Chapter 22 #3
Richard went on to tell him how he and Claire had always shared a special understanding and confessed that he had never spoken of his feelings because he had been embarrassed to admit how deeply he loved her.
“There is something else I must tell you, Darcy. But before I do, allow me to point out that you look positively dreadful. You need a shave, a bath, and a change of clothes.”
“Leave me in peace, Fitzwilliam. I have not been feeling well. If you have nothing better to do than laugh at me, I must ask you to let me return to my work,” Mr Darcy replied with irritation.
“Well, I was about to tell you that I am going to the museum with Georgiana, Lady Claire...”
"Enjoy a wonderful afternoon, Fitzwilliam."
"But we are not going alone. We are going with Claire and Georgiana's friends."
"I am not interested in your social life. Good afternoon, Fitzwilliam."
"The group includes the sisters of Georgiana's friends, who are now Claire's cousins."
"Good afternoon, Fitzwilliam."
"Apparently you do not realise that Miss Elizabeth Bennet will be present at this outing,” Fitzwilliam said with a knowing smile.
“Of course I know how terribly disinterested you are in seeing her again.
So I shall not insist. Good afternoon, Darcy.
" Richard was walking slowly toward the study door, smiling, waiting for his cousin's reaction.
"Wait, Fitzwilliam… I did not know Elizabeth would be there! That changes everything. Do you think I should go with you?"
"Yes, and you should do your best to speak to her alone and apologise for your earlier beastly behaviour and also for what Lady Catherine did, at the very least."
The thought of seeing her again, of being in her presence with the opportunity to, perhaps at least, lessen her distaste for him.
To apologise, to just look into her beautiful eyes one more time!
His heart begged him for another chance with her.
He knew that deep down he was not such a bad fellow.
If only he could manage to not trip over his own reserve and, he had to admit, his own arrogance.
And even if she did reject his friendship, it would be no worse than now. At least he would have had the opportunity to gaze upon her again and admire everything that made Elizabeth Bennet so special. He was incapable of saying no to the prospect of her company.
Mr Darcy stood up and said to his cousin, "Give me half an hour, Fitzwilliam.
" He ran up the stairs and called his valet.
He bathed, shaved, and changed his clothes.
Half an hour later, he joined his sister and his cousin.
He was a new man, elegantly dressed and full of hope to see the woman he loved again, even if it was from afar.
◆◆◆
Caroline Bingley could scarcely believe her good fortune.
She had decided to pay a visit to her friend, Lady Westcliff.
While the two of them were engaged in animated conversation, Lady Samantha arrived with her sister, Lady Hellen, and their friend, Lady Emma.
Caroline found herself in the company of four ladies who belonged to the highest circles of society, precisely where she believed she herself belonged.
Although her brother had no wish to call upon Mr Darcy, Caroline intended to visit Georgiana within the next few days.
She had not yet abandoned the hope of becoming the future Mrs Darcy.
Ever since Jane's engagement to that solicitor, her foolish brother had refused to go anywhere or see anyone.
He remained shut up in his house, melancholy and inconsolable.
“Yes, my lady. My brother is one of your nephew Mr Darcy's closest friends,” Caroline said, trying to sound important.
“My nephew is a remarkably generous man. He is willing to befriend even those who are socially beneath him,” Lady Hellen replied dismissively.
None of the ladies present, except Lady Westcliff, cared for Caroline.
They regarded her as nothing more than an ambitious social climber.
They were easy to identify with their constant tendency to discuss, refer to, and judge the social standing of every person they know.
They speak of those higher than themselves in reverential tones and with poorly disguised contempt for those with a perceived lower status.
They think their ability to judge others is proof of their worthiness to society instead of a sign of their own shallowness.
Those who are comfortable in society and who truly belong there simply take their place for granted and don't feel compelled to either condescend to or revere other people incessantly.
Lady Westcliff was delighted to discover that she had an opportunity to cause Lady Samantha discomfort. She had waited a very long time to repay the many humiliations she believed she had suffered at her rival's hands. Determined to savour the moment, she smiled sweetly.
“I imagine you have all read the announcement in the society pages.”
“What announcement?” Lady Hellen asked.
“Lady Campbell is now Mrs Sinclair. She and General Sinclair were married a few days ago. I also read in the same newspaper that His Majesty is considering granting the general a title. Eleanor deserves that honour, and much more besides.”
Lady Emma concealed her surprise as best she could.
Neither her husband, nor her brother-in-law, nor even her daughter had thought to share the news with her.
She had always resented Marcus. He had been the handsome brother, yet she had been obliged to marry the plain one simply because he was the eldest son.
She had never loved her husband. Once she had given him an heir, there had been no intimacy between them.
Although she had taken more than one lover over the years, only Henry had ever awakened true passion in her.
Unfortunately, he had been nothing more than a footman, and she had considered him far beneath her station.
“It will surprise no one. It was hardly a secret that my brother-in-law had been courting Lady Campbell,” Emma said smoothly, hoping to conceal the fact that she herself had been unaware of the marriage.
Although Lady Samantha felt thoroughly defeated, she refused to let Lady Westcliff see it.
“As soon as I see them, I shall offer them my congratulations,” said Lady Samantha.
“Now I understand,” Lady Hellen said suddenly.
“What is it that you understand?” her sister asked.
“So that is why your husband came to my home this morning, Emma.
Ridiculous. Catherine managed to offend one of your brother-in-law's nieces—Elizabeth Bennet, I believe. In any event, Lord Rockwell informed Lord Matlock that the young lady is now a member of his family and that he expects Catherine to apologise to her without delay.”
“Elizabeth Bennet?” Caroline exclaimed, unable to conceal her indignation.
“Yes, that is her name. Do you know her?” Lady Helen asked.
“She and her sisters are Lady Campbell's poor distant relatives, who have taken advantage of her generosity,” Caroline replied with evident satisfaction.
“That is quite true,” Lady Westcliff confirmed.
“I shall speak to my husband at once and make it clear that the Sinclair name must not be associated with such low-born people,” Lady Emma declared.
“And now I have some delightful news,” Lady Westcliff announced with a smile.
“At the end of this month, I shall be giving a ball in honour of my son, who is to be promoted to Colonel.
Naturally, all our friends are invited, but the greatest surprise is that the Marquise de la Pena has accepted my invitation.
She told me she wished my ball to mark her debut in London society.
I do not doubt that my son's ball will be the most talked-about event of the remainder of the Season—perhaps even of the entire Season.”
The ladies all congratulated her with smiles that concealed anything but genuine pleasure. They knew that the Marchioness's presence would ensure that the ball was featured in every society column, and each of them secretly envied Lady Westcliff for securing such a distinguished guest.
The only person who felt sincerely delighted was Caroline. She could scarcely believe that she would have the opportunity to meet the Marquise de la Pena, one of the wealthiest and most influential women in Europe.
◆◆◆
When Mr Darcy arrived with his party, Elizabeth and her sisters were already inside the museum.
Mary was with Captain Campbell, Kitty, and Laura, studying a collection of old maps.
The exhibition was devoted to the history of England, and the maps dated back more than a century.
The Captain was explaining which territories had been incorporated into the kingdom over the years and which had later been lost. All the girls listened attentively, but none more so than Mary.
There was something about the captain that stirred feelings she had never experienced before.
Because of her unhappy childhood, she had never trusted men.
Yet, over the past few months, her aunt had introduced her to gentlemen who were utterly unlike her father, and she no longer regarded all of them with quite the same suspicion.
In another part of the gallery, Elizabeth and John were examining a collection of ancient weapons. Elizabeth herself was not particularly interested in the subject, but she was keeping her young cousin company.
“Darcy, I shall join Lady Claire and Georgiana to greet Campbell and the ladies with him. Why do you not take the opportunity to speak to Miss Elizabeth?”
Without waiting for his cousin's reply, Richard crossed the gallery with the two ladies to greet his fellow officer.
Mr Darcy drew a deep breath before approaching Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, Mr Gardiner, I am very pleased to see you both again.”