Page 6 of Through the Eyes of Love

He should not have been surprized by her lack of awareness of what was happening in the world outside her boudoir. “Madam, it is inadvisable to travel to the continent. You may have heard we are at war with France. The Darcys have traditionally honeymooned at Pembrook Cottage, which is a short distance from here. It needs repair, but I would be happy to show it to you now if you are not too fatigued from your trip.”

“I assure you I am quite able to continue. I am well known for my stamina.”

He refused to reply to her last remark. Her comment did not allude to her ability to walk long distances but her endurance in the bedroom. He began to stroll towards the cottage and offered her his arm. She ignored him and walked the short distance in silence.

“It will be made ready for our stay after the wedding. This level has a drawing room with a pianoforte, a small dining room, a library, as well as a kitchen and servants’ quarters. Upstairs are two large bed chambers with a connecting sitting room. Pembrook Cottage was originally built as the dower house but has not been used for that purpose since the new quarters for the dowager were built.”

Mrs. Reynolds had accompanied them to the cottage and attempted to be helpful. “These are the silver goblets the newlyweds use for their first toast after the ceremony.”

Beatrice considered all she saw and turned and gave him a withering look.

“Fitzwilliam, it is so charming,” Georgiana said, which made him smile.

“Really, Mr. Darcy, my father is the eighth earl of Markham and my mother was a direct descendent of the Empress of Russia. Do you expect me to spend another moment in this filthyshack? Harrison, you need not write anything about this hovel. I shall never consider spending my wedding night here.”

He lost control and spoke between gritted teeth. “This cottage is where generations of my family have spent their wedding night, including my parents! You will spendyourwedding night here and as many subsequent nights as I see fit!”

The lady reacted with bulging eyes and a dropped jaw. It was obvious she was unfamiliar with anyone contradicting her wishes.

Darcy attempted to calm himself while his housekeeper led his betrothed to the leaded glass windows. She explained that soon after the couples were married, they etched their names into the glass. Beatrice removed the ostentatious ruby betrothal ring George Darcy had given her father when they signed the marriage agreement. The ring was not Darcy’s choice, but then, neither was his bride. Beatrice gazed towards the window while holding her ring.

“The names are etchedafterthe marriage takes place, my lady,” said Mrs. Reynolds. “Everyone who honeymoons here has been pleased since they all believe the cottage is enchanted.” Darcy remembered his father speaking about how special the cottage was.

“Thisplace is enchanted? What nonsense! Pray tell, are there also pixies in the garden?” She stepped closer to the window and raised her arm.

“Lady Beatrice, you must wait until after you and Mr. Darcy are wed.”

Beatrice gave Mrs. Reynolds a scathing look. When she began to scrape the glass with the large jewel, the stone fell to the floor.

Darcy stepped forward and retrieved the ruby. “I shall have the ring taken to Lambton for repair while you are here.”

“Nonsense. Only Her Majesty’s jeweller may touch my jewellery. Besides, I shall not be here that long.”

“As you wish, madam.” He placed the dislodged gem into her outstretched hand and was pleased to hear her visit would be short in duration.

* * *

After breakfast the following day,Darcy found Beatrice waiting for him in the hall. “We must discuss our wedding date before I leave.”

He showed her to his study where a wedding date was not so much discussed but announced by the future bride. Lady Beatrice declared they would marry at St. George’s in London on 17 September. The breakfast would be held at Lord Markham’s home, which could easily accommodate their several hundred guests. Darcy shook his head as he followed her out the front door. Did this woman really believe he would follow such dictates?

Regardless ofherplans, he would only marry in the Pemberley chapel to limit the number of people who could witness the sham of their marriage. In no way would he ever expose himself or his sister to the inappropriate comments or knowing looks from any of the many men who had preceded him in the bride’s bed.

* * *

London

No longer upset about the change in her circumstances, Elizabeth had few regrets about leaving Hertfordshire. Of course, she would miss Jane, but moving to London providedher with a welcome escape from the endless prattle of the female residents of the Phillips’s home.

The Gardiner family was delighted to see her when she arrived in Gracechurch Street. They frequently entertained and, soon after Elizabeth arrived, were kind enough to invite several young men with whom her uncle did business to visit.

Despite their best efforts, they were unsuccessful in their quest to find a match for their niece. The men took one look at Elizabeth’s birthmark and did not ask to see her again.

One afternoon, Elizabeth returned from a walk in the park with theonegentleman who had called on her more than once yet had not returned with her that day. She was in no mood for conversation when her aunt sat beside her.

“My dear Lizzy, do not cry! I know not what has transpired, but he is obviously not the man for you.”

With a trembling voice, Elizabeth explained, “He was only interested in marrying me so I could become an unpaid housekeeper and nursemaid for his children. Of course, he could not introduce me to his children until my ‘burn’ went away.” At least the ache in her heart would not last as long as the man’s courtship!