Richard followed behind with his mother and cousin, grinning broadly behind his cousin’s back and exchanging a knowing glance with his mother. Elizabeth was good for his dour cousin. Since his uncle’s death, his cousin was too serious, having been saddled with the care of a much younger sister, a large estate and all that it entailed, many investments, and some smaller properties. He was viewed as a prize stallion amongst thetonand was sought after by many, not for himself but for what he possessed—his wealth and position in society. This hardened him, making him wary of people and even more reticent in company than before his father’s death. Darcy often worried about raising expectations to the point that he paid no lady any attention, and his demeanour put off all but the most intrepid fortune hunters, like Caroline Bingley, who pursued Darcy relentlessly. Too often, friends like Bingley turned so they could get what they could out of him, which left Darcy even more closed off and disillusioned.
They were quickly seated at Darcy’s end of the table so the five of them could converse easily. Lady Matlock asked Elizabeth about her home, family, and accomplishments. It felt intrusive when Lady Catherine asked these same questions; however, Lady Matlock’s questioning was gentler and made her seem interested in getting to know Elizabeth rather than evaluating her and looking for areas to criticise.
“Since you and Darcy are courting, Miss Bennet, I would like to ask your father to allow you to stay with me for a time so I might introduce you to society before you become engaged,” she finally decreed. “I realise you may prefer to marry from your home, but it would be beneficial if you could spend some time in society first so you will not be wholly unknown when you marry. Darcy has always been reluctant to participate in too many events of theton,but he knows it is his duty. I will help introduce you around to make your entrance easier.”
Once again, both Darcy and Elizabeth coloured at Lady Matlock’s implications about the eventual path of their relationship. “Aunt, please desist from embarrassing Miss Bennet. She has accepted a courtshipwith me, but I have not yet convinced her to marry me and might refuse out of sheer stubbornness given your continued insistence on making the match,” Darcy scolded his aunt.
The Fitzwilliams laughed at his comment but kindly moved the conversation to a different topic. They discussed some events they would like William to escort Miss Bennet to during her stay in London. After several minutes, Elizabeth laughed and said, “Before we make too many plans, we should speak to my father. I should write him tonight to inform him of my removal to Matlock House after Lady Catherine’s accusations. Mr Darcy, could you send it express, perhaps along with a request of your own?”
He smiled at her. “I would be happy to do so, Miss Bennet,” he said. “What time do you think you could have your letter ready?”
“I am accustomed to country hours, and I dare say I will continue that even while in town,” she replied, smiling happily. “I am sure the letter will be ready by eight in the morning, and you could retrieve it any time after that.”
He grinned back. “I am the same and typically wake earlier than is fashionable in town. Aunt, may I bring Georgiana over early so we might break our fast with you, and I can arrange to send our letters to Hertfordshire?”
Lady Matlock agreed, and they finished dinner and returned to the drawing room, having decided to forgo the separation of the sexes with such a small party. Georgiana and Elizabeth played the piano; however, it was not long before Lady Matlock decided it was time for her and Elizabeth to leave.
Georgiana was disappointed to see Elizabeth go, as she hoped for more conversation that night with her new friend. Darcy was likewise disappointed Elizabeth was leaving his home, but he escorted her to the carriage, pressing a lingering kiss to her hand and caressing it before releasing her into the carriage, looking after her longingly.
Chapter Five
At the Matlock home, Lady Matlock escorted Elizabeth to an opulent bedroom. Despite the late hour, the lady followed Elizabeth into the room to engage Elizabeth in conversation about her nephew.
“Miss Bennet, I realise you have not yet accepted my nephew, but judging from the looks that pass between you, it will not be long. Tell me, however, what is it that attracts you to Darcy?” Lady Matlock asked in that direct manner she had.
“I did not always like Mr Darcy, in fact, I told you he insulted me before we ever met. However, I have seen how kind and caring he can be despite the fact that it is rarely bestowed. Had he asked for a courtship while we were still in Hertfordshire, I would not have agreed, but in Kent, he began to allow me to see the man he truly was. We have spoken about many topics, and I can see that he respects me and my opinions and seems to like me despite my faults. I think I can honestly say the same about him; I like him despite his faults,” Elizabeth answered just as directly.
Lady Matlock nodded her acceptance of these words and continued to speak with Elizabeth a little longer. When Elizabeth could no longerhide her yawns, Lady Matlock wished her a good night before heading to her rooms. Looking around while she waited for the maid to attend to her, she noticed that this house appeared to be decorated very nicely, although she much preferred the understated elegance of Darcy House. When the maid arrived, she assisted Elizabeth with her hair and clothing, and Elizabeth requested to be awoken by seven in the morning to bathe and dress in time for Mr Darcy’s arrival.
Elizabeth reflected on the events of the last few days as she sat down to write the letter to her father. She needed to explain how her opinion of Mr Darcy changed so completely in a matter of days. This was made more difficult as she did not know what Mr Darcy would include in his letter. After some reflection, she explained her changed opinion of her suitor, their conversations at Rosings, and his apology for his slight at the assembly. She did not mention the reasons for her early return to London but let him know she was currently staying with Mr Darcy’s other aunt, the Countess of Matlock, who wished Elizabeth to remain with her in London while she and Mr Darcy courted.
Elizabeth left the letter open on the writing desk until she could speak further with Mr Darcy. She blew out the candles by her bed and fell quickly asleep, dreaming of William.
William also wrote a letter to Elizabeth’s father that night, apologising for his poor behaviour at Netherfield in the autumn. He struggled with confessing his love for the man’s daughter while maintaining his dignity. Finally, he decided to explain his feelings and desire for a courtship leading to marriage with Elizabeth. He hesitated to share his aunt’s actions in Hunsford and left his letter unsealed so he could discuss it with Elizabeth in the morning. He was worried he might reveal too much or that Elizabeth might reveal a different story, and he wanted to consult with her to ensure their thoughts were being similarly expressed.
Darcy would have been surprised to learn that Elizabeth’s thoughts were identical. His letter complete, he requested his valet wake him early so they could be at Matlock House by eight the following morning. Soon, he was asleep and dreaming of Elizabeth.
The next morning, William hurried Georgiana to ensure theyarrived at Matlock House early enough to speak with Elizabeth before breakfast. At ten minutes past eight, the surprised butler, who had not been warned of their early arrival, led them to the breakfast room, where they found only Elizabeth. She blushed when she saw Mr Darcy and quietly greeted the siblings.
William and Georgiana quickly filled their plates and sat at the table on either side of Elizabeth. They spoke quietly for several minutes before William broached the topic of his letter to Mr Bennet.
“Elizabeth,” he said softly, “I need to speak to you before I finish my letter to your father. It was easy enough to make my request, but I was uncertain of what to say regarding your being at my aunt’s house in London and not at Hunsford. I cannot imagine what he will think about you being so abruptly removed from the parsonage or how he will respond to the steps I took to protect you. There is still the danger that my doing so might have compromised your reputation, especially if Collins or Lady Catherine have said something.”
She smiled. “I also struggled with that part of my letter and wanted to speak to you before it was sent. Would you read my letter and see if it matches yours? I do not believe we need to tell the whole story in a letter at this moment. I asked Charlotte to try and prevent her husband from sending a letter to anyone in Hertfordshire.”
He nodded, and she handed him her unsealed letter. He read it slowly, raising his eyebrows as he read about her changing feelings. Before he handed it back, he took her hand and placed a lingering kiss on her fingers. “Elizabeth,” he breathed, forgetting they were not alone in the room.
Georgiana cleared her throat beside them, but William was most surprised by the clap across William’s back from his uncle. “Well, William, I gather congratulations are in order?” he asked.
“Uncle,” he said as he quickly stood. “This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire, the young lady I am courting. Miss Bennet, I would like to introduce you to my uncle, the Earl of Matlock, Lord Henry Fitzwilliam.”
She stood when he did and curtsied to acknowledge the introduction. “Good morning, my Lord. I am pleased to meet you.”
“I am pleased William is courting such a beautiful young lady and, according to Richard and my wife, one who is ideally suited to him. I have heard only good things about you since my son returned from Rosings, and you should know that Catherine’s disapproval makes you that much more ideal to me,” the earl said before a flash of anger passed his face. “I apologise to you on behalf of my family for my sister’s treatment of you. I will be addressing her behaviour and her ridiculous claim of an arrangement while they were in their cradles between Anne and William with her very soon. We have told her it will never happen many times, but she seems to believe that if she says it often and loudly enough, William will eventually capitulate.”
Elizabeth smiled at that. “I do not hold you or anyone in your family, other than Lady Catherine, responsible for her actions. I appreciate and accept your apology on her behalf, however.”
“Still, I feel ashamed that my sister has behaved so poorly as to force her parson to turn a gentlewoman out of his home without concern about where and how she should go. Had my nephew not taken steps to protect you just in case, you would have been ruined in society and potentially injured or worse. What she did could have had much more significant and lasting impacts than it did,” the earl said, his face growing angrier as he spoke. “William, I am tempted to leave for Rosings to speak with her immediately.
