Page 102 of To Love And To Cherish
"Indeed," Elizabeth said. "I care little for fripperies. So long as I do not embarrass William, I shall wear whatever Lady Helen prefers."
"And the etiquette master?" Kitty asked with a wince.
Elizabeth groaned. "We shall all benefit. Georgiana may be exempt, but you and I, Kitty, have much to learn."
Chapter 52: Longbourn
Elizabeth stood with patient composure, submitting to a second fitting for her evening gown while Miss Gibbs and Lady Helen debated the precise set of the bodice. The fabric, an ethereal silvery-blue, draped with daring grace about her figure, and she grew uneasy as the modiste lowered the neckline to reveal more of her décolletage.
“Lady Helen,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on the looking glass, “am I mistaken, or have I been dressed for Covent Garden?”
Lady Helen’s lips quirked. “My dear, it is merely fashion. You must grow accustomed. Nothing less would be tolerated in Town.”
Miss Gibbs nodded in agreement. “Rest assured, Mrs. Darcy, you wear it better than most. And when I dress your hair, you will be every inch a diamond.”
Elizabeth gave a half-laugh. “A reluctant diamond, perhaps.”
Two weeks passed thus: dress fittings, morning lessons in navigating introductions to members of the peerage, instruction in the finer points of etiquette required by the ton, and endless social counsel from Lady Helen, who presided over their days with benevolent authority. Georgiana, ever docile and eager to improve, thrived under the guidance. Kitty bore it gamely, if somewhat bewildered, and was granted a single ball gown for Elizabeth and Darcy’s upcoming celebration. Elizabeth admired her sister’s cheerfulness and did her utmost to ensure Kitty felt included and elegant.
At last, the gowns were ordered, trunks packed, and travel to Longbourn imminent.
Darcy wrote to Mr. Bennet announcing their marriage and inquiring whether they might be received at Longbourn, as Netherfield had been let. Mr. Bennet’s reply was prompt and affable. Elizabeth also wrote her father privately:Should my mother conduct herself ill, we will depart the very next day; but if she treats me with civility, I hope to remain for the week.
They set out, Darcy, Elizabeth, and Kitty, leaving Georgiana in Lady Helen’s care to complete her shopping. Miss Gibbs remained in Town to assist.
When the carriage drew up to Longbourn, Elizabeth’s breath caught at the sight of both parents standing on the threshold, and to her astonishment, her mother greeted her with smiles and even embraced her.
“My dear Lizzy!” cried Mrs. Bennet, all warmth and propriety. “What a fine-looking couple you make!”
Elizabeth blinked in surprise but responded affectionately. “Thank you, Mamma.”
Mr. Bennet’s expression was wry as ever, but his eyes were tender. “Welcome home, my Lizzy, and you too, Mr. Darcy.”
Once trunks were unloaded, Darcy’s coach and most of the servants were sent to the Red Lion, the only inn in Meryton. Only his valet remained at Longbourn, lodging discreetly in Mary’s former chamber.
The party refreshed themselves and changed out of their travel dress before gathering in the drawing room for tea.
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet began, “how long did it take to journey south from Scotland?”
“We travelled south at a gentle pace, stopping to fish or see the local sights, and were fortunate in the weather. There was some rain, of course, but nothing impassable.”
“And you paused at Pemberley?”
“Yes. We collected Kitty and my sister, Georgiana. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley send their regards. They expect to move into their new estate by early February. It lies but eight miles from Pemberley.”
Mrs. Bennet beamed. “Lizzy, Kitty wrote that you helped her select a wardrobe for her visit to Hunsford.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “Miss Gibbs, my maid, assisted us; she formerly attended a lady of fashion and possesses excellent taste. Kitty will be well dressed, and her gowns fitted to perfection.”
Mr. Bennet set down his teacup and looked to his daughter. “Elizabeth, did Mr. Darcy tell you he has settled three thousand pounds upon Kitty and Lydia each? And persuaded Bingley to do likewise? Moreover, neither gentleman has accepted your portions of your mother’s dowry, which shall also benefit your two youngest sisters.”
Elizabeth turned to her husband, her eyes shining. “Fitzwilliam.”
His face darkened with a blush that reached his cheekbones. “It was my pleasure, Elizabeth. Your sisters are now mine as well.”
“Bless my soul,” Mrs. Bennet cried, her voice unexpectedly soft, “this means everything. I thank you with all my heart.”
Kitty added with a grin, “Now I truly have a chance with Mr. Daniel Grant. Thank you, Mr. Darcy, with all my heart.” Tears sprang to her eyes.
