Ch. 26 An Opera Evening, Part 1
Darcy had no trouble finishing his business by tea time. He typically found his business rewarding, though this day he found his mind frequently chose to wander. While considering changes at Pemberley, he wondered at Elizabeth's opinions and thought of which paths would give her the most pleasure, where her favorite places might be in the manor and which secluded spots they might have a private luncheon. He thought of the enjoyment to be had riding together across the countryside and imagined venturing to tenant farms together; him to discuss the crop and appraise the state of the home while she offered supplies to the tenant's wife and engaged in discussions about the children's antics and local gossip.
After considering Mrs. Annesley's resignation, he imagined his beloved conversing and guiding his dear sister in society. Georgiana was becoming increasingly attached to Elizabeth and his heart lightened thinking on the sisterly fondness he anticipated they would share.
Waking from his imaginings, he would clear his mind by shaking his head and endeavoring to concentrate once again on his correspondence and ledgers. It was an easier matter to undertake and check off items from the to-do list once his secretary arrived to keep him on task. The secretary was given leave to eat a leisure breakfast in the kitchen that morning. His responsibility was to maintain the organization of Darcy's study and correspondence, keep Darcy's calendar and write missives that Darcy might dictate to save time multitasking.
Mr. Matthews was a tidy man of a similar age to Darcy who possessed light curly hair and a straight nose. Matthews had a steady hand with a pen and was proud to have proven himself to be a valuable employee. He was currently courting an assistant cook at Pemberley and was eager to please the Master of the great house. The secretary correctly assumed that once his master returned to Derbyshire with his bride, he would be traveling less. His favorite duty was to accompany Darcy around the estate, taking notes in his notebook as Darcy dictated, regarding repairs, employees, tenants, land, livestock and miscellaneous notions. In the four years of his service, he had learned to respect Darcy and love Pemberley.
"Sir, Mr. Banks returned from Longbourn and left your signed copy of the marriage documents. I placed them on your desk earlier, did you see them?"
"Indeed. Thank you, Matthews," Darcy said getting to his feet and straitening his waistcoat, "if you can seal those letters and see them sent; I believe I am finished for the day. I will call you if the need arises."
Mr. Matthews nodded, "Of course, Sir. Word was also sent this morning that the jeweler will be calling tomorrow at ten. Does that meet with your approval?"
Darcy pursed his lips. "I suppose that is acceptable. I would have preferred to visit the Gardiner's at that time, but it is no matter. Tomorrow evening I will be dining with the Hursts. If there is anything else, I will be home at a late hour, so you may leave me a note or meet me in the morning."
"Very good, Sir." Matthews returned to finish his work as Darcy walked from the room.
The house had been quiet since Georgiana had already left with their aunt. Mr. Bingley had also stepped out to visit his solicitor. Darcy requested some refreshments and the housekeeper's presence from a passing servant and went to the drawing room to pass some time. He discussed his plans with the housekeeper, Mrs. Whitin, for his Sunday guests and read before changing into formal attire.
He was enjoying the warmth of his bath when Georgiana returned home from her shopping excursion. Lady Matlock had already driven the Miss Bennets to Gracechurch Street and did not stay for refreshments, excusing herself to return home and impress upon the Earl the necessity of readying for the evening's Opera.
Darcy found Georgiana in the music room playing chords and greeted his sister once she noticed his smiling mien. "How was your morning, Georgiana? Did you buy anything that met your fancy?" He paced forward and took a seat close to her.
"Oh, yes. Several things," Georgiana gave him a mischievous look, "You are looking rather dashing, Fitzwilliam. Are you escorting Mr. Bingley somewhere special? I saw him a moment ago bounding up the stairs."
Darcy raised a brow and refrained from rolling his eyes. "Of course," he replied dryly, "it has long been my fondest wish to visit the Opera House with Mr. Bingley on my arm rather than my fiancé."
Georgiana giggled. "Lizzy will be unhappy to hear it. She is so looking forward to parading you around."
"Parading me? The very idea is ludicrous."
Georgiana played a measure absentmindedly at the instrument and smiled. "Do not be alarmed. I have it on good authority that Miss Elizabeth has missed you dreadfully today and would happily hide in a corner with you between acts rather than strut about smiling at strangers. She will make an excellent Darcy."
Her comment made his lips twitch and his head incline with curiosity. "She missed me dreadfully?"
Georgiana hid a smile as she watched her fingers tap the keys of her pianoforte. "Certainly, though she did not openly declare it, I could understand what she did not say." After a brief pause, she continued, "I do believe she became frustrated. Aunt Helen made introductions all afternoon, boasting about the match. I even found it tiresome diverting Lizzy's attention by purchasing items she was perusing—it was likely that she simply hoped to deflect our aunt, you see."
Darcy laughed, "It is well that I was not in attendance. I do hope she isn't cross."
"No, Brother. I imagine that she is relieved."
Soon after, Colonel Fitzwilliam was announced. Because he preferred not to attend the Opera with the group, he opted to dine with his cousin and spend the evening being entertained by Georgiana, and keeping her company in return. Darcy enjoyed a cup of tea with his sister and cousin while waiting for Mr. Bingley to change into his finery.
P&P
Elizabeth was relieved to loosen her stays and wash before sitting at the dressing table to brush out her hair. Jane offered to arrange her dark curls with some baby's breath in return for Elizabeth's assistance.
Mrs. Bennet met her daughters in their room as they were stepping into their satin slippers. "Oh, Jane, you are such a vision! That shade of blue makes your skin glow. You too, Lizzy, I am sure that Mr. Darcy will not find you wanting in any way. You both look radiant." She could not stop the tears from pooling in her eyes with pride and sadness at the realization that her daughters were full grown and were soon to leave her. Blinking her eyes, Mrs. Bennet smiled and told Jane and Elizabeth that they were to enjoy their evening for they were very blessed to have such handsome, rich men waiting below stairs for them.
When the ladies descended the stairs with Mrs. Bennet, they met their uncle and their gentlemen in the drawing room. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy both quit the conversation when they spotted their lovely ladies and stepped forward, nearly colliding with one another earning them both smiles from Jane and Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet stepped aside to watch her girls greet the gentlemen, her visage clearly expressed the smug pride she felt for her eldest daughters.
Darcy silently reminded himself to breathe. Gathering his wits, he strode to his betrothed with his eyes shining and his head full of her. As far as he was concerned the other occupants in the room faded away when she entered looking striking in a low-cut burgundy velvet gown with silver threading and sash; her long cream gloves and dainty garnet necklace gave her a delicate, refined appearance. Without breaking eye contact, he took her gloved hand and bestowed a lingering kiss to her knuckle and palm. For her ears alone, he said, "You are stunning tonight, my lady."
Bestowing him with a private smile and a small bob, owing to the fact that he still possessed her hand, she replied, "As are you, my lord." Elizabeth was surprised at the emotion that choked her voice at the sight of him and the love in his expression. "I am glad to see you, Fitzwilliam."
He squeezed the hand he still held and replied, "I missed you today as well."
Mrs. Gardiner soon entered and complimented her nieces before announcing that supper was ready to be served. Mr. Gardiner happily moved to escort his wife and sister, leaving the remaining couples to find their own way.
Mr. Bingley gallantly led his Jane to the dining room. Though his appetite never seemed to diminish, he was particularly in a hurry to begin dining since his last meal had been breakfast that morning. Jane laughed lightly as he hastened after her relations while articulating a steady stream of compliments on her appearance.
Darcy watched Bingley and Jane with a raised brow and turned to his betrothed with a smirk. "I suppose we should also join the party," he said, and tucked her hand in the niche of his arm. However, Elizabeth did not respond or move to leave the room. Instead, she requested he wait a moment and continued to gaze at him. She simply wanted to surround herself in the quiet, private room in close proximity to him; basking in his nearness, the light in his eyes and his masculine scent.
A moment passed but Elizabeth did not budge or initiate conversation. Fitzwilliam raised his hand to graze his fingers across her cheekbone and leaned forward to bestow a kiss to her temple as she closed her eyes. "We should not tarry."
"Of course, you are right," she replied and allowed herself to be led to the dining room.
As Elizabeth was seated, her aunt shot her an understanding look and asked Darcy about the performance they were to see. Elizabeth was able to tune out the conversation when the soup was served and wondered at her behavior. At one point during the meal Fitzwilliam's inquiring gaze captured her attention, she responded with a smile so he would not worry for her health or the reason for her introspection, and attended more diligently to the conversation on which coach each couple would occupy.
The meal was not planned to be an elaborate affair. The time was soon upon them to depart for King's Theatre. The ladies collected their cloaks and wraps while the gentlemen took up their outerwear, hats and walking sticks to escort them out into the frigid October night.
Elizabeth watched as her mother joined the Gardiners in their carriage and smiled at Darcy when he offered his hand to assist her into his carriage. She took the seat next to Jane on the comfortable cushion before their intended grooms claimed the seat across from them.
When the carriage started moving on the cobbled street, Darcy asked Elizabeth if she was feeling well. She answered with a smile and said that she was and had looked forward to the evening all day.
Jane agreed and then explained, "We have been to the theater many times while staying with the Gardiners, but have never attended an Opera before. What is the name of the performance again, Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy leaned against the back of the seat and answered, "I understand that we are to see Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Are you familiar with it, Miss Bennet?" "Though I have enjoyed Mozart's compositions, I have not the pleasure of familiarity. It is not French?" Jane had never pursued linguistic learnings as Elizabeth had. Jane looked to her sister for the answer. "Indeed, it is not," Elizabeth rejoined with a laugh. While she could converse haltingly in French and could read Latin and Greek, she anticipated the theatrical meaning to be just as lost to her as it would be to her sister. "It is Italian," Darcy added. "I believe the storyline contains a theme of exchanging fiancées."
The carriage stopped in front of the facade of King's Theatre on Heymarket. A footman let down the step and stepped aside to allow the gentlemen to assist their ladies from the carriage. Darcy sent the man to retrieve their entrance tickets. They patiently waited for the Gardiners and Mrs. Bennet by one of the three pillars. Elizabeth stood close to Fitzwilliam and tried to ignore the whispers of speculation that were heard regarding Darcy's presence and her close proximity to the man. This is what it is like to be Darcy, Elizabeth thought, it is no wonder why he is so uneasy in society. She raised her chin and sought to express her happiness, she hoped that her fiancé would find no fault with her public demeanor.
"It is a charming building," Jane offered and Bingley agreed looking up at the tall pillars and taking in the brick edifice.
Bingley said, "I understand that the old theater burned from a roof fire. I remember when this theater opened; I was young but remember my parents going to a Handel performance."
The footman in Darcy livery soon returned to speak to Darcy, and then disappeared behind the coach before it rolled down the street. The Gardiners and Mrs. Bennet joined the group as the Matlock carriage pulled to a stop at the sidewalk. The Earl descended and assisted his wife who spotted and acknowledged the group. Lady Matlock towed her husband to the group and greeted them warmly as he bowed.
"Were you able to reserve a box, Nephew?" Lady Matlock asked in a formal tone, unwilling to have theater-goers overhear Darcy addressed by his Christian name.
Darcy nodded, "We are to be seated close to you."
Lady Matlock was satisfied, "That is excellent," she said. "I had a lovely day with Miss Elizabeth and intend to socialize with her relations after the first Act." Elizabeth was amused and noticed her Aunt's smile while partially attending to a brief conversation between Darcy and the Earl. Elizabeth could sense the affection between the Fitzwilliam family and her betrothed; her heart was gladdened that he had some loving relations so unlike Lady Catherine.
Mrs. Bennet was in awe of the surrounding fashions and spoke gaily without needing the encouragement of individual conversation. Mr. Bingley was impressed by her one-sided discussion, but could not recall later what she specifically said.
The Countess preceded the group to the entrance, through the rich foyer and up the staircase to claim their seats and deposit cloaks, nodding and smiling at acquaintances as she went. Elizabeth wondered if Helen was taking notes on who was there and which persons still needed formal introductions. Lady Matlock's objective was clearly to surround Elizabeth by the right people in the Ton and ensure that she was recognized as Darcy's future wife. Already Elizabeth was tired by the Lady's efforts… and grateful too.
Once Elizabeth had shed her cloak with Darcy's assistance, she bestowed him with a radiant smile and looked over the balcony to the stage. "The view is magnificent, William. Did you say the play would entail fiancée swapping?" At his nod, she inclined her head to her sister laughing and claimed his hand, "I do hope that you would not entertain the notion."
He smiled broadly showing his dimple and shook his head emphatically, "Certainly not, my love." He lifted her fingers to his lips and then said, "I would be jealous, nay resentful, of any man who might claim you. That pleasure, Madam, I declare is mine alone."
"Do you, Sir?" She could not resist the temptation to flirt with Fitzwilliam when he was so willing to banter with her. In the public setting their conversation felt private since the Gardiners were talking to acquaintances in the hall and Jane was conversing with Bingley and Mrs. Bennet.
Darcy's eyes were very serious and dark when he said, "I shall prove it to you."
She was not entirely sure that they were discussing the same subject. She raised a brow meant to challenge his statement and gain understanding, "When?"
Elizabeth blushed prettily and shivered, when he leaned close to whisper in her ear, "On our wedding night… and every day thereafter."
The air of excitement was contagious making the group sit tall with anticipation once their seats were claimed. Elizabeth and Jane sat together in the front flanked by Darcy and Bingley, while the Gardiners sat with Mrs. Bennet behind the couples. Mrs. Bennet continued to talk until the curtain rose, "What an enchanting night! I am almost speechless with the splendor and fashion. Look at the molding on the walls and the ceiling—why, it must be ten stories tall. Can you even imagine the cost of the curtain? How much time do you think the actors spent practicing for this performance? Oh the music! I am all anticipation."
Elizabeth paid her mother no mind. She amused herself watching many heads in the orchestra and cheap seats turn up to see who occupied the more prestigious box seats. Elizabeth leaned over to gain her sister's attention and ask if she supposed King George was in attendance, otherwise she could find no reason to invade the privacy of someone's box. Jane was kind to say that their circumstances must seem to be a fairy tale, and if their situations were in fact a dream, she hoped never to wake up. Elizabeth liked that notion very well and shared a smile with her sister in quiet communication.
When the curtain did rise, Darcy was captivated by Elizabeth's expressions and fascination with the performance. Consequently, he paid little attention to the performance on stage and listened with half an ear, preferring to keep Elizabeth in his sight and attempting to hide his preoccupation from Elizabeth's relations sitting behind him. Italian was not a language he had a firm grasp on, so he found the task of understanding to be taxing. Thus, he missed a great deal of the story on stage.
Elizabeth noticed, sensing his regard in the darkened theater. She looked aside and smiled when she caught Darcy's eye. When the actors earnestly tried to sway their ladies affections on stage, she discreetly reached out to hold his hand. They did not let go until the curtain closed on the first Act and custodians appeared in the isles to light sconces and gaslights.
Darcy got to his feet and straightened his coat. "What is your impression of the Opera, Elizabeth? I could see that you were enjoying yourself."
"Indeed, I was! Though I did not understand all that was said, the music was very powerful and the story quite clear. It was beautiful."
Jane answered a similar question from Bingley and turned to Elizabeth, "I felt so sorry for the sisters to be pressured so much for a kiss by the disguised gentlemen and that terrible maid."
Bingley nodded and laughed, "The entire fiasco came about by a bet. What say you, Darcy? Are you in the mood for a little wager?"
Darcy raised his chin, "No, I would not entertain such a gamble. I do not encourage bets in or outside of clubs. I venture to guess that Miss Bennet would not appreciate such a wager, either." He touched the small of Elizabeth's back to better lead her out of the box, "Would you care for some refreshment, my dear?"
Elizabeth nodded and asked her Aunt and mother if they would care for anything. They responded in the negative and continued discussing the Opera as Elizabeth allowed herself to be drawn into the hall.
AN: I will be out of town a few days, so thought to post a little something for you.
I hope you enjoyed some E&D in this chapter. I appreciate your continued support and thank you for reviewing!
So you think the Opera evening will end on a happy note? What about the next morning, should Elizabeth give in to Lady Matlock and receive callers with her? How will our characters act when they have to dine at the Hursts?
