Chapter 20

Separation and Longing

E arly the next day, Darcy and Elizabeth met before he departed for London. “You must allow me to remind you that I love you, quite ardently,” he whispered.

Her papa had allowed the couple a few minutes alone to say their goodbyes and she took advantage of the opportunity by leaning into her betrothed. “Do not go. We can be married by common license.”

He applied a gentle kiss to her forehead. “No, my love. I must have our marriage contract finalized, as well as my will. If something happens to me, I must ensure that you and any children we have together are taken care of.”

“Oh, do not say such a thing, I could not —”

He shushed her with a soft kiss on her lips. “Then let us speak of happier things. My valet has instructed me to ask about the color of your wedding dress. He wishes for us to coordinate.”

Elizabeth giggled. “The very stern and serious Fitzwilliam Darcy wishes to match his bride?” He attempted a stoic demeanor, but the look was ruined by the upturn of his lips. Seeing that she could not compel him to laugh, Elizabeth answered. “I have not decided. Mama and Suzy wish to visit the modiste today. If you will promise to wear the waist coat with the silver stitching, I promise to purchase a color that compliments it.”

The smile that had previously threatened now spread across Mr. Darcy’s face. Elizabeth would never tire of seeing the dimple that formed when he grinned at her in that way. “I will spend the long days on the road guessing what color you will choose.” In a lower voice, he whispered, “And thinking of these lips.” He leaned in for another kiss but was interrupted by the clearing of Mr. Gardiner’s throat.

“Elizabeth, allow your young man to leave, else he will not return in time for your wedding.”

With great reluctance, the couple stepped apart. “You must hurry back to me, Fitzwilliam, but most importantly, you must be safe.” He promised that he would, and with one last squeeze of her hand, he boarded the carriage.

Elizabeth watched until his vehicle was out of sight. Thankfully, the snow that had blanketed the area only a week ago had melted. Elizabeth prayed the warmer weather would continue so that Darcy could return to her on the thirty-first, as planned.

“He will be back, my dear. Not soon enough for you, but all too soon for my tastes.”

Elizabeth looked from where Darcy’s carriage had last been seen up to her father’s face. “You do not wish for Mr. Darcy to return as planned?”

Her papa pulled her into a tight hug. “I like your Mr. Darcy very much, but the day he returns is the day I lose you.”

She hugged him back just as fiercely. “Papa, you will never lose me. I will always be your daughter, and I will always love and adore you.”

He kissed her cheek. “And I you, my dear. But I will miss having you in the house every day. Breakfast will not be the same for I will have the paper all to myself and will not have to fight you for the best sections.”

“Then let us make the most of our time together. First one to the table gets to read the business page first!” With a giggle she turned and ran up the stairs and into the house. Her father laughed as he followed closely behind.

∞∞∞

After breakfast the ladies of the party called for a carriage. Suzy had a very fine modiste in the nearest town and assured Elizabeth that a suitable dress could be provided in time for her wedding. “I think you should wear blue, Lizzy. You always look so well in it, and it brightens your eyes.”

Mrs. Gardiner nodded her head in agreement, but Lady Matlock pursed her lips. “I agree, Elizabeth, you do look well in blue, but I do not believe that should be the color you choose.”

“What do you suggest, Aunt Grace?”

The countess pretended to think. “I believe pink would suit you well.”

“But what shade of pink should she wear?” Suzy asked.

The countess gave Suzy an incredulous look. “Obviously, the exact shade of her blush.”

“But how will we ensure it is correct?”

Lady Matlock laughed. “Simple. We only need ask Elizabeth to remember the most scandalous thing Darcy has said or done.”

Immediately, Elizabeth thought of the evening Darcy sneaked into her room to check on her while she was ill. Without intending to, her face heated.

“Aha!” Lady Matlock pointed. “That is the color. Make note, Lady Susan.” Together, all the ladies laughed, even Elizabeth’s mother.

The modiste’s shop was smaller than the ones Elizabeth favored in London, but it was nonetheless well stocked with excellent sample dresses and the finest materials. It took only a short time to find what Suzy described as “the perfect blush pink” for Elizabeth’s dress.

The seamstress fussed over Elizabeth, taking measurements and discussing designs with a speed that belied the urgency of the task. “I realize there is too little time to add embroidery. If possible, I would like it stitched with silver thread so that it will match my betrothed’s waist coat.” Elizabeth blushed again at the request while Suzy held the material to her skin for another color check.

“Time will be tight, Miss Gardiner,” the modiste said with a smile, “but I do love a good challenge. We shall have you ready in time, I promise. And I suspect there will be enough time for us to add a bit of embroidery.”

Elizabeth nodded, her thoughts momentarily drifting back to Darcy. She could almost see his face in her mind’s eye, his expression as he watched her walk down the aisle in the dress they were now rushing to complete. The thought brought a warm flush to her cheeks, and she silently chided herself for becoming such an easy target for Lady Matlock and Suzy.

“Lizzy, what do you think of this?” Suzy’s voice broke through her reverie, drawing her attention back to the present.

Elizabeth turned to see Suzy holding up a length of delicate lace. “I think it will be perfect.”

The days wore on and despite the long list of tasks her mother and Suzy had prepared, Elizabeth found herself often thinking of Mr. Darcy rather than attending to her responsibilities. It had been three days since he left. By Elizabeth’s calculations, he should be in London by now. Perhaps, if I am lucky, he will have accomplished his goals and be on the road back to me.

Elizabeth spent the third morning in the housekeeper’s office with Mrs. Billings planning the meal for the wedding festivities. “Miss Gardiner,” Mrs. Billings said, “I was thinking we could serve a roast venison on the wedding day, along with trout from the river. What do you think?”

Elizabeth nodded. Mr. Darcy had shown a preference for venison. “And rum cake for desert? I have noticed my intended has a particular fondness for it.”

Mrs. Billings smiled warmly at her. “Do not worry, Miss Gardiner. Everything will be just as you wish it. The staff and I will make sure of it.”

On the day before the wedding, Elizabeth and her mother made their way to the Earl’s hothouse to select flowers. The warmth was a welcome contrast to the crisp winter air outside. She moved among the rows of blooms, carefully selecting the ones she wanted to use for her bouquet and the decorations.

“These roses are beautiful,” Elizabeth remarked, gently touching the soft petals.”

Mrs. Gardiner nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on a cluster of pale pink blooms. “And these lilies would pair perfectly. What do you think?”

Elizabeth had noticed in recent weeks that her mother seemed more tired than usual, and her usual zest for breakfast had been replaced by a desire for dry toast and unsweetened tea. She could no longer keep her worries to herself.

“Mama,” Elizabeth began gently, “you have seemed rather unwell lately. Are you certain everything is all right?”

“You need not worry about me. I am just tired, that is all. There is so much to do, and the excitement of your wedding… well, it can be overwhelming.”

Elizabeth frowned slightly. “Are you certain that you are not…” She hesitated, unsure of how to finish the sentence.

Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes widened slightly before she waved a hand as if to brush away the suggestion. “If I promise I am well, will you promise to not worry for me? Focus on your wedding and your future with Mr. Darcy. That is what matters now.”

Elizabeth wanted to press the issue further, but the look in her mother’s eyes stopped her. Her parents were childless after thirteen years of marriage. There had been many pregnancies, but none had lasted more than five months. Perhaps this would be a lucky holiday for both her mother and herself.

Elizabeth snapped the head off a chrysanthemum. Plucking one petal she silently chanted, A baby. She plucked another. No baby. It was not the flower or the words usually used for this game, but she was very pleased when the last petal remaining was for a baby.

“Elizabeth, what have you done to that poor flower?”

Elizabeth dropped the stem and smiled brightly at her mother. “I believe we have picked the perfect flowers for my bouquet. What else shall you have me do today?”

Her mother smirked. “I suspect Suzy will have plenty for the two of us to do.” Together they walked arm in arm out of the hothouse.

∞∞∞

The chill of the London air cut through Darcy’s coat as he stepped out of his carriage. The journey from Gloucestershire to London had been made difficult because of short daylight hours. To ensure a timely round-trip Darcy had urged his driver to carry on well into the evening. Despite the challenges, his coachman had brought him safely to town.

“Rest the horses and get as much rest as possible. I am hopeful we can be on our way in a matter of hours. We will not make it far, but every little bit will bring us closer to Meadow Haven.” And to my Elizabeth, he added silently.

Soon, a stable hand saddled a horse and Darcy made for Doctor’s Commons. The Earl of Effington and his own uncle had sent an express ahead of him with a request for the rare permit. Darcy had recently heard the archbishop had suggested that too many people had been requesting special licenses, and he hoped that having two supporters in the peerage would sway the man in Darcy’s favor.

He was soon happy to learn that his wish had been granted. The sense of relief that washed over him was profound. This was the key to their future, and now it was safely in his hands. With a broad smile on his face and the special license in hand, Darcy mounted his horse and turned east toward his solicitor’s suite of offices. If all went according to plan, he would have everything resolved in a matter of hours and could be back on the road by midafternoon.

Darcy had sent his own express with the details of the settlement and changes to his will. If luck was on his side, his second stop would be as easy as his first. But it was not to be.

“I apologize, Mr. Darcy. We have not yet completed the draft of your document. I treated my workers to a meal at a local tea shop as a belated Christmas gift. Unfortunately, we all became ill afterward. None of us have been capable of work until today.”

Though he was disappointed, Darcy could hardly fault the gentleman for delaying the work due to illness. “How long do you anticipate, Mr. Farley?”

“One hour, perhaps two.” Darcy nodded. He had not wished for this delay, but it did give him enough time to search for a bride’s gift for Elizabeth. She favored blue which matched her vivid eyes. A sapphire necklace and bracelet would be a perfect gift.

“I have another errand to run before I start my trip back to Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, it is nearer to my home than here. When the documents are finalized, will you bring them to Darcy House? I will review them with you from my office there.”

The solicitor readily agreed. “Certainly, sir. I will ensure my team works quickly. I know you are anxious to return to your lady.”

Darcy, once again, made his way out into the cold air. He wove his way into traffic and guided his horse toward Hanover Square. The Emanuel Brothers were the most likely to have an appropriate gift in stock.

Though traffic was thick, Darcy managed to weave his way around carriages and delivery carts. He made it to the jeweler’s in less than an hour. “Mr. Darcy, how nice to see you, sir. Are you here to look for a gift for your sister or is there a lady who has caught your attention.”

Darcy greeted Mr. Emanuel, one of the three brothers who owned the shop. “She has not only caught my attention, but she will also hold it for the remainder of my life.”

The shorter man knew that when a gentleman of Darcy’s means fell in love, it meant good things for a jeweler’s pockets. And this was a customer in love as it was written all over his face. Eager to ensure Emmanual Brothers was the shop that benefited from Darcy’s relationship, he escorted his customer to the counter.

“Tell me about your lady, Mr. Darcy. Does she prefer reds or greens?”

Darcy looked at the offerings on display. “Neither actually. She most often wears blue.”

The salesman’s mouth frowned slightly. “I am afraid, sir, that we do not currently have any blue stones available, but I can certainly put in an order for something if you wish to have an item custom made.”

Darcy looked around the shop. “I will do just that, but I also wish to purchase something today, if there is a suitable set.” He could not prevent the expression of joy that overcame his face when he thought of Elizabeth. “We are to be married on the thirty-first, and I would like to present her with a gift that no one but she has worn.”

The man nodded. “In that case, perhaps something suitable for a blushing bride.” He brought several sets of lighter colored jewels to the counter. The third set contained a delicate gold necklace accented with three larger teardrop shaped jewels and several more smaller jewels of the same type between them. It was accompanied by a matching set of earbobs. The cut and design of the set were perfect for Elizabeth, but perhaps most perfect was the color. The pink sapphires were a near perfect match to Elizabeth’s lips after she had been thoroughly kissed. He promised to test the closeness of the colors by kissing her often. Darcy purchased the set and placed an order for another set of blue sapphires. Then he rode home, his package tucked safely in his breast pocket. Thankfully, his horse knew the way, as Darcy’s mind was too readily occupied by thoughts of Elizabeth’s kisses.

When he returned to Darcy House, he found his solicitor waiting with the marriage settlement and Darcy’s updated will. He fought the desire to skim them quickly. The documents were too important to Elizabeth’s future. Though he wished for nothing more than to board his carriage and head back to her, he gave the review of each document the time it deserved.

When the business was completed, Darcy opened his safe and reviewed the various rings passed down by generations of Darcys. A dainty blue sapphire caught his attention. It was not the grandest jewel in the case, but its delicate band and the small circle of diamonds that surrounded the center stone were perfectly suited to Elizabeth. He placed the ring in a different small bag and stored it alongside the gems he purchased for her.

It was three in the afternoon before Darcy was able to step into his carriage. He calculated the distance in his mind—if they could manage at least 40 miles before stopping for the night, they could reduce their days on the road. After waking early to rush the remaining distance to London, the additional time on the road in the dark would mean a difficult and long day for his coachman. But as the next day was the Sabbath, both men would be afforded a full day’s rest. That would ensure they were both refreshed and ready for the remaining day and a half of their journey. If all went well, he would be back at Meadow Haven by the afternoon of the thirty-first, just in time to wed and ring in the new year with Elizabeth.