9
May 1816, a week later
They had ridden alongside the Rhine to Koblenz, then left Prussia for Frankfurt, now a ‘free city’ of the German Confederation. As feared, the two parties had stayed together. Darcy was content to see Prague and Vienna—so allowing Georgiana to accompany Justina.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Justina were barely on speaking terms. On the morning after their quarrel Justina had risen bleary-eyed, looking so distressed that Elizabeth had apologised. The response had been contemptuous. ‘You think I am upset by your ridiculous opinions? I happened to sleep poorly, that is all.’ After which, Justina had lavished on Miss Darcy her formidable charm. Duets, shopping expeditions, museums, all to be enjoyed without a word to Elizabeth.
The sleeping arrangements too were altered. Justina began by winning round her mother, explaining that she had been kept awake by Elizabeth’s snoring. A solution was proposed: she would share instead with Miss Darcy. Lady Selborn explained this diplomatically to Elizabeth, who raised no objection. She knew that in fact she did not snore. But there seemed no point in arguing.
The result was that Elizabeth was freed from her duties. On the road, Justina joined the Darcys, leaving Elizabeth with Lord and Lady Selborn. Edmund Lindale often rode in their coach, and after months of the volatile Justina, it was pleasant to speak with someone reliably polite and sensible.
After passing the imposing city walls of Frankfurt and crossing the River Main, they arrived outside Hotel Domplatz. As before, Justina shared with Georgiana, while Elizabeth was allotted a single room; however, since the hotel was busy, a portable bed was moved in for the Selborns’ maid Sarah. As usual, Lord Selborn had obtained a wing in the best available hotel; the chamber, although small, was elegant and clean. But Elizabeth felt in low spirits. Her role as Justina’s confidant had gone—perhaps temporarily, perhaps forever. On top of this, she would have to put up with the brooding presence of Darcy all the way to Vienna. She had hoped to escape memories of family disaster. Instead, she was forced to commune with the man who had taken pride in ruining her sister’s happiness.
Having attended to Justina, Sarah returned with news. By chance their party had arrived on an evening when the hotel hosted the Frühlingsball or Spring Ball. From 8 p.m. there would be dancing and a supper. As guests they were automatically invited, so there was no hurry to dress for dinner. A snack would be brought to their rooms; meanwhile they should rest.
The prospect made Elizabeth uneasy. Would Justina ignore her? Would Darcy ask her to dance? But she felt also excitement, recalling balls of years past, and dreams of romantic encounters that might lead to love and marriage—hopes long abandoned.
The Frühlingsball was held in a grand lounge where chairs and divans had been pushed to the edges. It was attended by wealthy Frankfurt burghers as well as hotel guests, but the Selborns were given pride of place with ample seating. Justina joined the Darcys, drawing looks from all over the room. With her dark green ball gown and fine auburn hair set off with a golden tiara she looked spectacular—as did Miss Darcy in pale blue.
Finding Elizabeth alone Edmund Lindale chatted to her before leaving to ask Miss Darcy for the first set; Darcy, meanwhile, had claimed Lady Justina. With a shrug, Elizabeth sat next to Lady Selborn. Men circulated, regarded her, and moved away. In a far corner, the orchestra struck up an Allemande.
‘They make a fine couple,’ Lady Selborn said.
Observing Darcy, Elizabeth was surprised to see him smiling, as if actually enjoying the dance, while Justina gazed into his eyes and responded to his every remark as if it were the most fascinating ever uttered. Of course they were no longer strangers, Justina having travelled from Cologne in Darcy’s carriage. But Elizabeth could not escape a suspicion that the display was aimed at herself. Justina had got it into her head that there was some secret understanding between her lowly companion and Miss Darcy’s brother. This could not be borne. Elizabeth must be outshone and put in her place.
Searching for a response, Elizabeth said, ‘Justina dances well.’
‘She does everything well—or not at all.’ A pause. ‘I’m sorry you’ve had to share with Sarah.’
‘It seems Justina is happier with Miss Darcy.’
Lady Selborn leaned closer. ‘I’m aware, you know, that the reason given was a smokescreen. I gather you scolded her for upstaging Miss Darcy.’
‘I was rather severe.’ Elizabeth shrugged. ‘Though my opinion apparently counts for little.’
‘Oh, quite the contrary.’ Lady Selborn lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘As to your criticism, it was justified, and she knows it. I think she was mortified at upsetting Miss Darcy. Have you not seen how attentive she is now? And how she prefers duets to pieces that show off her virtuosity?’
‘True, but this has not earned me her gratitude!’
‘Do any of us relish being corrected? Justina is young, not far out of childhood, released into a society awed by her beauty and talent—and of course her status. Everyone says how marvellous she is—yet she chose you as companion. A young lady who is not awed by her, and speaks her mind. She has never had a friend she values so much.’ Lady Selborn looked back at the dancers. ‘Which, in confidence, is one reason I see Mr Darcy as a beneficial influence. He is like you in some ways: kind, firm, truthful. I hope she is coming to understand his good qualities.’
‘You mean …’
A smile. ‘Early days. But they look well together.’
Elizabeth fell silent, weighing this up. She did not think Darcy kind, except with his sister. Nor did she think Justina fascinated with him: she just enjoyed flaunting her charms. But it had to be admitted that Darcy was unusually attentive—and who could blame him? Added to her other attractions, Justina was worshipped by Georgiana.
For the Cotillion, Elizabeth finally had a partner, Edmund Lindale, and while they danced, she thanked him half-seriously for taking pity on her.
‘The pleasure is mine,’ he said gallantly, ‘and as you are doubtless aware, almost every man in the room would love to be in my place.’
‘Then why no invitations?’
‘See yourself as others see you. A lady in Lord Selborn’s party. Young, beautiful, resplendent in a fashionable Bond Street gown. So far above them that it would be an insult to approach you.’
‘I am a mere companion.’
‘You look and behave like a high-born lady—and what is more, an unusually intelligent and gracious one.’
She laughed. ‘Enough! My confidence is restored; you need flatter me no further.’
‘Why not return the compliment? There must be something about me that pleases you.’
Elizabeth paused: was this flirting, or just banter? They parted, joining male and female rings, and when they came together she said lightly, ‘I can’t recall any worthwhile attributes offhand, but will give thought to the matter.’
He laughed, and changed to another topic.
After the Cotillion, Darcy approached Elizabeth’s divan, nodded to her with forced politeness, and asked Lady Selborn for the Boulanger. Seeing this, Lord Selborn made a rare visit to the floor with Justina. Edmund Lindale, meanwhile, had deployed his excellent German to bid for the pretty daughter of a local businessman. Georgiana for once was left alone, and since they had hardly spoken since Cologne, Elizabeth rose and walked over.
‘May I join you, Miss Darcy?’
Georgiana flinched, but recovered herself. ‘Of course.’
Elizabeth sat down, confused by such a hesitant reception. ‘Are you enjoying the ball?’
‘I always like dancing.’
‘You do it very well.’
‘Thank you.’
Miss Darcy looked away, and after an awkward silence Elizabeth said, ‘Would you prefer to be left alone?’
A shiver. ‘As you like.’
Studying her strained face, Elizabeth felt a wave of pity, and rested a hand on her wrist. ‘Dear Miss Darcy, if I have upset you, please explain so that I can make amends.’
‘You have always been kind to me …’ She seemed near to tears. ‘I just cannot understand …’
‘What?’
A long sigh. ‘Your attitude towards my brother! Avoiding him, but what is far worse, spreading rumours that he is not trustworthy.’ Georgiana looked around, as if to confirm no-one was in earshot, but the music and general clatter ensured their privacy. No longer hesitant, she continued with passion, ‘How could you? William is not just a good brother, but the most respected gentleman I know. He has never spoken an unkind word to me, even when I deserved it. He is acknowledged in Derbyshire as the fairest master, and the most charitable to the poor …’
She broke down, and Elizabeth could not help being moved by her loyalty and obvious sincerity.
‘Let me apologise, Miss Darcy. It is true that I have had, ah, disagreements with your brother. But I should have kept them to myself. You heard this from Justina, I imagine.’
‘She said you warned her. He is not what he seems.’ Miss Darcy threw up her arms. ‘Whatever did you mean? What are these disagreements for which you malign him?’
Elizabeth hesitated. To tell or not? But how heartless to distress this vulnerable young lady by recounting Darcy’s insults and his callous ruination of Jane’s hopes.
She sighed. ‘Miss Darcy, let me take back what I intimated to Lady Justina. Your knowledge of your brother is far superior to mine.’
Miss Darcy bit her lip, looking unconvinced, but eager to make peace. ‘I liked you so much before …’
‘We all make mistakes.’
‘That is certainly true.’
‘I was not implying …’
Georgiana smiled, regaining poise. ‘I could also admit to blunders, of which I prefer not to give details.’
Elizabeth accepted this as a truce offering, but no more. For Georgiana’s sake, she would take care not to speak ill of Darcy. But a sister’s loyalty hardly weighed in the balance, when set against cruelties that Darcy had recounted with such pride.