William smiled as he held her in his arms. “I have another surprise planned for you at the opera but that will remain a secret for now. I am more than happy to take you, Lizzy. We will enjoy ourselves in the Darcy box and I will be able to show you off to my friends. You will look beautiful and we will have a very special time together.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Sixteen tomorrow, dear Lizzy, you are a woman now and I am very happy to see you grow so lovely. You will not have to worry about anything in your future than spending many pleasant days with me.”
Lizzy giggled as he released her from his embrace, “Have you heard it, too? I laughed when Lord Matlock was speaking about my being unfit to be a good wife but I know I have nothing to worry about since I have you, Will. You promised I could stay with you, did you not?”
“Of course, you will stay with me.” William furrowed his brows, “You will always stay with me. I do not understand what my uncle has said. What do you mean ‘unfit’? Was he insul...”
There was a knock and Lady Anne entered. “Are you ready to depart, Lizzy? We must ensure your dress fits you perfectly for tomorrow evening and you will look like the beautiful lady you are already, even if you think of it as a disguise. Your mother is waiting and is anxious to outfit you and Jane in the best of attires. While you and William are at the theatre, she insists that Jane must shine to attract the most eligible of bachelors at Almack’s. Lady Sefton adores Jane and Fanny hopes for a son of a duke or an earl!”
Lizzy squeezed William’s hand and left with her merry giggles. William smiled as he watched her depart and was eager for the next day to arrive. He planned on proposing to her at the theatre and wondered if Lizzy would be ready to marry him this year instead of waiting until she turned seventeen.
Chapter 4
William checked his appearance once more in the looking glass while he nervously straightened his cravat and patted down his hair. He knew he looked handsome in his all-black suit and there were many ladies in town who had been eyeing him to capture him these past months but he hoped to keep their claws off tonight. He wanted to give all of his attentions to Lizzy and make sure this evening was going to be the most memorable time of her life before their wedding. He smiled to himself as he checked his pocket once again to ensure that the ring was safely tucked there for the proposal.
During the past two months, he had the engagement ring and the settlement papers prepared, and had begun making plans for their betrothal period. He would travel with Lizzy to Pemberley this summer so his mother could instruct her on how to manage the estate as the future mistress, and find ways to keep his dear wife happy with private tutors and lessons and they would take their wedding trip to Ireland, which had been his favourite on his Grand Tour. And as soon as the war was over, he wished to see the continent with his beloved wife and perhaps have one or two children by then. He grinned as he thought of the happy future with her and the family they would have together.
William checked his appearance once more in front of the mirror and walked to the foyer to gather his hat and gloves. He heard noises from the stairs and looked up, and softly gasped to see the most beautiful creature descending towards him.
“Well?” Lizzy asked, as William stood stupidly in the foyer. “I am playing the part of an elegant lady of the ton and will be imitating how your mother would behave. It will be a good laugh to see people’s reactions, when you and I know that I am a hoyden at heart.”
“You look beautiful, Lizzy.” William finally breathed. “Even if you think you are fooling the others, do not fool yourself into believing that you are only a hoyden. You look exquisite and I will be the envy of every man in the theatre tonight.”
Lizzy blushed, “You flatter me, Will, but I know I am nothing compared to Jane or your mother. Even Georgiana is prettier and I am the shorter, darker girl who will always be different. I do feel like a princess tonight, though, and will imagine myself as Cendrillon, the Cinderella girl who was allowed out of the house for a night or two for an adventure with the handsome prince. You can be my prince tonight, Will.” She smiled brightly.
William returned her smile, “Yes, my princess. I will be anything you wish. Happy birthday, Lizzy.” He leaned and kissed her cheek reverently. “You are truly beautiful.”
He gathered her on his arm and they entered the carriage for an evening of entertainment and what William anticipated to be the beginning of a very blissful engagement.
~*~
The King’s Theatre was glowing in splendour with bright lights and many patrons attending. This production was one of several on a special run because of the popularity of the opera, and although many nobilities were not expected
