Chapter 22 #2
Of course, the consequences of George Wickham’s influence over his father were more dramatic than those of Fanny Bennet over her husband.
Or perhaps not, if he were to consider how much Elizabeth had suffered as a child at her stepmother’s hand.
About that, Darcy still knew little and prayed that one day his wife would confess her past to him.
He could not expect further confidences from her, though, as long as he kept so many secrets from her.
He had only to wonder at her resilience and character to become the wonderful young woman he had met and married, despite all the hardship life had thrown her way.
New appreciation for her and gratitude for having her in his life washed over him.
In the breakfast room, Elizabeth and her father and sister were already sitting with their hands wrapped about cups of hot beverages, and they looked up when he entered. He greeted everyone, his eyes lingering upon his wife, chose a chair for himself, then initiated a bit of conversation.
“Do you have anything planned for today, before the theatre?” he enquired.
“Nothing that I am aware of,” Mr Bennet answered. “We should be there around five o’clock, I assume?”
“Yes, there will be another play — a comedy — before the main performance,” Darcy answered.
“Besides, I am sorry to inform you that there will be as much acting off the stage as on it. Most people use these excursions to make an appearance, meet friends, and observe others. Those in the boxes are the main sport, of course. The play itself comes second.”
“We would not know, since we shall be in a box for the first time,” Mr Bennet confessed. “Regardless, I doubt anyone would show any sort of interest in me, so I am not concerned about the hustle and bustle. You and Elizabeth will probably not be equally fortunate.”
Darcy smiled. “True. Unfortunately, Elizabeth will have to face many curious gazes and sharp scrutiny. I shall do my best to protect her.”
“You must not be concerned about me, sir,” Elizabeth interjected with amusement.
“I expected such scrutiny when I agreed to marry you. I am well aware many young women and their mamas craved your attention, and your unmarried state fed their hopes. Their disappointment was inevitable, and I understand why they would hate me — or anyone else, I suppose — for occupying a place they desired.”
“I have never acted in a way that would allow anyone hope for any peculiar attention,” he responded with all seriousness.
“I am sure you have not, but I doubt that stopped them from hoping,” she said teasingly. “As I said, I expect the worst during the intervals, but I still trust I shall enjoy the play.”
“I shall do everything I can so you enjoy this evening,” Darcy answered, gazing at her.
Breakfast ended soon after, when Darcy received a note from Mr Gardiner, reminding him of the steps for their meeting the next day.
They had already agreed that Wickham would be forced to sign a very well-crafted document stipulating that Georgiana be free to return to her brother and that Wickham would make no further financial requests of Darcy.
He hoped signing such a promise would lessen the blackguard’s audacity, and with the prospect of thirty thousand pounds in his hand, he would surely not hesitate to sign anything.
To avoid any more surprises — which he still expected from Wickham — Darcy ordered Mr Ross and his men to watch the scoundrel’s every step, as well as the house where Georgiana resided, to be certain she was safe.
By the following evening, all being well, he would have his sister back home safely.
He briefly considered that she might not want to leave her husband, but he prayed that she would follow him, if not out of conviction, at least out of obedience, since her impetuous actions had already caused so much sorrow.
Around four o’clock, Bingley arrived, after walking the short distance between their houses, eager to accompany them to the theatre.
Darcy seized the chance to witness his friend’s increasing interest and rather marked attentions towards Miss Jane Bennet, which left him with some doubts.
Such a quick attachment could not be healthy, nor serious for either of them, and Darcy intended to address his friend on the matter.
They went to the theatre in Darcy’s carriage, and he sat between Bingley and Mr Bennet, holding his arm in order to protect it from the jostling.
The ladies sat on the opposite side, but he could not take his eyes off Elizabeth.
She looked particularly charming that evening, wearing a gown he had not seen before, and the way her hair was arranged was most becoming.
The set of jewellery he had offered her several hours earlier completed her image, but she would have been equally handsome without it.
She glanced at him a few times, a shade of pink on her cheeks and sparkles in her eyes.
As soon as they reached their destination, Darcy helped his wife down and placed her hand on his uninjured arm.
Bingley did the same with Miss Bennet, while Mr Bennet walked beside them.
In the crowded lobby, most gazes were upon them; Elizabeth’s hold tightened as a sign of her nervousness, and he placed his other hand over hers.
Darcy greeted a few acquaintances on the way to their box, where they were reunited with Lord and Lady Matlock, the colonel, and the viscount. Their reception was warm and friendly, displaying to anyone who had doubted it that Elizabeth was welcomed by their family, for which Darcy was grateful.
There was some commotion, as he had expected, as acquaintances visited the box and were introduced to Elizabeth and her family, then finally they trickled out, and the first play began.
It was a ridiculous comedy to which Darcy did not give much attention.
He gazed around absently, then he froze as he noticed Wickham, surrounded by a group of men and women, talking and laughing loudly.
The scoundrel gazed back at him, then nodded his head in acknowledgement; Darcy did not return the gesture.
Concerned, he looked about, but there was no sign of Georgiana.
The play continued, but he heard and saw nothing of it and was relieved when it ended. An interval followed, with people leaving their seats to mingle; Darcy was tempted to go to Wickham, but the thought of exposing Elizabeth to a confrontation restrained him.
During a lull in the steady flow of visitors to their box, as they were all engaged in conversation, exchanging impressions, the curtain was opened again, and a man a few years younger than Darcy bowed to them and spoke with some urgency, in a determined voice and with a self-assurance that irritated him.
“I must beg your forgiveness for my intrusion. I shall only bother you for a moment, to introduce myself to Mr and Mrs Darcy, whose presence here tonight I have just discovered with great delight. I am Thomas Crawford!” he said, leaving Darcy speechless and Elizabeth gasping with surprise and apparent pleasure.