Chapter 1.12 #4
“Well, you may imagine, then, how surprised I was to hear of your marriage. I never heard Darcy reveal any such intention. Even more so, I knew your preferences lay elsewhere. However, it is understandable that a young woman might prefer a man of means and the situation in life that Darcy can provide, even if his manners are not always faultless. These qualities are more desirable than amiability and charm.”
“Mr Darcy, I am at a loss to understand your meaning. Surely, you do not imply that I had some hidden purpose for entering into this marriage. And you certainly know nothing about my preferences!”
“Oh, I did not… That is not what I meant. I just know that you and Mr Wickham were good friends and…we were both surprised that you decided to marry on such short notice.”
“Mr Wickham is indeed a friend of my family. But that does not diminish my appreciation for Mr Darcy and surely does not give anyone reason to presume that I would tolerate vicious comments about my husband. Besides, knowing Mr Darcy for a lifetime, you more than anyone must know his true worthiness—besides his wealth that you slyly mentioned.”
“Of course…I am sorry if I upset you, Mrs Darcy. I apologise if my jokes offended you. That was surely not my intention, and you are right—I know very well Darcy’s good qualities.”
“If it was a joke, you have no reason to apologise, sir. I appreciate a good joke, and I am glad we clarified the situation. As you are my husband’s only relative on his father’s side, I would not want to begin our acquaintance with a misunderstanding.”
“I thank you. You are very generous.”
The rest of the dance proceeded with little conversation, but Elizabeth could not escape the feeling that something was wrong, and that made her uncomfortable.
It was not so much what James Darcy said but his voice, the hidden meanings of his words—as if they were sharing a secret against her husband.
And Mr Wickham—why did his name appear again under questionable circumstances?
What could he possibly have told Mr James Darcy about her?
She and Wickham had not been such close acquaintances as to be mentioned to strange parties.
And how was it possible that a member of Darcy’s family was on such friendly—rather intimate—terms with Mr Wickham?
So, they had time and opportunity to discuss her and her marriage, and somehow Mr Wickham declared that her preference lay on his side?
Although it was not untrue—and she could not overcome the blame she felt for behaving so carelessly in that respect—would a gentleman say such a thing?
Despite Mr James Darcy’s dancing skills and his charming smile, Elizabeth felt relieved when the set came to an end.
She observed her husband approaching, and she managed to put a smile on her face as James Darcy thanked her for the privilege of her company.
Again, his smile and flattering words made her rather uncomfortable.
∞∞∞
Darcy rarely took his eyes from his wife while she danced with his cousin.
He knew her well enough to recognise an amused expression, but he also recognised her forced smiles, and he worried about what James might have told her.
He noticed her eyes searching for him several times, and that pleased him.
He was content to see that, in difficult moments, she unconsciously looked to him for protection.
As soon as the music stopped, he went to offer her his arm, which she took without hesitation, and helped her sit near Georgiana.
Elizabeth stood up with Colonel Fitzwilliam during the supper set and joined him at the table as well. At her other side was Georgiana, and by her, Mrs Annesley.
Her husband was directly across from her with a young lady at each side, and he was a little more animated than she had seen him in Hertfordshire.
As for herself, she quickly adjusted to the colonel’s charming manners, and his friendly behaviour succeeded in putting her, as well as Georgiana, at ease.
Lady Matlock’s private ball ended right after Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy danced the last set with his wife—a happenstance as strange and unfashionable as their dancing the first together.
Many of the guests had been certain that Mr Darcy was somehow trapped into marriage by that country girl, but the gentleman’s behaviour towards his wife left them puzzled and shocked.
What caused this unexpected change in Mr Darcy’s behaviour, and what arts and allurements did the new Mrs Darcy possess to succeed where so many had failed?
It was snowing steadily when the Darcys left Matlock Manor. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley hurried inside as soon as they arrived home, but Elizabeth—on her husband’s arm—seemed unwilling to enter.
She looked around at the snow shining under the streetlights then closed her eyes, allowing the snowflakes to caress her face.
She waited, silent and breathless, until his lips, warm and gentle, kissed the water drops from her cheeks then tentatively rested upon her lips and tenderly tasted them for a moment. Only for a moment.
Elizabeth was still holding her eyes closed when her husband placed one arm around her shoulders. “It is very cold and very late. We should go in now, Mrs Darcy.”