They joined their sisters and Richard, who were waiting near the entrance, and together they left the house. Their sisters separated to board the large Darcy carriage escorted by Richard, but Elizabeth saw the Gardiners waiting. She went to them and embraced her aunt. She whispered in her ear. “Thank you for the dresses and your advice. We talked, and we have agreed to wait two months before we are truly husband and wife.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s embrace tightened. “Well done, my dear.”
Elizabeth turned to her uncle. “Thank you for all your assistance, and for taking the time to listen to me.”
He embraced her warmly, and she returned to Darcy’s side.
He smiled to himself. Elizabeth was a warm, affectionate woman, and he knew that one day she would treat him with affection too, if only he could learn to mind his tongue and his manners.
Chapter 21: The Afternoon of The Wedding
When the Darcy carriage drew up before Netherfield, Elizabeth turned wistfully to her husband. “Sir, would it greatly disrupt our plans if we remained one more night here? I did not sleep well last night, and I am fatigued. I should like to change my gown and take a walk to stretch my legs, and afterward, a nap would be most welcome.” She looked at him with quiet entreaty.
His laughing eyes held hers as a wry smile touched his lips. “Mrs. Darcy, at the risk of granting you far too much power in this marriage, I must confess that when you look at me in that way, I find myself unable to refuse you. There is no urgency to depart for London. I had merely wished to remove us from Miss Bingley’s unpleasant influence, but if she remains in her rooms, we may spend a pleasant evening with Charles and the Hursts.”
Her brow puckered. “I had forgotten all about her. I understand now why you wished to leave this afternoon.”
“It is well, Elizabeth. Bingley will manage her.”
As soon as they entered the house, Darcy sought out the butler to inform him of their change in plans, then escorted Elizabeth upstairs to her chamber. She opened the door, and he paused. “May I enter?”
Surprised by his request, she answered cautiously, “Of course.” She stepped inside as he followed.
“This may seem trifling,” he said, “but it would be awkward for me if the servants believed I passed the night in my ownroom rather than yours. There is no connecting door between the chambers. Would you prefer that we continue to London, or shall I ask the housekeeper to move us into a suite with an adjoining door? If we make my bed in the morning, it will appear as though I slept in your room.”
His face was faintly flushed. Elizabeth giggled. “An unexpected complication.”
“I expected it,” he said, smiling, “and hoped to avoid it by taking you to London, where the servants are discreet and would never dream of gossiping about my sleeping arrangements.”
Elizabeth considered the matter for a moment. “We need not make your bed in the morning if you simply sleep here. It is not improper now that we are married. No one needs to know that the only thing that occurred in this chamber was slumber.”
He raised an amused brow. “You are very devious, Mrs. Darcy. Should I be concerned?”
She laughed. “No, sir. My cousin assures me that my eyes betray every thought that crosses my mind.”
He chuckled. “That much is true. You must never attempt to deceive me, my darling. Your expressive eyes would betray you instantly. If ever you must hide something, lower your gaze or close your eyes.”
She laughed again. “Is that your first lesson to your new wife, a lesson in intrigue?”
As she moved further into the room, he thought to himself, “It is one of many lessons, madam, though I mean for the others to be of pleasure, not deceit.”
She suddenly stopped at the edge of the bed and turned to him. “I forgot. Mary and I share this chamber. You cannot join me, but as you have your own room, I can join you there.”
He grinned. “Very well, my dear. Ring for your maid and advise her. You may dress and undress here, but she need not move your belongings.”
Elizabeth tilted her head thoughtfully. “I agree. I shall change into my night shift here, wear my wrap to walk to your room, and once the candles are extinguished, I can remove it.”
He laughed. “Or we could simply travel to London this afternoon.”
She stifled a yawn. “No, sir, please. I wish to walk and then nap.”
“As you wish. May I walk with you?”
Her eyes lifted to his. “Would you care to? I always walk alone, for I can never persuade anyone to join me.”
“It would be my pleasure to walk with you, Elizabeth. Let us change into walking clothes and meet at the front entrance in half an hour.”
As he departed, her sisters entered. Mary glanced anxiously toward the closing door. “Lizzy, shall I move my things?”
