Work Text:
Mr. Darcy sat in the library, drinking tea with Queen Elsa. They had been married for a month now, and it was a comfortable enough existence, though it was best if nobody asked too many questions about the details of their marriage. There might be a time when they needed to answer for that, but one month in, people had been respectful enough. For now, this daily routine of meeting for tea in the early afternoon was pleasant enough.
“I have a meeting with some foreign dignitaries this afternoon,” Elsa said between sips.
“Of course,” Darcy replied. This was the usual schedule of things. He would probably try to find that tutor for some extra lessons.
“One of them has specifically expressed his eagerness to meet you, unfortunately, which means you will need to attend the meeting, as well.”
“Oh,” he replied. “Do you think…”
“I’ll try not to leave you at their mercy,” she said.
He nodded gratefully, sipping his tea some more. His French, while more than sufficient for his life in England, had already been strained the few times he had had the misfortune of being cornered by one of the diplomats at a party. And many of them studiously avoided speaking English with him, though he knew that they were perfectly capable. In some ways, speaking the language of the townspeople and peasants, which he had never studied before, was far easier.
“I will try to see to my duty,” he said.