Chapter 15

Meadow Haven

T hree days later, the Effington carriage made its way northeast toward Gloucestershire carrying Elizabeth, Suzy, and Mrs. Gardiner. The gentlemen were scheduled to arrive the following day after completing business in London.

Elizabeth felt a sense of anticipation as the vehicle made its way along the tree-lined lane. She had visited the estate many times before, but she thought the sprawling grounds looked especially enchanting under a dusting of heavy frost. It had not yet snowed in this part of the country, but the weather had turned particularly cold, and the sky was gray. She anticipated a white Christmas.

Beside her, Suzy leaned forward eagerly, her breath fogging the carriage window. “There it is, Lizzy! Meadow Haven, just as beautiful as ever. I cannot wait to show you the new renovations Papa has made to the west wing. You will hardly recognize it!”

Mrs. Gardiner, seated opposite the two young women, observed them with a fond smile. She had always been impressed by the close bond between her daughter and Suzy. “I do hope we are not arriving too early. I should hate to inconvenience your household by coming before the other guests.”

“Nonsense, Mrs. Gardiner,” Suzy replied with a wave of her hand. “You know you and Lizzy are always welcome here, and besides, we will need every moment to ensure everything is perfect for the festivities. This is my first time acting as hostess for a house party. Your assistance is very appreciated.”

The carriage came to a halt in front of the grand entrance, and a footman assisted the ladies out. Howes, the Gardiner’s own footman, directed others to remove the luggage. Suzy took Elizabeth’s hand and rushed her inside out of the cold. They were greeted by the housekeeper, Mrs. Billings, a stout woman with smile lines around her eyes. Elizabeth had always liked the earl’s jolly retainer.

“Lady Susan, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Gardiner.” She dipped into a deep curtsy. “It is a pleasure to greet you. We have prepared your rooms, and I have taken the liberty of arranging a light luncheon, if you are hungry.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Billings,” Suzy replied. “But first, I think we should like to refresh ourselves.” She turned to her companions. “Will a half hour be sufficient?” The ladies agreed that it would, and each made her way to her set of rooms.

The ladies sat down for a light luncheon of cold meats, cheese, and sliced apples. “What is first on your list?”

Suzy swallowed a bite of ham before answering. “I am glad you ask, Lizzy. I believe we should begin by setting menus for the next weeks. I feel positive Mrs. Billings has stocked all the essentials, but there are a few specialty dishes I would like to serve.”

“Mama can assist you with that task. What shall I do?”

Suzy thought a moment. “I wish for our decorations to be grander than ever, this year. Could you make a list of all the items we will need to decorate for Christmas? Perhaps even sketch your ideas for garlands and wreaths for the main rooms?” Elizabeth assured her that she would do her best. She was not particularly adept at drawing, but she could manage a simple sketch.

The ladies separated after the meal, with Mrs. Gardiner and Suzy heading toward the housekeeper’s office, and Elizabeth making her way to the blue parlor to find paper and pencil. She began her sketches in that room before moving on to the library. She had gotten no further than sketching the dimensions of that room before Suzy found her.

“Here you are.”

“You have found me.” Elizabeth patted the seat next to her. “I am only now beginning my plans for this room, but I have sketched ideas for the blue parlor.” She handed her friend the drawing.

Suzy studied it. “I see what you are hoping to achieve, and I like it, but I think there should be more.” She walked across the room and obtained her own pencil from the desk and sat back down near her friend. “If we add small wreathes to these windows…” She drew small circles in the middle of each rectangle. “And…. Oh! You have not included mistletoe. There must be a sprig in every room.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I will add it to the sketch for this room. Then I will hand my design to you and you can add or remove as you please.” Suzy agreed this was the best way to go about the task and set to work redesigning her friend’s sketch.

As they worked, Suzy’s lively chatter filled the air, her thoughts never straying far from the topic of the approaching house party. “Lizzy, I must ask—of all the gentlemen who will be joining us, which do you find the most agreeable? I hear Colonel Fitzwilliam has quite the reputation with the ladies.”

Elizabeth looked up from drawing swags of holly on the mantel, her expression one of mild amusement. “The Colonel is a charming man, to be sure, but I cannot say that I have given the matter much thought”

Suzy’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer. “Not even for a certain tall, dark, and brooding gentleman? I must admit, Lizzy, I was surprised to see how well you and Mr. Darcy got on at Lady Matlock’s tea. He is not usually so…attentive to young ladies. At least that is what Nicholas said when I discussed it with him.”

Elizabeth’s heart gave a small, traitorous leap at the mention of Mr. Darcy, though she quickly masked it with a light laugh. “Mr. Darcy and I are merely acquaintances. There is nothing more to it. And I do wish you would refrain from discussing my dealings with the gentleman, especially with your brother.”

“Merely acquaintances?” Suzy echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Well, I suppose that is as it should be, considering that Lady Matlock has set her sights on him for me.”

Elizabeth’s hands stilled on the page, her mind racing. “Has she indeed? And what do you think of that?”

Suzy shrugged nonchalantly. “I think Lady Matlock believes as many others do—that Darcy would be a good match for someone of my standing. He is wealthy, well-connected, and despite his aloofness, I find him rather intriguing. But I am not so sure I wish to be the next Mrs. Darcy, if you take my meaning.”

Elizabeth forced herself to resume her task. “I can understand why she would think so. Mr. Darcy would certainly be a prize for any young lady.”

“Any young lady, including you?” Suzy’s tone was playful, but Elizabeth could sense the genuine curiosity beneath it.

“I have no designs on Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, more firmly than she intended. “Besides, I am certain he would be much better suited to someone like you—someone of rank and high connections.”

Suzy’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied her friend. “You speak as if you know him well enough to make such a judgment. Perhaps there is more to this acquaintance than you let on?”

Elizabeth felt a rush of heat rise in her chest and cheeks. “I assure you, Mr. Darcy is merely an acquaintance. I have enjoyed his company, but there is nothing more to our relationship.”

Sensing her friend’s agitation, Suzy did not press the matter further. She allowed the conversation to drift to other topics, and soon they were immersed in sketching designs for the dining room, discussing the proper arrangement of the table settings and the placement of candles.

As they worked, Elizabeth found herself increasingly distracted by thoughts of Darcy. She had tried to dismiss her feelings, to convince herself that his attentions were nothing more than polite interest, but the idea of him being intended for Suzy unsettled her more than she cared to admit. After all, society would deem him a far better match for Lady Susan Corwell, the daughter of an earl, than for the adopted niece of a tradesman, no matter how wealthy her family had become.

But try as she might, Elizabeth could not push the thoughts of Darcy from her mind. His kindness, his steady, intense gaze, the way he had spoken to her at Lady Matlock’s tea—all of it lingered in her thoughts, despite her attempts to remain indifferent.

“Lizzy,” Suzy’s voice broke into her reverie, drawing her attention back to the present. “You have been very quiet. Are you sure there’s nothing on your mind?”

Elizabeth forced a smile, shaking her head. “Just thinking of all the work still to be done.”

Suzy gave her a long, considering look but did not push further. “Well, we are nearly finished here. Shall we move on to the grand hall? It is the last room to be decorated, and I want it to be perfect.”

With a nod, Elizabeth followed Suzy out of the dining room, determined to focus on the task at hand. But as they began stringing garlands and arranging the holly wreaths, Suzy’s probing questions and her own conflicted feelings continued to swirl in her mind, leaving Elizabeth more uncertain than ever about what—if anything—she truly wanted from Mr. Darcy.

∞∞∞

Three days later, the sound of approaching carriages echoed through the courtyard of Meadow Haven, signaling the arrival of the awaited guests. A dusting of snow covered the ground causing everything to look clean and fresh for the newcomers. The grand double doors were flung open, and Suzy, radiant with excitement, stood ready to greet her guests.

The first carriage came to a stop, and the footman swiftly opened the door. Mr. Darcy was the first to step out, his tall, imposing figure cutting a striking silhouette against the winter landscape. He glanced around, his gaze sharp and discerning, until it landed on Elizabeth, who stood beside her friend. For a moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them. Elizabeth’s heart gave a small, involuntary leap as their eyes met. She managed a polite nod and a warm smile.

Behind him, his sister Georgiana alighted from the carriage, her features softened by a shy smile. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam stepped from the second carriage, his eyes aglow with his usual good humor, before turning to assist his mother and father down.

Suzy stepped forward. “Welcome to Meadow Haven! We are so delighted you could join us for the holidays.”

Mr. Darcy offered a polite bow, his expression as composed as ever. “Thank you, Lady Susan. It is a pleasure to be here.”

Georgiana, standing slightly behind her brother, was visibly more reserved. Suzy’s warmth, however, quickly put her at ease. “Miss Darcy, it is such a pleasure to see you again. I trust you had a pleasant journey?”

Georgiana smiled softly. “It was very pleasant, thank you, Lady Susan. I am looking forward to spending time here.”

While Mr. Darcy and Georgiana moved on to greet Mr. Gardiner, Lord Effington, and his son, Viscount Chryston, Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped forward with a grin. “Ah, Lady Susan, I see you have the place in perfect order. I hope you have left some room for a bit of holiday mischief?”

Suzy laughed, her eyes twinkling with delight. “For you, Colonel, I might allow a little mischief—for a good purpose, of course.”

Their playful exchange did not go unnoticed by Lady Matlock, who observed them with interest. A small smile tugged at her lips as she considered the possibilities. Elizabeth, however, scrutinized them with curiosity. What mischief could these two be up to? She wondered.

As the guests made their way inside, the grand hall of Meadow Haven came alive with activity. Mrs. Gardiner, standing a few steps behind Suzy and Elizabeth, moved forward to greet the Darcys. Mr. Darcy quickly introduced his sister to Elizabeth’s mother.

“Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you. My daughter, Elizabeth, has spoken very highly of you.”

Miss Darcy, though still shy, was clearly pleased to be introduced so warmly. “Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. I am very glad to be here and to see Miss Gardiner again.”

Elizabeth, recalling their previous musical connection, smiled at the girl. “I hope we might play together again during your stay, Miss Darcy.”

A shy blush colored the girl’s cheeks, but she nodded eagerly. “I would like that very much.”

∞∞∞

Darcy stood near the entrance of the grand salon, waiting for the ladies to make their entrance. Richard and Nicholas stood near the fire, enjoying a glass of brandy and talking horseflesh. But his thoughts were far from horses; they lingered instead on the woman who had occupied his mind since his arrival—Elizabeth Gardiner. He had seen her only in passing since the guests had arrived.

Finally she arrived arm-in-arm with Lady Susan. She wore a violet silk gown that perfectly drew out the blue in her eyes and the pink in her lips. Oh, how he wished to kiss those delectable lips.

Once all the guests had arrived, Lady Susan suggested it was time for the meal. She approached Darcy with a playful smile. “Mr. Darcy, may I have the pleasure of your arm?” she asked, her tone light and teasing.

Darcy offered his arm with a nod, careful to hide his disappointment. Lady Susan directed him to the hostess’ seat and released his arm with a smile. “Oh dear.” She picked up the place cards on each side of her. “It seems you have been reassigned, Mr. Darcy. I hope you do not mind.”

“Not at all,” he replied, his voice carefully controlled. After a moment of searching, he took his seat beside Elizabeth, noting the faint flush that rose to her cheeks as he settled in.

“Miss Gardiner,” he said, inclining his head slightly, “it seems we are to be dining partners this evening.”

Elizabeth returned his greeting with a polite smile. “Indeed, Mr. Darcy. I hope you find the arrangements to your liking.”

Their words were simple, but the atmosphere between them was charged with a tension that neither could ignore. Darcy could feel the weight of Lady Matlock’s gaze from across the table, and he knew Elizabeth was aware of it as well. He knew his aunt had different intentions for him—intentions that did not involve Elizabeth. The knowledge of it made him uncomfortable, but not nearly as much as the realization that he did not care what his aunt thought.

Suddenly resolved to act in a manner that ensure his own happiness, Darcy relaxed. “How have you found your stay at Meadow Haven so far, Miss Gardiner?” he asked.

“It has been lovely,” Elizabeth replied, her voice steady, though her eyes flickered briefly to Lady Matlock before returning to him. “We have spent every Christmas here since I was six. Except, of course, the year we traveled to India.”

“Does the earl’s family often host others, or is it generally just your family that attends?

“Normally it is only our family. I was surprised when she offered an invitation to your aunt and you, though I suppose it makes sense given that you are an old friend of Nicholas.”

“You were not disappointed, I hope?” His dark eyes held hers captive. To his delight, she blushed. He followed the pink in her cheeks, down her neck. He dared not look any further.

“No, I was very pleased to know your family would also attend.”

From across the table, Richard interrupted. “Miss Gardiner, I told my father on the ride here how much I enjoyed your duet with my cousin. Perhaps we might be treated to another during our stay?”

Earl Matlock looked over from his conversation with Mrs. Gardiner. “Yes, my son said your playing was very pleasing. I hope to hear for myself.”

Georgiana, who had been quietly observing her dinner companions spoke up. “I…I would very much like to play with you again, Miss Gardiner. I enjoyed our duet so much last time.”

“Then we shall have to arrange something, Miss Darcy. I look forward to it.” Georgiana’s face glowed with pleasure and Darcy’s heart fell a little more in love with Elizabeth.

∞∞∞

As the dinner wore on, Elizabeth found it increasingly difficult to maintain her composure. She glanced at Mr. Darcy, who was now engaged in conversation with Lord Matlock, his expression as controlled and unreadable as ever. Yet, there had been moments during the meal—fleeting glances, a quiet word—when she felt certain there was something more beneath his composed exterior, something that mirrored the turmoil within her.

Georgiana’s shy admiration and Darcy’s fleeting glances gave her confidence. But with every glance at Lady Matlock, Elizabeth’s hopes wavered. She could feel the older woman’s gaze on her, assessing, calculating. Perhaps her friend was correct—Lady Matlock saw Darcy as a match for Suzy, not for a woman of Elizabeth’s standing. Certainly, society would deem such a union more suitable, given Suzy’s rank and connections. The idea that Lady Matlock might actively push Darcy toward her friend sent a pang of unease through Elizabeth’s chest.