Page 55 of To Love And To Cherish (Pride And Prejudice Variation #3)
Elizabeth stood with patient composure, submitting to a second fitting for her evening gown while Miss Gibbs and Lady Helen debated the precise set of the bodice.
The fabric, an ethereal silvery-blue, draped with daring grace about her figure, and she grew uneasy as the modiste lowered the neckline to reveal more of her décolletage.
“Lady Helen,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on the looking glass, “am I mistaken, or have I been dressed for Covent Garden?”
Lady Helen’s lips quirked. “My dear, it is merely fashion. You must grow accustomed. Nothing less would be tolerated in Town.”
Miss Gibbs nodded in agreement. “Rest assured, Mrs. Darcy, you wear it better than most. And when I dress your hair, you will be every inch a diamond.”
Elizabeth gave a half-laugh. “A reluctant diamond, perhaps.”
Two weeks passed thus: dress fittings, morning lessons in navigating introductions to members of the peerage, instruction in the finer points of etiquette required by the ton, and endless social counsel from Lady Helen, who presided over their days with benevolent authority.
Georgiana, ever docile and eager to improve, thrived under the guidance.
Kitty bore it gamely, if somewhat bewildered, and was granted a single ball gown for Elizabeth and Darcy’s upcoming celebration.
Elizabeth admired her sister’s cheerfulness and did her utmost to ensure Kitty felt included and elegant.
At last, the gowns were ordered, trunks packed, and travel to Longbourn imminent.
Darcy wrote to Mr. Bennet announcing their marriage and inquiring whether they might be received at Longbourn, as Netherfield had been let.
Mr. Bennet’s reply was prompt and affable.
Elizabeth also wrote her father privately: Should my mother conduct herself ill, we will depart the very next day; but if she treats me with civility, I hope to remain for the week.
They set out, Darcy, Elizabeth, and Kitty, leaving Georgiana in Lady Helen’s care to complete her shopping. Miss Gibbs remained in Town to assist.
When the carriage drew up to Longbourn, Elizabeth’s breath caught at the sight of both parents standing on the threshold, and to her astonishment, her mother greeted her with smiles and even embraced her.
“My dear Lizzy!” cried Mrs. Bennet, all warmth and propriety. “What a fine-looking couple you make!”
Elizabeth blinked in surprise but responded affectionately. “Thank you, Mamma.”
Mr. Bennet’s expression was wry as ever, but his eyes were tender. “Welcome home, my Lizzy, and you too, Mr. Darcy.”
Once trunks were unloaded, Darcy’s coach and most of the servants were sent to the Red Lion, the only inn in Meryton. Only his valet remained at Longbourn, lodging discreetly in Mary’s former chamber.
The party refreshed themselves and changed out of their travel dress before gathering in the drawing room for tea.
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet began, “how long did it take to journey south from Scotland?”
“We travelled south at a gentle pace, stopping to fish or see the local sights, and were fortunate in the weather. There was some rain, of course, but nothing impassable.”
“And you paused at Pemberley?”
“Yes. We collected Kitty and my sister, Georgiana. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley send their regards. They expect to move into their new estate by early February. It lies but eight miles from Pemberley.”
Mrs. Bennet beamed. “Lizzy, Kitty wrote that you helped her select a wardrobe for her visit to Hunsford.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “Miss Gibbs, my maid, assisted us; she formerly attended a lady of fashion and possesses excellent taste. Kitty will be well dressed, and her gowns fitted to perfection.”
Mr. Bennet set down his teacup and looked to his daughter.
“Elizabeth, did Mr. Darcy tell you he has settled three thousand pounds upon Kitty and Lydia each? And persuaded Bingley to do likewise? Moreover, neither gentleman has accepted your portions of your mother’s dowry, which shall also benefit your two youngest sisters. ”
Elizabeth turned to her husband, her eyes shining. “Fitzwilliam.”
His face darkened with a blush that reached his cheekbones. “It was my pleasure, Elizabeth. Your sisters are now mine as well.”
“Bless my soul,” Mrs. Bennet cried, her voice unexpectedly soft, “this means everything. I thank you with all my heart.”
Kitty added with a grin, “Now I truly have a chance with Mr. Daniel Grant. Thank you, Mr. Darcy, with all my heart.” Tears sprang to her eyes.
Elizabeth laughed. “Only remember, Kitty, if Mr. Grant proves an Addlepate, you are promised a London season and we shall find someone more worthy.”
Soon after, the Lucases arrived, followed closely by Mrs. Long and Mrs. Goulding.
Warm congratulations were offered all around, and Elizabeth, though still somewhat incredulous, observed her mother with a mixture of astonishment and relief.
Mrs. Bennet comported herself with grace and good humor, speaking of her daughter’s advantageous match with pride and not a trace of impropriety.
That alone would have been enough to astound Elizabeth, but the goodwill appeared genuine.
When an opportunity presented itself, Elizabeth drew Charlotte quietly aside.
“Charlotte,” she said in a low voice, “Mr. Darcy has seen to it that I have an entirely new wardrobe. As you may recall, Papa had purchased several day dresses and evening gowns for my travels to Scotland. Some are unworn. I brought all that wardrobe with me, in case you might find some among them suitable for your visit to Hunsford. There are two riding habits as well.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Truly, Elizabeth?”
“We are of similar height and coloring,” Elizabeth continued. “If they suit, you are welcome to them. And if not, perhaps Maria might find use for one or two. I packed them in a trunk, which Mr. Hill can deliver to Lucas Lodge later today, if you like.”
Charlotte’s expression lit with pleasure. “Elizabeth, I should be delighted! We share similar tastes in style and color, and I am certain they shall suit with only minor alterations. And what a kindness, thank you.”
“There is more,” Elizabeth said, leaning in conspiratorially.
“Jane has sent along two of her evening gowns and one ball gown, all in colors that will flatter you well. While I am here, I should like to experiment with your hair. You wear it too severely, my dear. I would see you make the best possible impression on the widower Mary wrote of. First impressions, as you know, can be everything.”
Charlotte flushed. “I agree. This may be my one chance to attach a respectable man. I shall not argue with you about my hair.”
“Come tomorrow,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Between Alice and me, we shall find something more becoming. You remember how beautifully she always did Jane’s hair.”
“Oh yes,” Charlotte said, eyes gleaming. “Alice has a gift. She knows how to make a woman look her very best.”
Then, with an earnest squeeze of Elizabeth’s hands, she added, “Thank you, Lizzy. This is true generosity, from you and from Jane. I shall not forget it.”
That evening passed pleasantly, and the next morning found Darcy’s carriage ready to convey the ladies on their calls. Mrs. Bennet was in high spirits, and Elizabeth bore her mother’s pride with equanimity.
In the afternoon, Darcy rode out on Rowan while Elizabeth visited her father in his study. The familiar scent of dusty books and pipe tobacco made her smile.
“Papa,” she began, “I scarcely know what to make of Mamma’s conduct. She has been altogether kind.”
Mr. Bennet looked up over his spectacles.
“We had a conversation, she and I. Your mother now sees that the match she once wished for Jane would have ruined her life, and she is grateful for your intervention when Jane was just a child, and again with Mr. Bingley. Thanks to you, her favorite daughter is a very happy woman. And when I told her that Mr. Darcy pursued you to Scotland and married you there, she was thoroughly impressed. The marriage settlements sealed the matter.”
“She has forgiven me?”
“She sees you as a dutiful daughter, and, more importantly, as the wife of a very wealthy man.”
Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears.
“Papa... I must ask a favor. Fitzwilliam has agreed, but it must come from you.” She drew a breath.
“Will you transfer Lydia’s guardianship to Mr. Darcy?
I wish to take her from school and keep her with us.
She and Georgiana are of an age and would be good companions.
If anything were to happen to you, I do not want Mamma deciding Lydia’s fate. ”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes welled. “Yes, Lizzy. I agree, this would be in Lydia’s best interests. I shall speak to Mr. Phillips and have it drawn up.”
Elizabeth rose and embraced him, Thank you, Papa.”
At the end of the week, with the guardianship and marriage settlement documents signed, Elizabeth and Darcy returned to London. As the carriage passed Oaken Mount, Elizabeth stared out the window, her heart full.
Darcy drew her close.
“You are quiet,” he murmured.
“I am a very contented woman, only a little melancholy just now,” she replied, resting her head on his shoulder. “But far happier than I ever thought to be.”
He held her close as the countryside slipped by, carrying them home.