Chapter Twenty-Nine
Not for the first time since meeting her, Darcy both fell asleep thinking of Elizabeth and awoke to thoughts of her. Having the handsomest woman of his acquaintance on his mind at the end and the beginning of his day was a most pleasant way to drift to sleep and wake in the morning.
A smile turned up his lips and he drew a deep breath as he stretched his muscles, then threw back the counterpane and sat up on the edge of the bed. On the bedside stand was a cup of black coffee still steaming—oh, how well his valet knew him.
He was just finishing the coffee when Vincent came in and asked if there was any specific item of clothing he wished to wear. "I need riding clothes," he replied.
"Very good, sir," Vincent replied, then turned back into his dressing room.
With a sigh, Darcy rose and went to the washstand to perform his morning ablutions—though a glance at the clock on the mantle over his fireplace told him it was past midday. How abominable to have been abed so late! Thankfully, by the time he stepped into the dressing room, Vincent had all his clothes waiting to be put on.
He met Philip in the hall still tying his cravat. "Why didn't Oliver do that for you? Is he already delivering a note to Miss Bennet?"
Philip laughed as the two started down the stairs together. "No, indeed, I am merely in something of a hurry. I've some business to tend to, then I intend to call on her."
Darcy nodded; he'd noted that Philip also wore riding breeches. "I am in much the same position this afternoon. I intend to see to Wickham's transportation, that he is off Bingley's hands—"
"And what about after? Darcy, it's not your responsibility to pay his way," Philip said with some exasperation. "That reprobate is responsible for his own misfortunes—including his present condition."
Darcy sighed. "I know," said he. "I intend to speak to my physician here in Town to see if he can recommend a charity hospital. Believe me, Philip, I intend to set him up then never think of him again."
In the breakfast room, they found Georgiana and Theodore already eating. "Thank goodness I am right-handed," said the latter as soon as he saw them. "At least I am still able to feed myself—were I to need help, I would be mortified."
Philip smirked as he moved to the sideboard to fill a plate. "It's a good thing you already get help dressing yourself, or it would be even worse!"
Georgiana sent a look to Darcy that said, These two are incorrigible. "Good afternoon, brother," she greeted him over her cup of chocolate.
"Good afternoon," he returned as he was selecting sausages for his own plate. "Have you any plans today? I'm afraid I must see to Wickham's transportation before I will be free to spend the day with you."
"I had thought I might call on the Miss Bennets," Georgiana replied. "I should dearly love talk over the ball with them."
"Did you enjoy yourself, sister, in spite of only having three gentlemen you could dance with?"
Georgiana nodded. "Oh indeed! As Mrs. Gardiner said, we had such a wonderful time discussing the fashions all the ladies were wearing. Oh, Cousin Philip, I am reminded of something!"
"What's that, Georgie?" he said as he sat across from his brother.
"During the supper set, I overheard a lady talking to her friend—at least, I assume the other was a friend—wondering if there was some secret romance between you and your partner, because of how well your waistcoat matched with the lace of her gown."
As Darcy sat opposite his sister, Philip beamed. "I knew people would talk of it!"
He turned to Darcy then. "You know, I think we should take Elizabeth's advice."
Darcy's brow winged up. "Her advice?" he queried.
His cousin nodded as he chewed a piece of sausage. "Oh yes," said he after swallowing. "She danced with my friend Viscount Larraby for the first set, and quickly discerned that he has a tendre for Olivia. Apparently, when he asked her if it was true that a gentleman sent flowers to a lady he wished to know better after a dance, she told him that if he wished to outdistance himself from the others with an eye for my sister, he should deliver them in person."
Theodore snorted. "Like he really needs to—Olivia's as smitten with Larraby as he is with her."
Philip laughed. "And he thinks me still unaware!" Shaking his head, he added, "But in seriousness, Elizabeth's advice is sound. We should all three of us take an arrangement to our ladies in person!"
"It's not a bad idea, Will," remarked Theodore. "Though Amelia said something last night about promenading at Hyde Park if the weather was good, to which Mother and the girls agreed. So, the twins might be there as well."
Darcy fought against the inclination to roll his eyes; promenading is what members of society did to see and be seen, to make or renew acquaintances, and—as in Theodore's case—show off the prized beauty who's hand he had managed to secure in marriage. On his lady's side, it would be to prove she was not ashamed of marrying a second son.
"I believe Elizabeth knows I do not particularly care for that activity," he said.
"And I'm not as fond of it as I used to be," said Philip. "But I think we should join them. Our appearing at the park with these particular ladies will show anyone else who is there that they mean something to us. Anyone who sees us together will tell all their acquaintance—and I see the look you're giving me, Darcy. Yes, I am also hoping that the twittering tongues of the ton will make it that much harder for my mother to continue with her dislike for Jane."
Darcy lifted his eyebrows along with his coffee. "I said nothing."
"No, but you were thinking it," Philip protested, pointing his fork at him.
"You said you had business to see to," Darcy reminded him.
"As do you," countered his cousin. "I propose this: You and I see about our business and meet everyone at the park. Georgiana can deliver flowers to our ladies by proxy—if that is not disagreeable to you, cousin—and ride over with them. Look, the sun is out and shining brightly, and such a fine day should not be wasted."
Suppressing a sigh, Darcy consented with a nod. After all, he would certainly like to see Elizabeth again and not have to wait long to do so. He'd not expected to see her that day, given how late the twins' ball had lasted, but he had fully intended to send her flowers to let her know he was thinking of her.
He and Philip then arranged for Georgiana to go to the flower shop with her maid on the way to Gracechurch Street while they took care of their own concerns. She would convey their invitation to join the party in Hyde Park, hopefully with success. Darcy decided that if Elizabeth did not agree to the plan, he would make his excuses and call on her at Gracechurch Street.
"By the way, Philip," said Theodore as the three gentlemen were preparing to depart Darcy house near half an hour later. "I know what Darcy's up to today, but what business have you got to take care of?"
Darcy was admittedly curious himself but had been polite enough not to ask—it was not his business to know all of his relations' private concerns.
The viscount looked from his brother to Darcy and back again. "Among other things, I'm going to look into purchasing a house in Town."
Theodore grinned. "At least you'll get to—I have a feeling Amelia and I will be staying at Northam House when we are married. And Darcy already has this place."
"Please—as if you're really vexed to have to share that incredible house with the duke for however long he shall live," retorted Philip with a snort. "Good heavens, Theo, it's large enough to be a country estate!"
Theodore nodded. "It is indeed, though I have heard Amelia say that her family's house at Northam Park is more than twice the size of this one!"
The brothers laughed and continued to talk of houses in Town and country and the wives they would soon acquire to manage them as they donned their coats and hats. It struck Darcy then with stunning clarity that this was the last Season he and his cousins would all of them be bachelors together. No longer would Philip and Theodore prefer to share his house rather than continue living with their parents—they would be husbands in houses of their own.
He wondered if he might soon be as fortunate.
-…-
Elizabeth was glad to have worn her heavier pelisse and cloak; the sun was indeed shining, but it was chilly. She, Jane, and Georgiana all had their hands tucked firmly inside their muffs as soon as they were out of the Darcy carriage.
Somewhat ironic, she thought it, that they alighted at the same entrance where all the drama of the last two weeks had begun: Hyde Park Corner. Has it truly been only a fortnight? Elizabeth wondered as she gazed around to try and spot a familiar face.
"Oh, look! There are my cousins and Lady Amelia," said Georgiana as she lifted a hand and waved. "But who is that gentleman with them? I remember him from the ball, but I don't know his name."
Elizabeth found herself smiling as the two groups drew near to one another. "I believe that is Lord Larraby—he was my first partner."
"He soon hopes to be Olivia's only partner," said Georgiana with a giggle. When Elizabeth looked to her with some surprise, she added, "Theo and Philip mentioned him when we broke our fast."
The two groups of young people met, greetings were exchanged, and then Theodore introduced Lord Larraby to Georgiana. "Darcy and my brother should not be too long in joining us, I think," he added. "Let us begin our walk to keep off the cold."
This plan was agreed to by all, and he and Lady Amelia took the lead. Because they were not the only ones taking advantage of the sunshine-filled and snow-free day, the group walked two-by-two to make more room on the footpath. Behind Theodore and Amelia walked Lord Larraby and Lady Olivia followed by Lady Cecilia and Georgiana, with Elizabeth and Jane bringing up the rear. Much of the talk centered around the ball the night before, with the twins remarking how extraordinary they thought being sent flowers by their partners was.
"Mamma explained that it was a gentleman's way of showing a lady he danced with that he wished to know her better," Cecilia said to Georgiana. "Though Lord Larraby did not need to bring Livvy flowers, as he has known us these four years."
"A gentleman already being acquainted with a lady does not negate his duty as a partner," said Amelia over her shoulder, smiling at the two directly behind her.
"Especially if he desires to know her even better than he already does," Elizabeth added; she imagined a blush filling not only the cheeks of Olivia, but her escort as well.
"Did you receive any flowers from your partners, Miss Bennet? Miss Elizabeth?" Cecilia asked.
"We did, yes," replied Jane. "They were very pretty bouquets."
"Did you know that flowers have meaning?" offered Olivia. "Each type of flower means something different, though many have similar meanings."
"Quite true, my lady," said Amelia.
Larraby suddenly paused, and Elizabeth could see that his expression was one of worry. "Goodness me," he cried softly. "I hope I did not bring the wrong kind! I told the florist what I wanted—did she get it wrong?"
Olivia looked up at him with a warm smile. "Not at all. You—and she—did very well."
Elizabeth felt some warmth in her own face as the group started off again. She knew the meanings of most flowers—the peonies she'd received indicated Darcy thought her beautiful, and the gardenias his joy in their courtship. At least, that was how she had interpreted the symbolism of each; whether Darcy himself had known their meaning, she was unsure. Her sister had received all red flowers, and Elizabeth knew that roses and tulips were symbols of love. Philip either knew this, or he'd asked the florist as Lord Larraby had. She wondered what flowers he'd given to Lady Olivia.
Then again… Elizabeth had the sudden idea that neither Philip nor Darcy had had a hand in the choice of flowers she and Jane had received. After all, it was Georgiana who had presented them—perhaps she'd also been the one to choose them. Did she also know that different flowers represented different emotions? Had she needed to ask the florist she visited? In either case, the selections were exceptionally fitting, as Philip and Jane actually were in love and hers and Darcy's courtship was just getting started.
They had been walking along going on ten minutes, conversing amiably with each other, when Darcy and Philip were spotted riding toward them. Their group paused and waited for the two men to reach them; when they had dismounted, respects were paid first to Lady Amelia, who outranked even Philip, before greetings were exchanged with the others. As soon as civilities were observed, Darcy was immediately by Elizabeth's side, offering her his arm, and Philip did the same for Jane.
Cecilia and Olivia each cast curious glances at the new pairings, but the group continued on almost at once, with the topic returning to the ball. Georgiana asked her twin cousins what they were looking forward to now that they were officially out in society, and they immediately began to talk of going to other balls and fancy dinners, card parties, and all the events their parents were always attending.
"What about you, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked in a low voice. "Do you also look forward to balls and card parties and the like? I seem to recall that you rather enjoy such gatherings even when you do not know everyone in attendance."
Elizabeth laughed. "While I should be glad to accept an invitation to a ball or an evening party, I daresay we shall not receive many. Your first circle friends may be curious about Jane and me, but they do not know us well enough to invite us into their homes—they cannot even call on us to get to know us better as they do not know where we live."
Darcy frowned slightly. "Did you not get on well with any of the young ladies you met last night?"
"Oh, indeed," she assured him. "I was pleased to meet your cousins, I very much enjoy Lady Amelia's company, and I rather liked Lord Larraby's sister Mrs. Hemsworth, as well. As to activities, sir, I would be as pleased to see another play, or perhaps an opera, as I would to attend an evening party."
"Oh, what a delightful idea!"
The whole group stopped at the cheerful ejaculation from Lady Amelia. "What is a delightful idea, my lady?" Philip asked her.
"Lord Larraby has just suggested that we all get together an evening this week," Amelia replied.
Georgiana sighed softly. "I shall not be able to join you, my lady, for I am not out in society—I'll not have my debut until next year. It is only by the good grace of my brother that I am even with you all now, as my companion is yet still in Derbyshire with an ill relation."
"Oh, that will not do at all!" Lady Amelia stepped away from Colonel Fitzwilliam and walked back to where Darcy and Elizabeth stood. She took up his free hand with one of hers and reached out to his sister with the other.
"Mr. Darcy, surely you might make an exception—I so adored Miss Darcy's playing at the ball last night," Amelia said.
Elizabeth could almost feel Darcy's discomfiture at being put on the spot. If he said yes, it would be a greater breech of propriety than merely walking with his sister among company at the park. If he said no, he would disappoint Georgiana and perhaps make himself appear unkind to the others.
"Mr. Darcy," she interjected as another thought occurred to her, "pray forgive me if I overstep, but could you not consider the situation as though you had invited your friends and cousins to your home? Miss Darcy is your hostess there as you have no wife at present, is she not? And as you would be attending this gathering, so long as the company is limited in number, why could she not join you?"
"I would gladly limit the number of guests, Mr. Darcy, that your sister need not be left alone with no company for the evening," Lord Larraby spoke up.
"Oh please, cousin!" Olivia begged. "Do let Georgie join us! It is only to be dinner, cards, and maybe some music, is it not, my lord?"
The last she said to Larraby, who nodded eagerly. "Quite so, Lady Olivia. I simply thought it would be a pleasant way to spend an evening, to have an intimate gathering of new friends."
Darcy slowly drew in a breath through his nose. "Who else might be in attendance at this 'intimate' gathering?" he asked.
Larraby gestured at the present company. "Only those of us here, as well as my sister and her husband, as Mrs. Hemsworth told me she enjoyed meeting the Miss Bennets last night. I did think to ask another couple of my friends to join us that the number of ladies and gentlemen would be even, though if you would rather I did not, I can leave off at just us and my sister and brother. And if it would ease your discomfort, Mr. Darcy, I can ask my mother to join us as well, since she stays with me at Larraby House."
Darcy breathed deeply again, then said, "I thank you, Lord Larraby, for the honor of your invitation on behalf of myself and my sister. However, I really do not feel as though it would be proper for her to visit your home when she is not out in society. Might I suggest an amendment of the location to Darcy House? I would be happy to host this intimate gathering, that propriety is observed and my sister able to join in the company."
He looked down at Elizabeth and offered a small smile, before looking up again to say, "After all, as Miss Elizabeth has said, my sister is my hostess at present, as I have no mistress for my home."
"Not yet," said Theodore with a snort.
As she stood next to him, her hand tucked in the crook of his arm, Elizabeth felt the eyes of their whole party on her. Her countenance was surely a bright crimson from the scrutiny, but she managed to keep her chin up—though her eyes were on Jane, lest her courage actually fail her. It was impossible to mistake the implications of the colonel's words, but surely Darcy could not be considering marriage already…
Could he?