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Chapter Thirty-Three

March 9, 1812 Montrose House Elizabeth

L ady Montrose descended wearily from the carriage, and Elizabeth followed close behind. She, too, felt the strain of the journey. They had stopped only once to refresh the horses before continuing on to London. The coachman had pushed the horses to maintain a brisk pace. The weather remained a touch too cold for comfortable travel and all aboard had longed to reach town as swiftly as possible.

They arrived at Montrose House before tea, to Elizabeth’s relief and quiet delight. Much asshe loved Longbourn, the cook in her new home possessed rare skill, and she had missed his delectable dishes. Once they changed out of their travel-worn garments, Elizabeth and her grandmother retreated to the drawing room and rang for tea.

When it arrived, Elizabeth poured for them both, adding a generous amount of sugar and cream to her own. She inhaled the aroma of the house blend with contentment before taking a sip.

Darcy had returnedto town ahead of them, having left Netherfield early that morning on horseback. He had told Lady Montrose that he had business with his solicitor, but Elizabeth knew he meant to meet with Mr. Browning regarding their situation. She hoped he would have news to share when he next called.

She slept soundly that night, her head resting on a feather pillow, and buried beneath her now-familiar coverlet. By morning, her grandmother’s strength would be restored, and together they would visit Bond Street for gown fittings. Then would come meetings with the florists, the cook, the housekeeper…the list was long. The very thought of it made her tired.

After breakfast, they left the house. Jameson accompanied them, ostensibly to carry packages. He also carried a pistol, however, should any protection be required. They went directly to Madame Dubois’s modiste shop, where one of the attendants quickly led them to the fitting room.

“It turned out perfectly, my dear.” Lady Montrose stood at Elizabeth’s shoulder, their reflections side by side in the mirror. “I have never seen a gown more suited to a young lady.”

“You are required to say so, because I am your granddaughter,” Elizabeth teased.

“I assure you, child, if you put on something wholly unsuitable, I shall not hesitate to tell you.” Lady Montrose gave a dignified sniff, then smiled and slipped an arm around Elizabeth’s waist. She rested her head against her granddaughter’s shoulder. With Elizabeth standing on the pedestal, the gesture was easily made, and Elizabeth leaned into her in return.

“I believe the sleeves need to be gathered here, and here.” Madame Dubois appeared with pins in hand, expertly adjusting the fabric until the sleeves lay more smoothly and the puffed shape was gently reduced. “A little fullness at the shoulder is all this gown needs. The embroidery is exquisite, is it not?”

“Yes, it is absolutely lovely. Could we add a gold ribbon at the sleeve hem? Lady Montrose asked, gently fingering the spot. “It may help the line lie better.” Lady Montrose fingered the spot and turned inquiringly to the modiste.

“Indeed, your ladyship, that is quite possible. I shall see it done and deliver the finished gown for a final fitting in two days. Will that be acceptable?”

Elizabeth listened with only half her attention. Her thoughts had drifted to Darcy, and she imagined him seeing her in this gown—the heated look that would appear in his eyes drew her in. Never before had she felt so beautiful, nor so truly part of the world into which she had been cast. Jewels and other accoutrements would complete the ensemble, but Lady Montrose had kept those a surprise. She meant to present them to Elizabeth on the night of the ball.

The rest of their busy errands were completed, and upon returning home, they collapsed in the parlor and called for refreshments. Thankfully, the morrow promised a day of rest. Elizabeth knew she needed it.

When Wednesday arrived, they remained at home to receive callers. Elizabeth would rather have hidden in her chambers, but she dutifully joined Lady Montrose in the parlor during calling hours.

Ladies trickled in and out, each staying no more than fifteen minutes and saying nothing of consequence. Mrs. Norton called, and Elizabeth conversed with her amiably for half an hour. The lady seemed genuine, and Elizabeth thought a friendship might be possible there.

Just as the hour drew to a close, another guest arrived. Elizabeth suppressed a groan and summoned a polite smile as Morton showed the lady in.

“Jane!” Her smile broadened at once and became genuine. She rose and embraced her sister warmly. Stepping back, Elizabeth examined her. “You are positively glowing!” “Marriage agrees with you. I did not expect to see you until June!”

“Surprise!” Jane laughed. “Lady Montrose arranged it all. Charles and I are to attend your ball. You could not possibly face the ton without someone from your family!”

Elizabeth turned to her grandmother, choking back a sob. Lady Montrose wore a smug grin which turned into a fond smile as her beloved Elizabeth hugged her tightly. “This is the best surprise I have ever had. Thank you so much.”

“Caroline and Sir James will attend as well, though she was not free to call with me today. Tell me, have you been much occupied with preparations?”

“More occupied than I should like.” Elizabeth huffed and crossed her arms. “Do you know, I have not read a single book in a month?”

Jane gasped in mock horror. “No! That is not like you at all. No wonder you are at your wit’s end.” They both laughed, and Elizabeth silently vowed to read something—anything—the moment all the chaos ended.

“This ball makesme wonder whether I am suited to society,” Elizabeth admitted quietly. “How am I to manage a lifetime of this if oneevent exhausts me so?”

“This is hardly a small affair, my dear. I have invited everyone of note. Even Prinny received an invitation, though it remains uncertain whether he will attend. Once you are Mrs. Darcy, you may host as many guests as you please. Many ladies holdonly one or two large events each year and keep the rest of their engagements small with intimate guest lists.” Lady Montrose patted her arm in reassurance. “It is rather a lot, I confess. But never fear. In two days, it will all be behind you.”

It brought her little comfort, but she smiled and thanked her grandmother all the same.

Jane departed, reminding Elizabeth that she and Bingley were just a few minutes away on Charles Street should she need anything.

After her sister’s departure, Elizabeth found herself stewing, wondering why she felt so out of sorts. At last, she realized the cause. It was Wednesday, and she had not seen Darcy since their arrival in town two days prior. She missed him…and the quiet strength he always brought.

“You are rather dull this evening, my dear,” Lady Montrose observed after the meal. “Tell me, you would not be meditating on a tall, handsome gentleman from the North, would you?”

Biting her lip, Elizabeth nodded.

“Well then, write to him! You are betrothed, after all. I had assumed you understood you were free to exchange letters. Go on—invite him to dine tomorrow. You will need cheering after your fitting. I have never known a lady so disinclined to purchasing new gowns.”

“It is not the new clothing I mind; it is being forced to stand still and wait to be stuck with a pin.” Elizabeth rose at once and crossed to the writing desk to pen Darcy a note.

Dearest Love,

My, that sounds rather silly, does it not? No matter, for you are my dearest love, and I must be certain you know it. I miss you so! Though it has been but two days, I long for your presence. I know that business has occupied you, and I hope to hear all about it when you come for dinner tomorrow.

My grandmother bids meextend the invitation, and so I shall. Pray, bring Georgiana. I have not seen her in an age. We shall be a small party, but I do not repine at that. Intimate gatherings are my preference.

Send a reply with Jameson.

Yours,

Elizabeth

The note was dispatched to Darcy House, and not ten minutes later, she held his reply in her hand.

My dearest Elizabeth,

I have neglected you most shamefully, and shall rectify that at once. Georgiana and I are pleased to accept your invitation to dine on the morrow. I shall call a little early with her, that we might discuss the business which has kept me so engaged these last weeks.

Visions of you fill my dreams, and I long for the day when we shall never be parted unless we choose it. You are everything to me, and I thank Heaven for the day we met, for never did I imagine I would be so fortunate to win your regard. All else pales beside it.

I know you are anxious for answers. I beg you to wait just a little longer, and we shall speak of all in person.

Yours in love and affection,

F. D.

Her heart warmed, and a sense of peace settled over her. She could wait a little longer for answers…and for him.

The following afternoon, Madame Dubois arrived for the final gown fitting, her assistant in tow. Elizabeth stood before the large bedroom mirror and gazed admiringly at the exquisite creation. The women in the room all breathed admiringly at once, prompting a round of giggles from Elizabeth and the assistant.

“ C’est magnifique,” Madame Dubois said with satisfaction. “Mark my words, ladies all over London will be clamoring for a gown in this style.”

“It is a work of art,” Elizabeth agreed. “There are no words to express how pleased I am.”

The gown was carefully removed and hung in the wardrobe before Madame Dubois and her assistant took their leave. Elizabeth looked at the time and groaned. Darcy would not arrive for nearly an hour.

The time passed quickly, however, and the Darcys arrived just before four. They would stay through the evening, and Elizabeth was determined to savor every moment in their company.

Georgiana made her way to the pianoforte at once and began to play after receiving a pointed look from her brother. He then joined the ladies, prepared to speak of his ‘business.’

“Browning has had no success locating our man,” he said grimly. “No one enters or leaves the house, and we still have no idea who we are even looking for. The guilty party could be any number of people.”

“Let us set it aside until after the ball,” Elizabeth said sensibly. “We shall take proper precautions, and I shall be quite safe.”

“And then we can put the entire matter behind us,” Lady Montrose added. “Perhaps by then, Mr. Gardiner’s offer will have reached Mr. Winters, and we can turn our attention to more pleasant matters.”

After dinner and tea, Elizabeth bade a reluctant farewell to Darcy and Georgiana, wishing she and her betrothed might have had more privacy so that he could bestow something more than a kiss to her hand.

That night, dreams of a happy future danced in her mind as she slept. Though she had not yet seen Pemberley, Darcy’s descriptions had painted a vivid picture of the house and its grounds. She imagined long walks on his arm, and quiet evenings spent in his company. Georgiana would, of course, reside with them, but there would be ample time for themselves. Their suite of rooms, he had said, would be perfect for hiding from the world. And should they ever desire more privacy, they might retreat to Marston Hall, another ideal location—and just twenty miles away.

Soon, she thought as she drifted into slumber. It will not be long now.

Winters

He had evening attire prepared, purchased hastily since he could not go to his house. The Montrose Ball was the most talked-of event in town. In various disguises, Silas had visited his club, Bond Street, Gunter’s, and other establishments, gathering gossip. Everyone spoke of Lady Elizabeth Montrose. Lady! How had he failed to learn she had inherited everything? It was not fair. She no longer needed the business now, so why demand such an exorbitant sum for its purchase?

Donning his waistcoat, Winters selected a fine gold watch and fob, secured them, and reached for his coat. It hung a little loose—necessary since he did not have a valet. He pulled on his polished boots, and settled his hat upon his head.

For fortitude, he drank as much brandy as he dared. He could not afford to lose his faculties. The alcohol lent him courage, and he added a full flask to his pocket.

His plan was simple. He would sneak into the house through another door, eliminating any who stood in his way. All the servants would be occupied with the evening’s preparations, so he was confident that he could slip inside unnoticed. Once within, he would mingle with the crowd, remaining hidden in plain sight whilst he waited for his moment to strike. Yes, tonight would be a night to remember.