Chapter Sixty-two

 

 

…I want them to see that I love her…

 

After meeting with Pemberley Group’s team of solicitors, the brothers met in the Fitzwilliam’s corporate office to hash out the details of their proposal.

“David, what do you think of J.C. Hanover as our new banking partner? It’s either them or Chase Manhattan.”

“Umm, well, the animosity that exists between Jack and Hilda is well known, therefore choosing Hanover would make a statement as well as firing a shot over the bow. As for Chase, I don’t like that option at all. Although they are well-established in London, it’s an American-owned bank. Therefore, it’s my opinion that Hanover is the better option on many fronts. However, if you choose them, Hilda will know this is personal…and final. So let’s discuss the perils as well as the particulars. We have to be cunning, and she cannot know what we’re planning.”

“You’re absolutely correct. It’s time to play hardball, and I know Hilda is a master player.”

The two brothers set about developing their plan. They spent the better part of forty-five minutes thrashing the matter out. When they had finally reached a consensus, David reiterated. “If you are absolutely sure this is what you want to do, then let’s go forward. Make it swift, and make it deadly. But… you must be sure. Hilda’s clout is considerable, and as you say, our actions will be irrevocable all the way around, therefore, the consequences could be immense. There is no room for a mistake.”

“Oh, I’m sure—absolutely sure. And I am well aware of the risk we take. Hilda is a force to be reckoned with, but I assure you, she has met her match in both cunning and skill.”

David sighed. “She is our aunt, Mum’s only remaining sister, and you know, in spite of her cruelties, Mother loved her.”

“Yes, I know, and it grieves me to do what we are about to do, but I cannot forgive her for what she has done to me.” He passed his hand over his face and released a sigh. “Now, let’s put this aside and have a good weekend. Since Thomas is on holiday, there is nothing more we can do for now. We’ll take care of business when he returns. Besides, it’ll give me a little more time to pull things together before I meet with Jack Hanover,” Fitzwilliam said while shuffling papers into a portfolio.

“Well, if there is nothing else, I’ll return to my office and finish up on Jacob’s report. I’m about to finalize the contract on the new manufacturing facility in Singapore,” David said as he rose to leave.

Glancing up Fitzwilliam added, “By the way, I’m just curious, have you called Cecilia yet?”

David stopped short and shot his brother a look meant to kill. “No! And I’m not about to. I’ve told you it’s over between us. It should have never been in the first place, so drop it.”

“Little Brother,” Fitzwilliam sighed, “you’re making a mistake—a big mistake.”

“And it’s mine to make. Like I said—drop it. I’ve told you, this is a topic I refuse to discuss with you or anyone else.”

“Okay, David.” He shrugged. “It’s Friday. I’m going home early. If I don’t see you later, have a good weekend.”

David nodded and left.

As the door closed behind his brother, Fitzwilliam sat back in his chair and shook his head. The warning David had flashed in his eyes let Fitzwilliam know he’d overstepped his bounds, even for two brothers who shared everything—everything except that very private spot David kept for himself alone.

 

~*~

 

Fitzwilliam smiled, humming a lively tune when he came through the front door of Darcy House. Now that he and Elizabeth were back together and in a place where there was actually something to do on the weekends, he wanted to take her out. Feeling the need to have time for themselves apart from the children, he’d made reservations for dinner at a fine restaurant in Knightsbridge. Tomorrow he would take her shopping and sightseeing in London.

Making his way to the library, he found Elizabeth reading while the twins squirmed on a pallet in front of the fireplace. He took a seat beside her and slipped his arm around her shoulder. “Elizabeth, I want you to dress in something elegant for the evening. We are going out tonight. I’m taking you to Petrus,” he said with a smile. “It’s a very exclusive French restaurant, one that I think you’ll enjoy.”

She glanced up in surprise. “That sounds wonderful! I love French cuisine, especially escargot, and I haven’t had any since graduate school.” She stopped to think for a moment. “It’s been so long since I was actually out. I’m looking forward to the evening.”

He chuckled softly. “Order whatever you like. If you like escargot, then you shall have it. We’re going out tonight, but that’s not all we’re going to do. Next week I plan to take you to the Embassy. It’s a private club where David and I are members. Liz, my love, I’m going to properly date you as I would have when we first met had there been someplace to go and something to do.”

She hesitated for a moment and tilted her head. “Well…I suppose we did miss out when we were dating, though I never really noticed. Hmm…I guess it’s true. There’s not much to do or see in Walnut Grove, is there? But somehow I never felt cheated. Being with you was always enough for me back then. However,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, “I don’t mind you taking me places and dating me now, if that’s what you really want to do.”

“It’s exactly what I want to do. This is my world, and I’m going to show it to you. We’re going to make up for what we’ve missed. Tonight I’m taking you to dinner, and tomorrow I’m taking you shopping on Bond Street and Oxford. We’re going to buy you some appropriate things for London society, so make arrangements. We’ll eat out, and if you would like, we can take Alex and Emily.”

“I’ve already been to Bond Street with Georgiana, and I bought a lot of things. However, if you want to take me, I’d love to go again, but I don’t think it’s such a good idea to take Alex and Emily out for an all-day trip. They’re still too young, and I don’t think we would enjoy ourselves with two fussy babies,” she replied. “When they’re a little older, we can take them.”

“You’re probably right, but I thought you might want them along, especially since you’re nursing.”

“I can take care of that, and we can come back after a few hours to check on them.”

“All right, if you feel comfortable with those arrangements, then it’s fine with me. Now, as for shopping, I’m going to do more than show you. I want to buy you several things.” He tipped her chin and pecked her lips.

“But, Fitzwilliam, I’ve already spent £5000 on clothes!”

“And you can spend another five thousand. Liz, I’ve already told you not to be concerned about the money. I can afford it!” He moved closer, pulling her into his embrace.” I want you to have your heart’s desires. Besides, you’re going to need an appropriate up-to-date wardrobe for some of the places I want to take you.”

Smiling, she gingerly gave him a quick kiss. “Well, if that’s what you want to do, then let’s go shopping. Now then, come with me to my dressing room and help me pick out a dress for dinner.” Rising from the sofa, they picked up the children and headed towards the stairs.

After settling the twins in their cribs, they moved to the dressing room. “How about this one?” He picked out a short white cocktail dress with thin shoulder straps tying in the back and a slight draped ruffle down the front and held it up to her.

“Perfect!” she exclaimed, taking the dress.

 

~*~

 

After dressing for the evening, Fitzwilliam had the car brought around, and Singleton drove them to the restaurant. As the Darcys exited the car, the paparazzi stepped forward, snapping pictures. Their sudden appearance startled Elizabeth, but Fitzwilliam had expected it. He waved, greeting them with a smile and then gently placed his hand to the small of Elizabeth’s back, guiding her into the restaurant. Fitzwilliam was going to do something he had never done before. He was going to court the media. He knew curiosity about his wife ran rampant in all of London, and he deliberately intended for Elizabeth to be seen in the best possible light. He would be in control, comfortable and at ease with the press, just like his father.

“Fitzwilliam, what was that all about?” Elizabeth asked, pausing in the lobby.

“That, my love, is what’s to be expected in the short term when we come out into society. Greet them with a friendly smile, and all will be well. We’ll be in the news for a little while to come, but it will pass soon enough when the novelty of your appearance as my wife is no longer a topic for public gossip. Besides, I want to show them how beautiful you are.” Glancing down at her with a wide smile, he guided her through the door.

Following the hostess to their table, curious eyes turned towards the Darcys. Elizabeth seemed unaware of the inquisitive stares as they were seated, but Fitzwilliam was very much aware of the commotion they created amongst the other diners.

During the course of the evening, several members of London’s elite stopped by the Darcys’ table to greet Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Everyone was cordial and polite with a genuine interest in knowing the woman who had been the point of contention in the very public split between George Darcy and his son.

Fitzwilliam sat back and watched with delight. Much to the surprise of many, Mrs. Darcy was not only beautiful, but pleasantly at ease with them, possessing a quick wit and a charming allure. Elizabeth held up her part of the conversation comfortably, showing herself to be well informed on many subjects and uncommonly intelligent. Many commented on the sound of her voice, finding her genteel southern accent to be pleasing. They treated her with respect, not only because she was the wife of one of their own, but because she carried herself with a refined deportment—as one who deserved respect on her own merit.

She, in turn, treated them with the same warmth and kindness as she would anyone whom she’d just met. They genuinely liked her, and it showed. Fitzwilliam hoped it was also evident to all who saw them that he loved his wife very much and that his love was returned.

Later that night as they undressed for bed, Fitzwilliam was anxious to discuss the evening. Since Elizabeth had accused him of trying to hide her away when he first found her after their yearlong separation, he wanted to reassure her with more than mere words. This evening was to be the beginning of his well-laid plan to present her to the public.

“Elizabeth, how did you like your first evening out in London?”

“I enjoyed it very much. Everyone seemed very pleasant and not at all like I had expected, but I did get the impression that it was a little stifling to you,” she said as she sat before her dressing table and took down her hair.

“I have to confess, I never did like being on public display, but I want all of London to know that I am exceedingly proud of my wife and that I love you. And I want you to know that I’m not ashamed of you as you once thought.” He took her hand in his, stroking her fingers.

She rose from her vanity and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Fitzwilliam, I know now that my thoughts during our separation were a collection of misjudgments.”

“That’s true,” he said, tightening his embrace, “but I still want you to know with more than just words. As I said, I plan to take you out into London society and show you as much as I can of what there is to see whilst we have the time.”

She snuggled into his arms, allowing him easier access for a kiss. Since the children were asleep, they took full advantage of the moment they had before other priorities claimed their time.

 

~*~

 

The next day while taking his coffee in their sitting room, Fitzwilliam perused the morning paper. He and Elizabeth were on the front page of the society section of the Times with a picture featuring him wearing a wide smile and Elizabeth appearing very composed and beautiful. The society pages featured a well-written Cinderella story about a man who chose to marry the woman he loved in spite of his father’s disapproval.

Fitzwilliam had given the interview the day before, detailing how they had met and fallen in love. As evident from the story, London had been curious about the mystery woman who had captured the heart of one of the most eligible and richest men in the United Kingdom, and his intention was to make her the darling of the press in order to dispel the negative image they had previously created because of her middle-class American status, not to mention her cousin’s tarnished reputation. Overall, Fitzwilliam was pleased with the story. The first step in the right direction had been taken.

After breakfast, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam made arrangements for their shopping trip. She left instructions for the nannies as well as breast milk for Alex and Emily. With all the arrangements settled, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth left for Bond Street.

Their first stop was a salon specializing in the care of long hair where he bought her a full line of products. Watching her pick up and put down a Mason Pearson brush with natural bristles twice, Fitzwilliam smiled. Knowing she wanted it, but was probably reluctant because of the price, he quietly instructed the sales person to add it to the purchase, along with a handmade sheep’s horn comb to go with it.

Going from one shop to the next, he bought her more dresses, casual wear, formal wear, shoes, accessories, and lingerie than she thought she would ever need. Some of the things she considered either excessively expensive or too provocative, bordering on immodest, but he insisted, assuring her that women in London society would be wearing this and less. She simply smiled and shook her head as he paid for the purchases. Before it was all said and done, they had gone to so many boutiques that Fitzwilliam had lost count, and when the expenses were counted up, it came to over £30,000. Fitzwilliam only smiled at her shocked expression.

They ate lunch at a sidewalk café and then stopped by the house to check on the twins and drop off the packages. Next they set out to tour The Victoria and Albert Museum with a promise from Fitzwilliam to take her to the National Art Gallery where one of the greatest art collections in all of Europe was housed. They made plans to see Westminster Abbey, the castles, the Tower of London, and as many of the museums and galleries as time would permit.

Of course, the paparazzi appeared, snapping pictures and asking questions, and each time they asked, Fitzwilliam gave them a brief interview. Appearing relaxed, he showed how very fond and protective he was of his wife as he casually wrapped an arm around her.

Speaking with Elizabeth, the press formed a very positive impression and warm regard for her. Her friendly smile and sparkling green eyes were hard to resist. Fitzwilliam hoped their curiosity would soon be satisfied and the media would move on to the next story so that he and Elizabeth could soon enjoy a normal life.

When Sunday arrived, Fitzwilliam insisted they all attend church services as he wanted Alex and Emily to grow up in the Anglican Church. Elizabeth agreed since her father had felt similarly about taking his children to the small Southern Baptist Church near Longbourn when they were young.

Sitting in church, cradling his baby daughter against his chest, Fitzwilliam couldn’t have been more content with his life and family. While all heads were bowed for the closing prayer, he gave thanks that he’d found the woman he’d always dreamed of and had the family he’d always wanted.