The Road to Pemberley by Marsha Altman Page B

thought that as his wife I might teach him to enjoy life more.”
    â€œIt is a great gamble, Elizabeth. What if your Mr. Darcy does not change? What then? Once you are married, you cannot change your mind. Marriage is forever.”
    â€œEven if I wished to terminate the engagement, Mr. Darcy would never cancel our arrangement. He is too much of a gentleman. If I took such a step on my own, I would be ruined socially, as would Kitty and Mary. It is an impossible situation.”
    Hardesty maneuvered the gig onto a side road. “Now, why do you not tell me everything that has happened of late?”

    â€œWhat can I do? By ton standards, Elizabeth is incapable of being a proper chaperone for Georgiana. Yet I cannot live without her. Elizabeth is my other half. We have fought a great deal in the past few weeks, but I am of the mind that when we are alone at Pemberley, everything will come together nicely. If Elizabeth cannot adapt to the ton’s standards, then Georgiana will find a husband in a less traditional setting.”
    â€œMy money is on Miss Elizabeth. The ton has been known to appreciate quirkiness. I believe the beau monde will embrace your wife,” Bingley declared.
    Darcy nodded. “It should be an interesting experience.”
    â€œThen you will stay at Netherfield? Four days before my wedding is not a convenient time for you to disappear, old friend,” Bingley said.
    â€œGeorgiana and I will stay,” Darcy said grudgingly.

    Bingley rubbed his hands together. “Good! Now, tell me about this Hardesty character.”
    â€œHow did you know?” Darcy asked. “Never mind. I do not want to know what Miss Bennet has shared with you of my and Miss Elizabeth’s private life.”

    Darcy had called several times at Longbourn, but Elizabeth had refused to see him on either Friday or Saturday. She had accepted Georgiana’s calls, but his sister had promised Elizabeth not to discuss their visits with him. At a quiet supper on Saturday evening, Miss Bingley ventured, “I expected to dine with only Georgiana this evening, Mr. Darcy.”
    Darcy swallowed his frustration. “I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss Bingley.” He spoke not another word throughout the rest of the meal.
    As he undressed for bed, he said to the empty room, “At least, she cannot ignore me at services in the morning. It is the last day for the calling of the banns. Elizabeth must be present. If she is not, I will ride to Longbourn and demand that she see me. This craziness must end. We are meant to share a life. And if we are not, then I must know now.”

    Darcy waited outside the church for Elizabeth to make her appearance. Finally, the Bennet coach came into view, and he breathed a bit easier. When Elizabeth exited the carriage, she walked directly to where he stood.
    â€œElizabeth, I am pleased to see you.” Darcy caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “I have missed you.” She winced but he pretended not to notice.

    Elizabeth smiled weakly. “I never meant to give you cause for concern.”
    Darcy thought that concern was too calm a word to describe the emotional seesaw he rode. Yet he refused to voice his reaction. “Will you join me in Mr. Bingley’s pew?” he asked as he placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm.
    â€œPapa has asked Jane and me to remain as part of the family today. With Jane’s nuptials tomorrow, I believe he is quite melancholy.” She bit her bottom lip. “You will forgive me, sir.”
    â€œOnly if you call me by my name,” he teased.
    Elizabeth shot a glance at the deacon, who was motioning the congregation to their seats. “We should go in, Fitzwilliam.”
    Darcy tried to believe that Elizabeth was sincere. However, a shiver shot up his spine. She was too docile. He walked her to the Bennet pew. After saying, “Good morning” to her family, he reluctantly left Elizabeth on the