchased from Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse. He carries such beautiful and unique things. They make marvelous gifts.”
“I am sure they would both be delighted to know that. I will be happy to introduce you to my aunt on Friday.”
When the gentlemen joined the ladies, Lady Matlock mentioned Elizabeth’s connection to the Gardiners.”
“Excellent fellow, your uncle. He has a great head for business and investing. I was an investor in his last warehouse purchase,” the earl said.
“You are correct in your estimation of Mr. Gardiner, Uncle. I have also invested some funds with him. He is hoping to expand again. This time he is talking about a shop to sell the many coffee and teas he imports.”
The evening ended on a pleasant note. The Earl and Countess both departed for home with a very positive impression of all the Bennet ladies, particularly Elizabeth.
Just before the ladies retired, Darcy requested that Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Lydia join him and Richard for a moment. Bingley offered his arm to Jane and led the others up the stairs to their rooms.
The ladies sat on the sofa with Elizabeth between the two younger girls. Elizabeth had a suspicion of what news he might have to impart, but Georgiana and Lydia only looked confused.
Without preamble, Darcy began speaking. “Colonel Fitzwilliam received a letter from Brighton today. Mr. Wickham was court-martialed and found guilty of desertion and misconduct.” Darcy took a deep breath, looking at Elizabeth for courage. “They hung him the same day.” A gasp escaped each of the young ladies, so Darcy rushed to complete his explanation. “Apparently, there have been an unusual number of desertions because of the heavy casualties on the peninsula. The army chose to make an example of Wickham in an attempt to curb the losses.”
Darcy studied the expressions across from him. Tears were silently sliding down his sister’s pale face. Elizabeth was obviously distressed, though he knew it had nothing to do with her feelings for the man. He was sure her distress had to do with her involvement in anyone’s death—no matter how little she could have affected the outcome. Lydia’s expression was hard to decipher. She had obviously cared for Wickham, but he had also hurt her terribly.
“I want you all to remember one thing. Wickham signed a contract with the militia. He knew there would be consequences if he abandoned his position. Nothing any of you did could have affected the result of his trial. Wickham was a grown man; he knew the risks he was taking. Please remember, Wickham did this to himself. You did not make him desert his post in a time of war. Please try to rest and put the matter from your minds.” Darcy hugged Georgiana and kissed her forehead. “I know it is sad when someone you once cared for comes to such an end, but it was the life he chose for himself. Had he not felt so entitled, he could have accepted Father’s gift and led a very useful, comfortable life.” Darcy turned to Lydia. “Are you well, Miss Lydia?”
“I think so. Wickham was not a good man, but I am sorry he is dead.”
Elizabeth looked at the confused young ladies before her. “No matter who you are, you have choices before you. Mr. Wickham grew up in a loving home and had an outstanding patron who tried to assist him. He allowed jealousy and greed to blind him and made choices that led him to attempt eloping with both of you. Because of that, I feel confident that Mr. Wickham’s decisions and actions would have led him to the same end, whether it happened now or later.”
“You are wise to realize that, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said. “Each of you girls made an unwise choice, but you learned from your mistakes. George Wickham never did. Now, I will ask again that you put this out of your mind and find peace for the night. There are still a few outings before we return to Hertfordshire.”
Darcy held out his arm to Elizabeth and motioned for Georgiana and Lydia to lead them from the room. They mounted the stairs and said good night one last time before turning to their separate rooms.
