Page 33 of Suddenly Married

Elizabeth was greatly impressed when they at last arrived at Darcy House.

The residence was spacious and situated in the most exclusive quarter of London.

Their journey had taken nearly three days, yet they had encountered no difficulties along the way.

Relations between Mr. Darcy and herself had improved; in recent days, he had been more affectionate and seemed desirous of being in her company at all times.

She did not resent his attentions—on the contrary, she found her husband to be a well-educated man with whom she could converse upon any subject.

Upon entering Darcy House, she saw the staff assembled in the hall.

Mr. Darcy formally introduced them to the new mistress of the house.

"Mrs. Darcy, this is your home in London.

I sincerely hope you will like it, and I wish you to know that you may make any changes necessary to feel that this house is truly your own.

" Mr. Darcy sought to please his wife in all matters, save the one she truly cared for.

Elizabeth found his remark ironic; for her, no matter how splendid a house might be, it could never be a home if she could not receive her family there.

Yet she knew she could not broach that subject, and so she merely replied, "Thank you, Mr. Darcy; the house is beautiful as it is.

" He then showed her the mistress's rooms and informed her that, after dinner, Georgiana and he would conduct her through the rest of the house.

When left alone, Elizabeth immediately wrote to her uncle Gardiner, requesting that he come to fetch her.

She had not informed anyone of her intention to attend Mary's wedding, wishing to surprise her mother and sisters, and so she begged her uncle to keep her arrival secret.

Once she had finished the note, she instructed the butler to deliver it at once to Mr. Gardiner's warehouse in Cheapside.

With the wedding but three days away, she had no time to lose.

The following morning, Mr. Darcy rose early and departed after breakfast, saying he had business to attend to.

In truth, he went to collect the jewels he had commissioned for Elizabeth.

The past week had been the happiest of his life.

Since Elizabeth had finally confessed her love for him, he believed she was emerging from the grief occasioned by her father's sudden death.

Now, he thought, nothing stood between them.

He hoped her days with her family would be agreeable, though he feared the discomfort their want of proper manners might cause her.

They were, in all likelihood, still at Longbourn.

Wishing to remain uninvolved in any matter connected with them, he had instructed Mr. Gardiner to contact his solicitor upon finding a suitable property.

Mr. Darcy intended to purchase it and provide Mrs. Bennet with an allowance.

Though displeased by Elizabeth's secrecy, he knew he would openly express his opinion should she speak of matters he deemed unacceptable—for disguise of any sort was his abhorrence.

Thus, while he did not think the plan ideal, he concluded that keeping her relatives at a distance was the best means of avoiding quarrels about them.

When Mr. Kane delivered the jewel set, Darcy was satisfied with the workmanship and eager to see his wife's reaction.

Elizabeth was in the drawing room with Georgiana, conversing and finishing the embroidery on several handkerchiefs she intended as gifts for her relations.

She could not purchase presents, for they would not accept anything that came from Mr. Darcy or his money, and she respected their wishes.

"Are those handkerchiefs for my brother?

He loves you so dearly that I believe he would prize anything you gave him.

Even if they were the ugliest handkerchiefs, he would think them beautiful," Georgiana laughed.

Elizabeth hesitated, unwilling to admit they were for her mother and sisters, lest Georgiana ask questions she could not answer.

"No, they are not for your brother." Georgiana feared she had offended her and apologised at once.

"Please forgive me, Lizzy; I did not mean to imply that your handkerchiefs were ugly.

" "I know, Georgie; please do not trouble yourself," Elizabeth replied, taking her hand to reassure her.

From Pemberley to London, Georgiana had observed Elizabeth's unusual quietness.

Normally so lively, she seemed now serene to the point of reserve, though her brother appeared not to notice and was merely content to have her near.

At that moment, the butler entered with a note and a small parcel for Elizabeth.

She read her uncle's message first: My dear Lizzy, What a delightful surprise to know you will attend Mary's wedding and spend a few days with us.

I shall be waiting outside Darcy House at ten.

Do not worry, my dear; I shall not tell Fanny or your sisters that you are here.

After reading it, Elizabeth excused herself and went to her room to examine the package.

It contained her father's favourite book, and she could not help shedding tears.

Alongside it was a note from her brother-in-law.

'Oh, Lawrence, you are the best brother I could have.

' At that moment, Mr. Darcy entered, carrying a case.

"My dear, I wish you to open this present, which I purchased for you with all my love.

" Elizabeth longed to be alone to study her father's book, knowing he had made notes in the margins.

Reading them would be a way to feel close to him once more.

She accepted the case and opened it without surprise, for she had already guessed its contents—a set of gold and diamond jewels of great value.

"Thank you, Fitzwilliam; they are beautiful and elegant.

In the future, when we attend social events, I shall be pleased to wear them.

" Without further comment, she placed them upon her dressing table, then returned to her chair near the window and resumed her contemplation of her father's book.

Such a reaction was far from what Mr. Darcy had anticipated.

He was intrigued—and somewhat vexed—that an old book could command her attention more than a gift from her husband.

A maid entered timidly. "I beg your pardon, madam, but the housekeeper requires your attention.

" She had not known Mr. Darcy was there and feared she was intruding.

"Thank you for reminding me. Excuse me, Fitzwilliam; I shall return shortly.

" "Do not trouble yourself; I understand.

" When Elizabeth left the room, Mr. Darcy took up the book.

It was an old edition ofThe Divine Comedy, the initials T.B.

stamped in gold upon the cover. "Thomas Bennet?

… Dante?" As he opened it, a note slipped to the floor.

He stooped to retrieve it and read: Dear Lizzy, It makes me very happy to give you this gift.

I know you will love this excellent old book.

I hope you enjoy it very much. Yours, Lawrence 'Who is this man who addresses you with such familiarity, Elizabeth?

'Mr. Darcy thought, scarcely able to contain his anger.