by Kay Bea
Elizabeth watched as Caroline reached for Mr Darcy’s arm, but before she could complete her task, he pivoted smoothly to reveal Mr and Mrs Gardiner standing behind him. Elizabeth had to fight back a smile at his swift manoeuvre.
“As you see, Miss Bingley, the Darcy box is already full this evening, and I am obliged to decline the pleasure of your company.” The look he bestowed on her spoke more of his disapprobation than words could have managed.
Pretending to have just noticed Jane and Elizabeth, Caroline said, “Ah, Miss Bennet and Miss Eliza! What a privilege this must be for you, for surely town offers up many more amusements than those to which you are accustomed. And at such little inconvenience to you as I am sure Mr Darcy has taken all upon himself.”
“You are mistaken, Miss Bingley. We only chanced to meet Mr Darcy on arriving this evening. The true privilege, I believe, will be not in our seating arrangements or choice of entertainment, but in our companionship.” This she said with all politeness, but a possessiveness she was not previously aware of caused her to grip Darcy’s arm firmly as she spoke.
As Caroline stood trembling, Darcy led his party away with Elizabeth on his arm. That one of the most sought-after bachelors in society was escorting an unknown, dark-haired lady drew a number of glances, a few outright stares, and was surely much remarked upon. That she was clearly not of the first circles caused even more muttering in the gathered crowd. Darcy and Elizabeth proceeded as if entirely unaware of the stir their presence had created.
Removal to the Darcy box did not relieve the party from observation. For much of the performance, Elizabeth felt certain there were as many eyes on them as were on the stage, possibly more. Turning to Darcy, she said, “I do not believe I should like to be watched so closely all the time. It makes one feel a bit like a museum curiosity.”
Mr Darcy inclined his head to speak to her. “It is an unfortunate consequence of these seats. I hope the attention does not detract from your evening. I would not wish for you to be uncomfortable.”
“You are kind, but I believe I shall endure, though I do worry for Jane.”
Darcy cast his eyes towards their companions. On seeing that they were oblivious to the scrutiny, he looked back to Elizabeth and said with some amusement, “I do not believe they are in the least troubled by it.”
Elizabeth followed his gaze and noted the look in her sister’s eyes. “Perhaps not, Mr Darcy.”
Darcy held her eyes. “Might we follow their example and find ourselves more agreeably engaged?”
Elizabeth found her voice in time to answer, “Yes, Mr Darcy, I believe we might.”
The intermission brought a stream of visitors to the Darcy box. Mr Gardiner finally excused himself to get refreshments, being joined quickly by Jane and Bingley. Mrs Gardiner chose to stay behind to act as chaperone. Darcy had assumed his customary look of imperturbability while greeting all the visitors with the civility of one born to society. Some were only interested in greeting Darcy following his long absence from town, but most were not so discreetly seeking to learn more about the lady on his arm. For his part, Darcy was fiercely determined to add nothing more to the spectacle by exposing either of them with an unguarded look or careless word.
Near the end of the intermission a woman swept into the box with the importance of a duchess and the familiarity of a near relation. “Mr Darcy! I am all astonishment. It has been an absolute age since I have seen you in town.” Darcy stiffened and his face, if possible, lost even more expression. He felt Elizabeth shift closer to him.
“It seems one of us has been most fortunate then, Lady Winslow. I do not recall you seeking out my company in years.”
“Surely, you do not still hold me in contempt for all that has passed between us? There is no need for such formality. We are friends of old, are we not?”
“While it is true our acquaintance is of long standing, Lady Winslow, I would not call ours a friendship,” came Darcy’s curt reply.
“In truth, we were rather more than friends.” There was a predatory suggestiveness in her eyes. The lady continued. “But that was long ago! Now I am a married lady, and it appears you have also…changed course.”
Darcy sighed deeply. “What do you want, Lady Winslow?” He found he did not have the wherewithal to continue to even pretend civility. Her appearance had taken him utterly by surprise, and he was unprepared for the intensity of emotion she inspired. He was at once overcome with revulsion for the woman herself and with a consuming desire to shield Elizabeth from whatever it was the lady had come to do.
“Will you not introduce me to your new…friend?” Darcy did not care for the inflection of the lady’s voice as she uttered the last word.
“Lady Winslow, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire and her aunt Mrs Gardiner?” He missed neither the critical eye that Lady Winslow cast over Elizabeth, nor the way Elizabeth lifted her chin and met the lady’s eye with an unflinching look of her own.
“So, you are the one to finally steal darling Fitz from us.” Lady Winslow’s voice dripped with disdain.
“Certainly, as Mr Darcy’s old friend you would agree that he is so formidable a person that no one could steal him away from that which he did not already wish to leave.”
Lady Winslow’s eyes narrowed. “You must have exercised your considerable”—the lady raked her eyes over Elizabeth’s person—“charms to their fullest to convince him to abandon Pemberley so early in the Season.”
Elizabeth’s lips twitched. “Not at all, my lady. In fact, I believe Mr Darcy is more apt to describe me as vexing than charming. While I have heard of the splendours of Pemberley from some of my acquaintance, I certainly have not been so near it as to claim any power over the decisions of its master.”
Darcy felt himself nearly overwhelmed with love for and pride in the woman on his arm.
Before the conversation could continue, Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst entered the box on the pretence of seeking out their brother. Darcy turned his attentions to Bingley’s sisters and said, “Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst, how good of you to join us. I am afraid your brother is not here at the moment. I believe you already know Miss Elizabeth’s aunt Mrs Gardiner.” He gestured at the woman sitting silently in their midst. He did not move to introduce them to Lady Winslow. It was not a connexion he wished to promote.
Left with no alternatives and ever mindful of their social standing, Caroline and Louisa acknowledged Elizabeth and her aunt with the barest of civilities. Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner replied in kind, and there followed the uncomfortable silence that can only result from so many people having so much to say that cannot possibly be spoken aloud. It was broken only by Darcy’s reminding the visitors that the intermission was likely nearing its end and politely recommending that everyone return to their seats.
Caroline and Louisa looked somewhat taken aback at being dismissed but departed without further comment. Darcy watched them leave and hoped Lady Winslow would follow their example. She did not and instead resumed her conversation with Elizabeth.
“Come now, Miss Bennet. You have piqued my curiosity and I demand satisfaction!”
“You may demand that which I shall decline to give.”
Darcy could keep silent no longer. “Lady Winslow, I am sure you would not wish to miss any of the performance. You really should rejoin your party now.”
Elizabeth released a long breath when Lady Winslow finally left the box. Her aunt spoke for the first time, “Well done, Lizzy. I must say that was almost as entertaining as tonight’s production.” Mrs Gardiner smiled at her niece.
Darcy shook his head. “Well said, Mrs Gardiner. I must apologise to you both. I fear all this has taken away from your enjoyment.”
“Not at all, Mr Darcy. There is always something of pleasure to be found in the foibles of society,” Elizabeth answered, countering his vexation with humour.
Darcy turned to face her and was surprised by the twinkle in her eyes. Any other woman of
his acquaintance would have been incensed by the treatment she had received, jealous of Lady Winslow, and furious that he had not spoken on her behalf. But not his Elizabeth. Darcy marvelled at his good fortune and wondered how he had ever thought this remarkable woman to be beneath his notice or attention. “Just so, Miss Elizabeth. Just so.”
Mr Gardiner, Bingley, and Jane returned in good time, and the remainder of the evening passed without further interruption of the party. They remained objects of fascination for some in the gathered crowd, but as none in the group behaved with anything other than perfect propriety, most soon lost interest and returned their attention to the performance on stage. When the performance ended, the group parted ways expressing their anticipation of seeing one another again the following evening at Darcy House for dinner.
Consumed as she was with her own turbulent thoughts and emotions, Elizabeth hardly noticed her sister’s discomposure on the carriage ride home. It was not until they were retiring for bed that Elizabeth was pulled from her reverie.
“Truly, Lizzy, I do not believe you have heard one word in ten since we left the theatre!”
“Forgive me. If you do not mind repeating yourself, I promise I shall attend properly this time.”
“You are already forgiven. Though I believe you will have to explain your unnatural silence to my aunt in the morning,” Jane said lightly.
“Ha! I will say that I had nothing sufficiently witty to contribute to the conversation. And as we all know that I do not speak unless I intend to astound the whole room, the matter shall be forgot in an instant.”
“That may do well for our aunt, but I am not so easily put off. What were you thinking of?”
“A visitor to the Darcy box while you stepped away, a woman with whom he seemed to share an old acquaintance.”
Jane smiled, “Were you jealous, Sister?”
“Heavens, no. It was evident from their interaction that he does not care for her. There was something about her I found disconcerting. Her manner of address made me feel somehow, unworthy. Or as if I should have felt unworthy. It was obvious to me at least that her presence caused Mr Darcy some distress, and I find myself curious about their connexion.”
“Was she truly so awful?”
“I hardly know how to explain. It was all terribly polite and terribly uncomfortable, but I do not think she had any good intent when she came to his box.”
“Perhaps you should ask Mr Darcy when next you see him.”
“How is such a thing to be attempted? No. I shall have to trust him and suffer the pain of my curiosity in silence. Besides, it is not as though I am required to invite her to tea.”
Elizabeth changed the subject then and Jane was more than happy to share her thoughts and feelings about Mr Bingley and the state of his affections until she was too tired to continue.
Elizabeth was left to her thoughts as she heard Jane’s breathing shift to the steady rhythm of sleep. Her mind wandered and every path led back to him. Had it been only hours ago that she tried to convince both her sister and herself that Mr Darcy could not possibly continue in his regard for her? His strength seemed to radiate from his person. The firmness of his arm as she stood by his side. His protectiveness as he attempted to shield her from the worst of the scrutiny they had faced. How he could command attention without speaking a word. How that strength became tenderness when he gently squeezed her hand while helping her into the carriage as she left the theatre with her family. His eyes as his indifference gave way to—to what? Surprise, yes, but there was also something more. There was that in his expression that said he was without question her Mr Darcy. She was left to wonder whether her own expression showed how desperately she wanted to be his Elizabeth.
Darcy sat in a large comfortable chair near the fire in his study. His legs were stretched before him, his jacket and waistcoat tossed to the side, and his cravat hung loosely about his neck. He held a glass of brandy before him, and he allowed his thoughts to drift over the events of the evening as he studied the flames dancing through the amber liquid. In his mind, he could see Elizabeth’s eyes sparkling with mischief as she spoke to Miss Bingley, then ablaze with the fire of indignation as she defended herself from Lady Winslow in the same way they had been fixed on him with absolute fury as he insulted her family only weeks before. Despite her efforts, in no circumstance could Elizabeth’s eyes hide her thoughts. He thought he could spend a lifetime learning their many expressions.
He thought of the time she had been in his arms. For a moment, there was a look in her eyes that made him consider she might return his feelings. He closed his eyes, thought of their evening together, and relished the memory of every sensation. The light scent of lavender in her hair, her eyes, the possessive touch of her hand on his arm, the delicate feel of her hand in his, the comfort of having her at his side: these were the thoughts that carried him into a peaceful sleep.
The Bennet sisters made poor company for their aunt and uncle on the carriage ride to Darcy House the following evening. They were, by turn, excited, nervous, happy, and terrified to face the evening to come.
Elizabeth was full of nervous anticipation. This would be her first time in Darcy’s company since acknowledging to herself her regard for the gentleman. The knowledge that she would be a guest in the home of which she hoped to someday become mistress caused her stomach to lurch.
Elizabeth’s first thought on alighting from the carriage was that she should like to see the house in daylight. Located in Mayfair, Darcy House was as stately and imposing as its master, with grand columns and arched windows that seemed to stretch nearly the length of the block. The house was set close to the street with a stone portico to protect visitors from the not infrequent London rains. The scene was beautifully lit with large torches, and Elizabeth felt like the heroine of a gothic novel, though she hoped for a somewhat less eventful road to happiness. Once inside, Elizabeth could not stop her eyes from taking in every elegant detail. She was pleased with everything she beheld and felt the home perfectly reflected the character of its primary occupant. Every detail bespoke wealth, though without the uselessly finery she had encountered at Rosings Park. With each step, Elizabeth found herself happier and happier with what she saw as they passed from the foyer deeper into the interior of the home where they were finally announced to Mr Darcy and his sister.
Miss Darcy greeted her new friends, exclaiming, “How happy I am to see you! Truly, I began to think I would perish from anticipation.” She did not forget the Gardiners in her enthusiasm. “Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, I am pleased you are come. I was terribly jealous when my brother told me he had seen you all at the theatre last night. It sounds as though it was beautiful.”
Darcy then stepped forward to greet his guests. “Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth…” He paused as he gazed upon Elizabeth’s face. “Welcome to Darcy House.” Elizabeth felt all the warmth of his approbation.
“Thank you, Mr Darcy. You are very kind,” Aunt Gardiner said, breaking the spell. In a short time, refreshments were brought in to be enjoyed as they awaited the dinner service. Elizabeth joined Miss Darcy on a settee near the fire, Jane and Aunt Gardiner took chairs nearby, and the gentlemen opted to stand. In this manner they began an amiable conversation before a servant announced, “Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Bingley, sir.”
Miss Darcy rushed to her cousin. “Richard! My brother said you were called away by the war office and would not be returning to us for weeks!”
The colonel was then introduced to those he did not know while Bingley bowed politely to the others in the room and then went directly to Jane. “Miss Bennet, may I say you are looking especially lovely this evening.” He raised her gloved hand to his lips and brushed a light kiss across her fingers.
“You look handsome yourself, sir,” Jane answered. Elizabeth watched their interaction with undisguised joy.
“Well, Richard, it seems your sense of timing continues to be remarkably astute,” Darcy said wryly.
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“I have no idea to what you might be referring, Cousin,” Colonel Fitzwilliam retorted. “As always, my arrival at the dinner hour is mere coincidence.” At the sight of Darcy’s raised brow, Richard continued. “Very well, I wheedled the information from your estimable housekeeper, and I thought to offer my services.”
Darcy only shook his head, but Elizabeth laughed at the colonel’s statement. “Well said, Colonel. It is lovely to see you again. I am happy you have come.”
“I see you have managed to coax a smile from my cousin. I have not seen it these many years. Of what shall we speak this evening? I understand you are a great reader.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Oh no, Colonel, that will never do. We cannot speak of books when there was Shakespeare only last night. Otherwise, I should be likely to prattle needlessly, and that would be abominably rude.”
Elizabeth chanced a look at Darcy, who was speaking with her aunt and uncle. She wondered at the expression on his face but gave him a small smile when their eyes met. His countenance seemed to relax and he returned her smile with one of his own. She marvelled at the ease she felt and hoped he would notice from her manner that she was beginning to see his family as her own.
During dinner, arrangements were made for Miss Darcy to join Elizabeth and Jane on a shopping excursion the following day. They spoke of the entertainments they had enjoyed and those yet to be had, the joys of walking in the countryside, and the delights of Hertfordshire versus those of Derbyshire. Only Mrs Gardiner could speak equally well on both subjects, having lived her youth in one and spent much of her adulthood visiting the other. Darcy was pleased to learn the Gardiners planned to tour the Lakes in the summer, and he did not hesitate to issue an invitation to his estate. “When you journey north, you must come stay with us at Pemberley, Mr Gardiner. Pemberley boasts some of the best fishing in the region, and I dare say Mrs Gardiner would enjoy a tour of the park.”
