Page 4 of The Marriage Game

The weeks flew by as the Darcys prepared to leave Pemberley. There was much to be done and their days were busy, but they finally arrived at Darcy House on an icy January day.

They were greeted by Mr. Taggart, the butler. “Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley, welcome home. There is a fire in the drawing room and a tea service will be ready in mere minutes.”

“Is Daisy here?” Elizabeth asked. “And Cathy and Hendersen?” The personal servants had been sent on ahead, along with a good number of trunks.

“They arrived about two hours ago, Mrs. Darcy.”

The housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins, appeared and curtsied, a smile on her face. “Welcome! Your trunks are even now being unpacked, and there are fires in your bedrooms as well, of course.”

“Good,” Mr. Darcy said, handing Taggart his overcoat and hat. “A warm fire and tea would be very welcome.”

The party moved into the drawing room and sat as close to the fire as possible. A tea tray arrived, and Mrs. Annesley had Georgiana pour for everyone. It was good for her to practice, as she might well be pouring tea for her suitors before long!

Mr. Taggart entered the room; bowing, he proffered a silver tray to Elizabeth. “This just arrived for you, Mrs. Darcy.”

“Heavens! Already?” Elizabeth exclaimed. Opening it, she read:

Dearest Sister,

We just arrived at Bingley House. Do let me know when you are in Town!

Jane

Elizabeth moved to the small writing desk that was tucked into the corner of the drawing room and composed a reply.

Dear Jane,

We have just this minute walked into Darcy House. Everyone is exhausted! Perhaps you could visit with us tomorrow?

Lizzy

I would love to see Jane now, she reflected. But I am in no humour to contend with Caroline just yet!

***

Dinner that night was a quiet family affair. Mrs. Annesley watched Georgiana sip her soup from the side of her spoon, and smiled approvingly.

“Mrs. Annesley, I see you watching Georgiana; may I ask that you correct me if I do anything that is – well, not quite right?” Elizabeth asked.

“I will certainly do so if that is what you wish,” Mrs. Annesley replied. “But you seem to have a natural elegance, Mrs. Darcy. I have never seen anything improper in your dining habits, or in any of your behaviour, come to that.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Mrs. Annesley, I thank you. I have done many improper things, I assure you, but I am happy to know that my aunt’s instructions as to cutlery have your approval.”

Georgiana was interested. “What improper things have you done, Lizzy?”

“Oh, climbed trees, played at sword fighting with the Lucas boys, all sorts of things. My mother quite despaired of me! Oh, and there was this three-mile walk from Longbourn to Pemberley that was frowned upon mightily, even by your brother!”

A bit flustered, Mr. Darcy said, “No, indeed, I told Caroline Bingley that your eyes were brightened by the exercise.”

“No wonder she hates me!” Elizabeth replied, laughing.

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy gazed at one another for a moment, love shining in their dark eyes.

Yes, Georgiana thought, watching them. I want someone to look at me like that!