Chapter 5 #3
“Ah, but it is impossible to look away from such beauty,” his grin made light of the cloyingly sweet compliment.
“Shocking! Shall I believe your words or your mischievous expression?”
“A little of both, madam, for fear of scaring you away completely.”
Elizabeth by that time mirrored his grin, “Very well, I shall accept your little compliment and I thank you.”
The older members of their group had moved away a bit, keeping their eyes on the couple.
“Miss Bennet, of the pieces we have heard so far, which were your favourites?” The last remaining minutes of the break were spent discussing music.
Before returning to their seats Mr Vernon bowed over Elizabeth’s hand. “I hope we shall meet again soon, Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you, Mr Vernon. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.”
When the performers had finished exhibiting, Mr and Mrs Gardiner were both fatigued, so they bade goodnight to the Darcys and their hosts.
It was a quiet ride home and Elizabeth bade her uncle and aunt good night as soon as they arrived.
~ / ~
When Mr Darcy and Lady Anne arrived home, they retired directly to their private chambers.
Lady Anne sighed as she laid down her hair brush. “That did not go well. I am afraid Elizabeth was not impressed with our son.”
Her husband snorted, “Who would be? It could not have gone worse. She certainly did not appreciate his comment about her uncle.”
“No more than I.” Lady Anne huffed in irritation.
Mr Darcy sat down heavily on a chair by the fireplace. “Where did we go wrong?”
“I do not believe it was us. Fitzwilliam is essentially a good man. We certainly raised him with good principles.” Lady Anne rose from her place in front of the mirror and began to pace.
“I blame the warped ideals of Society. It has made him too aware of his own consequence, at least, in material matters.”
“I hate to say this, but he may require a reckoning before he sees the light.” Mr Darcy wore a look of displeasure.
“Sadly, I agree, and I think it is coming.” She stopped in front of her husband. “Did you see his face when he looked at Elizabeth?”
“I did not.”
“He liked her,” she bounced on her toes. “I knew he would.”
He took hold of her hand. “Perhaps, but she assuredly did not like him. Besides, how do we get him to set aside his pride?”
“We tell him to stay away from her. She will not be interested in him, so pursuing her would be a waste of time. He will feel compelled to give chase.”
“You, my beautiful wife,” he placed light kisses on the hand he held, “sound like you are scheming.”
“No scheme, my love. Elizabeth is a young woman who knows her mind, and she is currently livid at our son. He, on the other hand, firmly believes every woman wants him. For the first time in his life, he will have to work hard to gain a young lady’s approbation.
One who greatly interests him, mind you.
Through his efforts, respect and admiration for Elizabeth will grow. ”
“Anne, what of Miss Bennet? Is it fair to play with her feelings in such a way?” He tugged on her hand and guided her to sit on his lap.
“I will introduce her to many young men during her time in town. Should she meet someone she can love, it will not matter.”
“Love?”
“Elizabeth told me she means to marry only for affection. I am not afraid for her.” Lady Anne began running her hand through her husband’s hair, smoothing it back.
“And if she should lose her heart to our son, but he cannot change?”
The movement of her hand stilled. “George, he must change! I fear for him if he does not. But I have a feeling all will be well.”
“I hope you are correct. I would not like to explain our meddling to Gardiner, if his niece should befall heartache at our hands.”
~ / ~
Elizabeth excused the maid as soon as she was changed into her night-rail. She was desperate to be alone to contemplate the evening events. Or rather, one aspect of the evening.
Taking up her brush, it tore through her curls in rough strokes as she stalked up and down the room.
Her thoughts were full of the insufferable man.
That he should be related to Mr Darcy and Lady Anne.
How full of pride and conceit can a man be to publicly insult friends of his own parents.
Her uncle and aunt Gardiner were the best people she knew and did not deserve such treatment.
With a huff she sat in front of the vanity to braid her hair.
Then, picking up a book, she tried to read but threw it back down after a minute, not comprehending a single word she had read.
She paced, taking quick steps first in one direction, then the other.
Her agitation would not abate. With the park outing scheduled for the following morning, she would be a tired, wretched creature should sleep evade her the entire night.
Elizabeth blew out her candle and plopped down onto the window seat.
Taking deep slow breaths, she looked out into the night and counted the stars, willing her heart rate to settle.
At length, she calmed enough to climb into bed.
Tears made a damp patch on her pillow before all thoughts eventually faded into sleep.