Page 48 of Losing Lizzy
“Just that you may be Mr. Bennet’s favorite daughter, but you possess some of your mother’s tendencies to manipulate those within your care, as if you are a chess master.”
She ignored his taunt but did display her concern. “Do you think either Jane or Mary a bad idea?”
“I do not,” he admitted. “If Sheffield would develop an affection for either, I would be happy to welcome him into our family. Either way, Sheffield will always be Lizzy’s ‘Uncle Albert.’”
“I promise to allow nature to take its course,” she said smartly, “except for one matter I deem of importance.”
“That would be?” Darcy could not resist smiling. He would be the fortunate one: the man who woke up to such a woman every day.
She blushed but did not look away. “I wish you to discover a bookstore similar to the one known as Brooke’s. Do you know it?”
“Yes, it is the one I frequented before my abduction.”
She nodded her understanding. “Before he called upon my father, Mr. Sheffield had thought to purchase Brooke’s with his savings. While still in your employment, he planned to hire someone to run the store for him, and when it was time to retire,he would assume those duties.”
“Admirable,” he said in honesty. “I had no idea Sheffield was wealthy enough to think of purchasing Brooke’s.” He grinned. “I must be overpaying my staff.”
Another rush of color flooded her cheeks. “I should probably not disclose this, but many of Society do not realize their servants possess ears.”
He stifled the laugh ready to escape his lips, for he did not wish to disturb his child. Yet, it was difficult not to wish to kiss Elizabeth’s lips when she quirked them in amusement.
“But—” she began.
“So, what exactly did Sheffield overhear that made him rich enough to consider purchasing Brooke’s when it became available?” he asked, thoroughly enjoying their conversation. This was to be his life, and Darcy could not wait to embrace it fully.
She smiled largely. “Sheffield invested in the same ventures as did his employer, and he sold when you did.”
“How very astute of him,” he said with a large smile. “Perhaps, I should ask for a fee as I am the one who did the research on the various proposals.”
She gestured his tease away. “Permit me to finish my tale, sir.”
He nodded his agreement.
“Sheffield had a small inheritance from his mother’s dowry and had saved for the purchase, but when he agreed to assist me, his expenses increased dramatically. We let a cottage in Cumbria for nearly a year. Furniture. Travel to Scotland and the necessary payments for someone to antedate the marriage and other ways to assure you and I were in the area on the appropriate date. My medical care. A wet nurse. Even when he lost the opportunity to bid on Brooke’s, he might still have chosen London, but we feared someone would recognize me. With my luck, I would have come across my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner or the Bingleys or someone from your family.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “As the Meryton militia had departed Brighton shortly after Lydia’sdebacle, when the store there became available, Brighton proved a viable choice for both of us. Sheffield purchased the building and all its contents. As he would make the best with Mrs. Harris as his wife, Mr. Sheffield would be satisfied to return to Brighton, but, in my opinion, neither the lady nor the seaside town is the gentleman’s dream.”
Darcy’s smile dimmed, and he turned serious. “Mr. Sheffield would never accept my financial gratitude. His pride is as big as his heartfelt care for you and Elizabeth Anne.”
“I agree. Sheffield would refuse. Moreover, Brooke’s is no longer available, but certainly there must be one just as perfect for the man. Might I add a search for another establishment where Sheffield can hang his sign of ownership to your list of changes in our lives to accomplish?”
“Permit me to consider how best to proceed without destroying the gentleman’s sense of honor. I would have agreed to assist him even if he was still my valet, but your story compels me to know success in this matter,” he assured.
* **
They had spent the remainder of their journey deciding how they would proceed with their relationship. They had agreed they would carry forward the idea that they had eloped to Scotland, providing Elizabeth Anne her legitimacy while denying themselves vows of marriage. Because neither of them considered ‘living in sin,’ despite their continued commitment to each other, a viable option, at length, it was decided they would marry in a private ceremony as quickly as possible. Yet, as English law required residency in the parish of either the man or the woman for four weeks prior to the ceremony, they would spend the next month as a couple in the eyes of the world, but, in private, this time, they would postpone the duties enjoyed by a man and his wife.
Neither of them wished to wait to share himself with the other, but they both felt strongly that if they did not properly speak their vows, it would destroy their future happiness.
At length, the two carriages pulled up before Darcy House, and Darcy assisted Elizabeth down before lifting Lizzy into his arms. He knew his neighbors likely watched his every move. Samuels hurried down the steps to assist Jasper with the trunks. He instructed, “Bring in those belonging to Mr. Sheffield also.” Then, he escorted his family into Darcy House for the first time.
“Mrs. Guthrie,” he said as he handed off his hat to the lady. “This is your mistress, Mrs. Darcy.” To Elizabeth, he said, “Our housekeeper, Mrs. Guthrie.”
His long-time servant curtseyed. “Welcome, Mistress. Your room is still in good order, but I will have a maid set the fire for this evening.”
Darcy gave his daughter a little squeeze. “And this is Miss Elizabeth Anne Rachel Darcy, my daughter. We call her ‘Miss Lizzy.’” He kissed his child’s cheek. “Miss Lizzy will require a place in the nursery along with Mrs. Fitzwilliam’s son. If the boy’s nurse cannot also tend Lizzy, then assign one of the maids to her. We will only be in residence for a few days. My wife wishes to visit with her family in Hertfordshire before we retreat to Derbyshire.”
“I shall see to the details, Mr. Darcy.”
He glanced over his shoulder to where Sheffield waiting. “I am certain you recognize Mr. Sheffield.”
