Chapter 13 Dinner on Grosvenor Square
Elizabeth stood at the head of the stairs and looked down into the foyer, searching for Mr. Darcy.
She and Jane had watched his carriage draw up before the house, yet he was not immediately within.
A moment later, she saw him enter with Georgiana upon his arm.
He lifted his eyes and found her where she stood upon the second-floor landing, waiting and watching.
His countenance brightened into a smile as their eyes met, and her heart was suddenly overflowing with happiness.
He led his sister to the foot of the stairs, and together they waited as Elizabeth and Jane descended.
She saw his eyes upon her, his gaze passing over her before returning to her face.
Color rose in his cheeks, and his evident pleasure brought warmth to her own.
As always, he was impeccably dressed, yet in evening attire, there was an elegance to him that, if such a thing were possible, heightened his beauty. She could not look away.
When she reached the final step, he extended his hand.
“Miss Bennet.”
He bowed over her fingers and pressed his lips to her knuckles. Though her gloves remained between them, she felt the heat of the contact, and a shiver of sensation traveled up her arm and settled deep within her.
Her breath caught at the force of her own reaction to so small a gesture, to the intentness of his gaze, and to the pressure of his fingers upon the hand he still held enclosed within his own.
This did not feel as though he regarded her merely as a companion to his young sister.
It spoke of desire, of passion held carefully in check. His cheeks remained flushed.
She curtsied. “Mr. Darcy.”
Then she turned to Georgiana. “You look lovely. Is this a new evening gown?”
The young girl almost bounced with excitement. “Yes, Lizzy. I have had it these two months, but I had no occasion to wear it until now.”
Mr. Darcy then addressed their aunt. “Mrs. Gardiner, we shall take our leave. We must dine early, for Covent Garden begins at seven, and we must not arrive after the curtain rises.”
Mr. Bingley added. “I understand this play is all the rage. It has succeeded beyond anything expected, and I should not wish the ladies to miss any part of it.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, and then turned to her nieces. “My girls, enjoy yourselves. Your uncle returns tonight, but I imagine he will retire early, as he will be fatigued from the travel and the work that has occupied him. You shall see him in the morning.”
Jane spoke for them both. “Aunt Maddie, please give our love to our uncle, and tell him how glad we are that he is home at last.”
Both sisters kissed her cheek, and then Elizabeth accepted Mr. Darcy's extended arm.
He turned to address Mrs. Gardiner. “I shall have your nieces safely home before two o’clock, ma’am. We dine at Darcy House at half past four. The Hursts and Miss Caroline will join our party this evening, and after dinner we shall proceed to the theater.”
“I expect the farce will be concluded by eleven, and then, if you do not object, we should like to return to Darcy House for a light supper. Afterward, we shall escort the Miss Bennets back to Gracechurch Street.”
“That sounds an exciting evening out, sir,” she said.
“Good evening, Mrs. Gardiner.”
The acknowledged couple led the way to the carriage, and the unacknowledged followed behind, their eyes meeting with an intensity that required no words.
Mr. Bingley maintained a stream of agreeable conversation which included them all, though Elizabeth, if asked, could not have recounted anything he said.
Elizabeth recognized the streets as they entered Mayfair. As the carriage came to a halt, she looked out the window and beheld a four-storied townhouse built of white Suffolk brick and stone. Its five plate-glass windows, with recessed sashes, caught the late-afternoon light in all its warmth.
She was handed down by Mr. Darcy, and they walked together towards the central porch, which was supported by paired Corinthian columns. Georgiana was already a little ahead, eagerly removing her cloak, for she desired to play her latest sonata for her friend.
As Elizabeth approached the entrance, she raised her eyes to view the second-floor windows with their eared decorative casings and cornices. The house possessed an elegance that was not ostentatious. She thought it a reflection of the gentleman himself, refined, restrained, and quietly impressive.
Within the foyer, a footman relieved her of her heavy outer cloak, though she kept her cashmere shawl, for the air remained chill.
Reticule in hand, she followed after Jane and Mr. Bingley.
Mr. Darcy walked at her side, and when he reached for her hand, she lifted her eyes and saw that one corner of his lips curved up slightly. Was he smiling at her?
“Miss Elizabeth, are you warm enough?”
“Yes, sir, I am quite comfortable.”
He offered his arm, and she accepted it, as he called after his sister.
“Georgiana, where are you rushing off to, my dear?”
Georgiana turned. “Brother, I left the sheet music for my new song in my room. May I be excused to retrieve it? I wish to play it for Lizzy while we wait for dinner to be announced.”
“Of course, my dear, but send Peter or Robert, or one of the maids.”
She giggled. “Brother, they will never find it, for I fear I left it beneath a pile of school books in my parlor.”
“Very well, then. Run along. You will find us in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam.”
He glanced down at Elizabeth with a smile. “Georgiana is forever misplacing things. There are days when I doubt she will ever outgrow her habit of leaving half her possessions about the house.”
Elizabeth laughed, but their exchange was interrupted as Miss Bingley appeared in the doorway of the drawing room.
She was staring pointedly at Elizabeth, her eyes drawn to where Elizabeth’s hand remained covered by Mr. Darcy’s, a gesture which, until that moment, Elizabeth herself had scarcely noticed. Mr. Darcy withdrew his hand and offered Miss Bingley a brief bow.
“Miss Bingley. I see you have arrived. And the Hursts?”
Caroline colored. “My sister has not yet come. I arrived ahead of them, hoping to have a little time with you before dinner. I wished to ask a particular question regarding the investment of my dowry.”
Mr. Darcy’s brows lifted. “Is that so? Charles has not mentioned any desire for changes.”
She blushed further. “Well, sir, I have not yet broached the subject with my brother. I wished to ask you first, in case the idea was not sound.”
“I see.” His tone grew clipped. “That is a matter you should take to your solicitor, ma’am. I see no reason for such concerns to be placed before me. Your brother and your solicitor are the proper persons to manage your dowry.”
He turned at once to Elizabeth, dismissing Miss Bingley without another glance.
“Miss Elizabeth, may I offer you a drink? A little sherry, or canary, perhaps?”
“Sir, I wish to remain alert for the play. Would you think me too staid if I prefer negus?”
He smiled at her, but Miss Bingley sniffed.
“The poor country chit is very unfashionable.”
Both Darcy and Charles reddened.
Elizabeth’s eyes flew to Caroline’s face. Fury met her there, and Elizabeth drew back a step. From the expression she wore, Miss Bingley seemed determined to wound.
Jane did not hear the remark, for she was occupied in greeting Mr. and Mrs. Hurst as they entered.
Mr. Darcy led Elizabeth further into the room and again placed his hand over hers, then he inclined his head and spoke in a low voice.
“I apologize, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Bingley can be sharp, and for reasons I cannot comprehend, she has taken a dislike to you. Pray, pay her no heed.”
He lifted a finger to the waiting footman. “Peter, negus for Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana.”
“Yes, sir, at once.”
Darcy then led her to a dark green velvet settee which faced the fireplace, with carved legs terminating in brass castors, and he seated himself beside her.
“Is there anything I may bring you, Miss Elizabeth, for your comfort?”
Elizabeth had just parted her lips to answer when Miss Bingley dropped herself onto his other side and slipped her arm through his. Mr. Darcy disengaged himself at once.
Elizabeth watched in astonishment, for Miss Bingley would not be discouraged. Though she no longer held his arm, she moved nearer still, leaning close, her body pressed against his, to speak into his ear.
Mr. Darcy drew his head back, and he shifted away from her, moving closer toward Elizabeth.
“Miss Bingley, my guest sits beside me. If there is something you feel you must say which she cannot hear, I ask that you reserve it for another day.”
Elizabeth was just reflecting that Miss Bingley behaved like a troublesome fly, forever hovering near and provoking one to swat her away, when Georgiana entered and approached them.
“Lizzy, may I play a selection from Handel which I have learned for my brother?”
“Yes, I should be delighted to hear it. Would you like me to turn the pages for you?”
Miss Bingley interposed at once. “There is no need, Eliza. Georgiana and I are dear friends. I shall attend her.”
Georgiana’s face fell, but she quickly recovered herself.
“This selection from Handel is called Lascia chio pianga.”
She crossed to the pianoforte, with Miss Bingley beside her.
Mr. Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth, his voice lowered.
“That was fortuitous. I was wondering if I would have no opportunity to speak with you, for Caroline was determined to claim all my attention for herself. If we are very fortunate, she will offer to play the next piece.”
Elizabeth covered her mouth to conceal a giggle.
“Come,” he murmured. “Let us move to that little couch. It accommodates only two with comfort, and it is nearer the pianoforte, so no one will suspect that I am retreating from Miss Bingley.”