Page 34 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I am indeed. If you could inform Mr. Darcy of our plans, I shall see you in the morning. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, ma’am.” If Mrs. Reynolds had not said anything, Elizabeth would still be wearing the same five plain lilac gowns she brought with her from London, and that would not do.

“It is my pleasure, Miss Bennet.”

As Elizabeth walked away, she blew out a sigh of relief. This was important. She must do everything she could to prevent anyone from learning about the months she spent at the cottage as a maid. The truth would only serve to humiliate the man she loved.

* * *

May1812

Lambton

“Good morning, Mrs. Reynolds. How may I help you today?”

“Mrs. Harmon, allow me to introduce you to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet is betrothed to Mr. Darcy and is in need of new clothes.”

“It is lovely to meet you, Miss Bennet. I wish you and Mr. Darcy my heartiest congratulations. Shall we get started?”

As the future bride, Elizabeth selected several fabrics and gown designs as well as trim material and was fitted by the dressmaker. Mrs. Reynolds asked, “Do you have any other silks? Miss Bennet needs new dinner and evening gowns and a special gown for her wedding.”

How lacking her wardrobe was! How could she not have given any thought to her clothes? What must Mr. Darcy think of her?

“My sister is the dressmaker in Matlock. We place all the fabric orders for our shops together; it provides us with a reason to see each other more frequently. She will be here in two days to bring my portion of the order. I am certain you will find the fabrics you desire then.”

“I am staying at the inn. If you can begin working on the gowns we selected today, we can return in a few days to choosemore fabrics. I thank you, madam, and look forward to seeing you again soon.”

“It is my pleasure, Miss Bennet. I have made many gowns for the residents of Pemberley. In fact, I believe I made Miss Georgiana’s first dinner gown. I shall deliver everything to the inn as soon as they are ready.”

When they left the dressmaker’s shop, the housekeeper pointed out several more shops they would visit. “Let us move on to the milliner’s for bonnets and gloves and the cordwainer to fit you for slippers and boots. You will also need new warm clothing and outer garments for the winter, but there is no rush for them yet.”

“Thank you. Your help has been invaluable to me, and I am certain that will continue when I assume my responsibilities as Mrs. Darcy.” The shopping trip had opened her eyes to concerns necessary to the mistress’s role that she had never considered before. So many unknown tasks existed, never mind the ones Mama had taught her to do on a much smaller scale. She loved Mr. Darcy but would she ever be able to meet the demands required of his wife?

* * *

Pembrook Cottage

Several days had passed since Darcy wrote to thank Richard for Wickham’s capture. That had been easy. The more difficult letter had been delayed—what would be the response of his family to his news of his situation with Elizabeth? He could no longer put off the inevitable and wrote to Richard and his parents as well as Georgiana about his engagement. He described Elizabeth as he had in his first letter to his sister: a lovely gentleman’s daughter whose late father had an estate inHertfordshire. He told them they met while she was visiting her cousin in Lambton.

The first response he received was from his sister, whose enthusiastic reply made Darcy beam. In his letter to his cousin, he had asked Richard to stand up with him.

London, 14 May

Darcy,

Congratulations! Little Boney himself could not keep me from attending your wedding. I am temporarily stationed away from London training my regiment for their next overseas deployment. If I do not have the opportunity to collect the stolen jewels before your marriage, I shall bring them to you as soon as I am able. I am so proud of everything you have overcome. You have always been a brother to me, and it will be an honour to stand beside you to celebrate the end of your loneliness. It is a privilege to bear witness to the next stage of your life. I look forward to meeting the remarkable woman who has finally touched your heart.

R.F.

* * *

Darcy had not writtento his aunt, Lady Catherine. Many years earlier, she had somehow learnt of his betrothal to Lady Beatrice and was furious with her brother-in-law for his agreement with Lord Markham. She had wanted Darcy to marry her own daughter, and she had made it clear that she would never accept that particular marriage agreement. He was in no moodto subject himself to her histrionics and persistent demands he wed his cousin Anne.

The reply from Lord Matlock was not as supportive as Darcy would have hoped.

Oakmont Hall, 15 May

Fitzwilliam,

I would like to congratulate you, but I must withhold such felicitations. Your aunt and I have never met nor heard of this young woman, nor have you ever mentioned her name to us. As the son of my beloved sister, I must implore you to think again about binding yourself to someone so far beneath you. She is not of our social circle and will never fit into theton. A gentleman’s daughter she may be, but who is her family, what are their connexions? What sort of dowry does she bring? Marriage is not a matter to be taken lightly, and if circumstances mandate this wedding take place, there are several ways to deal with that situation other than marrying the woman. I look forward to hearing you have changed your mind about this misalliance.