Chapter 56
The next few weeks passed in a blur of social engagements for Elizabeth and Darcy.
Unbeknownst to Elizabeth Mr. Darcy had visited Lady Catherine after the incident with Mrs. Granville and told her decidedly that she would by no means succeed in getting him to abandon Elizabeth.
He had threatened to publicly cut ties with her if she did not refrain from disparaging her in society.
The lady had from then on maintained her silence which led to them having a much more enjoyable time in society.
Elizabeth truly enjoyed visiting the museum, the art gallery, and the opera.
Darcy was happy to accompany her and his depth of knowledge in history and literature added to her experience.
Their outing at the theatre turned out to be a spectacle for the London society.
Every eye was turned in their direction.
With both the Darcy and Matlock box at their disposal, Elizabeth had asked Mr. and Miss Bingley also to join them.
While Mr. Bingley was busy catering to Jane, Caroline had attached herself to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was dressed in a simple evening gown of pale blue with some pearl jewellery.
She had eschewed ostentation in favour of appearing as a Miss Bennet of Longbourn until she was married.
She was aware that as Mrs. Darcy, it would be expected for her to dress much more finely and she had no wish to embarrass her husband with misplaced stubbornness but she enjoyed these last few weeks of simplicity.
“Darcy, it seems we are to be the envy of London for our choice in wife,” Bingley commented once the performance was over. More eyes had been trained on the Bennet sisters that evening than the performers.
“Bingley, I am overjoyed in my choice of wife and could not have wished for a better brother than you but I would be happier once the novelty wears down,” Darcy replied as he successfully managed to get himself and Elizabeth out of the theatre before they could be waylaid by anyone.
Supper was arranged at Darcy House and the whole party soon gathered there.
“Darcy, I am sure you have silenced the gossips today. You and Miss Elizabeth were nauseatingly displaying your regard,” the Colonel said as soon as they entered the drawing room.
“They were incorrigible, my eyes are burned forever with the image of Darcy smiling with that besotted expression,” the Viscount added.
“Well, Darcy I am sure everyone now understands what happened at the inn. You are hardly able to hide your admiration for Miss Elizabeth anytime she smiles at you,” Bingley added, causing both Darcy and Elizabeth to blush.
Darcy rolled his eyes as he took a seat next to Elizabeth.
“I thought it was rather sweet, Mr. Darcy holding Miss Elizabeth’s hand whenever permitted,” Caroline Bingley commented much to the confusion of everyone present.
Supper was soon brought in and while everyone ate, Elizabeth quietly spoke to Caroline:
“Miss Bingley, while I understand your desire to have a connection with the future Mrs. Darcy, I must say I am surprised by this warm friendship.”
“I would be candid, Miss Elizabeth, I am sure you are not unaware of my lost hopes,” Caroline said as she gestured towards Darcy. Elizabeth acknowledged it with a frown.
“I have no desire to become a laughing stock or worse yet an object of false pity for the supercilious ladies of the ton. If we appear to be good friends my disappointment would be considered no more than any other lady of society.”
“Were you very hopeful in regards to Mr. Darcy? I had thought that it was generally considered he was to offer for his cousin.”
Caroline scoffed at that, “Nobody who knew Miss de Bourgh or Mr. Darcy ever thought it was a possibility. Frankly I had put myself forward after his friendship with Charles deepened but had never considered it would amount to anything. It was only when he accepted Charles’ invitation to reside at Netherfield that I thought I might actually be successful in winning him. ”
Understanding dawned on Elizabeth, “It must have been tough to be upstaged by someone of no consequence in London society,” Elizabeth whispered.
“I will not deny, I was shocked to learn of Mr. Darcy’s preference for you. I mean no offense, but you were rather impertinent in your manners. I had expected him to be outraged but I could see daily how enchanted he was.”
“Miss Bingley, I am happy that we could have such a frank conversation. I hope you will not consider me boastful when I say that I had no idea of Mr. Darcy’s partiality.”
“Oh! I am aware of that. There were many times when I felt like smacking your head. You had the most sought-after bachelor already enthralled but instead of capturing him you insisted on arguing with him.”
“I am confident he was in search of a contrary bride who quarrelled with him at least twice a day. His pride did need tempering,” Elizabeth fondly looked towards Mr. Darcy.
The guests soon started taking their leave and Darcy promised Elizabeth to call at Matlock House for breakfast the next day.
“Lady Matlock has received a reply from her brother, we may as well finalise the plans for our wedding.”
“Oh, yes, we will need to speak to Mama also. She needs to return to Hertfordshire.”
Darcy nodded silently, thankful that Mrs. Bennet’s presence at Gracechurch street had remained largely unnoticed by the gossip sheets.
“Darcy, I was surprised by Miss Bingley. She looked quite friendly with Miss Elizabeth,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said after everyone had left.
“Yes, she is currying Elizabeth’s favour now that she is to be Mrs. Darcy,” Darcy replied with disdain.
“Miss Elizabeth did not look averse to being in her company and I must say I found her tolerable company throughout the evening. Letting go of her hopes in your regard has done wonders for her personality.”
“Elizabeth is a generous soul and I am happy that Miss Bingley has finally understood the futility of her desires.”
“Anyway, I stayed back to inform you that I received a note from Lady Catherine summoning me tomorrow morning. I understand that she plans to return to Rosings.”
“That would very much be in her benefit,” Darcy replied sternly.