Chapter 35 #2
“You certainly deserve it and much more, together with my utter admiration,” Darcy insisted.
“Perhaps I should repeat it more often, until you become accustomed to hearing it.” He realised the eyes of all their guests were on him, so he raised his glass and added softly, “Though not at every dinner we host.”
For a moment, their words carried a special meaning, as if it were an intimate discussion, despite the room full of people. Their eyes locked, and the sparkle of joy in hers melted his heart.
“I could not be happier to see you two so well suited to each other,” Mrs Gardiner said. “This is all that I hoped for.”
“Your affection for Elizabeth is commendable, Mrs Gardiner,” Darcy said.
“I am glad to see her as happy as she deserves,” Mr Gardiner added, and Mrs Bennet’s expression darkened even more.
“Well, is it not delightful that everybody is so happy?” Mrs Bennet said sarcastically. “We may return to our old home, in our old carriage, and be happy for you all.”
“Why would you not be, Mrs Bennet?” Darcy asked her directly. “Is there something particular that troubles you about our happiness?”
The woman seemed shocked by the question and failed to answer, glancing at her husband for a support that did not come.
“As for the carriage that bothers you so much, Elizabeth and I have discussed it, and we would be happy to lend you one of ours — the largest and most comfortable, the one we use to travel to Pemberley — to take you all to Longbourn. I hope that is convenient for you.”
“It is. Thank you, Mr Darcy,” Mr Bennet said, while his wife was still lost for words.
“Are you leaving London before the party?” Bingley suddenly asked, and all eyes turned to him.
“What party?” Miss Lydia asked brazenly. “This is the first interesting topic raised tonight!”
“Lady Matlock — Mr Darcy’s aunt — is hosting a private party to honour our marriage and introduce me to some of her close acquaintances and friends in town,” Elizabeth replied calmly. “Jane is invited, since she was part of our household when the guest list was drawn up.”
“I was not informed about any party,” Mrs Bennet uttered coldly. “We are invited too, certainly! Since the party is in your honour, it follows that your family is invited.”
“It does not, actually. We did not know you would unexpectedly come to London,” Elizabeth explained in a composed voice, “and Lady Matlock did not consider you in her numbers.”
“Then, we are not invited?” Miss Catherine repeated.
“Not this time. But I am sure there will be other opportunities for future parties,” Elizabeth concluded, and only then did her stepmother realise she was being rejected.
“Lizzy, can you not ask Lady Matlock? If the party is for you, she cannot refuse you! Or if we came with you, as your particular guests, she would not throw us out,” Miss Lydia brazenly suggested.
“Lydia! Certainly not! I shall not impose uninvited guests on anyone nor beg Lady Matlock for more kindness than she has already shown me!”
“But, Lizzy…”
“Enough!” Mr Bennet raised his voice. “Mrs Bennet! Control your daughter. We should be grateful that at least Jane is invited. Let us be reasonable. We shall never be accepted in the circles where Elizabeth will spend her life from now on. We should be thankful for any little attention she bestows on us. After all, she does not owe us anything. She never did!”
“I cannot imagine why someone would assume Elizabeth owes anything to anyone,” Darcy declared. “But I am sure she will generously support her family in the future, as I know she has done in the past. Now, gentlemen, shall we have a drink after all while the ladies enjoy some tea or sherry?”
“I would rather go home. I find I am very tired,” Mrs Bennet declared stiffly.
“As you wish,” Mr Bennet said sternly, and nobody else tried to change her mind.
Less than half an hour later, the Gracechurch Street party departed after an awkward farewell with Mr and Mrs Bennet and a more affectionate one with the Gardiners. Once the door had closed behind them, Darcy stole a private moment with his wife.
“How are you feeling?” he asked her quietly.
“I am well. Very well, in fact,” she said, looking up at him.
“You do look very well, Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, but you have praised me enough for one evening. And yes, I understand your reason and very much appreciate it,” she teased him.
“The only reason I praised you is that you deserved it. I was nothing but honest in everything I said. You should not doubt that.”
Despite his words, she did still appear doubtful, and she gazed intently at him, wrinkling her nose a little, as if trying to see more in his words.
“Let us return to our guests,” she finally suggested, taking his arm of her own will.
With the party now much reduced, they shared a friendly, entertaining conversation and several drinks for another hour.
Darcy shared a sofa with his wife, delighted to see her so relaxed.
As she talked animatedly, her hands gesturing as she spoke, she touched him a few times, her eyes and lips smiling at him.
Time passed easily, and it was after midnight when they finally retired. Thomas Crawford and Bingley left, then Elizabeth and Jane went to their rooms, while Darcy had a final drink with his cousin in the library.
“Dear Lord, that woman is worse than Lady Catherine,” the colonel burst out. “Poor Mr Bennet!”
“Poor Elizabeth. She has grown up with that woman as her stepmother since she was an infant,” Darcy said, gulping his drink.
“So, what did she want? A carriage? Did I understand her correctly?”
“Yes, and to be honest, I would not be against purchasing them a new one, but Elizabeth refuses to indulge her.”
“Rightfully so. A carriage? Elizabeth should not purchase them a hair pin.”
“I shall allow Elizabeth the liberty to treat her family as she desires. I trust her judgment.”
“As you should. How is Georgiana?”
“She is improving. She has grown attached to Elizabeth, which has truly helped her recovery. Thank you for supporting me tonight, Cousin.”
“It was an entertaining evening, to be sure. Now I should leave, and you should go to your wife, Darcy. You know, I was quite honest when I said I envy you. Marriage seems to suit you.”
“I certainly feel it does, Cousin. I am glad you noticed it too.”