New Beginnings Page 15

  “In truth, I have never seen Richard so reserved. Usually, if there is a desired outcome, he forms a plan and executes it—it is why he was so well-suited to the military.” Lord Matlock pushed his chair away from the table and extended his legs crossing them at the ankle. “Perhaps he needs a little push from his father. I would venture he is not just uncertain about the young lady’s affection, but also about my reaction to a choice outside the ton. Leave it to me, Sir William. I shall let him know he has nothing to fear from his family.”

  “You certainly are quite singular, Lord Matlock.” Sir William studied the man. “Most men of your rank would not consider allowing such a match.”

  “Yes, my singularity often astounds my peers and my family, and I quite enjoy it─especially when it guarantees the happiness of those who are closest to me.”

  “Well,” said Mr. Bennet. “I believe it is time for us old folk to make ourselves scarce so the youngsters can work out their happiness. Gardiner, do you not think it is time to get the children home and tucked in?” Mr. Bennet slapped Mr. Gardiner on the back. “I shall offer to send the carriage back for my daughters; although, I believe there will be at least one young man who will object and offer to escort them home.” He turned to Sir William. “I am sure you could convince Charlotte to remain and travel home with my girls.” Sir William nodded.

  “It is getting late for the children,” said Mr. Gardiner with a smile. “I shall take the first hit in breaking up the party. It has been an enjoyable evening. Perhaps that poesy ring in a certain young man’s pocket will find its home on a certain hand before the night is through.”

  “There are actually two rings awaiting acceptance, Gardiner. I had a busy schedule of interviews earlier today,” said Mr. Bennet. “I hope your wife is prepared to deal with my wife’s effusions when the glad tidings are made known.”

  “I am not sure any of us can be prepared for that,” said Mr. Gardiner. “It is fortunate I brought an extra bottle of port with me as our nerves may need it.” The gentleman again shared a hearty laugh. Rising, Mr. Gardiner said, “Madeline, I believe it is time to get the children home to bed.”

  Mr. Bennet followed suit. “Mrs. Bennet, it is time. Mr. Collins, my carriage is at your disposal to return Mary and my two youngest daughters to Longbourn; Mrs. Bennet and I shall travel with the Gardiners. Jane, Elizabeth, I shall send the carriage back for you later. There is no need for you to rush away from your friends.”

  “Charlotte, Mr. Bennet, has offered to let you travel home with Lizzy and Jane. Stay and enjoy yourself,” said Sir Willliam.

  “Mr. Bennet,” said Bingley. “There is no need to send your carriage back. I shall make sure the ladies are escorted home.”

  A smile tugged at Mr. Bennet’s mouth, and he gave a covert wink to Lord Matlock. “Mr. Bingley you are all kindness. Your assistance is greatly appreciated, is it not, Mrs. Bennet?”

  “Indeed, most appreciated,” agreed Mrs. Bennet.

  “Glub, glub, glub.” Michael raced into the room ahead of a harried Miss Lucy and climbed into Elizabeth’s lap waving the gloves in her face.

  “Do you wish for help, Michael?” Elizabeth stilled the waving gloves and placed Michael’s hands in his lap.

  “Help, please,” said Michael.

  “Much better.” Elizabeth took the gloves from the child and helped him put them on.

  “Say goodnight to Jane and Lizzy, children,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

  Michael threw his arms around Lizzy and gave her a kiss. “Night, Lizzy,” he said before he slid off her lap and headed to Jane.

  “The carriage is waiting, children,” said Mr. Gardiner when all the appropriate good nights had been said.

  Michael stood in front of Mr. Darcy looking up at him. “May I help you, Master Michael?”

  A smile lit the young boys face. “Shoulders, please?”

  “You would like to ride to the carriage on my shoulders?”

  “Please,” said Michael, his head bobbing up and down.

  “Very well.” Darcy scooped the youngster up and onto his shoulders while the child giggled in delight. “Andrew, shall I see if your steed would be willing to give you a gallop to the carriage?”

  Andrew clapped his hands. “Yes, please.”

  “Richard, are you willing?” asked Darcy.

  “Of course,” said Richard crouching down so Andrew could climb on his back. He snorted and stomped his foot sending all the children into a fit of giggles. Then he galloped away to the waiting carriage.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  Elizabeth pulled her shawl a little tighter around her shoulders and rubbed her injured arm as she watched the carriages pull away from the front of the house.

  “Are you well?” asked Darcy. “Is your arm paining you?”

  “I am well, Fitzwilliam. My arm is just a little sore from yesterday.”

  “Yesterday?”

  “We have a small Feast of Stephen for the staff at Longbourn each year. The ladies of the house prepare the meal. I think my arm is just sore from the stirring and washing. Nothing a bit of rest and Charlotte’s tea will not cure. Do not worry, sir.” She laced her arm through his and snuggled closer to him than was entirely proper.

  “It is a warm night for December,” commented Darcy. “Would you care for a quick turn around the side garden? It is in view of the drawing room.”

  “I would like that very much, sir. I was getting tired of sitting in the same attitude for so long and since Miss Bingley is not here to escort me about the drawing-room, I shall have to fall on your mercy.”

  Darcy laughed. “I am glad Miss Bingley is not here, Elizabeth.”

  “As am I.”

  They had come to a bend in the path leading past a stand of tall bushes surrounding a sitting area. Darcy pulled Elizabeth off the path and behind the bushes. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently. Stepping back he reached into his pocket and drew something out.

  “I spoke to your father.”

  Delight filled her eyes, but he placed a finger on her lips so he could continue without interruption.

  “My love, you hold my heart. Though I faltered in my behaviour and disparaged with my words upon our first meeting, I believe you have held it since then, and it shall never truly be mine again ─ nor do I ever wish to have it returned.” He opened his hand revealing a band of gold engraved on the outside with entwined hearts and flowers. “Elizabeth Bennet, would you do me the honour of standing at the end of a court under a gauge with me and promise to be my wife?”

  She placed her hand on top of his open one. She blinked back tears and nodded. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, I love you with every piece of my being and shall continue to do so for as long as I live. I would be honoured to be your wife.”

  “My father gave this ring to my mother on their betrothal. It is inscribed. Love of my heart.” He placed the ring on her finger and a kiss on her hand before drawing her to him and giving her a long and passionate kiss.

  “Are you cold?” he asked when he felt her shiver in his arms.

  “No,” she said softly, “But I think we should go inside anyway.”

  “Is something wrong?” asked Darcy in concern.

  “Nothing a marriage will not fix, sir.” Elizabeth gave his hand a tug, urging him to follow her back to the house. “Might I suggest a short engagement,” she threw over her shoulder.

  “Oh,” was all Darcy said as he followed behind her, a very satisfied look upon his face.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  “Did you lose your way when returning to the house, cousin?” asked a smirking Richard.

  “No, we decided to take a turn around the garden before returning.” Darcy stood in the entry way to the drawing room, Elizabeth at his side.

  “Well, would you look at that!” exclaimed Thad. “It seems we have our first victims of the kissing bough. What do you think, Father?”

  “So it would seem,” chuckled Lord Matlock.

  “Lord Matlock, surely you
do not approve of such things?” asked Elizabeth in surprise.

  “Normally─no, but I feel that tonight may be an exception,” he said giving her a wink. “Something tells me it would not be entirely improper.”

  “That, Richard, sounds like you have just lost the wager.” Thad laughed and slapped his brother on the back.

  Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “And what wager would that be, Colonel?”

  “We were wagering on who would fall victim to the kissing bough first—Darcy or Bingley.” Richard folded his arms across his chest. “Of course, the bet is only won if the lady kisses the gentleman, so I would not count my money just yet, Brother.”

  Elizabeth arched a brow. “Are you challenging me, Colonel?”

  “Oh, no,” groaned Mary, Jane, and Charlotte as one.

  “I beg you; do not say it is a challenge,” pleaded Jane.

  “It was not meant as a challenge. I am simply saying a proper lady would not participate in such activities unless they were engaged or married to the gentleman,” explained Richard.

  “Well, in that case,” said Elizabeth, a smile spreading across her face. “Mr. Darcy, it seems Colonel Fitzwilliam has a wager to lose.” She placed her hand on Darcy’s cheek.

  Georgiana squealed, “Mother’s ring! Oh, I shall have a sister.”

  Enjoying the gasps which circled the room, she pulled his head down to give him a very determined kiss.

  “Are there any other wagers Elizabeth can help you with, cousins? I find I am rather enjoying this one,” said a satisfied Darcy.

  “Seems you owe me twice, brother,” laughed Thad. “Once for the kiss and another for being engaged before Bingley.”

  “You bet against me twice?” said an exasperated Elizabeth.

  “And I am happy to have lost,” said Richard stepping forward to give his congratulations.

  Elizabeth pulled him towards her and whispered, “If you are betting on who will have children first, might I remind you that I hate to lose and will gladly do what I have to do to win. Inform me of the details, and the wager is as good as yours, Colonel.”

  Richard’s face reddened. “Of course, Elizabeth. You will be informed of all future wagers,” he stammered.

  “Cousin Elizabeth,” said Mr. Collins. “How can you be engaged to Mr. Darcy when Lady Catherine says he is engaged to her daughter?”

  “Dear Mr. Collins,” said Elizabeth taking his hands. “Anne has never been engaged to Mr. Darcy.”

  “But, Miss deBourgh…” Mr. Collins’ confusion rendered him near speechless.

  “I apologize, Mary. I know I promised I would not interfere, but. . .” Elizabeth looked at her sister for approval.

  Mary nodded her consent, so Elizabeth continued. “Mr. Collins, your concern for the emotional well-being of your future patroness does you credit. However, your concern is not necessary since Miss deBourgh’s heart has never been engaged where Mr. Darcy is concerned. In fact, her heart has, for some time, been engaged elsewhere.” Elizabeth gave a long look toward Lord Bladen until he caught her eye. Then, she raised one eyebrow and smiled at him. “I pray in that case her heart is not rejected.” She continued to hold Lord Bladen’s gaze for a moment longer before turning again to Mr. Collins. “Miss deBourgh is unharmed by my engagement to Mr. Darcy.”

  “I believe you have been called out, son,” Lord Matlock whispered in Thad’s ear. “Miss Lucas, how go the preparations for the Twelfth Night Ball?” he asked trying to turn the conversation.

  “They are progressing nicely, my lord,” said Charlotte.

  “Will it be a crush?” asked Lady Matlock.

  “It always is, my lady. There are many who visit from away that add to our usual number.”

  “Oh,” said Jane, “I heard just today that Mr. Cartwell and his brother will be attending,”

  “Cartwell has family around here?” asked Mr. Darcy in surprise. Alexander Cartwell was a wealthy and well-respected member of the ton.

  “Yes,” said Elizabeth, “his sister and her husband have an estate just five miles the other side of Meryton.”

  “And he frequents Meryton assemblies?” asked Darcy.

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy, some people enjoy our assemblies,” said Elizabeth with an arched smile which made Bingley and Richard laugh while Darcy coloured.

  “And we all know why he has found them so enjoyable of late,” said Mary. “Do we not, Charlotte?”

  “I am sure I have no idea about what you speak,” retorted Charlotte a bit too quickly.

  “Come now, Charlotte. You know he has favoured you since your first meeting,” said Elizabeth. “It really is too bad you do not favour him as it would be a most advantageous match, my dear.” She spoke to Charlotte but looked at Richard.

  “And son number two gets called out,” muttered an amused Lord Matlock to his glass of brandy. Thad cocked his head and looked at his father.

  “You really are a very strange friend, Elizabeth Bennet,” said Charlotte. “Do you really wish to speak of missed opportunities for advantageous matches?”

  “No, Charlotte, we do not,” said Jane grasping Charlotte’s arm hard enough that her fingers turned white. “I am sure Lizzy will behave herself.” She shot a look at her sister which brooked no argument.

  “Suffice it to say, gentlemen, there will be many a sad fellow when news of the elder Bennet sisters being off the market is published,” said Charlotte.

  “Indeed?” said Richard, his curiosity aroused. “A tale for another day, Miss Lucas?”

  “If you wish, Colonel,” said Charlotte.

  “Charlotte!” exclaimed Elizabeth in a severe tone, although the self-satisfied smile she gave Richard led him to believe that he had just been deftly maneuvered.

  “I really do like her,” said Lord Matlock to his wife.

  Mrs. Hurst let out a laugh which she had been trying to contain for some time. “Oh, my. Forgive me, but the lamenting in Hertfordshire will be nothing compared to the caterwauling in town.” She collapsed in laughter until tears came to her eyes. “Perhaps if Miss Lucas is set against him, we could introduce Mr. Cartwell to our sister, Charles.” And she was off again in a fit of laughter.

  “Perhaps we should meet the gentleman first and see if he deserves such punishment,” suggested Mr. Hurst, which caused a general lapse into laughter.

  “I am for bed,” said Lady Matlock stifling a yawn. “Henry, you will not be long?”

  “I am right behind you, my lady.”

  “Georgie, you will stay with Anne, will you not? I would hate to abandon her.”

  “Of course, Aunt. I wanted to play the pianoforte for a while before retiring. Anne, will you join me?”

  The Matlocks and Hursts retired to their rooms while Thad escorted Georgiana and Anne to the pianoforte where he took a seat near Anne. The Bennet carriage arrived first and Mr. Collins, Mary, Kitty and Lydia left. The rest of the couples strolled about the garden in the brilliant moonlight. Eventually, each pair found a different path.

  “Darcy, Bingley, the carriage is here,” called Richard.

  “Mr. Bingley and Jane will be along shortly, Colonel,” said Elizabeth. “I believe Mr. Bingley needs to settle some business with my sister. Too bad he was not quicker, or you could have won at least part of the bet.” Elizabeth laughed. “If they are not here in a few minutes, I shall have to send one of you gentlemen to collect them.” She leaned a bit closer to Richard and spoke softly, “I shudder to think what I might have to do to win the next bet for you if we allow them alone for too long.”

  “You are enjoying tormenting me over my loss, are you not?” growled Richard.

  “Indeed, I am. Just retribution for betting against me and forcing me to act in such an unladylike fashion.”

  “You did not seem to mind the activity,” said Richard dryly.

  “No, I suppose I rather enjoyed it, but it still does not make it ladylike, now does it?”

  “Darcy, would you please take the lovely Miss Elizabeth into the
carriage? I shall hunt down Bingley if he is not here in two minutes,” growled Richard.

  Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled and her mouth wore a smile that was somewhere between impertinent and sympathetic. “I am sorry, Colonel. I will stop tormenting you,” she said as she allowed Darcy to hand her into the carriage.

  Charlotte shook her head. “She will not stop for long. I learned long ago to not go against that girl unless absolutely forced.” Charlotte smoothed the furrow between his eyes. “Stop worrying about that. You have a new worry to think on.”

  “And what is that?”

  “You do realize we are now caught between two kissing couples.”

  Richard sighed, a small smile pulling at his lips. “Would you be opposed to making it three kissing couples?”

  “What a lovely idea, Colonel. Shall we go get Anne and Thad?” Charlotte teased.

  “No, that would make it four not three,” said Richard pulling her close and kissing her soundly.

  “Um, Richard?” Bingley waited for Richard to respond, but when he did not, Bingley gave him a gentle poke. “The carriage is waiting.” Having gotten Richard’s attention, Bingley opened the carriage door.

  “Darcy!” “Elizabeth!” Jane and Bingley called out together.

  “Whose idea was it to allow those two to be alone in a dark carriage?” Jane stood with her hands on her hips.

  There was a chorus of Richard and Colonel Fitzwilliam in reply to her question.

  “Yes, I have already witnessed why he wanted them out of his way,” huffed Jane indignantly.

  “Now, Jane,” said Elizabeth as she smoothed her hair and straightened her dress, “I might ask you what you were doing off in the dark garden with Bingley for so long?”

  “Talking—not kissing and definitely not sitting on his lap!” scolded Jane. “Some people do not throw propriety out the window just because they are engaged!”

  “I have done nothing worse than kiss him,” said Elizabeth.

  “But kissing leads to . . .”

  “I am fully aware of where kissing can lead, but I shall not be led there until I am indeed married.”

  “Provided the engagement is not too long,” mumbled Charlotte earning a dark look from both sisters and a chuckle from Richard.