“Caroline and Sir James will attend as well, though she was not free to call with me today. Tell me, have you been much occupied with preparations?”
“More occupied than I should like.” Elizabeth huffed and crossed her arms. “Do you know, I have not read a single book in a month?”
Jane gasped in mock horror. “No! That is not like you at all. No wonder you are at your wit’s end.” They both laughed, and Elizabeth silently vowed to read something—anything—the moment all the chaos ended.
“This ball makesme wonder whether I am suited to society,” Elizabeth admitted quietly. “How am I to manage a lifetime of this if oneevent exhausts me so?”
“This is hardly a small affair, my dear. I have invited everyone of note. Even Prinny received an invitation, though it remains uncertain whether he will attend. Once you are Mrs. Darcy, you may host as many guests as you please. Many ladies holdonly one or two large events each year and keep the rest of their engagements small with intimate guest lists.” Lady Montrose patted her arm in reassurance. “It is rather a lot, I confess. But never fear. In two days, it will all be behind you.”
It brought her little comfort, but she smiled and thanked her grandmother all the same.
Jane departed, reminding Elizabeth that she and Bingley were just a few minutes away on Charles Street should she need anything.
After her sister’s departure, Elizabeth found herself stewing, wondering why she felt so out of sorts. At last, she realized the cause. It was Wednesday, and she had not seen Darcy since their arrival in town two days prior. She missed him…and the quiet strength he always brought.
“You are rather dull this evening, my dear,” Lady Montrose observed after the meal. “Tell me, you would not be meditating on a tall, handsome gentleman from the North, would you?”
Biting her lip, Elizabeth nodded.
“Well then, write to him! You are betrothed, after all. I had assumed you understood you were free to exchange letters. Go on—invite him to dine tomorrow. You will need cheering after your fitting. I have never known a lady so disinclined to purchasing new gowns.”
“It is not the new clothing I mind; it is being forced to stand still and wait to be stuck with a pin.” Elizabeth rose at once and crossed to the writing desk to pen Darcy a note.
Dearest Love,
My, that sounds rather silly, does it not? No matter, for you are my dearest love, and I must be certain you know it. I miss you so! Though it has been but two days, I long for your presence. I know that business has occupied you, and I hope to hear all about it when you come for dinner tomorrow.
My grandmother bids meextend the invitation, and so I shall. Pray, bring Georgiana. I have not seen her in an age. We shall be a small party, but I do not repine at that. Intimate gatherings are my preference.
Send a reply with Jameson.
Yours,
Elizabeth
The note was dispatched to Darcy House, and not ten minutes later, she held his reply in her hand.
My dearest Elizabeth,
I have neglected you most shamefully, and shall rectify that at once. Georgiana and I are pleased to accept your invitation to dine on the morrow. I shall call a little early with her, that we might discuss the business which has kept me so engaged these last weeks.
Visions of you fill my dreams, and I long for the day when we shall never be parted unless we choose it. You are everything to me, and I thank Heaven for the day we met, for never did I imagine I would be so fortunate to win your regard. All else pales beside it.
I know you are anxious for answers. I beg you to wait just a little longer, and we shall speak of all in person.
Yours in love and affection,
F. D.
Her heart warmed, and a sense of peace settled over her. She could wait a little longer for answers…and for him.
The following afternoon, Madame Dubois arrived for the final gown fitting, her assistant in tow. Elizabeth stood before the large bedroom mirror and gazed admiringly at the exquisite creation. The women in the room all breathed admiringly at once, prompting a round of giggles from Elizabeth and the assistant.
“C’est magnifique,”Madame Dubois said with satisfaction. “Mark my words, ladies all over London will be clamoring for a gown in this style.”
“It is a work of art,” Elizabeth agreed. “There are no words to express how pleased I am.”
The gown was carefully removed and hung in the wardrobe before Madame Dubois and her assistant took their leave. Elizabeth looked at the time and groaned. Darcy would not arrive for nearly an hour.
