Chapter 16
Darcy did not have a plan; in truth, he was entirely confounded.
He had not seen Elizabeth since that night at the ball, nor had she visited Darcy House to call on Georgiana.
Showing up at the Gardiner home was a possibility, perhaps using Georgiana as a convenient excuse, asking her to accompany him.
However, with his history of poor behaviour in the company of the Gardiners chances were they would simply show him the door.
Despite his promise to Lady Anne, Darcy resumed his walks in the park hoping to accidentally meet Elizabeth.
While he now understood his own feelings, hers were a complete mystery. This lack of insight is what kept him immobile. Until he spoke with her, he lived with the hope she might love him, too, or with the dread she wanted nothing more to do with him.
Each day he awoke, wishing to see her, yet fearing it as well.
The conflicting emotions had him so befogged his valet was near to resigning his position.
Roger’s tsks grew louder each time he saw the state of Darcy’s hair and his valet had sent out for new cravats to replace the ones Darcy had ruined.
~ / ~
Several days after the ball, Darcy pushed the food around his plate, not paying attention to the conversations when he suddenly heard her name.
Lady Anne and Georgiana were discussing the young girl’s schedule for the day when she asked her daughter, “Will Elizabeth be visiting? We have not seen her for some days.”
Georgiana sighed. “No. She sent a note explaining she would be spending more mornings at the Foundling House since her return home is imminent.”
“Well, we must contrive to have her over for tea. I know you miss her and I am sure your cousin would be pleased to see her as well.” Lady Anne gave her daughter a reassuring smile. Georgiana was clearly distressed by the absence of her friend.
“Indeed. Very much so,” Anne interjected into the conversation, entering the breakfast parlour. “Good morning to you all.” She took her seat. “I have missed seeing her. One might think Elizabeth was purposefully avoiding us.”
Darcy winced at his cousin’s comment. The thought of Elizabeth avoiding his family due to his presence had occurred to him and was deeply troubling. The conversation continued while he was distracted.
“…I wonder if Rosamund was too forceful with Elizabeth when last we met.”
Placing her tea cup in its saucer, Lady Anne applied to her niece. “Why was that, dear?”
Anne was apprehensive of their reactions to her answer, “Rosamund wants to plan a summer house party at Rosings.”
Lady Anne’s countenance brightened with a smile. “Why, Anne, that is a splendid idea.”
“Mama will not agree to it.” Anne slowly shook her head, her lips pursed.
Darcy was now following the conversation and the pout on Anne’s face was astonishing. He smirked. Lady Catherine would have her hands full with this more confident Anne.
“Leave your mother to me.” Lady Anne winked at her niece. “I shall send a note to the Gardiners inviting Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth to tea this afternoon.”
Darcy sat straight in his chair, his heart hammering a swift percussive beat at the thought of being in Elizabeth’s presence again. Mayhap he could steal a moment to request her permission to call on her? He must tell her how he felt before she left Town.
Darcy was about to pull at his cravat when his father called to him.
“Fitzwilliam,” Mr Darcy folded the newspaper. “It is good the ladies will be busy. I have an appointment with our solicitor, and I would like you to join me.” He set the paper down on the table, stood, and bowing to the ladies, exited the room.
Darcy sagged, unsure if he had received a reprieve or merely extended his torment.
~ / ~
Mrs Gardiner was overwrought from her niece’s wellbeing, or lack of it.
Each day the shadows under Elizabeth’s eyes darkened.
Surely such lack of sleep was not good for the poor girl.
Unfortunately, Mrs Gardiner was in no position to offer comfort, even should Elizabeth reveal her inner tumult.
As much as she respected Lady Anne and Mr Darcy, their son made it clear he would never offer for a mere country miss.
“Lizzy, you do not look well, and it grieves me. Your father will never forgive me for returning you home in such a state.”
Elizabeth tried to smile, but her attempt was woefully feeble, “I am well, Aunt. I am simply missing the fields and woods of Longbourn, and my long walks to Oakham Mount.”
Mrs Gardiner raised her brows at the prevarication but made no other reply.
Elizabeth gently cleared her throat. “Now that you mention it, I feel it is time for me to depart.” She could not meet her aunt’s eyes. Their knowing look would shatter what little poise she retained.
Mrs Gardiner reached over and took Elizabeth’s hand in both of hers. When she spoke, it was in a soft voice. “Are you absolutely sure, my dear? Might there not be some hope?”
Elizabeth laughed mirthlessly, “You and I were both witness to his superiority. No, I shall return to Longbourn as soon as Uncle can make the arrangements.”
A servant entered to present a note to Mrs Gardiner. She read it, and sat in quiet contemplation, before addressing Elizabeth. “We are invited to tea this afternoon, at Darcy House. Lady Rosamund will attend as well.”
Elizabeth nodded, “Very well. It will allow me to take leave of my friends.”
Mrs Gardiner shifted closer and wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders. She rested her head against the younger woman’s. They remained in that position for some time, pensive and weary. At length, Elizabeth excused herself and went up to her room.
She closed the door to her bedchamber and looked around.
When she first arrived, it had seemed so inviting, so full of possibilities.
Flopping backward onto the bed, her thoughts careened about, reflecting on her time in town since joining her relations.
A whirlwind of events and all there was to show for it was a painful farewell.
How shall she face him at tea? She could not bear it if he ascertained her feelings.
Feelings! She rolled onto her side and curled up in a ball. It was a paltry word to describe her tumult.
Recalling their first meeting in the park, brought a smile to her face. Then she remembered their introduction at the musicale and rolled her eyes.
He had made prodigious improvements since then, though in essentials he remained unchanged. He no longer hid his warmth and sincerity behind a cold mask. She giggled. Mostly. It did still make an appearance on occasion.
As much as she did not want to attend the tea, for fear of meeting him, she was quite in arrears to the ladies of Darcy House. Her departure meant she was obliged to take her leave of them. It may as well be at today’s tea.
~ / ~
On Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth’s arrival at Darcy house they were led directly to Lady Anne’s sitting room. It was with a mix of relief and disappointment Elizabeth observed only the ladies within.
Lady Anne’s eyes widened when she saw Elizabeth’s altered appearance. Her gaze flew to Mrs Gardiner, but before Lady Anne could speak, her friend shook her head.
The next few minutes were busy finding seats and preparing tea to everyone’s liking.
Then, Lady Rosamund and Anne resumed prevailing upon Lady Catherine concerning the benefits of a summer house party at Rosings.
It was clearly an ongoing conversation, and Lady Catherine was, true to her character, indomitable in her objections.
Lady Rosamund, her patience at an end, cried out, “Elizabeth! Pray tell Lady Catherine what a good idea it is.” Anne added her more subdued entreaties.
Lady Anne raised a hand, gesturing a halt to all the other comments.
“Catherine and I will discuss your idea and see what kind of guest list the two of us might compile. It is a charming idea,” She darted a glance at her sister, “and Anne will be shown to her best advantage at Rosings, I have no doubt.”
“No fortune hunters! I will not have my Anne chased for her dowry.” Lady Catherine proclaimed, surprising almost everyone with her about-face. Lady Anne hid her smile. She knew her sister well.
“Of course not, Aunt Catherine.” Lady Rosamund was exuberant, clapping her hands softly together. “Anne is lovely. Any man would be lucky to win her heart.”
Changing the subject, Lady Anne mentioned the latest on dit published in the morning newspaper. Various topics of conversation continued from there.
When the time came to say their goodbyes, Elizabeth thanked everyone sincerely for welcoming her warmly into the Darcy home and being a part of what made her Season so entertaining.
Her quiet dignity as she informed them she would be returning home shortly, stopped any vocal objections before they became too great.
Lady Anne squeezed Mrs Gardiner’s hand and whispered she would visit early the next morning.
~ / ~
Lady Anne and Mrs Gardiner sat together on a sofa, with cups of tea in their hands, but neither knew how to begin.
At length, Lady Anne spoke softly. “Forgive me, my friend, but I was alarmed at my first sight of Elizabeth yesterday. Is she unwell?”
Mrs Gardiner closed her eyes. “She is not–unwell.” She breathed in sharply and turned to face Lady Anne straight on, a resolved expression coming over her.
“Elizabeth has not said anything to me explicitly, and I will not betray her confidence by revealing something I believe I may know. I will only reveal her determination to leave London, as soon as possible.”
She had no sooner finished speaking when Elizabeth entered the room. Mrs Gardiner greeted her with a look of compassion. “Did you take your leave of Foundling House?”
“Aye. I am afraid I left the little girls distraught. I do hope they do not remain so for long.”
“Not to minimize your influence and hard work with them all, but I am sure they shall be kept busy. Time has a way of smoothing over these little heartbreaks.” Lady Anne smiled at her warmly.