Chapter 2.17
On the afternoon of the Almack’s ball, the Darcys received a visit from the Gardiners—with Becky and Margaret—as well as Mr and Mrs Bingley. Nearer to the hour of departure, the colonel made his appearance.
Darcy, already dressed for the event, invited the gentlemen to join him in the drawing room while the ladies vanished into Elizabeth’s apartment as soon as they arrived.
Even Becky showed less attention to Darcy than at any other time, explaining to him in a hurry that she could not talk to him because she must “go help Lizzy be more beautiful than ever.”
Darcy laughed and rolled his eyes toward his companions.
“I find it difficult to understand women in general and my wife in particular. She has always been amused by the stiffness of society rules regarding balls and the season. And suddenly, she is nervous and worried about this ball as if it were an event to change our lives. She has tried on three dresses and changed her mind about which to wear. In my opinion, any of the three would be perfect. They are spectacular gowns and fit her wonderfully. In truth, I firmly believe she looks lovely in any dress.”
“Of course, you do; that is why you married her,” the colonel said with a laugh.
Darcy continued, mostly joking. “And even stranger, she seems displeased if I tease her—she, who has always been a master of teasing. Not to mention my own sister is equally preoccupied though she is not even attending the ball. And she is also displeased about my teasing.”
“Well, Jane has also spoken about this ball for more than a week although she will not attend either. She woke up this morning so anxious to come here that she was counting the hours.”
“Yes, my wife is the same,” Mr Gardiner admitted.
“However, I can easily understand it. We never could have imagined that someone from our family would ever be admitted to Almack’s.
It is truly something that—in some ways—has changed our lives.
And she is already talking about Lizzy’s presentation at court.
It is not about the event itself, but its meaning.
It is also a responsibility for Lizzy to appear at her best and to rise to the expectations of her position.
My wife says that the impression Lizzy makes among the members of the ton may affect the success of Miss Darcy’s coming out, as well as of your children in the future.
But of course, we might be wrong as we are very far removed from this. ”
“Both you and Mrs Gardiner are correct, sir,” the colonel intervened.
“My mother has always insisted upon the rules and about what society demands from its members. For Mrs Darcy, the stress must be enormous. It will be her first appearance at Almack’s at my mother’s invitation.
She will be observed, judged, criticised.
Every detail must be perfect, from her appearance to her introduction to the seven patronesses.
I have always mocked these details, precisely because I have been part of it my entire life, but I understand Mrs Darcy’s nervousness. ”
Darcy nodded, offering his guests more brandy.
“Do not consider me insensitive to my wife’s concerns.
I know how she feels, and I have tried to support and protect her.
I even considered opposing my aunt’s insistences—no matter how genuine they were.
But I know Elizabeth is brave and determined.
She would succeed at anything she wishes to accomplish. ”
“I believe the same,” Mr Gardiner answered. “I dare say Lizzy must be left to handle everything that comes with her new title. She will have equal advantages and responsibilities as Mrs Darcy, and she has to honour them accordingly.”
“I have no doubt she will; she already does,” Darcy added. “I imagine this is what preoccupies Elizabeth the most—the legacy and expectations she has to meet in her new position. I have no doubt that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would have been more relaxed than Mrs Elizabeth Darcy is.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet would have never been admitted to Almack’s,” said Mr Gardiner.
“We must accept the truth: none of us will ever be, not even Jane and Mr Bingley. It is not about the expensive fees for admission and for the ticket to each ball; I would have gladly made this sacrifice for my wife. What makes it prohibitive are the rigid and sometimes absurd rules of approval. Forgive me for being so blunt. Some of my business partners who are respectable gentlemen of good breeding complain about the same thing.”
The colonel laughed. “Please do not apologise, I completely agree with you, and I know that Darcy does as well. The noble patronesses are more powerful and more severe than politicians or generals. I wonder whether they are the same in their private lives. I would be frightened to be the husband of any of them.”
“Caroline and Louisa have tried to secure a voucher for years with no success,” Bingley said. “But I am rather relieved. I can well live without it. And I hope Jane is not too disappointed either.”
“I am sure Jane will live very well without it too,” Mr Gardiner assured him.
“My sisters, however, I am afraid will never forgive Mrs Darcy for being accepted,” Bingley continued. “I believe we will have to spend this summer without them.”
They were interrupted by Becky barging in, red-faced, her curls dancing on her temples.
“Lizzy is ready, and she will come right away. Mama says she is so beautiful that you will all faint when you see her. I did not faint, but you had better sit down,” the girl informed them solemnly.
Darcy caressed her hair and attempted to ask more, but the girl was overwhelmed by excitement, so she hurried to open the door widely.
A gasp of surprise escaped the gentlemen in four different voices when Mrs Darcy—blushing with nervousness and smiling somehow awkwardly—entered the drawing room.
She wore a dress of pale gold lace gliding over a white slip satin fabric, trimmed in gold and white cording. The bottom of the dress was garnished with a row of pale gold roses that moved elegantly with every step, allowing a lovely view of her ball slippers.
For jewellery, she chose a set of elegant pearls with matching earrings and a bracelet over her white satin gloves. Her dark hair was arranged in perfect curls, ornamented with delicate white flowers.
She stopped, looking at her husband, her smile widening. He said nothing, only stared at her, mesmerised.
“I considered wearing the ruby set that you offered me on our engagement, but I thought it would be too strong a colour,” she whispered.
“You look so beautiful…you completely bewitch me. You are just perfect.” Darcy stepped closer, taking her hand and briefly touching it to his lips. “Just perfect.”
Mrs Gardiner, Jane, Georgiana, Becky, and Margaret looked happy and content that they had been part of such a special evening and contributed to Elizabeth’s preparations. Outside in the hall, Darcy spotted Mrs Hamilton and Molly looking at their mistress with pride and gratification.
Becky pulled on Darcy’s coat. “Mr Darcy, will you faint? Should you not sit?”
He laughed and kissed the top of the girl’s head. “I almost did, my dear. Thank you for your care.”
Mr Gardiner gently embraced his niece. “I am so proud of you, Lizzy,” he whispered.
Bingley struggled to form a compliment, yet he seemed overwhelmed by the moment. The colonel intervened, bowing to Elizabeth.
“Mrs Darcy, you look astonishing. May I take advantage of this opportunity and ask you for the first set? I am sure that, once you enter the ballroom, your card will be full in no time.”
Elizabeth released a small laugh, glancing at her husband.
“I would gladly accept your invitation, Colonel. Since dancing together is unfashionable for spouses, there will be no other gentleman in all of Almack’s with whom I would like more to dance,” she answered.
She held her husband’s arm tightly and continued.
“But I very much doubt anyone will be interested in my dance card. I am sure there will be so many unmarried, young, beautiful ladies that the gentlemen will barely have time to dance with them all. I confess I am quite curious about this evening. I have received such different reports and I have read so many things in magazines that I hardly know what to expect.”
“You should not have too high expectations, Mrs Darcy. It will be crowded and noisy and not at all luxurious—quite different from the private balls you have already attended. There are no truly elegant arrangements, the food is average at best, and there are no real drinks—men’s drinks I mean.
Who can go through an entire night without any brandy or wine? ”
“I would say my cousin’s description is entirely accurate,” Darcy concluded, caressing his wife’s hand.
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened with amusement. “It sounds rather unpleasant. I wonder why so many people are desperate to be admitted there. Why is it a mark of accomplishment?”
“I have been wondering about that for almost fifteen years since I first attended,” the colonel replied. “I cannot understand how these balls have gained such high importance and how the ladies who patronise it have grown so powerful.”
“It is said that one is not considered truly important if one has not been admitted to Almack’s,” Mrs Gardiner intervened. “I, too, wonder who the first was to say it, but it has become a truth universally acknowledged.”
“True; but I would say it is rather a hunting ground for prospective spouses,” Darcy said, glancing at his wife and pleased to see her more soothed.
Becky moved near Elizabeth and gently touched her gown. “Lizzy, will you keep this dress to give to Margaret when she goes to the balls? She says she likes it very much.”
“Becky!” young Margaret cried to her sister, blushing in embarrassment at such a daring request.
Elizabeth addressed both girls. “When you are old enough to attend balls and parties, you will have new dresses as beautiful as this one. Your mother and I will take care of it.”