Chapter 5 #2
Elizabeth could not stop smiling at the handsome young man, even if he was not the most proficient conversationalist. Elated over the formal introduction, she was bewildered when all colour and expression drained from his countenance.
Turning to see what had captured his attention, she noted the men were discussing her uncle’s business.
With a frown she demanded, “You object to good men making an honest living, sir?”
“Not at all, madam. I am sure many men must earn their living somehow.” His tone was derisive and he spoke at a great enough volume everyone nearby could hear.
Lady Anne, who had surreptitiously been watching her son, witnessed the moment things turned from fumbling to absolute disaster. Embarrassed, she clutched her son’s arm in a pinching grip and smiled charmingly at the group.
“Pray excuse us. My son recalls a prior engagement and must excuse himself.”
With a few sympathetic comments trailing behind her, Lady Anne walked her son slowly to exit the salon. She smiled and greeted people along their path, keeping her hand clamped firmly on his arm.
Reaching the hallway, she continued with him towards the entryway.
“Do not say one word,” she hissed quietly.
“If you were not a grown man, I would put you over my knee. Those good people you denigrated are friends; ones we have known for years and hold in great esteem.” She wagged a finger in his face.
“Go home. We will speak of this tomorrow. Until then you will not leave the house.”
“But–”
“Silence!” she hissed.
His mouth closed with a snap.
“You will not go out until your father and I speak with you,” she repeated.
Darcy appeared shocked, not surprisingly. There had never been reason to speak to him in such a way before. She watched him gather his outerwear and leave.
Lady Anne Darcy stood motionless in the hall. She knew bringing Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth together would be challenging, but this travesty was disheartening. It was difficult to imagine Elizabeth forgiving her son any time soon.
Her husband came out to find her. “Come, my dear.” He kissed her hand, “Let us enjoy the evening. We will deal with our misguided son tomorrow.”
Elizabeth was relieved when Mr Darcy and Lady Anne re-entered the room without their son. She was sorely disappointed by this shade in the young man’s character. How two such lovely people could be parents to such a proud, disagreeable man defied all reason.
When a servant rang a small bell indicating it was time for the program to begin, Mrs Gardiner pulled Elizabeth to her side before they took their seats.
“Lizzy, I know you are upset. Pray do not let it distress you. Young Darcy’s reaction was not a solitary occurrence, nor shall it be the last time your uncle and I are spoken of thusly.”
“But, his parents–”
“Can only do so much. He is a consequence of Society and all its prejudices. Come now, I will not have you make a bad impression on the rest of the people here because you fell into high dudgeon. What would I tell your mother if you were blackballed from all future events?”
Elizabeth laughed, which had been Mrs Gardiner’s goal.
“There is beautiful music to enjoy, Lizzy, and I have a feeling Lady Anne shall insist on introducing you to as many people as possible this evening.”
Elizabeth took her seat, still flushed from her high emotions, but when the music began, she soon relaxed and let the melodies calm her spirit.
Some performers were merely technically proficient, but others had a gift similar to Lady Anne’s.
Those performances were sublime. Elizabeth’s eyes closed in pleasure, unaware she had caught the notice of a young man, who did not remove his eyes from her.
During the break the young man sought an introduction once he understood she was an acquaintance of the Darcy’s.
“Mr Darcy,” the younger man bowed, “I am not sure you will remember me. I was in school the same year with your nephew, Richard Fitzwilliam. We all knew each other during our years at Eton and Cambridge.”
“Yes, of course. Mr… Vernon?”
“Yes, sir. Nicholas Vernon, of Chester in Sussex. It is a pleasure to see you again. I thought I saw Darcy here earlier.”
“He left early, for a previous engagement.” Mr Darcy took a swallow of the drink he held.
“Ah, well that is a shame. I would have liked to greet him. However,” Mr Vernon’s eyes settled on Elizabeth, “I was wondering, sir, if I might beg an introduction to the young lady your lady wife is speaking to?”
Mr Darcy looked over and smiled. “I should be happy to introduce you.”
Vernon followed Mr Darcy to the small group. “My dear, this young man wishes to be made known to Miss Bennet.”
“Mr Nicholas Vernon.” With a quick nod of confirmation, Mr Darcy continued, “This is Mr Edward Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, their niece. She is visiting from her father’s estate in Hertfordshire.
This is Mr Vernon who hails from Sussex.
He was in Cambridge with my son and nephew. ”
After curtseys and bows all around, Mr Vernon wasted no time engaging Elizabeth in conversation. “It is a pleasure to meet you all. Miss Bennet, I could not help but notice your enjoyment of the music we heard this evening.”
“Indeed, sir. Some of the compositions were very well performed.”
“I agree. But what caught my eye was your serene countenance as you listened.”
Elizabeth blushed, “I would expect the eyes of the audience to be on the performer, sir.”