Page 18 of Desired By Mr Darcy
“Enough,” Jane said firmly, her voice cutting through the rising tension. “Both of you. Mama, Lizzy has done nothing to deserve such ire.”
The carriage lurched as it turned onto a smoother road, the sudden quiet between the three women almost deafening. Lizzy turned back to the window, her hands clenched in her lap, her heart pounding with frustration and sorrow.
She blinked away furious tears, swallowing hard in an attempt to regain her composure. She had allowed her mother to crawl beneath her skin for the final time; soon, she would be Mrs Darcy and her mother would hold no jurisdiction over her. She would be the mistress of her own household and manage her own time – time she would certainly not choose to spend in Mrs Bennet’s company if it could be helped.
The carriage began to slow, and Lizzy peered out of the window. She had expected the Darcy residence to be smart, but she was impressed with the grandeur of the four-story townhouse that loomed ahead of her. The carriage stopped in perfect alignment with the gate, and the door snapped open as a well-dressed footman bowed his head before them.
“Good afternoon, ma’am.”
“Good afternoon.”
Lizzy stepped out of the carriage and onto the pavement, staring up at the house that was to be her home when in the city. The front door opened, and her heart was gladdened to see Fitzwilliam appear at once. Behind him was his cousin – oh, how confusing that both were Fitzwilliam! – and Georgiana.
“Lizzy!” Georgiana called delightedly, waving.
Lizzy returned her future sister’s enthusiastic wave, the tension of the carriage melting away at once as she looked upon her new family. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana smiled broadly, whilst her betrothed showed only the ghost of happiness. She was used to his smiles being hard-won, and took no offense. She ascended the steps to the front door, dropping into a neat curtsey.”
“How wonderful to see you again, Colonel. I did not know you would be in London.”
“I have taken leave so that I might stand as my cousin’s best man. And this must be the other bride-to-be, Miss Jane Bennet?”
Jane joined them on the stairs, dipping to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“I have heard a great deal about you from our dear Mr Bingley. May I be so bold as to say he did not do your elegance justice?”
Jane blushed.
“And this is Miss Georgiana Darcy, Jane,” Lizzy interjected before her sister melted from embarrassment.
“How lovely to meet you at last,” Georgiana said softly. “Lizzy has told me so much of her sisters, and she spoke of you with such fondness.”
“I have heard much of your accomplishments from Miss Bingley,” Jane said, her voice just as timid as Miss Darcy’s. “I hope I may be so bold as to ask to hear you play whilst we are here?”
“I would be honoured. Tell me, do you play?” Georgiana asked, taking Jane’s arm and leading her into the house.
Her mother joined them at the top of the stairs.
“Such a journey!” Mrs Bennet lamented loudly. “London roads are poor in comparison to Hertfordshire. It is a pity they cannot maintain them properly.”
“Mother,” Lizzy said in a tone laced with warning, “Will you not greet our host?”
“Mr Darcy, a pleasure to see you again. And who is this?”
“My cousin,” Fitzwilliam said, speaking for the first time. “Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“A pleasure, Mrs Bennet. I am sorry to hear that your journey was unpleasant.”
“It is no matter; what a fine home you have, Mr Darcy. I was not expecting such clean brickwork. London is a filthy place, yet your façade sparkles.”
Nobody knew what to say to such a strange compliment, and Lizzy almost giggled when her Fitzwilliam, utterly bemused, made no attempt to even acknowledge it.
“Won’t you come in?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked. “There is tea. I am sure you are tired from your long journey.”
Mrs Bennet bustled into the house, her voice carrying behind her and no doubt giving poor Colonel Fitzwilliam a headache. Elizabeth lingered behind, a soft smile playing on her lips as she turned her gaze toward her betrothed. His presence was like a beacon, steady and reassuring.
“I am sure you regret your invitation to us already,” she said with a wry smile. Her voice was light, but the undercurrent of apology was genuine. “I must apologise in advance for whatever my mother says during our stay.”
