Page 97 of To Love And To Cherish
"My father loved my mother from the day they met. They married after three months of courtship. I was born five years later, Georgiana twelve years after that, after many miscarriages in between."
He paused, then looked at Elizabeth. "I only hope this does not affect Kitty’s situation in Kent."
Elizabeth smiled wryly. “What newspapers does your aunt subscribe to?”
Darcy chuckled. “TheLondon Chronicle. She’s too much of a scrape-penny to take more than one subscription.”
Elizabeth laughed quietly. “Well then, if Lady Catherine subscribes only to theLondon Chronicle, we need only ensure the announcement appears everywhere else.”
Darcy nodded. "I like that plan."
Elizabeth turned teasingly to Kitty. "My dear, you are now under some pressure. Do be swift in securing your intended before scandal threatens your prospects."
Kitty laughed. "That’s easy for you to say, Lizzy. You and Jane are beauties; men fall over themselves trying to secure your attentions. Mary and I are not so fortunate."
Darcy smiled kindly. "That is not true, Kitty. You and Elizabeth resemble each other more than you know. Once you’re properly dressed and your hair styled, you will turn heads. If Mr. Grant is too much of an addlepate to recognize your charms, never fear. Elizabeth and I shall find you a husband in London."
Kitty flushed. "That is very kind of you, Mr. Darcy. It is a fine thing to have an older brother."
Georgiana squeezed Kitty’s hand. "He is right. And you are still young. You have time to find a good husband."
Three days later, the carriage rolled to a stop in front of Darcy House on a gray, wet London afternoon. Despite the drizzle, the entire staff had turned out, lining the steps to greet their master and his new bride. Elizabeth descended with quiet composure, her arm tucked in Darcy’s. Her voice was low, resonant, and kind as she greeted the butler and housekeeper.
Once upstairs, Elizabeth paused on the threshold of her new chambers. The late Lady Anne Darcy’s rooms were elegant, spacious, and beautifully appointed. She stood admiring them when Mrs. Nichols appeared.
"Mrs. Darcy," the housekeeper began, "Mr. Darcy wrote ahead. The master’s chambers were refurbished after his father’s passing, but the mistress’s rooms have not been altered in seventeen years. We are to take your instructions and begin refurbishing upon your return to Pemberley."
"Thank you, Mrs. Nichols," Elizabeth replied. "Please have books of wallpaper patterns sent up. I favor jonquil; it makes any room feel like summer. The drapes and bedcovers should match, but otherwise, the furnishings and floor coverings suit me perfectly."
"Very good, ma’am. Shall I send up hot water for your bath?"
"Yes, and for my sister’s as well. We dine at seven, I presume?"
"Yes, ma’am."
"Then I shall rest after my bath. Please send up a maid at six to assist me in dressing for dinner."
"Certainly. I’ll send one of the upstairs chambermaids."
As Elizabeth’s trunks were delivered and a maid began to unpack, she turned to Mrs. Nichols once more. "Where are my sisters' rooms?"
"They flank yours, ma’am. And through that door is a private parlor shared with the master. Beyond that are the master’s rooms."
"Thank you, Mrs. Nichols."
Elizabeth stepped next door and found Kitty and Georgiana lying side by side on Kitty’s bed, giggling.
"I see you survived the journey. I’m bathing now, and you should do the same. The maid will bring water shortly. Dinner is at seven."
As she finished bathing, a knock came at the interior door. Darcy’s head appeared. "Elizabeth, is there anything you need?"
She smiled. "No, I am well cared for, William. And so are our sisters."
He crossed the room to whisper in her ear. "I’m going to bathe. When I return, I plan to visit my wife."
The maid gathered the towels and curtsied as she exited. Darcy locked the door behind her and turned the bolt on the door to her private parlor.
"I doubt anyone will disturb us, but just in case, I’ve locked the outer door as well." He held up a small key and placed it on a side table. "This is your key. The only other is on the housekeeper’s ring."
