At that moment, Mrs. Barnes appeared in the open door. “Sir, you wanted me to inform you when the carriage was out front.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Barnes. We are ready, it seems.”
With that, William began to escort Elizabeth from the room before noticing something was amiss. “Would you fetch Mrs. Darcy’s shawl, please?”
“Certainly,” the housekeeper replied.
In no time at all, they were settled in one of William’s finest carriages as it rumbled over the cobblestones of Grosvenor Square on the way to Matlock House.
Chapter 16
Matlock House
The ball
Attending the ball at Matlock House was more exhilarating and frightening than Elizabeth could have imagined. As their carriage made its way forward in the steady procession of expensive vehicles depositing their occupants in front of the manor, she found her stomach filling with butterflies. From her vantage point, Elizabeth could see the members of London society, each more finely clothed and coiffed than the last, ascending the double row of steps to the imposing front entrance, which was flanked on both sides by several footmen in extravagant gold and blue uniforms, holding Union Jacks and banners with the Matlock crest.
The portico, gravel walks and lawns literally overflowed with huge pots and baskets of colourful flowers resplendent with greenery, while the steps sported coloured lanterns down each side. The lanterns, along with the torches spread throughout the grounds, lit the scene so spectacularly that it reminded Elizabeth of Vauxhall Gardens. Glancing up to the pinnacle of the manor house, she was stunned to realise that, like Darcy House, it was only three stories high, since from further down the street it had appeared much taller.
Glancing timidly at William, Elizabeth found that he was not paying any attention to the scene playing out in front of Matlock House. Instead, he stared glumly out the other window. There was an expression of dread on his face, and Elizabeth began to wonder if she should be as anxious about this soirée as he. Then concluding that it was too late to fret, she steeled herself to face whatever might occur as the carriage lurched forward again.
WHILE IT MAY HAVE SEEMED to Elizabeth that William was not paying attention, this was far from the truth, for since leaving Darcy House, he had done naught but consider how to shield his wife from the cruelty of his peers. He despised balls in general, and this one in particular, certain that insults would be aimed at Elizabeth not only by Edgar and his friends, but likely by Lady Susan Hartley and her supporters. It would be no hardship for him to refrain from dancing in order to stay by her side, but, knowing Elizabeth, she would accept an invitation to dance and that would spoil his best means of protecting her. His thoughts instantly flew to how she had taken his breath away when he had first seen her dressed for the ball. If only she were not so very beautiful.
Barely recognisable was the gown she had worn on their wedding day, for candlelight seemed to give the fabric an ethereal quality. Her new maid had piled her ebony locks atop her head, leaving a few long curls to hang over one shoulder. Pearl pins interspersed throughout her hair emphasised its rich darkness, in addition to matching the necklace he gave her. Smiling, he recalled the look on her face as she opened the case.
“Do you think I look presentable?”
Her hesitant question returned his thoughts to the present, and, unable to resist, he slid the tips of his fingers gently across her cheek.
“You are everything that is lovely tonight, Elizabeth.”
A small smile lifted the corners of her lips, and suddenly his heart was full. Wishing to say more, the opportunity was ruined when the door to the carriage abruptly jerked open and a footman began lowering the steps. Disappointed, William exited the carriage, straightened his coat, and reached in to hand Elizabeth out.
“We are late. Do you think your aunt will be cross?”
“She knows I never arrive until the receiving line is finished. I do not relish the stares of those brainless spectators standing about.”
That being said, they began up the steps. The few guests still lingering there and on the portico turned to take their measure of Mr. Darcy and his new wife. And, if the increase in the hum of conversation was any indication, they found plenty to like—or dislike. Nonetheless, William noted that Elizabeth stood her ground with the most perfect dignity, and his chest swelled with pride.
Perhaps I underestimated her ability to take on the ton!
THE DARCYS HAD BARELY entered one of the large double doors that led into the ballroom when the music began for the first set. Despite the crush of people who circled the perimeter of the room observing those dancing, Lady Matlock spied them and came in their direction.
“There you are! I am so relieved you are here. I was about to send Edgar to find you.”
William looked about the room, his anxiety rising when he realised that his favourite cousin was nowhere in sight. “Where is Richard? I would have thought he would be the first to greet us.”
“That horrible General Lassiter has detained him in Highbury. I got a note earlier saying that he would come as soon as he could get away.” Then the countess lowered her voice so that only they could hear. “Georgiana told me what she did. Please believe me when I say that I did not know she had left the house. I was not at home at the time.”
“No apology is necessary. I know how hard it is to monitor my sister.”
“Thank you for being so understanding.” She brushed an imaginary piece of lint from William’s shoulder. “You look handsome, as always, Fitzwilliam.” Then taking both of Elizabeth’s hands, Lady Matlock stepped back to examine her. “Your husband should not have worried, my dear, for your gown is quite lovely, as are you.”
Then her expression became absolutely serious. “Now, I really must introduce you to as many of my friends as possible. Your uncle is dancing already, so he will be of no help.” Her voice lowered again as she learned in closer, “Besides, he is still cross with you both.”
She directed Elizabeth towards the location where she always held court—a corner that featured two small settees, bordered on either side by palm plants in huge pots. Though there were several more such havens on either side of the room, Lady Matlock preferred this one, as it was closest to the doors to the terrace. If there was a breeze to be had, it would be enjoyed from that advantageous place.
Already several members of Almack’s occupied the area and, as they approached, the countess immediately began one introduction after another. That was how the next half-hour or more passed. If those meeting the new Mrs. Darcy had any reservations as to her suitability, most hid them behind masks of civility for the countess’ sake, for Lady Matlock was a formidable foe if crossed. The very few that offered less enthusiastic greetings were far outweighed by the ones eager to move in the countess’ circle.
Nevertheless, at some time during the exercise, Elizabeth began to wonder at the futility of it all, for by the time the countess stopped to catch her breath, sending a footman to fetch a glass of punch, Elizabeth could not put one name with any of the faces. She sighed unknowingly.
William noticed and took her hand, leading her to the other side of one of the large palms. “Are you well, Elizabeth?”
“I fear I have met so many people that I do not remember any of their names.”
He chuckled and his eyes held kindness as he lifted her chin so that she looked directly at him. Unexpectedly, her heart began to beat faster.
“I can readily understand. It would overwhelm anyone to meet this many of my aunt’s friends in such a short span, but you have done exceptionally well. I am proud of you and I think you deserve to escape for a time.”
“Escape?” She could not suppress a grin. “How, sir?”
“We could always dance the next set.”
“Dance? I thought, from what you told Mr. Bingley, that you despised dancing.”
“In the past, I often used that excuse to avoid ...” he coughed a little self-consciously, “certain women
.”
“Yet you married a woman of no consequence.”
Instantly, the playfulness left his eyes. Remembering how Aunt Madeline had said that teasing could be used to harm, she instantly regretted her words. “Forgive me. I meant only to—”
“Darcy, old man!”
William groaned, for he knew that voice only too well, and it was obvious that the man it belonged to was intoxicated.
Suddenly, Edgar slapped him on the back. “What are you doing behind this planter? Hiding from Mother?”
Edgar guffawed and simultaneously a group of men standing nearby laughed raucously. William narrowed his eyes in their direction, causing those with good sense to look away. He recognized the usual pack of wolves that tagged after his cousin, laughing at his every word and deed and making him feel superior. Angrily, he took Elizabeth’s hand, intending to lead her to the dance floor, but Edgar stepped in front of them, blocking their retreat.
“Frankly, when Father told me you had married, I found it impossible to believe. It was one thing to defy him over sickly Cousin Anne, but quite another to marry someone... ” His voice trailed off as he got a good look at Elizabeth. “However, seeing this exquisite creature, I cannot say that I blame you. Are you not going to introduce us?”
William stiffened. “May I present my wife, the former Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, this is my cousin, Edgar Fitzwilliam.”
“Viscount Leighton,” Edgar corrected tersely as he took Elizabeth’s hand and bowed over it. “Having no title himself, Darcy apparently cannot remember mine.” Kissing her knuckles, he added, “Elizabeth. What a lovely name!”
Elizabeth’s eyes went wide, though she said nothing in reply. Empowered at her discomposure, Edgar smirked. “Would you do me the honour of dancing the next set? I would love to hear what arts and allurements you used to persuade my dull cousin to marry. I am quite sure the details will far exceed anything I could have imagined.”
A roar of laughter from Edgar’s cohorts saw the end of William’s patience. His face was set like stone as he leaned in to whisper, “If it is your wish to face me at dawn, keep to your present course, and I shall gladly oblige.”
Edgar’s visage paled instantly, and he swallowed hard. Darcy’s expertise with sword and pistol were well known, and though he enjoyed pushing the limits of decorum, Edgar was a coward. Glancing to his associates, he tried to appear unaffected though his next words were more prudent.
“One would think you took me seriously, the way you glower, Darcy!” He bowed again to Elizabeth, saying loudly enough for all to hear, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Darcy. Perhaps we shall dance another time.”
As Edgar rejoined his friends, more ribald laughter ensued, causing William’s colour to rise. As he took a step in their direction, Elizabeth grabbed his hand and squeezed it. That gentle act redirected his attention, for when he felt her hand slide into his, he stilled to look at her. Seeing the smile offered just for him, the corners of his mouth lifted.
“I would have known that he and Richard were brothers for they certainly favour one another, though the colonel is a good bit taller,” she whispered.
“Fortuitously, any resemblance to Richard is limited to appearances only. Richard has all the character while Edgar has naught but the title.”
“The viscount did impress me as a man who thinks highly of himself.”
“You have assessed his character skilfully.”
Suddenly, there was a crush of people as the first set ended. Elizabeth turned to find that Lord Matlock was coming in their direction. One of the most beautiful women she had ever seen was hanging on his arm. Tall and blond, she immediately reminded Elizabeth of Georgiana, though her hair was a good deal lighter than her sister’s. She was not aware of just who the lady was until the stranger fixed her eyes on William and smiled beguilingly.
“Darcy!” Lady Susan exclaimed, letting go of the earl’s arm to rush to where William stood. Sliding her hand up the front of William’s coat familiarly, she quickly removed it as though she had forgotten herself. “I told Georgiana earlier that if you were not here, it would simply ruin my entire evening, but I just knew that you could not be so cruel as to ignore my ball.”
William stood as stiff as a statue and remained speechless. Her arm still threaded through his, Elizabeth managed to nudge him with her elbow, causing him to speak. “Lady Susan, may I introduce my wife, Elizabeth Darcy.”
“Charmed, I am sure,” Susan said frostily, brashly taking Elizabeth’s measure from head to toe.
“Elizabeth, Lady Susan is the widow of one of my oldest friends, Fletcher, the late Lord Hartley.”
William’s impervious manner only served to embolden Susan, who fumed behind the facade of a smile. “You forget, Darcy, that you and I were close friends long before you ever met Fletcher.”
Suddenly the band began to play, reviving the woman’s previously lively manner. She smiled deviously at Elizabeth. “You may be newly married, but since your husband and I are such dear, dear friends, I know that you shall not mind if I steal him for a dance.”
Lady Susan wrapped her arm around William’s free arm, intent on forcing him to let go of Elizabeth and escort her to the dance floor. He did not budge, however, so Susan became insistent, which served to gain the attention of those nearby. Then, Georgiana appeared from out of nowhere.
“Surely, you would not refuse to dance with Lady Susan, Brother. After all, the ball is in her honour.” Then she implored Elizabeth. “Please tell him you do not mind, else he may think you are jealous and refuse.”
As every eye locked on her, Elizabeth tried to smile unaffectedly. “Fitzwilliam does not need my permission. He is a grown man, after all.”
There was scattered laughter among the onlookers. Left with no choice, since Elizabeth offered no objection, William escorted Susan to the floor.
Curiously, as she watched him walk away, a feeling Elizabeth had never experienced washed over her—jealousy. It completely bewildered her.
“SO, WE MEET AGAIN, Miss Bennet.”
At the sound of that voice, Elizabeth whirled about to face the one man she hoped never to see again. Georgiana was still there, and she looked enquiringly between the two of them.
“Elizabeth, do you know my cousin?”
Andrew Darcy jumped in to answer, a wry smile on his lips. “I met Miss Bennet in Meryton several weeks ago. Though I was only there a short time, we became quite good friends.”
“I am Mrs. Darcy now.”
“So I have been told.”
Andrew noted the uncertainty on Elizabeth’s face and was elated, for that followed perfectly Lady Susan’s plans. “Since my cousin is dancing with his dear friend, Lady Susan, I thought I might have this dance with you.”
“I... I was not going to—”
“I would love to reminisce about the events in Meryton during my stay there. Surely you would not deny me that, and what better way to discuss it than while dancing?”
Comprehending his meaning, she acquiesced. Placing her hand on his arm, they went towards the other dancing couples while Georgiana observed curiously. Elizabeth was relieved to see that her husband and Lady Susan were on the opposite end of a long line.
As they walked, she whispered, “Pray, say whatever it is you wish to say as quickly and quietly as possible. I do not plan to dance the whole set.”
“I shall get straight to the point then. How is it that as soon as I left Meryton you married my cousin? From what you told me, he was poorly thought of by all of Meryton, including yourself. In fact, you despised him enough to encourage me to expose his true character to Bingley.”
“I found that Mr. Darcy improves upon acquaintance,” Elizabeth replied as they took their places in the line.
“Or perhaps his wealth improves upon acquaintance.”
Elizabeth stiffened. “I would never marry for money.”
“Then why did you marry him?”
She came forward to take Andrew’s
hand and exchange places. “To save my sisters from the scandal created by your actions; someone saw us in the garden.”
“I would have returned to marry you, had I only known.”
“You said that you could not afford to marry. Your cousin reiterated that during his offer.”
They both completed loops around another couple and then Andrew answered.
“And why could I not afford to marry? Make no mistake about it, I would have married you regardless of my circumstances, had I only known, but it is Darcy who reduced me to poverty. No doubt, as soon as he learned that I had feelings for you, he made an offer. Do you not see? Your marriage was strictly another way to punish me.”
“I do not think my husband would marry in order to punish anyone.”
The dance came to a point where they waited for other couples to circle the entire group, which gave Andrew leave to speak freely.
“Clearly, you do not know him. Only days before your marriage, London was abuzz with his interest in Lady Susan Hartley. Why do you think his aunt gave this ball in her honour? Do you really believe that, at some point, he will not regret his haste in marrying you?” He was heartened to see uncertainty flash across Elizabeth’s face.
“My husband has made his choice,” she answered with more bravado than she felt.
“You will learn the truth soon enough. Fitzwilliam has always been a selfish man, used to getting his way and punishing those who do not follow his dictates.”
The first part of the set was coming to an end, and it was plain that Elizabeth had heard enough.
“I think you have made yourself perfectly clear, sir. Now if you will excuse me.”
She walked away, leaving him staring after her. Hesitating only a moment, Andrew went in the opposite direction. Pleased at how well their meeting had gone, he was well aware of his need to escape before William found him.
Well, Susan, you were very fortunate to find me at Mrs. Younge’s inn this morning. Let us see if your plan works and my talk with Elizabeth helps or hinders. It is up to you now!
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 26
