“How will we handle your going home, only to return immediately to London with us? What will your mother say about that?” Aunt Gardiner asked.
“You said that Mr. Bingley is joining you today, did you not?” Elizabeth turned to William.
“Yes, he will be arriving with his sisters and Georgiana this afternoon,” William replied slowly, wondering what Elizabeth was thinking.
“Well, we could invite Jane to come along to become reacquainted with Mr. Bingley. I will, of course, need to come as well because …” Elizabeth paused.
“Because I need help with the children while I am increasing,” Mrs. Gardiner supplied.
Elizabeth turned to look at her, grinning. “You are?”
“Yes, the newest Gardiner will be arriving sometime in the new year,” Mr. Gardiner said. “We had not planned to announce it just yet, but it seems like a good reason for you and Jane both to stay with us for a time.”
“Leave your mother to me, Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “We will ensure that both you and your sister are in London for the month of September. Although you may assume too much with Mr. Bingley, we will see.”
“I will speak to Bingley later this afternoon about Miss Jane Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said. “He has spoken of her several times on this trip north, and I feel certain he would like to become reacquainted with her.”
“But she was in London for months, and he never called on her!” Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed.
“I am sorry to say that he was never informed of her being in town. I think that Elizabeth has told you both of our quarrel in Kent, and this was one of the things we had argued about. I am not certain that Bingley has recovered from his admiration of Miss Bennet and had already planned to confess all to him while he was here at Pemberley,” Darcy admitted.
Elizabeth laid her hand on his arm and looked at him. He looked regretful, the Gardiners noticed, but Elizabeth just looked sympathetic and understanding. He patted the hand on his arm, and it was clear that there was an unspoken exchange between the two. This, more than anything else, helped to convince the Gardiners that this was the perfect match for their niece.
A few more details were exchanged, and it was decided that the letters would be posted—not sent by express so as not to alert Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth added a mid-October wedding date to the letters, and other details were added. The letters were sanded and sealed and sent to be posted. The Gardiners were ready to remove to Pemberley soon after, and as Mr. Darcy had arrived in his curricle, he asked for and was granted permission to escort Elizabeth to Pemberley. The trunks were loaded into the Gardiner’s carriage, and they all set off in that direction.
Chapter Four
William and Elizabeth took a circuitous route back to Pemberley. William was more talkative than usual, sharing details about Pemberley and its tenants that Elizabeth appreciated his sharing. He also pointed out some of the peaks that were visible from his estate and suggested outings to visit several of them. They arrived at the house after the Gardiners had arrived and as their trunks were being unloaded. William lifted Elizabeth down from the curricle, relishing the feel of her in his hands and his right to do so. His hands lingered briefly around her waist as she looked up at him, colouring slightly. Just as his head dipped toward her lips, they heard the sounds of carriages approaching at a distance.
They reluctantly stepped apart, and Mr. Darcy allowed the grooms to take charge of the curricle. “That looks like Georgiana’s carriage. They must have left early this morning,” he said. “Would you like to greet them with me or wait inside?”
“Do they know I am here?” she asked. “I am afraid Miss Bingley will not be happy to see me and will be even more aggravated when she learns I am staying here as a guest.”
“She will be even less happy when we tell her that we are engaged, my dear,” he said wryly. “But I want you to meet Georgiana before we tell her, so I guess we should wait to announce it until later. Please wait here with me, though. You will be the Mistress of Pemberley soon enough. And if Miss Bingley cannot accept that, she can leave. I invited Bingley for a visit, and the rest of his family merely tagged along anyway, as usual.” He grimaced.
“I love you, William,” Elizabeth said, laughing.
He beamed at her. “I love you, too, Elizabeth, but what made you tell me just now?”
“I just wanted you to know it before we face what I hope will be our biggest supporters, along with some of our biggest detractors. No matter what Miss Bingley says, you will know I am marrying you not for your wealth but for love,” she explained.
“If there was anyone less motivated by wealth and social standing, I do not know them, dearest,” William laughed before bringing her hands to his lips for yet another kiss. Straightening, he stated, “Miss Bingley certainly has no love for me, just for what I can offer her as the master of a great estate. She would change me and Pemberley just as quickly as she could manage it if she had ever gotten her claws into me. I am proud to have you by my side, my love.”
The carriages arrived, and the footmen opened the doors. William quickly approached the first carriage and handed out a lovely young lady with blonde hair and blue eyes. He gave her a quick hug before whispering a few words to her. She gasped and looked up at Elizabeth, who smiled broadly at her, causing Georgiana to smile shyly back.
Just then, Mr. Bingley hopped down from the second carriage and approached his friend, clapping him on the shoulder. “Darcy!” He cried in greeting. “Were you able to accomplish whatever took you away from us yesterday?” He lowered his voice. “Caroline was rather upset that you had deserted us like that.”
“Yes, I was able to accomplish what I came to do and more besides,” Darcy replied with a grin. “And I happened across Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her family who are touring the area and have convinced them to join our little house party.” He indicated Miss Elizabeth, who was waiting a few steps away. As Charles approached her, Darcy briefly greeted his other guests in a tepid fashion.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet!” Bingley cried as he approached the lady. “How fortunate that you are here at Pemberley.” He paused and said hesitantly. “How is your family?”
“It is good to see you as well, Mr. Bingley. My family is very well,” she replied.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy interjected, “may I present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“It is lovely to meet you,” Georgiana said shyly, her eyes on her feet. She glanced up. “I am pleased you will join us at Pemberley for a brief visit.”
“I am pleased to be here, and I am looking forward to getting to know you better, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said kindly.
