Page 65 of Midnight at Pemberley

“You may be right, my love. Perhaps all the Bennet sisters have such powers.” Elizabeth swatted his chest, and Darcy chuckled as he stepped away. “I will send Sally to assist with your dress. Wear one of your new gowns.”

“The emerald-colored one?”

“No one who beholds you this evening will forget your beauty. I will be considered the most astute gentleman for having carried away the brightest jewel of the country.”

Chapter Seventeen

ELIZABETH HEARD LAUGHTER COMING FROM THE DRAWING ROOM AS SHE approached the open door. She paused to catch her breath before making her entrance. The dress was cut lower in front and in back than any she had ever worn, and she was more than a bit exposed. The sound of her uncle’s deep, rolling voice drew her forward, and Elizabeth swept into the room. Conversation stopped when her family caught a glimpse of her.

Jane gasped. “Elizabeth!”

Her aunt said what they all were thinking: “You are dazzling.”

Elizabeth smiled, but she waited for the reaction of her husband. She turned to face Darcy, but the intensity of his gaze caused her to lower hers and look away. Darcy caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Mrs. Darcy, you look extraordinarily lovely.”

“Thank you, William.” She whispered, “As foolish as it may sound, I required your approval.”

“You have it and more, my love.”

“You look stunning, Lizzy,” Mr. Gardiner said as he kissed her cheek.

She beamed. “Thank you, Uncle.” Even so, she was very aware of her husband’s nearness. Instinctively, she blushed. And she was his. She had said so that very afternoon. Touch me—kiss me. I am yours. And she did not find the prospect as unappealing as she once thought.

“Supper is served,” Mr. Thacker announced from the open door.

Darcy led Elizabeth to the foot of the table, while he was seated at the head. Before taking his seat, he sent a footman to find Sheffield. Conversation flowed easily among those gathered. It pleased Darcy to note Bingley’s exclusive attention directed towards Miss Bennet. Elizabeth bubbled to Mrs. Gardiner about her first few days as Darcy’s wife. Mr. Gardiner consulted with Darcy on a new business venture he was considering. When Sheffield appeared at the door, Darcy motioned the man forward and whispered instructions to him. No one about the table took note except Elizabeth, who raised one eyebrow in curiosity, but all Darcy offered was a raise of his glass in her direction.

With the last course, Sheffield reappeared, slipping something into Darcy’s hand before bowing from the room. As they each finished the cheese and fresh fruit, all eyes fell on Darcy, expecting him to take the lead in their evening plans. He cleared his throat. When he spoke, his eyes rested on his wife. “Mrs. Darcy and I thank you for sharing our evening. As we are all expected at the theatre soon, we will not retire to the drawing room. I thought, perhaps, to lead you on a tour of Darcy House before we depart.”

“Yes, please!” Jane said. “Mama will expect a full report upon my return.”

Mr. Gardiner added, “As we will accompany you to Longbourn, it would be beneficial to give a like account to my brother Bennet.”

Bingley added, “Pemberley is likewise impressive. It is one of the most renowned estates in England.”

“Aunt Madelyn,” Jane lightly reminded him, “is familiar with Pemberley.”

“It will be satisfying to know Lizzy is its new mistress, and Mr. Darcy has kindly extended an invitation to visit in the summer,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

“Mrs. Gardiner speaks of little else, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth’s uncle informed the table.

Mrs. Gardiner chuckled. “As is only fitting, Sir. I look forward to seeing Lizzy well settled, along with the opportunity to renew long lost acquaintances.”

Darcy came slowly to his feet. “Before we share our home with your family, Mrs. Darcy,” he said as he walked towards her, “I have a surprise for you. I chose a gift to match your beauty.” Darcy reached into his pocket and removed a palm-sized box. He knelt on one knee at Elizabeth’s chair. “This was my mother’s.” He extended his hand.

With trembling fingers, Elizabeth lifted the lid. Darcy remained at her side. Tears of happiness misted her eyes. He watched her chest rise with a quick intake of air. “William!” she gasped, and her arms encircled his neck and a kiss landed on the side of his cheek. He drew Elizabeth to her feet. Darcy lifted the emerald-and-diamond necklace to drape it around her neck.

Her sister declared, “Lizzy, you are a princess!”

“My husband,” Elizabeth looked lovingly at Darcy, “is most generous.” She turned her attention to the man. “William, there are no words to express my gratitude.”

“My mother would be pleased to know these jewels found such a beautiful home.” He wrapped Elizabeth’s hand about his arm. “Let us show your family the house.” The others rose to follow Darcy, but they watched the newly married couple as much as they observed their surroundings.

As the days drew closer to Christmastide, the theatre crowd had thinned significantly as the ton returned to their country estates for the festive days. Soon the theatre would itself close for several months, as new productions must be rehearsed and new sets built. Even so, Darcy knew the pleasure of introducing Elizabeth to his circle of acquaintances. For the past six years, he had spent the winters in London, socializing with many of these same people.

“Ah, Darcy,” Lord Eddington said, approaching them as they reached Darcy’s private box. “I heard you gave up the ghost, old boy.”

“Your Lordship.” Darcy offered a quick bow. “How are you, Sir?”