Chapter 21

Final Preparations

T he biting cold of the winter wind cut through Darcy’s coat as he rode hard toward Meadow Haven. His decision to forego the carriage on this final stretch of the journey had been impulsive, but he knew it had been the right one. Every muscle in his body ached from the relentless pace he had set, but had he continued his journey in the carriage, he would not have made it in time. A cold rain had delayed them near Burford, leaving the roads deep in mud. It was much easier, though messier, to come on horseback.

He reached the grand entrance of Meadow Haven just two hours before dinner, his horse lathered from the exertion and Darcy’s boots and coat splattered in mud. “Cool him down properly and ensure he has a few extra oats for his efforts.” Darcy handed the groomsman a coin before bounding up the stairs. The warmth of the interior was a stark contrast to the cold outside, but it was the sight of Elizabeth hurrying toward him that truly warmed him.

“Fitzwilliam!” Elizabeth’s voice was filled with relief and joy as she reached him. She stopped just short of throwing herself into his arms, her hands hovering near his chest as she took in the sight of him.

“Elizabeth,” Darcy breathed, his voice filled with the emotion he had carried with him throughout the journey. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close, to feel her warmth against him, but he was covered in the grime of the road and her father lingered near. Instead, he reached out and took her hands in his.

“You must be freezing,” Elizabeth said, her concern evident as she studied his face.

“It was worth every chill, I assure you,” Darcy replied with a small smile. “But I believe you are right—I could use a hot bath.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I will have one drawn for you immediately.”

“No need, Lizzy. I have already sent a maid.” Lady Susan stood near the stairs. Behind her, Richard hovered closer than propriety allowed. Darcy paid them little mind, his attention was too focused on Elizabeth. His Elizabeth.

He brought her hand to his lips. “I will not linger, I promise.”

Elizabeth’s eyes shone with affection. “See that you do not. I have missed you terribly.”

“And I you,” Darcy replied, his voice softening. He wished to lean closer and kiss her properly, but her father still stood sentinel over their greetings. In two hours he would call her his wife, and never again would he deny himself her kisses.

Stepping away from his soon-to-be bride, he turned to her father. “I realize I am unkempt, but I wish to discuss the marriage articles and Elizabeth’s settlement with you immediately. Perhaps you could review them while I refresh myself.”

Mr. Gardiner gestured for Darcy to follow him. “Of course, Mr. Darcy. I expected as much. However, I suggest we review together so that you can enjoy your bath.”

Darcy followed him to the library. “Here you are, sir.” He handed the marriage articles to the older man. “Everything is in order, as I discussed it with you before I left. Elizabeth will maintain her dowry for her own use, and any daughters we have will have at least thirty thousand settled on them. I have three properties, so at least three sons, should we be so blessed, will have property.”

Mr. Gardiner looked over the papers. He was a scrupulous businessman and would approach this contract with the utmost seriousness. Elizabeth was his beloved daughter, and he would not allow so much as an erroneous comma to go unmentioned.

Mr. Gardiner began, “This is exactly as you said it would be. Thank you for your generosity to my Elizabeth. It is not easy to give her up., but I suppose I must. She loves you, and you have proven yourself to be generous.”

Darcy inclined his head. “I promise to love her and care for her all my days.”

Mr. Gardiner sighed. “There is one matter I wish to discuss further.”

“Yes?” Darcy leaned forward.

“There is a possibility,” Mr. Gardiner said carefully, “that Elizabeth may end up being my heir. As you may know, my wife and I have been married for many years, but we have not been blessed with any children of our own. However, lately, my wife has shown signs of breeding. While this is welcome news, we have been cautious in our hopes.”

Darcy’s expression softened as he listened. “Mr. Gardiner, I must make one thing clear: I would take Elizabeth with nothing. I fought the idea for too long, but there is no one else for me. Her dowry, her inheritance—they mean nothing to me in comparison to her.”

Mr. Gardiner regarded Darcy with a mixture of respect and gratitude. “She is a treasure, to be certain. I am only glad that someone has seen it beyond myself and her mother. I am pleased to know that she will be well cared for, regardless of what the future holds.”

Darcy hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I wish you and Mrs. Gardiner the best of luck in this matter. I have not yet discussed it with Elizabeth, but I know that your happiness is of paramount concern to her. I am certain she will be as thrilled as I am by the prospect of a new addition to your family.”

Mr. Gardiner offered a small, nervous smile, his concern for his wife evident. “We have had no luck in the past, and I must admit, I worry for my wife. She is not as young as she once was.”

Darcy’s voice was filled with understanding. “I may not yet be married, Mr. Gardiner, but I believe I understand the love a man has for his wife. The fear, the hope—it is a heavy burden to bear.” Mr. Gardiner nodded.

Darcy rose from his seat, extending his hand. “Let us hope for the best, then, for all our futures.”

Mr. Gardiner stood as well, shaking Darcy’s hand firmly. “Indeed. And now, I believe there is a bath waiting for you. My daughter is eager to wed so you must not delay.”

Darcy smiled at the thought, a warmth spreading through him at the mention of Elizabeth. “Then I shall not keep her waiting a moment longer than required.”

He made his way back to his chambers, where the promised hot bath awaited him. The heat of the water worked wonders on his tired muscles, but he did not allow himself the luxury of soaking. Soon, Elizabeth would be his and he would never be parted from her again.

∞∞∞

The parlor at Meadow Haven was quiet. Richard stood near the hearth, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched Elizabeth’s mother whisk her daughter upstairs to prepare for the wedding.

“Suzy, please give us a few minutes before you join us. I would like to some time alone with my daughter.”

Lady Susan gave a guileless nod, and Richard had to force back a chuckle. Looking from one maiden’s face to the other, it was clear neither understood what conversation Mrs. Gardiner planned to have with her daughter.

Lady Susan, anxious to help her friend prepare for her nuptials, paced to the window and looked out. The house was filled with a sense of anticipation, and yet, in this moment, Richard felt a different kind of hope building within him—one that had little to do with his cousin’s impending vows.

When Elizabeth and her mother were out of sight, Lady Susan lingered by the window. The light shining on her face caught Richard’s attention, and he found himself watching her, his heart beating a little faster. They had spent so much time together over the past weeks, growing closer with each passing day, but there had always been others around—friends, family, servants. Rarely had they found time alone—except for those cherished moments in the billiards room. Richard knew the time had come to say what had been on his mind for some time.

“Lady Susan,” he began, his voice a little more hesitant than he had intended. He cleared his throat and took a step closer to her. “Would you do me the honor of sitting with me for a moment?”

She turned from the window, her expression curious but warm. “Of course, Colonel,” she replied, moving to one of the chairs by the fire and settling into it. “Is something on your mind?”

Richard hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. He had faced battlefields with less trepidation than he felt now. But he could not delay any longer. He took a deep breath and sat opposite her, meeting her gaze directly.

“There is something I have been meaning to say for some time now,” Richard began, his voice steadying as he spoke. “Lady Susan… Suzy, you are… you are the most remarkable woman I have ever known. These past weeks, spending time with you, getting to know you better… It has been the greatest joy of my life.”

Lady Susan’s eyes widened slightly, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Richard held up a hand, gently stopping her. “Please, allow me finish,” he said softly, his heart pounding in his chest. “I must tell you how I feel.”

He paused, gathering his courage. “I care for you deeply—more than I ever thought possible. I wish, desperately, for you to be my bride.” He held his hand up to silence her once again. “Before you say anything, I must be honest with you. I do not have much to offer you in terms of wealth. I have a small estate in Norfolk, enough to live comfortably, but nothing like the life you are accustomed to.”

Her expression softened, and she reached out, placing her hand over his. “Richard,” she said gently, “do you really think that matters to me?”

Richard looked at her, surprised by the warmth in her voice. “I… I was unsure,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “You deserve so much more than I can give you. I fear that I cannot provide the lifestyle you are used to.”

She shook her head, her grip on his hand tightening. “I have never cared about wealth or status. Lizzy and I have always promised each other that we would marry only for love, and I mean to keep that promise. It is your heart, your character, that I value—not your estate.”

Richard’s eyes searched hers for any sign of deception, but all he saw was sincerity. “Suzy, I… I do not know what to say,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You will marry me?”

She giggled. “I have not yet been asked.”

In a trice, he kneeled before her and took her hands in his. “Lady Susan Corwell, I have little to give you but myself. But if you will have me, I will do my best to make you the happiest woman on earth. Will you marry me?”

She leaned forward. “I will.” Richard, thrilled beyond words pulled her to him and kissed her sweet lips. The kiss was tender at first, a gentle exploration of the feelings they had both been holding back. But as the seconds passed, it deepened, filled with the passion and love that had been building between them for so long. He knew from her initial reaction that she had never shared this experience with anyone, and he relished the joy of being her first. Her first and last, he thought.

With reluctance, the couple broke apart, though their foreheads touched. “Richard, two things I must tell you.”

His thumb stroked lazy circles on her temple. “What is it my love.”

A playful glint flickered in her eyes. “I told Lizzy that I would marry for love this year. You, sir, are my destiny.”

He chuckled. “I am pleased I could help prove you correct. And the second?”

Lady Susan sat back and looked him in the eyes. “Upon my wedding, I will inherit a rather substantial estate in Somerset. Presently, it earns six thousand a year. Together, we will have more than enough to live comfortably.”

Richard stared at her, stunned by this revelation. “I… I had no idea.”

She smiled softly, her gaze tender. “I know. That is why I am telling you now. I do not want you to fear for our future. We will do very well, I suspect.”

The relief and joy that washed over Richard were overwhelming, and before he knew it, he once again closed the distance between them. Suzy’s eyes fluttered closed as he cupped her face in his hands. “I love you,” he whispered before joining their lips.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless. They sat there for a moment longer, simply holding each other. Finally, she pulled back slightly, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “Richard, there is one more thing.”

“What is it?” he asked.

She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “I think we should wait until after Lizzy and Mr. Darcy’s wedding to make our engagement official. I want them to have their day, without any distractions.”

Richard nodded, understanding her reasoning. “That is a wise idea. We will give them their day, and then… tomorrow we will begin our life together.”

“I suspect it will be a while before our life will begin, in truth. Your mother will, no doubt, wish for a society wedding.” Richard groaned.