Elizabeth grinned. “Very clever of you, Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you, I thought so,” he said smugly. “The staring was also due to the fact they had no idea of who you were. Which brings me to what we experienced in the park today. As you said earlier, the ton is curious about you. Once they learn more about who you are as well as the fact that we are courting, the staring and the invasions of privacy will cease.”
“And we will become old news.”
“Exactly,” Darcy said, searching her face for any discontent.
She smiled and nodded.
Encouraged by her understanding and acceptance thus far, Darcy continued, “The other matter pertains to what my uncle said about the precautions that my wife would need to take. Elizabeth, I do not want you to feel—”
“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth interrupted him, “you always go out of your way to show consideration for my feelings and wishes. I appreciate that so much. Nevertheless, I do not want our relationship to be only about pleasing me. I want to please you as well.” She took his hands in her own. “What your uncle said had an impact on me. I thought on it further while I was getting ready. I am glad he brought it up because I had not considered it. You have told me in previous conversations how you were targeted in the past. The potential of you being so again wouldnaturally extend to your wife. I realize that now. I accept it and everything it entails. Do not feel that you would need to find a way to absolve me of the responsibility of showing caution and prudence in this regard. As your wife, I would want to make your life easier, not harder.”
Darcy looked at her, fully comprehending how fortunate he was to have found such a caring and selfless young woman. He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them. “Are you quite sure, Elizabeth? I know how much you value your freedom to roam the countryside.” His fingers caressed hers as he met her gaze. “I would do everything in my power to ensure your happiness.”
She smiled softly. “I know you would.”
Lost in each other’s eyes, they did not notice Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley enter the room.
Georgiana called out in a sing-song voice, “Hello, you two!”
Elizabeth startled slightly, then turned to his sister. “Oh! Hello, Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley.”
Darcy stood and greeted the ladies as well.
“May we join you?” Georgiana asked, giving Darcy a mischievous look.
“Of course!” Elizabeth said.
A few minutes later, Fitz arrived. Soon after that, Elizabeth’s family did as well. And after an enjoyable dinner, they all departed to attend the musicale.
Chapter 26
Two days later, Elizabeth and her sisters went to Darcy House after breakfast. Georgiana had invited them to spend the morning with her and to also stay for luncheon.
Elizabeth and Jane were standing beside the pianoforte, laughing with Georgiana and Mary, who were seated at the instrument playing short melodies. They had each been taking turns inserting humorous words and phrases into songs they knew and singing the altered versions when the butler interrupted them.
“Pardon me, Miss Darcy . . . Lady Catherine . . .”
They all turned to look, first at Mr. Brandon, and then at the older woman who was studying them.
Elizabeth glanced at Georgiana and saw how uneasy she had become.
“Lady Catherine, what a surprise. I hope you are well?”
The older woman was very formally attired. She walked to a chair with a cane in her hand, that she did not appear to need for balance.
“Are you here to see William?" Georgiana ventured timidly. "I am afraid he is out.”
“So I have been told. It is no matter. I shall wait,” Lady Catherine said, and promptly sat down.
Georgiana appeared to be at a loss for what to do next when the older woman decided it for her.
“You may introduce these young ladies to me,” Lady Catherine said imperiously.
“Of course! Aunt, this is Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and—”
“You!” Lady Catherine snarled and immediately came to her feet again. “You are Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
