"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust
Chapter 7
Elizabeth could hardly believe the elegance surrounding her as she entered the theatre. The Season was in full swing and this was her first outing to the theatre with the Bingley's. Elizabeth's Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were kind enough to take her to a performance in the past when she had visited; however, she had never attended when the eyes of the Ton would be heavily upon them. Since this was Jane's first Season as Mrs. Bingley, their party was sure to attract quite a bit of attention.
While Elizabeth would own to having some nerves about attending, she was much too excited about the performance to put any damper on the evening. However, poor Mr. Darcy seemed extremely uncomfortable. What a confusing creature he was! Elizabeth could not fathom how a man of his standing could be anything but at ease in such a social situation.
"Are you well, sir?" She asked the gentleman escorting her into the theatre.
Her question seemed to bring him out of whatever unpleasant thought he was having.
"Why, yes, Miss Bennet, I am quite well." He responded with a little confusion.
Elizabeth smiled and said, "Oh, I am so glad. I was afraid that the wrinkle in your brow would become permanent."
They both laughed at that before he responded in a lower voice.
"I am afraid that I am always in such a mood at the beginning of the season. I am too much alike the gazelle trying to avoid the lions."
"Mr. Darcy! Again you shock me!" She said before she also lowered her voice to whisper, "comparing the poor match-making mamas to wild animals! Well, perhaps I will find a more entertaining performance to watch off the stage, rather than on it."
"Now you are the shocking one, Miss Bennet. I do not believe that friends should find humor in each other's suffering." He replied schooling his face to appear hurt.
"Hmmm, tis true, sir. I believe it is due to the fact that I can see circumstances from the other side watching you cower. I am sure that Charles must have told you that there is no greater matchmaking mama in all of the kingdom than can be found in a little corner of Hertfordshire. I have too often been mortified of my mother's kindly meant interference to not find a little humor in observing the hunted rather than the hunter."
Darcy looked thoughtful at this before their attention was called for by Bingley who wished to introduce Elizabeth to some of his acquaintances. Caroline then took the opportunity to attach herself to Darcy's other arm.
"Mr. Darcy, are you helping Eliza navigate her first theatre experience of the season? Eliza, you must allow Mr. Darcy to attend to his many friends in attendance tonight too. It would not due to monopolize his time, dear." Caroline said with false affection.
"Certainly not, Caroline. I would not wish to detain Mr. Darcy from anyone of import." Elizabeth replied while smirking at Mr. Darcy.
Darcy finally cut in and said, "Nonsense. I am attending tonight with my friends and I see no reason that I should feel obligated to leave our party."
"Take care, Mr. Darcy. That proclamation borders on prideful. Thinking that others must seek you out and are not worth the effort to leave your party to greet them."
"Why, Eliza! You are quite impertinent with our good friend!" Caroline exclaimed, horrified.
However, their good friend was already chuckling. He then responded, "On the contrary, Miss Bingley, what good is a friend if they allow you to be prideful and not attempt to help you see the error of your ways? Now, I shall attempt to prove that I have taken her admonishment to heart. If you will both excuse me, I believe I see a friend of my aunt's that I should greet."
Darcy cut a bow and walked towards a large party with an elegant, older woman at its center.
"Truly, Eliza, I do not think that your sharp tongue will gain you the prize that you seek. No matter what the gentleman says in attempt to avoid your embarrassment."
It was difficult for Elizabeth to not roll her eyes at this.
"Fear not, Caroline, I am seeking no 'prize' as you put it."
Caroline seemed to look for truth in Elizabeth's face. "Yes, well, that is good. Mr. Darcy is a man of the first circles and will certainly be seeking a wife who is well-versed in what is required of such status."
Elizabeth was not ignorant of who Caroline thought was best suited to such a position. The two ladies rejoined Bingley and Jane. Elizabeth attended the conversation and each new introduction with grace. There were times that she felt the condescension rolling off of the new acquaintance. It was difficult to not respond with some offense so, instead, she focused on the ridiculousness of such haughty individuals. Therefore, it was with relief when Colonel Waldegrave joined their party with his sister, Amelia.
When Elizabeth was introduced to Amelia, she was pleasantly surprised to find a truly affable lady. Soon Jane, Caroline and Amelia were deep in discussion about the latest fashions and Elizabeth was drawn into conversation with the Colonel.
"May I say that you look lovely this evening, Miss Bennet?"
"Thank you, Colonel." Elizabeth replied while unsuccessfully hiding a blush.
"Are you enjoying your first night at the theatre?"
"I cannot say, sir, since the performance has yet to begin." She replied with a smile.
"Now, now, you must know that a night at the theatre has little to do with the actors on stage. The real entertainment can be found out here in the hall."
"As a matter of fact, one of my friends has exactly the same sentiment. It must be so; however, I know enough to not to admit to such feelings."
The Colonel then laughed and said, "I look forward to discussing your thoughts on the evening then when next we meet. Perhaps you will be ready to admit your true feelings at such a time."
The Colonel and his sister then bid the Bingley party a good evening before entering the theatre. A moment later, Mr. Darcy rejoined their group. As they ascended the staircase that led to their theatre box, Mr. Darcy said softly to Elizabeth, "Act I is complete, I hope you enjoy the Act II."
Elizabeth smiled softly and thought that she would enjoy life in London more than expected.