Trapped in Scandal

Chapter Fifteen

Elizabeth

T he dance ended, and Elizabeth and Mr Darcy stepped apart, their hands briefly lingering before they released one another. Elizabeth offered him a warm smile, grateful for his willingness to join her on the floor despite his general reluctance for such activities.

“Thank you, Mr Darcy. That was most considerate,” she said softly.

“There is no need for thanks,” he replied, his smile unusually warm. Elizabeth could count on one hand the number of times she had seen Mr Darcy express such unguarded kindness, and yet since they began their dance, the reserved man she once knew seemed momentarily transformed. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks, though whether it was from exertion or something else, she could not be certain.

“If you will excuse me, I shall see to Georgiana, I have not seen her for a little while and I’d rather like to make sure she is quite alright,” Mr Darcy said.

“Do not fret, Jane agreed to keep an eye on her,” Elizabeth said. “But I think looking in on her would be prudent in any case.”

Mr Darcy inclined his head politely and made his way back to the edge of the room.

As Elizabeth stood reflecting on their exchange, Mr James Purvis the young officer her sister Kitty had been conversing with earlier, approached her. His previous partner had just been claimed by another gentleman, and with an easy bow, he extended his hand towards Elizabeth.

“Mrs Darcy, may I have the honour of the next dance?” Mr Purvis enquired, his tone courteous, though there was a flicker of something more—a hint of surprise, perhaps, at his own boldness.

Elizabeth hesitated only a moment before accepting. “It would be my pleasure, Mr Purvis.”

As they took their places, Mr Purvis seemed to gather his thoughts before speaking again, his tone carefully casual. “I must confess, I had thought to ask your sister Miss Catherine Bennet for another dance, but I fear three in one evening might be rather conspicuous.”

Elizabeth’s brow lifted ever so slightly, though she maintained a serene expression. “It is good of you to consider such matters,” she said, her tone measured. “But I daresay Kitty would not object, should you ask her again.”

Mr Purvis smiled, though there was a trace of curiosity in his eyes. “You think so?”

Elizabeth’s voice remained light, yet her words were carefully chosen. “She is young and spirited, sir, but not without discernment. I believe she has found your company agreeable.”

A pleased expression crossed Mr Purvis’s face, though he quickly tempered it with modesty. “I confess, Mrs Darcy, I find Miss Bennet quite delightful. But I would not wish to presume upon her good opinion.”

“Presumption often lies more in failing to act than in acting with sincerity,” Elizabeth said gently, a slight smile playing on her lips. “My sister is unused to officers of such character and will undoubtedly appreciate your regard.”

Their conversation fell into a more light-hearted rhythm as the dance continued, and Mr Purvis’s spirits visibly lifted. Elizabeth, though ever mindful of decorum, was quietly amused at his eagerness.

As the set concluded, Mr Purvis bowed deeply. “Thank you, Mrs Darcy. Your counsel is most reassuring.”

Elizabeth inclined her head graciously. “It was nothing, sir. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Mr Purvis took his leave, his steps noticeably lighter as he made his way across the room, and Elizabeth watched him for a moment before turning to join her next partner. Later that evening, she noticed Kitty and Mr Purvis deep in conversation, a lightness in Kitty’s demeanour that had not been there before.

Georgiana, too, shone with delight, her eyes bright as she moved among the guests. Elizabeth took comfort in the evening’s cheer, feeling a rare moment of peace amid the lively company.

When the final dance came to an end, Elizabeth and Georgiana both sought out Mr Darcy, who was still standing by the wall. As they made their way to him, they exchanged goodbyes with Jane and Kitty. Elizabeth noticed Mary standing near the door, looking rather detached from the rest of the company, and approached her.

“Are you and Lydia all right?” Elizabeth asked with genuine concern. “I noticed you both disappeared for most of the evening.”

Mary turned to her with a polite smile, though it seemed a bit strained. “I assure you, Lizzy, we are quite well,” she said, though Elizabeth couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to it than that. “You know I am not fond of these balls and Lydia had much to talk about.”

“I see…” Elizabeth said softly, unsure of what to make of her sister’s demeanour. She gave Mary a final nod and bade her goodnight before stepping outside to join her husband and his sister as their carriage was readied.

As they climbed in, Georgiana yawned, struggling to stifle it. “Oh, what a wonderful night,” she said sleepily.

“Indeed, and it has been some time since you’ve stayed up so late,” Mr Darcy teased gently, his tone affectionate.

Georgiana rolled her eyes playfully at her brother’s teasing, but smiled nonetheless, grateful for the evening they had shared.

“I know, but I am not…” Georgiana yawned, covering her mouth. “I’m not tired…”

“Of course not,” Elizabeth chuckled. “But still, you should get some rest when we arrive at Pemberley.”

“I will,” Georgiana said, almost falling asleep as the carriage continued home.

“While she is resting, why don’t we spend a little time together in the drawing room, I think we have much to discuss,” Mr Darcy said with a smile.

“Indeed, we do,” Elizabeth agreed, but she felt slightly nervous. It wasn’t the prospect of being alone with Mr Darcy so late into the night or any such thing. Rather, she was concerned he would start talking much in depth about Lydia and her behaviour, which Elizabeth didn’t think she could take much more of with the exhaustion of the ball. Mr Darcy nodded and looked out the window, his thoughts taking him to someplace that Elizabeth could not see.

***

When they arrived at Pemberley, Elizabeth gently nudged Georgiana awake. The young woman was suddenly incredibly embarrassed at having fallen asleep on such a short journey.

“Oh my… I do beg your pardon. I have clearly enjoyed myself much too much…” Georgiana said as the three of them dismounted from the carriage.

“It would seem that way. Hurry along to bed now, or else I fear you will fall asleep standing up,” Elizabeth said with a laugh.

“Indeed, oh that would be a sight indeed,” Georgiana said as she walked towards the stairs. “Goodnight to you both, and pleasant dreams,” she said before ascending the staircase and walking out of sight.

“And to you,” Elizabeth said warmly, casting a glance towards Mr Darcy, who watched Georgiana retreat before turning his attention back to her. With a small, unreadable smile, he offered his arm.

“Shall we?” he murmured.

Elizabeth placed her hand on his arm, and together they strolled towards the drawing room Once inside, the warmth of the fire greeted them. Elizabeth sank into a chair, releasing a soft sigh of relief. The evening had been long, and the chance to finally sit was a welcome reprieve.

She expected Mr Darcy to take the chair opposite her, but instead, he moved towards a mahogany cabinet in the corner, where several bottles of wine stood in a neat row.

“Which wine do you prefer this evening?” Mr Darcy asked, casting a glance in her direction.

Elizabeth raised a brow, a playful smile curving her lips. “Seven months of marriage, Mr Darcy, and still you do not know my preference? I must say, I am wounded.”

He chuckled, his eyes softening. “Elizabeth, you know full well we were married in December and it is only May. It has not yet been five full months,” he corrected her with mock seriousness. “And I will admit, neither of us were much concerned with the other’s preferences in the early months of our union.”

Elizabeth laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Ah yes, but we were very attentive in our quarrels, were we not?”

“That we were,” Mr Darcy agreed with a smile. “And yet, I cannot plead ignorance entirely. Your preference is sherry, is it not?”

“Indeed. Though it has taken you nearly five months to recall it,” she teased.

“How careless of me,” he said, pouring two glasses and bringing them to the fire. He handed her one and took the seat beside her, rather than across from her, as she had expected.

“Did you bring me here merely to drink?” she asked, accepting the glass.

“Not entirely,” he replied, leaning back slightly. “I find myself in need of a brief respite before retiring, and I thought perhaps you might need one as well, after the evening’s—shall we say, delicate—encounters with your family.”

Elizabeth sipped her sherry, the warm, nutty flavour of almonds and dates lingering on her tongue. “How very thoughtful of you,” she said softly. “And not the first time tonight, I must add.”

Mr Darcy raised his glass. “To civility,” he said with a wry smile, nodding towards her brooch.

Elizabeth chuckled. “This seems a touch beyond mere civility. I do not believe you can deny it—never have I seen you smile so freely.”

He smirked, swirling the wine in his glass. “And I would have you know that you were not the sole cause of my smile.”

“Oh? Then you do enjoy dancing?” she teased, arching a brow.

“Not in the slightest.” His voice was dry, but his eyes twinkled.

“Then what, pray, brought you such joy? For it was neither the dancing nor, by your account, my company,” she feigned a pout.

Mr Darcy leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. “Is a man not allowed to smile without offering an explanation?”

Elizabeth tilted her head. “Perhaps. Yet it seems peculiar for a man to smile so while partaking in an activity he professes to dislike, and with a woman he is supposedly indifferent to.”

Mr Darcy hesitated, his gaze flickering to the fire. “Indifferent…” He seemed to test the word on his tongue. “Perhaps too strong.”

“Indeed?” Elizabeth blinked, her amusement giving way to curiosity.

He paused, taking a slow sip of his wine before setting the glass aside. “Perhaps… too strong,” he repeated softly.

“Well then,” she prompted, her voice quiet but eager, “what word might be more fitting?”

Mr Darcy’s brow furrowed, and for a moment, he appeared lost in thought. “In truth, I am not sure it requires a name just yet,” he said with a chuckle, though his eyes remained serious.

Elizabeth smiled, though she felt her breath catch. “Without a name, sir, how am I to know where I stand?” she asked teasingly, though there was a trace of vulnerability beneath her words.

“Is it not a curious adventure to be left in such suspense?” he countered, his tone light but his gaze intent.

“For you, perhaps. Yet for me, it offers no small degree of unease,” she said, attempting to maintain her jesting tone. “I fear I must remain wary of your moods, lest you spirit my letters away again.”

He sighed, shaking his head with a rueful smile. “I have apologised for that indiscretion countless times, Elizabeth.”

“And I, sir, am not yet inclined to forgive it entirely,” she said with a laugh, her eyes glinting with mischief.

“Cruel woman,” he murmured, shaking his head with mock despair.

“Indeed. But think, at least you are not married to Lydia,” Elizabeth said. “Imagine if she had not wed Mr Wickham, and you were obliged to endure her antics as your wife.”

Mr Darcy groaned theatrically. “The very notion is enough to haunt my dreams! After her display tonight, I marvel that Wickham allows her such freedom, especially in her condition.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Knowing my sister, it is likely her husband had little say in the matter.”

“True enough,” Mr Darcy muttered. “Still, there is some poetic justice in Wickham’s finding a match so… taxing.”

Elizabeth’s expression sobered slightly. “Why is it that you dislike him so?”

Mr Darcy stiffened, then shook his head. “That, I think, is a tale for another time.”

Elizabeth frowned but did not press the matter further. “Very well. How are you feeling after this evening?”

He glanced at her, his brow softening. “Strangely relieved. Your family’s company is taxing, but I understand your affection for them. Even Lydia.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Despite her mistakes, she is still my sister. I can be angry with her and still miss her.”

Mr Darcy nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose I would feel the same if Georgiana ever hurt me so.”

“Georgiana? Impossible! She is far too kind,” Elizabeth said with a fond laugh.

Mr Darcy smiled warmly. “And that is why I count myself fortunate to be her brother.” He stood, offering his hand. “Come, we must not deplete my entire reserve.”

Elizabeth took his hand, and as she rose, their eyes met. The firelight flickered between them, casting a soft glow on Mr Darcy’s face. In that moment, the stern, guarded man she once knew seemed to fade, leaving only warmth and quiet affection.

“Elizabeth, I…” His voice faltered, his hand brushing her cheek, and for the first time, she saw him fully—as a husband, not merely a man of pride and duty.

Just as their lips were about to meet, he pulled back abruptly, his eyes filled with conflict.

“I believe I’ve had too much wine,” he muttered before leaving the room in haste.

Elizabeth stood there, heart pounding, as she realised her feelings for Mr Darcy were far deeper than she had ever dared admit.