Georgiana appeared shocked by how quickly Elizabeth assumed familiarity, but as the evening progressed, Elizabeth charmed Darcy’s sister with her witty repartee and natural good humor. Before long, Georgiana’s nervousness went by the wayside.
When Darcy left them alone so he could sign the papers needed for the settlement and the wedding, Georgiana finally mustered enough courage to say so. “Miss Elizabeth, I have never seen my dear brother so happy!”
“Really?” Elizabeth seemed amused with the observation. “Maybe it is because your brother realizes he does not have to face the world alone—he has someone who knows his deepest secrets and stands by him.”
“Then you believe there is hope for my family, Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana lowered her voice.“I do not wish to see Fitzwilliam sacrifice himself in order to put a stop to the family madness.”
Elizabeth touched the girl’s hand.“I wish the same, Miss Darcy. I am determined to change what your brother accepts as his fate.”
“Mrs.Annesley believes you are Fitzwilliam’s future.”
“And he is mine,” Elizabeth asserted.
The next morning Darcy escorted Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana to Bond Street. “Fitzwilliam, this is ridiculous,” Elizabeth protested for the third time that day.“I do not need a new wardrobe.”
He helped her from the carriage. Impulsively, he used his finger to tilt her chin up to where he could see her eyes. “Elizabeth, as my wife, you will be expected to attend certain functions. London society is judgmental, and clothing acceptable in the country is frowned upon here.”
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, a habit Darcy now recognized as a mixture of fear and determination. “Are you sure about this arrangement? Would not a more fashionable lady be to your liking? Despite everything else, you have an obligation to your name.”
Darcy leaned close so that only she could hear. “I would never force you to become part of my life, but you know very well, Elizabeth, if I do not marry you, I will not marry.” Elizabeth nodded her understanding. “Then allow me to share my wealth with the woman who devotes her life to me.” He placed her hand on his sleeve and led her into the modiste’s shop.
“Mr. Darcy,” said a heavy-set woman with silver-grey hair who left the counter to greet them. “We are pleased to serve you again, Sir.”
“Madame Lucinda, this is my betrothed, Miss Bennet. She will need several new items. I assured her you are the finest modiste in London.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. Your patronage is appreciated.” She motioned for two waiting seamstresses to come forward. “Miss Bennet, if you will go with these young ladies, they will take your measurements.” Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Jane followed the two employees into the back room.
Darcy moved towards the seat the matron offered. “What do you have in mind for the young lady, Mr. Darcy?” She offered him a cup of tea.
“Miss Bennet will protest, but we will ignore her sensibilities,” he said as he sipped the hot brew.“The lady will need at least three gowns, four day dresses, a traveling ensemble, and appropriate accessories,” he began. “Cost is not an issue. Whatever my sister suggests should be considered as one of my own suggestions.”
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy.”
“If you have something appropriate that would need but a few alterations to fit Miss Bennet, she will take those items immediately. The rest you may send to my home by the end of the week. We marry tomorrow and leave London soon for my estate.”
“To—Tomorrow?” the woman stammered.
Darcy enjoyed the surprised look on the dressmaker’s face. He knew she would pass the story of his engagement on to others, and so he told her the story he had prepared. “You know I am not a
“Ah, then this is a love match?” Madame Lucinda knew many ladies pursued Fitzwilliam Darcy, to no avail.
“Yes.” Darcy took another sip of his tea. “Would you care to show me some of your newest items? My sister speaks of your excellent taste.”
While Elizabeth endured the fittings in the privacy of the dressing rooms, Darcy chose some items, which he knew she would consider frivolous, but which gave him pleasure to choose especially for her. Among them were a new nightgown and wrapper, a painted fan, leather kid gloves to match her riding habit, and several pairs of silk stockings. He imagined Elizabeth’s blush when she saw what he had chosen. Madame Lucinda would see these intimate items as proof he and Elizabeth were indeed a love match.
“Be sure to include a new bonnet for Miss Bennet’s sister, the lady who accompanies her. Send the bill to my home.”
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy.” Mentally calculating what the bill might total, she hurried away to fulfill his needs.
After an hour, Darcy became restless. Georgiana’s appearance relieved his boredom. “Fitzwilliam,” she confided, “Miss Bennet is so amusing. You would not believe how she entertains Madame Lucinda’s staff!”
Darcy chuckled.“Miss Elizabeth’s expertise in word play is one of her many charms.”
“She is so petite,” Georgiana continued.“Madame Lucinda says Elizabeth is the perfect size.Those of the ton will be jealous when they see our Miss Elizabeth.”
“Georgiana, I need to see my solicitor today. May I return for you and the Misses Bennet in an hour?”
“Be on your way,” Georgiana assured him. “We will be ready for your return.”
Over Elizabeth’s repeated reproofs, the footmen stored multiple packages in Darcy’s carriage. Georgiana directed the staff. Jane reluctantly chose a new bonnet, at Madame Lucinda’s insistence. Two complete ensembles, plus the items Darcy had chosen earlier, would go home with Elizabeth that day. Another dress would be delivered to her aunt’s house by the end of the day.
“Fitzwilliam will return soon,” Georgiana assured Elizabeth and Jane.“He had business with his solicitor.”
“Might we see some of the other shops on the street?” Jane asked as they waited.
Elizabeth caught her sister’s arm.“Let us walk.”
They strolled the length of the street before stopping to look at items in an upscale storefront.“May we go in?” Jane pointed to one of the displays.“I would like to find a birthday gift for Mama.”
Georgiana led the way, but just as they reached the door of the shop, Elizabeth spotted a more intriguing store. She caught Georgiana by the arm. “Miss Darcy, I would like very much to explore the bookstore next door.Would you object to accompanying my sister?”
Georgiana looked around, unsure what to do. Darcy would expect her to stay with Elizabeth. “I—I suppose,” she stammered, “but you should not go alone.” She motioned for one of the footmen. “Take Belton with you.”
The ringing of the bell on the door echoed throughout the store, but no one seemed to be in attendance when she entered. Elizabeth waited patiently for several minutes before asking Belton, “Would you see if someone is available in the back, please?”
“Yes, miss.”The footman made his way towards the rear of the store while Elizabeth began to leisurely browse the floor-to-ceiling shelves to her right. Most bookstores organized their offerings by genre, and she searched for the poetry section.
She drifted into one of the center aisles and began to read the Perhaps they are first editions, she thought. Carefully, she tilted a book forward to look at it more closely. Slavic Spiritualism, written in gold, enticed her to thumb through the pages. She slid it back into place and selected another, titled Kathasaritsagara. The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention when she found a picture of a demon with blood dripping from his lips illustrating a story dubbed “Baital Pachisi.”