He beamed at me, presenting an impossibly handsome picture.
“Did you plan this to surprise me?” He inclined his head, and I grabbed him in a hug. Despite our family’s presence, I rained kisses upon his face before taking his hand and tugging him towards them. I greeted each of them with embraces. Fitzwilliam, in turn, provided a more dignified welcome.
Papa beheld my husband with a wry twist to his mouth. “I hope you will pardon me for inviting myself along on this visit.”
“I have said this before, but it bears repeating. You are always welcome at either of our homes—your wife and daughters as well.”
My father nodded. “I appreciate your gallant and immoderate invitation. My gift to Lizzy is my presence on her birthday.” He winked at me, then turned back to Fitzwilliam. “And as a courtesy to you, I left my wife at home.”
Fitzwilliam did not venture a response—Papa’s statement left few options for a politic one. I had missed my dear father’s dry and, at times, biting humour.
I walked to the house arm-in-arm with my two sisters and tipped my head towards Jane. “I suppose Master Charles remained at home.”
“Yes, Charlie has a trifling cold, so I decided he ought to stay.”
“Ah, that is a shame, but I understand.”
“Lizzy, do you expect any other guests?” Georgiana’s enquiry drew my gaze.
“Well, we have a few here already. One is Mr. Graham, a friend of Fitzwilliam’s from university. And your aunt Lady Catherine made a surprise appearance on Friday. She brought along a friend of hers, Lady Rebecca Seymour.”
Lines formed between Georgiana’s brows as she glanced back to where Fitzwilliam stood talking with the others. “I have never heard my brother mention a Mr. Graham before, and I am unfamiliar with Lady Rebecca, but I am sorry your birthday celebration will be dampened by my aunt’s presence. Even in her best mood, she is burdensome company.”
I nudged Georgiana with my shoulder. “With you and Jane here, nothing Lady Catherine does or says will bother me.”
“You are a marvel.” Georgiana released a humourless laugh. “I still find her to be intimidating.”
Jane rested her hand upon my wrist. “What can you tell us of Mr. Graham?”
“Well, he is blond-haired, handsome, and charming. He has most of our servants and half the town of Lambton in love with him.” I glanced at Georgiana. “You both will like him. Still, he is a singular man. I can state with confidence that neither of you have ever met a gentleman like him before.”
“You have piqued my curiosity.”
Georgiana nodded. “Yes, mine as well.”
Darcy
I took advantage of a momentary cessation in our conversation to inform Richard, Bingley, and Mr. Bennet of the other guests at Pemberley.
A snort-like noise accompanied Richard’s exhalation. “It is a shame that Elizabeth is compelled to host our overbearing aunt on her birthday—of all times for Lady Catherine to choose to reconcile with you!”
“Richard!” I used a harsh undertone. What happened to his sense of discretion? Ever since he sold his commission, he had become free and loose with his tongue. Mr. Bennet’s eyebrows rose as he stared at me. My hand brushed across my mouth.Now my father-in-law has new fodder for his witticisms.
“Come now.” Richard clapped me on the back. “You know the old bat is bound to offend the lot of us on one basis or another. At least now your guests are forewarned.”
My father-in-law’s eyes expanded, revealing a familiar twinkle. “I, for one, am eager to meet the lady who saw fit to award a living to my cousin Mr. Collins. Based upon his descriptions of her, I anticipate she may be the more eccentric one of the two. I hope she will not disappoint me.”
A frown overtook my face. “No doubt she will not.”
Bingley scratched the side of his head. “I say, Darcy, I do not recall you ever mentioning a Mr. Graham before. Where does he reside?”
I took a quick glance at Bingley. “He has resided in Calabria for the past several years.”
“Ah, I see.”
Lady Catherine
The scene in the courtyard below absorbed me. My niece, nephew, and three other unknown persons had arrived. The strangers must be Elizabeth’s relations, and the timing of their arrival could not have been more fortuitous in consideration of the new plan I had devised this morning. With members of her family here to witness Lady Rebecca’s apparent seduction of Darcy, the humiliation to Elizabeth would be even greater.
