“I feel the same, my love. Now, we will go in and speak to your mother and sisters, and let them rejoice in our happiness. If you wish, we can delay any confrontation with your father until just before we depart for Pemberley.”
Elizabeth smiled gently up at him. “I am not certain yet what I wish to do. As you say, we will speak to my mother and sisters first, then see if my father even deigns to appear. If he truly regrets his actions, he will seek me out; if not, he will remain hidden like the coward he has always been. Before we leave the area, I want to speak to him. Perhaps he will offer an explanation for his actions that I can understand, though I doubt that will be the case. But we shall see, my love, and allow his behaviour to be our guide for today.”
As Darcy helped Elizabeth down from the carriage, the front door flew open, and all five remaining Bennet ladies spilled onto the doorstep, their eager expressions brightening at the sight of Elizabeth and her husband. Jane, usually so composed, rushed forward, her hands outstretched, and enveloped Elizabeth in a fierce embrace. Her voice trembled slightly with joy as she pulled back, studying Elizabeth’s face with an affectionate smile.
“Elizabeth, I am so happy to see you!” Jane exclaimed, her eyes shining. She turned to Darcy, offering a warm smile. “And you, Brother—if I might call you so—I am delighted to meet you properly. Though we barely spoke at the assembly, Elizabeth’s letters have told me so much. It is evident you have brought her great happiness.”
Darcy inclined his head, his usual reserve softened by genuine warmth. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. Elizabeth has brought me more joy than I ever thought possible.” His eyes met Elizabeth’s briefly, a tender look passing between them before he turned back to Jane.
At that moment, Mrs. Bennet stepped forward, her voice brimming with excitement. “Come in, come in, both of you! I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have a daughter married—and to such a wealthy, handsome gentleman! Mr. Darcy, we are all so pleased to welcome you into the family.”
Elizabeth winced slightly at her mother’s unguarded enthusiasm, but Darcy merely smiled graciously. “Thank you, Mrs. Bennet,” he said. “It is an honour to be a part of your family.”
As they entered the house, Kitty and Lydia nudged each other, their eyes darting towards Darcy with mischief. Mary hung back,eyeing him with reserved interest, her book clutched tightly against her chest.
“Mr. Darcy,” Lydia piped up with a giggle, “it was so scandalous of you to steal Lizzy away as you did! But so romantic—pining for her all those years after you were separated. I cannot imagine waiting so long to marry. Why did you not simply find another bride?”
Elizabeth gave Lydia a warning look, but Darcy responded with calm sincerity. “Because no other would have suited me,” he replied, his gaze softening as he looked at his wife. “Elizabeth has always held my heart. Once we were reunited, neither of us could bear to be parted again.”
Lydia’s eyes widened, delighted by the romance of it all while even Mary looked momentarily intrigued. “Oh, how thrilling! All that time, you were thinking only of Lizzy!”
Darcy looked at the young girl and was reminded of his wife’s concern about her. “Perhaps our choice to elope was unwise, but there was no doubt in either of our minds that we were meant to be together. However, I would advise you to not follow our example in this. Not only is an elopement considered to be scandalous, but it leaves the woman in danger. She leaves her father’s protection and puts her faith in a man without the benefit of a settlement or even an assurance that he will, in fact, marry her. Elizabeth knew me well enough to know I would take care of her, but not all women who elope are as fortunate.”
Mrs. Bennet clutched her handkerchief, dabbing at imaginary tears. “Oh, Lizzy, to have such a man devoted to you! It does a mother’s heart good. Mr. Darcy, to think of Pemberley itself one day welcoming little ones!”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed. “Mama, truly, there is no need to dwell on such things yet. We are happily settled, and that is enough for now. Other things will come in their own time.”
But Lydia, with a sly smile, added, “Oh, come now, Lizzy, you know what Mama means. You have a grand estate and an adoring husband—it seems only right to fill it with children.”
Darcy smiled, his expression warm but restrained. “Miss Lydia, some matters are best left to time and fortune,” he said lightly, squeezing Elizabeth’s hand with a gentle promise.
Sensing her sister’s embarrassment, Jane gently intervened. “Come, let us have our tea. Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, we cannot wait to hear all about your wedding and your trip to London.”
Grateful, Elizabeth gave Darcy a small, appreciative smile, relieved by how gracefully he navigated her family’s exuberance. They each took a seat in the parlour where refreshments were already waiting for them, and soon, everyone had a cup of tea.
“Lizzy, is that dress a part of the trousseau your new husband bought for you?” Mrs. Bennet enquired. “I imagine you visited one of the finestmodistesin London. How pleasant it must be to have such a person design your gowns.”
“Actually, this dress was made by my aunt Gardiner’s favourite dressmaker. Yes, I had a few gowns commissioned on Bond Street, but most of my wardrobe was designed for me by my aunt via the post. She recalled enough of my tastes and, after receiving my measurements from the dressmaker in Lambton, near Pemberley, was able to order many things I would need,” Elizabeth replied.
“Why would you not have had all your dresses designed on Bond Street? Your Aunt Gardiner has not seen you in many years;surely the dresses she ordered could not be fine enough for your new status. But,” Mrs. Bennet halted, examining the dress her daughter wore carefully, “I suppose this is very fine. The material seems quite fine, and it does suit you well. Still, I would think you would have wanted your new wardrobe to match your new status.”
“Elizabeth looks lovely in everything she wears. My aunt, Lady Julia, admired her new clothing and was delighted with the workmanship. She even accompanied my wife and sister to Mrs. Gardiner’s dressmaker a few days ago and ordered several things for herself,” Darcy replied.
Mrs. Bennet was taken aback by that and for several moments was silent as the other girls asked questions about their time in London.
“When will you take us to London, Lizzy?” Lydia asked, garnering her mother’s attention again.
“Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy, you must take all your sisters to London soon. You must introduce them to other rich men. Lizzy, you will spend the Season in London, will you not?” Mrs. Bennet asked loudly and without thought of how she was interrupting other conversations in the room.
“We will depart for Pemberley early next week,” Elizabeth answered calmly. “My husband and I wish to spend our first Christmas together at our estate. We have not made any definite plans, although it is possible we will return to London for a few weeks in the spring.”
“Not participate in the Season?” Mrs. Bennet cried.
“We may participate briefly, but, as I said, have yet to make any definite plans. When we travel to Rosings for Easter, we mightspend a fortnight or so in London then. But this year, we will not host any of our sisters for the Season since my goal would be to establish myself in society if we are to attend,” Elizabeth replied.
Mrs. Bennet scowled at her most obstinate daughter. Though she knew now was not the time to press the matter further, she hoped Mr. Darcy might be more amenable to her requests. After all, her own husband usually relented when she asked often enough; perhaps the same approach would prove effective with her new son.
Chapter Thirty-One
