Lady Matlock took a seat upon the sofa and indicated that Elizabeth should join her. Taking her hands in her own, she said, “It would please me very much if you would call me Aunt, Elizabeth, especially since I have just spoken with my nephew regarding your marriage. From what I understand, you are to become my niece sooner than we expected.”
Elizabeth blushed and bowed her head.
Lady Matlock gave her hands a squeeze. “I know my saying so can be of little consolation after what has so recently occurred, but Lady Catherine can hardly lay claim to a reputation for affability and warmth. It was her dearest wish that Fitzwilliam marry her daughter, Anne, though, I must say it was by no means his wish any more than it was Anne’s. Elizabeth, you must understand, my nephew could have chosen the most affluent, well-connected young lady in all of England to be his bride, and still, my sister-in-law would have found some unfounded reason to berate his choice for the simple reason it was not hers. You must not dwell on what was said last night, my dear, for it matters not to Lord Matlock and me what has occurred privately between you and my nephew, so long as you have found love and joy with each other. To those of us who truly care for your happiness, nothing else can be of any significance.”
Elizabeth was too stunned to speak.
Lady Matlock smiled as she added, “I must say, I am almost relieved Catherine did not approve of you, for if she had, I would have been forced to question Fitzwilliam’s soundness of mind. You see, he and my sister-in-law have never shared the same tastes, the same opinions, or the same ideals. Yes, I am, indeed, delighted to be gaining such a lovely niece! And your marriage cannot come too soon for our family, I am afraid.”
Elizabeth’s expression showed her puzzlement, but Lady Matlock only continued to smile as she explained, “Thus far, Georgiana and Anne have been our only girls. I believe they found their childhood rather trying at times due to the exuberance of their male cousins and their overactive imaginations. To be always teased by such spirited young men can be an experience, to say the least.”
Elizabeth imagined Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam as boys and smiled. Lady Matlock continued, “Both young ladies were rather shy, so I daresay they found themselves easy targets for mischief. It was all in good fun, mind you, and Fitzwilliam, excellent brother that he was, never allowed their pranks to get out of hand. He was always attuned to Georgiana’s feelings. I am convinced someday he will make an exceptional father, as well.” She squeezed Elizabeth’s hand.
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied, “I have often thought so.”
“Lord Matlock and I have three sons, you know. My eldest, and my husband’s heir, is Harold. He is currently at our estate in the country, seeing to some affairs but will soon join us for Christmas. You met Richard the other day, and my youngest, Ethan, is in his final year at Cambridge. He is to take orders soon and will also join us at the end of the week.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I confess I am quite envious. I have no brothers, only four sisters.”
“Oh! Better and better,” exclaimed Lady Matlock with genuine enthusiasm. “I can hardly wait to see Richard’s face when he finally finds himself outnumbered and, I daresay, outwitted by so many ladies! But you did mention your sisters the other day, did you not?”
“Yes, I did. We are all as different as night and day. Though we certainly have engaged in our own share of teasing and mischief—and still do when the moment strikes us—we do happen to love one another dearly.”
“Of course you do, my dear. I believe they are all here now, are they not?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, my elder sister, Jane, informed me this morning they were not going out and could all be found in one of the drawing rooms with my mother.”
“Then I should like it very much if you would introduce us, Elizabeth. Let us go down now and join them. Perhaps you can ring for tea?” She rose and offered Elizabeth her arm.
Elizabeth felt a tingle of trepidation as she linked her arm with that of Darcy’s aunt. “As you wish… Aunt, but I must caution you. Several of my sisters are young still, and their manners in company can be a bit wanting, particularly when in the presence of a handsome young man in a red coat.” She smiled meaningfully. “You may wish to keep Colonel Fitzwilliam’s profession a secret; otherwise, he may never have any peace so long as Kitty and Lydia remain in Town.”
Lady Matlock laughed. “Excellent! I daresay Richard would deserve it, too! Oh, no, my dear. We must leave your younger sisters in no doubt of his noble profession. It is about time my most troublesome son receives his just desserts for teasing poor Georgiana and Anne so mercilessly all these years!”
When Lord Matlock and Darcy, who was now refreshed, shaved, and presentably attired, went in search of the ladies an hour or so later, they found them all ensconced in the music room. It was a sight Darcy would not soon forget. Georgiana sat at the pianoforte as she chatted with Kitty and Lydia, her serious expression from the previous night now replaced by a happy smile as she played a lively duet with Mary, who also seemed to be enjoying herself. Elizabeth, whose disposition could only have been described as wretched before he had parted from her not five hours earlier, was now smiling and laughing with Jane. Jane was seated next to his aunt, who appeared to be taking an inordinate amount of pleasure in her conversation with Mrs. Bennet. He was astounded, to say the least.
He turned toward his uncle and, leaning in so he would not be overheard by any of the ladies, inquired, “Exactly how much brandy did I consume this morning, Uncle?”
Lord Matlock looked at him for a moment before clapping him on the back and erupting into hearty laughter.
Darcy grinned. Yes, perhaps all will yet be well.
Mr. Bennet entered the room then, carrying a long, slender package, and made his way over to Darcy with great enthusiasm. “Ah, Darcy! Just the man I have been looking for,” he said with a wide smile. “I have just this morning acquired an excellent new hunting rifle. Come and have a look. I daresay the craftsmanship is superior to many in Mr. Bingley’s collection, and the gunsmith has assured me that the accuracy is unparalleled.”
Darcy’s smile was rapidly replaced by a look of undisguised panic.
Chapter 17
Oh, Elizabeth!” Georgiana exclaimed with pleasure. “You look so beautiful in that color. Fitzwilliam will not be able to take his eyes off of you. Shall you wear it to the theatre tonight, do you think?”
“It is a beautiful gown, but I am not yet sure. I must confess to loving the burgundy best of all. What do you think, Jane?”
“I believe Miss Darcy is correct, Lizzy. The dark green one becomes you very well. Though the burgundy is very elegant and flattering, as well, I think it would be better suited for a ballroom rather than the theatre.”
They were interrupted then by Mrs. Bennet as she bustled into Elizabeth’s dressing room. “Oh, girls! If I do say so myself, that is the perfect dress for the theatre tonight! Mark my words, Lizzy, it is just the thing to keep Mr. Darcy’s eyes turned toward you all evening, for you know there will be many pretty young ladies with large fortunes and expensive gowns hoping to capture the interest of a rich gentleman. You would not want Mr. Darcy changing his mind about you before your wedding takes place. Much can happen in two days, you know, and I always say you can never be too careful.”
Jane smiled and gave her sister a knowing look; then, placing a quick kiss upon her cheek, she left them to begin her own toilette.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and suppressed a smile as she ran her hand over the exquisite deep emerald silk of her new gown. “Mama, if Mr. Darcy has not changed his mind by now, I doubt very much he will do so by Saturday.”