Page 41 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I have given that question a great deal of thought. I have been on my own since the day my father died. My uncle Gardiner cannot be here, so I plan to walk by myself at our wedding. I shall be content knowing you will be waiting for me at the altar.”

“Yes, I shall be waiting.” Was Darcy grimacing at the thought of their forthcoming marriage?

How could she believe that her betrothed cared for her when he behaved in such an indifferent manner? Perhaps Mr. Martin misinterpreted what Fitzwilliam said to him. Would his true feelings for her be revealed before their wedding day? If not, should she go through with it?

CHAPTER 10

The housekeeper poked her head into the library where Elizabeth had been reading. “Excuse me, Miss Bennet. The master is awaiting you in the drawing room.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.” Elizabeth made her way to meet Mr. Darcy.

Her betrothed stood with a lovely young woman. “Elizabeth, allow me to introduce you to my sister, Georgiana.” His gentle voice comforted her. “Georgie, my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”

“Miss Darcy, I have long desired to make your acquaintance.” She offered her beautiful future sister a smile and tried to exude warmth from her eyes. Miss Darcy’s figure was well formed, and her appearance was already womanly and graceful for one so young. Elizabeth hoped they would quickly become friends. The young lady’s clothing was fine but not excessively so. Although Elizabeth’s new wardrobe did not compare, her gown was far better than the clothes she wore before her recent shopping excursions. She had no reason to be self-conscious about her attire.

“My brother has told me so much about you that I feel I know you already. My companion, Mrs. Annesley, was not feeling well today, but I hope you will meet her soon.”

Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. Her betrothed’s sister was so welcoming and her manners unassuming. Perhaps the rest of his family would accept her in the same way.

They all stood in awkward silence until Mr. Darcy said, “I thought I would leave you two alone so you can get to know each other better. I have a meeting with Bethel and shall join you later.”

The women sat together on the settee. What should she say to her new acquaintance? Eventually Elizabeth broke the ice. “Your brother tells me you are a talented musician. I hope it will not be overlong until I hear you play the pianoforte.”

“He toldmethatyouplay and sing as well. I believe he said you have the voice of an angel.”

How was she to respond to hearing the first compliment her betrothed had paid her albeit not while they were together? “Did you know I have four sisters in Hertfordshire?”

Miss Darcy’s eyes widened. “You are so lucky—I have always wanted a sister.”

Elizabeth took her future relative’s hands in hers. “I am overjoyed to have another sister; one who will soon be living with us in the manor house.”

Miss Darcy had tears in her eyes. “I knew my brother would choose a caring and generous woman as his bride. Do you really wish me to live with you?”

“You are to be my sister. Where else do you think we would want you to be but with us?” Elizabeth was astonished by the hug that Miss Darcy offered following the statement.

“Thank you. I have been living away from Pemberley for so long, I did not know whether I would ever live here again. Since my father died, my brother and I have only had each other. Oh,pray do not misunderstand me. My aunt and uncle have been more than kind, but it is not the same.”

“As soon as the rebuilding of the family wing is completed, we can all move in.”

“Have you any idea when that will be?”

“Sadly, the destruction was widespread, but we hope it will be habitable before next summer. The plans are to rebuild the north wing first—you must know more about what that means than me.”

“Now I have two things to look forward to: your wedding and coming home!” The ladies talked and laughed until Mr. Darcy returned. “Brother, I am so excited that you are marrying Miss Bennet. She and I are already friends!”

“I am pleased to hear it.” He did not sound as satisfied as his words indicated. “Georgie, the carriage is ready to return you to Oakmont Hall.”

The future sisters embraced as they said their goodbyes. Mr. Darcy walked his sister out while Elizabeth stood before the leaded glass windows and looked at the many names that were etched there. Did any of these couples marry for convenience? Were they a love match or simply compatible? Maude Darcy did not marry for love, but because of the so-called “enchantment” of the cottage, she saw her husband in a new light. How distressing—Miss Darcy was more enthusiastic about the wedding than was her brother. Would Mr. Darcy ever open his heart to her, or would their love always be one sided?

When Mr. Darcy returned, he stopped just inside the door. “Thank you for being so kind to my sister. She cannot stop singing your praises.”

“She is a delightful young woman, and I look forward to her being my sister.” Mr. Darcy would not look at her as she stood near the windows. He said nothing more even though Elizabeth expected further conversation about her meeting with his sister.She pursed her lips and clasped her hands together. “I believe I shall return to the inn now. I am quite tired.” She did not know how much longer she could abide his indifferent treatment.

“Very well. I shall make the arrangements.”

“Thank you.” He did not make any attempt to encourage her to remain at the cottage.

Mr. Darcy left the room, and when the carriage arrived, a coachman helped her step inside. She did not see her future husband anywhere. He had not come to see her off. What did this mean? She blew out a breath as she attempted to stop from pitying herself.