Particular Intentions by L.L. Diamond

Author:L.L. Diamond [Diamond, L.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: L.L. Diamond and White Soup Press
Published: 2016-08-22T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Elizabeth stretched as the morning sun filtered through a gap in the bed curtain and gasped. With haste, she drew back the heavy fabric blocking the light and lifted her hand to ensure the stunning ring Mr. Darcy placed upon her finger truly existed.

In the early morning light, fresh from sleep, her memory of the night prior was a beautiful dream, but she wanted it to be more. She pinched her thigh and hissed at the piercing sting. Definitely no fantasy!

With a gentle touch, she fingered the pearls to further solidify the night before in her mind. What a broken-hearted creature she would have been had she awakened to find their reconciliation and betrothal no more than a creation of her own mind.

A soft rap came from the door. Betsy peeked inside. “I come to replenish the fire, miss.”

“Of course.” She rose and donned her slippers to prevent the chill of the floors from freezing her toes. As Betsy worked, Elizabeth sat at the small escritoire in the corner and penned a quick letter to Jane, sealing it as the maid finished her chore.

“When you are ready, a late breakfast is laid out in the dining room. Mrs. Gardiner is in the parlour.”

“Has Mr. Gardiner left for his warehouse?”

“Yes, miss. He left before sun-up this morning.”

Elizabeth peered down at the missive for Jane. Hopefully, her father would not mind the expense of such a short note; she could not bear to wait until she had more time. After all, Fitzwilliam would be here…

She glanced at the clock. Oh my, he would arrive in less than an hour!

“Betsy!” The girl paused at the door. “Please see this is put in the post?”

“Yes, miss.” With a quick dip, she disappeared through the door.

Elizabeth rose and opened the cupboard, sorting through the gowns within. Her fingers brushed against a pale green she had always favoured and pulled it from the peg to hold it by the shoulders. “I think he will like this one.”

As she took a seat before the dressing table, another knock startled her. “Come in!”

Aunt Gardiner bustled in with her maid in tow. “Millie will help you prepare for the day.” Elizabeth opened her mouth, but her aunt held up a hand. “I know you are capable of doing for yourself, but like last night, you will be expected to look and dress to a certain standard. I do this to aid your acceptance into the ton. Lady Fitzwilliam may have callers today, and you must look every bit the gentleman’s daughter rather than that of a simple country squire.”

She lifted her chin and sat taller. She wanted to appear at her best for no one other than Fitzwilliam, yet her aunt was likely correct. Fitzwilliam would also expect her to have a lady’s maid once they were wed. Perhaps she should become more accustomed to the practice now rather than later.

Even with Millie’s help, preparing for the day was more time consuming. Hairstyles were more intricate; stays were cinched tighter.

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