Page 28 of Suddenly Married

Fitzwilliam Darcy was in his study when the butler entered and placed the mail upon the table by the window.

As was his custom, he divided the correspondence into three piles: Mr. Darcy's, Georgiana's, and Mrs. Darcy's.

Elizabeth's letters usually arrived bundled together every ten days without fail, as though someone was in charge of collecting and sending them all at once.

It had been nearly two months since their reconciliation, and he had resumed sleeping beside his wife without interruption.

Yet, with each passing day, he perceived her growing more distant.

In private, she remained affectionate, and in that regard, he had no complaint.

But it was no longer sufficient. In the first month of their marriage, he had been content merely to make love and sleep with her in his arms. Now, however, he longed to share more—to establish a deeper connection—and could not comprehend why such intimacy continued to elude them.

When Elizabeth saw the butler leaving her husband's study, she hastened to see if there was any correspondence for her.

Upon finding the pile of letters, she took them and went in search of Dante, intending to read by the lake.

Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, received a letter from Colonel Fitzwilliam and at once sensed its importance.

His cousin requested that he and Georgiana travel to Kent without delay, for Anne wished to see them and to impart something of great significance.

Mr. Darcy was intrigued. Since he was obliged to go to London to attend to certain business matters, he could conveniently continue to Kent for two or three days.

The difficulty was Elizabeth; he was reluctant to expose her to Lady Catherine after how his aunt had treated her.

Yet she might remain at Darcy House in London, and during those days, she could visit the modiste to have a new wardrobe made especially for her.

He would increase her pin money so that she might purchase whatever she desired.

He was also confident that the jewels he had commissioned from one of London's most exclusive jewellers would by then be ready.

He wished to surprise her with a beautiful gift, and perhaps they could attend the theatre or the opera if she were so inclined.

He was proud of his wife and desired that all should see them together, so they might know how beautiful and intelligent she was.

Mr. Darcy then went to speak with Georgiana, explaining that Anne wished to see them urgently, and that they should depart for London—and thence to Kent—in two days, if she were willing.

"Do you know why Anne wishes to see us so urgently, brother?

" Georgiana asked anxiously. She was well aware of her cousin's delicate health and feared that she might be gravely ill.

"I have no idea, Georgie, though I suspect it may concern Fitzwilliam as well.

" Mr. Darcy knew that Anne and Richard were contriving something, and he had his suspicions as to what it might be, but preferred not to speculate with his sister.

"And what of Lizzy? I cannot imagine she will wish to go to Rosings.

" "I shall ask her to accompany us to London and remain at Darcy House while we are at Rosings.

We must return within a fortnight in any event, for I have much to attend to here at Pemberley.

The construction of the new bridge and a dam to contain the northern part of the river must begin at once.

" Mr. Darcy continued conversing with his sister for a few more minutes before concluding, "I believe I ought to speak with Elizabeth now.

I shall see you at dinner, Georgie." With that, he went in search of his wife.

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Lawrence had spent much of the day shut in his office with his assistant, discussing a business proposal presented by the solicitor of Baron Reginald Fleming.

It appeared that Lord Fleming was in serious financial difficulty and in urgent need of funds.

Someone had likely informed him that he might obtain a considerable profit, within a reasonable time, by investing with Lawrence.

Lord Fleming had twice invited Lawrence to his home; he was a courteous gentleman, possessed of agreeable conversation, and Lawrence had enjoyed his company.

His wife, however, was not as amiable as her husband.

Lady Isabella was much younger, undeniably beautiful, yet frivolous.

A large portion of Lord Fleming's financial distress was attributable to her; he was deeply enamoured of his young wife and sought constantly to gratify her by granting her every desire.

She, however, had married him solely for his fortune and title, and seemed to take little genuine interest in the man himself.

Jane was happy in her new home. She had been allowed to decorate it entirely to her taste; her husband assured her that he trusted her judgment and wished her to feel perfectly comfortable in her surroundings.

More than four months had passed since Mr. Bennet's death, and she was resuming activities she had been unable to pursue during the period of deepest mourning.

She was no longer obliged to wear only black, and she could now attend certain social gatherings.

That day, her husband had been invited to dine at Lord Fleming's house, and she was to accompany him.

"Are you certain you wish to come with me, my dear?

It is more of a business engagement, and I would not have you feel obliged to socialize if you are not yet ready.

" "Part of my new life is to accompany my husband to social events—unless you would prefer to go alone," replied Jane with a smile.

"You know very well that I always wish to have you by my side, my dear and beautiful Mrs. Clark.

" "That was a perfect answer, Mr. Clark.

You are a clever husband," Jane returned, kissing him lightly on the cheek.

Lawrence was content. At last, he could present his wife, and everyone would see how well satisfied he was with his new life.

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