Page 62 of Compromise & Consequence
Darcy knew his mouth had dropped open at the brazen insult his father had delivered to his mother.
“I know you are shocked, but you may not remember your mother had a fine sense of humor and without saying a word, she took hold of the reins and led the stallion to the paddocks. As you know, Pemberley has some of the finest stock of horses. This was the genesis of all that.”
“Did he not tell her he loved her?”
“That remained private between your parents, Darcy, but know this. They were quite passionate about each other and although they never said the words out loud in public, every move and every look between them was permeated with love. He could not have won her hand any other way. The stallion was the impetus for getting them to converse again.”
“Does your wife ride? She may appreciate a fine horse from Tattersalls.”
Darcy glared at Richard, who was having too much fun at his expense.
“She does not, she prefers to walk.”
“Then, be glad you led the charge with words of love. Mounting and riding will hopefully follow soon.”
“I would ask that you refrain from making ribald remarks about my wife.”
“Darcy, be grateful you can kick off your boots and loosen your cravat with family. Nothing we say will leave these four walls. All of us want you to have a happy marriage withElizabeth.”
Talk among the men then turned to the war with France. Uncle Matlock had more information about the ongoing conflict in Spain, thanks to his conversation that afternoon with the ambassador. Richard added his perspective as he had spent considerable time there with Wellington. It was as Darcy was about to follow his cousins to the drawing room where the ladies were being entertained by Georgiana when his uncle pulled him aside.
“Nephew, I am well aware of the less-than-ideal conditions of the beginning of your marriage, but let me congratulate you on securing the hand of Elizabeth. If she had been introduced to society, as was her right given who her mother and grandfather were, you may have had to fight off a few hopeful lords and even quite possibly a royal son, or two.”
“Thank you, Uncle Robert. Even before I knew of Elizabeth’s heritage, I was extremely grateful to have her in my life. At first, I was not keen because I thought she had conspired with Wickham.”
“You now know that is not true.”
“Aye, and even before that knowledge, I was trying to find a way for us to move forward. She has held my heart for quite some time, although she was unaware until tonight.”
“That was magnificent.” Uncle Robert chuckled. “I have never seen Cathy so flummoxed other than when your mother announced her engagement. Ensure that Mrs. Whittaker guards the bed linens like the Crown jewels. There is no telling what my sister might attempt.” Uncle waved his hand. “Come, we must join the ladies. If I know my wife, she is planning a strategy to countermand any of my sister’s harebrained ideas. You will not want to miss this. She should be leading our armies. We would never lose a battle if she did.”
The two of them made their way to the drawing room and upon his entry, Darcy noted that Elizabeth had been watching for him. Her cheeks flushed slightly before she turned her attention back to Aunt Lucinda.
“…so, tomorrow we shall attend Madame Etienne’s.” Aunt Lucinda held up her hand when Elizabeth’s mouth opened slightly to challenge. “No, my dear. This time you will attend a modiste thetonis familiar with. You do not need to commission a whole wardrobe, but you must have something substantial made. Oh! – she gasped – your court gown. You require a gown for your presentation. That will be perfect.”
“I had not planned on being presented, Aunt Lucinda.”
“Stuff and nonsense. This is something you cannot avoid. At least, not any longer. Now, we will all attend the theater next Thursday and even though you are technically newlyweds, you must ride in Hyde Park at least twice a week.”
“I do not ride.”
“Not at all?”
“No, ma’am. Not at all.”
“Then, you shall take an open carriage.”
“Aunt! It is the middle of winter. We would freeze in an open carriage,” Darcy interceded on his wife’s behalf.
“Oh, horse feathers! Fine. If the weather permits, walk the promenade for at least a half hour. That will make the harpies happy and Elizabeth happy, as I have heard she is a great walker.”
“We will not walk the promenade in the middle of winter; however, we could attend some public functions. Elizabeth and I have already discussed a play, one of the bard’s comedies as my wife dearly loves to laugh, and maybe an opera, but only if she is amenable to the suggestion.”
By this time, he had come by her side and she looked up at him with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I am amenable to the play we agreed upon the other night and I am open to any opera you recommend.”
“Which play was that?” Aunt Lucinda asked.
