Page 42 of Midnight at Pemberley

“No heart or no silver—either way, Wickham still is a problem we will face together. First, we are going to London to marry. My Aunt Gardiner will be quite surprised with this turn of events.”

“You understand you cannot tell her our secret, Elizabeth.”

“Do not worry. I will convince her we are marrying for love. You will show me proper attention before her?” Elizabeth asked coaxingly.

Darcy smiled. “It will be my pleasure.” He stood to assist her to her feet. “Georgiana will be surprised when I escort you to London.”

“She knows nothing of us?” Elizabeth asked with uncertainty.

Darcy admitted, “Georgiana knows there is someone. Mrs. Annesley, my sister’s companion, had a vision of Wickham’s deceit. Georgiana sent one of my men to find me at Netherfield. Fortunately, we connected on the road. Her note described you and the manor house. That was how I knew to come to you. Mrs. Annesley claimed you were my future. It seems the fine lady’s vision was accurate again. First, she saved Georgiana and now you. She has been an invaluable asset to my household.”

Elizabeth spoke with practiced cheer, but he recognized her underlying fears. “I am eager to claim a new sister and to extend my gratitude to Miss Darcy’s companion.”

“We will leave early tomorrow.” Things settled between them, they returned to the house. Privately, Darcy damned the inadequacy of his role as the bridegroom. Elizabeth deserved better. Although he could never give her a “real” marriage, he vowed she would not have regrets.

“William,” she caught his arm before they entered her home, “once we are married, we must reconsider everything we think we know of Wickham and of vampires. Some of your knowledge appears to be nothing more than inaccurate folklore. The jeweled crucifix affected Wickham, but it did not stop him from taking me prisoner. The silver sword injured him, but did not kill him. What we are doing provides protection. Yet it does not end the curse. We must combine our understanding and discover Mr. Wickham’s secret if we are ever to be free of this.”

Darcy’s tone was serious. “I have always taken great pride in holding myself aloof and never requiring another’s assistance. However, your suggestion makes sense. I have met Wickham’s attacks, but I never launched an assault. It appears I must act, rather than react.” He cupped his hand over hers. “I am not worthy of you, but I will make you happy, Elizabeth. That is my warrant to you.”

Chapter Eleven

MR. BENNET’S CARRIAGE PULLED UP BEFORE A SERVICEABLE TOWN HOUSE in Cheapside. Darcy recognized Elizabeth’s trepidation. There had been no time to prepare her aunt and uncle for the announcement of their marriage, and with her sister’s company, they had shared no privacy to discuss what they would tell her Aunt Gardiner.

As Darcy assisted both ladies from the carriage, their aunt and several children scrambled from the house to greet them. Both Elizabeth and Jane affectionately hugged each of the children and showered their aunt with affection. However, the woman visibly stiffened when her gaze fell on him.

“Aunt Gardiner,” Jane began, “I am confident you recognize Mr. Darcy.” The woman presented a quick curtsy before she turned her attention on Elizabeth. “Mr. Darcy, this is our aunt, Mrs. Gardiner.”

Darcy bowed. “Mrs. Gardiner, I am pleased to claim your acquaintance. Elizabeth speaks so fondly of you.”

“Elizabeth?” Mrs. Gardiner’s voice was tight.

Elizabeth caught her aunt’s arm to steer her towards the door. “Yes, Aunt, I am ‘Elizabeth’ to my dear William. Mr. Darcy has seen me to London, for we are to marry in a week. Papa has provided him with permission for me to marry and acknowledged there are no impediments. He has signed over his rights to Uncle Gardiner for the services. Mr. Philips did all the paperwork for my father and mother. His seal is on the documents.”

Mrs. Gardiner halted their progress. “You jest, Lizzy!”

Elizabeth turned to the woman again. “I do not, Aunt. Mr. Darcy and I will marry, and I wish you to be happy for me.”

Mr. Gardiner joined them in the front foyer. “Who is to marry?” He offered Jane a quick kiss on the cheek.

Elizabeth possessively claimed Darcy’s hand. “I am to marry, Uncle. This is my betrothed, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

Mr. Gardiner glanced suspiciously to his wife before saying. “Mr. Darcy, welcome, Sir. Please, join us in the parlor. We must learn of Elizabeth’s happiness.”

Darcy escorted Elizabeth as they followed her family. Mr. Gardiner directed them to a settee, and when the civilities were complete, an explanation was required.

“Papa sent a letter explaining everything.” Jane produced the note for their uncle.

Mr. Gardiner placed it in his pocket. “I will read my brother Bennet’s version later. What I require now is a few words from Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”

“As Aunt Gardiner knows, at Michaelmas, Mr. Darcy came to Netherfield Park with Mr. Bingley, and our relationship began. We have grown exceedingly fond of each other.”

Mrs. Gardiner demanded, “Lizzy, are you in love with Mr. Darcy?”

Elizabeth blushed. Neither she nor Darcy had spoken of love. “Yes, Aunt.” Elizabeth’s voice was barely audible. “I have fallen in love.”

Darcy’s hand cupped hers where it lay between them. He lifted the back of it to his lips for a kiss.

“And you, Mr. Darcy?” her aunt inquired, astounded. “Do you love our Lizzy?”