Elizabeth caught her aunt’s arm to steer her towards the door, not wishing a scene on the street. “Yes, Aunt, I am Elizabeth to my dear Fitzwilliam. Mr. Darcy has seen me to London, for we are to marry the day after tomorrow.”
Mrs. Gardiner stopped dead in her steps.“You jest, Lizzy!”
Elizabeth turned to the woman again.“I do not,Aunt. Mr. Darcy and I will marry, and I would like for you to be happy for me.”
Mr. Gardiner joined them in the front foyer.“Who is getting married, dearest Elizabeth?” He offered Jane a quick kiss on the cheek.
Elizabeth left her aunt and walked to where Darcy stood, waiting for the next round of questioning. Possessively, she took his hand. “
Mr. Gardiner stammered at first, but he quickly recovered.“Mr. Darcy, welcome, Sir. Please, let us all go into the parlor and hear this surprising story.”
Jane took her aunt’s hand, while Darcy led Elizabeth into the room. The young couple sat together on a settee. Mrs. Gardiner ordered tea, and when civilities were finished, an explanation seemed needed.
“Papa sent a letter explaining everything.” Jane produced the note for their uncle.
Mr. Gardiner put it into his pocket. “I will read my brother Bennet’s words later. What I would like right now is a few words from Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”
“As Aunt Gardiner knows, Mr. Darcy came to Netherfield Park with Mr. Bingley, and our relationship began.We were cool to each other at first, but upon further acquaintance, grew exceedingly fond of one another.”
Mrs. Gardiner interrupted her. “Lizzy, are you in love with Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth blushed. Neither she nor Darcy spoke of love. “Yes, Aunt.” Elizabeth’s voice was barely audible. “I have fallen in love with Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy’s hand cupped hers where it lay between them. He lifted the back of it to his lips for a kiss.
“And you, Mr. Darcy?” her aunt inquired, astounded. “Do you love our Lizzy?”
“I would give my life for Elizabeth.” Elizabeth knew he desired her, but part of her hoped he would acknowledge some feelings for her beside the need to protect her.
Jane interceded, “Mr. Darcy actually saved Elizabeth’s life twice, Aunt.”
“
“I will explain more later.We have so much to do before the wedding, but suffice it to say, without Fitzwilliam, I would not be alive now.”
“It was romantic,” Jane volunteered. “Mr. Darcy left Netherfield, but he realized he did not want to lose Lizzy, so he returned for her. Luckily, he came just as an intruder tied her up and planned to hurt her. Mr. Darcy fought him off.”
Mr. Gardiner’s eyebrows shot up; Mrs. Gardiner fanned herself.
“That is the reason for our hurried marriage,” Elizabeth confided. “I was so happy to see Fitzwilliam that I foolishly threw myself into his arms. Unfortunately, Papa and some of our servants burst into the room and found us in a compromising position. Mr. Darcy felt it best that we marry quickly to protect my reputation.”
“But do you
“Yes, Uncle, I do. We would wait for a proper calling of the banns except for my impulsive behavior; but either way, Mr. Darcy is my chosen mate.”
“Then that is all that matters, Lizzy. Neither your aunt nor I wish to see you
“Unfortunately, I must leave to make arrangements.” said Mr. Darcy.“When I returned for Elizabeth yesterday, my baggage continued on with a traveling companion, Mr. Bingley. So I must return home to make myself presentable.Then I must make a trip to the ecclesiastical courts to procure a special license.”
“Would you like to use my carriage, Mr. Darcy?” Darcy prepared to take his leave. “As we promised Mr. Bennet to send his carriage back to Longbourn as soon as possible, I would appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gardiner. Might I also ask for your assistance in securing the church? It would allow me to call upon my sister with the good news.”
“It would be my pleasure, Mr. Darcy. Let me have my man bring around the carriage.”
As he stood, Darcy reached out his hand to Elizabeth. “Would you see me out, my dear?”
“May I meet Georgiana this evening?” Elizabeth took his arm in preparation for his departure.
“I would relish that very thing if your aunt and uncle could see
“Would you and your sister care to join us for the evening meal, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked reluctantly. Her expression was troubled.
“Aunt Gardiner, that is too much on such short notice. I would not intrude on your household staff for such an important occasion. If you are willing, I will meet Miss Darcy this evening. From all of Fitzwilliam’s reports, his sister is quite shy. Meeting her brother’s future wife
“Excellent solution, Lizzy.” Mr. Gardiner took up her cause. “And Jane must accompany you as your chaperone.”
“Then it is settled,” said Elizabeth. “Now, off with you,” she said to Darcy as she maneuvered him towards the door. Alone in the entrance hall, she went up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
