Lord Matlock burst out in laughter, “I did not know! How wonderful, George! I also adore Lizzy and I am very glad for William’s choice. She will be perfect for him and they will get along together very nicely. I take back all I said about her, dear brother. William will cherish her and they are a good match together. I cannot see anyone else being able to tolerate that pretty girl, but with William’s patience and care, she will be a good wife to him.”
Mr. Darcy smiled, “They are good for each other and I will be very happy to gain her as a daughter. I only hope my son is successful because Lizzy is more stubborn than Fitzwilliam and she is determined to never marry! I can only do so much to help the young people along!”
Lord Matlock smiled and entered the drawing room where the ladies were waiting. The gentlemen walked their wives to the dining room to enjoy a very delicious but late meal.
~*~
Lizzy sat for several moments while she remained hiding behind the books. She was not surprised to hear Lord Matlock’s candid opinion of her family and her future, and he had reaffirmed her own beliefs that she was unfit to marry anyone of consequence. She smiled to herself, fully knowing that she would remain single for the rest of her life and only wished she would not be a burden to her family. If Jane were to marry well, she knew her dearest sister would care for her, but William had always promised her that she would live with him and she hoped he would keep that promise. Whether she received Longbourn or not, her only wishes were to travel the world and seek some adventures in life before she would be resigned to stay at home and become a spinster.
Lizzy stood up and fixed the books then headed down the spiral staircase. She walked towards the dining room and found the two couples enjoying their meal.
She curtseyed and greeted them. “How do you do? I hope you are enjoying your late meal.”
Lady Anne smiled, “Do you wish to join us? I thought you and Georgie would have eaten already by now.”
“It is all right, Mrs. Anne; we have already dined.” Lizzy answered. “Georgie and I are playing a game and I only wished to greet you.”
Georgiana then shouted from the hallway, “I FOUND YOU!” She began to laugh and run towards her but then stopped when she saw that there were diners in the room. “Mama, papa! Sorry, Uncle Henry, Aunt Margaret.”
The adults laughed softly and Lady Matlock answered, “It is fine, child. Go and play while we finish our meal and we will speak with you later.”
The girls curtseyed and departed quickly. They could hear Georgiana exclaim, “I found you, Lizzy! Although you were not hiding, it was not time yet and you came out so I win!”
Lizzy was heard responding, “Yes, dear Georgie. You win and I will allow you to choose my dresses for a full week. Even if I might look like a court jester with multiple colours of ribbons everywhere, I will dress as you choose.”
Lady Matlock laughed loudly, “She is such a good girl, that Lizzy. Even though she is out now, she still plays with Georgiana and is very kind. I hope you are right, Anne. Someone will catch her eye and she might marry a man who adores her. I will make sure to support you in parading her around before all the best eligible bachelors.”
Mr. Darcy and Lord Matlock looked at each other with a twinkle in their eye and smiled. The adults returned to the previous subject of the current state of affairs in Parliament and the war with Napoleon, and enjoyed the rest of their luncheon.
~*~
“I forgot you lived here, Will!” Lizzy laughed. “I have not seen you for a week, except for a few minutes in the mornings. What in the world have you been up to lately?”
William grinned as he sat down next to her on the couch in the drawing room. “When I returned here with Richard, I thought it would be a dull stay until you arrived, but there have been many of my friends from university in town and I have had enough invitations to last me the rest of the year. I never knew how many sisters or female cousins my friends had until now.” He laughed. “I have had so many compliments thrown my way that I might have a head as large as Richard if I actually believed them!”
Lizzy giggled, “You already have a big head, Will! When have you been refused anything to keep you humble? Perhaps you have found someone that sparks your interest? Someone beautiful and charming to be your wife?”
William wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her towards him, kissing her temple and holding her in his embrace, “There is someone and I will reveal all soon, dear. I could not do anything without you, remember?” He kissed her head again and held her tightly.
“I am glad, Will. You deserve someone who will be good to you.” Lizzy hugged him and stood up. “I do hope you will have time for a few outings. You did promise to take me to the theatre for my birthday tomorrow. It is only unfortunate that the Theatre Royal burned down last month.
