“You think that, Mr. Darcy. Pray, remember that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I believe you will feel Miss Bennet’s wrath eventually. But then, I do not know the particulars. Perhaps they are all fortune hunters and Miss Bennet marries you for your fortune.” The lady across from him smiled smugly before turning to look out the window.
Elizabeth would never. She is not a grasping, artful lady like Miss Bingley or those other harpies of theton. She is marrying me for mutual love and affection.
Despite his private reassurance, Darcy spent the rest of the journey to London battling doubts. He wished to make for Gracechurch Street immediately upon their arrival but refrained. The hour was late. And tomorrow was the sabbath, which meant he would not see her until Monday. He groaned. At least he knew she would not be departing London before then. He would simply have to be patient.
Wishing to put Elizabeth’s mind at ease, he penned a quick note and saw it delivered to Gracechurch Street.
It is only two nights and one day,he thought.
Chapter Twenty-Four
April 13, 1812
Gracechurch Street, London
Elizabeth
Elizabeth awoke Monday morning feeling restless. Charlotte was gone, likely up hours ago, and that left her time to think. She had received a brief note from Mr. Darcy on Saturday, informing her that he had arrived in town and would call on her on Monday during calling hours. She did not know if she wished to see him; there was no escaping the betrothal now. There were too many people who knew, who had witnessed the disaster in Lady Catherine’s sitting room for her reputation to emerge unscathed.
She had not told her aunt and uncle about the betrothal until the note had arrived. Both had regarded her with surprise and after explaining everything, both had agreed: her engagement toMr. Darcy was a done thing now and there would be no avoiding it.
Charlotte had not spoken much during their journey to town. When they arrived, she had retreated to their shared chamber and remained there until dinner, claiming fatigue. Elizabeth wondered if her strong and capable friend had allowed Mr. Collins’s foolish words to bother her. Elizabeth’s cousin was a ridiculous being. Surely, steady Charlotte had not taken those terrible things to heart.
Elizabeth came down after readying herself to find her aunt and friend at the breakfast table.
“Good morning, Lizzy,” Aunt Gardiner said kindly. “I trust you slept well.”
“I did.” Elizabeth took her seat. “Did you?”
Aunt nodded and Elizabeth turned to speak to Charlotte. Her friend’s plate held but a little food, and she did not think it was because she had already eaten her meal.
“How do you do this morning, Charlotte?” Elizabeth asked.
“I am well. Only very fatigued. I do not know why our journey tired me so. I ought to have recovered by now.” The lady pushed her food around her plate, not taking a bite. “When do you expect Mr. Darcy to call?”
“He says he will come at one o’clock,” Elizabeth said.
Charlotte nodded. “I wish we had been able to take our leave of the others. Sir Andrew and Lady de Bourgh especially.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Yes, their company was diverting, was it not? Lady de Bourgh flummoxed Lady Catherine so often, I feared the latter would suffer an apoplexy.”
“Lady de Bourgh sounds like an interesting character.” Aunt Gardiner sipped her tea before continuing. “She said she would sponsor you. That is good, for you will need a good connection to do it. Mr. Darcy is placed much higher in society. It is expected that as his wife, you will be presented.”
“I do not know that I can depend upon her offer. I thought she merely sought to further discompose Lady Catherine.” Elizabeth shrugged.
“I suppose we will have to address that later.” Aunt Gardiner changed the subject. “Your father is not expecting you at Longbourn until Saturday. Will you keep to that schedule?”
Elizabeth considered.Do I wish to stay here where Mr. Darcy can come to call whenever he wishes? Why not return to Longbourn for the duration of our engagement?
“I believe the matter should be considered after Mr. Darcy’s call,” she finally replied.Yes, his call would determine whether I stay or go.
After breakfast, the ladies amused themselves while Aunt Gardiner completed her household duties. At promptly one o’clock, the bell rang, and Mr. Darcy was admitted.
“How do you do, ladies? Mrs. Gardiner, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Mr. Darcy bowed to his hostess before turning to Elizabeth. He extended his hand, offering her a calling card.
“Lady de Bourgh wished for me to give this to you. She would like to meet with you to discuss… things.” He trailed off. “She accompanied us to London.”
“And Sir Andrew?” Charlotte cut in. Elizabeth glanced at her friend. Had she formed an attachment whilst in Kent? She never would have guessed.
