Chapter 2.17 #3
“That is because your ladyship took so much trouble to support her. You hosted a ball for her when she was barely engaged to Darcy, and now you have used your power and connections to bring her here when so many other people, with much more wealth and better connections, are unable to obtain a ticket.”
“Elizabeth Darcy is rightfully here. Anne Darcy was one of the most admired personages at Almack’s.
Her elegance, her beauty, her perfect manners are still remembered.
And her private balls were always highly sought.
She was one of the best-known members of the ton, much appreciated by her peers.
The wife of her son must step into her shoes, and I am certain Elizabeth will do that flawlessly. ”
“I doubt that, and I cannot understand why your ladyship is so partial to her. A few months ago, she never would have imagined entering the yard of this building. Anyone can see her place is not here. She behaves awkwardly, and she keeps looking at her husband every other moment She barely knows how to act without him.”
“That is completely unfair, Beatrice. Elizabeth’s manners have been beyond reproach so far—and have been since I first met her.
She is pleasant, lively, and charming; everybody can see that.
As you yourself said: she already has many entries on her dance card.
And her dancing is exquisite. I am confident your husband appreciates it. ”
“I have no doubt that Thomas invited her only to annoy me. If we are to speak of manners and behaviour, you must admit that your sons are far from being without reproach. It seems he shows more attention to Mrs Darcy than to his own wife—just as your ladyship does. Everybody notices your entire family’s unfair treatment of me.
And still, I am the one blamed and accused of being cruel and inconsiderate. ”
Lady Matlock frowned, her face pale at the storm of accusations.
She looked around, worried that somebody might hear the outrageous discussion.
Fortunately, there was no one near them, so she said in a barely audible voice, “Beatrice, please keep your tone down and guard your countenance. Surely, you are aware that you, too, are observed and judged. As you know, neither your wealth, position, nor title is enough to ensure you a voucher next season if your presence is considered undesirable.”
“I am certain you would make no effort to take my side if that were the case.”
“And what side do you mean? Do not believe me oblivious to the real reason for your unreasonable anger against Elizabeth. Your attitude is rather childish. I expected more wisdom and decorum from you.”
“Should my husband—your son—not show more wisdom and decorum too?”
“Yes, he should. But all men should, and quite a few actually do when it comes to a certain subject. And I admit my share of blame too. I always take responsibility for my acts. I accept my faults, and I try to remedy them when possible—that is a trait all of us should have our entire lives. Not admitting one’s wrongs shows a lack of both maturity and character.
Persisting in our own errors is foolish and leads to ridicule. ”
The younger lady averted her eyes; her lips were tight, attempting to conceal her anger.
Lady Matlock continued. “You have been wrong in dealing with a certain situation. You are wrong in your behaviour towards Elizabeth. You have been wrong in your attitude towards us since the moment you married Thomas. Will you not accept any of these errors?”
“I will not. I have done nothing wrong. Your ladyship has always been cold and distant to me.”
Lady Matlock appeared surprised. “I was certain that was the kind of relationship you preferred. As you might remember, from the first day of your marriage, you have often reminded us that your father is a marquess and that your grandfather was a duke, and that placed you above us. And indeed, he was—God rest him in peace—and we remember him quite vividly as a very pleasant and generous man with questionable passions, which left his family close to ruin. I entertained no hopes that you married my son for love.”
Lady Buxton blushed slightly then responded sharply.
“We all know it was a marriage advantageous for us both—as all marriages should be among respectable members of the ton. People of our position do not neglect their duties by marrying someone below them. I heard your ladyship say that many times.”
“So it was. And I remember everything I said. But I hoped you would come to grow affectionate toward each other. You are both handsome, educated, and accomplished—yet you appear even more distant to each other than at the beginning of your life together.”
“It is not my fault; I have done everything that was my duty. I cannot imagine what more you can expect from me. What do you want from our marriage that would please you?”
“I do not expect anything, Beatrice, nor is it my right to want anything. Only…come, take a look at Elizabeth—just for a moment, although I know that gives you little pleasure. As you see, she is not by any means more handsome than you, but she is all liveliness and genuine smiles. Therefore, she raises the admiration of those around her. And she is glowing every time she glances at her husband. Now look at Darcy. We all knew him to be a severe, aloof man. Watch his expression when he gazes at his wife. Read the love on his face. I would say this is a marriage advantageous for both.”
Lady Beatrice grimaced with restrained anger. “Surely, your ladyship cannot believe that. I am certain you never would have approved your son marrying someone of such a low situation in life.”
“Most likely, I would have not. But I feel compelled to admit my errors and to admire Darcy’s excellent judgement.”
Lady Beatrice averted her eyes in disapproval, her anger mixed with obvious distress.
Lady Matlock breathed deeply and spoke more warmly.
“Beatrice, let us not argue anymore. I do not wish to upset you further. We may continue this conversation on another day if you like. I am willing to search for a way to improve our relations if you wish to. But we have been separated from the others for too long, and this is neither the time nor the place for such a delicate discussion. Let us return to our group.”
The younger lady seemed surprised, and for a moment, she seemed to not know how to reply.
“You are correct, of course. We should return. I should not have started an argument here. I would not be opposed to talking. We might have tea one day…”
“That would be lovely...” Lady Matlock said soothingly.
They took a few steps when, unexpectedly, the Countess of Sefton approached them. They were both surprised and even more so when her ladyship started to talk.
“Lady Matlock, Lady Beatrice. I must say it is a pleasure to see such a strong bond between a mother and a daughter-in-law. We observed you for several minutes. It is quite unusual that, even in such large company, you found a few moments for a private conversation. I am sure that you, Lady Buxton, may learn from your mother-in-law.”
She waited for no answer before she turned toward Lady Matlock.
“As for your guest, Mrs Darcy, we have no reason to regret our approval. She seems a pleasant young woman with proper manners—and quite skilful at dancing. Although we cannot approve Darcy’s choice—and I am certain he would have found at least equal felicity with someone from his own circle—it is rather amusing to see him smitten with his wife.
Quite unusual but diverting nevertheless.
I wonder what Lady Anne Darcy would have said about his marriage.
I doubt she would have approved of it either. ”
“I believe she would have, my lady. After all, she too married for love, and her marriage was a very affectionate one.”
“My dear Lady Matlock, as far as I know, you too married for love, but both you and Lady Anne fell in love with someone more close to your own position. I would say Darcy was less wise.”
“Perhaps, but my nephew fell in love with a young lady who is the daughter of a gentleman, which makes her an honourable choice. And what she lacks in fortune, she surely compensates for in wit, charm, and excellence of character. Although many might disagree, I strongly believe Darcy made a decision that is the perfect choice for him.”
“Well, well, we shall see. In the meantime, you may encourage Mrs Darcy to apply for a voucher. We will take her application into consideration.”
“Thank you. Your generosity is much appreciated.”
The countess moved away to express her opinions to another group while the two ladies returned to their family, both keeping an awkward silence, both preoccupied with their previous harsh conversation.
The music stopped, and Lord Buxton accompanied Elizabeth back to her husband. He thanked her for the dance, briefly glanced at his own wife, then moved to the tearoom to talk to Lord Pemberton.
The rest of the night passed pleasantly.
Lady Beatrice still did not speak more than a few words to either Elizabeth or Darcy, nor did Lord Buxton make another attempt to approach them.
Lady Matlock declared that the evening had been a success and told Elizabeth that she was proud of her.
Elizabeth, on her side, could easily see that her ladyship was still not her usual self and that she was still greatly preoccupied and distressed, but she did not dare broach the subject.
She only thanked her ladyship once more for the generous care she bestowed upon her.
“There is no need to thank me, my dear. I am glad we went through this together and it turned out so well. If only everything else would go so easily in our family, I would want nothing more.”
∞∞∞
The dawn broke as the guests finally left Almack’s. Inside the carriage, Elizabeth felt tired, and she put her head on her husband’s shoulder. He embraced her and caressed her hair.
“How are you, my love? You look very tired.”