“Have you tired of me so soon, Mrs. Darcy?”
“No, sir, but I am in sore need of the necessary, and I cannot yet imagine myself so easy with you as to use it in your presence.”
He flushed. “Of course, I was not thinking. I shall go to my own room for my ablutions, and I will make certain I knock before I return.”
He paused in the doorway and looked back at her, happiness shining so purely that he caught his breath. She said, “Fitzwilliam, may we be ordinary today? Could we breakfast by the fire and have a walk if the weather permits? No ceremony. Only us.”
“Only us,” he said. “Today, tomorrow, and the day after that. Then Pemberley, where we shall strive to be ordinary in a house full of servants.”
She looked momentarily distressed.
He smiled and drew her closer. “Never fear, my darling. I shall dismiss them from our rooms and bid them attend us only when we ring.”
“That sounds wonderful.” She walked towards her dressing room. “Now send for breakfast, Mr. Darcy, before your siren turns tyrannical. As you know, I love to eat.”
He bowed. “Your wish is my desire, Mrs. Darcy.”
She laughed again and disappeared into the dressing-room. He stood a moment longer in the quiet, his smile soft, and rang for breakfast, very certain that the day before him, and all the days after, would not be long enough.
Chapter 60: A Comfortable Visit Between Sisters
March rains left the lawns of Pemberley a deep green, and wildflowers were pushing up from the wet earth. The days were damp and chill, and the trees and hedges were covered with tiny buds. Darcy was in his study when Walters delivered the post. Among the pile of letters was one from Richard. Darcy broke the seal and read that the power of the North Kent gang had been broken in Richard’s corner of Kent, and his cousin was making progress with Anne. He had not yet been able to bring her around to his line of thinking, but hoped she would accept him soon.
Darcy rose and sent a servant for Elizabeth. She entered with a curious look, finding him at the hearth with the letter still open in his hand.
“What is it, Fitzwilliam? You look almost merry.”
“Richard has written,” Darcy said, glancing up. “He has collected Lady Catherine and my cousin Anne from Scotland. He tells me our cousin is more open to his suit. Initially, she was strongly opposed to the idea of marriage. Having lived all her life under Lady Catherine’s thumb, she feared the exchange of one master for another. Yet she begins to trust that Richard is different, that he will respect her and allow her some freedoms within marriage.”
Elizabeth looked pleased. “How excellent! I am glad for them both. Does he speak of wedding dates yet?”
Darcy shook his head. “No, not yet. He must still win her consent. He has not asked the question, but he continues to court her, giving her time to get to know him better. I wish him every success.”
Elizabeth sighed, then turned the subject. “Fitzwilliam, you mentioned that we are to attend the Season in London this spring. For that, I shall require new gowns.”
Darcy inclined his head. “So will Georgiana. Though she is not yet out, my aunt writes that she has outgrown most of her wardrobe. Our first order of business when we return to town is to have you both measured and then fitted for new gowns.”
Elizabeth groaned softly. “I dislike shopping for gowns. I know I need proper clothing, but I dread it.”
Darcy was amused. “You are the only woman I have ever known who does not like shopping for beautiful gowns, my dear.”
He reached out and pulled her close, kissing her. “I will come with you and read from your favorite book to help break the tedium, Mrs. Darcy. We will suffer through the ordeal together.”
The servants were told of the move to London, and in the days that followed, preparations were set into motion. The trunks were brought down from the attic, and the process of packing began. Two carriages were prepared, one for themselves and the other for Elizabeth’s maid, Darcy’s valet, and the remainder of the baggage. Thankfully, the weather cleared two days before their departure, and the journey was accomplished on dry roads.
At last, they arrived in Mayfair and halted before Darcy House. Elizabeth took Darcy’s hand and stepped down. The front doors were open, and Higgins was bowing. Two footmen weredispatched to unload the carriages, and Elizabeth entered on Darcy’s arm.
Mrs. Nichols met Elizabeth. “I will send hot water up within the quarter hour, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth smiled at the housekeeper. “Mrs. Nichols, how do my chambers look with the new wallpaper?”
“They are elegant, ma’am. I’m sure you will be pleased.”
Darcy and Elizabeth walked hand in hand to her chambers, and they entered them together.
“It turned out beautifully, Elizabeth. I will not mind sitting in our shared parlor, and your chamber no longer reminds me of my mother. It looks like you now.” He raised his eyebrows and grinned. “The pale green reminds me of the grove at Rosings where we spent so much time together.”
Elizabeth looked at the room. “It is perfect. I feel right at home.”
