Page 43 of Through the Eyes of Love

“Are you in pain? You are not moving as easily as you have in the past.”

“I confess my leg has been aching more of late. I am sure I need to rest it more. For now, I could use a strong cup of tea.”

They walked the remaining distance to the cottage in silence.

Darcy was angry with himself. He should have been certain the library door was completely closed. Had Elizabeth believed his explanation? His honour forbade him from breaking his promise now.Wouldhe be shunned by his family and his friends? He must not do something that might damage his sister’s future. Did he resist following Elizabeth’s wish to end their engagement out of stubbornness or was there a chance they could ever find joy together?

* * *

Darcy receivedword that his aunt and uncle were bringing Georgiana to Lambton for the wedding. The time for the Matlocks to meet his betrothed was upon him. He rubbed the back of his neck. How would they respond to meeting her? Would they welcome her into their family? Or would they shun her for her low connexions and appearance? He could not know, but had no choice but to remember that they were good people and think the best of them. He invited them all for tea so he could introduce them to Elizabeth before the ceremony. He told her about the guests they were expecting the following day.

“I confess I am quite nervous to meet them,” said Elizabeth.

“There is no need; you charmed my sister as I am certain you will charm my aunt and uncle. My aunt is always kind. . .”

“What are you not saying?”

“I must admit, at times, my uncle can be a little high in the instep.”

Elizabeth’s head dropped. “That does not help my apprehension.”

“He may be a peer of the realm, but he is just a man. My uncle is devoted to my aunt and cousins as well as to Georgiana and me.”

“Will Viscount Ashford be coming to the wedding?”

“Richard told me Lady Ashford is with child and cannot travel.”

“I hope your uncle will accept having me as a niece.”

He did not know how to answer. Washeready to accept Elizabeth as his wife? Could he ever feel for her what a husband ought? Did he wish to?

* * *

The following day,Elizabeth asked Perkins to pay special attention when styling her hair and repeatedly asked if her gown looked well on her. She was anxious about meeting Darcy’s relatives.

As she stepped from the carriage, he was waiting for her. “You look lovely today.” Her eyes widened at the unexpected compliment, but his approval was appreciated. He took her hand in his and led her into the house.

“Thank you.”

“They should be here soon. Let us greet them in the drawing room.”

Miss Darcy walked towards Elizabeth, and they curtsied to each other before embracing. At the same time, Lady Matlock patted her nephew’s cheek. “My dear boy, how you have suffered.” Elizabeth could almost sense the sympathy coming from the older woman, and it helped towards her approval of Mr. Darcy’s aunt. Mr. Darcy took his aunt’s hand from his face and kissed it on the back before he led his relatives further into the room. “Lord and Lady Matlock, allow me to introduce you to my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, my aunt and uncle, the earl and countess of Matlock.”

After sharing tea and refreshments, Lady Matlock said, “Fitzwilliam, take your uncle into the library and offer him something stronger than tea. I wish to be alone with the young ladies.” Both gentlemen seemed content to comply and were soon absent. “Now, Miss Bennet, my niece is a very good judge of character, and she has not stopped talking about you since you first met. I hope you will not be offended by what I am about to ask. Has your mother never tried to cover your discolouration with face creams or powders? I have seen these birthmarks before, on men people hardly pay attention to them. But on a woman’s face, any blemish is a different matter. Thankfully, there is so much you can do to lessen the red appearance.”

Elizabeth was not prepared for Lady Matlock’s question and did not know how she should respond. “My lady, I was still an infant when the doctors in London told my parents there was no treatment or surgery. As I got older and my sisters became interested in young men, I was left out. My mother always hoped four of her daughters would make good matches but told everyone she was satisfied in her understanding thatIwould never marry since I was to be their caretaker when my parents got old. Mrs. Bennet saw no need to apply any effort or resourcestowards making me look better.” When she finished speaking, the room was silent save the sound of Elizabeth quietly crying.

“My dearest child, wipe your tears and listen to me. You were treated most unfairly by your parents and consequently by everyone you met. My nephew told us how intelligent you are, but I believe your face has kept you from doing much more than reading books.”

“Yes, Lady Matlock, I suppose you are correct.” She already appreciated the kindness Mr. Darcy’s aunt had shown her.

“Pray come sit beside me. I wish to show you something I hope you will like.” She opened her reticule and removed a small jar and sponge. Elizabeth was curious as she observed Lady Matlock uncover the jar and use the sponge to spread a skin-coloured cream on her cheek. “There must be a looking glass around here somewhere.” Elizabeth found a small hand mirror and gave it to Mr. Darcy’s aunt. “No, my dear, it is not for me. I want you to look at your face.”

She did as she was asked and as always, looked at her unaffected left cheek first. She slowly turned her head—her birthmark was scarcely noticeable! Elizabeth gasped. But how. . .? “I always expected to look at it my whole life. Why have I never thought to cover it up? How can I ever thank you, my lady?”

“No need for thanks. When a woman gets to be my age, she must learn all kinds of tricks to help herself look younger.” They all laughed, and they had grown closer in those few minutes. “Since your wedding is but a few days away, how would you like to spend tomorrow shopping in Lambton?”

“I can think of nothing I would enjoy more.”