Page 44 of Midnight at Pemberley

“I did.” Darcy assured her. “Your uncle spoke to his clergyman. The church is reserved for us in one week’s time for ten in the morning for our nuptials.”

Elizabeth shifted closer to him. “Yes. He informed me of the time. Uncle Gardiner read Papa’s letter. Papa explained everything … the two incidents …” She glanced around to know confidence the servants maintained a detachment. “Our discovery … the reason for our coming here.”

“They are agreeable—your aunt and uncle?”

“Aunt Gardiner withholds her approval, but she will not interfere. Jane will remain with them for several weeks, which should assuage my aunt’s need to nurture.”

A dreadful, guilt-ridden remorse filled his tone. “I apologize if my proposal keeps your family from wishing you happiness.”

Elizabeth giggled. “Believe me, Mr. Darcy, I am often from form with my family.”

They traveled on in silence for several minutes. Elizabeth pointed to several interesting buildings. Darcy dutifully identified them, amused by her awe and her curiosity. “You rarely come to London?” he observed.

“My mother would hold no objection, but my father despises London.”

Engrossed in recounting her most recent journey to London, Elizabeth did not notice when the carriage stopped before a stately Town home in Mayfair. Darcy stepped down and came around to lift Elizabeth from the vehicle. He whispered close to her ear, “Welcome to your new home, Elizabeth.”

“William, this is where you live?” Her voice was barely audible.

“No, my love, this is where we will live when we are in London.” He led her up the steps and into the front entrance, with the maid going around to the servant entrance. A butler awaited Darcy’s orders. “Mr. Thacker, this is Miss Bennet.” He handed her cloak and bonnet to the man. “Has my sister arrived?”

“Welcome to Darcy House, Miss Bennet.” The butler bowed. “Miss Darcy has yet to arrive, Sir.”

“Then I will show Miss Bennet the house. Tell Miss Darcy we will join her in the front drawing room.”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy.”

For the next twenty minutes, Darcy escorted Elizabeth through many of the rooms. Her amazement delighted him. “William, the house is magnificent,” she gushed before studying the portraits in the gallery.

“I am happy you approve.” He cupped her hand, pulling her closer to his side. “I want you to make this your true home. You may decorate rooms or arrange them as you see fit.”

“I would never be so presumptuous!”

“You will, at least, make changes in your chambers and sitting room. Please make them yours. They were my mother’s rooms before her passing.”

Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, William, for making this transition easier. I am honored at having Lady Anne’s rooms.”

“You will be happy here, Elizabeth. I will do my best to make it so.”

She gazed up at him. “I will be happy as long as I am with you.”

Upon entering the front parlor, Darcy rushed to embrace the delicately beautiful girl who rose to her feet to greet them. “Have you been waiting long, my dear?” He bent to kiss her cheek.

“No, William, we just arrived.”

Darcy led his sister to where Elizabeth stood. “My dear, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” he began. “Elizabeth, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

Both women dropped a curtsy. “Oh, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “you are as lovely as your brother declared. I am so pleased to claim your acquaintance.”

“Miss Bennet,” Georgiana said in a whispery voice as she shot a quick glance at Darcy. “You are most welcome at Darcy House.”

“Might we sit together, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth said, pointing to a nearby settee. “I am delighted to be given another sister. I do not know whether William told you, I am one of five girls, and as much as I look forward to becoming your brother’s wife, I must secretly confess I dread losing the company of my sisters.”

When Darcy left them alone so he might see to the supper preparations, Georgiana finally mustered enough courage to say, “Miss Elizabeth, I have never seen my dear brother so excited!”

“Really?” The observation amused Elizabeth. “Mayhap it is because your brother realizes he must no longer face the world alone. He possesses in me a person who knows his deepest secrets and will stand with him.”

“Then you believe there is hope for my family, Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana lowered her voice. “I do not wish to see William sacrifice himself to end the family madness.”