Chapter 11 - Dinner with the Fitzwilliams
As their carriage rumbled to a stop, Elizabeth leaned forward, eager for her first glimpse of the Matlock residence. The house loomed before them, a grand Georgian mansion of pale Portland stone that seemed to glow in the fading winter light. Its imposing facade, with its symmetrical rows of tall sash windows, spoke of wealth and prestige far beyond anything in Meryton.
Ornate wrought-iron railings lined the steps leading to the glossy black front door, upon which gleamed a brass knocker polished to mirror brightness. Gas lamps flickered to life along the street, their warm glow catching on the intricate ironwork of the area railings that surrounded the house.
As they alighted from the carriage, the cobblestones beneath their feet still damp from an earlier shower, Elizabeth caught the faint strains of music drifting from an open upstairs window. The air was crisp with the promise of frost, carrying with it the mingled scents of coal smoke, horse manure, and the indefinable essence of London itself.
Liveried footmen stood at attention, their breath visible in the chill air as they waited to usher the guests inside. Through the windows, Elizabeth could see the warm glow of chandeliers and the flicker of countless candles, hinting at the opulence that awaited them within.
As they approached the entrance, Elizabeth couldn't help but compare this grand London residence to the familiar, modest comfort of Longbourn. The sheer scale of the house, the number of servants, the air of old money and established power – it all served to underscore just how far she was from her Hertfordshire home.
They entered the Earl of Matlock's house, it was much more grand than any of the houses they had been in before. There were many more servants than they were accustomed to. Lady Rowena stood at the door to greet them with her brother, Colonel Fitzwilliam. They were both smiling and ushered the ladies into the house so as not to catch cold.
They were quickly introduced to the rest of the family. Lord and Lady Matlock greeted their guests warmly. The Earl, a jovial man with a broad middle and thinning hair, bore a clear resemblance to both Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, though shorter in stature.
The Lord Matlock had a habit of punctuating his sentences with a hearty chuckle, his eyes crinkling with genuine warmth. Despite his imposing title, there was something approachable about him, as if he'd be just as comfortable in a country pub as in his grand dining room.
The Countess, Lady Matlock, was quite a surprise. Elizabeth had been expecting an older version of the Lady Rowena, but instead she found a softly spoken slight woman. Lady Matlock's presence was as delicate as her voice. Her soft-spoken words carrying a gentle authority that commanded attention without demanding it. The small white dog perpetually nestled in her lap seemed an extension of her serene demeanour. Lady Rowena was practically attentive to her needs, Elizabeth got the impression she was ill.
Lady Rowena's older sister, Lady Henrietta's smile never quite reached her eyes. When she insisted that Georgiana play for them, there was a hint of command in her voice that made Elizabeth wonder if she was used to always getting her way. Her perfectly coiffed hair and impeccable posture spoke of a woman who prided herself on appearances above all else.
There remained only the earl's eldest son and heir and his wife, the Viscount and Viscountess Milton, who entered the room a few minutes later. Lord Milton was the spitting image of a younger Lord Matlock, but where his father's face creased with laughter lines, Lord Milton's remained smooth and serious. Thomas Milton, Viscount Milton, carried himself with the weight of future responsibility, his keen eyes constantly assessing the room as if already preparing for his eventual role as Earl.
Lady Milton's unremarkable features belied a sharp intellect. Though she spoke little, when she did, her words were carefully chosen and insightful. Her eyes, constantly observing, missed nothing, and Elizabeth had the distinct impression that this quiet woman knew far more than she let on.
Elizabeth was beginning to feel more than a little out of her depth, not something that happened often. She had never been in the same room as so many titled people before. The rest of her family she could see were also struggling a little. It was a relief when they heard a carriage at the door and they were no longer the sole guests. Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy, Mr Bingley, his sisters and Mr Hurst all entered through the door.
Mr Bingley had never met the rest of the family either and the introductions were done again. The Lady Rowena was doing her best to forward conversation on all fronts, as was her brother, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Mrs Bennet barely seemed to get a word out, so overwhelmed was she, for which Elizabeth was grateful. She had worried her mother would say something embarrassing. Mr Bingley talked cheerily, as did Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and by the time they had entered the dining room they were all much more comfortable.
The candlelight flickered across the polished silver, casting dancing shadows on the crisp white tablecloth. Lady Matlock's diamond necklace caught the light, sending tiny rainbows across her pale skin.
Elizabeth was sitting between Mr Darcy and Lord Milton, opposite Colonel Fitzwilliam and her Aunt and she had a much more pleasant evening then she would have expected sitting next to Mr Darcy. He was a true gentleman throughout the entire meal.
The dinner was exceedingly fine.
The rich aroma of roasted pheasant wafted through the air, intermingling with the delicate scent of fresh flowers adorning the centrepiece.
Elizabeth found herself leaning towards the Colonel as he spoke, drawn in by his charm. Catching herself, she straightened abruptly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Mrs Bennet was seated by Lady Miltonand Lord Matlock. As far as Elizabeth could tell, they were having a pleasant conversation about Lady Milton's children. Miss Darcy was seated by Elizabeth's aunt, opposite Elizabeth, and she was pleased to see they were also speaking comfortably of music.
As the main course was served, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice how Mr Bingley's eyes constantly sought out Jane. Her sister, usually so composed, seemed to glow under his attentions. Elizabeth smiled to herself, hoping that perhaps Jane's happiness was finally within reach.
Elizabeth savoured the perfectly cooked beef and rich wine, the opulence of the setting not lost on her.
When the Colonel leaned in to share a confidential joke, Elizabeth subtly shifted her chair, putting a few more inches between them. The move felt both necessary and painful.
"Are you enjoying the winter in town, Miss Bennet?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked her.
"I am," she replied. "However I am not sure I would enjoy it every year. I do enjoy the country more, I do have to admit."
"I'm sure you will get used to it with time. There are certain advantages of being in town." Mr Darcy said. "I believe you mentioned that you love the theatre?"
"I do. We went to see a play only last night. It was very good."
"And you would not have found such a good one in Hertfordshire I think?" Mr Darcy leaned a little closer, his voice lowering slightly.
Elizabeth felt a flutter of surprise at his proximity. "That is true," she admitted. "I believe visiting London during the season would be the best way to enjoy it for its beauties and then turning to the country for the rest of the year to enjoy what it has to offer."
Darcy's eyes lit up with unexpected warmth. "You paint a very charming picture, Miss Bennet. I find myself in complete agreement."
Darcy laughed loudly at this, "Yes, you paint a very charming picture."
"Well you two might be content to move from London to the countryside and then back again. But I would like to see the world." The Colonel said.
"It is a better job then Richard that you are in the army."
"While you go from Pemberley to town, I will be travelling to France and the rest of the continent."
Elizabeth laughed as they continued to bicker for a few minutes.
As Elizabeth laughed at another of the Colonel's witty remarks, she caught sight of Mr Darcy watching them. His brow was furrowed slightly, his fingers tapping an irregular rhythm on the tablecloth. When he noticed her gaze, he quickly smoothed his features, offering her a small smile before turning to speak with Lady Matlock who was seated on the other side of him.
"Stop it," she chided herself silently. "Remember your situation. Remember Mr Collins."
The Colonel's easy manner and intelligent conversation stood in stark contrast to Mr Collins' pompous declarations. Elizabeth pushed the comparison from her mind, guilt gnawing at her conscience.
She noticed Jane casting concerned glances her way, no doubt aware of Elizabeth's growing rapport with the Colonel. Elizabeth forced herself to look away, reminding herself of the promises she'd made.
She ran her fingers along the intricate embroidery of the silk tablecloth, marvelling at its smoothness. The warmth from the nearby fireplace caressed her skin, a stark contrast to the chill she had felt upon entering the house.
Realizing she'd been monopolizing the Colonel's attention, Elizabeth deliberately turned to include Miss Darcy in their conversation, ignoring the twinge of disappointment she felt at doing so.
Elizabeth glanced across the table to see Jane and Mr Bingley deep in conversation. Jane's eyes sparkled as she laughed softly at something Mr Bingley had said, her cheeks flushed with pleasure. Mr Bingley leaned in, his attention wholly captured by Jane's words.
The room hummed with an undercurrent of excitement and nervous energy. Elizabeth could feel the weight of expectations - both spoken and unspoken - hanging in the air like an invisible mist.
Elizabeth found herself increasingly aware of Mr Darcy's presence throughout the evening. Where once she had found him proud and disagreeable, now she noticed a certain warmth in his gaze, a gentleness in his manner that stood in stark contrast to Mr Collins' obsequious fawning or even Colonel Fitzwilliam's easy charm.
She found that she really enjoyed being in the Colonel's company. He seemed to make every conversation he was involved in more interesting and entertaining. She laughed hard throughout the meal and could hardly remember a meal that she had enjoyed more. He seemed to be enjoying her company as much as she was his.
"Miss Bennet," Mr Darcy interjected smoothly, just as Colonel Fitzwilliam opened his mouth to speak, "I recall you mentioning your fondness for poetry. Have you read Wordsworth's latest publication?"
Elizabeth couldn't help but notice the change in Mr Darcy's demeanour. Gone was the haughty pride she had witnessed in Hertfordshire. In its place was a man who seemed… almost eager for her good opinion. The transformation puzzled her, even as she found herself warming to this new side of him.
During a lull in the conversation, Elizabeth caught Jane's eye across the table. Her sister's subtle smile and slight nod spoke volumes - Mr Bingley's attentions were not unwelcome.
As the Colonel regaled her with tales of his travels, Elizabeth couldn't help but imagine a life filled with such adventures. The thought was quickly followed by a pang of regret as she remembered the life that awaited her at Hunsford.
The gentle clink of cutlery against fine china mingled with the low murmur of conversation, punctuated occasionally by Lord Matlock's hearty chuckle.
As the conversation around them swelled, Mr Darcy leaned closer to Elizabeth. "I hope you're enjoying the evening, Miss Bennet," he said softly, his eyes searching hers. "Your presence has certainly made it more… illuminating for me."
Before Elizabeth could formulate a response, he had turned away, leaving her to wonder at his meaning.
Elizabeth's resolve to maintain her distance wavered as the Colonel's eyes met hers, twinkling with mirth. She felt torn between the pleasure of his company and the duty that bound her to another.
Several times throughout the evening, Elizabeth caught Mr Darcy looking at her with an expression of barely concealed agitation, as if there was something he desperately wanted to say but couldn't find the right moment.
It was only after the ladies had withdrawn into the drawing room that she remembered that she needed to be more careful, she was after all engaged to Mr Collins. The last thing she needed was to be falling in love with someone when she was already promised to someone else, however little she wanted the marriage to take place. She resolved quietly to be more guarded in her conversation with the Colonel.
Mrs Bennet took Elizabeth's arm as they left the dinning room and leaned close to Elizabeth, whispering excitedly, "Did you see how Mr Bingley looked at Jane just now? I declare, we shall have a wedding before the year is out!"
Lady Milton came and sat down by her and asked her about her engagement. Mrs Bennet had mentioned it to her during the meal. Elizabeth thanked her for her interest and told her a little of Mr Collins, careful to make him not sound as ridiculous as she found him. Lady Rowena was also sitting near them. She said "Oh, so you will be living very close to our aunt then? Lady Catherine?"
"Yes, I believe the parsonage is very close to Rosings Park."
"I will be very glad of your company at my aunt's, our visits are not as often as she would wish. But they are always very dull." Lady Rowena told her.
"She is not that bad Rowena." Lady Milton said, "Anne is sweet and in need of more companionship herself."
"I wish our aunt would let her come and stay with us."
On the other side of the room Lady Henrietta was trying to talk Miss Darcy into playing for them, "But Georgiana you play so well, you must entertain us?" Miss Darcy had gone quite a bright shade of pink.
"No really Henrietta I would much rather not." Miss Darcy said, looking around in panic.
Elizabeth caught Jane's eye, nodded in understanding. "Lizzy did you not promise Miss Darcy that you would play for her this evening?"
Miss Darcy looked very relieved. Lady Rowena said, "Yes Miss Elizabeth Bennet, please you must play for us? I have heard so much about how well you play from Darcy." She smiled.
Elizabeth blushed. "He has grossly overestimated my talents, but if you wish, I will play."
She sat down and looked through some of the music resting on the top of the instrument. Miss Darcy joined her and she looked for a song she knew. Miss Darcy presents her with one.
"I believe this is a favourite with my cousins, do you know it?"
"It is a song I have heard before and it is not too difficult." Elizabeth said, relieved as she began to play. After she had finished the song, she was pleased with her performance. She had played as well as she could given the circumstances. Miss Darcy asked her to play again and was soon joined by the other ladies. However she was spared playing again at that moment by the arrival of the gentlemen and the tea and coffee.
"Miss Elizabeth," Mr Bingley said warmly as the gentlemen moved into the drawing room, "I hope you're enjoying the evening as much as your sister seems to be." His eyes flickered to Jane, a soft smile playing on his lips.
Mr Darcy joined his sister where she stood with Elizabeth. "I understand that I missed you playing Miss Bennet, would I be able to persuade you to play again?" he asked her.
"I believe I am done playing for the evening Mr Darcy, perhaps another time?" She replied and was thankful when he dropped the subject.
Miss Darcy moved away to get some tea and Elizabeth expected Mr Darcy to go with her, however he remained by her side. She was even more surprised when he addressed her in a very serious tone.
"I have a confession that I need to make to you Miss Bennet, but I believe it would be better to speak to you alone." His voice was low and slightly unsteady. "May I speak to you tomorrow in private?"