“You are formidable when it comes to matrimony. I tremble for poor Abby, should she fall short of your expectations.”
Lady Helen smiled, unoffended.
“You laugh now, Elizabeth, but I am determined. Phillip shall not be left to drift into a disastrous marriage for lack of guidance.”
Elizabeth pressed her hand affectionately.
“You are a thoughtful mother. But remember that hearts have a way of surprising us. He cannot go too far wrong with either of the Stanton sisters.”
Lady Helen regarded her niece with fondness.
“You may be right. After all, did not Fitzwilliam surprise us all when he chose you?”
Steps were heard in the hall, and then Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley entered the room, ending the conversation.
Later that evening, when the household had settled for the night, Elizabeth withdrew to her chamber. Mr. Darcy joined her soon after and stood watching as she brushed out her hair.
“You look very pleased, Elizabeth. Have you been scheming with Lady Helen about her new campaign?”
Elizabeth turned to face him.
“She does not require any assistance. My poor friend was cross-examined as though she were on trial for her very life. I am surprised Abby was able to swallow any of her dinner.”
Darcy chuckled.
“My aunt is a managing woman. Between you and her, Phillip will not stand a chance of remaining a bachelor for much longer.”
Elizabeth shook her head and raised a brow.
“Between me and Lady Helen? Pray do not accuse me of such designs. I merely listened while she extracted information.”
Darcy looked amused.
“My love, do not attempt innocence with me. I saw your smiles when she pressed every answer from that poor woman. You, after all, were the means for bringing the twin sisters to Pemberley.”
Elizabeth set down her brush.
“Very well, I confess it was diverting. But it is not a crime to hope Phillip may find a good wife.”
“True enough,” Darcy said wryly. He leaned back against the bedpost, his expression playful. “And since we are in the mood for confessions, I have one of my own.”
Elizabeth arched a brow.
“Indeed? And what dark secret weighs upon your conscience, Mr. Darcy?”
“I have written to Phillip,” Darcy said, his tone deliberately casual. “I invited him to join us at Windermere.”
Elizabeth gasped.
“You did not! Without telling Lady Helen?”
“Precisely. I wish her to be as surprised as Richard and Anne. Phillip is to act as if he came of his own accord, not at my urging.”
Elizabeth shook her head.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, you are as bad as Lady Helen. You contrive and plot as though matrimony were a military campaign.”
Darcy laughed.
