Then her expression altered.
“Though you are now Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, you must still attend the Mortons’ ball.”
Darcy’s brows drew together. “Must we, Aunt? The marriage announcement shall appear in every paper tomorrow. Is that not sufficient?”
“No. Do you wish it whispered about town that you married a milkmaid and now keep her hidden away in shame?”
He released a sigh. “No, my lady.”
She turned back to Elizabeth. “You are free to enjoy your husband’s many charms today, Elizabeth, but beginning tomorrow, we shall commence our morning calls.”
“Must she begin tomorrow, Aunt Helen? Can you not spare her another day?”
“Very well, son. You may keep her for two days, and afterward she shall accompany me upon visits.”
Darcy said in a lowered voice, “Elizabeth shall remain at Darcy House with me beginning tonight, my lady. If it meets with your approval, Georgiana shall remain with you for a fortnight, and afterward I shall fetch her home as well.”
“Yes, I approve. But you shall bring Elizabeth to Matlock House each day at one o’clock so that we may pay our calls. After the Mortons’ ball, you shall depart for Pemberley and may keep Elizabeth entirely to yourself, but until then, I shall continue introducing her to those members of the ton who signify.”
His eyes met Elizabeth's, and amusement flickered across his features. He did not reply to his aunt's decree but said instead, "Shall I serve you a plate, Mrs. Darcy?"
He was smiling, and Elizabeth noted that even his teeth were handsome, straight, and white.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy, I am famished.”
Darcy served their plates, and once he had settled into the chair beside his aunt, she said, “Nephew, would you consider attending a soirée this Friday evening? Lady Sophia is hosting another musical gathering, and I should like Elizabeth included. Many persons of status and influence shall attend.”
He offered a mock shudder.
“You need not fear embarrassment there, sir. You are now a married man and need not converse with anyone you do not wish to. I ask only that you escort us so that I may introduce Elizabeth to persons of consequence.”
"Aunt, I am afraid not, for I shall be very busy attending to Mrs. Darcy. Grant us a reprieve of at least two months, dear Aunt. We shall be at your service in time for Lord Morton's ball, but after that, Elizabeth and I intend to devote ourselves to one another. We shall dine quietly at Darcy House and spend as much time together as possible."
Chapter 45: Newlywed
Jenny packed Elizabeth’s trunk, and afterward Richard had it conveyed to Darcy House.
Now, an upstairs chambermaid unpacked it while Elizabeth considered what she ought to wear to dinner, her first within her new luxurious home with her striking husband. She selected a heavy silk gown, the color a deep blush damask rose, with its matching wrap. She carefully laid out a pair of fine silk stockings and matching slippers.
She should have engaged a lady’s maid as Lady Helen instructed, but amidst all the lessons, fittings, and preparations for her entrance into the ton, the matter had gone unattended.
“Ruby, I shall wear this gown and wrap to dinner. Please have them pressed and ready, and send up hot water for my bath.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The maid rang the bell, and when a footman appeared, she requested the hot water. Once the trunk had been unpacked, the servant drew out a shallow metal bathing tub and placed a screen around it.
“Martha shall bring up the water, Mrs. Darcy. I am going to press your gown, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Ruby.”
Elizabeth seated herself before the mirrored dressing table and began removing the pins from her hair. She had only partially finished when a tap sounded upon the door.
“Come in.”
She continued taking down her hair. She heard the door open, yet no one entered or addressed her. She turned to discover who was there.
Mr. Darcy stood on the threshold watching her.
