by Kate Speck
“Please have a seat, Mrs. Younge.” Darcy commanded. He watched the demure woman sit down and looked at her closely. She was only two or three years older than himself and was an attractive woman. She had a genteel face with a buxom figure and her manners were quite proper.
“Mrs. Younge, I would like a report on my sister’s education. She has just turned sixteen and I wonder if you feel she is prepared to be out next year this time. Our aunt, Lady Matlock, will be sponsoring her and Miss Darcy will have full support of her ladyship as appropriate for her station but I wished for your opinion.” He continued. “You have been with her nearly five months now and should know her well. What is your opinion?”
Mrs. Younge blushed with Mr. Darcy’s intense glare. “Miss Darcy is a marvellous young lady and although she is very shy, she has the potential to draw suitors of the highest standing and fortune. She will be splendid and will be snatched up in no time, sir.” She replied. “She will be gone before you know it, Mr. Darcy. You will then be free to pursue your own enjoyments and perhaps find yourself a wife.” She knew her employer was pleased with her figure. She leaned forward slightly and slid her fingers slowly down her neckline. “I am dedicated to your family’s happiness, sir, and if there is anything, anything at all that I can do to increase your contentment, I would be open to your suggestions.”
Darcy raised his eyebrow slightly, “Hmmm... I understand your meaning, Mrs. Younge.” He sat up straighter. “We shall continue this conversation at a later time. I have an appointment and I must leave for an hour but I expect to return before dinner with the Matlocks.” He stood. “Good day.”
Mrs. Younge smirked and curtseyed slowly, keeping her eyes on his, then departed for her rooms. She hoped her intent was clear that she would welcome Mr. Darcy’s attentions at any time.
Darcy wrote a quick note to his cousin about Georgiana’s companion and after seeing to it to be delivered immediately, he donned his hat and gloves and departed Darcy House for his appointment.
Chapter 2
“Miss Bennet! You look very well,” Mr. Bingley kissed Elizabeth’s hand, “even better than when I last saw you a few days ago. May I introduce you to my friends?” He turned to Darcy and Georgiana, “This is Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. This is Miss Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth curtseyed. “Please allow me to introduce you my uncle and aunt, Edward and Madeline Gardiner. The children hiding behind the staircase are their children, George and Charlotte.” Elizabeth laughed.
She heard the children giggle and saw Miss Darcy wave at them. She glanced at Mr. Darcy who remained stoic and unimpressed. He appeared apathetic in comparison to his young sister and possibly disdainful to be calling on personages in Cheapside. He did not speak one word to anyone and Elizabeth saw that he did not seem to appreciate children being present. “Well, let us be on our way.” She turned and kissed her uncle and aunt’s cheeks. “Good evening. I will return late.”
Elizabeth walked next to Miss Darcy and spoke kindly to the shy girl. “Mr. Bingley has told me how much you enjoy music and that you have the most wonderful music tutor. Will you tell me a little more about it?”
Georgiana immediately beamed and spoke with more excitement. “My tutor is the grandson of Bach and he is very talented. He is nearly fifty years old, I believe, but has worked with royalty and all of the prominent families in town. I have never heard anyone play the pianoforte better and he tells me of his stories of watching his grandfather compose music.”
Elizabeth was delighted with the young woman and conversed merrily on the carriage ride to the Theatre Royal. She noted that Mr. Darcy spoke very little, commenting only when directly asked a question by Mr. Bingley, but appeared to be observing her closely, whether to judge her for his friend or for his sister, she was not certain. Her own examination was interrupted when Miss Darcy reached out from next to her and spoke as they neared the theatre.
“Have you been to this theatre before, Miss Bennet? I am so excited to see this play and I know it will be crowded but I am willing to bear the masses to enjoy the performance.” Georgiana asked.
“I attended a play in ’07 before the fire but have not returned since the rebuilding last year. I am very curious to see ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ and see if I like it better than ‘Richard III’, which was a spectacular tragedy, but I find that I prefer Shakespeare’s comedies. Did you know that in real life, the Duke of Somerset died when King Richard was three years old? And the king never called for a horse for his kingdom because horses were not in England until 1485.” Elizabeth saw Mr. Bingley’s blank face and Miss Darcy’s broad grin. As she turned her head to the young lady, she noted that Mr. Darcy was crossing his arms as if offended by her intelligence.
Gathering her wit, she continued, “This play is a bit scandalous for a sixteen-year-old, I believe, but should be quite amusing.” Elizabeth spoke with a smile, “I do not mind the number of patrons to the theatres, except for the gossiping spectators who do not pay attention to the play on stage but rather the attendants of the performance. Far too much consideration is given to who attended, what they wore, and who snubbed whom!” She laughed.
Miss Darcy giggled, “I agree, Miss Bennet. My brother manages to be in the gossip column after every attendance and he detests it but he is very kind to escort me to the theatre. He is best of brothers.”
Elizabeth saw the corner of his lip lift ever so slightly with the praise. “An ideal brother, then. I shall have liked to have an older brother. I have four sisters and a younger brother who is fourteen and he is off at Eton. I am eager to reunite with him and see how much he has grown when I return home for Christmas, Miss Darcy.”
“Will you call me Georgiana, Miss Bennet? It is so wonderful to have met you through Mr. Bingley.” She requested.
Elizabeth was very pleased with this unaffected girl who was shy but friendly. She had liked her immediately as soon as she saw her smile at her young cousins at Gracechurch Street. “It would be my honour, Georgiana. Please call me Lizzy.” She reached for her new friend’s hand and squeezed it.
Elizabeth turned to Mr. Bingley and spoke with him, “Have you read Shakespeare’s story? I believe this play shall be quite amusing and I am also looking forward to seeing how they have rebuilt the building after the riot in ’08.”
Bingley coloured, “I must confess I have not read it. I find that seeing it performed by actors in a production is quite enjoyable and I would rather be surprised with a creative interpretation. Reading the plays are quite confusing and it is difficult to recall who is whom and what they are speaking of, and there always seems to be so many other things that I could be dedicating my time in pursuit. It fills me with guilt that I am not a good reader and that I prefer being out of doors.” Bingley chuckled, “I mean, I can read, but of course.”
Elizabeth smiled, “I understand, Mr. Bingley. There are many entertainments, especially for a young man such as yourself in town with amusements all around. I find reading to be a great enjoyment but I also love concerts and plays and visiting museums.”
“Exactly, Miss Bennet.” Bingley grinned. “You understand me completely.”
Georgiana hid her amusement and spoke over her brother’s suppressed snort. “Oh, Lizzy! My brother is constantly reading and I have told him to be more like Mr. Bingley to enjoy the entertainments offered in town but he prefers to spend most of his time in the library. He is reading one thing or the next and I would be willing to bet a guinea that he has a book in his possession right now.”
Elizabeth was surprised to see Mr. Darcy’s demeanour change, even if very slight, as his shoulders relaxed and he reached into his coat pocket to pull out a small volume and Georgiana took it to show her friend.
Elizabeth looked at the book of sonnets and commented, “I did not guess for you to be an admirer of Shakespeare’s poems. May I assume you have read his other works?
”
Darcy nodded without word.
“Then you must have already read ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. What is your opinion on Georgiana attending this production? It is about Sir John Falstaff’s attempts to... court two married women.” Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow in challenge. She hoped the guileless young lady would not be scandalised by the storyline of a man attempting affairs with wealthy women.
Darcy also raised an eyebrow. “She is aware. We have both read it and discussed it in advance. I am very aware of my sister’s education and do not wish to hide her away from the nature of unscrupulous men who take advantage of ladies of consequence. She is to come out next year and she cannot remain blind to vices of men and be pursued by mercenary suitors.”
Elizabeth smiled, “You are indeed a good brother. You have managed to surprise me today and I am not often taken unawares.” She nodded and handed his small book to him as his long fingers grazed hers.
The carriage halted and Elizabeth looked outside. “Oh, Georgiana! The theatre looks magnificent! I have never seen so many lights glowing when it is fully dark. I am most eager to see the inside!”
Georgiana smiled as she grabbed her friend’s hand. “Me, too, Lizzy! I am so glad you are here with me!”
Darcy exited first and stood rigidly to hand his sister out and waited while Bingley assisted Miss Bennet. He stiffened to see the large crowd looking at his direction and attempted to relax for his sister’s sake but he looked to his side to see Georgiana’s eyes drawn downward and wished they were livelier in public. They had both been reserved most of their lives and his sister, having been orphaned at such a young age, rarely spoke out in large company.
Elizabeth conversed cheerfully with Mr. Bingley for a few moments as they walked into the theatre but saw the Darcy siblings stand uneasily while waiting for the ushers to take their outerwear. After taking her cloak off, Elizabeth gathered Georgiana on her arm and teased her. “No one will bite, Georgiana. Perhaps we can make a spectacle of ourselves so we can be published in tomorrow’s gossip column. It will be scandalous to be known as the silliest girls at the theatre!”
Georgiana giggled and relaxed. “Oh, Lizzy, my brother will send me off to Derbyshire if I dishonour the family name. As tempting as it sounds, we shall be proper ladies. Be assured that you will be in the papers, though, as your attending with Mr. Bingley and us will be noted.”
Elizabeth exaggerated her reaction by gasping with her mouth agape, “Heaven forbid! I hope I do not dishonour your brother by being in your company! I am a terrible influence already!”
Georgiana laughed again and they walked to Darcy’s private box to find their seats. They had arrived just in time for the production to begin and the lights dimmed in a few minutes.
Elizabeth and Georgiana sat in the front row while Bingley and Darcy sat behind them. Bingley leaned over to ensure Miss Bennet was comfortable and Elizabeth could see from the corner of her eye that Mr. Darcy’s intense eyes were trained on her. She wondered if the haughty gentleman would be truly offended if the papers indeed printed something about her presence with the Darcy family.
She turned her attention back to the stage and enjoyed the performance instead of worrying about the opinion of that arrogant and unsociable gentleman.
~*~
The group stood after the first act for intermission and Georgiana had wished to visit the powder room. Elizabeth began to walk with her but paused after stepping out of the box.
“Georgiana, it is a bit chillier out here than expected. Allow me to fetch my shawl and I will join you immediately.” Elizabeth commented.
After Georgiana nodded, Elizabeth returned to the box but stopped short when she heard Bingley’s voice behind the drapes.
“So, what do you think? Do you not find Miss Bennet as wonderful as I described her?” Bingley excitedly proclaimed.
Elizabeth could hear Darcy huff, “She is tolerable but would not tempt me. I was quite surprised to see her at her relative’s home, as she is not a classic beauty and looks nothing like any of the ladies you pursued in the past. She seems wilful and gives her opinion quite decidedly for one so young.”
“For a kingdom, I would not be so fastidious as you are, Darcy! She is witty and converses easily. I must confess I have difficulty following what she says half of the time but she is intelligent and unpretentious and I enjoy her company very much.” Bingley laughed.
Elizabeth turned and walked to the powder room without retrieving her shawl. She felt heated after hearing the handsome man’s contempt of her character and looks but recalling what Georgiana looked like, who was tall, graceful, and fair like her sister Jane, she soon found amusement with that supercilious man’s opinion and decided to not put her mind to it.
After refreshing themselves, Elizabeth and Georgiana returned to the box to await Act II.
The luxury box was spacious enough for six viewers to sit comfortably in two rows and had curtains that could be shuttered from the rest of the theatre for privacy. Darcy, who did not wish to have gawkers look into his personal space, always preferred to have it drawn closed during intermissions and was sitting alone when the ladies walked in.
Georgiana entered first and placed herself at the back of the box to partake some wine, while Elizabeth declined and stood nearer the entrance drapes and faced Darcy with amusement on her face.
“Are you enjoying the performance, Miss Bennet?” Darcy asked cordially after standing up.
Elizabeth smirked, “I am, sir. Thank you for the use of your box. It is most tolerable to be watching from such a view and I am quite tempted to see the next act.”
Elizabeth thought she saw Mr. Darcy pale for a second and was gratified to make the imperious man uncomfortable.
Suddenly, Elizabeth found herself being forcibly pushed from behind and could do naught but fly forward. She feared being pushed off the balcony with such an impact and shut her eyes tightly.
Very slowly, she opened her eyes to find herself on Mr. Darcy’s lap with his arms tightly around her torso and her hands gripping his shoulders. He had caught her from being flown off the balcony and landed on one of the seats to securely hold her and she could feel his breath on her ear.
Elizabeth immediately released him and stood, and she could hear Mr. Darcy growl, “Blasted!” within his throat. “Richard, what the hell are you doing? You could have killed us.” Darcy hissed quietly.
Georgiana quickly came over to cosset her friend. “Are you well, Lizzy? I am glad the curtains were closed but it would not have held you in if William had not been standing there.” She turned to her cousin after handing Elizabeth her glass of wine. “Richard, if you had wounded my friend, I would have never forgiven you!”
“I am so sorry, madam. I have urgent busin... I apologise.” Richard Fitzwilliam turned to Darcy and gave him a serious look.
Darcy stood tall, “Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, my cousin. Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire. Please pardon me. I will return shortly.”
Richard and Darcy immediately departed the box after bowing while Georgiana wrapped Elizabeth’s shawl around her friend to ensure she was well.
“I am fine, Georgie. I am uninjured and although it was probably the most exhilarating event at a theatre I experienced, I do hope it never happens again.” Elizabeth relaxed after taking a sip of wine. She was mortified that she had fallen on top of Mr. Darcy, of all people, but was thankful that she had been kept safe.
The ushers entered to open up the curtains to the theatre again and Mr. Bingley soon returned. “I hope you are excited for the next act, Miss Bennet. I confess it has been a little dull so far but I am enjoying being here with you immensely.” He grinned brightly.
Georgiana and Elizabeth’s eyes met and they softly giggled as the next act began.
Elizabeth was curious when Mr. Darcy returned during the middle of the second act and what urgent business required his attention, but focused on the play and greatly enjoyed the performance.
> ~*~
During the second intermission, Mr. Bingley accompanied the ladies to obtain a glass of wine for Miss Bennet while Darcy remained in the box again.
“Darcy! How are you?” An older lady entered and smiled after kissing his cheek.
“Aunt Margaret! I did not know you would be attending tonight. Georgiana is fetching a glass of wine with Bingley. She should return shortly.” Darcy greeted Lady Matlock. “Where is Uncle Harold?”
Lady Matlock patted her favourite nephew’s cheek, “He is being held captive by His Grace, the Duke of Hamilton. I avoided him and his wandering hands by escaping into your box.” She laughed. “We decided at the last minute to attend tonight. I just saw Georgiana outside with a young lady and she was quite jolly; livelier than I had seen her in years. Her new friend appears good company for my dear niece.”
“Yes, aunt. Miss Bennet was introduced to us today through Bingley and she has made Georgiana very happy. I hope their friendship grows, as my sister certainly needs more young ladies nearer her age for company than her very old brother.” He chuckled.
“Hmm...” Lady Matlock contemplated. “I believe I have heard of Miss Bennell before. She is from Herefordshire?”
Darcy answered, “Bennet, Hertfordshire.”
Lady Matlock continued, pondering in her own thoughts, “Hmm, I believe she is a daughter of a poor gentleman, with four or five sisters?” Darcy nodded, remembering that Elizabeth had several sisters. “I believe there was some scandal with one of the daughters being required to marry rather abruptly after being compromised or something like it. Once her family’s disgrace becomes known widely, Georgie’s friend might be fortunate if she can obtain a position as a governess or a companion and she would be an excellent companion for Georgiana if she is in need of employment, nephew. I do not care for Mrs. Younge at all and Georgiana’s friend would quite qualify.” She nodded, as she peeked out the drapes. “Alas! Your uncle is free. Here he comes.”
Darcy greeted his uncle and made plans to attend dinner again at Matlock House. Lord and Lady Matlock departed and Bingley and the ladies soon returned.
