Page 40 of To Love And To Cherish
Elizabeth smiled. "We have been rather busy at Longbourn, I confess. We have been altering several gowns for Mary, adjusting them to suit her figure and height." She glanced at Mr. Darcy and flushed. "Forgive me, sir. I spoke too freely; my remarks were ill-suited to mixed company."
Darcy looked down at Elizabeth, amusement flickering in his eyes. “No need to apologize, Miss Elizabeth. I have long been resigned to the knowledge that my feelings and opinions hold little sway with you.”
She laughed softly, then turned to face Georgiana, who squeezed her hand affectionately. "You are my friend, Elizabeth. This is the sort of conversation I have longed for all my life."
They turned together to glance at Mary, who stood with an air of composure beside their mother.
"Your sister does look lovely," said Georgiana. "There is something different about her, though I cannot quite determine what it is."
Elizabeth chuckled. "She has put off her spectacles. They are only for reading, yet she had taken to wearing them always. Her features are much more becoming without them."
Elizabeth composed herself. "I have not yet spoken of my other plans."
Before she could continue, Miss Bingley approached and possessively took Mr. Darcy’s arm. She cast Elizabeth a glance which Elizabeth could not mistake: he is mine.
Mr. Darcy removed himself with quiet firmness. "I must speak with Bingley," he said, and walked away. Caroline followed him.
Georgiana remained. "What were you about to say, Elizabeth? Were you speaking of Scotland?"
"Yes," Elizabeth replied. "I am to leave Longbourn. Tomorrow, I move to Mrs. Talbot’s. I will assist Mary King with her preparations. A week later, Miss King and I shall depart for Cambridge, and from there to Scotland. Georgiana, I am so eager to be away, to see something of the world at last. And to be free of my mother, who cannot abide me."
Elizabeth’s eyes filled with unshed tears, and she turned slightly, dabbing at them with quiet discretion."
Georgiana’s eyes softened. "I always thought being motherless a sorrow. But having a mother who despises you must be far worse. I am sorry, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth forced a smile. "My father loves me; that must suffice. It is only that everything is changing so quickly. My future may lie in Scotland. Perhaps I shall even settle there."
Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Darcy had returned and heard her last remark. He halted, momentarily discomposed.
Before he could speak, Mary approached. "Lizzy, Mamma is calling. We are going home."
Elizabeth turned to the Darcys and curtsied. "Farewell, Georgianna. We may never meet again."
Georgiana clasped her hand. "Will you write to me?"
Mr. Darcy interjected. "Miss Elizabeth, my sister and I will call at Longbourn this afternoon, along with Mr. Bingley. It would afford Georgiana the chance to take proper leave."
Elizabeth met his gaze. "Thank you, sir. That is very kind."
At four o’clock, the Bingley carriage arrived. Elizabeth watched from the parlor window as Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Georgiana descended. There was no sign of Miss Bingley, a fact Elizabeth did not regret.
When they were seated and tea served, Mr. Darcy turned to Mrs. Bennet. "May I inquire when your cousin, the rector, is expected?"
"He has accepted our invitation," said Mrs. Bennet. "Lady Catherine has approved a six-week stay beginning Wednesday."
Mr. Darcy nodded. "That is good news. I informed Mr. Bingley, and he has agreed to host a welcome dinner."
Mr. Bingley added, "It shall be small, as you requested. Once the marriage is settled, we may host a larger celebration."
Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands over her chest. "That is very good of you, sir. I take it as a compliment to my daughter, Mary."
Mary, seated beside her, flushed deeply. Jane, seated next to Mr. Bingley, gently laid her hand upon his arm. "Thank you for this honor," she murmured.
Kitty entered, having returned from Lucas Lodge. Elizabeth brought her to the attention of the Darcys, and introductions were made.
Mr. Darcy rose. “Miss Catherine, pray be seated beside my sister. Miss Elizabeth expressed a hope that you might become acquainted."
The two young ladies were soon in animated conversation. Kitty invited Georgiana to walk in the garden the following morning.
