Page 39 of When Elizabeth Said Yes

It felt strange to travel through the streets she had walked and ridden along so many times in such a fine carriage. Anyone looking would surely have no idea at all that she was within it.

When they got to Longbourn, Darcy said, "Are you sure you don’t wish me to come in with you? I could ask for your mother’s blessing, although I know it is a little late to do so."

Elizabeth shook her head. She definitely thought it was better to share this news alone, for all of their sakes. She did not want Darcy to be offended by anything her mother or sisters might decide to blurt out.

"I think it will be better if I go in alone, but thank you," she said. ‘Perhaps you could return for dinner?"

How odd it sounded to invite him to Longbourn to dine. Her mother would surely stress that she’d had no time to plan, that they had nothing decent in to eat, but it was early enough in the day that Hill could be sent into the village to purchase something if it was really necessary.

And she’d agreed to be his wife. She couldn’t exactly say, "Off you go to Netherfield and I’ll see you once the banns are read," could she?

He smiled at that. "Yes, that would be wonderful. I’ll return at six."

Elizabeth nodded. That would give her time to make sure everyone was prepared and to ensure her sisters knew not to say anything too foolish.

"Thank you."

She and Darcy both looked at the maid who had sat silently for nearly the entire journey. The plan was for her to return to Rosings when they were wed, for someone would surely be travelling back in that direction, even though Elizabeth wasn’t entirely sure if Lady Catherine would be attending the marriage. It was a long distance, after all, and she wasn’t exactly set on the match from what Elizabeth had heard.

"Do you have room for her?" Darcy asked, nodding at the girl. "It makes more sense for her to stay with you than with me. Perhaps she could become a lady’s maid, if you thought she was capable."

Elizabeth bristled somewhat at the thought that they might not be able to house a maid, although it was true that paying their wages was more of a challenge.

However, she did not need to worry with young Hannah, because she was still employed by Lady Catherine, and it was Darcy who was overseeing her wages until she returned home.

"I’m not sure I need—" she began, but then saw the hopeful look on the girl’s face.

Did she find Mr Darcy as terrifying as everyone else did? Probably.

"You shall hire a lady’s maid once we are married,’ he said, "so you may as well get used to having one now."

Elizabeth nodded. They had shared one maid between them all, and Mama, too, and it would be rather strange to have one to herself.

But then it seemed like her life was going to change in many, many ways once she said those vows.

"All right," she said. ‘Thank you. I’ll see you later. Hannah, I’ll show you where you’ll be staying."

"Thank you, miss," Hannah said, the first words she’d uttered in hours. "Good day, sir."

Elizabeth wondered how old she was. Certainly younger than Elizabeth herself, maybe even of an age with Kitty or Lydia. What a different life she led than her frivolous sisters.

They entered through the back door, where Cook was making lunch and Hill was washing clothes at the sink.

"Miss Elizabeth," Hill said in surprise, and Cook turned and raised her eyebrows. "We did not expect you home for some time."

"My letters have not arrived then," she said with an accepting smile. The news would be fresh indeed. "I have decided to come home a little early. This is Hannah," she said. "She is a maid from Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s household who is joining me for a few weeks."

She did not explain the circumstances. After all, once she had told her mother, the whole county would surely know.

"Hill, would you mind finding her a bed and showing her where things are?"

"Yes, miss, of course," Hill said, accepting the unusual situation without question.

"I will go up and tell Mama I’m home," she said. "I’ll see you later, Hannah."

Hannah nodded, and Lizzy ascended the stairs from the kitchen, readying herself for her mother’s reaction to the news.

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