The gossip about the new Mrs Darcy was mostly positive, and most in attendance at the theatre were pleased with what they saw. Of course, not everything had been positive, but Elizabeth had been well-received among Lady Matlock’s friends. Those she met the previous night thought her rather pretty and well-spoken and had been pleased with the affection between the pair. A few who remembered the elder Darcys also recalled their uncommon love and were pleased to see the younger Darcy found the same.
This was discussed far longer than the gentlemen would have liked, and when they began to squirm uncomfortably, they were sent away to allow Lady Matlock to share some final wisdom with her new niece. “There is nothing to worry about tonight, Elizabeth. I have not invited anyone here who will attempt to discompose you. You and Fitzwilliam will lead off the first, and my husband will dance the second with you. My sons will take the third and fourth.”
After issuing her orders to the family, Lady Matlock escorted Elizabeth into the ballroom to join the gentlemen. Within a few minutes, their first guests were announced, and Elizabeth and Darcy took their place in the receiving line next to Lord and Lady Matlock. The Gardiners arrived early, accompanied by Jane. When the Warwicks arrived, after greeting their hosts and the newlyweds, they went over to stand with the Gardiners and spoke for a time with that couple. Jane and Viscount Tremont stood slightly apart from the other couples, and Viscount Tremont requested the first set from Jane.
“Thank you, Viscount Tremont,” Jane replied in almost a whisper. Jane had been nervous since entering with the Gardiners and was decidedly out of her element in such a grand affair. Soon, he was escorting her to the dance floor, where theylined up just behind Darcy and Elizabeth. While it was clear that the newly married couple enjoyed the dance and only had eyes for each other, Jane felt awkward and unsettled as she danced with the viscount and was unnerved by the many eyes that seemed to be watching her.
On the other hand, Elizabeth had never attended such a magnificent ball and enjoyed dancing with her handsome husband. She felt the eyes of the room on her, and Lady Matlock ensured she was introduced to many of those in attendance, but Elizabeth noticed only the admiration of her husband. She was aware of the effect she was having on him in this dress and delighted in teasing him as frequently as possible.
“You are a vixen, my dear,” Darcy whispered in their ear when they had a moment during the supper dance. “After two weeks of marriage, you know exactly what you are doing.” While his voice in her ear caused her to shiver slightly, still Elizabeth managed to laugh merrily as the dance once again separated and continued as she had been.
At the end of the evening, Lady Matlock pronounced it wonderfully successful. Elizabeth was introduced to selected members of the first circle and was well received, although a few young ladies cast jealous looks in her direction. There was nothing in her appearance to criticise; they all were forced to acknowledge that her dress was stunning. Many were surprised to see Darcy so at ease, especially when talking and dancing with his wife—and discovering the man possessed dimples was a shock to many. Those jealous ladies sighed once again that such a handsome man was no longer available, although even they had to admit he never smiled like that at any of them.
The next fewweeks were hectic for the couple as they attended various events, including balls and musical evenings, theatre performances, an opera, and several dinner parties. Lord and Lady Matlock often attended the same events, dragging Anne along. While the Gardiners attended fewer events, Jane frequently accompanied her sister and new husband, especially performances. At many of these events, they encountered Viscount Tremont, who spoke with Jane often, but he never called on her, nor did he ask her for more than one set at a dance. This confused the lady, but she was willing to wait to see what might develop. She acted too quickly with Bingley and was determined to guard her heart with Viscount Tremont. Nonetheless, she enjoyed his company and believed that she gained a friend at the very least.
As May turned into June, the Darcys prepared to depart for Pemberley. This was Elizabeth’s first season, and it had been exhausting. She had departed her home in late February, intending to be away for six weeks, and was returning almost four months later, having been married for slightly over two months. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley moved to Matlock House as Georgiana intended to visit her aunt for the summer to allow her brother and new sister to travel first to Pemberley for a visit and then further to the Lakes on a belated wedding trip.
Before they left, they called on the Matlocks to take their leave. “Anne,” Elizabeth began, “I enjoyed getting to know you during my stay in London. I hope you will write to me and perhaps visit us at Pemberley.”
“I would enjoy that, Elizabeth,” Anne said quietly. “We will depart for Rosings soon, and Uncle Matlock has assured me I will not be forced to stay there with Mother if I do not wish it.”
Elizabeth patted the shy girl’s hand. “I am so glad. Despite the air, London has been good for you—that and seeing a doctor who is not forcing various tonics on you,” Elizabeth said.
Lady Matlock reminded Elizabeth they would see each other in a few months. At her suggestion, Elizabeth and Darcy invited a few guests to a house party at Pemberley in September and planned a few hunts and a ball to show off the estate now that it had a mistress. Lord and Lady Matlock recounted parties at Pemberley when George and Anne Darcy were alive, and Darcy and Richard, who had been too young to participate, shared tales of sneaking into the supper rooms and being caught by their nurses. Elizabeth laughed as she imagined her husband as a boy caught sneaking treats.
The morning they began their trip north, Darcy and Elizabeth woke early and ate a light breakfast before travelling to Gracechurch Street to collect Jane, who would accompany them to Meryton, before they continued north.
Darcy and Elizabeth were unsure of their reception at Longbourn and frequently found themselves distracted by their concerns as they approached Longbourn. Elizabeth’s infrequent letters from her mother and youngest sister were full of requests for dresses, ribbons, and other fripperies, whereas Mary and Kitty’s were more worrisome. Their letters spoke of fewer entertainments at Longbourn and fewer shops in town extending credit and more demanding coin. Mary was better at saving than her sisters and still had ready coin from her last allowance, but Kitty and Lydia exhausted theirs and had nothing to spend. Mrs Bennet had also used all of her personal income,and for once, Mr Bennet refused to advance her any. Her household accounts were also short, although she was unable to explain that, which meant the Bennets were entertaining infrequently, adding to the complaints Elizabeth received.
Darcy received a letter from Bennet the day before they departed, indicating he had a ‘business proposition’ to discuss with his new son-in-law when he arrived, which left Darcy and Elizabeth on edge. Elizabeth worried about what difficulty her father had made for himself and what he expected from her husband. The argument between the couple had been heated; Elizabeth demanded she be present for whatever conversation took place, and Darcy expected to meet privately with Mr Bennet. After much debate, he capitulated, and the couple made up with passion equal to that with which they fought, a fact that made Elizabeth laugh and quip, “If we always make up like that, it may be rather an inducement to argue than to agree.” Darcy laughed before kissing her again and pulling her back to him.
The carriage stopped outside Longbourn,and once the footman placed the step and opened the door, Darcy stepped out and turned back to hand out first Jane and then Elizabeth, taking her hand and placing it possessively on his arm to escort her towards the house. The five remaining Bennets met them at the door, the matron greeting them effusively.
“Mr Darcy, we are so happy to see you at Longbourn,” she enthused. “You are so kind to escort our dear Jane back home. We were ever so surprised to learn you were to marry our Elizabeth, although I cannot imagine you choosing her over mybeautiful Jane. Is your friend expected back in the county any time soon? We have missed the Netherfield party since you all left in November. Will Mr Bingley return to Netherfield soon?”
Darcy spoke quickly the moment Mrs Bennet drew breath. “I have not heard from Mr Bingley in some time, madam; I am unaware of his current plans. And as Elizabeth is quite the most beautiful woman I have ever known, I am inordinately proud to have her as my wife. I cannot imagine choosing another.”
Mr Bennet chuckled softly and took advantage of his wife’s silence to invite them into the house. Elizabeth noted his pallor and cheeks that were decidedly thinner than when she left in February. “Welcome, children,” he said as Darcy’s carriage driver began to move it towards the back of the house so the trunks could be unloaded. Lydia and Kitty danced around, behaving like children instead of young ladies, and demanded to see what gifts they would receive. Mr Bennet said nothing to them about their behaviour.
Mrs Bennet found her voice again. “Would you like to refresh yourselves first or join us for tea?”
Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other. “I believe we could use a few moments to refresh ourselves, madam,” Darcy said solemnly.
“Well, Lizzy, show Mr Darcy to the guest room; you can use your old room,” she told them. “I will have the servants place your things in your rooms.”
Elizabeth dared a look at her husband to assure him all would be well. She led him upstairs to the guest room, sneaking away momentarily to inform Hill that her trunks should be placed in the guest room with her husband’s. Her face was red as shesaid it, but Hill merely smiled and congratulated her on her marriage. “Do you know why Papa insisted we stay in London?” she asked the loyal servant.
“I have some ideas, Miss Lizzy,” Hill replied darkly. “But this is not the time to speak of them.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brow in question but allowed the housekeeper to depart, knowing she would make the arrangements requested, and returned to her husband. “Hill will ensure our things are brought to this room. I would not have minded staying together in my old room, but it adjoins Jane’s and is directly beside Lydia’s. I would not be surprised at Lydia or Kitty trying to listen to us if we were near them. At least here, we are somewhat isolated from the rest of the house.”
Darcy grinned rakishly at her. “Do you intend to give them something to listen to, love?” he enquired, laughing when she blushed brightly.
“Perhaps I should sleep in my old room,” she retorted, moving towards the door, but he pulled her back before she could take more than a step or two.
“No, love, I do not think I can sleep without you in my arms,” he teased as he pulled her into his arms. They remained in that attitude for several minutes.
Elizabeth sighed and pulled away slightly so she could look at him. “I have a feeling I will need your arms around me tonight. I will have to sustain myself with this embrace for now, William. I apologise in advance for anything my mother, sisters, or father do that is embarrassing. My family’s letters have been far from comforting, and I am still amazed that my father has not written to me at all in the last two months. I do not know whether Ishould be concerned or angry, although, I confess, he did not appear well when he greeted us.”
