Free If Only In His Dreams by Melanie Schertz Page A

is Elizabeth. ”
     
    “Lizzy, I am truly honored that my son has found you.  And I ask your forgiveness to our initial moments in the study.  It was done with the best intentions.”
     
    Nodding her head, Elizabeth agreed.  “Mother Darcy, there is nothing to forgive.  You only knew that your son had declared his desire to marry me.  It is natural for you to defend your child.”
     
    Darcy was confused at the conversation, though neither of the ladies wish ed to discuss it at the moment.
     
    The ladies returned to the ir seats as the men joined them; Darcy sat in a chair next to Elizabeth, while Bingley sat on the sofa next to Jane.  The hour which followed was quite pleasant and enjoyed by all who were in the room .  Though reluctant to leave Elizabeth, Darcy knew that it was time to make their way to Netherfield.
     
    “Mother, I am sure that you and Georgiana must be weary from your travels.  Perhaps it would be best for us to travel to Netherfield so that you might refresh yourself and rest before dinner.”
     
    “Alas, I do find myself fatigued.” Lady Anne stated.  “I do so hope to have more time with you soon, Lizzy.”
     
    Jane stepped to her sister’s side.  “ Lady Anne , I would like to invite all of you to dine with us tomorrow night.  The Darcys and the Bingleys are all welcome.”
     
    Anne Darcy looked first to her son and then to Bingley.  Both men nodded their agreement, allowing Lady Anne to accept the invitation.  She leaned in and gave Elizabeth a slight embrace.  “Thank you , Lizzy, for your kindness to me today; you are a remarkable young lady.”
     
    “I am pleased that we have had the chance to know one another better.  And I look forward to spending more time with you as well.” Elizabeth returned the embrace.  Darcy watched the two most important ladies in his life becoming close friends, smiling at them as he felt the bond that was beginning to grow.
     
     
    As the carriage arrived at Netherfield, Darcy and Bingley dismounted the horses that they had ridden to Longbourn.  Darcy handed down his mother while Bingley assisted Georgiana and the other ladies.  Caroline Bingley approached the ladies, welcoming them to Netherfield.
     
    “ Lady Anne , it is such a pleasure to have you stay with us.  And Miss Darcy, I believe you have grown a foot since the last time I saw you.  What a handsome young lady you are.”  Caroline stated with a voice which made Darcy cringe.  It was quite obvious that she was fawning over his sister and mother in an attempt to garner their favor.
     
    “I thank you Miss Bingley for allowing us to stay here.”  Lady Anne stated.  “As we have had a long day, would it be asking too much to be shown to our rooms?  A hot bath and some tea would go a long way towards rejuvenating me.”
     
    “Of course, allow me to show you to the rooms we had prepared and then I will have the staff draw you a bath.”
     
    As Caroline led the Darcy ladies upstairs, Darcy turned to his mother.  “When you have refreshed yourself, send word and I will join you for a talk.”
     
    Lady Anne turned her gaze back to her son and smiled.  “I will meet with you in an hour.  Thank you for sending for Georgiana and me.  I believe I will enjoy this holiday greatly. ” 
     
     
    An hour later found Darcy knocking on the door to his mother’s suite of rooms.  He entered after hearing his mother’s voice call to him to come in.
     
    “Mother, it is so good to see you. I am pleased to have you here.” Darcy stated as he placed a kiss on his mother’s cheek.  “Are you well?  I know that travel causes you to be weary, do you have any ill effects from the trip?”
     
    “William, do not fuss over me.  I am quite well.  And I was pleased to have some time to speak with Lizzy before you were there.” Lady Anne smiled at her son.
     
    “Yes, I was planning to speak with you in regards to that very subject.  Why did you stop at Longbourn before