“Most married couples are of similar opinion, I am sure.” Charlotte smiled wryly, patting Elizabeth’s hand comfortingly. “Have you found anything more to admire?”
She considered the question. “He is loyal and caring. I do not go without, and he always makes certain I am content. He is a wonderful older brother, too. Georgiana loves him, and as she has no guile, I know her happiness to be genuine. He is not miserly, and he is a good master.” She sighed. “Why are his good traits so exceptional and his bad ones exceedingly terrible?”
“What bad traits do you speak of?” Amelia came in, her walking stick thumping as she came. “And who has them?”
“Darcy,” Elizabeth replied automatically. Amelia knew it all, and so she did not fear censure for her thoughts.
“Do tell.” Amelia sat in her favorite chair and leaned forward expectantly, hands on her walking stick.
“He is officious and controlling. His pride is abominable; he is far too worried about what others think of him. I know more of him and his treatment of those he once cared for, too. And yet… I find that some things I cannot reconcile with the man I am coming to know intimately. How can he treat his servants so well and a childhood friend with such disdain?”
“Have you considered that some information you have might be faulty?”
Elizabeth frowned. “Faulty in what way?”
Amelia smiled. “Perhaps that is not the correct word to use. Maybeincompleteorinaccuratewould be better. This childhood friend you allude to, the one that you say Darcy treated badly, could there not be a reason why your husband had withdrawn his good opinion of him? What do you know about the friend? More than you know about Darcy?”
She considered Amelia’s questions with all seriousness. What did she know about Wickham? He was charming, handsome, and amiable… and he had used that to steal from every family of worth in and around Meryton. Darcy, though officious and controlling, was no thief. She chastised herself.I ought to have considered that sooner. Really, Lizzy, you are a dullard lately.
“I suppose I must forgive him and learn to tolerate his manner.” She said the words contritely, her gaze on her hands. Elizabeth had always been quick to forgive in the past. Now it should be no different. Guilt gnawed at her for her grudging, petulant behavior.Am I no better than Lydia?
“Remember what I have said about marriage, Lizzy,” Charlotte said gently. “If your happiness is a matter of chance, do everything you can to help it along.”
“Besides, it is a wife’s responsibility to soften her husband’s rougher edges.” Amelia huffed. “You have been married only a month. Give your regard time to grow and flourish. Though you did not begin with a love match, there is no reason your marriage cannot become one.”
Elizabeth smiled in gratitude. “Something must be wrong with me!” she said laughingly. “Never before have I been so unable to solve my own problems. I feel befuddled and confused more often than not.”
“Love and marriage have that effect on people,” Amelia replied, amused. “I am pleased we have been available to help you sort through everything.”
Feeling much better, Elizabeth farewelled her companions and returned to Darcy House. She went to her chambers until it became time to dress for dinner. Smith appeared at five o’clock with a lovely dinner gown of gold and red silk and a jewelry case in one hand.
Elizabeth opened the unfamiliar case to reveal an intricate gold necklace studded with rubies. A single tear-shaped ruby hung in the center of the necklace. A note with a single sentence accompanied the gift.I am sorry,written in her husband’s strong, masculine handwriting.
Smiling, she fingered the beautiful necklace, resolving to accept her husband’s apology and work toward ‘softening his rough edges,’ as Amelia suggested.
Chapter Thirty-Three
June 15, 1812
London
Charlotte
In between evenings with the Darcys, Charlotte attended other events in the company of Amelia and Sir Andrew. These larger and louder outings usually occurred on nights when the Darcys opted to remain at home.
Charlotte experienced pleasant surprise when her hand was often solicited during these events. She would sit out only two or three dances instead of the five or six she had in the past. Sir Andrew always asked for her first or her supper set, ensuring that the evening was enjoyable.
She soon grew used to his presence at Lady de Bourgh’s house and looked forward to their discussions. Sir Andrew’sattentiveness attracted her, and she knew she would have to settle for far less when she finally married.
That evening they were to attend a large ball held by one of the patronesses of Almack’s. Lady Sefton’s annual ball signaled the close of the season. Many from the first circle left town after the event.
Charlotte wore another new ball gown that night, one that Amelia had insisted on after their initial order with Madame Dubois had been completed. This gown was blue with green threads woven throughout. The fabric shimmered, making Charlotte appear ethereal as she walked. Though she knew her features were plain, she felt beautiful in it.
Before the event, Amelia came to her chambers with a jewelry case in hand. “This is for you,” she said. “It is merely a trifle, and you will do me the honor of accepting it without complaint.”
Protest already on her tongue, Charlotte shut her mouth with a snap. She accepted the case and opened it slowly. Nestled inside was an aquamarine teardrop pendant in a silver setting. It was attached to a matching silver chain. She stroked it gently, in awe. She had never owned anything so lovely. Her simple string of pearls could not compare to the beauty before her.
“I thank you, ma’am,” she murmured. “It is too much, but I accept nonetheless.” Charlotte took the necklace out and allowed the maid who had dressed her to put it around her neck. It fell to just above the neckline of her gown and matched her ensemble completely.
