Page 103 of To Love And To Cherish
Elizabeth laughed. “Only remember, Kitty, if Mr. Grant proves an Addlepate, you are promised a London season and we shall find someone more worthy.”
Soon after, the Lucases arrived, followed closely by Mrs. Long and Mrs. Goulding. Warm congratulations were offered all around, and Elizabeth, though still somewhat incredulous, observed her mother with a mixture of astonishment and relief. Mrs. Bennet comported herself with grace and good humor, speaking of her daughter’s advantageous match with pride and not a trace of impropriety. That alone would have been enough to astound Elizabeth, but the goodwill appeared genuine.
When an opportunity presented itself, Elizabeth drew Charlotte quietly aside.
“Charlotte,” she said in a low voice, “Mr. Darcy has seen to it that I have an entirely new wardrobe. As you may recall, Papa had purchased several day dresses and evening gowns for my travels to Scotland. Some are unworn. I brought all that wardrobe with me, in case you might find some among them suitable for your visit to Hunsford. There are two riding habits as well.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Truly, Elizabeth?”
“We are of similar height and coloring,” Elizabeth continued. “If they suit, you are welcome to them. And if not, perhaps Maria might find use for one or two. I packed them in a trunk, which Mr. Hill can deliver to Lucas Lodge later today, if you like.”
Charlotte’s expression lit with pleasure. “Elizabeth, I should be delighted! We share similar tastes in style and color, and I amcertain they shall suit with only minor alterations. And what a kindness, thank you.”
“There is more,” Elizabeth said, leaning in conspiratorially. “Jane has sent along two of her evening gowns and one ball gown, all in colors that will flatter you well. While I am here, I should like to experiment with your hair. You wear it too severely, my dear. I would see you make the best possible impression on the widower Mary wrote of. First impressions, as you know, can be everything.”
Charlotte flushed. “I agree. This may be my one chance to attach a respectable man. I shall not argue with you about my hair.”
“Come tomorrow,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Between Alice and me, we shall find something more becoming. You remember how beautifully she always did Jane’s hair.”
“Oh yes,” Charlotte said, eyes gleaming. “Alice has a gift. She knows how to make a woman look her very best.”
Then, with an earnest squeeze of Elizabeth’s hands, she added, “Thank you, Lizzy. This is true generosity, from you and from Jane. I shall not forget it.”
That evening passed pleasantly, and the next morning found Darcy’s carriage ready to convey the ladies on their calls. Mrs. Bennet was in high spirits, and Elizabeth bore her mother’s pride with equanimity.
In the afternoon, Darcy rode out on Rowan while Elizabeth visited her father in his study. The familiar scent of dusty books and pipe tobacco made her smile.
“Papa,” she began, “I scarcely know what to make of Mamma’s conduct. She has been altogether kind.”
Mr. Bennet looked up over his spectacles. “We had a conversation, she and I. Your mother now sees that the match she once wished for Jane would have ruined her life, and she is grateful for your intervention when Jane was just a child, and again with Mr. Bingley. Thanks to you, her favorite daughter is a very happy woman. And when I told her that Mr. Darcy pursued you to Scotland and married you there, she was thoroughly impressed. The marriage settlements sealed the matter.”
“She has forgiven me?”
“She sees you as a dutiful daughter, and, more importantly, as the wife of a very wealthy man.”
Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears.
“Papa... I must ask a favor. Fitzwilliam has agreed, but it must come from you.” She drew a breath. “Will you transfer Lydia’s guardianship to Mr. Darcy? I wish to take her from school and keep her with us. She and Georgiana are of an age and would be good companions. If anything were to happen to you, I do not want Mamma deciding Lydia’s fate.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes welled. “Yes, Lizzy. I agree, this would be in Lydia’s best interests. I shall speak to Mr. Phillips and have it drawn up.”
Elizabeth rose and embraced him, Thank you, Papa.”
At the end of the week, with the guardianship and marriage settlement documents signed, Elizabeth and Darcy returned to London. As the carriage passed Oaken Mount, Elizabeth stared out the window, her heart full.
Darcy drew her close.
“You are quiet,” he murmured.
“I am a very contented woman, only a little melancholy just now,” she replied, resting her head on his shoulder. “But far happier than I ever thought to be.”
He held her close as the countryside slipped by, carrying them home.
Chapter 53: Visit To Hunsford Parsonage
Kitty Bennet sat forward as the carriage pulled up to Hunsford Parsonage. The journey from Hertfordshire had passed quickly, and now she was eager to see her sister Mary and cousin William. When the carriage halted, she glimpsed Mary standing beside William on the parsonage step. Both smiled warmly as Sir William Lucas stepped down, then turned to assist first Charlotte and then Kitty to alight.
Kitty gave Mary a warm embrace. "You look so well," she whispered. "I have missed you."
