Author's Note: Not trying to drag this out, but needed a little more about D&E's courtship. They need to visit Bennet first before any other plans are made, and that will happen in the next chapter. Elizabeth will not be going; remember, Bennet doesn't know anything about Darcy yet, not really.

Chapter 13

The courtship between Darcy and Elizabeth was progressing apace. Despite all the necessary conversations about Elizabeth's inheritance, he made a point of spending time with her each day to discuss other matters. As she had ordered several new dresses, paid for by her funds, they could go more places.

Nearly a fortnight after she arrived in London, the two attended the theatre accompanied by Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Mr Elliott had been invited, though he had declined the invitation. However, Darcy's aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, were to be in attendance that night. Darcy had spoken to them of his courtship, and, as expected, they were pleased to meet the lady since her fortune, at least, was what they had hoped for him. Darcy had cut the earl off when he had begun talking about how he could marry a titled lady, stating that he was determined to wed Miss Tomlinson regardless of her lack of title. She had everything else he desired in a bride, and that was that.

The earl had been silent on the subject since, but Darcy had felt his disapproval. This would be the first time they would be in company, and while Darcy felt Elizabeth lacked nothing, he worried about her acceptance. Lady Matlock was more welcoming, and her acceptance was of greater value since she could help introduce Elizabeth to the ton.

When Darcy arrived at the Gardiners' home to collect Elizabeth, he was once again taken aback by her extraordinary loveliness. From the first moment he had laid eyes on her, he had considered her beautiful. Throughout their relationship, he found her becoming more exquisite each day. It was more than just her physical beauty that captivated him; her kindness, sharp wit, and warmth combined to make her even more attractive to him.

On this particular evening, however, Elizabeth seemed to radiate a special allure as she descended the steps. She was adorned in a gown far more elegant and of much higher quality than anything he had ever seen her wear before. The gown was a vision in ivory with deep green embellishments that made her fair skin radiant. The dress accentuated her graceful figure, enhancing her natural charm.

What truly caught Darcy's attention was the small emerald pendant gracing her neck. The deep green hue of the emerald perfectly complemented the accents on her gown, creating a delightful harmony. Darcy could not help but be captivated by the enchanting sight before him, his heart stirred by the eternal elegance and grace that Elizabeth always exuded.

This exquisite necklace had been discovered among the treasures stored for her in her London bank. Mr Elliott had decided to give her access to these, as she should have done since her debut into society. This was her first foray into London society, and both he and the Gardiners felt she would be better received dressed as the heiress she was.

"I apologize, Miss Tomlinson," Mr. Elliott had said during their visit to the bank. "I should have ensured you had access to these many years ago. I had assumed that Mr. Bennet would have seen to it. It's possible that he forgot about their existence, but it's more likely that he intended to keep them a secret from you. I have taken the necessary steps to ensure his name is no longer associated with any of your holdings. Despite his status as your guardian, I would not want him to have access to anything for which he has no legitimate claim."

Elizabeth had readily forgiven him, understanding that Mrs Bennet's reaction would likely have been less than favourable had Elizabeth possessed jewels that her children did not. "It is of no matter," she reassured the elderly gentleman. "I believe it was likely for the best that I did not receive them until now."

Suddenly recalling himself, Darcy shook off the memory of the day at the bank and returned his attention fully to Elizabeth. "You are stunning, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy finally said, taking Elizabeth's hand with his own and placing a kiss on the back of it.

Lowering her eyes for only a moment to glance at the hand that held onto her own, she looked up to gaze directly into Darcy's eyes. She saw his love and devotion for her shining in them, and tears briefly stung her own eyes. "Thank you, sir," she said far more demurely than was her wont. Taking his offered arm, she moved more fully into the hallway where her aunt and uncle waited.

"Shall we go?" Mr Gardiner inquired as soon as the young couple appeared. They nodded in agreement and began moving toward the door to don their outerwear. With a tenderness that had become second nature to him, Darcy assisted Elizabeth by draping her cape gently over her shoulders. His hands lingered for a moment on her shoulders, causing a shiver to trail down her spine and her heart racing at the delicate touch. Darcy noticed her reaction and was secretly thrilled that she was so responsive to his touch.

When they arrived at the theatre, Darcy stepped out first, swiftly followed by Mr Gardiner, who graciously assisted his wife as she descended from the carriage. Darcy then moved to assist Elizabeth and gently placed her hand on his arm, covering it with his free hand. Together, they entered the theatre in this fashion, immediately drawing the attention of the crowd.

The spectacle of Darcy, a well-known figure who typically avoided the company of young, eligible ladies, arriving with a stunning and unknown brunette on his arm, accompanied by an older couple, piqued the interest of many theatregoers. Elizabeth's extraordinary beauty only added to the intrigue. As they moved through the crowd, their party exchanged greetings with several acquaintances, but Darcy was selective in making formal introductions to only a chosen few. By the time they had crossed the lobby and begun their ascent to their box, the chatter and gossip surrounding them reached a fever pitch.

"I apologize, dearest. I believe we will be on display tonight," Darcy whispered to Elizabeth, noting the intense interest of the crowd. "Our box will likely be inundated with visitors."

Elizabeth, while somewhat anxious about the attention, felt a surge of courage. "Our box, sir?" she playfully teased in a hushed tone.

He blushed slightly and then retorted, "Yes, well, it is our box in the sense that we are all sharing it tonight, are we not?"

Her light laugh echoed in the narrow space. "That is true, although I had assigned quite a different meaning to your comment. Now, tell me more about what we might expect tonight. I have attended the theatre on only a few occasions, but this is my first time viewing one from a box."

They continued their quiet conversation while removing their outerwear and handing them to the accompanying footman. After asking the footman to fetch refreshments, he guided Elizabeth to her seat and discreetly pointed out a few noteworthy individuals in the audience. They observed others taking their seats until their conversation was interrupted by a couple from the adjacent box.

"Darcy," a voice exclaimed, "You simply must introduce me to your charming companion."

Darcy leaned in to whisper to Elizabeth, "My aunt," and then rose to perform the introductions.

Lady Matlock expressed her approval of Elizabeth for all to see, and numerous eyes from both boxes were drawn to the interaction. The earl was also introduced, and while he was less effusive in his greeting, he remained pleasant. There was little time for more than brief pleasantries before the bell signalled the start of the play.

"Do you always garner so much attention at the theatre?" Elizabeth whispered to Darcy as the lights dimmed.

He sighed. "Unfortunately, that is true. I am, by society's standards, considered quite the catch. First sons are rare, and those who have already inherited their estates are even rarer. Additionally, my substantial wealth is a magnet for many women who aspire to be associated with it, not unlike Miss Bingley. Moreover, being the nephew of an earl…" He paused, reluctant to sound overly conceited. While he took immense pride in his role as the present owner of Pemberley and the other estates he oversaw, he viewed himself more as their caretaker. He diligently managed his properties, overseeing countless tenants and servants employed at his properties. Unlike many of his social standing, he was keenly involved in the day-to-day affairs of his estates. Under his careful management, Pemberley and his secondary properties had all flourished. Briarwood, the estate he oversaw as a trustee for Elizabeth, had also prospered under his direction.

Elizabeth placed his hand on his arm, remembering a similar conversation before. "I understand. You are pursued for your wealth and status, not for yourself, and you despite that."

Darcy smiled at her understanding. "You understand me so well," he whispered. "One of the many reasons I adore you."

Her smile was radiant. "I love you too," she whispered so quietly he had to lean closely to hear.

"Did you … what did you just say?" he whispered in reply. "Did you really have to say that now?" His voice rose slightly in pitch as he once again considered their terrible timing.

She grinned at him. "Yes, I love you too," she told him, struggling to restrain her laughter at his discomfiture.

"You are cruel, madam, to taunt me in this way," he replied, taking her hand to bring to his lips for a brief kiss. He did not release her hand but hid their clasped hands in her skirt, where it remained until the intermission.

During the intermission, Lady Matlock joined the Darcy party and spoke to Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner, while Lord Matlock spoke with Darcy and Mr Gardiner. The earl was surprised to learn that Gardiner was a tradesman and asked several intelligent questions about his business. They were not able to speak long before they were interrupted by a few friends of Lady Matlock, who came at that lady's unspoken invitation.

When these women met Elizabeth and heard her surname, one of them, Lady Constance Harrington, recalled her grandparents and told Elizabeth a story about them. "Your grandparents were heartbroken when their son was killed and hated that they felt they could not raise you. But you have become a lovely young woman and must be something rather special to have attracted the interest of Mr Darcy. He is rather eligible if you did not already know."

"He is a very good man, and he has been extraordinarily kind to me," Elizabeth replied, uncertain how much to reveal.

"I am lucky to have garnered Miss Tomlinson's agreement to a courtship," Darcy interjected. "I was first attracted to her kindness, and I have seen countless examples of her exemplary qualities."

This public acknowledgement of their courtship caused ripples of talk to run through the theatre. At least one person who overheard this comment fully intended to share this news with young Darcy's other aunt as soon as she could, to the point that she debated leaving the theatre early to send an express that very night. However, she decided to continue to watch the couple, as she had seen him kiss her hand at the beginning of the play and wanted to know what other information she might glean.

Caroline Bingley was also at the theatre that night. She had been unwilling to approach Darcy but saw him there with Elizabeth Bennet and wondered how on earth that had come to be. She knew Darcy had threatened to cut her if she approached and wondered if he had followed through with his promise to write a letter to his aunt informing her of what had transpired at Netherfield.

Since returning to London, she had not heard any whispers of it, though she had been unwilling to fully enter society as she would have done before. That night at the theatre had meant to ascertain her welcome, and so far, it had been less than successful. She wondered what havoc she could wreak on Eliza Bennet's reputation but was confused when she heard the woman's name as Elizabeth Tomlinson.

Deciding that boldness was the key to obtaining her desires, she made her way toward the Darcy box, determined to enter at the next intermission. She did so, sneaking in with another party, and addressed her rival. "Miss Eliza Bennet," she exclaimed, drawing attention to herself. "I am surprised to see you here tonight …"

Before she could say more, she was accosted by Mr Darcy. "Madam, I am uncertain how you have managed to make your way into this room uninvited, but I must insist you leave at once," he barked.

"Why, Mr Darcy, this chit is …" Again, before she could finish her sentence, she was cut off, this time by Darcy's footman physically pulling her toward the door.

"Mr Darcy asked you to leave, madam," the footman said.

In the Darcy box, those who had witnessed the scene took a moment to recover from Miss Bingley's audacity to intrude in such a public way. Richard, who had accompanied his parents to the theatre that night, couldn't help but chuckle. "She is exceptionally dense, Darcy, to think of forcing her way into your company again. And in such a public way."

Darcy nodded in agreement but refrained from saying more. "I apologize for not preventing her entry, Miss Tomlinson," he added. "I did not realize she had returned to London and am shocked that she would attempt to speak to me or anyone around me after I cut the connection the last time we spoke."

"I thought you and her brother were good friends, Darcy," the earl inquired, recalling what his wife had mentioned regarding Miss Bingley's attempts to force a compromise in Hertfordshire.

"Our friendship has been dissolved, sir," Darcy replied.

"As I understand it, this is not the first time she has attempted to enter a room uninvited," the earl commented. "She is shockingly obtuse."

"She is determined, though she will never obtain her object," Darcy responded calmly, his restraint evident.

Elizabeth noticed his discretion and saw it as a sign of his character, appreciating that even in the face of disloyalty, Darcy was unwilling to ruin his former friend entirely. It made her fall in love with him a little more, and she looked forward to a moment alone with him later to speak more about her earlier confession.