Chapter 2.5 #4
Elizabeth noticed the coldness between Lady Matlock and her daughter-in-law, Lady Beatrice, and she recollected the colonel’s comments from the previous day. It seemed neither of them made any effort for a true reconciliation, and she wondered about the reasons behind such a deep family conflict.
During the comedy, Elizabeth only exchanged a few whispers with Georgiana. From time to time, she felt Darcy lean towards her or felt his hand gently touch hers with small caresses.
Once the comedy ended, there was another long break before the main performance.
The gentlemen left the box to take a much-needed stroll in the lobby and to enjoy some drinks.
The ladies began another conversation, moving from the subject of Almacks’s balls to the fashion plates in the latest edition of Ackermann’s Repository.
Elizabeth made a comment regarding a poem she read and very much enjoyed in Lady’s Monthly Museum, but none of the other ladies had seen it, and the topic was quickly abandoned.
Lady Matlock—as well as Sophia and Georgiana—intervened very little in the conversation. Her ladyship seemed deep in her own thoughts, and at length, she addressed her nieces.
“I would like to take a few steps to stretch my legs. Would you keep me company?” Both Elizabeth and Georgiana were happy to oblige her.
The countess and Sophia also joined them, and the party of five stepped out into the crowded hall.
A servant was sent to bring tea and refreshments while they looked around for familiar faces.
“I am a little cold. I should have brought my shawl,” Lady Matlock said.
“Let us send a servant to fetch it,” the countess replied.
“Lady Ellen, I will get it for you in an instant.” Elizabeth smiled and hurried back, her eyes eagerly searching for a sign of her husband.
She was about to pull aside the curtain to their box when she heard animated voices and a few words that made her wait and listen.
“I cannot imagine what was in Darcy’s mind to marry her. Surely, she has nothing to recommend her over so many accomplished young ladies with far better situations and wealth. And I find it even harder to believe that Lady Matlock seems to approve of her.”
“My mother-in-law must have her reasons. She always acts according to her interests. As for Darcy’s reasons for marrying her, it is rather easy to guess.
No doubt, he wished to bring some new blood into the family to perpetuate their name.
Certainly, you know that his mother died from weakness, and his sister and Cousin Anne do not seem too strong either. ”
“Yes, that might be…I never thought of that…”
Elizabeth’s heart raced with anger while she struggled to breathe calmly. She finally entered the box and noticed the three surprised faces.
“I have come to retrieve Lady Matlock’s shawl,” she said briefly and attempted to retire. She had no wish for further discussion.
“Have you? I would think a servant could have been sent for that,” Lady Beatrice said coldly.
Elizabeth took another deep breath and turned to her. “It was my pleasure to assist Lady Ellen since she was so generous and kind to me without having any ulterior motives, I am sure. Amiability and mutual support within the family are what strengthen it.”
She took a few steps then turned back, a large smile on her face.
“Oh, and I doubt Mr Darcy married me only to bring new blood into his family. If that were his intention, he could have proposed to any of you a long time ago. However, I promise I will ask him directly and will come back to you with the answer.”
With no little satisfaction, she noticed the two younger ladies’ faces colouring then turning white, their wide-open eyes staring at her. Only then did she leave the box graciously, barely stifling her laughter and wondering whether the two would have other questions for her later in the evening.
It proved later that they had none.
The performance of Hamlet was a most powerful one, rising to the audience’s high expectations. At its end, a storm of applause and praise rewarded the actors.
On their way toward the carriage, the entire party was finally in complete agreement regarding the worthiness of the evening.
Elizabeth and Darcy took a warm farewell from the others, embracing Georgiana while they promised to visit her again the next day.
The countess told Elizabeth to expect an invitation to her ball for the next week; Lady Marianne and Lady Beatrice said nothing but a proper farewell.
It was rather late when the Darcys entered their carriage and slowly rode back toward their privacy. He closed his arms to entrap her, and she sighed in delight.
“I am so happy to be alone with you,” she whispered.
He kissed her temples. “I was in the midst of so many people, many of whom I have known for a lifetime, and yet I felt lonely all the time when you were not by my side. You are my world now, Elizabeth.”
She lifted her face, her eyes glowing at him, and he gently claimed her lips, slowly satiating his thirst.
By the time the carriage arrived home, their thirst, however, had only increased then turned into an overwhelming hunger that needed the entire night to be soothed.