Chapter 25

Twelfth Night

T he glow of candles filled the grand salon of Matlock House as Elizabeth entered with Mr. Darcy by her side, her arm resting lightly on his. The buzz of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses filled the air. Elizabeth’s heart raced, not out of fear but excitement. It was her first formal event as Mrs. Darcy, and though she had attended many such events in her lifetime, this one felt different. Before she was the goddaughter of an earl and the best friend of his daughter. Tonight she was Mrs. Darcy, causing the eyes of the ton to settle upon her in a different way.

Her husband leaned toward her as they entered. “You look radiant tonight, my love.” She wore a red gown that highlighted the creaminess of her skin and the subtle sheen of red in her hair.

Elizabeth smiled, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “And you look the part of a very proud husband, Mr. Darcy. Is it such a surprise that I can manage to dress myself properly?”

Darcy’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “It is a surprise that I allowed you enough time alone in order to dress.” Elizabeth blushed slightly but kept her composure.

They moved through the room, receiving nods and greetings from various guests. Familiar faces dotted the space, including Mr. Bingley, who offered them a broad, friendly smile. “Congratulations, Darcy!” he exclaimed. “I must say I was not as surprised by your wedding as I was by its haste. I knew you preferred Mrs. Darcy as early as the party at Lucas Lodge, but I thought it might take you longer to act upon it.”

Mr. Darcy pulled Elizabeth closer to his side. “If you ask me, I waited too long as it is. Once I secured Elizabeth’s acceptance, I could wait no longer before I made her my wife.”

Bingley laughed heartily, so pleased was he by his friend’s felicity. To his left, Caroline Bingley stood, her expression carefully composed as she watched Mr. Darcy with thinly veiled desire. Her sharp gaze flicked to Elizabeth, and her smile tightened.

Elizabeth lifted her chin, meeting Caroline’s gaze head-on. Tonight, she was not just the daughter of a tradesman. She was Mrs. Darcy, goddaughter to an earl and niece to another. She would not let Caroline’s disdain rattle her.

“Mrs. Darcy!” a familiar voice called out.

Elizabeth turned to see Lady Matlock gliding toward them with an elegant grace that befitted her station. Her warm smile was genuine as she embraced Elizabeth. “Come. There are some people I am most eager for you to meet.”

Elizabeth allowed herself to be drawn deeper into the room, leaving Mr. Darcy standing with the Bingleys. As they approached, Lady Matlock introduced Elizabeth to several distinguished guests, including Lady Jersey. She was a striking woman, with sharp eyes that seemed to assess everything around her, and yet there was a warmth in her gaze as she extended her hand to Elizabeth.

“Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Jersey said, “it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Lady Matlock has spoken highly of you.”

Elizabeth curtsied. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Jersey.”

Lady Jersey’s brow lifted slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “My friend has spoken to me of your charm and natural grace. I suppose that is how you captured your husband. He has been notoriously difficult to secure. The young ladies of the ton will not be pleased to learn of your marriage, my dear.”

Elizabeth chuckled softly. “I am sorry for their loss, but I cannot repine my own gain.”

“I daresay you cannot,” Lady Jersey said, her gaze sweeping over the room before returning to Elizabeth.

“My husband is currently speaking to your father. It seems Earl Jersey has a keen interest in your father’s investments.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by the connection. “Indeed? I was not aware.” Lady Jersey gave a slight nod.

Elizabeth’s smile was genuine, though she felt the heat of another’s gaze upon her. She glanced around the room and found Caroline Bingley lingering nearby, her expression cold and calculating. Elizabeth turned away, choosing to engage more deeply in conversation with Lady Matlock, Lady Jersey, and Suzy who had just entered their circle of conversation.

Yet, Miss Bingley’s presence loomed closer. When the conversation lulled, she took her opportunity. She stepped into the circle with a delicate laugh, her eyes sharp and glittering with malice.

“Lady Matlock, thank you for inviting me to your party.”

Lady Matlock stopped her conversation with Suzy to look at the woman. “Miss Bingley, you should thank your brother for bringing you. It was his name addressed on the invitation since he is my nephew’s dear friend.”

Miss Bingley’s cheeks pinked, but that did not prevent her from continuing. “My lady, were you as surprised by Mr. Darcy’s marriage as I was?” When Lady Matlock did not reply, she persisted. “It is rather curious, is it not? Mr. Darcy could have anyone, and he chose Eliza Gardiner.” She looked to Lady Jersey as if they were the best of friends. “I have heard that Mrs. Darcy was given up by her aunt as an infant for being... what was the word? Ah yes, so ugly.” She smiled, as if sharing a piece of harmless gossip. “How fortunate for her that her tradesman uncle took pity on her.”

Elizabeth’s spine stiffened, but she kept her expression neutral. Before she could respond, Miss Bingley continued, her voice turning sweeter. “Her own sister, I understand, was so concerned for Mrs. Darcy’s future that she attempted to have her compromised, lest she never marry. A tragic story, is it not?”

Lady Susan’s eyes flashed with anger. “Tragic? Not at all, Miss Bingley. I would say it is a story with a most delightful ending. Lizzy did marry, after all. And quite well, I should say.”

Miss Bingley’s smile faltered, but Suzy pressed on, her tone sharper than before. “Perhaps it is time you examined the difference between outward appearances and true character, Miss Bingley. You see, Lizzy’s beauty—both in appearance and spirit—is obvious to those who truly matter.”

Lady Matlock, who had been watching the exchange with raised eyebrows, joined in. “Indeed. One should never judge a person by their family, Miss Bingley. If we did that, I daresay your brother might never receive another invitation.”

Miss Bingley’s face flushed with embarrassment, but before she could respond, Lady Jersey, who had been listening quietly, turned her head with the elegance of a queen. “Quite so. But it seems the conversation has turned tiresome. Perhaps we should find something more pleasant to discuss, Lady Matlock?”

With that subtle dismissal, Lady Jersey effectively excluded Miss Bingley from the conversation, leaving her flustered and humiliated.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth whispered under her breath as Miss Bingley retreated.

Suzy gave a soft laugh. “It was my pleasure. I would not allow anyone to speak so of my dearest friend.”

Soon the party was informed that it was time for supper. Though Mr. Darcy did not like it, he relented when his uncle asked to escort Elizabeth into the dining room. The earl was not so cruel as to prevent his nephew from sitting with his bride, however. “Darcy, sit here next to Elizabeth, else you will pout the entire evening.” Everyone laughed at the earl’s jest, including Mr. Darcy, who was happy to laugh at anything as long as he could be near his wife.

When the first course was served and the room had quieted, Lord Matlock stood. “I would like to propose a toast. To Elizabeth and Darcy. I have never seen my nephew so happy, and for that I heartily thank Mrs. Darcy. When Darcy found her, he found a partner, someone he can rely on through good times and bad. And he continues the Darcy tradition of marrying for nothing less than the greatest of love. May all our children, nephews and nieces be as lucky and happy as they are.”

“Here, here!” Lord Effington echoed. And soon the entire room was repeating the same sentiments.

Lord Matlock remained standing. When the room quieted once more, he spoke. “And at the risk of sharing too much joy in one evening, I wish to inform you that my own son has found his great love. Later this spring, Lady Susan Corwell will become Lady Susan Fitzwilliam. Richard, Lady Susan,” the earl tipped his head in the couple’s direction, “I wish you great happiness and a lifetime of love.”

Suzy beamed while Richard smiled down at her with love in his eyes. Darcy whispered in his wife’s ear. “You do not seem surprised by this, my dear.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “We are as good as sisters. She told me the day Richard proposed.”

“But that was on our wedding day!”

They both chuckled this time. “Never let either know that the other shared the secret before they agreed. Suzy said she and Richard promised to wait until after our ceremony to tell anyone.”

Darcy grinned. “Richard told me the same thing on the same day. In his defense, I know how happy an engagement makes a man. I wanted to shout ours to the world.”

∞∞∞

When the gentlemen joined the ladies after supper, Lady Matlock rang for tea. Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth, his breath warm against her ear. “Shall we slip away, my love?”

Elizabeth blinked, surprised. “Slip away? Fitzwilliam, we must say our goodbyes. It would be most improper to leave without doing so.”

Darcy chuckled, the sound low and warm. “I am quite certain everyone will understand. We are newlyweds, after all, and I believe they will forgive us for seeking a moment of privacy.”

Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, but Darcy put his finger to his lips, entreating her to be quiet. He held his hand out to her. She hesitated for only a moment before taking it.

“Very well,” she said with a soft laugh, “but I do hope your aunt does not take offense.”

“She will not,” Darcy assured her, leading her quietly through the grand house and out toward the waiting carriages. “She is too wrapped up in Lady Susan and Richard to worry with us.”

The cold night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the stars twinkling above in the clear winter sky. Their carriage awaited them, and he helped Elizabeth inside before climbing in beside her.

Elizabeth leaned her head against Darcy’s shoulder. “You are quite the rogue, Fitzwilliam,” she murmured, her eyes closing as she relaxed into him. “I should have known you would find a way to steal me away.”

Darcy smiled, his hand gently stroking her arm. “I could not help myself. You looked so beautiful tonight, and I found it impossible to share you with everyone for so long.”

Elizabeth’s lips quirked into a smile. “And what, pray tell, was different about me tonight?”

Darcy chuckled, his voice deep and affectionate. “My love, I always find you irresistible, however, that red gown… it suits you perfectly.”

Elizabeth lifted her head slightly, glancing down at the rich fabric of her dress. “Do you think so? I was not sure if the color was too bold.”

Darcy shook his head, his eyes darkening with appreciation. “It is perfect. I believe I shall need to take a trip to the jeweler tomorrow.”

“The jeweler?” Elizabeth asked, raising an eyebrow. “Fitzwilliam, you have already given me so many jewels. Surely, I do not need more.”

“Ah,” Darcy replied with a playful smile, “but you do not have rubies to match that gown. And I will not rest until I see you adorned in them.”

Elizabeth laughed softly, her fingers tracing a pattern along the sleeve of his coat. “You will spoil me if you continue in this manner. If you buy me so many gems, there will be no funds left for our children.”

Darcy’s eyes softened, his gaze full of love and amusement. “I promise you, Elizabeth, there will be plenty left for our children. I will spoil them as well. But I shall never stop spoiling you.”

Elizabeth smiled, her heart swelling with affection. “You are impossible, Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy lifted his hand to brush a stray curl from her face, “You are mine to spoil.” He paused for a moment, his eyes searching hers, before he spoke again. “I cannot believe you are mine,” he whispered.

Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat at the depth of his words. She felt her fingers intertwine with his. “Forever and always, Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her lips.

They rode on, wrapped in each other’s arms. Darcy swore to end every day with her in his arms.

Forever.