"Then I must endeavor to be less confusing," Darcy said, then he kissed me. And for awhile both breakfast and ball were forgotten.
"I am not leaving this bed today. Perhaps not all week," I said sometime later.
"Well, tomorrow is Christmas so I think at the very least we will have to go to church."
The man can make one forget what day it is.
"So tomorrow we must venture out. But we have today."
"Yes, all of today," Darcy agreed. "Plenty of time for me to further display my kindness and generosity."
Before I could demonstrate my delight at his words a knock sounded at the outer door.
"Sir, a problem has arisen," said the voice of Darcy's valet.
Darcy threw on a dressing gown before going to the door and opening it just a crack. Whispering ensued.
My husband closed the door then turned slowly to face me, his expression was like a funeral. I feared the worst.
"Has something happened to Georgie? Your cousins?"
"No, no tragedy has occurred," Darcy said. He attempted to smile. He failed miserably. "Your family is here."
Nineteen
25thDecember 1811
Evening
Why does it feel like I am always either waiting for an opportunity to apologize to Darcy or waiting for him to apologize to me?
I wonder if there will ever be a time in our marriage when one of us isn't heartily sorry.
Although right now I should think both of us are sorry. I am sorry he should have to endure my family. And he is probably sorry he ever married me.
Perhaps I should review. You will recall my family arrived quite unexpectedly on the morning of Christmas Eve. The reunion went like this:
Me(entering the foyer wearing my dressing gown because the arrival of my family at Darcy House was the sort of crisis that could not wait for petticoats and stays):Mama, you are here.
Mama:*Speaks some nonsense about the shocking state of the roads and how frayed her nerves are.*
Me:Whyare you here?
Mama:*Nonsensical babble about how grand the house is.*
Me(frustrated, turning to Papa):Why are you here?
Papa: *Shrugs*
Lydia and Kitty:*Giggling uncontrollably whilst eyeing Darcy who had followed me and was also wearing only his dressing gown.*
Mary:*Recites platitude about the virtues of early rising whilst eyeing my nighttime attire judgmentally.*
Mama:Do not simply stand there, Lizzy. Show us to our rooms!
And Darcy did it.
Well, he didn't actually show them rooms, but he nodded to Saunders who fetched the housekeeper who fetched a chambermaid who raced off in a frazzle to have rooms prepared. But he made the order that caused it all to happen.
