Chapter 39
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Elizabeth had not been so nervous on her birthday since she was fifteen and forced to upend her entire life with a move to London.
Why had she agreed to this again? Aunt had suggested it in Uncle’s hearing the day after the theater, and she had agreed after his hearty approval.
Surely, they would have permitted her to refuse.
But a part of her must have wanted to accept.
She was still getting her family party for this evening, as she had wished, but with two additions.
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley would be present at the table with the Gardiner children, all but baby Joseph.
At ages seven, five, and three, Mandy, Bella, and Eddie would be welcome distractions from her confused heart.
It had been only a week and a half since the play at Covent Garden, and Elizabeth had already been in Mr. Darcy’s company twice more.
The Vauxhall Gardens plan had been delayed until two days earlier due to several days of rain, but they had watched Artaxerxes nearly a week before.
The opera had held her focus the entire time.
Much of the music was familiar, of course.
She had played some of it herself adapted for the pianoforte.
Viewing the opera in its entirety, however, and understanding how the music and story fit together, had been one her favorite London experiences.
She had played her music from the opera for hours since then.
Vauxhall Gardens had also been unexpected.
From the moment Mr. Darcy helped her onto the boat to cross the Thames, she was enchanted.
Aunt and Uncle spoke with Colonel Fitzwilliam for much of the evening, leaving her to Mr. Darcy’s company.
Her relations appeared to be at ease. She knew they would not have been so relaxed had Matthew and Dinah not come.
She, too, found herself content knowing her protectors trailed not far behind.
And the pleasure grounds offered much to attract her.
They walked through groves and garden paths, past fountains and statuary.
She had not been aware a place such as this existed in London, despite all Miss Bingley had boasted about it.
At first, their group had walked close together sharing general conversation.
As the crowds increased, though, Mr. Darcy offered his arm, which she gratefully grasped as her aunt and uncle and his cousin got farther ahead.
She was not concerned about losing her relations, as they planned to meet at a dinner box.
She looked to Mr. Darcy with a grin when she heard the orchestra play a familiar song from Artaxerxes.
The way he looked back at her made her quickly check that her servants were not far behind.
She knew Mr. Darcy wished for nothing more than friendship, but when he looked at her in that way, it was difficult for her to force down her own feelings.
Matthew was sure to give her a disapproving look if he felt it necessary, as he had when Mr. Wickham had called on her.
She saw no sign of displeasure, though. In fact, Matthew looked to be partaking of the entertainments, too, laughing with Dinah while maintaining a watchful eye.
She knew he observed her and her companion, as he nodded each time she looked at him.
When they reached the dinner boxes, Elizabeth sat between her aunt and uncle, a respite she needed to protect herself from her own feelings. They were in view of the orchestra as they ate, and she listened peacefully while those around her conversed.
Almost as soon as they had finished eating, the colonel asked whether any of the party would walk to the hermitage.
Aunt and Uncle were content to remain where they were, but Elizabeth welcomed the opportunity to see everything.
She was surprised when the colonel stayed behind to speak with her uncle, but Mr. Darcy, Matthew, and Dinah were happy to make the walk to the other end of the gardens.
The sun had set before they began their dinner, but Mr. Darcy kept to well-lit paths.
He also ensured she had a firm grip on his arm, even putting his free hand on hers to keep them from becoming separated in the increasing crowd, he said.
She found herself relaxing beside him as they walked and spoke of their recent weeks and of other entertainments London could offer.
Despite the darkness and the crowd, she felt completely safe with Mr. Darcy.
Before they reached the hermitage, she had agreed to both walk and ride with him in Hyde Park.
Elizabeth felt her feelings for him increasing, but she knew nothing would come of it. She could relish one evening pretending he was courting her, though, could she not? What harm could it cause? A great deal, as it happened.
After taking a quick glance at the uninspiring hermitage, they turned back to join their party before the fireworks began. They had nearly passed a group of elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen when the malicious words reached them.
She felt Mr. Darcy tense beside her, and he gripped her hand more tightly, pulling her faster down the path. She also heard her servants’ footsteps closing the gap behind them.
The group’s laughter and words of derision continued as they passed. A man’s voice was louder than the rest and overly familiar.
“Darcy, introduce us to your mistress.”
Ladies laughed, she heard her name, and another man said in a lower murmur to the group, “Is she not one of his tenants? Why would he bring her to London where she may be tempted away from him?”
“You would not defy Mr. Darcy, surely, merely to steal his bit of muslin,” another man said, and the laughter increased.
Mr. Darcy turned her down a path to escape them more quickly. When they slowed enough that she could glance at his face, she was almost frightened. She had seen him angry before but not like this.
“Are you well?”
They stopped walking, and the four stood facing each other.
“Am I—am I well? Miss Elizabeth, I am livid that you should be subjected to such insults. But my concern is for you. I am tempted to go back and speak with them if Matthew and Dinah will return you—”
“No!”
He looked at her fiercely, and she could see he was breathing heavily.
“What good could it do?”
“I would defend your honor and insist they cease their insults.”
“How, sir?” She almost whispered, though only a few couples walked near them in this darker path. “Would you challenge them all to a duel to get them to drop their claim that I am the daughter of a tenant farmer?”
The anger in his eyes softened into something more akin to defeat. He must know she was correct that such an effort would be fruitless.
“I am not your mistress, so you could certainly clear up the misconception that you have any romantic interest in me, but would they believe we are friends? I struggle with the idea still, confused as to why a man so much above me socially would condescend to befriend me. I am happy to be your friend, but if even I do not understand your reasoning, how can anyone else?”
Mr. Darcy opened and closed his mouth several times, but no explanation was forthcoming.
“As for their claim that I am one of your tenants, they are not far enough off to make your argument meaningful. Whether my father was a tenant farmer in Derbyshire or Hertfordshire or some other shire makes no material difference.”
“Miss Elizabeth…”
She realized Matthew and Dinah had at some point taken several steps back to give their conversation some privacy, and he appeared to scan the area for danger while she kept her eyes on Elizabeth.
“We should return to my uncle, Mr. Darcy.”
He nodded and again secured her arm in his, pulling her close to him in a protective gesture.
She looked to Matthew to ensure he followed, and they were back with their party in time for the fireworks.
She had never seen anything like the blasting lights over the river, but she found her enthusiasm for the evening had soured.
She had parted that night without any further conversation of significance with Mr. Darcy.
And soon, only two days later, she must sit with him at her birthday dinner.
“What am I supposed to tell her, Richard? She has been suspicious of my motives for befriending her since she dined here a fortnight ago. After what happened at Vauxhall, she is more confused than ever.”
Darcy paced before his desk, glancing at Richard, who looked thoughtful.
“I like her, Darce. She is witty, clever, beautiful—Do not look at me like that. I know she is your one true love. I am saying I understand why. From what you have told me of her behavior toward you at that cursed dance Wickham attended and then how she handled the Vauxhall situation, I believe she has the mettle required for your plan to work.”
Darcy stopped before his window but saw in his mind’s eye her compassion toward him when he had been too angry to think Monday night and then the blazing defiance she had shown when he had suggested he return to the slanderous group.
He was grateful her head had been clearer than his had been.
Would he really have challenged someone to a duel?
He was not even sure who had spoken, although clearly some of them had known him and perhaps been his friends. He shook his head.
“I am gratified to have your support, but I am still unsure what I should do now.”
“It seems rather simple to me.”
“Then perhaps you would be so good as to share your superior knowledge?”
“Tell her how you feel. Propose a marriage full of undying love. She will accept that your love is blind to her social inferiority, and she will fall into your arms.”
Darcy sighed. “Why did I think you had a good idea?”
“It is a good idea! She does not understand why a man of your wealth, station, and general good looks would glance twice at her. She is not what anyone would consider a proper friend to you.”
“Because she is a woman or because of her station?”