Chapter 69

69

D arcy was watching for Bingley's coach to draw up outside the inn, and when he saw it turning into the yard, he snatched up his hat and hurried out so that he was waiting. He suspected the Gardiners — and Richard — were exchanging sly looks, but he could not bring himself to care.

He wanted to see Elizabeth again — it had been a long, slow evening without her, and he hoped she had not begun to have second thoughts; perhaps even frightening herself that she was taking too much of a risk, too soon.

He wanted her to have the time to assure herself of that; but time was not on their side. Perhaps Mrs. Gardiner would be helpful.

He was by the step to assist her down, and gave a little reassuring squeeze of her fingers, having seen her strained smile. It was a pity that he had had to leave her so early yesterday afternoon. If they could have dined together, it might have been better — it certainly would have for him.

He had called his steward from Pemberley. Mr. Reed was utterly trustworthy, and he could then leave Mr. Leigh in London to deal with any issues arising from Hertfordshire. And Reed had brought plenty of the music paper with him. Darcy was looking forward to presenting her with it.

He was able to take her aside for a moment before they entered the large parlour. There were so many people; and while he was happy that all were assisting him to keep Elizabeth safe, he could wish they were alone.

She sighed and nestled a little closer to him. "I am glad you held back a little to let the others go first."

"I wished to assure myself that you are well this morning, dearest. I thought there might have been some concerns in your mind after an evening with little to do and nowhere to go."

She rested her head against his chest, and he swallowed. "Are you well?"

She nodded, and the fabric of his shirt carried the pressure to his skin.

"I am, but did my aunt tell you that she has carried a letter from Charlotte to me?"

He shook his head. "No, I did not know. That is Miss Lucas? Has your father caused her any difficulty?"

Elizabeth's shoulders drooped. "He has. May I show you her letter? I would like your advice on how I may help her best."

His spirits rose. If she trusted him enough to share the letter, all must be well. But before he could say anything, Mr. Gardiner appeared in the parlour doorway.

"Come on in, Elizabeth. We do not want you getting cold in the entranceway." While his voice was firm, he was smiling, and Darcy was relieved, although rather embarrassed.

"Of course, Uncle," Elizabeth said demurely; but still she held back and turned her face up with a smile just for him, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Darcy found himself smiling foolishly back at her, and if she hadn't moved first, would have quite forgotten to.

There were not really quite as many people as there had seemed to be, of course. Apart from he and Elizabeth, there were the Bingleys and the Gardiners, and Richard. With his cousin beside him, he could do whatever was needed. He also trusted Bingley to assist him, and Elizabeth would be happy to have the Gardiners and her sister with her.

Mrs. Gardiner took on the duties of the hostess and served the refreshments, and to begin with the topics were general. Beside him, Elizabeth drew out the folded letter.

"Please will you read this, William? I will admit I am concerned for my friend, although I know not quite what to do just yet."

He nodded, and read the letter swiftly, frowning.

Mrs. Gardiner looked over. "Is that the letter from Charlotte Lucas, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth nodded and, when Darcy had folded the letter and returned it to her, she handed it to her aunt. "I imagine it repeats what she told you in her covering letter to you."

Her aunt's lips tightened as she read it, but she looked resigned. "I did want to invite her to stay with us again, Lizzy, but I thought it may make things worse, and when Mr. Darcy asked us to join him here, it seems to have been for the best."

Then Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat. "If we have all finished the refreshments, may I propose what the colonel might refer to as a Council of War?"

Elizabeth laughed. Her spirits seemed lighter now she was beside him, and Darcy swelled with pride that she had agreed to marry him and that she was undaunted.

There were a few minutes of silence, as if no one knew how to begin. Elizabeth nudged Darcy and gave him a mischievous grin.

"Well, I seems I had better begin, then." She looked round the room. "I am happy to be betrothed to Darcy, and would be interested to hear what everyone thinks is the next step forward."

"Only you, Lizzy," her aunt's voice was affectionate, and Elizabeth looked a little abashed.

"We could not all sit here politely waiting for someone else to speak."

"True." Gardiner's voice was heavy. "I am very happy for you that you are betrothed, Lizzy. But it has surprised me how angry your father is, and I am concerned how Mr. Darcy and the rest of us can keep you both safe and respectable, given that Jane and Mr. Bingley must, at some point, return to Netherfield, and us to town."

His words seemed to break the atmosphere, and Darcy nodded.

"Is it your opinion, Mr. Gardiner, that Elizabeth would still not be safe after we are married, or even after she is of age?"

The older man sighed. "I would never have thought it of my brother-in-law, Mr. Darcy, but I have recently seen a side of him that I cannot remotely connect with the man I once knew."

Darcy tightened his lips. This was not going to be so easy as sweeping Elizabeth off to Scotland and then Pemberley; and he saw Richard's attention sharpen.

His cousin leaned forward. "It must, however, be an advantage that Miss Bennet marries soon. It takes some of Bennet's ammunition and accusations away from him, does it not?"

"Indeed, Colonel." Gardiner nodded.

"Then I think that we ought to proceed with seeing if that can happen sooner, rather than later."

Darcy felt as if he had received a punch to the gut. "Perhaps I ought to have a private word with Miss Bennet first. After all, it affects her more than anyone else."

"Let me send for more refreshments, then," suggested Mrs. Gardiner, and Darcy went out to ask the landlord for the use of one of the smaller parlours.

"What would you like to do, Elizabeth?" He sat close to her, taking her hand. "I know that the rest of the party feels that Scotland is probably the only option, but I know that a young lady wishes to marry from her family home, with her family around her, particularly her mother."

Elizabeth gurgled with laughter. "You have met my family, sir. You cannot believe that Mama is essential to my happiness on the day!"

Darcy sighed. "But if it is your wish to be at home, Elizabeth, I will do all I can to see that it happens as you wish."

She shook her head, and turned her hand in his, her fingers tightening around his. "I thank you, William, for being willing to do that. But it seems Papa will prevent that in any way that he can. I would not wish my wedding to be in Meryton if he will spoil the atmosphere and my happiness."

He looked searchingly into her eyes. It seemed she meant what she had said.

"So might you be amenable to marrying in Scotland? You would have your sister with you, and your aunt and uncle, which might make the ceremony seem more of an occasion."

"I thank you for thinking of me when considering the matter. Truly, I am happy to be marrying you." Her voice was soft. "Must it be over the anvil at Gretna, or is it still lawful to find a little chapel elsewhere?"

"I have been thinking about that." Darcy smiled down at her. "We can marry anywhere in Scotland without your father's consent. There is a pretty little kirk in the village of Canonbie that I visited once with my parents. It is a little further into Scotland than Gretna, but we could wed there if you wish. The minister will be able to furnish us with a certificate, and I am sure he will be willing to include elements of whatever you want for the ceremony."

She leaned closer. "Let us do that, William. Then things will be easier, I am sure." Her whisper was quiet, intimate, and he could feel her breath on his face.

He leaned forward, too, his own whisper as quiet as hers. "I am happy you have agreed, Elizabeth. I cannot wait to give you my name."

He wanted to touch her lips with his, wanted it with a passion. But he was not sure he could stop at that. He must wait — although Canonbie was two days away.

But Elizabeth had leaned closer still, and she touched her lips to his, before rising to her feet with an impish smile. "I could see what you wished," she chuckled.