Lady Seaton said briskly, “Now, Mrs. Collins, my nephew tells me you are a sensible sort of woman. I hope you will be able to help me.”
“How may I be of assistance, Lady Seaton?” Charlotte barely paused in her directions to the servants setting out dishes.
“I am in need of a dress suitable for a respectable young lady, one who should not appear today in her current clothing.”
Charlotte’s brow furrowed and then cleared as she noticed Mary by Lady Seaton’s side. She looked her over as if assessing her and nodded. “There is a dress belonging to my sister upstairs that I believe would suit. Would you care to see it?”
“That would be lovely.”
Mary followed Lady Seaton and Miss Darcy upstairs and into a bedroom. Mrs. Collins removed a frock of sprigged muslin from a closet and held it up, saying, “Is this appropriate?” Mary could not see why Miss Darcy would wish to change from her current lovely blue dress into one not half as elegant, but it was not her job to question.
Lady Seaton cast a practised look at the dress, then at Mary. “That will do very well. Mary?”
Embarrassed that she had forgotten her duties, Mary hurried to take the dress from Mrs. Collins. As she had been trained, she gently shook it out to reduce wrinkles and set it out on the bed, smoothing the sleeves. She stepped back to allow the women to consider it while Mrs. Collins excused herself from the room.
“No, Mary,” Lady Seaton said. “It is for you to wear.”
Mary looked at her in astonishment. Miss Darcy had said that her aunt was eccentric, but this exceeded all expectation. “It is far too fine for the likes of me, madam.”
“Nonsense. You are the daughter of an earl.”
Georgiana said, “Oh, yes, do try it, Mary. I cannot wait to see you in it.”
“But—”
“No buts,” said Lady Seaton briskly. “Put it on.”
Would Mr. Darcy be more angered by her presumption if she wore it, or if she refused his aunt’s direct command? If Miss Darcy agreed with her, it could not be so bad. Reluctantly she loosened the ties that held her servant’s dress closed and removed it, standing in her thin, worn shift. Her practised maid’s fingers had no difficulties with the more elaborate closings of the new dress, but once she slipped it over her head, she realized she would need assistance with the buttons on the back.
To her great embarrassment, Miss Darcy stepped forward and began to fasten the buttons. Mary was certain the world must come to an end. Miss Darcy had always been most generous and amiable with her and tolerated much impertinence, but to do a servant’s work for her benefit? She was immensely relieved when Miss Darcy finished and stepped back to admire her handiwork.
“Oh, Mary, you look lovely!” Miss Darcy exclaimed.
Mary looked down at herself. The fabric was finer than anything she had ever worn before, and more amazing than that, there was lace, real lace, on the sleeves, right next to her own skin.
“It fits well enough,” Lady Seaton declared. “But that cap must go, of course. Georgiana, will you find someone to deal with her hair?”
Georgiana hurried out with an excited smile, leaving Mary alone with Lady Seaton.
Mary had to try one last time. “Lady Seaton, this is most improper. I cannot possibly appear in public like this.”
To her surprise, Lady Seaton looked sympathetic. “I know it is difficult, Mary, but now that your parentage is open knowledge, we cannot leave you hiding as a maid. When the earl sees you at the wedding breakfast, it must be perfectly clear that you are under our protection and not subject to his whims. In a case like this, appearance is everything. Did you truly attack his pig of a son?”
“I bit him,” Mary whispered. “I did not mean to injure him.”
“Bit him, did you? Good for you. If he ever comes near you again, I suggest you bite harder, though I suppose even Henry will draw the line at incest, now that he is aware of the situation.”
Mary’s thoughts tumbled in disarray. She could not bring herself to think of Viscount Langley as her brother. She might as well claim the moon as her plaything. It struck her then that she was, after all, related to Miss Darcy, albeit as a cousin, not a sister. The idea made her smile. Even though she would have to go back to being a servant once the charade was over, she would always have that knowledge.
***
The simple wedding breakfast at Longbourn ran smoothly under the efficient eye of Mrs. Collins. Darcy would as soon have forgone the entire event, but it was an important moment for Elizabeth, an opportunity for last farewells, and he would not deprive her of it. He was on edge for the first half hour, watching the door each time it opened to admit a new guest. Fortunately, Lord Derby and Henry did not make an appearance, thus avoiding a scene unpleasant to them all. He wondered, though, at the absence of Georgiana and Aunt Augusta. Although Darcy could trust his aunt to keep Georgiana safe, their tardiness likely meant Georgiana was distressed by his earlier revelations. It was not how he would have chosen to inform her about Mary’s parentage, but it was done, and done for the best.
Bingley stood ramrod stiff by the tea service, his eyes following Jane’s every movement, but paying no other attentions to her. Darcy hoped the behaviour would continue after their departure. Jane had more than enough worries without Bingley adding to them, and the lines around her eyes showed her strain.
Darcy and Elizabeth circulated around the room, engaging each person in turn. Mrs. Bennet’s delight could not be contained, and almost disguised Lydia’s sulkiness. He managed to respond politely when Sir William Lucas congratulated him on carrying away the finest jewel of the county, a sentiment he had mentioned to Darcy on at least three previous occasions. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were all that was warm and amiable as Elizabeth expressed her wish that they should all come to Pemberley for Christmas.
Finally Aunt Augusta appeared with Georgiana by her side. Darcy searched his sister’s countenance for traces of tears, but to all appearances, she was in good spirits. She looked almost lively as she conversed with another young lady, while Aunt Augusta appeared smugly satisfied as she made her way to the tea table. Darcy’s feeling of relief was interrupted by Elizabeth’s hand tightening on his arm. When he glanced down at her, she seemed to be watching Georgiana with a surprised and amused expression.
Elizabeth leaned closer to Darcy and said quietly, “I assume this must be your aunt’s influence.”
Puzzled, Darcy followed her eyes, but he could see nothing out of the usual about Georgiana, except her unexpected sociability with the unknown young woman. Finally it struck him. Her companion was Mary, dressed and coiffed as suited a young lady on such an occasion, instead of in her usual drab maid’s attire.
“Not a word.” Aunt Augusta’s cheerful voice penetrated his thoughts. “Best to take it gracefully, Fitzwilliam.”
“Aunt Augusta,” he said warningly.
She beamed. “So much like your father. I do hope marriage will mellow you.”
Elizabeth made a strangled sound that might have started its life as a laugh. “Dear Aunt Augusta, this has been a very exciting day in many regards, and I am certain that another surprise must be quite irresistible, but I must beg you to have mercy on Mr. Darcy, lest he be quite overcome.”
“Of course, my dear. I would not dream of troubling him, today of all days!”
Darcy wished, not for the first time, that his family were less inclined towards eccentricity. He noticed Charlie standing at his elbow, still wearing his church clothes, his very proper look spoilt by his disheveled hair. Darcy raised an eyebrow.
“Mr. Darcy, sir, I wondered if I might have a word.” His quick breathing suggested he had been running.
Tired, Darcy wondered what could possibly be wrong now and wished he could believe that Charlie was mistaken in believing something needed his attention more than his wedding breakfast. Unfortunately, Charlie had a history of being preternaturally correct about things. He excused himself to Elizabeth and tried to weave his
way through the crowd of guests without responding to their greetings. Once he was safely in the hall, he turned a dark look on Charlie. “This had best be important.”
“It’s the viscount. He were talking to the parson after the wedding, and then he collapsed. He’s at the parsonage, and his lordship says he’s taking him back to London now, but the apothecary says he mustn’t be moved. Hope that’s important enough, sir.”
Darcy cursed under his breath. His family had already caused quite enough problems today. What business of his was it whether Henry was healthy or not, or what his uncle wished? He glanced longingly back in Elizabeth’s direction. “Very well. Please inform Miss… Mrs. Darcy of these events, and tell her I will return shortly.” He strode off towards the parsonage, barely stopping to put on his hat. The sooner he dealt with the matter, the sooner he could return.
Mr. Roberts seemed almost pathetically glad to see him. “I do not know what happened, Mr. Darcy. The viscount came up to me after the service and asked me for my counsel. I did not realize he had been so ill.” He led Darcy to a small sitting room where Henry reclined on a fainting couch, a faded blue coverlet draped across his body, his face pale. His eyes flickered open as Darcy approached him.
Darcy drew up a chair and sat beside him, wishing that at least it could have been the cousin he liked and respected. “I hear you are unwell,” he said brusquely.
Henry turned his head to the side. “My strength is still less than I would have hoped, but it is no matter. It is in God’s hands.”
It was going to take some time for Darcy to accustom himself to religious expressions from his wastrel cousin. “I am sorry for it. I understand there may be some difficulty regarding your return to town?”
“I do not plan to return at present. The apothecary was of the opinion that I should rest for a fortnight first. My father had different plans and was as insistent as ever, but not quite ready to have me carried against my will to the coach, so he left with many imprecations and dire threats.”
Darcy had been dragged from his wedding breakfast for no reason. He tightened his lips. “It seems you have settled matters yourself.”
Henry grasped his wrist. “Darcy, I must warn you. My father is very angry with you.”
“That is not news, and I cannot say my opinion of him is any better.”
“He tore the page out of the church register. He means to have your marriage annulled. I thought to warn you.”
Was Henry actually thinking of someone else for once? It was an even greater surprise than his newfound devotion to religion. “I thank you for your concern, but he will not succeed without my cooperation, and he will never have that. As long as I say she is my wife, the register is unnecessary.”
“He plans to wait until you tire of her first.”
“He will be waiting forever, then. My wife and I are married until death do us part.”
“Good.” Henry coughed into his handkerchief. “I am sorry to have brought trouble upon you on your wedding day.”
Religion, thoughtfulness, and now an apology! Soon Henry would be turning water into wine. “Thank you for the warning. It is helpful to know his plans. But now I must return to my wife.” It could not be soon enough for Darcy.
“That girl—is it true, what you said? Or was that purely for my father’s benefit?”
“That she is your half sister? It is true. I had not intended to make it public knowledge.”
“It was God’s will that you did. It is the sign I have been awaiting, and now I know what I must do. My path is clear.” Henry closed his eyes as if exhausted. “Please give my best wishes to Mrs. Darcy.” His voice trailed off.
Darcy suspected the man was only half conscious. “I shall do that.” Darcy slipped out of the room to discuss Henry’s care with the parson.
***
Darcy’s spirits were heavy as he strode past the arched iron gates at the entrance to Longbourn. There was nothing to be done for it; his responsibilities were clear. He needed to arrange for a place for Henry to recuperate, perhaps in Mrs. Bennet’s new house, and then there was the matter of keeping Henry and Mary as far apart as possible for the duration of his stay in Meryton. All this would have to be settled before he and Elizabeth could leave to begin their life together. Until then, they would have to remain in Meryton. With luck, it would be a matter of only a day or two until arrangements could be made. Two days did not mean forever, but it felt interminable when he had expected to enjoy Elizabeth’s sole attention in a matter of hours.
He did not make it to the front door. A figure rose from a bench beside the house, revealing itself to be Mr. Gardiner. Inwardly, Darcy cursed the additional delay, but counseled himself to be patient with Elizabeth’s uncle.
“Mr. Darcy, one expects a bridegroom to be joyous, yet that does not seem to be true in this case,” Mr. Gardiner said mildly. “One might even say you appear displeased.”
“It is nothing of importance,” Darcy said automatically.
“A trouble shared is a trouble halved. And although I gave my niece into your keeping earlier today, I am certain you will understand that I remain concerned for her well-being.” His quiet words were steely, making Darcy remember their first meeting, when the furious Mr. Gardiner had come to return his letter.
He could understand the concern; if it were Georgiana’s bridegroom who disappeared during the wedding breakfast, he would want an explanation. In a clipped voice, he informed Mr. Gardiner of Henry’s circumstances. “While he will recover, he must remain here to regain his strength. I will need to make arrangements for his care, and I cannot leave Mary or Charlie here where he can find them. But if I send them away, new servants must be found for Jane. None of this will be difficult, only time consuming, and I had hoped to leave with Elizabeth today, which no longer appears feasible. I am sure you will understand why I am impatient for that, hence my current lack of spirits.”
Mr. Gardiner pursed his lips. “Perhaps I may be of assistance. If you will entrust me with it, I will make certain that your cousin has whatever care he needs, and Jane as well. Charlie and Mary can return to London with me. I doubt your relations will look for them on Gracechurch Street, and there is always enough employment for a few extra hands.”
“I cannot ask that of you.”
“You did not ask it; I offered. It is your wedding day.”
It went against the grain to have another take on his responsibilities, but the chance to escape with Elizabeth was beyond tempting. Since Darcy’s father had died, there had been no one to watch out for his interests. Servants took care of many matters, but they could not care for him as a parent would.
Darcy nodded slowly. “I thank you. If it will not discommode you, I would appreciate your assistance in these matters.” He felt as if he were handing off a long-carried burden.
“Now go back to your lovely bride, son, and do not give these matters another thought.” Mr. Gardiner clapped him on the arm.
Darcy smiled. “I assure you, there is nothing I would rather do.”
***
Inside Longbourn, Elizabeth darted a glance at the window, then back to Charlotte, who laughed. “You cannot fool me, Eliza. I am certain he will return soon, and he must have had a good reason to leave. I have never seen a man so enamoured.”
Elizabeth only smiled. Charlie had given her a good idea of what had drawn Darcy away from their wedding breakfast, and she had great faith in her new husband’s ability to deal with his troublesome relations, with the possible exception of Lady Seaton. The subject of her thoughts was nearby, handing a cup of tea to Mary, who looked astonished and uncomfortable at being given the extravagantly expensive beverage to drink instead of serving it herself.
At that moment her new husband entered the room, and Elizabeth lost interest in anything apart from him. She could not believe there had ever been a time when she did not love him, when her heart did not give a little jump the moment she saw him. She hardly attended to his words as he apologize
d to her for his absence.
Elizabeth said, “I am glad all is well. I believe I have spoken with everyone here, so we may make our escape whenever you wish.”
Darcy’s eyes lit up. “I will be more than happy to do so immediately, but one more task remains. If you will join me?” With Elizabeth by his side, Darcy made his way to his aunt. Nothing could interfere with his joy now.
Aunt Augusta rubbed her hands together at his approach. “Ah, Fitzwilliam! And Mrs. Darcy. We meet again. I did not have an opportunity to tell you earlier what a lovely wedding it was. Family, friends, who could ask for anything more?”
Elizabeth made a sound, perhaps a muffled laugh, and said, “It was certainly a memorable occasion. I have never attended a wedding quite like it.”
Aunt Augusta beamed at her. “You will be a fine addition to the family. Fitzwilliam is in great need of more teasing.”
Darcy cleared his throat. Elizabeth hardly needed encouragement in that regard. He turned to Mary. “We will be departing shortly. Mary, I have made arrangements for you to return to London with Mr. Gardiner. You will remain as a member of his household until such a time as I send for you.”
Mary bobbed a servant’s curtsey, incongruous in her ladylike dress. “Yes, sir.”
Aunt Augusta stepped forward. “Actually, Fitzwilliam, I have a favour to ask of you. I have been seized by a sudden urge to travel to—Georgiana, where was it I wished to travel?”
“Travel?” Georgiana looked confused. “Oh, yes, travel. Was it perhaps Bath?”
“Ah, yes, Bath. My rheumatism, you know, Fitzwilliam. I really must go there, but I despise travelling alone. I hope you will permit Georgiana to accompany me.”
He endeavoured to give her a stern look. “I do not recall ever hearing that you suffered from rheumatism.” Given the rather reckless manner in which she rode with her hounds, he found the idea highly improbable.
“One never knows, and I feel as though it might be coming on,” Aunt Augusta said briskly, not the least troubled by his words. “You would not have me neglect my health, I hope.”