Page 73 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
Elizabeth and Georgiana paid a visit to Lady Helen the same day that Charlotte’s letter had been received at Darcy House. The three women sat in the drawing room of Matlock House, drinking tea and making plans.
A shadow fell across Lady Helen’s countenance. “My dear, if I find Abby Stanton suitable, I fear that Phillip will resist a visit to the country during the height of the season.”
Elizabeth was not concerned. “Fitzwilliam will contrive some reason to bring him to Pemberley. My greater fear is that you will not find either of my friends suitable, and then we must begin again. I shall start looking around me in Derbyshire. Perhaps there are eligible young women there I have not yet discovered.”
Lady Helen placed a hand on hers. “You need not trouble yourself. I believe Abby will be one of my daughters-in-law. You have been generous in your description of her, and I have already fallen in love with the young woman.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Very well, Aunt Helen. We shall see what you think of Abby.”
The Countess said, “I am packed and ready to depart on the seventh. My dear, I am panting for a breath of fresh air and the peace of the countryside. London has begun to close in upon me. I long for Matlock, for real trees, fresh air, good-natured people, and for both of my sons to be married.”
That night, as Elizabeth lay with her husband, she shared the latest developments with him. His arm was under her neck, and the other draped over her waist.
“So, the house party is taking shape?” he asked.
“It is,” she replied. “Charlotte has accepted, and the Stanton sisters will arrive in July with the Bingleys. I hope very much that one of my friends will suit your cousin.”
Darcy shifted slightly. “I do not even remember the Stantons. If they are as beautiful as you say, why do I not recall them?”
She laughed in the darkness. “One of two reasons, Mr. Darcy. Either none of the residents of my neighborhood were high enough for the great Fitzwilliam Darcy, or you were enchanted by a certain Bennet sister and had eyes for no other.”
His chuckle resonated deep in his chest. “Elizabeth, my cousin is a wealthy, titled man, and his standards are fearfully high. I hate to discourage you, darling, but he is even more particular than I when it comes to finding a suitable wife.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for your considered opinion, but my friend Abby is clever and beautiful. Her twin sister will likely not suit your cousin, for Anise is quiet, though perhaps she may do for one of the other eligible men in the neighborhood.”
“Elizabeth, how came you to be involved in match-making for Phillip? Surely it is none of our concern.”
Elizabeth kissed the hollow beneath his ear.
“Your aunt dragged me into it, darling. Phillip declared to his mother that he would only marry a woman who resembled me in character. Your aunt asked whether I had any unmarried sisters, or, failing that, any friends who were raised with values similar to mine and who resembled my personality.”
Darcy gave a short, dissatisfied grunt. “I cannot say I find that very reassuring, Elizabeth. I had no notion my cousin was so taken with you. Ought I to be jealous?”
She trailed kisses along his jaw, then pulled his lower lip into her mouth. When she moved over him, he groaned. “Darling, there is no reason for jealous fits. Surely you know how much I love you?”
He looked at her as though spellbound. His voice was low, almost pleading. “Show me, Elizabeth… show me how dearly you love me.”
A shiver passed her lips in a soft sigh, and she bent to him with all the warmth of her heart. The hour that followed was spent in convincing him beyond doubt.
May seventh was clear and dry, and the Darcys departed London just after breakfast. Their main carriage, large and finely appointed, carried Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Lady Helen in comfort.
Behind them followed a second carriage with the valet, Elizabeth’s maid, and the trunks.
Mr. Darcy rode alongside on his grey hunter.
They made good time through Hertfordshire and, by midday, turned off the main road toward Lucas Lodge.
Charlotte had been ready since morning. She wore a new forest-green travel dress, while her matching bonnet and pelisse hung on a peg near the door. Lady Lucas had been sitting at the front window for two hours when she suddenly cried out, “They are here!”
Charlotte ran to the window and watched as the large carriage drew up, followed closely by the second, smaller conveyance. A groom took Mr. Darcy’s horse as he dismounted, and moments later, he opened the carriage door and handed Elizabeth down.
Mother and daughter waited at the open door, smiling. Elizabeth held out her hands. “We are here. My dear friend, are you ready to begin your adventure?”
Charlotte laughed. “You always used to say that very thing just before you dragged me into some scrape.”
Elizabeth looked impish. “Yes, like the time we followed the boys into the pond in a rowboat that leaked? Sir Lucas had to come and rescue us.”
“And how about the time we climbed into the bull pen?” Charlotte looked baffled. “How did we survive into adulthood?”
Lady Helen and Georgiana stepped from the carriage and now stood beside Elizabeth, who made the introductions.
Lady Helen inclined her head gracefully. “Miss Lucas, I am glad to meet you. Elizabeth has been eagerly anticipating this holiday. I am happy you were able to join us.”
Charlotte curtsied. “Tea is ready. Will you come in?”
While the travelers drank their tea and then retired to refresh themselves, Charlotte’s trunk was secured. Farewells were brief, and the Darcys and their guests resumed their journey to Derbyshire.