Chapter 18 #2
“As much as you do not like to be questioned, this is quite a legitimate concern, Darcy,” Lord Matlock interjected, not ready to let the subject of his niece’s marriage rest. “It is quite ridiculous that we have not seen Georgiana since her unexpected wedding. Nor have we heard from her. Where is she? When should we expect to see her? I hope you at least keep a regular correspondence with her!”
“As you know, I have met her several times in the last few months, Uncle. I shall inform you as soon as I have news to share. But please, let us not discuss her since she is not present. And such family matters should not be the subject of conversation while entertaining guests. Let me only assure you that nobody is more concerned about her well-being than I am.”
“We know you are, Darcy, but it is understandable for her family and friends to also be concerned for her since she married all of a sudden and we have not seen her since.”
“I shall not argue with that, Aunt. As I said, I shall inform you as soon as I have news about her plans.”
“May I ask, what play will you see?” Mrs Gardiner asked, changing the subject, much to Darcy’s relief.
The play occasioned an animated conversation, with Mr Bennet having the chance to prove his knowledge on the subject.
Bingley seemed far more interested in Miss Jane Bennet and the opportunity of spending more time in her company than in which play they would see, while his sisters seemed to disapprove of almost everything.
The party continued until close to midnight. The Bingleys were the first to leave, followed shortly by Lord and Lady Matlock, while the colonel remained, less concerned with the worsening weather.
The hour was late, and the remaining guests withdrew for the night. Elizabeth wished to accompany her relatives to their chambers and bade the colonel farewell, leaving him in Darcy’s care.
“May I offer you a last drink, Richard?” Darcy asked as the two of them moved towards the library.
“I thank you, no. I am expected at another party, a more private one, where I shall have plenty of drinks.”
“I see… I thought—”
“I only stayed to ask what you know about Wickham and Georgiana. Has she arrived in London yet? What about that rogue? Have you given him the money yet?”
“No and no. I have the money prepared, the solicitors are informed, the papers are all ready, they just needed to be signed and the amount to be handed to the scoundrel. Which will not happen until I speak to my sister privately.”
“I want to be part of that meeting.”
“You will be, as we already agreed. You were Georgiana’s guardian and will be my witness when I complete this sordid affair.”
“You should still consider my idea of having that wretch killed. Nobody would miss him.”
“I beg you not to bring up that subject again, though I confess it has become quite an attractive prospect.”
“As you wish, Darcy. I shall wait for news from you. May I ask how your marriage is? Mrs Darcy looked particularly charming tonight but a little bit preoccupied.”
“My marriage is better than I hoped for. With everything happening in such a short time, both Elizabeth and I are preoccupied.”
“Very well. I shall not insist on further details. I bid you a good night, Darcy. I am certainly going to have one.”
Even after his cousin left, Darcy remained in the library for a little while and emptied his glass of brandy.
The wind shook the windows, and a heavy, cold rain battered against them.
He felt just as cold inside, and his thoughts were spinning in his head.
Everyone was asking about Georgiana and, in truth, he had no answers.
The next day, he would talk to Wickham and demand immediate explanations.
Finally, he entered his chamber, where his man was waiting, having already laid out his nightclothes. He was about to change for the night when he heard muffled sounds from Elizabeth’s room. He hesitated a moment, then rapped on the door twice.
“Come,” he heard her voice, sooner than he expected.
She was again reading, curled up in a chair by the fire, already in her nightgown, her hair loose, falling freely over her shoulders.
The fire lit up her face, and when she looked at him, the sparkle in her eyes warmed him suddenly.
Was it possible that his wife had become more beautiful as the days passed by, or was it he who had become more perceptive to her charms?
“I shall not disturb you. I only wished to say goodnight and—”
“You are not disturbing me. I cannot sleep yet.”
“Elizabeth, I must thank you for the delightful dinner party. Your efforts were much appreciated.”
“It was hardly any effort,” she replied, putting the book down. “I have had highly skilled and diligent servants at my disposal and an excellent housekeeper who took care of everything. I have done little and deserve no credit. But I do hope our guests had a pleasant time.”
“I am sure they did.”
“How about you, sir? Did you enjoy your time? You seemed preoccupied throughout the entire evening. I hope it was not bad news you received just before dinner?”
“No…there was some news, but it was no worse than I expected. I had a pleasant time, and I apologise if my manners did not show it. You were a charming and beautiful hostess.”
“You are too generous with your compliments,” she said with a smile. “Shall we indeed go to the theatre?”
“Of course. I would be more than happy to join you, but as I said, regardless of my presence or absence, you should go with your father and sister. Your father is extending his stay for that very reason. That box is for the use of our family as much as Lord and Lady Matlock.”
“Very well. May I ask…do you have news about your sister? I know everybody already enquired about this, and I can see how disturbed you are about the subject and annoyed by everyone mentioning it, but I—”
“The truth is I have no recent news about her,” he admitted. “I shall go and talk to Wickham tomorrow.”
“Oh…I am sorry to hear that. I pray you will find what you seek tomorrow.”
“And you? What plans do you have? I was thinking that, since your sister and your father will accompany us to the theatre the day after tomorrow but the Gardiners are already engaged, they may as well stay here for those two days, or longer if they wish. If that is acceptable to you and to them.”
“Oh…that would be wonderful. I had not considered it.”
“You may have an excursion tomorrow. I imagine it is too cold for walking in the park, but a museum or a visit to the shops, perhaps? You may do anything you wish.”
“I shall speak to them in the morning. I am sure they would be very pleased to extend their stay here. My father wishes to make some more purchases for my sisters and stepmother, and afterwards he would probably be happy to just spend the rest of his time in the library.”
“I am glad you approve of my idea, Elizabeth. In truth, it gives me great pleasure every time we agree upon something.”
“I am sure we would agree more often if you would share more of your ideas or concerns with me, Fitzwilliam.”
“I shall endeavour to do that,” he answered, then said goodnight, bowed, and left.
His last image was of her bare feet and delicate ankles, peeking from the bottom of her nightgown, and he needed another drink to calm his stirred senses before he finally fell asleep.