Page 59 of Affectations of Candour

By midday, it seemed that all Darcy was capable of doing was pacing, running fingers through his hair, and consulting his pocket watch every few minutes. Would Elizabeth change her mind about marrying him? Could he blame her if she did? They were to be spouses, partners for life, consulting one another and making decisions together. He was painfully aware that most husbands controlled nearly every aspect of their wife’s fate, but that was not what he wanted, or dared, with Elizabeth.

He was convinced he was about to ruin everything.

Even with Miss Wright and her lot gone, until Mr Bennet agreed to the marriage settlement Darcy had drawn up in Bristol, it was agreed the engagement would remain unannounced, except to Georgiana, her friend, and those at Cliff House. Unbeknown to Elizabeth, Darcy planned to make another proposal during the evening’s get-together. Then all others who mattered would learn of her acceptance at the same time.

When the first carriage was heard arriving, Darcy went out and stood upon the front steps, shoulders back, giving the appearance of confidence while Thomas hurried down to open the coach door and assist the passengers. Miss Baker was the first out, followed by her niece, Elizabeth, and Mr Baker. Meeting the ladies at the bottom, Darcy bowed and greeted everyone with a smile.

Fresh-faced and smiling, the love of his life wore a gown the colour of amethyst. Beneath her straw bonnet, some nut-brown curls, as was their wont, had escaped her hair-pins. When her large, dark, expressive eyes met his, he breathed easier. She loved him and would forgive him for his impetuousness.

He offered one arm to Miss Baker and the other to Elizabeth, leaving Miss Hughes to walk with her uncle. “Everything is set up just as it was on the day of our picnic. So shall we proceed to the garden?”

The weather could not have been more cooperative. The sky was clear, the sun was warm rather than hot, and there was a dry southeasterly breeze blowing seaward. In the garden, a large table was set up under the canopy, the ice tent was pegged down securely, and Hector had been confined to the house, where he was probably being held at bay by a little white cat.

Georgiana and Miss Althea were already in the garden, trying to behave as though nothing was afoot.

Darcy had just seated the ladies of Cliff House, with Elizabeth and Miss Hughes facing the Channel, when another carriage, his own, was heard rumbling up the lane.

As though she did not know better, Miss Baker said, “Goodness, are you expecting someone else, Mr Darcy?”

“Who could that be?” Georgiana looked innocently curious.

Miss Althea added that she hoped it was not her family returning.

“I shall go and see, shall I?” Darcy thought they were all laying it on with a trowel.

He was not alone when he returned, and Georgiana rushed forwards. “Cousin! What an unexpected surprise!” Hooking his arm with hers, she then went round the table introducing Colonel Fitzwilliam to the others.

When it was her turn, Miss Althea simpered and smiled in an affectedly coy manner. What is it about my cousin that captivates the ladies? He is not in uniform, so it cannot be that. And he is not particularly handsome. Is he?

Upon being presented to Elizabeth, the colonel said, “Miss Bennet, an absolute pleasure to meet you. I understand that unfortunate circumstances prevented our being in Kent together this past spring. Such a shame. I am convinced that your presence at Rosings would have brightened a dull se’nnight.” He then sat beside her and was, to Darcy’s disgust, his customary charming self. His cousin, similar to Elizabeth, had the amiable sort of disposition that inclines towards friendship.

Two more guests, one past his prime, the other a minor, approached. Darcy closely watched the young ladies of Cliff House for their response to the surprise he had arranged. Elizabeth, however, had her head turned towards the colonel. Do not allow your head to be turned by him, my love, even if—upon learning how impetuous I have been—you soon change your mind about me. Fitzwilliam needs to marry an heiress. Darcy had faith in Elizabeth but envied his cousin’s time with her.

“Jasper? Oh my stars! Jasper!” Miss Hughes seemed on the verge of happy tears, but before rushing to her brother, she tapped Elizabeth’s shoulder.

With a gasp, Elizabeth jumped to her feet and ran into her father’s waiting arms. “Papa! What a wonderful surprise! But why have you come for me so soon? I was not to leave for another five days. Is aught amiss at home?”

“There, there, Lizzy. All is satisfactory at Longbourn, at least when we—and by that I mean Jasper and I—left Hertfordshire. Mr Darcy thought I might as well come early to be here for today’s little celebration, and he asked us to fetch the colonel en route.” He bowed to her friend. “Miss Hughes, sixteen times over, I wish you joy on your birthday.”

Wide-eyed, Miss Hughes thanked him, then asked how he knew.

“Ah. Well, your twin mentioned it was his sixteenth birthday, so…”

Elizabeth looked behind her father. “Is anyone else with you?”

“We came boxed up in a post-chaise, Lizzy. It seats only three.” Mr Bennet had told no lie, and Darcy gave him a subtle, appreciative nod. “And, in the village, a fine coach belonging to our host awaited and brought us here.”

An abundance of civilities passed on all sides, and for the next half an hour or so, they were a convivial bunch of chitter-chattering people, eating and drinking while sitting round a table under the shade of a billowing canopy. The garden itself was verdantly peaceful, with splashes of colour here and there. Birdsong was the only sound audible during the few lulls in conversation. Pleased by everyone’s comportment, Darcy enjoyed the last few moments of peace while discerning the clattering of hoofs on the gravel and the jingling, creaking, and clanking of the other two expected carriages. Georgiana’s eyes met his, and she started to rise, but he signalled for her to remain. While excusing himself from the company, he promised to return shortly.

Along the way Darcy encountered a couple of his guests quickly approaching the garden. “Welcome to Strandsmere, Miss Bennet, Bingley. Or should I say Mr and Mrs Bingley?”

His friend beamed. “Indeed you should, my friend. We married six days ago.”

Darcy bowed over the new bride’s hand, then shook Bingley’s. “Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.”

Mrs Bingley thanked him and added, “We were very sorry to not have you and Elizabeth at the service, but”—she sweetly smiled at her husband—“we could not wait to begin our life together.”

“I completely understand.” Looking back, Darcy caught Georgiana’s eye and beckoned her. “Did you encounter difficulty along the way, Bingley?”