Chapter 19

Christmas

T he next day was Christmas, and the inhabitants of Meadow Haven celebrated, but none more so that Elizabeth and Darcy. The day began with a cold trip to the village for church service. Mrs. Gardiner fretted over Elizabeth and wrapped her in so many layers Darcy could hardly see more of her than her eyes. But what fine eyes they were. He sat next to her in church, but dared not touch her, though his fingers itched to take her hand in his own. Her father’s watchful eyes prevented him from acting on his desires.

She had been ordered to rest when they arrived home, preventing him from spending the day with her as he wished. But evening was almost upon them, and the various celebrations Lady Susan had planned would allow him the opportunity to be near her.

Lady Susan had invited many neighbors to take part in the evening’s meal and festivities but had made plans for a private celebration to begin an hour before the first guests were to arrive.

Darcy walked into the blue salon to find Elizabeth sitting near the fire. She looked radiant. Her eyes lit when she saw him and indicated the space on the settee next to her. Darcy went directly to her side.

Lady Susan clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention. “It is time for gifts! Elizabeth and I took a trip to the village last week to find something special for each of you. We hope you will like them.”

The guests gathered around, curiosity piqued. Georgiana squirmed with excitement. Exchanging gifts was not a tradition in the Darcy household, but perhaps it would become one. Seeing the joy on his sister’s face, Darcy promised to always provide gifts going forward, for her and his beautiful wife.

Lady Matlock was the first to receive her present, a beautifully bound journal for the coming year. “I noticed that your current journal is nearly full,” Lady Susan said with a smile. “I hope this one will serve you well in 1812.”

Lady Matlock’s eyes softened as she accepted the gift. “How thoughtful of you, Lady Susan. I do write every day. This will be put to good use. Thank you.”

Richard and Lord Matlock each received a box of fine cigars. “Now this is a gift I can appreciate,” Richard said with a grin, turning to Elizabeth. “You have outdone yourself, Miss Gardiner. Thank you.”

Elizabeth blushed slightly, pleased by his reaction. “I am glad you like it, Colonel. I thought you might enjoy them.”

Lord Matlock nodded his approval as well. “A fine choice, indeed. Thank you, Miss Gardiner.”

As the gifts were distributed, Darcy’s anticipation grew. “Fitzwilliam,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “I have something for you as well.”

Darcy’s heart quickened as he took the gift from her hands, their fingers brushing ever so briefly. He unwrapped it with care, revealing a delicate embroidered handkerchief with her scent upon it and a lock of her hair tied with a ribbon. The intimacy of the gift took his breath away.

“I had cigars for you, but since, well…”

“Elizabeth,” he murmured, “This is… this is more precious to me than you can imagine. I shall keep it in my breast pocket, close to my heart, and I will place my hand there whenever I think of you as I travel to London.”

“I hope it will bring you comfort while you are away from me,” she said quietly.

“It will not be a replacement for you, but it will keep me content. This trip to London is the last time I will be away from your side.”

The Earl of Effington, who had been observing the exchange with a pleased smile, cleared his throat. “Mr. Darcy, you mentioned your intention to obtain a special license for the wedding. I will write a letter to help expedite the process.”

Darcy turned to the Earl. “Thank you, my lord. That will be most helpful. My uncle also plans to write the archbishop. With two earls on my side, I am sure to be successful.”

“Fitzwilliam, must you go to London yourself? Could you not obtain a common license here? I do not like the thought of you being away, especially in this cold.”

Darcy took her hand in his. “I must go, my love. Not only to obtain the special license, but also to ensure that the marriage articles are completed to my satisfaction.”

Elizabeth sighed softly. “I understand, but I will miss you terribly while you are gone.”

“I will be back to you as quickly as I can. The snow has cleared, so there should be no delays. And then we will be man and wife.” He leaned close so that no one could overhear. “And then I shall finally have you all to myself. Now that you have promised yourself to me, I find it hard to remain a gentleman.”

His words caused her to blush an enchanting shade of pink, but she did not pull away. “I… I do not know what to expect but I find I am looking forward to learning.”

“Oh, my dearest, you must not say such things to me. I have too little control where you are concerned.”

There was an intriguing gleam in her eye. “Then you must return as quickly as possible, else your control will be tested for longer than either of us likes.”

Darcy knew she did not know exactly what her words implied, but he cherished them anyway. Smiling, he brought her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to each knuckle. “One kiss for every day we will be parted.”

“Miss Gardiner.”

With great reluctance, Elizabeth turned her attention to Lady Matlock. “Yes, my lady?”

“You are to be my niece soon, my dear. You must call me Aunt Grace when we are among close friends and relations.”

Elizabeth dipped her head. “Thank you, Aunt Grace. Please call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy as Suzy does.”

The countess then shooed Darcy away from his bride-to-be as she discussed the twelfth night celebration she wished to host in their honor. “I will send invitations with Darcy to London. It will be a small, private affair. Very elite. Just the thing to make all the ladies of the ton ill with curiosity!”

“But that is so soon. We will barely have time to make it back to London.”

Lady Matlock patted Elizabeth’s hand. “I know my dear, but it must be done. Your marriage needs to be presented as fait accompli before anyone has a chance to question it. I will ensure the right people are there to witness your success and my nephew’s happiness.”

∞∞∞

Suzy had invited four families to dine with the Meadow Haven party for Christmas supper. “Elizabeth, may I have a word, dear.” Lady Matlock stood alongside Elizabeth’s mother. Elizabeth readily acquiesced, looking from one lady to the other.

“Lady Matlock and I have been talking. There are several well-respected members of the ton here this evening.” Elizabeth was aware, having just left a conversation with Baroness Givens and Mrs. Davies. Their invitations were coveted among the highest society in London.

“Although I am thrilled to have you as my new niece and had considered you for a possible daughter, we cannot deny that your father’s status as a tradesman will cause some members of the ton to question your suitability as Mrs. Darcy.”

Elizabeth felt her anger stir, but before she could allow it to rise, her mother broke in. “And that is why tonight is the perfect time to announce your engagement. Normally your papa would make the announcement, but we have asked your Uncle Paul to do the honors. Having the earl’s support will show that you are worthy to be Mr. Darcy’s wife.”

Lady Matlock nodded. “And my husband will also say a few words. When the party sees that you are welcome by our family and respected by Effington’s, the stories told in London will take on a more positive tone.”

“But is Papa accepting of this? It is his right to make the announcement.”

Mrs. Gardiner placed a loving hand on her daughter’s cheek. “He is. He only wants what is best for you, darling. That is all he has ever wished for.” The threat of tears clogged Elizabeth’s throat, and she had to look away to prevent them from forming in her eyes.

“Here now, none of that.” Lady Matlock handed Elizabeth a handkerchief. “Darcy is coming to escort you to the dining room. He will accuse me of saying something terrible. Smile, darling.”

She turned to see her handsome suitor walking toward her party. All worries of the ton’s approbation flew away upon seeing his broad smile — a smile that he only ever wore for her.

Soon, the meal began. Elizabeth was situated between Darcy and the Earl of Matlock. The Earl was engrossed in his conversation with Suzy, which allowed Elizabeth ample opportunities to speak with her betrothed. He planned to leave early the next day rendering every moment before his departure charged with urgency.

When the footman took away the remaining dishes from the second course, Lord Effington stood, a glass of wine in hand. Gradually the conversation around the table quieted. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “tonight I have the great pleasure of making an announcement that brings me particular joy as it concerns someone who is dear to my heart. My goddaughter, Elizabeth Gardiner.” Elizabeth’s face heated as the occupants of the table turned to look at her.

“As many of you know, I have had the privilege of watching Elizabeth, grow from a spirited young girl into the remarkable woman she is today. And it is with great happiness that I announce her engagement to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Mr. Darcy’s hand found hers under the table.

“This is all very unusual, sir,” the baroness said. “Usually it is the girl’s father who makes the announcement.”

Effington chuckled. “I know it is traditionally the father’s role to make such an announcement, but as her godfather, and since this romance blossomed within the walls of my own home, I demanded the right to do so.” The guests laughed lightly.

The earl’s face softened. “Seriously, though, I must say that my introduction to Edward Gardiner was one of the most fortuitous meetings of my life. We have been great friends for nearly fifteen years, as have our daughters. When we met, I had just ascended to my position. My father was a good man, but a terrible manager of his funds. Edward allowed me the great privilege of investing in his shipping company. From there our friendship and money grew. At the same time, my daughter finally received a sister of the heart in Lizzy.”

Elizabeth’s heart warmed as she glanced over at Suzy, who was beaming with pride. Suzy was indeed her sister of the heart, someone who had been with her through the highs and lows, sharing in her joys and comforting her in her sorrows. The bond between them was a true sisterhood.

She felt a pang of sadness as she thought of Jane, her sister by blood. The wound from Jane’s betrayal was still tender but not overwhelming. She would always care for Jane, but the trust she had placed in her had been broken. Suzy was the sister she had always wished. She stole a look at Colonel Fitzwilliam who was looking down at Suzy with dreamy eyes. Perhaps soon we will be more than sisters of the heart. Perhaps we will be cousins, as well.

When Effington concluded his speech, the Earl of Matlock stood. “My wife and I are very pleased that Miss Gardiner will soon be a member of our family.” He raised his glass. “To the future Mrs. Darcy.”

“To the future Mrs. Darcy,” everyone repeated.

“Congratulations, Miss Gardiner,” Baroness Givens said from across the table. Her husband nodded his agreement. “Mr. Darcy, you are a very fortunate man.”

Mr. Darcy inclined his head politely, his gaze never straying far from Elizabeth. “Indeed, I am the most fortunate of men.”

When supper ended, the gentlemen chose to move to the parlor with the ladies. Elizabeth and Darcy received congratulations from all the guests. They appreciated the good wishes for their future, but with a week apart looming ahead of them, they most wished for a private moment together. It was not to be, however, for soon Colonel Fitzwilliam claimed Elizabeth.

“Darcy, you will have a lifetime with the lady. You must allow her to play some Christmas carols with Georgiana.” Darcy pouted while his cousin escorted Elizabeth toward the pianoforte where a smiling Georgiana waited.