Chapter 25:
Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet, felt surprised at how quickly she adapted to being Mrs. Darcy. One could argue that she had been Mrs. Darcy before she got married in Longbourn and that could explain her easy transition, but she would argue that being married in Scotland was not quite the same as being married among family and friends.
The first two weeks after getting married, the newlyweds spent most of their time at Darcy House, resting after their grand and secret adventure in Scotland. Mr. Darcy did take Mrs. Darcy out a few times during that time, mostly to more recluse places where they were not likely to meet many from the ton. Word soon spread that the reclusive Mr. Darcy had married a country beauty and everyone was eager to meet the new Mrs. Darcy. Though it was socially unacceptable to call a mere few days after the wedding, it did not impede many from leaving their cards in their attempt to assure a footing with one of the ton's most illustrious families. There was much curiosity and even much more jealousy, and so Elizabeth read the pile cards without interest, knowing that too soon she would have to venture into society and play the part of Mrs. Darcy...whatever that part was.
"Reading cards again?" asked Mr. Darcy, walking into the drawing room where Elizabeth was currently sitting, looking at the cards from all the callers. "They seem to grow exponentially" he teased, reaching for the pile of cards.
"I am afraid I shall have to venture into society one of these days" said Elizabeth, her tone low and pensive.
"Are you nervous, my dear?" asked Mr. Darcy.
"No" said Elizabeth with a weak smile, "Yes" she added now laughing. "It seems silly really, we have been through so much together that the ton should seem quite easy in comparison but I know that they will be scrutinizing me, analyzing every detail. It seems daunting."
"That is the reason I avoided the ton for years" teased Mr. Darcy, reaching for her hand and kissing it lightly, "But now, we shall be facing everything together—including the ton."
"I thank you" said Elizabeth, knowing how much he hated to partake in society and feeling touched that he would endure it for her. "When is Georgiana arriving?"
"Either today or tomorrow. It will depend on how the weather was when they were planning on leaving Pemberley. When is Jane arriving?" asked Mr. Darcy.
"The day after tomorrow" said Lizzy distracted, she had gone back to looking at the cards and the invitations. "There are quite a few balls here. It seems we got married mid season."
"Indeed" said Mr. Darcy, rolling his eyes. "One would think we would have planned it thus."
"La! I highly doubt anyone would think that Mr. Darcy" responded Elizabeth laughing. "I think I shall respond yes to some of this and perhaps pay a visit to the modiste and then return some of these calls."
"You do not have to" said Mr. Darcy, his tone now serious and yet soft.
"I know" she answered, "But I do. I am part of the Darcy family and our name is of utmost importance. One day it shall make the difference for Georgiana's marriage and then our children's. We both prefer the country and shall not be here for long but when we are in London, we need to play within the rules of society and one of those rules is social calls."
"You are a gem" said Mr. Darcy, kissing her hands once again.
"Yes, yes I am" teased Elizabeth. They sat there laughing and talking, until it was time for Elizabeth to visit the modiste where she ordered new dresses befitting her new status, smiling wryly that her dear mama would be proud.
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The hustle and bustle at Darcy House went from a quiet newlywed house to now a house of three women, one quiet master, and many rustling servants. The Darcys had decided to give Jane and Georgiana a few days of rest before venturing out into society. Elizabeth felt a ball would be a great first outing and so she responded affirmative for the entire family to attend that night Lady Doughtfire's Ball. She was known to host the best Balls in London, families often traveling from their country estates just to attend. Elizabeth knew how much it meant that she had invited them and instead of responding by card, she paid her a visit where she might have slightly hinted and gladly accepted for an invitation for her dear sister Jane. Lady Doughtfire was impressed with the new Mrs. Darcy who did not only have beauty but also wit and decided that though young, they would make great friends.
Elizabeth knocked on Jane's door, waiting for her to answer.
"Do come in" said Jane. "What do you think?" asked Jane, twirling sideways for her sister to see her new dress.
"You look as beautiful as ever" said Elizabeth, who likewise looked lovely herself. She was wearing a new muslin gown with rich wine tones. Though she would not wear it for tonight's ball, she had also ordered a cap from the milliners. It was of the same muslin material with added trimmings and Greek embroidery, which she was told was the latest fashion. Elizabeth was not a fan of caps and neither seemed to be Mr. Darcy, but she knew they were expected to be worn now that she was married. But at formal events like Balls, she did not need to and therefore left it behind this evening.
"Are you ready?" asked Elizabeth, lending her arm for her sister to link arms with.
"Yes" said Jane, taking Lizzy's arms and walking down the grand staircases towards the main entrance where Mr. Darcy stood, ready to take the two ladies to the ball.
"You both look so beautiful!" said Georgiana, coming down to see them, "I wish I could go" said Georgiana, crossing her arms.
"Soon, my dear. Before you know it, it shall be your turn" said Mr. Darcy lovingly, "We shall be home late."
"Have a lovely time!" said Georgiana and watched them go, the chaste and four pulling the two beautiful ladies and Mr. Darcy to Lady Doughtfire's Ball.
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The Ball was decorated with such taste and fashion that Elizabeth knew at once why this was the standout Ball of the season. She had sat with Mrs. Doughfire for thirty minutes in her drawing room, which had been enough time for her to know that Mrs. Doughtfire possessed as much wit as wealth.
"Mr. Darcy!" said their hostess, "Mrs. Darcy, and Miss Bennet, welcome!"
"We thank you Lady Doughtfire, you have truly outdone yourself" said Elizabeth.
"You have seen nothing yet my dear" teased Mrs. Doughtfire. "I am glad you called on me and that you have accepted our invitation. We hope you enjoy tonight's Ball."
"Thank you, Lady Doughtfire" said Mr. Darcy, bowing formally and offering an arm to both of the ladies. Elizabeth felt all the eyes upon her and she held on tighter to Mr. Darcy's arm for emotional rather than physical support. She knew they would soon pour in and question, analyze, and intrigue. She was not read for that yet and with a heavy sigh, asked Mr. Darcy for a drink. He gladly obliged.
Mr. Darcy left the ladies in a corner to get them some lemonade and during the time he was gone, Miss Murphy approached them.
"Jane!" she said, curtsying and smiling widely at seeing her friend. "You left without saying goodbye!"
"I am sorry, Penelope" said Jane softly, "Have you met my sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy?"
"Oh, this is the new Mrs. Darcy" gushed Penelope, "A pleasure."
"This is Miss Murphy, Lizzy, the friend I made during my stay in London" explained Jane.
"How long are you staying in London?" asked Miss Murphy.
"Jane will stay with us through the season and then we shall be off to Pemberley" answered Elizabeth.
"Perhaps you shall meet my brother then!" said Penelope smiling widely, she looked around for the Viscount who was nowhere to be seen, "He is quite handsome!"
"Penelope!" said Jane laughing.
"I would love make his acquaintance" said Elizabeth, a smirk on her face. She could see Jane blushing.
"Mama" said Penelope, greeting an older and fancy woman who approached them, "Remember Miss Bennet and this is her sister the new Mrs. Darcy."
"A pleasure" said Viscountess Murphy. "Where is my son?" she muttered to herself looking around, "Ah, there you are dear!" she said loudly, calling him over. The Viscount, as handsome as Mr. Darcy, gave her a sideways smile and made his way over to his dear mama.
After formal introductions were made, where the Viscount noticed Miss Bennet's beauty instantly but disregarded her as insipid as every other débutante, he took his mother's hint and asked her for the next dance, which she politely accepted.
Viscount Peter Murphy offered Miss Bennet his arm and took her unto the dance floor, where everyone was now staring at the very good looking couple. Jane blushed becomingly, always uncomfortable with attention and looked down as the Viscount twirled her into position with the other couples. Jane looked sidesways and noticed Mr. Bingley dancing with his own sister, Caroline and Jane looked away, not ready to face him yet so soon.
The music began and she found herself moving to the steps though not really being there. She had not thought of Mr. Bingley, or she should say, she did not allow herself to think of Mr. Bingley since she last saw him at the wedding. He knew she would be in London and they had left off that they would become re-acquainted in London but she did not know if she was ready or truly, if she was interested.
The Viscount must have asked her a question for he was now staring at Jane, waiting for a response.
"Miss Bennet?" asked the Viscount.
"Mmhh?" asked Jane, "I apologize, I was woolgathering."
"I do not usually have that effect on ladies" teased Peter, showing her his famous and rather handsome smirk.
"Perhaps you have been around the wrong type of ladies" said Jane, smiling.
"Perhaps" said Peter, now looking at Jane differently. She was beautiful, a very standard beauty that he knew everyone in this room had noticed and stared. But she was not trying, as many young ladies usually would. They would stare into his mesmerizing gray eyes and blush becomingly, say something insipid and often dull, in the hopes of getting his attention. Miss Bennet was not trying to get his attention and perhaps because of it, she now had it.
"My sister tells me you two have become bosom friends" said Peter, hoping to engage her in conversation.
"We have, Penelope has such an easy nature, reminds me of my sister, Mrs. Darcy" said Jane.
"And you do not have such an easy nature?" inquired the Viscount, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh no, I am quite difficult" teased Jane, laughing, "I am sorry, that was not true. I am not difficult at all, I would say I'm shy or perhaps more private. I do not have that easiness to converse with whomever and form quick attachments." It was perhaps this aspect of her nature that had not convinced Mr. Bingley but then perhaps he had not understood her.
"I see" said the Viscount, looking at her differently.
"Do you?" asked Jane, not sure what he was referring to.
"I believe I do, Miss Bennet" he said, now smiling. The music had stopped and all the couples were clapping, thanking the orchestra for their performance, "Shall we join our family?" he asked, offering her his arm.
"Indeed" said Jane softly, taking his arm.
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I'm so excited with this story! I think im going to take a break from the other story until I finish this one. I just think its getting confusing, both stories are in London...I'm going to keep it separate. I haven't abandoned "To love again" and I am still writing it, I'm just going to focus on finishing and publishing this one and then posting that one.
