Page 57 of Moments Frozen in Time (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
“The gossip started by Miss Bingley has taken on a life of its own, and it is important that you spend time showing Elizabeth off, making it clear that you married your wife for love and not for other reasons,” Lady Matlock began.
“The modiste said that she would have nearly a dozen dresses finished by tomorrow. They need only slight alterations. Within the next se’nnight, she should have another two dozen finished; Elizabeth will only need to try them on to ensure the fit.
That is likely not enough for an entire Season in town, but we will make another trip to the modiste soon enough. ”
She turned to Elizabeth with a smile. “Your sister’s idea to have the Meryton seamstress send your measurements after Christmastide was inspired. When Miss Lydia arrives in town, I shall take her to the modiste myself and purchase her a gown in recognition of her perspicacity. ”
Pausing, she took several moments to study Elizabeth’s figure appraisingly. “There are one or two evening gowns amongst them, and with those ready, the two of you must make an appearance at the theatre first—then I shall see what can be arranged in terms of other invitations.”
Her gaze lingered a moment longer before she added, “The dresses are in the current style but cut just closely enough to show off her svelte figure. Anyone with eyes will know at once she is not with child. The presence of my husband and me at your side will give weight to your claim that this was a love match. And though I hate to say it, Catherine’s visit may actually prove useful.
It will offer a plausible excuse for why you wed in Scotland—I shall make it known that you have been courting Elizabeth for several months. ”
My aunt fixed me with a pointed glare. “I know your tendency, Fitzwilliam, to hide away in your study when in town and avoid nearly all society, but this Season you must make an effort to be sociable. You are a newly married man, and appearances matter even more right now.”
She turned to Elizabeth and then back to me.
“Take your bride to Bond Street so the two of you may be seen together in the shops. I have no doubt you will wish to visit Hatchards, but do remember she needs more than books—shawls, gloves, stockings, and other essentials. Stop at Gunter’s for ices whilst you are out, and make sure you are seen driving in Hyde Park during the fashionable hour. ”
“I intend to return to Pemberley not long after Easter, Aunt,” I said.
Unsurprisingly, she turned a withering glare on me.
“Not this year, Fitzwilliam,” she retorted.
“You will not leave before Derby Day. I am well aware that means remaining in town through June, but you must simply endure it—for your wife’s sake.
A prolonged presence in London will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that she is not with child. ”
Shifting her focus to Elizabeth, she continued making plans.
“Once we have dealt with Catherine,” she said briskly, “we shall begin planning a dinner party which I will host to introduce you to my circle. After that, you and Fitzwilliam will host your own here. Since your husband has scarcely entertained since his father’s passing, the invitation will be highly coveted—but we shall keep the gathering intimate. ”
She continued on in this vein for some time, outlining her social strategy with typical precision.
I tried to listen attentively, but my mind wandered.
If it were only myself to consider, I might have argued—but Elizabeth deserved every opportunity to establish herself.
These introductions would not only secure her place in society but also provide the connexions she would need when it came time to launch Georgiana—and, eventually, our own children.
After securing a promise they would arrive an hour and a half before Lady Catherine’s expected arrival—and extracting my word to send for her immediately should our aunt appear earlier—Lady Matlock finally took her leave when it came time to dress for dinner.
She and my uncle were due at a dinner party that evening, and she was determined to make full use of the occasion to speak of the excellent match I had made.
Jane immediately excused herself to her room, allowing Elizabeth and me a moment alone to talk.
This afternoon was the longest we had been apart since we wed, and as soon as Jane left, I stood to shut the door before moving to sit next to my wife.
Earlier today, I spoke with the Smythes to ensure that no servant entered a room with a closed door without first hearing a call to enter.
Before I did anything else, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her—deeply and thoroughly—until I felt the tension of the day begin to melt away.
When I finally drew back, my voice was husky with longing.
“Although I appreciate all that my aunt is doing, I find myself suddenly yearning for the cottage in Scotland where we were wed—where I could have you to myself without interruption or the need to be around other people.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Has today truly been so dreadful, Fitzwilliam? ”
“I have missed you,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose, then her cheek.
“I hate that, instead of simply enjoying the beginnings of our marriage, we are forced to parade about in society to prove ourselves—to convince them we married for love and not for some scandalous reason. Worse still, the rumours that necessitate this have been circulated by someone I once might have called a friend.”
Her fingers curled into my cravat, and the heat in her gaze stirred something deep within me. “Should I suggest to Jane that she dine in her chambers this evening?” she asked softly. “I believe she would understand if we wished to spend the evening alone.”
I laughed quietly, loosening my hold on her just enough to keep myself in check. “I hate to impose on her kindness—especially when the only reason is that I desperately wish to ravish my wife.”
Elizabeth smiled, unrepentant, though a faint blush coloured her cheeks. I leant back just a little, needing the distance if we were to finish this conversation sensibly. “How was your shopping trip today?”
“Your aunt is very generous,” she replied, her tone a mix of gratitude and mild reluctance. “Shopping with her was far easier than enduring my mother’s critiques, I must admit. Still…the gowns are not quite what I would have chosen for myself.”
She sighed, her fingers trailing down my lapel.
“But I cannot complain. Lady Matlock went to great lengths to ensure I have a wardrobe suitable for London. That kindness deserves appreciation, even if the colours and cuts are not exactly to my taste. When I go shopping again, I will be able to order gowns more suitable to me.”
“You received a letter from your Aunt Gardiner today, Elizabeth,” I told her, suddenly remembering the post that I had left in my study.
Elizabeth nodded. “I wrote to her that we were on our way to London and that she should write back to me at Darcy House. When would you be available to visit them at Gracechurch Street? I am looking forward to visiting my cousins. ”
I hesitated for only a moment. “Elizabeth, given the scandal presently surrounding us, I do not think it would do for us to visit Gracechurch Street,” I said slowly. “Invite your aunt and uncle here, but for now, it is best that you do not visit them.”
When Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, I raised my hand to stop her from speaking.
“This is not about me not wanting the connexion, Elizabeth; this is about appearances. Right now, it is for the best that you are not seen visiting that area of town. Once you are more established, and the gossip about us has abated, then we can visit them with more freedom.”