Chapter 5
Darcy had kept himself busy at his club, socializing with friends, or sparring at Angelo’s.
He had made a half-hearted effort at attending balls hoping to see his ‘beautiful lady’, but alas, she did not appear and his exits were swift to avoid unwanted attention.
He was not sure himself why he kept searching.
Nothing could come of it, as she was not of his sphere.
Still, it would be pleasant to be near a young lady who does not look as if she would faint from ennui.
That day he was not in the mood for company, so he remained home, relaxing with a book in the library.
Lady Anne entered and greeted him, “Fitzwilliam… I feel as if I have not seen you for days.” She took a seat near her son. “How are you, my dear?”
“I am well, Mother.” He cleared his throat, “Our last conversation has never been far from my thoughts. I admit your objections confuse me. I am the man you raised me to be–upstanding and honourable. I do not use people or cheat them.” He pushed his hair back with one hand, a habit his valet frowned over.
Lady Anne was quick to agree, “You are fundamentally a very good man. That is not our concern.”
“Pray what does concern you then?”
He watched as she gathered her thoughts.
“For one, it is not our way to look down on those who Society deems below us. I never appreciated it whilst I grew up under Matlock’s domain.
And it was one of the qualities that so endeared me to your father.
For second, this viewpoint of yours may have a detrimental effect on your future. ”
Seeing his blank expression, she held back a sigh and continued, “What do you comprehend from our marriage; your father’s and mine?”
“You care deeply for one another,” Darcy’s reply was quick and sure.
“Yes, we do, very much so,” she concurred with a soft smile.
Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose. “I do not understand.”
“We wish,” she placed her hand on his arm and squeezed for emphasis, “the same for you. But you will never find a warm and meaningful attachment with your current attitude. Do you truly believe you will be happy in a Ton marriage if you pluck the ‘diamond of the season’ for your bride? One in which you and your wife live separate lives, aside from needing to beget an heir?”
Darcy felt his face heat, embarrassed to hear his mother speak on such an intimate topic. He refused to meet her eyes, “Is that not what is expected of me? To marry a lady with the highest pedigree, largest dowry and best connections–”
“You mean one of those ladies who you abhor and cannot tolerate?”
He shrugged one shoulder, not meeting her eyes.
“When your father and I last spoke with you, we were upset with your ungentlemanly words. I am more concerned now, for your heart and future felicity.”
An image of the ‘beautiful lady’ from the park flashed through Darcy’s mind.
“I will grant,” Lady Anne continued, “few of the young ladies in Society would suit you. Several may be insipid; others might even be vipers. However, none of them exist to serve at your pleasure.”
“They hunt me until I wish to pull my hair out.” Even to Darcy his words sounded petulant, and he straightened in his seat.
“Unfortunately, most are raised from the cradle to seek the most advantageous match possible. However, your father and I wish for more for you, and for Georgiana. We do not want either of you to miss out on the rewarding life a marriage based on true affection can bring you.” She paused, waiting until the silence brought her son’s gaze up to hers.
“The Season is a procession of social events where individuals meet and appraise potential spouses. Some marriages are brokered by parents seeking financial security, or political advantage… or both. You, however, need only find one lady who attracts you and whose goals and values in life align with your own. Such can only be ascertained by conversing and interacting with them.” She did not look away until he nodded.
Lady Anne stood and smoothed down her skirts. “This evening we are to attend a musicale and will be meeting friends there. I wish for you to join us.”
Darcy had stood when his mother did and adjusted his cuffs. “Very well, Mother.”
“Thank you.” Darcy offered his mother an arm to escort her out of the library. “And will you think further on our discussion?” They reached the bottom of the staircase.
“I will consider all you have said.” Darcy kissed his mother on the cheek and ascended the stairs.
He took the steps slowly, his thoughts muddled.
Yes, his parents loved each other, that was evident for anyone to see.
But ever since he had completed his studies, he had been pulled hither and yon by people intent on using him for their own advantage.
There had even been a proposition or three from married ladies and a widow, which he had never disclosed to his parents. It was all so… so demeaning.
Darcy knew his heritage and future prospects were at the source of the attention, and not himself.
Upright and honourable, unlike most gentlemen his age, he was also the heir to Pemberley and a Darcy, a family name with a long prestigious history.
That and the vast and profitable estate were the core motivations for introduction requests.
No, his mother simply did not understand.
On reaching his rooms he informed Rogers, his valet, they would be going out that evening.
When the time came to meet his parents in the foyer, Rogers had him washed, shaved and in a dark navy coat, paired with a rust-coloured waistcoat, shot with gold.
Darcy waited as Rogers made the finishing touches on his cravat. He disliked the current fashion of the dandies, but he had to admit, admiring his image in the mirror, a bit of colour was rather nice for a change.
~ / ~
The home of Lord and Lady Robinson, Baron Arden, was lit up and almost festive with the multitude of candles brightening the rooms.
Greeting their hosts in the receiving line, Mr Darcy and Lady Anne thanked them again for extending an invitation to the Gardiners. After a few more pleasantries and greetings to Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, the trio entered the large salon, where the doors between two rooms had been opened up.
Musical instruments could be seen at the far end, whilst the middle of the room was lined with chairs, leaving the back area open for guests to socialize.
Footmen carrying trays of ratafia and brandy roamed around offering refreshments.
Flower arrangements were placed in strategic areas, their fragrance wafting through the air each time a guest walked by.
Mr Darcy procured drinks for himself and his wife, greeting known acquaintances as they awaited the Gardiner’s arrival. Their son stood nearby, tall, rigid and not speaking a word.
Darcy was bored; why had he agreed to join his parents? He found the inconsequential conversation irritating, and the ladies who approached him exuded unattractive desperation.
Lady Anne kept an eye on her son and witnessed first-hand the behaviour he had complained about earlier that day. Perhaps there was something to his grievances. As a mother, she was offended by the aggressive manner the young ladies undertook to engage her son’s attention.
Continuing to observe her son, she noticed when his expression transformed from boredom into excitement. A quick glance in the direction he was staring filled her with excitement, as well. Miss Elizabeth Bennet had entered with her aunt and uncle.
Darcy could not believe his eyes. Finally, he had found her, the beautiful lady from the park.
His feet stepped in her direction before he knew he had moved.
Dressed in a light green gown, with small white flowers woven through her upswept hair, she looked stunning.
Effortlessly so, in comparison to the excessive ornamentation of the other female guests in attendance.
He was elated when his parents walked towards his ‘beautiful lady’ and the older couple she accompanied. He hurried in their wake, joining them as greetings were exchanged.
“Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, and Miss Bennet, good evening,” Mr Darcy spoke to them first and gave a slight bow, as did Mr Gardiner.
Lady Anne inclined her head when the ladies curtseyed, “Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, it is wonderful to see you this evening.”
“Thank you, Lady Anne,” Mrs Gardiner responded. “We are very much anticipating the music this evening.”
“Yes,” Lady Anne replied, “I understand some impressive pieces are on the program. It should prove to be most entertaining.”
Darcy coughed to catch his mother’s attention.
Elizabeth had been occupied with examining the room and those already present. At the sound of a throat clearing, she glanced over and gave a soft gasp.
“I do not believe you have had the opportunity yet to meet our son with all his many years away at school. Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, allow me to present Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. Miss Elizabeth Bennet is their niece. She is visiting from Hertfordshire for the Season.”
Everyone bowed and curtseyed, and Darcy spoke rapidly, “A pleasure to meet you.”
“I am very pleased to be introduced, sir.” Her eyes sparkled in delight. “Have you come ready to enjoy the music, as well?” Seeing him next to his father, she felt a fool not to have previously made the connection. Their looks were remarkably similar.
He stared into her dark brown eyes attempting to form words. “I, erm, yes, the music.”
The sides of her mouth curled. “I imagine, growing up listening to Lady Anne’s talented playing, anyone else’s playing is rendered barely tolerable.”
She awaited a response, but he only laughed and pulled at his cravat.
Meanwhile, more attendees had joined their group, and the men began to discuss a new investment opportunity.