Chapter 13

Upon arriving at their home, Darcy spoke a little more about meeting with Bingley outside his club. "He wants my help in extracting himself from his betrothal and apologised again for my overhearing his plans to compromise me after the ball. He did not apologize for attempting it but for my overhearing of the plans that led to my sudden departure. Not only that, he wanted to ask me to help his sister in society; apparently, she is no longer accepted anywhere after my public cut of her and then her appearance at my aunt's house."

"Did you speak to him?" Elizabeth asked.

"I did not cut him, but I simply told him I had nothing to say to him," Darcy replied. "I reminded him that our relationship was at an end based on his actions and that I could do little for his sister, who had herself ruined any chances she had in town. Then, I walked away and left him standing there."

Elizabeth sighed and reached out to touch his face. "I am sorry, my love," she whispered. "I know he was a friend and that it was difficult for you to realize he did not view you in the same way."

Darcy leaned into her touch. "He brought me to you, my love, so he has wrought some good in my life. I cannot completely regret our friendship – one-sided as it may have been."

She continued to hold him for several minutes. "Will you cut him if he approaches you again?" she asked after several minutes.

"I do not know," he sighed. "I will not acknowledge him the same way as I once would have, and I will not visit him, nor will I receive him into this house. His sister, I will not hesitate to cut in public, although I cannot imagine her attempting it again. Although, after her audacity to visit my aunt without an introduction, it would not surprise me."

For several minutes, the couple sat together in their seat in the library. Eventually, they rose. "What plans do we have between now and Thursday, dearest," William asked as they made their way upstairs.

"I have several morning appointments this week – visits with your aunt and a trip to the modiste – but no evening entertainments before Thursday," Elizabeth replied. "Did you have something in mind?"

"What would you say to a visit to the park and perhaps a picnic?" he asked.

She smiled at him. "That sounds lovely, William. Tomorrow will be busy, but perhaps after my visit to the modiste on Wednesday?"

"I will arrange it," he said as they made their way upstairs.


The next few days flew by, and Thursday evening arrived before they knew it. Elizabeth's ladies' maid helped her bathe and arranged her hair into an intricate arrangement, complete with pearl hairpins that shone in her hair. After helping her into all the layers of undergarments, she assisted Elizabeth into her new dress, a light rose pink silk with a gauzy overlay, with darker rose-coloured embroidery on the hem and neckline, and a sash around the waist in the same colour. It was a lovely dress, but on Elizabeth, it was stunning. She paired it with a set of pearls Darcy had given her from the family collection, which set off the dress perfectly.

Elizabeth walked downstairs to the study, where Darcy waited just as he exited his study to glance up the stairs to check on her. He saw her coming down the stairs and stood there for a moment, dumbstruck, as he gazed upon her. She was breathtaking – the grace with which she moved, the loveliness of her gown and visage, and he felt the strength of his admiration and love for this woman crash down upon him.

Several moments passed before he found his voice as words seemed to have abandoned him. Finally, his voice husky and deep, he spoke, "Elizabeth, you quite literally take my breath away. You look absolutely lovely tonight, and I am sure to be the envy of the ton tonight."

Elizabeth, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous twinkle, tilted her head and met Darcy's gaze with her typical arched eyebrow. "Well, Mr Darcy, it seems that I am indeed 'handsome enough to tempt you', at least in this dress. I must say, I find it refreshing to be the one to leave you speechless for a change."

Darcy groaned. "Elizabeth," he began as he walked up several steps to meet her as she walked down. "Peace, woman," he commanded. "I will stop your mouth," he finished as he leaned down to kiss her passionately, leaving them both breathless and unable to speak.

"I do love nothing in the world so well as you – is not that strange?" Elizabeth quoted softly when she could breathe again.

Darcy laughed softly before quoting back to her: "I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest."

She sighed against him. "Must we go out tonight?" she asked teasingly. "I am far from immune to your charms, Mr Darcy, and you leave me at a loss quite often. I am glad that tonight, I am the one to make you speechless – even if only for a moment."

"I was tongue-tied from the moment I met you, my love, as evident by the truly awful first impression I made. If I do not tell you often enough, I hope you know that you are the loveliest woman of my acquaintance and gazing upon you has become a favourite occupation. I can scarcely get work done for watching you, but I confess, my favourite vision of you is in my bed," he told her as he continued to hold her tightly in his arms. They stood there in each other's embrace for several minutes before a noise downstairs alerted them that it was time to go. Reluctantly, they parted, and he offered his arm to escort her down the last few stairs.

Soon they were in the carriage and on their way to the theatre. They would be joined by Lord and Lady Matlock, the Gardiners, Richard, Georgiana, and Jane, along with one other couple and their son. The Viscount of _ was a friend of Lord Matlock's and was very well respected in Parliament, and his wife was a close friend of the Countess. Their son, Lord Andrew Warwick, was slightly older than Darcy and a charming, personable young man.

The theatre lobby buzzed with lively conversation as they entered, with Darcy exchanging pleasantries and introductions with a few friends he saw. The rest of their group was already gathered, and introductions were made to those who were unfamiliar with each other. As they began to make their way toward the boxes, they separated into two groups – Lord and Lady Matlock in a show of hospitality, invited Lord and Lady Warwick and the Gardiners to join them in their box. The offer was met with gratitude, and the older couples formed a joyful procession towards their shared destination.

Meanwhile, the younger members of the party, including Elizabeth and Darcy, made their way into the Darcy box adjacent to the one containing his aunt and uncle. They entered their box, and the seating arrangement took shape swiftly. Elizabeth and Darcy, cherishing a moment of intimacy amidst the gathering, occupied the two seats behind their companions. Richard, ever the affable presence, took his place at the end of the front row and escorted Georgiana to the seat next to him. Beside her sat Jane, her countenance serene, with Lord Andrew taking the seat at the end of the row. Jane appreciated his presence next to her was pleasant, and she enjoyed speaking to him as they waited for the performance to start.

Across the theatre, many curious eyes watched the Darcy box to observe the couple as the whispers and sideways glances indicated a keen interest in Mr Darcy and his intriguing new wife. The knowledge of Lord and Lady Matlock's approval despite Lady Catherine's objections to the union had ignited a certain fascination among the spectators as they watched to see what kind of woman the much-sought-after bachelor had finally decided upon.

It was widely acknowledged that Lady Catherine's objections should be viewed sceptically, considering her own relentless pursuit to secure him for her own daughter. Her interference in Mr Darcy's personal affairs was viewed as an extension of her relentless ambition rather than a genuine concern for his happiness, and few believed the claim that the two sisters had planned the union beyond a mere wish when the children were both young. Thus, astute onlookers recognized that any match would have met with her disapproval and largely ignored her complaints, especially with the news that both the Fitzwiliams and Darcy had broken with her after her attempts to have the marriage set aside.

Many eyes and opera glasses were trained upon the lady accompanying Mr Darcy, who, not a conventional beauty by societal standards, exuded a captivating allure. There was an enchanting quality to her smile that drew the admiration of many gentlemen in the audience, and her dress was everything lovely and much admired by the women. Those ladies who could set aside their feelings of jealousy acknowledged that Mr Darcy appeared remarkably content and joyful as he sat with his wife, a departure from his usual stoic demeanour. Some gentlemen coarsely speculated that the secret to his newfound contentment lay in his thoroughly satisfied state, jesting that a blissful marital union must be responsible for the radiant expression on his face.

Amidst the less-than-subtle observations and whispered comments, those in the Darcy box settled into their seats, aware of the piqued curiosity and their eyes occasionally drawn toward their box. Soon enough, the lights began to dim, and the players took their places as the instrument as their party quieted and turned their attention toward the stage. Granted, for many in the ton a performance was yet another place to be seen and to share gossip, but those in the Darcy and Matlock boxes were there to enjoy the play itself.

The first half of the play, Shakespeare's As You Like It, passed easily, and those in the Darcy box enjoyed it. Darcy and Elizabeth had exchanged a few kisses just as the lights went down, but other than Richard, no one had noticed the exchange. At the intermission, a few friends and acquaintances did approach the two boxes. Mrs Darcy chatted with Lady Matlock and Lady Warwick, a fact noticed by many in attendance, giving further credence to her worthiness. A few commented on her lack of beauty, but those comments were recognized as the product of the jealous imaginings of those who did not appreciate that he not chosen this country miss over them. The unbiased easily acknowledged her beauty, which was perhaps not fashionable, but she fairly glowed with happiness, and her influence over her husband was clear for all to see.

When the play was over, the group exited, the size of the group deterring most from approaching, and bundled into their waiting carriages. All had been invited to Matlock House for a late supper, and the genial atmosphere from the theatre continued. After the meal, Elizabeth noticed Lord Andrew's attention to Jane, and observed Jane's many blushes when that gentleman spoke to her. Briefly, she pulled her husband aside to ask him for information about the gentleman.

"William, what do you know of Lord Andrew? He seems to be paying considerable attention to Jane tonight," Elizabeth whispered.

Darcy startled, having not paid attention to the pair. "He is a good man, very steady, and I have never heard anything negative about him. He is, perhaps, a year or two older than I; Richard would know more about him as I think they were classmates at Cambridge."

Elizabeth nodded in reply. "Do you think he is interested in Jane, or is he only paying her attention as the only single lady in attendance? Georgiana is clearly not out, and he would not approach her in these circumstances."

"We will see. He is aware of her connections, at least those in this room, although he may not know of her circumstances. Warwick is well managed; considerations such as dowry may not matter to him, but I do not know," Darcy replied.

Their tête-à-tête was interrupted by Lady Matlock coming to speak to them about the ball the following night. She requested they come early for a light meal with the family, so they might all speak of any gossip that might arise from their trip to the theatre. Darcy reluctantly agreed, recognizing that although phrased as a request, their attendance was unavoidable. He would have preferred to stay secluded with his wife as long as he could, although he knew their attendance at this and other events was necessary for at least the next month. Elizabeth laughed at the look of resignation on his face.

"Judging from that look on your face, I begin to think that you are dreading tomorrow evening, dearest," Elizabeth teased.

"While I am proud and pleased to introduce society to my charming wife, I do dread such events, Elizabeth," he sighed. "You know that I am not at my best in a crowd, and we will be the centre of attention at this event. I am not fond of being on display."

She patted his arm. "I will be beside you all night, William. Although I suppose I will have to dance with others, we will scandalize the party by dancing the first, the supper, and the last with each other."

He smiled down at her comment. "Does my aunt know your plan to dance so frequently with me?"

"I have not said a word to her," she replied, her eyes flashing in her amusement. "With those three dances taken and knowing I will likely dance with Richard and Lord Matlock, that is almost half the dances of the evening already arranged. You should introduce me to a friend or two so that I might dance with them and will not have to accept requests from near strangers."

For just a moment, he wrapped his hand around his waist and pulled her into a slight embrace. "I would dance every dance with you, Elizabeth. No other man should touch you," he growled into her ear, causing goosebumps to appear on her neck. Just as quickly, he released her, hoping the embrace had gone unnoticed. Before long, Darcy saw Elizabeth hide a yawn and seized upon that as an excuse for them to depart. The married couples in attendance laughed at the new husband, who was anxious to depart with his lovely young wife, and the gentlemen laughingly strove to delay their departure for several moments.

When Darcy was finally able to take his wife home, they retreated to their rooms, and the staff did not see them again until it was time to depart for Matlock House for the ball.