Marry Me, Matchmaker Read online

  “So, we have a deal?”

  “I haven’t said yes yet.” She countered. “I’m worried about matching you.”

  “Ye of little faith,” he said with a smile. “The perfect woman for me is right under your nose. I know it.”

  Chapter Four

  A week later- Friday Mid-Morning

  She said yes.

  Mostly because everyone at Meryton Matchmakers believed matching Darcy was a fabulous idea. Elizabeth had reservations.

  Darcy’s plan was for her to join him at the two parties. She would supply him with a list of women she considered a good fit for him, create opportunities for him to get to know the women beyond the social setting of the party, and step away when he had set his sights on some potential Mrs. Darcys.

  But what if there wasn’t anyone worthy? William Darcy needed a woman who was patient, tolerant, had a generous nature, and a strong sense of loyalty. Darcy would tick off anyone who spent copious amounts of time with him, his personality being as strong as it was. Loyalty would be invaluable at the time when Miss Future-Darcy would want to wring his neck. It would not do to have her going about town bad-mouthing Darcy over a disagreement.

  Elizabeth was packed and ready to go. Thanks to Anne’s help, she felt somewhat prepared for what she was about to encounter. Elizabeth was not one who hobnobbed with the elite and uber-rich. Only since Catherine de Bourgh, Anne’s mother, had sent Darcy to assess the relevance of Meryton Matchmakers nearly a year ago had Elizabeth networked outside her station.

  Elizabeth clucked her tongue in annoyance. This was not the 1800s, and the idea of reaching outside her class was ridiculous.

  Nevertheless, she couldn’t chance looking out of her element. To do so would put her at a disadvantage. For her arrival, Elizabeth selected navy Lilly Pulitzer Capri’s with a large pink and yellow flower design and a navy sweater set (only fifty percent cashmere). Her wedge slip-ons gave her an added couple inches. Feeling taller than her 5’7 was a manufactured power she’d happily take. There was something wonderful about not having to look up at people. Darcy was the exception; he towered over everyone.

  At her office, and not getting a single thing done because all she could think about was matching Darcy, Elizabeth contemplated her approach to this job while she chewed her thumbnail. Her usual practice was to have clients fill out an electronic questionnaire and meet with her several times before attempting to match them. What she was doing for Darcy was out of sync.

  Realization struck. Many moons ago, Anne had everyone complete a questionnaire. Elizabeth rushed to her computer to see if Darcy had filled one out. She fell into her office chair and leaned in close to the screen.

  Shazam! There was one!

  The questionnaire was a peek into Darcy’s brain. She also documented her thoughts in his questionnaire for later reference, making notes on the bottom of the e-document after more of his interesting responses.

  The Darcy she first met and the Darcy she was coming to know did not align. The Darcy she was coming to know was reflected in this questionnaire. Surprisingly, his answers were written as if he had someone in mind. His ideal woman. One thing Elizabeth knew personally and professionally was that real people couldn’t compete with the dream. This might become an obstacle.

  Elizabeth finished reading the brief questionnaire and sat back in her chair. So much to ponder. She was pleased she’d intuitively known he would require a loyal mate. But she was confused by the responses that showed a man who knew his flaws. Why had he acted so arrogant?

  Perhaps her perception was obscured by her prejudices.

  Nevertheless…

  A knock came at her office door, and Kitty swung it open. “Sorry Lizzy,” she said, a look of regret on her face. “I tried to stop her.” Kitty blocked the doorway with her arms stretching from one side of the door frame to the other.

  What in the world?

  “Do get out of my way,” a woman’s voice said from out in the hallway.

  Elizabeth stood. She knew that voice. “Let her in, Kitty.” She gave her sister a thankful smile.

  Kitty stepped away but not before doing a short dance of moving from side-to-side, a pretense she was attempting to get out of the way, but still essentially blocking Caroline Bingley from entering. Elizabeth and her sisters had done this to each other often over the years. Nothing was more frustrating to the person trying to pass. Nothing was more pleasing to a sibling than blocking them from that pass.

  Caroline groaned and stomped her foot in frustration. Kitty stepped aside then whistled a jaunty tune as she went back to her desk in the lobby.

  Caroline stepped into Elizabeth’s office, looking slightly frazzled. Her hair was pulled back into what once might have been a tight chignon, but now wisps were haphazardly straying. She was dressed in butter-yellow linen pants, the few wrinkles across her lap gave Elizabeth a pathetic surge of pleasure. Even the scary Caroline Bingley couldn’t pull off wrinkle-free linen. Caroline’s shirt was a silky light blue that showed off her light eyes. Begrudgingly, Elizabeth admitted that frazzle looked lovely on Caroline.

  “What can I do for you, Caroline?” Elizabeth pressed her palms to her desk to hide her nerves and quaky hands.

  Caroline closed Elizabeth’s office door. She cleared her throat and shifted on her feet several times. Elizabeth waited, her curiosity increasing, but her patience wearing thin.

  Finally, Caroline harrumphed and said, “Okay, I’ll just come right out and say it.”

  Elizabeth gestured for her to continue.

  “I want on that list you’re making for William.” She crossed her arms.

  Elizabeth gave a thin smile. “Where did you hear about that?”

  Caroline huffed. “Does it matter?”

  “It does to me.” Elizabeth gestured to a seating area by the window but Caroline shook her head so they continued to stand. Elizabeth knew from having four other sisters that if she said nothing, Caroline would eventually crack. There were many similarities between Caroline and Lydia, and Elizabeth knew how to push Lydia’s buttons.

  Caroline looked away. “Fine, William told me.”

  Just as she’d thought.

  Caroline’s shoulders slumped. She went to the sitting area then collapsed in an overstuffed armchair. “Do you insist on doing this? This vetting of eligible women for him to marry?” She grimaced while she spat out the last word.

  Elizabeth joined her. “Yes, he hired me for that exact purpose.”

  Caroline rolled her eyes. “Well, I’ll be frank then. There’s no point. You’re let go. William and I are meant to be. Our mothers used to talk about it all the time. There, I saved you a lot of time.” She flipped her hand dismissively.

  “Thanks, but if it were that easy, then he wouldn’t have hired me.” Elizabeth enjoyed making Caroline squirm. Which she did, constantly crossing and uncrossing her legs.

  “All you have to do is point him in my direction. I’ll do the rest.”

  “What if you’re not a good match for him?” Elizabeth asked.

  Caroline laughed. She seemed to have gained control of her discomfort and leaned forward in her seat, her cool gaze holding steady with Elizabeth’s. “There’s no one out there better for William than me.”

  “Is that a challenge?” Elizabeth kinda hoped it was. Besting Caroline would not be walking the high road, but she couldn’t deny it would feel good.

  “Here’s the challenge. You point William toward me, or else I’ll call my college friend. You might know her. She’s the owner of NoDrama Dating. I’ll have her take her offer off the table. And there goes your options.” Caroline’s smile was a cruel twist of the lips.

  “I’m not so desperate that I need your friend and her offer,” Elizabeth said.

  “Aren’t you?” Caroline rose. “I’ll see you at Emma’s, and you better keep this conversation to yourself.” She pointed a warning finger then strode from the room, appearing less frayed than she had when she came in.


  Trouble was, having the offer on the table did bring relief and options. What would Elizabeth do if they rescinded it? Especially is she failed with Darcy?

  Darn it all. Hadn’t her instincts told her this matchmaking job was a bad idea?

  Chapter Five

  Friday Afternoon

  Elizabeth and Anne left before noon to drive to Emma Woodhouse’s country estate. Elizabeth had been there once before for a Valentine’s Day matchmaking party. For all intents and purposes, the party had been a success because Jane and Charlie had found each other again. Now they were happily married and honeymooning on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere.

  Emma’s mansion was an elaborate structure with several wings to the house, tennis courts, a lake, a full staff, and even its own name. A butler escorted Anne and Elizabeth from their car and into the foyer and handed them an itinerary. It read:

  Welcome to Our Lovely Lady. We are excited to have you kick off summer with us.

  Here are the events planned for this weekend.

  Following your arrival, please feel free to rest up in your room or join us in the solarium for a light lunch and catching up.

  Friday

  4pm: REST- Retire to your room, take a walk, go to town (your call)

  7pm: DINNER- A casual dinner will be served on the lawn, buffet style

  Saturday

  6am: BREAKFAST- For you early risers, a light breakfast will be provided in the solarium buffet style

  10am: BRUNCH - For the rest of us who like to linger in bed, brunch will be served out on the lawn picnic style. Wear your swimsuits as skiing on the lake will be offered. Other activities will include tennis, horseback riding, croquet, volleyball, and horseshoes. The pool is also open for your enjoyment.

  8pm: DINNER & DANCING- The ballroom will be our setting for fine dining and dancing. Formal attire only please.

  Sunday

  8am: BREAKFAST will be served in the solarium

  1pm: DEPART- The private jet leaves to William’s ranch in Montana. Make sure you’re on it.

  3:30pm (time change) ARRIVE at Pemberley and get settled in.

  7pm: DINNER on the lawn with The Flathead National Forest and Grizzly Mountain as our backdrop. Weather will be cooler. A horseback riding excursion to see the sunset may be offered if time permits.

  Monday

  8am: BREAKFAST will be served in the great hall.

  10am: HIKING - Explore Grizzly Mountain and surrounds.

  1pm: LUNCH in the backcountry.

  7pm: DINNER in the great hall.

  Tuesday

  8am: BREAKFAST in the great hall.

  10am- FOX HUNT will begin. Meet at stables.

  2pm: LUNCH in the backcountry over a campfire and a surprise.

  7pm: DINNER on the lawn.

  Wednesday:

  8am: BREAKFAST in the great hall.

  10am: Canoeing on Flathead Lake.

  1pm: LUNCH in the great hall.

  Excursion into town will be provided.

  7pm: DINNER in the formal dining room.

  **Room service breakfast and mid-day meals will be provided upon request. Please speak with the concierge in your wing. Should you find you’ve left something at home, please let us know and it can be purchased for you. This includes clothing, toiletries, etc. We also have a house doctor.

  Elizabeth pointed to the schedule and said to Anne, “Lots of outdoor activities. Why do I struggle to see Caroline Bingley with windblown hair?”

  Anne chuckled. “She’ll find a way out of them, I’m sure. She tends to have lots of headaches when outdoor excursions are on the agenda.”

  But if Caroline wanted to be seen as a match for Darcy, wouldn’t she want to engage in these activities he enjoyed? Elizabeth had to give her credit—Caroline didn’t pretend to be something she wasn’t.

  “Miss. Bennet,” said the Butler who’d introduced himself as Roger. “Mr. Darcy requested that he speak with you immediately upon your arrival. I’m to show you to his room.”

  Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Perhaps we could meet in the library or something?” She wasn’t keen on being seen going into Darcy’s private quarters.

  “He was adamant about this, ma’am.”

  Poor Roger, he was only doing as he was asked. He was a mere employee after all. As was she. She waved her farewell to Anne and followed Roger to the wing to the right. Last time she was here, she stayed in the wing to the left.

  “By chance, is my room this way as well?” She could do to freshen up and grab a quick snap. She was famished.

  “No, ma’am. You’re in the same room you stayed previously.” He strode a few steps ahead of her.

  Well, that was good, she supposed, since she knew where the room was already, and it was a lovely space.

  They climbed a flight of stairs and went down a hallway decorated in French country with yellows and reds. Roger led them to a room at the end and rapped softly on the door.

  William flung the door open as if he’d been anxiously waiting on the other side for Roger to knock. He was tense, his jaw clamped tight. He waved her in and thanked Roger.

  “You summoned?” she said as she took in his well-appointed room with windows on three of the four walls. He had views of the entire backside of the property.

  He said, “I feared you might have changed your mind.”

  She glanced at her watch. “It’s half-past four. Anne and I had a few things to do at the office before we left, and the drive is five hours. I’m not sure I could have been here any sooner.”

  “You could have taken the private plane I offered.” He sounded annoyed, and she was once again reminded of the Darcy that irritated her to no end.

  “But I chose not to. So, here I am. What’s the real problem?” She crossed her arms and gave him a steady stare.

  He huffed a sigh. “Did Caroline come to see you?”

  Elizabeth was halfway into an eye roll when she realized how rude that might look. But Caroline did that to her. “Yes, she did. But only because you told her about your proposition.”

  He moved to a sitting area and sat with a groan. “Me and my big mouth.”

  His words were so unexpected that Elizabeth had to laugh. She moved to stand behind a chair as he relaxed into the small sofa. His jaw unclenched, his arm went to rest along the back of the couch. “We’ve been friends for so long I forgot for a moment how she’d respond. Typically, when I share, Charlie is there, and he’s a good mediator.”

  “She responded poorly?” Elizabeth could only imagine.

  “She thinks using a matchmaker is ridiculous. ‘Pathetic.’ Her exact word.”

  Elizabeth arched a brow. She had to choose her next words carefully. She cleared her throat. “So, er, as I start to meet other women and assess their match potential with you, should I put Caroline in the running? Can you picture the two of you together?” Elizabeth’s hunger immediately evaporated and was replaced with nausea. Elizabeth couldn’t picture Darcy and Caroline married, but she was biased.

  Darcy contemplated her question then said, “No, I would make her miserable. Often our mothers talk about us getting together, but that’s the romantic musings of two close friends with no real meat to it. Caro and I are poorly suited for anything other than friends. And I will forever be her loyal friend. But only her friend. I sometimes think she sees me as her safety net.” He shook his head for added emphasis. “No, we are not suited at all.”

  Elizabeth wanted to slap herself in the forehead. Yet one more problem she had to contend with. How could she solve this without someone getting hurt?

  Darcy gestured for her to take the seat across from him. “Let’s go over how you plan to go about this matching. I have a few thoughts and ideas.”

  She should’ve known he’d try to manage her. Such was his nature. She smiled before she moved around the chair and sat. “I plan on mingling and meeting the women on your list and developing ideas from that. Does that work for you?”

  He no
dded.

  She continued. “Eventually, you’re going to have to trust me.”

  “Unequivocally,” he said.

  “Will that happen soon?” she asked with a chuckle.

  “Any moment now,” he said and awarded her with a rare Darcy smile that was large and becoming and showed off the dimple she hadn’t known he had. Holy smokes, that smile could make a girl’s heart flip-flop.

  She leaned into the chair, relaxing, and said. “You are aware summoning me to your room wasn’t the best idea. I’m sure many are speculating as to what is going on in here. This is how rumors start.”

  He grunted. “Let them. I wouldn’t want a woman who’d listen to rumors anyway. I want a woman with a solid head on her shoulders and the ability to make her own observations and opinions. Besides, this isn’t the Regency period. I’ve not compromised you, and your mother can’t demand marriage.” His expression wistful. Likely wishing her mother wasn’t such a thorn in his side.

  “This weekend feels like a throwback. Have you seen this schedule?” She held up the itinerary. “Organized and much like I’ve read in historicals. And as for my mother, hopefully Emma hasn’t invited her to this event like she did the last.”

  He shook his head and took his phone from his pocket. “No need. Someone slipped her the info anyway, and she’s blasted us all.” He handed his phone to her.

  Elizabeth scanned her mother’s latest post and groaned. Essentially, Joanna Bennet had called them all out for their indulgent and unrealistic lifestyle. She called out her own daughter, questioning her presence at the event, debunking any theory that Elizabeth was matchmaking and thereby had to be social climbing. She ended the article praising her daughter for taking advantage of the opportunity.

  Chapter Six

  Friday Evening

  Elizabeth changed into a simple summer dress with capped sleeves and a swinging skirt in a lovely shade of coral. For warmth she added a navy cardigan. Flats had been a good choice as the ground was slightly damp. Those in heels, Caroline being one, found the spikes of their shoes impaled the earth with each step.