Chapter 11 #4
Seeing Georgiana's disappointment, Lady Campbell smiled kindly.
"Another day, then. We should be delighted to receive you whenever it is convenient."
"You are most generous, madam," Mr Darcy replied.
"Unfortunately, our engagements will occupy us for the remainder of this week and, I believe, much of the next.
I regret that we must deny ourselves the pleasure of accepting your hospitality.
" He bowed once more. "I thank you most sincerely for your invitation. "
"I am very sorry to hear it," Eleanor said, though her regret was not entirely sincere. Hoping to cheer Georgiana, she added, "Miss Darcy, whenever your engagements permit, you need only send me a note, and we shall gladly arrange another day that is convenient for us all."
"Thank you very much, my lady," Georgiana replied with a gentle smile that could not quite conceal her disappointment.
Matthew could scarcely believe the gentleman's composure. He had met many wealthy and titled men who cloaked their arrogance beneath impeccable manners, and Mr Darcy appeared to belong to that very class.
"I hope you, Mr Andrews de la Garza, have no such excuse. We should be delighted if you would dine with us."
Although she genuinely pitied Georgiana, Eleanor found herself increasingly unable to like Georgiana’s brother.
"Of course, my dear Lady Campbell. My father and I shall be delighted to join you tomorrow," Matthew replied warmly. "Will Lord Westcliff be joining us as well?"
Matthew's question was not entirely innocent. He wished Mr Darcy to understand that his absence would scarcely diminish the evening's enjoyment, especially when an earl—a gentleman infinitely his superior in rank—was perfectly willing to dine in Lady Campbell's company.
"Yes," Eleanor answered with a smile. "My brother-in-law always enjoys conversing with your father."
The conversation continued pleasantly for a few moments before Mr Darcy and Georgiana took their leave.
Once the door had closed behind them, the atmosphere in the drawing room seemed noticeably lighter. Lady Campbell could not help feeling sorry for Georgiana, who had so clearly wished to remain, but she felt no such regret over her brother's departure.
Jane, meanwhile, seemed to be walking on air. She had learned very little about flying kites. Still, she had learned a great deal about trade between England and the Caribbean colonies—and, perhaps more importantly, that Mr Andrews de la Garza's eyes were a remarkably beautiful shade of dark brown.
◆◆◆
Mary had gone to visit her Aunt Gardiner with Jane. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Kitty had accompanied Aunt Eleanor to purchase some new furniture for the parlour and drawing room. They had been receiving visitors almost daily, and the house was not yet properly furnished to entertain them.
Mrs Gardiner, Jane, and Mary also intended to purchase several items Mrs Bennet had requested. Elizabeth and Mr Gardiner would take them to Longbourn when they travelled there the following week. As always, Mrs Bennet had sent a lengthy list—but no money.
"Aunt, may we stop at the bookshop? I should like to buy a book to send to my father," Mary said.
Jane looked at her in surprise. Mary and Mr Bennet had never enjoyed a close relationship. Indeed, they scarcely spoke to one another.
A few days earlier, Mary had read a newspaper review of a newly published book describing the qualities of the perfect English gentleman.
Knowing that her father possessed very few of them, she had decided to send him a copy.
Since he so often amused himself by pointing out the faults of others—especially her own—she intended to return the favour.
Now that she was certain she would never again be obliged to live under his roof, she no longer feared provoking him. If the book annoyed him, so much the better. Perhaps he would finally understand that both of them would be happier living far apart.
The mere thought of the expression on Mr Bennet's face when he opened the parcel brought an involuntary smile to her lips.
While Mrs Gardiner and Jane made their way to the second floor in search of a volume of poetry and a novel they both wished to read, Mary remained below.
Marcus happened to have the day free. Hoping to distract himself from his worries, he had gone to the bookshop in search of something to read.
Three days had passed since his visit to Mr Gardiner, yet he had received no news.
More than once, he had considered calling on him again, but he had resolved to wait a little longer before doing so.
As he examined a volume on one of the upper shelves, he noticed a young lady standing a short distance away, smiling to herself as she read the back of a book. There was something strangely familiar about her.
At that moment, she reached for a volume on the highest shelf. The book she was already holding slipped from her hands.
Marcus bent to retrieve it.
When he placed it back in her hands and finally saw her face clearly, every trace of colour left his own.
"Ella?" he whispered, utterly stunned.