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CHAPTER 3

Elizabeth had supposed she had enough to contend with as regarded being the new mistress of Pemberley and her added duties toward its tenants during the Christmas season. Now her responsibilities were more than doubled. When her husband walked into the room, she said, “You will never guess what your sister and my son have been up to.”

“You are correct, my love. Perhaps you should tell me what your sister and my son have done.”

She smiled at his gentle chastisement. Of course, he had stated it aptly. Georgiana and she were as close as two sisters might ever wish to be, and Darcy could not have loved Ben more if he were his own flesh and blood. They were indeed a very happy family.

“Where do I begin? It turns out that Georgiana and Ben have conspired to invite most of our relations to spend Christmas with us at Pemberley.”

Darcy’s countenance belied his intention to feign a lack of knowledge.

“You do not look surprised,” said Elizabeth.

He shrugged. “I confess to have gotten wind of their scheme soon after it had begun. Both Mrs. Reynolds and my steward were obliged to break their confidences.”

“Your steward was made aware of this scheme before me.”

“I am afraid so, my love. Georgiana and Ben intended it as a surprise ... for both of us.”

“You obviously have not spoken with either of them on this matter, Mr. Darcy. I, on the other hand, was obliged to get to the bottom of this pursuant to the receipt of several letters today.”

“I pray you were not too upset with them, my love. I am sure they meant no harm.”

“I declare, the two of them have you completely in their power. Is there anything that either Georgiana or Ben might do that might meet with your disapproval?”

“May I have a moment to ponder your question?”

“By all means, take as much time as you need, whilst I consider how to accommodate this unexpected influx of guests for what might be weeks, if they arrive at all. Have you not warned me that Derbyshire winters can be quite harsh?”

“Do not fret, my love. Mrs. Reynolds, with my blessing, has been preparing for the possibility of receiving a large party of guests for a while.”

“It seems you have thought of everything then.”

Darcy made every effort to prevent the escape of the chuckle that threatened to bubble forth.

“Not everything. While I am privy to the list of invitees, I am quite ignorant as regards their acceptance.”

Elizabeth gathered the letters she had received and brought them to the sitting room couch where Darcy sat. “Here, see for yourself.”

Darcy accepted the first proffered letter. After a moment, he said, “I should not be surprised to find that Lord and Lady Matlock have accepted. In light of his miserable attempt to force a marriage between Anne and me, no doubt, my uncle is eager to play matchmaker between Richard and Anne.”

“That sounds of bitterness, my love. I thought you and your uncle had put your differences behind you. After all, it was very generous of him to remain at Pemberley with Georgiana, Ben, and Anne whilst we were on our wedding journey.”

“Yes, but that had little to do with me, I assure you. It has everything to do with his desire to control Anne’s fate and thus her fortune.”

“I wish you would endeavour to see your uncle in a more favourable light. After all, your cousin Richard is a second son. He could do worse than marry Anne.”

“Please, do not start parroting Lord Matlock. Besides, I thought you enjoyed having Anne live here with us.”

“Indeed, I do. However, we must allow that this arrangement will not last forever. If not Richard, then surely she will find happiness with another man. You must want that for your cousin.”

Darcy kissed Elizabeth on her temple. “You are correct, my love. And do not fear... I shall do everything in my power to remain cordial with my uncle.” Darcy reached for the stack of letters. “Who else has responded?”

“Ah, this is a letter from Mama. I am afraid you will be vexed by what she has to say.”

“Perhaps not. What does she say? Are we to receive your parents and your sisters for Christmas?”

“That depends. Are you prepared to cover the entire expense of their conveyance to Derbyshire?” Elizabeth immediately felt a flush of colour rising in her cheeks having voiced her mother’s outrageous request aloud. Darcy’s opinion of her family had been low enough upon meeting them in Hertfordshire the year before. Hitherto, she imagined his estimation of her family could not possibly sink any lower.