Chapter 25
Chapter twenty-five
The drawing room was already full when the butler announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley.”
Miss Bingley advanced with a smile, though a slight tension about her mouth did not entirely accord with the warmth of her tone. “I am so happy to be returned to our dear friends.”
Elizabeth glanced at Georgiana, smiling as she gave a small encouraging nod.
Georgiana straightened at once. “Pray be seated.”
Mr. Bingley went directly to Jane and took a seat beside her; they were soon engaged in quiet conversation.
The rest of the party arranged themselves.
Lady Catherine lifted her cane from beside her chair and held it upright, her hand resting firmly upon its head.
Elizabeth turned aside, just managing to suppress a smile.
Darcy entered shortly thereafter and paused upon observing the company.
Elizabeth suspected he had already informed of the new arrivals.
After only a moment’s hesitation, he crossed the room and took a seat beside Elizabeth.
Miss Bingley’s smile faltered, her gaze flicking toward the empty chair beside her. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. We are so very happy to see you again.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I hope your journey was not too fatiguing.”
Miss Bingley waved a hand lightly. “Travel is seldom pleasant, though it is well worth any inconvenience when it restores us to our friends.”
Elizabeth turned toward Georgiana and smiled at her for a moment.
Georgiana rose at once. “I shall have tea brought in.” She pulled the bell cord.
A brief silence settled over the room.
Georgiana glanced toward Elizabeth, her hands twisting slightly.
Elizabeth met her look with a steady, encouraging smile. “I am much looking forward to the theatre this evening. Which play are we to see?”
Darcy returned her smile. “As You Like It.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I do prefer the comedies.”
Miss Bingley drew herself up slightly. “Comedies are well enough, but I think the more serious plays are to be preferred.”
Darcy gave a small shrug. “As You Like It has long been a particular favorite of mine.”
Miss Bingley inclined her head quickly. “Indeed, it is one of my favorites as well.”
Mrs. Bennet shifted in her chair and cast Miss Bingley a look of mild displeasure before settling back again.
Anne suppressed a laugh, which she hastily disguised as a small cough.
The maid entered with the tea tray.
Georgiana began to pour, while Elizabeth and Mary assisted in handing cups to the guests.
Lady Catherine did not take her tea. Her attention remained fixed upon Miss Bingley.
“Miss Bingley, pray inform me, how old are you?”
Miss Bingley started slightly and glanced about her. “I am two and twenty."
Mrs. Hurst gave a discreet cough.
Miss Bingley corrected herself quickly. “Three and twenty.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head. “You are tolerably handsome, though not striking; yet you display a degree of determination which, if properly directed, may be of advantage. With proper guidance, I have no doubt you might secure a very respectable match.”
Miss Bingley turned toward Mrs. Hurst, her smile held firmly in place, though the strain was now unmistakable. Her grip tightened upon her teacup.
Mr. Bingley, entirely unaware of the discomfort, looked toward Darcy. “I say, Miss Bennet mentioned you are to attend the theatre this evening. It would be quite delightful if we might all go together.”
Darcy allowed himself a faint smile. “Certainly. We should be glad of your company.”
Mr. Bingley’s face brightened. “Excellent. That is settled, then.”
***
Shortly after the Bingleys and the Hursts departed, the rest of the party moved into the dining room for luncheon.
Darcy took his place at one end of the table, with Lady Catherine on one side and Elizabeth on the other.
Georgiana sat opposite him, between Anne and Mr. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet seated herself beside Lady Catherine, though her expression suggested she was not entirely pleased.
Mary, Kitty, and Lydia occupied the remaining seats.
After the first course had been served, Lady Catherine turned to Darcy.
“You must have some acquaintance who would suit Miss Bingley. At the very least, she might be prevented from seeking your company so constantly.”
Darcy, who had just taken a sip of his wine, was seized with an unfortunate cough.
Elizabeth concealed her smile behind her glass.
When he had recovered, Darcy turned to Lady Catherine. “I fear I should not retain the friendship of any gentleman disposed to such behaviour.”
Lady Catherine considered this. “Yes, perhaps it would be better to find someone who might take her some distance away. I shall give the matter my consideration.”
Darcy made another attempt, though with less conviction. “Perhaps Miss Bingley might be permitted to choose her own path.”
Lady Catherine shook her head. “No, no, that will never do. It would only serve to keep her fixed upon you.”
Mrs. Bennet set down her fork. “You must admit, Lady Catherine is quite right in that. A more determined schemer I have never met.”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and said under his breath, “Pray assist me.”
Elizabeth set down her glass. “Anne, have you determined what you shall wear this evening?”
Anne looked at her in some alarm. “No, I have not. I do not believe I have anything suitable. My new gowns will not be ready until next week.”
Elizabeth regarded her thoughtfully. “I am quite certain that between Mary and myself we shall find something that will answer very well.”
Mary nodded eagerly. “Oh yes, I have just the gown in mind. It is a very pretty green silk, and I am persuaded it would suit you exceedingly well.”
Lydia leaned forward with interest. “I cannot wait until I may attend such events.”
Kitty nodded, her expression dreamy.
Jane smiled. “I have a pair of jade earrings that would pair very nicely with that gown.”
Anne looked between them with growing delight. “Perhaps we might look at it together after luncheon.”
Mr. Bennet observed the rising enthusiasm with quiet amusement. Lady Catherine regarded Elizabeth for a moment before giving a small, approving nod.
***
After the gown for Anne had been tried on and given to the maid for minor alterations, Elizabeth returned to the drawing room. Finding it empty, she asked of the butler whether Mr. Darcy was at leisure.
He inclined his head and requested she follow him.
He led her to Mr. Darcy’s study and knocked. At the sound of “Enter,” he opened the door.
“Miss Bennet.”
Darcy looked up and smiled with evident pleasure. “Thank you, Simmons.”
Simmons bowed and withdrew.
Elizabeth stepped inside, her gaze moving about the room. “I approve. I shall have to make my own study very much like this.”
Darcy gave a soft laugh. “I am honoured by your approval. And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Elizabeth met his gaze. “I feel that, as I rescued you at luncheon, you might consider accompanying me on a ride this afternoon in Hyde Park.”
Darcy rose at once. “I am much obliged to you for your timely assistance. I should be very happy to attend you.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Then I shall change and meet you at the stables.”
A short time later, Elizabeth entered the stables to find Bramble and Atlas already saddled, with Mr. Darcy waiting nearby.
He assisted her to mount, and soon they were riding toward Hyde Park.
Though the park was more crowded than they had hoped, they soon found themselves beyond the busiest paths and were able to canter more freely.
At length, they turned from the riding path toward the Serpentine, where the water lay calm beneath the afternoon light. Drawing rein beneath a line of trees, they dismounted, and, after entrusting the horses to a waiting groom, walked a short distance to a bench overlooking the water.
They sat together in companionable silence.
After a moment, Darcy turned toward her and took her hand, his touch steady, his thumb moving lightly almost absently across her glove.
“I find I have little inclination for any place where you are not, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth’s gaze fell to their joined hands.
For a moment, she could neither think nor speak.
“You are very good, Mr. Darcy,” she said at last, though her voice was not entirely steady.
Darcy smiled quietly, but with evident satisfaction, as though he understood more than she wished him to.
He held her gaze a moment longer before rising. “Come, we should return.”
***
Darcy stood at the foot of the steps, waiting as the ladies descended.
Georgiana appeared first, looking very elegant. Mary followed soon after, her hair arranged in an elegant mass of curls, her dark blue gown catching the candlelight.
Jane, Elizabeth, and Anne descended together.
Darcy found his attention fixed entirely upon Elizabeth.
Her hair was elaborately arranged, secured with pearl-tipped pins, and her gown of deep rose silk suited her exceedingly well.
Anne wore the green silk dress that had been altered to fit her beautifully, along with the jade earrings borrowed from Jane; she appeared very happy.
Jane wore a pale blue silk gown; her hair arranged in several braids wrapped neatly into a knot.
Darcy smiled. “I shall be the most envied man at the theatre, escorting so many lovely ladies.”
He turned to Elizabeth. “You look exceedingly well. I have not the words to do you justice.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You are doing very well so far, sir.”
Darcy glanced about. “Are we waiting for your parents?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “They are not coming.”
Darcy’s brows drew together slightly. “I am surprised.”
Elizabeth smiled, lowering her voice in imitation of her father. “‘London holds few attractions for me, but I find your Mr. Darcy’s library, as I believe I must now call it, remarkably tolerable.’”
“And my mother,” she continued in her usual tone, “is concerned with being observed, and fears she may commit some impropriety.”
Darcy inclined his head. “The ton may be both intimidating and tiresome.”
Lady Catherine entered the hall. “Well, are we to remain here all evening, or shall we proceed to the theatre?”
They followed her to the carriage and soon set off. As they neared the theatre, their carriage joined the long line waiting to set down its passengers.
***
At last, they arrived, and Darcy assisted the ladies from the carriage, offering his arm to Elizabeth, while Georgiana remained close beside them.
“Pray stay near,” he said quietly. “We should not wish to be separated.”
They entered the building. Brilliant light filled the entrance, where clusters of elegantly dressed company gathered in easy conversation.
Glances were exchanged as frequently as words, and many had come as much to observe as to be entertained.
The hum of voices and movement gave the whole scene an air of fashionable anticipation.
Elizabeth looked about and soon noticed the Matlocks and Colonel Fitzwilliam making their way toward them. She touched Darcy’s sleeve lightly and inclined her head in their direction.
Lord and Lady Matlock greeted them with composed warmth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled. “It hardly seems fair that you should have the escort of so many lovely ladies, Darcy.”
Darcy gave a slight shrug. “You must find your own.”
Before more was said, Miss Bingley’s voice was heard before she came into view. The Bingleys and the Hursts approached the group.
Miss Bingley stepped directly toward Darcy. “It is so good to see you,” she said, taking his arm, already occupied by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth released his arm at once; her expression did not change.
Darcy stopped short and looked at Miss Bingley with marked displeasure. “I beg your pardon, Miss Bingley.”
He immediately resumed his place beside Elizabeth and Georgiana and led them toward their box.
Bingley came up beside his sister with Jane. “Come along, Caroline, do try to behave.”
Darcy guided Elizabeth, Georgiana, Mary, and Anne into his box, with Colonel Fitzwilliam joining them. Nearby, in the adjoining box, Lord and Lady Matlock were seated with Lady Catherine, the Bingleys, Jane, and the Hursts.
Though the actors commanded the stage, the surrounding boxes offered their own quiet entertainment.
Elizabeth’s attention wandered from the performance to the adjoining box. Lady Catherine was speaking with evident authority, one hand lifted slightly as she addressed Miss Bingley, who listened with a fixed smile.
A movement beside her drew her notice. Jane and Mr. Bingley were engaged in quiet conversation, their heads inclined toward one another, seemingly far more interested in each other than in the play.
Elizabeth allowed herself a small smile before returning her gaze to the stage.
It was only after some time that she became aware of the warmth of Mr. Darcy’s hand about her own.
She glanced toward him, her expression softening, but his attention remained fixed upon the stage, as though nothing were out of the ordinary.
His fingers tightened slightly around hers, a quiet acknowledgment, before his composure returned unchanged.
Elizabeth turned her gaze back to the stage, though she could not have said what passed upon it.
The conclusion of the act brought a stir of movement, as the audience rose and conversation resumed with renewed energy.
During the interval, refreshments were brought, and glasses of lemonade quietly set before the ladies.
Several gentlemen approached the box, requesting the honour of an introduction. Darcy complied with calm ease, presenting the ladies with a composure that suggested such attention was neither unexpected nor unwelcome.
Elizabeth bore it with grace, though she was not entirely insensible to the notice she attracted.
When the next interval brought further requests of the same nature, Darcy received them with rather less enthusiasm, though his manners remained perfectly correct.
By the close of the performance, even the most attentive among them felt the length of the evening, and the party welcomed the prospect of returning home.
Georgiana’s early animation had softened into quiet contentment, while Anne, though smiling, showed clear signs of fatigue.
Even Elizabeth felt the gentle weight of the long evening.
Darcy and Elizabeth guided the party toward the exit.
After a short wait, their carriage was brought round. The ladies entered and took their seats, and after a moment Jane joined them.
The return passed in near silence, the fatigue of the evening settling over them all.
Upon their arrival at Darcy House, the ladies began to ascend the stairs, but Darcy detained Elizabeth for a moment.
He smiled. “I believe I could be persuaded to enjoy London society, when it is shared with such company.”
Elizabeth returned his smile. “I shall remember that sir. Good night.”