“I will write to my father and tell him that if Mamma misbehaves, I shall walk away. I will no longer allow her to berate or embarrass me in public. And I will write to Charlotte. Perhaps we may have tea together and catch up. I wish I could do something for her. There is a dearth of men in Meryton.” She looked at her husband with expectation. “Have you any unmarried friends in want of a wife? She is considered plain, but she is the salt of the earth, and I like her so much more than I could ever like someone such as Miss Ashbrook.”
He chuckled. “Perhaps. I will keep your request in mind, and I may think of someone.”
She sat up again. “How about the rector?”
He drew her gently back to rest upon his shoulder. “Perhaps next summer, Elizabeth. He will remain here in Derbyshire for the winter, and we shall be in London. But you are welcome to invite her next summer, and perhaps you may do for her what you did for Richard and Isabella.”
Satisfied with his reply, she nestled her head into the hollow of his neck just beneath his ear and blew softly. He drew her closer and then kissed her thoroughly. By now, she had learned how to reciprocate, and they were quickly lost to each other’s charms.
The journey to Hertfordshire was completed in easy stages. Elizabeth and Georgiana were much entertained by the two puppies. Jane preferred to travel with Mrs. Hurst and asked questions about her pregnancy, how she had known she was with child, and the discomforts she was suffering. Mary and Mr. Lewis also traveled with the Pemberley party, and Elizabeth was gratified to see how attentive Mr. Lewis was to her sister. He was much changed from the man Mary had described after their first disastrous meeting.
As Elizabeth sat having her hair dressed for an evening out, her mind turned to ordering all the insults and indignities she might be made to suffer at the hands of her mother and Mr. Collins.
Ellis’s practical voice brought her back to the present. “Mrs. Darcy, will you wear your sapphire necklace with this evening gown?”
“It is a small party. Would I not be too dressed up?”
“It is a small necklace, ma'am. It will not look ostentatious if that is your concern.”
“I only want to avoid the appearance of displaying myself.”
Ellis laughed. “Though this necklace is exquisite, it is tasteful. Since another family will be present, it is not strictly a family dinner. And because of your station, it is likely expected. This is one of the least assuming of the Darcy jewels. I believed it would work well for dinner in your hometown.”
“Very well. I shall wear it, since you believe I shall not be overdressed.”
Darcy tapped at the door and entered. He waited while Ellis fastened the earbobs and placed a cloak around Elizabeth’s shoulders. He secured it, and then they went down together.
“You look regal, my darling. That shade of blue suits you.”
He offered his arm, and they went down together.
When their carriage pulled up to the entrance of Longbourn, it stood behind the Bingleys and the Lewises. Elizabeth glanced out the window as they waited for their turn to disembark. She saw that the house and gardens were neat and well-maintained, but everything seemed smaller. The rose garden was tiny. No wonder she had overheard Caroline’s insult. The lawns and hermitage were miniatures of what she had grown used to at Pemberley. Everything was on a smaller scale as seen through her new eyes. Yet it was dear. She had spent many hours in her father’s study with him. She could almost smell the leather-bound books and the fragrance of his pipe.
At last, their turn came, and Darcy handed her down. Just outside the door, she turned to him. “I remember that youapologized to me here, on this very spot, when we returned from Bailey Castle.”
He smiled sheepishly, and the dimples in his cheeks appeared. “I was sweating blood then, darling. I feared you would refuse to pardon me and would hold my wretched words against me for the rest of my life.” He grinned at her. “I was grateful when you deigned to forgive me, and you were actually kind.”
She pressed his arm and then turned to follow the others inside. And there at the entrance stood Mr. Collins, his bright gold hair shining in the candlelight. He stood tall and handsome, and his eyes were fixed on her. Her first impulse was to shrink back, but instead she straightened and held his gaze. Then, by an act of Providence, Mrs. Collins appeared, took his arm, and he followed her into the house.
Darcy looked down at Elizabeth. “Are you well, my dear?”
Her eyes were sad. “I am well, sir. But I am forcibly reminded that this is no longer my home. It already belongs to him.”
“That is life, Elizabeth. Nothing lasts forever.”
He led her inside. The introductions for Mr. Lewis had been made, and Mr. Bennet now approached.
“Lizzy, you look well. Elegant. Do I dare touch you?”
She relaxed and went to him. “Papa, I have missed you.”
He kissed her cheek, and she embraced him tightly. Then he turned to Darcy. The two men shook hands.
“You have done well for my daughter, Darcy. I see that she is very happy and she looks well. I believe she has gained a little weight.”
“Thank you, sir. It has been my pleasure to care for her.”
Mrs. Bennet approached. She inclined her head. “Elizabeth, you look well.” She curtsied to Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, welcome, sir.” Then she turned and walked away.
