Mrs. Bennet’s hostess skills were on full display for the residents of Meryton and its environs. Longbourn’s cook collaborated with Netherfield’s to create a sumptuous feast worthy of an advantageous marriage. Elizabeth enjoyed the fare immensely and spoke with animation to her grandmother and Darcy throughout the meal.
When it came time for Charles and Jane to depart, the guests gathered on the front steps and waved them off. Carriages soon began to arrive to convey the remaining guests to their homes.
The Gardiners, having come from London, joined Elizabeth in the drawing room. Mrs. Bennet conversed with Mrs. Nicholls, ensuring that the manor returned to good order. Several of Longbourn’s servants had come to assist, easing the burden upon Netherfield’s staff.
“Have you heard from Mr. Winters regarding our offer?” Elizabeth asked her uncle.
“I have not. Are you so eager to be rid of your father’s assets? Holding on to a profitable concern is often the more prudent choice, even if your husband possesses a vast estate and considerable wealth.” Mr. Gardiner picked up a glass of port and sipped thoughtfully.
“Your uncle offers sound advice.” Darcy seated himself beside Elizabeth and took her hand. “If Mr. Winters has not responded by now, I would wager he does not intend to pursue the purchase. If that is the case, perhaps we ought to consider buying him out. I could engage a manager to oversee its operation. It would serve as an additional source of revenue.”
Lady Montrose nodded. “My husband was a fool, but even then, Henry perceived that times were changing and wished to be a part of it. Common men are amassing fortunes that rival, or surpass, those of earls and barons.”
Elizabeth ran her thumb gently across Darcy’s hand. “Will you prepare a proposal for Mr. Winters, Uncle?”
“I shall.” Mr. Gardiner replied with a smile. “And I thank you for allowing me to remain a part of your life. You are a great lady now, Lizzy—far too grand for the likes of me.”
“You and Aunt Gardiner are two of my favorite people. I shall never be ‘too grand’ for you. Or for my little cousins.”
Lady Montrose chuckled. “Let us delay any meeting with Mr. Winters until after your ball,” she said. “You will have more than enough to occupy you in preparation.”
She made a face. “I never thought to have a come-out, let alone be paraded before the entireton.If I had my way, I would hide away in my chambers instead.”
“Then it is a good thing that I shall havemyway.” Grandmother patted her hand gently. “It is not so terrible, Elizabeth. And once it is over, everyone will know that you are betrothed. That alone will spare you a great deal of unwelcome attention, particularly from gentlemen.”
“And just think you will be able to reassure Georgiana that the ordeal is not so fearsome as she imagines. My sister does not wish to come out, being of a shy and retiring nature.” Darcy grinned and gave Elizabeth’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“Oh, very well. You have managed to persuade me.” Elizabeth huffed in playful resignation. “I suppose the thought of my gown is enough to excite me.” Her grandmother had purchased an entirely new wardrobe, but the gown chosen for the ball was especially exquisite. It was a soft butter yellow, trimmed at the high waist with sky-blue ribbon. The square neckline dipped daringly low, though still within the bounds of modesty. The sheer sleeves of a fine silk net, worked with gold thread, came to her elbows. They completed the ensemble and gave the gown a regal finish, making Elizabeth feel like a princess.
“I am eager to see it,” Darcy said huskily, causing Elizabeth to glance up at him through her eyelashes. The look of love in his eyes said more than words could convey, and she felt her heart beat faster.
“When will you return to London, your ladyship?” Mr. Gardiner asked, drawing her attention back to the conversation.
“Elizabeth wished to visit with the Bennets for several days,” Lady Montrose replied. “We shall return on the ninth to see to the final preparations for the ball. There is still so much to be done! The ballroom has not been used in an age. I set the servants to cleaning it before we left, but I expect we shall return to a list of repairs and adjustments before that night.”
Her grandmother launched into her plans for the ball, and the Gardiners listened attentively. Darcy gave Elizabeth's hand a light tug, and they rose, quietly slipping from the room with none the wiser.
Darcy led her to the library. A cheerful fire crackled in the grate, keeping the spring chill at bay. Since no one had used the room all day, she knew he must have arranged it just for them. They crossed to the settee, and he drew her down beside him, wrapping her in his arms and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Alone at last,” he murmured.
“Be careful, sir, lest your words summon company down upon us!” Was that not what always seemed to happen? Having been interrupted so many times in the past, she would rather not tempt fate.
His chest rumbled with laughter as he pulled her closer. “If anyone claims compromise, I shall gladly purchase a common license and marry you tomorrow.”
They were silent for a time, simply content with each other’s company. “Any news from your men?” she asked idly, lacing her fingers through his and placing his hand into her lap.
“None. There has been no movement at the house. If fortune favors us, the man responsible has fled.”
“But you do not think that.” She turned to look at him. He met her gaze briefly, then gave a slight shake of the head. Disappointment settled in her chest, and she turned back toward the fire, resting her head lightly against his chest. “You do not believe I am safe,” she whispered.
“I do not. Elizabeth, someone wanted you dead twelve years ago. Now that you have been found, they intend to finish what they began. Who knows what drives such a villain? Your fortune alone might tempt someone, but with the earldom involved…”
“Could this have something to do with my inheritance?” she asked, more serious now. “I mean the earldom. Could someone have murdered my family to prevent my father from inheriting?”
“He had an elder brother. I do not know who would have stood to inherit if all of Lady Montrose’s immediate relations were gone, but it seems unlikely that the title itself set all this in motion.” He stroked her arm, sending shivers down her spine, and she breathed deeply, taking in his citrus and sandalwood scent.
“So now what arewe to do?” Elizabeth had no wish to live in fear, always watching and wondering when something might happen. She wanted to move about freely, to travel as she pleased without the worrythat something would befall her. And what of the future? If she had children, would that fear become dread, knowing it was not only her life at risk?
She felt safe in Darcy’s arms and never wished to be away from him. But alas, after a blissful hour in quiet companionship, they were discovered. Lady Montrose was highly amused as she observed them.
