“The Dowager Countess Lady Maude Montrose, wife of the late Arthur Montrose, Earl of Montrose.” Darcy spoke matter-of-factly, his features devoid of expression. “Bingley says she has been searching for you.”
“The choice is yours, my dear. If you wish to pursue this hidden chapter of your life, I shall stand by your decision. I only ask that you not forget your old papa and the family you have here.” His eyes appeared damp, and he turned away, patting his pocket in search of a handkerchief.
Elizabeth did not know what to say. She remained silent, weighing each thought as she began to tally the advantages and drawbacks of meeting this unknown paternal grandmother. A part of her longed to meet her. Through her, she might learn who she had been before becoming Elizabeth Bennet. “If I were to pursue knowledge,” she began, “how would we proceed?”
“We have not yet settled on a plan,” Mr. Darcy said. “I suppose with Miss Bennet soon to marry, you might accompany her to town to purchase her wedding clothes.”
“That is an idea, her father agreed. You could stay with the Gardiners. They are coming in December for Christmas. I shall write to your uncle Gardiner directly, informing him of our discovery and asking that he make discreet inquiries.” He paused, his eyes meeting his daughter’s. “I should like to have one more Christmas with my girls,” he added quietly.
“Miss Bennet—Jane—and I have not spoken of a date for our wedding, though I imagine it will be March before we say our vows.” Mr. Bingely smiled. No doubt his thoughts had turned to his betrothed, who waited for them in the other room.
“And what of my own betrothal?” she asked. “What does this mean for us?”
Darcy moved to kneel beside her. “As far as I am concerned, we will be man and wife—the only question is timing.” I do not think your grandmother will have any cause to object to our match. Marston Hall lies not far from Pemberley. She will be pleased to have you so near, I am certain. Still, it may be prudent to keep our happy news quiet for now.”
Elizabeth gazed adoringly into his eyes, her heart full. “That sounds delightful,” she murmured.
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat. “I propose we depart before Twelfth Night. Bingley, have you any acquaintance with Lady Montrose?”
“I have never met her, but my father did. I can use that as a pretext to request an audience.” Bingley nodded with resolve. "It is not an easy subject. I can only hope she will."
Darcy nodded and rose. “Then we have our course. We shall depart for London after Christmas. The ladies will stay with the Gardiners, pending their invitation and permission. Bingley will arrange for an introduction between Elizabeth and her grandmother.”
“And once the introduction has been made?” Elizabeth asked. “What if she will not allow me to see anyone I love again?” Her voice trembled, and panic crept in at the thought.
“We shall address thatifit ever comes to pass,” Darcy assured her. “From all I have heard, Lady Montrose is known for fairness and good sense.”
Feeling a little of the tightness in her chest ease, she nodded.
“Off with you, now,” Mr. Bennet waved his hand at them dismissively. “No doubt Jane wonders what is keeping you, Bingley. As for you two,” giving the newly engaged couple another pointed look, you may walk out in the garden. I dare say Lizzy is in more need of fresh air to restore her spirits than my delightful company.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Elizabeth rose and carefully placed her treasures back into the chest. In haste, she carried it to her chambers, secreting it once more beneath the bed frame. Only as she fastened her pelisse did she realize she might show the drawings from her dreams to Mr. Bingley. Perhaps he could say whether they were memories or mere imaginings.
Joining Darcy at the front door, she took his hand and led him outside to the small wilderness that bordered Longbourn’s gardens. They walked to the farthest wall and settled upon an intricately carved bench beneath the wide, bare branches of an old oak tree.
“How do you feel, my love?” Darcy wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned into his chest, relishing the sense of security she felt in his embrace. “You have had quite an upheaval today.”
“I hardly know what I ought to feel,” she admitted. “I suppose I should be grateful that the mystery surrounding my abandonment has, at least in part, been solved. Yet I have some trepidation, for Mr. Bingley said the culprit was never found. Ought I to fear for my life?”
“It is more likely that the assailant, whoever he was, is long gone.” He ran his hand slowly up and down her arm. “We may never learn his motives, or what drove him to descend to such cruelty.”
“The whole affair is dreadful. Though Mr. Bingley did not linger on the details, I could see that it weighed heavily upon him.”
“He once confided in me…he was the one that found your father. That would be distressing for any man, but Bingley was only twelve-years-old at the time.”
Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath. “Poor Mr. Bingley,” she whispered. “No wonder he seemed so deeply affected. And yet he spoke of it only with concern for me. I cannot begin to imagine the horror of such a discovery.” She paused, then added quietly, “I hope I shall find a way to express to him what that means to me—that he carried the burden of such a memory, and still welcomed the idea of my return.”
Darcy nodded, pressing his lips to her temple. “He remembers you fondly.”
“I am more eager than ever to meet Miss Bingley,” she said after a moment. “Will she recall me, do you think?”
“Bingley says you and Caroline were the best of friends. Whether she recognizes you remains to be seen, but she is expected to arrive on the first of December, if I am not mistaken.”
“And her brother will waste no time dragging her to Longbourn—just as he did with Mrs. Hurst.”
Darcy laughed, giving her shoulder a light squeeze. “I dare say your reception will be warmer this time. Miss Bingley is not so entirely wrapped up in herself.” Darcy tightened his hold on her and placed a kiss upon the side of her head. “I intend to act every bit the besotted betrothed, come what may,” he said with a low growl near her ear. “These weeks of torment must end, and it can only be so if I am permitted the full rights and privileges of a man desperately in love with a beautiful woman.”
“I look forward to it,” she replied saucily, pulling away just enough to meet hiseyes.“Thank you.”
