Chapter 3.18
The evening was marked by a production of Hamlet, with the famous Robert Elliston in the leading role. It was also said that Lord Byron had written an address that would be read at the opening by Robert Elliston himself.
Darcy, his uncle and cousin treated the whole event with their regular indifference. To them, it was just another night at the theatre.
For the ladies, the meaning was out of the ordinary, as they had the chance to present themselves at their best. It was not about the play or the theatre, but about their image among the ton.
All the bustle added to Elizabeth’s nervousness regarding her first appearance in Lady Matlock’s box, in front of the eyes of the entire ton.
She secretly hoped that, with so many things to look forward to that evening, few people would have any interest in Mr. Darcy’s wife.
After all, he was not royalty, but just one among many other people of a certain wealth and position in society.
However, Lady Matlock vanquished such expectations.
She insisted that Elizabeth must be flawless and be ready to bear equal approval and reprobation.
“Of Catherine, you must not worry. My husband had a harsh conversation with her. He suggested that Catherine and Anne join us and show a united family front. Even more so since Anne seems more relieved than upset by Darcy’s marriage.
We do not expect her to be kind to you, but civil.
Nothing more, nothing less. But Catherine accused us of betraying her and I have left them in the middle of a ridiculous, childish argument.
Consequently, she declared she would stay in Lady Amelia Eresby’s box.
Well, I wish her good luck with that! Lady Eresby is severe and very strict regarding decorum.
If Catherine makes a single gesture to embarrass Amelia, she will throw her out before the intermission! ”
“I hope Lady Catherine will see reason, eventually. She must understand that Fitzwilliam would have probably not married Anne, even if I had refused to marry him.”
“Oh, nonsense! Who would refuse Darcy?” Lady Matlock replied, while Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a meaningful glance.
As the big day had come, Elizabeth started to prepare early in the afternoon. Sarah and Mrs. Talbot both helped her, while Emily was sitting on the rug by the fire, watching her, spell-bound.
The gown looked stunning on Elizabeth and all three of her companions gasped in admiration.
Then Sarah and Mrs. Talbot put the tiara of gold, diamonds and citrine upon her head.
“Mrs. Darcy, you look like an angel,” Emily said so seriously that Elizabeth laughed.
“Thank you, my dear. If I have your approval, I only need Mr. Darcy’s and it will be enough.”
“Oh, the master will certainly approve,” Mrs. Talbot declared. “You look simply beautiful, Mrs. Darcy. More beautiful than any other lady.”
“This is true. And I most certainly approve of such an image,” Darcy said, entering the room. He looked dashing and handsome himself and Elizabeth smiled at him, while the other three retired to the door.
“Thank for you helping Mrs. Darcy,” the master said, approaching his wife. “Sarah, Mrs. Talbot, you may retire for the night. You will surely not be needed until tomorrow.”
The two women curtsied and left the room, taking Emily with them. The sparkle in Mrs. Darcy’s eyes and the master’s dark gaze were clear signs that they would not need any servants around when they returned.
Darcy gently caressed Elizabeth’s face, then softly kissed her lips.
“I am under your spell, Mrs. Darcy. I can hardly breathe looking at you.”
“And I can say the same, Mr. Darcy. You are the most handsome gentleman of my acquaintance. I noticed that the first time I saw you. Just before you refused to dance with me.”
He tried to silence her with another kiss and she laughed against his lips.
“You should not tease me, Mrs. Darcy, or else we will miss the entire evening. Now, let me help you with your earrings and necklace.
He put on the jewels, then his fingers lingered upon her neck. Her skin made the diamonds and citrine even brighter, and her eyes sparkled even more than the jewels.
He placed a kiss on her neck, on her throat, then lower, towards the edge of her gown.
“I look forward to returning home, Mrs. Darcy…”
“Should we not leave first,” she replied, rejoicing in his tantalising caresses.
“Yes, we should,” he said and abruptly separated from her. He helped her put on her coat, gloves and reticule, while he took his coat and hat and escorted his wife to the carriage.
Elizabeth glanced back and noticed several servants watching them through the windows, including Sarah, Mrs. Talbot and Emily.
She waved to all of them and they happily waved back with admiration.
They would have never dared to do so with Darcy or with any other lady, but Elizabeth had already won their hearts and their trust.
∞∞∞
“I have another small gift for you,” Darcy finally said, placing a small box in her palm. She opened it with surprise and curiosity to find an exquisite golden opera glass.
“I hope you like it. It belonged to my mother.”
“I am honoured to have it. Thank you.”
The drive to Drury Lane was rather short. In front of the impressive building, there was a large gathering and carriages kept arriving.
Everybody seemed to admire the new construction, commenting on it, but in truth they paid equal attention to those around them.
The crowd was separated based on social position and on the type of their tickets.
At the precise hour, the Matlocks’ carriage arrived too and Elizabeth and Darcy joined them.
Only then, from behind a small group who seemed to be acquaintances, did Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner approach them.
They entered, with the Matlocks leading the way, followed by the viscount and his wife, then the Colonel and Georgiana, and the Darcys and the Gardiners at the back. In the main hall, Lady Matlock indicated Lady Sefton to Elizabeth.
“The two near her are Lady Jersey and Mrs. Drummond-Burrell. Both of them claim to be the image of respectability. If only I had time to tell you more,” Lady Matlock whispered.
Elizabeth concealed a smile, until their group stopped near the three patronesses. Their style resembled that of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst.
“Well, well. Mrs. Darcy, you look delightful, I must say,” Lady Sefton said, while Lady Matlock introduced Elizabeth to the other two.
“Mrs. Darcy. The entire town is talking about you,” Lady Jersey said.
“Your ladyship is too kind, but I am sure the town has more interesting subjects to debate,” Elizabeth replied politely.
“Not quite,” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell added. “You have stolen one of town’s most desirable bachelors. People have reason to be curious.”
“I assure your ladyship that Mrs. Darcy did not steal me, quite the opposite. It took significant effort and more than a year to gain her affection and hand in marriage,” Darcy declared.
Such a statement stunned the three ladies and their male companions. Nobody among them had ever considered any other scenario besides Darcy being somehow induced into that marriage.
“Did it? I cannot imagine you pursuing a woman, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Jersey said.
“We could not imagine it either,” the Colonel interjected. “But Darcy has always been a diligent man, when he sets himself something to accomplish.”
“And I congratulate myself for that,” Darcy said, covering Elizabeth’s hand on his arm with his own.
“Well, how lovely,” Lady Sefton replied. “Mrs. Darcy, I understand that you did not only save my dog from Madame Claudette, I heard you took that poor creature that was in everybody’s way. I confess that surprised us all. We barely noticed the poor thing.”
“It is a wonder that everybody barely noticed the girl – myself included - and yet, the reports about her have already reached you, Lady Sefton,” Lady Matlock said.
“There is no report and nothing surprising,” Elizabeth said calmly. “I observed that Madame Claudette had no time and no patience for a child and we thought it would be best for everyone if the girl lived with us. I talked to Mr. Darcy and he agreed with me.”
“So you just took the girl? But why? An orphan is a burden and you do not even know what heritage she has. Who was her father? Where is her mother?”
Elizabeth took a breath to keep her composure, then responded.
“A child of eight cannot be held responsible for her parents, and in a house with thirty people, a child can easily find shelter and care. I am sure your ladyship would agree with me that we cannot remain indifferent to a child being in danger or suffering.”
Her polite words were properly spoken but behind them there was a sharp rebuke that nobody missed.
“My wife has the most generous and kind heart,” Darcy said. “That is only one reason why I admire her.” Elizabeth looked at him and their affectionate gazes locked for a moment.
The two younger ladies appeared offended, but Lady Sefton watched Elizabeth with interest.
“Mrs. Darcy, I shall send you a note one day to join me for tea soon. Dido rejects all strangers and yet, he took a liking to you immediately. I am more tempted to approve those that my dog likes.”
“Your ladyship is very kind. I would be honoured to receive such a note at any time,” Elizabeth answered.
“We beg you to excuse us, ladies, we must leave you for now. We should find our places, the play must be ready to begin soon,” Lord Matlock interjected.
“Yes, yes, so must we,” Lady Sefton agreed.
The Matlock party departed, while the three patronesses remained to stare after Elizabeth. Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth noticed them talking animatedly.