September 22nd is the release day of The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror, so I’m gearing up for a release! Ellie Gardiner is an art restorer starting her first real job at Pemberley of modern day. She obviously would know a lot about art, but how much of that knowledge is right on the tip of her tongue. When she finds herself in 1811, she has a few discussions about art. How would she not? So let’s talk about a few of the artists who are mentioned.
John Constable (1776-1837) was an English landscape artist famous for his scenes of his home county of Suffolk. While he only sold about 20 paintings during his lifetime, he is now considered one of the great British landscape artists. His most famous work is The Hay Wain, Dedham Vale, and many of you may know Wivenhoe Park from a book cover here or there.
Wivenhoe ParkThe Hay WainLook closely! It’s the same spot as The Hay Wain, but was taken in 2018!
William Marlow (1740-1813) was an English landscape artist famous for his marine scenes and etchings. Mr. Bennet has Marlow’s View of Legate Street from Ludgate Hill. Originally from Southwark in London, Marlow started with the Incorporated Society of Artists. He showed his work there, at the Free Society of Artists, and the Royal Academy. Due to licensing, I do not have an image of Mr. Bennet’s etching for you. I do have it saved on Pinterest.
Antonio Canova (1757-1822) was an exceptionally skilled Venetian sculptor. By 1800, Canova had patrons from France, England, Russia, Poland, Austria and Holland and also sculpted for several royal families, being one of the most celebrated artists on the continent. Have you seen the sculpture gallery at Chatsworth? If you’ve watched the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, Lizzy looks at several of Chatsworth’s amazing Canovas in that movie. Of course, Pemberley wouldn’t be Pemberley of the future…or the past without Canovas so Fitzwilliam has several from his father’s association with Mr. Canova himself.
Perseus Courtesy of CC0 The Met
There are more artists, but I won’t list them all today 🙂 I’m prepping the preorder for The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror, so hopefully, you can preorder it soon! In the meantime, for my latest news and fun content, sign up for my mailing list here.
Howdy y’all! It’s been a while, and I hope everyone is well and happy. I’ve been quite busy writing (something very new for me) and proofing my latest audiobook. Exciting things are on the way, and the That Perfect Someone audiobook will be first up. Every chapter has been checked for errors and it’s now up to ACX to approve the files. I even have a sample!!!
Sara Jo Elice was a lot of fun to work with and I think she did an incredible job. Once the audiobook is released, I’ll post again to let everyone know. 022
Happy Monday! So, bit of a confession time! (Spoilers ahead! Read at your own peril! If you haven’t read That Perfect Someone, you can do so here. It’s on Kindle, KU, and paperback!) When I sent That Perfect Someone to my second beta who was also my LGBTQ+ sensitivity reader (aka my oldest daughter), she had a pacing complaint. I had too much after the climax of the book and not enough between D&E finally giving in and the climax. So, enter the Deputy Collins yuck factor and Condomgate, and a couple of chapters were cut from the end. The end was hard because I had to give enough of a recovery without giving you so much it slowed the book down. Because of that, I have deleted bits to share!! These are from later on in the book, so they will give parts of the story away and may contradict things that happened during Condomgate.
Let’s start with what was the original chapter 26. Lizzy was still in the hospital, William was refusing to leave her on her own, so enter Ana. 🙂
“Hey there!”
Lizzy smiled as Ana peered around the curtain before approaching the bed. “Thank you for this.”
“Don’t mention it. The thing is, I’m still not entirely sure why you need me to spend the day with you since I know William won’t leave. He’s too stubborn for his own good.”
“He may not want to, but he needs to. Daddy said he hasn’t left the hospital since I was brought into the E.R., and it’s been over a week. I want him to go home and take a real shower, and shave. Dear Lord, he needs to shave!”
A giggle burst from Ana. “You aren’t feeling the Darcy beard he’s got going on? Some women find beards hot.”
Lizzy shook her head. “Well, this woman isn’t one of them. I don’t mind stubble, but we’ve passed a sexy bit of stubble and are slowly sliding down a slippery slope, heading toward a full biker gang-looking monstrosity. He made a joke about waxing his mustache yesterday, Ana. Not just no, but heck no!”
Ana plopped down on the bed next to her, the very spot where William spent the night, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m so happy to see you feeling better. I probably shouldn’t say this, but you scared the bejeezus out of us. Chase was overwrought. The guy broke down the evening after you woke up and bawled like a baby—it was as if the enormity of what happened hit him all at once.”
“He’s always been good at keeping his cool when it’s necessary and reacting later.”
“Lizzy, what’s Silver Taps?”
She frowned and scooted back against the railing some so she could see Ana’s face better. “Why do you ask?”
“I doubt you remember, but we were there when they were loading you into the ambulance. For a moment, Chase panicked and told you that you couldn’t die and that he refused to attend Silver Taps for you. The deputy then told us about Skylla, so we went up to the stable, and he pulled it back together. He sort of went into this frantic work mode and concentrated on William’s horse until Mr. Bennet told him to leave. When he broke down two days later, he mumbled about Silver Taps several times. I’ve never heard of it and something felt wrong about Googling it. I’d rather know from you or Chase.”
Poor Chase! With a sigh, she wiped a tear that had fallen to her cheek. “Silver Taps is a ceremony at A&M, held on the first Tuesday of every month. It honors the Aggies who died the month before, graduates and undergraduates. It’s an entire day thing. They lower the flags to half-mast that morning and there are traditions that day before a ceremony in the evening when all of the lights on campus are extinguished. There’s a good bit to it, including hymns and a gun salute. At the end, they play “Taps” three times, once in every direction but east because the sun will never rise on the fallen Aggie again. I believe A&M is the only university with the tradition, and we’ve been doing it for over a hundred years. After one of Chase’s friends died in a car accident, he went for the first time. I remember he’d attend every month after unless something prevented him going. He was touched at the significance—what it meant for the family. He even went in February with a bad flu once.” She lifted her eyebrows. “You know, you could’ve asked him yourself.”
“I’ll talk to him about it eventually, but I didn’t want to stir everything up any more than necessary right now. He’s been better the past few days, but I think he needs some time before I go reminding him of what happened with my own questions added in.” Ana glanced around the room. “You know. I just realized my brother isn’t here. Where is he?”
“He’s downstairs getting coffee. The line must be long since he’s been gone for about fifteen minutes.”
“I’m glad he wasn’t up here when I arrived,” she said. “It would’ve made it hard to ask about the plan if he’d been in the room.”
“Let me ask you something. If I have today’s date correct, Will and you were supposed to be in New York signing paperwork.”
Ana scraped her teeth along her bottom lip. “I called my aunt and uncle who sent the paperwork to a mobile notary. We signed yesterday, and I overnighted the documents to New York.”
“The notary came here?” She couldn’t recall anyone showing up.
“You were sleeping pretty soundly. I sat with you for about fifteen minutes while Will signed the paperwork in the empty room next door. The nurses were kind enough to let him use it.”
Without warning, the door swung open, and William entered, taking a drink from his cup. “Ana? You didn’t mention you’d be here this morning.” He looked at his watch. “I didn’t even know you could rise before seven.” The slight shake of his shoulders, and his crooked smile made it obvious he was teasing.
“Ha ha. You can be a real dickhead. You know?”
“But you love me.”
“Yes, she does.” Lizzy straightened with a wince. Damned wound! “Which is why she’s here.”
His head hitched back a little. “I don’t understand.”
“I asked her to come so you could get out of the hospital for the day.”
“Lizzy, if you think I’m leaving—”
She held up her hand. “Don’t. I love you so much, but you need to have a day for you. Daddy made you an appointment for nine at a barber shop on Main Street so you can get a haircut and have that eyesore shaved off your face.” Ana snorted and covered her nose. “Then, I want you to go home and take a good, long nap. With the nurses coming in every hour for my vitals, not to mention being squeezed against the railing of the bed so I’m comfortable, I know you aren’t sleeping well. Besides, poor Evie has been on her own since this all happened.”
“Mary is taking care of her,” he said in a high-pitched voice.
“Yes, and Evie tears up the stairs when Mary lets herself in and doesn’t come down to eat until after my sister leaves. She’d grown accustomed to you being in the house. I feel like if you go home and take a nap, she may cuddle up to you. I don’t like the thought of her being so alone for so long. She’s not used to it, and I don’t want her to get depressed. Besides, I texted Mary and gave her the day off, told her you were going home and would take care of Evie today.” His shoulders slumped. Hah! Maybe, just maybe she’d gotten through to him or at least forced his hand. “I also messaged Ana yesterday, and she’s taken the entire day off from training so she can sit with me.”
“I’m sure my horses will be thrilled with the freedom. I also fed Skylla as well as the rest of your horses at the Longbourn stables before I came over, but you’ll need to feed them later today.”
“That’s another thing,” said Lizzy. “You haven’t seen Skylla since he was poisoned. Don’t you think you should check in on him?”
His eyes tore at her heart. “Your father and Lamonte have sent me pictures, and Chase sent me a video. He’s out of danger, and I’ll see him after you’re discharged.”
“William.” Her voice held a drawl, but she’d done that intentionally. He could be so obstinate!
“Are you sure that’s all there is to this? You aren’t mad because I hover too much or some other reason you aren’t telling me?”
Lizzy shook her head and reached out for his hand. “No, I promise we’re good. I arranged today because you need to take care of yourself too. How can we be there for each other if we’re both mentally and physically exhausted?”
He squeezed her hand and leaned in for a sweet kiss to her lips. “I hate this, leaving you. You know that, right?”
“I’ll miss you too, but I think this is the best thing for both of us.”
He uttered a soft sort of growl and scratched his nasty, hairy cheek. “Okay, you win.”
“Good, text my father before you head down. He’s going to pick you up and drive you to the barber shop and make sure you are completely de-cave-manned. After, he’ll take you anywhere else you need to go before he drives you home. You can bring one of our cars back this evening. That’ll make things easier whenever I’m discharged.”
“Wait!” Ana hopped up and grabbed his bag of clothes and toiletries, shoving it into his free hand. “Take this with you. You can wash your clothes and pack clean ones for later. You have to be getting low, and I’d rather not have to dig through your underwear drawer again if I can help it.” Her nose crinkled, and she shuddered.
William nodded and took the bag but walked around the hospital bed one more time to kiss her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Not before six,” she said with a slight dip of her chin. “I’ll kick you back out if you’re any earlier.”
As soon as he was out the door, Ana clasped her hands in front of her. “I can’t believe you pulled that off. He would’ve never given in with me so easily. He’s stubborn as heck, you know.”
“I agree, but I’m sure it’s different for a younger sister than it is for a girlfriend. I also think he’s simply too tired to argue, which is why he needs this. Did you get a good look at the dark circles under his eyes?” He would be asleep before his head hit the pillow.
Ana held up a finger before darting behind a curtain that separated her bed from the door. When she emerged, she held up a bag and a cup. “I looked up that diet William said the doctors had you on, and I know you have to be bored to tears. So, I stopped by Bear Creek Coffee Company and picked up a latte and a chocolate croissant for you.”
“You’re a goddess,” said Lizzy with a grin. “Do you know that?”
Ana smiled and flipped her hair. “If you insist, my dear. I do have one disclaimer, which is that I did get decaf since I worried about caffeine possibly upsetting your stomach. You were drinking decaf before… Well, before—”
“It’s okay. I know what you mean.” Her heart hurt, and she swallowed hard. She didn’t want to cry right now. How she had any tears left after the past week was a mystery.
After Ana plonked the bag on the tray table and handed her the coffee, she sat back down beside her. “Should I have gotten two croissants?”
“I can’t eat much at a time, so one is perfect, thanks.”
“Chase is bringing you contraband for lunch and dinner too. We worked it out so your dad is covering at the clinic, and if the nurses give us a side-eye, I’ll flush whatever meals they bring you. So, before I give Chase the go-ahead, do you have any requests?”
She shook her head since she had a small bite of flaky, butter pastry in her mouth. “Just nothing too big.”
“Done. Now, I see you are watching the news. Why? Nothing good can come of that.”
Lizzy laughed, but pressed her hand to her stomach. “Don’t make me laugh. Please.”
“Oh, sorry.” Ana bit her lip then grabbed the remote that was wired to the bed. “Do you have any good channels or just the bare bones basics?
“I haven’t checked it out much since I’m still sleeping a good bit. William ran next door to that high-end electronics store and bought that monstrous laptop over there, loaded up several apps for watching TV and movies. The wi-fi is pretty good if you want to give that a try.”
“Sweet!”
She loved Ana to death. The girl was bubbly and kind and loved Chase enough to hold him while he cried, then discover what she needed to know to help him on her own so she wouldn’t upset him. Chase had needed someone like her for a long time. Who knew William’s little sister would solve that problem so easily? Now they just needed to persuade him to adopt a dog. Somehow, she didn’t think Ana would mind, and Chase adored dogs. He’d just always had one excuse after another—sort of like his love life. Perhaps it was just a matter of finding the right person, or in this case, the right canine.
Tomorrow is the day! If you haven’t read my previews for That Perfect Someone yet, make sure you check them out: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4. Or, you can bypass the preview and simply preorder the book so it’s on your Kindle first thing tomorrow. It will also be on KU and paperback, so you have those options as well. Don’t forget to stop by the release celebration at Austen Variations tomorrow and put in for a chance at a giveaway!
I thought I’d post a bit of a throwback today. If you’ve been following my upcoming release, His Perfect Gift, you may wonder where my original idea came from. This is the original scene, written for Pride and Prejudice: Behind the Scenes that I souped up and continued for His Perfect Gift. In the meantime, if you haven’t preordered His Perfect Gift, you can do so here! Release is the 21st and coming quick!
26 January 1812.
An hour prior, Colonel Fitzwilliam had appeared in his study, insisting they had to venture out to a shop in Cheapside. Cheapside! Of course, he had refused, if for no other reason, but to avoid yet another reminder of Elizabeth Bennet. Was there nothing that would spare him the torment of her memory? Unfortunately, his cousin would not leave him to the solitude of his library.
“I must insist you finally tell me where we are going,” he demanded in a surly tone.
Fitzwilliam lifted his eyebrows. “My but you are ill-tempered this morning. What has you in such a mood these days?”
“You are aware how much I dislike the balls and dinner parties of the season? I have had to endure your mother’s Twelfth Night ball as well as a dinner party given by none other than Miss Bingley. I should think those two events alone would be enough to sour anyone’s disposition.” Darcy steered his attention to the view outside the window as he attempted to avoid any further discourse on the subject.
A hearty chuckle came from across the carriage. “The only teeth set on edge by Miss Bingley belong to you, cousin, and I daresay it is your own fault.”
His head jerked back. “My fault?”
“You are too concerned with offending Bingley, so you do not treat her in the curt manner you do most women.”
Aggravation with his cousin’s observation and the situation welled within him. “I may not enjoy speaking with the ladies as you do, but I am not curt.”
The colonel gave a small snort. “I beg to differ. I have seen many a lady who was offended by your method of keeping them at bay.”
“I have no wish to be ensnared by any of them, so I ensure I do nothing to encourage their hopes.” With a heavy exhale, Darcy grimaced. “But I am afraid my latest endeavour to be of aid to Bingley has not helped the matter with Miss Bingley.”
His cousin’s expression reflected his curiosity as he leaned forward in his seat. “So, you have saved Bingley from himself once again? What was it this time? Another bad investment opportunity?”
Darcy shook his head. “Bingley became enamoured of a local girl while in Hertfordshire.”
“That does not sound too dire,” responded the colonel. “He is always fancying himself in love; it passes soon enough.”
Again, he shook his head. “No, this time was different. Bingley showed a decided preference for the young lady from the first of their acquaintance, and by the time of the ball at Netherfield, it became apparent that he had raised the expectations of the neighbourhood. They all believed him soon to propose.”
His cousin furrowed his brows. “You felt a marriage to this lady to be imprudent?”
Darcy closed his eyes as he envisioned the deplorable behaviour of Mrs Bennet and the three youngest Bennet daughters. “It would have been a most imprudent match. She had little dowry, no connections, and the behaviour of her family was objectionable, to say the least.”
“You must consider it a triumph to have successfully separated the two.”
“You can be certain,” he stated with conviction. “My only regret is that by being in collusion with Miss Bingley, she seems more assured I will one day propose to her. She is intolerable.
Colonel Fitzwilliam regarded Darcy with a critical eye, prompting him to shift in his seat. “Come to think of it, your insufferable mood was not present until your return with Bingley.” A smirk lit his cousin’s face. “Did you make the acquaintance of a woman in Hertfordshire? Would you be pining for someone as unsuitable as Bingley’s new angel?”
He scoffed as he adjusted his cuffs. Elizabeth Bennet? Unsuitable? If not for her family and connections, she would be eminently suitable. “You are ridiculous. I would never be so imprudent.”
The colonel sighed. “No, I suppose you would not.”
“What is so special about this wine and brandy merchant?” asked Darcy, with the intention of changing the subject.
“As I told you earlier, he boasts of a particularly fine assortment of port, claret, and brandy. My father was impressed by their selection when he placed his order for the ball. I thought you might wish to meet the proprietor.”
He suppressed a smile at the success of his manoeuver. “I do not see the urgency of such a matter. I have a perfectly adequate supplier on Piccadilly Street, who I have used since my father passed.”
With an irritated huff, his cousin sat back against the squabs. “I would wager this man’s prices to be more reasonable. He will also deliver to Grosvenor Square and Belgravia, which means you should not have to return once you have set up an account.”
The two gentlemen stared at one another for a few seconds until Colonel Fitzwilliam shook his head and turned to watch the buildings pass through the window.
A row of houses along Gracechurch Street drew Darcy’s particular interest while he avoided further conversation with his cousin. Did one of them belong to the uncle of Elizabeth Bennet? He had never taken the time to study the neighbourhood in the past, and he had to admit some of these homes were actually pleasant and well tended. Of course, the appearances did not necessarily correspond to the personalities of the owners. After all, Longbourn was not objectionable from all outward appearances.
A small park ahead caught his eye. Had Miss Elizabeth ever walked in that park? With her love for the activity, she must have during one of her visits to her family. He could almost envision her strolling through the trees, her hair windswept and the hem of her dress stained with grass and dirt—much as she had appeared upon her arrival at Netherfield to care for her sister.
They drew closer, and a young lady at the front gates came into focus, revealing her to be none other than Jane Bennet. Darcy leaned back from the window, while he watched her walk into the park hand in hand with a small child, a servant trailing behind.
He would have to ensure Bingley remained away from Cheapside for the near future. They had struggled so to prevent his return to Hertfordshire and to conceal Miss Bennet’s presence in London; it would not do for him to happen upon her now.
“There is a handsome young lady,” said his cousin, interrupting his thoughts. “Who is she?”
With a shrug of his shoulders, Darcy donned a mask of feigned indifference. “How am I to know? I would imagine a tradesman’s daughter, one of good means by her dress.”
“You appeared to have recognised her, or at least, taken interest?”
“No, I am not acquainted with her, and as for her being of interest…” His last view as they passed was of Jane Bennet smiling to the child at her side. “She smiles too much.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a bark of laughter. “That has to be the most preposterous notion I have ever heard you utter. What man has not been bewitched by the smile of a beautiful woman?”
Miss Elizabeth again came to mind and Darcy gave a wry grin. “Perhaps a pair of fine eyes might one day garner my notice.”
His cousin chuckled. “I pity you when they do. You are so accustomed to maintaining your distance, you will be at a loss as to how to win her favour.” He turned serious and held Darcy’s eye. “But she will be a lucky woman—a lucky woman indeed.”
Happy Monday! October 21st is coming quickly so don’t forget to preorder your copy of His Perfect Gift! If you’d like a sneak peek before publication, I’m putting up a few chapters prior to the 21st at Austen Variations. You can read Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 and I’ll be posting Chapter 3 this Friday! My working blurb is:
A reacquaintance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Christmas in London, what could go wrong?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man torn between choices. Having fled Hertfordshire with the singular goal of separating himself from the fine eyes and pert opinions of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he finds himself face to face with her in London through a connection he never would have expected. He would like to abandon his reservations and court Miss Elizabeth, but other considerations are holding him back, including his family and friends, who might consider him honour-bound to another.
Following Mr. Bingley’s abrupt departure from Netherfield, Elizabeth Bennet accompanies her sister Jane to London to visit her aunt and uncle. A sudden reunion with the disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not in her plans, but the man she discovers is not the same one who insulted her so grievously at the Meryton Assembly. Instead, a doting brother and amiable gentleman calls upon her in Cheapside.
A quiet Christmas at Gracechurch Street with her aunt and uncle seemed ideal, but the inclusion of Mr. Darcy brings old acquaintances and conflicts neither expected.
Can Mr. Darcy convince his family and friends to choose Elizabeth? Could Elizabeth turn out to be his perfect gift?
I can’t wait for everyone to finally read it!
In other news! I have a few books that I removed from KU to give others a chance to purchase them in other formats. At the moment, Confined with Mr. Darcy, The Earl’s Conquest, It’s Always Been You, and He’s Always Been the One can be read on Nook, Oyster, Scribd, and iBooks. I attempted to move Undoing as well, but the distributor refused to approve the formatting for distribution. I have the letters formatted correctly, but they don’t like the spacing and want the letter completely clumped together, which makes the designer in me cringe. I apologize. I may try again in the future, but for the moment, I put Undoing back in KU.
I hope to start having new content back up here soon! In the meantime, stay happy and healthy!
It’s been almost two weeks since Agony and Hope was released, and I’m still bowled over by the response. Nearly 600,000 page reads and 196 reviews (Undoing still has 197). That’s just amazing. Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed. I couldn’t have asked for a better response.
As for more amazing news, Stevie Zimmerman has completed the narration for Agony and Hope and it is submitted for approval! It’s just the ACX review team standing between that lovely recording and your ears. Hopefully, the process won’t take too long!
I have another Agony and Hope scene for you! This is another scene from before the rewrite. You can read the visit to Mrs. Bennet here and the theatre scene here. The theatre scene precedes this one and the epilogue that was in the published book is the scene after. I hope you’re ready for another wedding!
I have left the scene as is from the original draft, so this is completely unedited. Sorry for any errors!
Happy Reading!
Chapter 25
Fitzwilliam straightened his cuffs, glancing at the clock to ensure he had arrived downstairs in time. While he and Elizabeth had a wedding to host today, the allure of his wife and their bed had proved impossible to resist, which was why he arrived with only three minutes to spare.
He rubbed his hands together and attempted to push the lingering memory of this morning from his mind, when instead of rising early and preparing for the busy day ahead, they lingered to make love and breakfast together in their sitting room. During the meal, the knowledge Elizabeth sat beside him in nothing but her dressing gown had done little to help him consider the day ahead, and rather brought to mind images of her fresh from sleep, dishevelled and writhing beneath him, her soft murmurings and noises driving him to bury himself inside her again and again. As soon as she finished her last bite, he dragged her back to bed where he loved her until they both could do naught but hold each other as they recovered.
He entered his study, determined to not take the steps two at a time to return to Elizabeth. No sooner had he stepped behind his desk, but a rap at the door drew him back to the hall where Butler allowed Richard entry. “Good morning, Lord Carlisle. I hope you are well.”
“Yes, exceedingly well, thank you.” Once his coat and hat were left with the servant, Richard took one look at Darcy and chuckled. “For goodness’ sakes, remove that ridiculous grin from your face. I do not even have to ask to know what has pleased you so.”
“Just you wait. You will be in a similar place soon enough.”
Richard ducked inside and shut the door. “Speaking of that.” He scratched his neck and winced before opening his mouth then closing it.
“Well, come on. Spit it out man.”
With a growl, Richard sat and propped his elbows on his knees. “Neither of us are without experience.”
Laughing, Darcy shook his head. “You more than me, Cousin. I rarely partook, and once I knew I loved Elizabeth, I refused to be a part of something so meaningless.” He never even tried. How would he have even managed to begin so much as complete the act? He would have been humiliated.
“I never imagined I would marry, Darce,” said Richard throwing himself back and crossing his ankle over his knee. “The problem I have is that she is a maiden.”
Darcy sat upon the edge of his desk and frowned at his cousin. “Are you saying you would have preferred her come to you already experienced?”
“No!” Richard waved his hands in front of him before covering his face. He let his arms drop. “I am saying this poorly.” After a minute or so pause, he looked back to Darcy. “I am terrified of hurting her. I have heard stories at the club of men and their wedding nights, but most could care less whether their wives want them in their bed. You are the one person I trust to ask advice on the matter.”
Darcy crossed his arms over his chest and made a study of his feet. “I suppose I should be flattered that of all people you would ask me, but since the subject is such an intimate one . . .” He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair, his arm falling back to its former position. “I wish I could tell you some secret to help you, but I was unsuccessful in that regard. Unfortunately, I do not know if it was something I did naught to prevent, something I did, or whether she would have hurt regardless.”
After a knock, Butler showed Gardiner inside. They greeted each other before Gardiner sat in a chair near Richard. “So, what are we discussing? Or did I interrupt?”
“No, not at all.” Darcy waved dismissively. “Richard was asking the secret to a successful wedding night.” His cousin stepped over to the fire, picked up the poker, and jabbed at the coals. His complexion somewhat red, though whether from the light of the flames or his embarrassment, he could not say.
“Should I worry about my niece?” asked Gardiner with a laugh. He held up a hand. “Forgive me, I am teasing you, but I do remember having the same concern when I wed my wife. The only advice I can give you is patience and control.”
Richard’s expression remained tight as he nodded, yet he said little afterwards as the conversation turned to business matters. A maid delivered coffee, which they drank until Witney arrived and the voices of the ladies carried through the open doorway, luring them to the drawing room.
~ * ~
“Oh, Jane,” said Aunt Gardiner. She held a handkerchief near her mouth as she gave a teary smile. “You are so lovely.”
Elizabeth stood back and allowed her aunt the opportunity to act the part of mother for the day. She and Jane had spoken of whether to send a carriage for her mother, but after the manner in which Mrs. Bennet behaved during their visit, Jane decided she preferred not to remain mortified for the entirety of her wedding day.
Jane smoothed a hand down the white embroidered silk gauze and tilted her head. “Do you think it will do?” She pivoted and studied the elegant train behind her.
“Do?” Lady Fitzwilliam stepped beside Jane and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Madame Villers is known for her masterpieces, and this gown is no different. You look every bit a viscountess. And, I much prefer that wig to Lady Anne’s, which was terribly out of fashion. I do know it is all you had at the time, but this is much more becoming.” She clasped her hands together in a dramatic fashion. “Now, I have a gift from my son.” She stepped over to the dressing table and picked up a wooden box she had brought with her.
Jane opened the lid with care as it protested by creaking at the movement. When her sister gasped, Elizabeth came to stand beside her. Nestled in velvet was a sapphire, pearl, and diamond necklace with matching ear bobs and comb. “Oh, Jane,” she said quietly.
With two hits of her walking stick against the floor, Lady Catherine craned her head to see from her chair. “What did he give her? I must have my share in what is happening?”
Lady Fitzwilliam took the box and tilted it. “They are the Carlisle sapphires. The housekeeper found them in the mistress’s dressing room when she cleaned it for Miss Bennet’s use.”
At a glance from Lady Fitzwilliam, their aunt took the necklace and draped it around Jane’s neck.
“My son said Lizzy had not yet found you a maid, but I have a young lady who has been training under my maid for some time. I have sent her to Carlisle House for the next fortnight. If you like her, you may hire her to remain with you.”
“Thank you, My Lady,” said Jane while her aunt placed the comb.
Lady Fitzwilliam rolled her eyes and handed Jane and ear bob. “None of that, my dear. You can address me as Evelyn or Mother, whichever you prefer. Your sister has yet to address me by my name since I invited her, but I assure you I am in earnest in the matter.”
When Mary stepped to her side, Elizabeth wrapped an arm around her. “You are next. Is aught prepared?”
“Yes, Aunt has been wonderful,” said Mary with teary eyes. “After Papa’s death, did you ever believe we would be where we are today?”
“No, I did not.” Elizabeth hugged her younger sister a bit closer. “We seem to have truly reversed our fortunes.”
“Not seemed, niece.” Their aunt tilted her head down as she spoke. “You have indeed.”
At a light knock, Elizabeth turned to the servants’ door. “Come!”
“I beg your pardon, but the bishop has arrived as has Lady Witney.”
Lady Fitzwilliam patted Jane’s hands and helped Lady Catherine as they made their way to the drawing room. After one last embrace, Aunt Gardiner and Mary followed Fitzwilliam’s relations, leaving Elizabeth and Jane to each other.
“I never imagined that when I rushed to beg Fitzwilliam’s help that it would lead us here.” She took Elizabeth’s arms and shook her head. “I am so happy. I never dreamt I could be thus.”
Elizabeth cradled her sister’s face and sniffed in attempt to hold back tears. “No one deserves felicity more than you, Dearest.” After a peck to Jane’s cheek, she inhaled and grinned. “Let us get you married. I am certain a very eager groom awaits you.”
As she made to turn, Jane grabbed her arm. “Lizzy, wait!”
“What is it?” Her sister bit her lip. “Aunt spoke to me of what to expect tonight. I want to know what advice you would give.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks heated, and she pressed her palms to them for a few seconds, hoping to cool them a bit. “I shall only say to trust Richard and to speak to him. He will learn as much from you as you will from him.”
“I do not understand,” said Jane with her nose crinkled.
“You will. I promise.” She took Jane’s hand and gave a gentle tug towards the door. “Are you ready.”
Her sister smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
When they arrived at the bottom of the stairs, Uncle Gardiner awaited to give her to Richard, who still paced when Elizabeth entered the room. The moment his eyes landed upon the bride standing in the doorway, a calm overtook him and a wide grin replaced the tight lines of before.
Fitzwilliam took Elizabeth’s hand, and she rested her temple against his shoulder while they watched the besotted couple recite their vows. After they signed the register, Jane covered her mouth and laughed, but Richard pulled her hands away and drew her to his side. Jane Bennet was no more. She had been replaced by Jane Fitzwilliam, Lady Carlisle.
~ * ~
As Lady Fitzwilliam accepted her glass of sherry and relaxed back into her chair with a grace befitting that of royalty, her eyes darted to Jane who spoke to Aunt Gardiner near the fire. “She is a lovely girl,” she said to Richard. “I am pleased you discovered a lady you found tolerable. I began to fear you would never marry, and I would like to enjoy a grandchild or two in my dotage.”
“We have not even been wed a day, Mother, and you are pestering for grandchildren?” He took a gulp of his brandy, bearing his teeth as he swallowed, and touched his shoulder to Darcy’s. “Good Lord, Darce. Me? A father?” He had spoken in low tones, but Witney, who happened to be passing behind them, laughed and slapped him on the back.
“One thing at a time. If you consider all at once, you may faint.”
Darcy pressed his lips together to keep from chuckling but could not prevent his shoulders from shaking. He peeked at his cousin who glared at him. “Forgive me, but I do not believe I have ever heard you so overwrought.” He pointed to the glass. “Do not indulge too much in spirits as you do not want to be in your cups later.”
After his cousin peered into his drink, he downed the last and set the tumbler on the tray. “Good point.” His eyes set on Jane and softened though his foot tapped in an incessant rhythm on the carpet. “How long before we can depart for home?”
“If you are so inclined, say your goodbyes. I shall have the carriage brought around.”
Richard shook his head. “I do not believe I have ever used a carriage between our two houses unless I intended a brief stop during a trip to the club or my solicitors.” The work for the servants for such a short trip—”
“Jane’s trunks were packed and sent to your house this morning, so she has no boots to walk—only the slippers on her feet. The length of her gown would also be a problem for her. You will want the carriage.”
“You are correct, of course. I have never needed to pay heed such considerations. Thank you.”
While Richard collected his wife, Darcy poked his head into the hall and gave instructions to Butler. His cousin and Jane dispatched their farewells with an efficiency born of Richard’s military training and departed the moment the carriage was at the kerb.
The rest of their party, including Lady Catherine, made for their own homes not long after, leaving Darcy blessedly alone with Elizabeth. He knew once Jane wed Richard she would no longer live with them, but the reality of that arrangement and the benefits struck him as he brought her into the study and closed the door behind him.
She sat in the corner of the sofa, angled herself towards his desk, and pulled her legs underneath her, reclining into the corner. His breathing all but stopped and his heart pounded against his sternum at the familiar position. How many times had his desperate mind conjured her thus? Her eyes held the same glint, and she arched that one eyebrow in a sultry invitation.
Like a moth to a candle, he could not resist her lure. He sat upon the edge of the sofa and took her in his arms, his face burying into her neck. He tasted the sweetness of her flesh and inhaled deeply of her rosewater scent. He would be forever lost when it came to Elizabeth—to his wife.
He had been so alone for so long. He had family, had Georgiana and Richard, but Georgiana and Richard would have always had their own lives. He would have haunted the halls of this house and Pemberley for the rest of his life if it had not been for Elizabeth. Her return saved him.
“I love you,” he breathed into her ear. “I do not know how I would have survived without you.”
Her soft lips brushed his temple as she drew him up so they were face to face. “You need not ever think of that again because you do have me, and will forever.”
He slipped behind her, and she lay back against his chest, drawing his arms to her stomach. He held her with the side of his head pressed to hers. Holding her thus brought such comfort to him when he returned to that dark place he once inhabited.
She lifted one of his hands and kissed his thumb then his palm, and he responded by suckling that place just under her ear. A soft moan from her vibrated through him and his hand slid up from her stomach to squeeze her breast.
“Oh, Fitzwilliam,” she said quickly with a hiss. “That hurts.”
He jumped back as much as he could with the arm of the sofa behind him and frowned. “You have never complained of such before.”
She turned in his arms and began to touch his cravat. “They have been tender of late.” Her eyes met his and held them fast. “I am not certain, but I was to have my courses three weeks ago. My aunt believes I am with child.”
His eyes bulged and his jaw dropped.
“I shall not know until the babe quickens, and that will be several months from now.” She studied him while his heart raced for an entirely new reason. He could be a father before their first anniversary. He suddenly became dizzy. “Will you not say something?”
“I should not have teased Richard earlier?”
Elizabeth’s chin hitched back. “I do not understand.”
He shook his head and rested his palm on her stomach. “I cannot believe this has happened so soon.”
“Are you upset?”
His gaze returned to her wide eyes. “No, of course not. I am merely in shock. Little more than two months ago, Georgiana had just wed and I faced the prospect of being alone for the rest of my life. Forgive me if I am overwhelmed. I promise I am far from upset.”
“I do understand.” She rested her head against the back of the furniture and smiled. “Mary and I spoke today of how, since Papa’s death, we reversed our fortunes. Three months ago, I no more expected to be here with you, than you expected to be here with me. I do sometimes wonder how long before I become accustomed to so much change.”
“Well,” he said with a smile. “We have months before our lives will change again, but as long as we have good fortune, I shall welcome it with grace—I hope. With you, I have all I ever dreamt of. Any children that join us will be a blessing. When Jane returned you to me, my fortunes reversed as well. Now, my cup runneth over.”
Elizabeth threw her arms around his neck and held him close. “Oh, Fitzwilliam, I do love you so.” He could not remember a time when his heart was so full or he felt so alive, but in that moment, he considered himself the most fortunate man alive.
I hope you enjoyed this! I’d love to hear what you think!
If you haven’t read Agony and Hope yet, then take a stop by Amazon and pick it up 🙂
I have another Agony and Hope scene for you! Yay! I believe I mentioned on social media that I had rewritten the end of the story because it was too long between the engagement to the wedding then the end. When I did so, we lost a bit on the back end. I tried to move a bit around, so a few lines may be familiar from the argument later in the book between Darcy and the earl. In the earlier version, Darcy and Elizabeth were wed at Pemberley before returning to London to tell the Gardiners of their good health. My daughter revolted and insisted that wouldn’t work. I agreed with her so that bit was rewritten during edits. Other than knowing of a secondary pairing, I’m not sure there’s a spoiler involved. I’ve told everyone there’s an HEA and you know Elizabeth is alive, so I’m not offering a spoiler warning 🙂
In the original draft, this scene occurs after their return to London. Darcy and Elizabeth are wed and Richard and Jane are courting. I have not altered anything to fit the final edit of the book. I have left it as is, so this is completely unedited. Sorry for any errors!
Happy Reading!
Chapter 24
Darcy descended the last step then tugged at the bottom of his topcoat as he glanced about the hall. He had not attended the theatre since Georgiana begged him to take her last Season, but when he mentioned the Theatre Royal at Drury Lane was putting on a production of the Taming of the Shrew, the light in Elizabeth’s eyes convinced him to put aside his desire to keep her to himself and whisk her away to the theatre.
In the month since they returned, they dined with Jane and Richard most evenings, but for the most part, they spent a prodigious amount of time together. Elizabeth and Jane had met with Madame Villers to be fitted for what little spring weather remained as well as for the summer months. They both also purchased fabrics for winter gowns and embroidery supplies to pass the time. Elizabeth selected materials for her rooms at Pemberley as well as Darcy House, though Mrs. Northcott would not begin redecorating until they departed for Pemberley in a fortnight, after they attended Miss Mary’s wedding.
As he made to enter the library to wait upon the ladies, a knock at the door made him pause. Butler was swift to admit Richard, who shook his great coat and removed it, allowing Butler to hurry away with the damp garment. “The fog is thick and has made the chill of the evening a penetrating one. I daresay a certain amount of the cold will remain into May. The weather simply has not warmed as I had hoped it would by now.
“Yes, I was surprised by the chill in the air when I visited my solicitors yesterday.”
Richard chuckled as he followed Darcy into the library. “Perhaps you and your wife should venture from the house more. Her maid accompanies Jane and me on our walks in the park since the two of you remain sequestered more often than not.
“Elizabeth spends time with her sister every day.”
His cousin held up his hands, palms forward. “Do not become offended, Darce. I am merely teasing. Jane has spoken of their time together as well as how she has urged her sister not to feel obliged to her.”
Darcy’s shoulders relaxed, and he lifted his eyebrows. “Jane? Do you have a request to make, Cousin?”
With a smile, Richard’s crooked grin was enough to answer Darcy’s question. “Jane is of age, but I journeyed to Gracechurch street this morning and spoke to Gardiner.”
“Did you?” Darcy sat in a chair and crossed his ankle over his knee. “What did he say?” He was genuinely curious. Mrs. Gardiner regularly visited both Jane and Elizabeth and shopped with them for fabrics, but Gardiner seemed content with Jane remaining Darcy’s responsibility. Not that Darcy minded. They simply had not discussed the matter.
“He indicated you should be applied to for the honour, though he did give his blessing.” Richard sat across from him and mirrored his position with the exception of his foot bobbing in a constant motion—his only outward sign of his agitation. Darcy could not help but smile at the sight of a former colonel in the Regulars nervous at the prospect of applying for a lady’s hand. His cousin had never been one to show his unease, even when he left for the peninsula to fight Napoleon’s army, but to be felled by a simple question was too amusing to overlook.
A low, easy laugh escaped before Darcy could stop it. “Do you love her?”
His cousin let out a growl and shifted as if he still wore a sabre at his hip. “I should have known you would be an arse about this.”
“I hope you do not speak so before your betrothed.” Darcy’s shoulders shook while he held in his amusement. He so seldom had this sort of opportunity. “You did not answer my question.”
Richard picked an imaginary piece of lint from his trousers, refusing to meet Darcy’s eye. “What question?”
“Do you love her?”
“Yes,” said Richard forcefully. “Are you pleased?”
“Yes, thank you, though you surrendered much sooner than I would have thought.”
“With Jane or with this conversation?”
“Both.” He cleared his throat in an attempt to stop laughing. “Have you told her you are in love with her?”
“Yes, not that it is any of your business.” He tugged at his cuffs.
Darcy pressed his lips together and reined in his amusement. “Forgive me for finding humour at your expense.” He blinked a couple of times. How best to say this? “You are a good man, a good cousin, an esteemed friend. You are more loyal than most I know and will put yourself in harm’s way to ensure those you care for are unharmed. You are not reticent, by any means, but you do not share your feelings with ease. When I asked if you told Jane, I wanted to know if you could speak to her of matters close to your heart. I am glad to know you trust her enough to share your concerns. You have my blessing and consent.”
Richard shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. “Thank you.” He picked at one of his fingernails before meeting Darcy’s eye. “And, yes, I can speak to her. I told her of Carlisle.”
“What did she say?”
“She understood why I was uncomfortable with the title and my position, yet she convinced me to be more accepting of it all since Carlisle will never return.”
If Jane had been successful at his cousin finally accepting what his aunts and Darcy had been saying since the announcement of Carlisle’s supposed death, then she would be good for him. “Did she tell you about Bingley?”
Richard rolled his eyes and scoffed. “Bingley never deserved her, yet I disagree with your actions at the time. If I had known her when you told me of separating Bingley from an unsuitable lady, I would have hit you without holding back for hurting her. You were wrong, even though I believe you did her a tremendous favour.”
“I did tell Bingley of my interference at Pemberley. He claimed he would return to Hertfordshire for her, but never did. I am certain Miss Bingley heard of the family’s predicament, which was why she insisted upon him giving up the lease to Netherfield.” Bingley had been weak willed. He did not deserve someone as good and kind as Jane Bennet.
Musical laughter sliced through the heaviness of the conversation and beckoned to him. At her appearance in the doorway, he stood and welcomed Elizabeth with an outstretched hand to draw her close. A lingering kiss was bestowed to her knuckles as he drank in her beauty. Her eyes sparkled and her complexion glowed. The gauzy crimson fabric of her gown brought a bit of colour to her cheeks, and his mother’s rubies stood in stark contrast to the fairness of her neck.
When he forced his attention from his wife, he turned in time to witness the slight tilt of Jane’s head and her soft smile. The expression was similar to one she had worn for Bingley, yet her eyes held a depth that was not present years ago when she had looked upon his friend. Richard’s gentle gaze held his betrothed’s eyes while he brushed a light kiss to the back of her hand. Tenderness was not a word he would have ever associated with his cousin, yet watching him with Jane, he witnessed a side of his cousin he had never known.
In that moment, his regrets about his part in Jane’s separation from Bingley disappeared entirely—that niggling in his gut that would not let him forget what he had cost her. Jane had found a love more fulfilling than what she could have ever had with the man who was once his close friend.
“Fitzwilliam?”
He turned to Elizabeth’s eyebrows drawn down a bit in the middle. “Forgive me. I am happy for them. She seems much happier with Richard than she was with Bingley.”
“She is,” said Elizabeth. “She has told me as much. The circumstances of the past few years have changed her, and she has wondered if Mr. Bingley would have resented her for Lydia’s downfall. Richard knows of everything—of Lydia and St. Giles—and still wants her. I do not know what they have spoken of, but she has indicated he has confided a great deal to her. She is honoured by his trust.” She studied his face for a moment. “You did give your consent, did you not?”
“Of course, I did. Richard is a good man and like a brother to me. I could not deny him love, particularly when I believe Jane is precisely what he needs.” He brushed his lips against her hand one more time before Butler interrupted to inform them the carriage had been brought around.
After donning their coats and hats, the gentlemen handed in their ladies before joining them, though sitting together since propriety dictated Jane and Elizabeth share a seat. The trip to the Theatre Royal was not a long one, so they soon alighted in front and helped the ladies dodge the remnants of the horses to enter the building.
Darcy removed his great coat, handing it to his waiting footman, before helping Elizabeth with her cape. Once his servant was in possession of their belongings, he hurried up to the boxes to await their party.
Under the light of the candles, Elizabeth glowed as those fine eyes that enchanted him looked up and down at the grandeur of the new theatre that had replaced the former, which burned in 1809. His eyes traced over her now full head of auburn curls, which allowed Taylor to use jewelled pins, combs, and ribbons to give her a more stylish coiffure. Tonight, Taylor used a crimson ribbon to match the hue of Elizabeth’s gown.
“Shall we make our way to the boxes?” asked Richard with Jane on his arm.
Darcy looked around at a sea of people, some of whom were noting his entrance and examining Elizabeth in great detail as she had her hand upon his arm. “I believe so.”
One or two acquaintances stopped them along the way. Darcy politely introduced Elizabeth, and since most knew Richard, he introduced Jane as his cousin’s betrothed, raising more than a few eyebrows in the process. They had barely reached the staircase when a hand grasped Darcy’s arm and whipped him around.
“Have you so little respect, boy?”
He ensured Elizabeth was well, then stiffened, drawing himself as tall as he could. “I beg your pardon, Lord Fitzwilliam. Is there a problem?”
“A problem?” His uncle hissed spraying spittle in the process. “I bring you suitable candidates to be your wife, and you choose this chit?” Lord Fitzwilliam’s eyes raked over Elizabeth as though she were covered in filth. “Have you forgotten what you owe your family? What you owe me?” People around them halted their conversations to watch the spectacle with eager eyes, and no doubt, storing away what was said to gossip about during their calls on the morrow.
“I told you years ago I would not agree to your marriage schemes. I wed my wife with nothing but my own happiness and that of hers in mind. I owe you nothing.” He needed to rid himself of his uncle, even though the earl was only making himself appear the fool.
“What of—?”
“No more,” said Darcy with a firmness that made his uncle clamp his mouth shut. “I have told no one of the breach between our houses, but your display of ill-temper tonight should have tongues wagging for weeks. Do you wish all and sundry to know why I have broken with you?”
His uncle peered over one shoulder then the other. “This is not over, Darcy.”
Darcy chuckled and leaned closer to the earl. “This is indeed over. You tend to your house, and I shall tend to mine. While you are doing so, you might spend less time at the club playing cards. I believe you have enough of Carlisle’s and his wife’s gambling debts to pay.”
Lord Fitzwilliam turned a brilliant shade of red that nearly matched the colour of Elizabeth’s gown before Darcy turned his back and started to lead his party up the stairs.
“You,” said the earl in a sneer.
Richard gave no indication of disquiet nor did he bow. “My Lord, I am here with my cousin and betrothed.” He rested a hand atop Jane’s on his arm. “Miss Bennet, this man is my father the Earl Fitzwilliam. He will never be admitted into our homes.”
“You will not marry that trollop!” All talk within the room silenced as the few who had not already been taking in the spectacle turned to watch. “I forbid it.”
Jane’s hand slid into Richard’s as he stepped down so he was face to face with his father. “Forbid my marriage all you wish. You will not stop me, and I shall never wed someone of your choosing. In that, Darcy and I are of precisely the same mind. You have attempted to twist and bend the will of your family until we act as you desire. By joining the Regulars, I removed myself from your machinations long ago, and while I am now your heir, I refuse to be controlled by you.”
Richard turned his back on his father and drew Jane beside him as they ascended the stairs. The crowd began to murmur, surely shocked at what had just occurred. They may have attended for “The Taming of the Shrew,” but they had an earlier offering that would be spoken of in the drawing rooms around London for weeks if not months, particularly in light of the common knowledge of Lady Fitzwilliam’s solitary living arrangement.
They were quiet until they reached the box, but the moment the curtain fell behind them, Richard dragged Jane back into the dim recesses and took her in his arms. When Darcy glanced about the theatre, a few people sat in their boxes or in their seats below, but the vast majority were still in the entrance hall. He looked back to see Richard’s head on Jane’s shoulder while she whispered into his ear.
He steered Elizabeth so they stood in front of his cousin and her sister, blocking them from the general view of the theatre. “I apologise for my uncle’s spectacle.” His uncle had never been one to enjoy the theatre, and he had never expected his uncle to confront them in such a public manner. The earl’s concern over appearances typically overrode his affront, so tonight’s exhibition was not something he ever imagined would take place in the theatre or anywhere else.
“You have nothing to apologise for,” said Elizabeth in hushed tones. “Will Richard be well?”
“I am certain he will. He abhors what his father is and avoids him as does Lady Fitzwilliam.” At her crinkled forehead, he moved so his mouth was near her ear. “It is common knowledge among the Ton that my uncle lives with his mistress. My aunt insisted he go years ago, and he has never returned—not that she is amenable.”
Elizabeth blinked rapidly for a few seconds and shook her head. “What a shame. He will one day have no one but himself for comfort.”
“He has no one to blame but himself,” said Richard as he and Jane joined them. “Forgive me. I fear my father and I shall never see eye to eye. Darcy’s father took me in when I left home and Pemberley was where I returned from Cambridge as well as where I returned when I had leave from the military. Darcy, Georgiana, and my mother are my family. Before Jane, I was unsure if I would ever trust someone enough to have a marriage like my Uncle and Aunt Darcy or even you and Darcy. When he threatened that, I—”
Elizabeth squeezed his cousin’s hand and shook her head. “You need not explain yourself to me. Jane seems to know all and that is what is most important. We shall make the announcement of your betrothal in the paper, and the two of you will wed by special license like Fitzwilliam and I did.” She tipped her head down to ensure Richard met her eye. “Do not let him ruin our evening.”
“Thank you, Lizzy,” said Jane, who hugged Richard’s arm to her.
Darcy drew his wife back to his side and kissed her temple. He cared not if all of the Ton called him besotted. He was, after all. “I do not believe my uncle will carry through on his threats, but we should send the betrothal announcement tomorrow. We will also obtain the license. Georgiana and Witney return to town in two days.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I can plan a simple wedding breakfast in two days.”
He nodded. “Good, I say the sooner we have them wed, the better.”
Happy Monday! I promised once Agony and Hope had been released for a bit, I’d post an outtake for you! I have always said it is a HEA story, but just in case SPOILER WARNING, if you haven’t read it. Just to set up the scene–this takes place during the trip back to London to reveal all to the Gardiners and the other HEA bits. This is from the first draft, so it has not gone through editing and a bit rough. The story was also a bit different at the time so I’ve had to adapt it to fit the newer timeline. I hope you enjoy!
A Call to Mrs. Bennet
Elizabeth’s temple rested against the squabs while the scenery passed through the carriage window. They had not tarried at Drayton for long after the betrothal. The following day, Fitzwilliam had sent out letters arranging their travel and requesting the Gardiner’s company at Darcy House for dinner within the next se’nnight after their return. They had departed as soon as the horses had their rest and were, at last, on their final day of travel. As much as Elizabeth had wished to either remain at Drayton or start their lives at Pemberley, she had no choice but to go to town, though she had not relished the prospect of their return journey. She was weary of travel.
Her stomach rolled at the idea of revealing herself to her aunt and uncle, and she pressed a hand to her belly to quell the unrest. The disquiet within, however, was not caused by the nervousness of telling them, but rather, their possible reaction to the shocking news. They would be upset, to be sure, but would they forgive her? She and Jane had worried them and cost them some much needed funds investigating their disappearance. Her uncle’s children were more entitled to that money than the Bennet daughters, which was why Elizabeth and Jane had hidden themselves away in the first place. The Gardiners should not have been forced to bear the cost of their impoverished family. Elizabeth loved her father dearly, but his failings as head of the family had not gone unnoticed.
Elizabeth faced forward where her betrothed of four days sat across from her, reading Milton. The night before they departed, he had mentioned how she proved a most effective distraction from his reading, and how, when in her company, he had attempted to read passages more than once without a pittance of success. At the moment, he appeared engrossed in the prose upon the page instead of her. Was she still a distraction or had their engagement been the antidote to his affliction?
She bit her lip and smiled as she slid her foot forward to tap Fitzwilliam’s boot. At the contact, he glanced to Jane and Richard who both slept against the side of the carriage, closed his book, and lifted his eyebrows. The stiff edge of his boot grazed her ankle. “What are you about, Miss Elizabeth?” He spoke in soft tones.
“How do you get on reading today, sir?”
One side of his lips quirked and he shook his head. “Not at all. I must discover how to free myself of this interference. Do you have any ideas for my relief?”
“I can think of several, sir.” How she would adore kissing him again! The mere thought was enough to give her gooseflesh.
“Can you?” He crossed his arms over his chest. “And what do you suggest?”
“Perhaps using second carriage for your cousin and future sister,” said Richard dryly. He had not opened his eyes or moved his head. “Then, we would not be forced to endure listening your flirtatious drivel.” Elizabeth started, pulled back her walking boot, and directed her attention back to the passing scenery. How mortifying! She would not have engaged Fitzwilliam in such a way if she had known Richard could hear.
“You could have mentioned you were awake instead of eavesdropping,” said Fitzwilliam.
Richard straightened and rolled his eyes. “You know I cannot read in a moving carriage, which leaves me little to do for pleasure. I sometimes prefer to keep my eyes closed and rest when I cannot find sleep. I have made this journey often and no longer obtain enjoyment from watching the woods and farmland pass by the window.”
As they passed an inn, Elizabeth frowned and followed the building until it disappeared from her line of sight. “Fitzwilliam? Are we in Hatfield?”
He peered through the window and shrugged. “I am not sure, but we should be in Hertfordshire.”
“I know where we are. I rode with Papa once to fetch a book he wanted from a bookseller in Hatfield. This is not the road one usually travels to journey to London.” She narrowed her eyes. “Are we going to Longbourn?”
He sighed and his shoulders dropped a bit. “No, but I did plan our final stop for Meryton. I meant to surprise you. The horses could rest, and you and Jane could see your mother and sister before we continue our journey.”
“Mama?” Jane sat up. “We are to visit Mama?”
“Yes, unless you would rather not.” His eyes darted back and forth between them. “We can bypass Meryton and stop at the next village.”
Elizabeth reached forward and took his hand. “This was incredibly thoughtful of you. Thank you. We should tell Mama in person. I am ashamed for not considering her.” He squeezed her hand in return.
“I thought of Mama.” They all looked at Jane who sighed. “I do care for my mother’s feelings, yet I feel guiltier about deceiving Uncle Gardiner than Mama. We were his responsibility, and he was left to tell Mama of our disappearance, pay for the investigators, then inform her of our death. He and our aunt have always loved us like their own children and were likely beside themselves with worry and grief. I do not mean to belittle my mother’s feelings, but my concern lay more with speaking to our aunt and uncle than Mama. I thought after speaking to them, I would request we travel to Meryton if no one else made mention of it.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath as she sat back in the seat. Their first day of reckoning would come sooner than she had initially planned, but her mother would not be as difficult. Mama would moan and complain of her nerves, but would, no doubt, forgive them—particularly when Elizabeth introduced Fitzwilliam as her betrothed. She only hoped Francis Bennet would not faint dead away upon hearing the happy news. She chewed on her lip. What if her mother began raving about Fitzwilliam’s wealth? She stiffened at the thought.
Something tapped her walking boot, making her jump. “Stop fretting,” said Fitzwilliam. “I remember your mother well.”
Jane nudged Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Perhaps we should purchase salts prior to our call.” After laughing at Jane’s comment, the carriage became eerily quiet as though they were to attend a funeral rather than resurrecting a loved one from the ashes.
The miles dragged by until they alighted in front of the Cross Keys inn. Fitzwilliam offered Elizabeth his arm, and they walked in the direction of Longbourn, though they stopped well before at a small but well-tended cottage at the edge of the village.
Her eyes roved over the façade, which boasted a newly thatched roof evident by the fresh straw colour of the reeds and sedge. “How do you know where they live?
“Your uncle told me of it the evening I learnt of your death.” She gripped Fitzwilliam’s elbow and shook her free arm in an attempt to dispel some of her nerves.
Richard unlatched the gate and held it open. “So, shall we go in or shall we stand here for the next hour or two and speak of the weather?” When they approached the door, Jane knocked then grasped Elizabeth’s free hand.
The door opened a crack and a familiar face peeked through before it swung the remainder of the way. “Miss Bennet! Miss Elizabeth! Oh! Bless my soul!”
“Hello, Mrs. Hill,” said Elizabeth. “I was not aware you stayed with Mama. Are you and Mr. Hill well?”
The housekeeper hurried them inside. “Yes, Mr. Hill and I are very well, thank you. I am relieved to see you young ladies hale and standing before me.” Her eyes flickered to Fitzwilliam and Richard before the latter requested they be introduced.
Jane moved to stand beside Mrs. Hill. “Mr. Darcy, you may remember Mrs. Hill? She was our housekeeper at Longbourn.” She held her hand in the direction of Fitzwilliam. “Mr. Darcy and my sister were lately engaged.”
The woman’s eyes widened to the size of horse chestnuts. “Thank the Lord I bought more salts this week.” She bent closer to Elizabeth. “You had best ensure your mother is sitting when you tell her the news. That way, you need not catch her when she faints.”
“Mrs. Hill,” said Jane who gestured towards Richard. “This gentleman is Viscount Carlisle, Mr. Darcy’s cousin.”
“My Lord,” said Mrs. Hill with a bobbed curtsey. “Let me show you to the parlour. I shall not introduce you since I am certain you will want to tell your mother yourself.” She opened the first door in the entry and held out an arm, gesturing for them to enter. Elizabeth and Jane shared a glance before her sister stepped inside with Elizabeth bracing herself before following.
“Hill, when will you bring tea? We always have tea at one.” Her mother never looked up from her needlework until she let her hand holding the frame drop into her lap. “Hill—” As soon as her eyes set upon her two eldest, she gasped then gaped for at least a minute before she swayed in her seat.
“Mama!” They rushed to their mother’s side and knelt at her feet. “’Tis truly us,” said Elizabeth. “We hid from Uncle Gardiner so he would not need to support us.”
When she still did not speak, Jane took the embroidery from her and clutched her hands. “Mama, will you not say something?”
“Your uncle said you were dead. When I first saw you, I thought you had come to take me.”
Elizabeth’s hands joined Jane’s. “No, we are not dead. Unfortunately, we did lead Uncle to believe us to be. We are terribly sorry for causing you pain, but Uncle could not afford to support us all, regardless of how he wished he could.” Elizabeth waved Fitzwilliam and his cousin inside the room. “Mama, do you remember Mr. Darcy?” No matter what she and Jane said, with the exception of the one sentence, her mother sat in stunned silence. Her sister shrugged at the uncharacteristic behaviour. Was this to be the extent of their visit? Surely there had to be some way of snapping her from this stupor.
She stood, wrapped her fingers around Fitzwilliam’s arm, and held out her hand to show off a ring Fitzwilliam had given her to mark their betrothal. “Mr. Darcy asked me to marry him. Is that not wonderful.”
At the mention of his name, Richard stepped beside Fitzwilliam and bowed. “Mrs. Bennet, ’tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Her mother blinked, looked to Fitzwilliam, then to Richard. She extended an arm and pointed at Elizabeth’s hand. Elizabeth held it out as her mother peered down at the ring. When she lifted her head, she still appeared dazed until without warning, she clasped her hands together. “Thank heavens! We are saved! Hill! Where is that tea?” She began waving a handkerchief that appeared out of nowhere. “Oh! What a good girl you are? And so clever!” Her mother stopped flapping the bit of muslin long enough to wink in an overdramatic fashion.
Elizabeth’s eyes bulged. What? Oh Lord! Her mother could not possibly be implying—
“I suppose he is marrying you because you are with child. Of course, every gentleman wants an heir.” Richard began coughing as though he were choking. “At the assembly, they said his income was ten-thousand pounds!” She enunciated Fitzwilliam’s income. In that moment, Elizabeth wished to shrink to the size of an ant, if such a thing were possible. “Ten-thousand pounds! And so handsome! Oh! I shall go distracted. Where are my salts? Hill! Hillllll!”
Elizabeth turned her head into Fitzwilliam’s arm and closed her eyes. Her mother thought she hid to become Fitzwilliam’s mistress. She would die of shame.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said Fitzwilliam, “I was as shocked as you when I discovered your daughters were alive. I loved your daughter when I stayed at Netherfield three years ago, but I never declared myself. I meant to when I happened upon Elizabeth visiting my estate with her aunt and uncle a year later, but they departed Derbyshire before I could propose. The Gardiners told me of her disappearance when all was for naught. When I found her last month, I decided I could not rest until she was my bride. I would never make her an improper offer. I beg you not to insult either of us by implying otherwise.”
How Elizabeth wanted to take his face in her hands and kiss him most improperly! Her mother’s mouth opened and closed before her jaw snapped shut.
Fitzwilliam’s body shifted slightly and a kiss was bestowed to her temple. “I love you,” he whispered near her ear. “We shall be gone for London soon.”
Elizabeth lifted her head to meet his eye. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Bennet began to fan her handkerchief once more. “Then I suppose you have come for Jane,” she said looking to the viscount. “Oh! I knew she could not be so beautiful for nothing. A viscount! Hillllll!”
Mrs. Hill bustled in with the tea service, set it on the table, then wafted a small jar of salts before Mrs. Bennet’s nose. Their mother flinched and began shaking that ridiculous scrap of cloth.
“Mama,” said Jane, “where is Kitty?”
“She went to visit my sister. She was supposed to return before tea.” She turned wide eyes on her callers. “You will stay for tea, will you not?” She began spooning the crushed leaves into the pot until with a swift movement, she looked at Jane then Elizabeth. “Why do you stand there so? And why are you still wearing bonnets? Sit!” She giggled as she continued her preparations. “Lady Lucas will be so jealous. I will have Mr. Darcy and very likely a viscount for sons when she has only Mr. Collins.”
Jane sat upon the small settee. “Has Maria never married?”
“She is betrothed to the youngest Goulding boy.” She gave a sniff. “He is a cleric.”
“A cleric is quite respectable,” said Elizabeth.
“He is no viscount nor is he worth ten-thousand a year.” Their mother pressed her palms together as if she were praying. “Lady Carlisle.” The words were said in almost a reverent whisper. “How well that sounds!”
“La! The two of you have been alive all this time? What a joke!” The entire room pivoted to Kitty who stood in the doorway. “And Mr. Darcy? What is he doing here?”
Mrs. Bennet nodded her head in Elizabeth’s direction. “He and Lizzy are to be married, and Jane marry Lord Carlisle.” The last was said reverently and with dreamy eyes aimed at Richard, who stepped back and stood half-way between her mother and the door, as one might do when considering a swift escape.
“We are not even courting, Mama.”
“Oh!” She gave a dismissive flick of her wrist. “You are as good as married. I am certain of it.”
Kitty skipped to the window and plunked into the closest chair. “If Jane has returned, then I need not live with Uncle Gardiner as she can live with them and help with the children.” Elizabeth had hoped Kitty had matured without Lydia’s influence, but her hopes seemed to have been in vain.
Mama exhaled dramatically. “No, you will go. Your uncle can afford you much better than me, and with your sister’s betrothals, you will be thrown into the paths of rich men. ’Tis a shame you aren’t as agreeable as Lydia or beautiful as Jane, but look at Mary. If she can capture a man of reasonable wealth, so can you.”
Elizabeth gripped Fitzwilliam’s arm, her fingernails digging into the wool of his topcoat. “We should be returning to the inn. The horses will have been changed by now.”
“I am sure they have.” Fitzwilliam took her mother’s hand and bowed. “Pray, forgive the brevity of our call, but we did want to inform you of the good health of your daughters in person.”
“Mama, we are to dine with our aunt and uncle this week. We plan to tell them then,” said Jane as Richard helped her stand. “We would appreciate you not write to Aunt of our visit for the time being.”
Their mother huffed and flattened her lips. “But I may tell the local families?”
Elizabeth suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “Yes, you may.”Her mother allowed a smug smile and clasped her hands, her shoulders lifting with the motion. “Lady Carlisle! How well that sounds!” Was that Jane who had groaned?
So, was Mrs. Bennet’s behavior mortifying? I bet Jane and Elizabeth think so!
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