Chapter 12 #3
“He apologised to your uncle and I, and very prettily, too. The young man has a gift with the written word.”
“He–he what? Shock rippled through Elizabeth. “When?”
Mrs Gardiner waggled her hand, “Mm, a couple of days after the musicale. He sent a note of apology, adding that it had to be written, since he was not permitted near us.” Mrs Gardiner bit the insides of her lips. “I gather Lady Anne was displeased with his behaviour.”
“I am all astonishment.” Elizabeth replied, dumbfounded at this new information.
Elizabeth finished her tea and bid her aunt a good night. Between the aches and her muddled thoughts sleep did not come quickly.
~ / ~
Darcy could not stand still. Even his valet’s tsks, did not keep him from fidgeting.
When his valet finally stepped away, Darcy moved to stand directly in front of his mirror. He was pleased Rogers had suggested a more striking ensemble for this evening. For the first time in his life, he eagerly anticipated what it would be like to dance with a young lady.
Giggles had wafted down the halls of the family wing all afternoon. Anne, Georgiana and Elizabeth had converged on Anne’s room and it seems they were having a delightful time preparing for the ball.
“Lizzy, I am so pleased your uncle and aunt agreed to let you join us this afternoon.”
“It was of great assistance to me, as well. This way Lady Anne may act as my chaperone. Otherwise, I do not see how I could have attended.”
“Nonsense, Miss Bennet. I would have insisted Mother and I pick you up.” The imperial tilt of her head was quite reminiscent of Lady Catherine, causing the other two to stifle laughter.
Lady Anne entered after knocking. “Now girls, you must not be late. Anne is the lady of the hour and should be in the receiving line before the guests arrive.” She kissed her daughter’s head and chivvied the other two to hurry.
Finally, after much discussion of gowns, lace, hairstyles and slippers, Elizabeth and Anne were ready to go downstairs.
“Lizzy, would you like to borrow any of my jewellery pieces?” Georgiana’s voice was soft and hesitant.
“That is kind of you Georgiana, but I will not misrepresent myself. I truly am pleased with my appearance this evening.”
Elizabeth was wearing a cream dress with a pale rose lace overlay.
The colours blended together into a becoming soft pink.
Her only embellishment was a cream sash tied high on the waist emphasizing her curves.
The ensemble gave the impression of a rose in bloom.
Cream beaded hair pins, and ribbons, were woven around the braids in her hair.
Softly curled tendrils framed either side of her face.
Elizabeth observed her reflection in the mirror, pleased with the results.
Anne was wearing one of her new gowns. With her lighter colouring they had agreed on a light blue gown, thinking it would show well against the porcelain glow of her skin.
“Goodnight, Georgiana. I shall describe the ball in detail the next time I see you.”
Georgiana hugged Elizabeth and kissed Anne on the cheek. “You both look beautiful. I hope you dance every dance!” Her laughter trailed behind her, as she skipped down the hall to her own chamber.
Anne hesitated. “Miss Bennet-”
“Please call me Elizabeth or Lizzy.”
“Then I am Anne, but perhaps only when my mother is not around.”
Elizabeth took Anne’s hand, “Are you ready, Anne?”
Anne shook her head and looked down.
“You are not nervous, are you? Why, you are the daughter of the Great Lady Catherine de Bourgh. There is not a nerve in your body.” She spoke in a haughty tone, earning a smile from Anne.
Arm in arm, Elizabeth and Anne left the suite and stepped to the top of the stairs. Below, Mr Darcy and Lady Anne stood waiting. Lady Catherine paced until she spied the girls and her cry of ‘At last’ rang over the vestibule.
Darcy looked up from where he had been leaning against the wall and froze.
He was transfixed at the sight of Elizabeth descending the stairs.
For a moment he forgot to breathe. She was everything lovely and the sight of her caused ungentlemanly reactions to his body.
He looked away and thought of cloying, simpering shrews to satisfactory effect.
The next few minutes were busy, full of compliments and donning of elegant outerwear. Outside stood two carriages ready to transport their party. One for the de Bourghs and Elizabeth, the other for the Darcys.
When they arrived, Darcy hopped out first, so he could attend to the other. After helping his aunt down, she waved him away. “Take Anne in. And Miss Bennet too, if you must.”
He offered one arm to Elizabeth and one to Anne, escorting them into the Matlock residence.
For Elizabeth it was like walking into a fairyland. Candles were lit everywhere, their glow bouncing and glinting off both mirrors and chandeliers. The sweet fragrance of large flower arrangements filled the air.
She was enchanted. Not one of the other balls she had attended came close to this evening’s display. Despite herself, Elizabeth felt her heart accelerate in anticipation.