Page 73 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)

A s Elizabeth had left her coach for Charlotte’s use, William offered his coach and escort back to Oakfield the next morning, and she was pleased he agreed to stay to sit with her and Charlotte while they began to enquire of her friend what she would like to do following Elizabeth’s wedding.

They sat around the fire in the sitting room, and Elizabeth glanced around contentedly.

While she had not been here very long, she knew that her decision on the lease had been well-made.

She had learned a great deal, especially regarding the movements of even the lower gentry outside the normal expectations of their status.

She just hadn’t anticipated that she and William would ever make a match.

If she could go back four or six months, she would take the step of changing the name she used and becoming a respectable young widow.

She smiled out of the window. On reflection; no, she probably would not.

While the rumours of scandal had been distressing, she might never have learned of William’s love for her.

Perhaps he would never even have found her here; how would he have known to look for a Mrs. Powell?

When they were settled down with the tea tray in front of them, Elizabeth glanced at William, taking comfort from his steady support beside her.

“Charlotte, I feel guilty in a way that all these changes are coming so soon after we have settled here, but …”

Her friend interrupted her. “Eliza, you could not have known this would happen. I am delighted for both of you. Please, please do not feel guilty on my behalf, I would not have missed this experience for anything.”

Elizabeth pressed Charlotte’s hand. “I thank you.” And she turned to their companion, sitting quietly and unobtrusively in the corner.

“Mrs. Bailey, would you leave us for a few minutes, please? Mr. Darcy wishes to speak to Miss Lucas. But after that, when he has left, then I would like to request that you return. There are decisions to be made and they will of necessity include asking your opinion.”

The woman nodded and smiled faintly, then collected her sewing and left the room.

Once they had settled again, William spoke. “Miss Lucas, it is obvious that Oakfield has thrived under your care, and I am grateful you have been here to take that concern from Elizabeth so she could concentrate on her extraordinary talents and do what she loves.”

Charlotte blushed a little, and looked questioningly at Elizabeth, who smiled.

“Mr. Darcy is aware that I am a tradeswoman.” She laughed as he flinched slightly, and touched his arm.

“I am sorry, William. I forgot you are not used to being teased yet. And you may be reassured, I will never use the word away from those who already know.”

“I must confess that is a relief to me,” he gave her a soft look, before he straightened.

“Miss Lucas, I must return to town. I will leave Elizabeth in your care, but I do want you to know that whatever you decide of Elizabeth’s suggestions — or your own — I will welcome it and be pleased for you.”

Charlotte rose to her feet. “I thank you, Mr. Darcy, and I look forward to Eliza’s thoughts on the matter.”

Elizabeth jumped to her feet, too. “I’ll see you to the coach, William.”

She looked across at her friend. “Charlotte, do you want to talk first and then call Mrs. Bailey down, or would you like us all three to talk from the beginning?”

Out at the coach, William lifted her hand to his lips. His murmur was just for her. “I love you, Elizabeth, and hope you will feel able to return to town very soon. I will miss you exceedingly from the moment this coach rolls away from the house.”

She sighed happily. “There may be some changes to be made here, my love. But I will miss you, too, and it is not too far for one of us to travel to see the other.” She touched his face. “I love you dearly, and I will write tonight and tell you all that has been decided.”

He smiled down at her in such a way that her legs went weak, and she leaned against him for a moment more. Then he squeezed her hand. “Courage, dearest. We will see each other again soon.”

Back in the house, Elizabeth explained what changes her marriage would make to the ladies. “Charlotte, you have been my greatest friend, and I have loved the few months we have had here. I would not change a thing, except that …”

“You never thought you might meet someone who loved and respected you, which allowed you to trust in them enough to fall in love,” Charlotte finished.

“Well, yes.” Elizabeth felt her cheeks warming. “So, after the wedding, which is not for more than six weeks, I will not be here so much, if at all.”

“I am surprised you are waiting that long to marry.”

Elizabeth knew she blushed again. “We do not really wish to, but have decided that if we show there is no urgency to the ceremony, people may understand that the rumours are without basis.”

“That is a good idea,” Charlotte nodded thoughtfully. “So you will be staying here until then?”

Elizabeth nodded. “I will be marrying from Longbourn. Will you stand up with me? I would be so honoured if you would.”

Her friend looked bemused. “But, will you not ask Jane? Or even Miss Darcy?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I expect Jane will be happier sitting next to her husband, whispering to him about their own ceremony; and I have not even met Miss Darcy yet. How could I be comfortable with her? Especially as I have heard she is very shy. I would love it if you will consent to stand up with me.”

“Then, thank you. I will.”

Elizabeth beamed. “Will you stay at Lucas Lodge, or would you prefer it if you stayed at Netherfield? Many of the wedding party will be there, although the Gardiners will be with me at Longbourn.”

“I will go back to my family. It will only be two nights, won’t it?”