The next two hours were a lesson in maintaining gracious charm through utter boredom. Elizabeth met so many people; she soon stopped trying to remember their names. Some were warm and amiable; most were proud and disagreeable. More than a few of the ladies commented on Darcy standing up with her for the first set. ‘He never dances the first,’ she heard again and again. The ladies eyed her from hair to hem, trying to figure out what made her so special. By the time the supper set arrived, Elizabeth was cross and exhausted.
In contrast to her first dance, Richard kept up a running commentary on the people she had been introduced to. The details were of a more embarrassing nature and restored Elizabeth to her good humour.
Elizabeth and Jane were seated with the Darcys and Matlocks for supper. Darcy fluctuated between taciturn and engaged. She and Jane shared in the conversations going on around them. Richard entertained them with humorous anecdotes of training the men under his command. Darcy did his best to relax and be a part of the discussions, despite his natural reticence.
When the soup course was removed Darcy leant closer to Elizabeth. “Mrs Carrington, I hope you are enjoying yourself this evening.”
She smiled up at him. “I am, sir. Lady Matlock is a true proficient at hosting an elaborate affair.”
Her brows rose in surprise when Darcy chuckled. “Lady Catherine used to use the phrase ‘true proficient’ad nauseam. Usually, to prove her dominance over all and sundry, though everyone knew she was nothing of the sort.”
“It seems I have something in common with her after all. Be on your guard, sir, I may just have more in common with Lady Catherine.”
Darcy threw back his head and laughed. “Never. You, madam, are day and night to that woman. Your light will always lift up those around you.” Left unsaid was the darkness Lady Catherine had spread for most of her adult life, culminating in the too early demise of her own daughter.
The diners surrounding them had quieted at Darcy’s outward display of mirth. Many pairs of eyes took in Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s ease and good humour with one another. For most, it was a Darcy they had never seen, as his usual behaviour at societal events had ever been haughty and distant. A few of the young ladies watched them through the green-tinted eyes of jealousy. Who was this nobody to swoop in and steal the most eligible gentleman of theTon?
Before the conclusion of supper, after a few ladies entertained the guests and prior to the start of the next sets of the ball, Lord Matlock climbed to his feet, tapping a spoon on his wineglass.
“Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, my dear Lady Matlock and I wish to thank you for joining us this evening. Some of you have been introduced to Mrs Carrington and are aware of the significance of her presence this evening.” He took a moment to look around and make sure he had everyone’s attention. “For those of you not yet aware, I am proud to announce I am now godfather to young Lord Carrington. I have no doubt he will grow up to be a credit to his dear mama,” he bowed briefly to Elizabeth, “and to this great country. Let us raise our glasses to Lord Carrington.” Everyone raised their glasses and a few ‘hear, hear’ were called out in return.
The musicians were warming up for the second half of the night’s dancing. Slowly, in small groups the guests moved back to the ball room.
Jane leant close to Elizabeth’s ear. “That was very kind of Lord Matlock, Lizzy.”
“It was more than kind, Jane. It was strategically to our benefit.”
When Jane only looked at her, Elizabeth elaborated. “It sent a clear message. Lord and Lady Matlock will be watching out for us.”
A pout of ‘oh’ rounded Jane’s mouth before she smoothed her expression. “We are very fortunate, then.”
“Indeed.”
Upon learning Jane’s next dance was taken, Elizabeth excused herself to the retiring room. When she returned, she found a place of concealment behind a pillar where she could be still for a moment of respite, before Lady Matlock wished to introduce her to more guests.
Female voices glided to her over the sounds of the music. “Who does that little chit think she is? I am sure I have never seen such an ugly freckled thing.” One high pitched, nasally voice rang out.
“Indeed,” responded a quieter female voice, “it is most shocking for Mr Darcy to be paying her any attention. Why, he never pays such marked attention to the ladies.”
A giggle interrupted the first two speakers. “I heard she comes from an insignificant estate, with no distinction to its name.”
The nasally voice spoke again. “Can you imagine introducing the very fine Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy to some country bumpkin of a landowner?” All three tittered and giggled, but Elizabeth had heard enough. Surreptitiously, she eased her way back towards the retiring room for another moment of fortifying solitude before returning to the ball room.
She and Jane found each other at the edge of the dance floor. “Lizzy, Georgiana and I have been searching for you.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I required a moment to collect myself. It has been many months since I last attended such a late night with adults. Usually, it is just me and Alex.” Her eyes roamed the room to seek out Lady Matlock, wondering if it was too soon to pay her respects and leave.
One of her guards, standing tall in their unusual uniform, caught her eye. With a sense of foreboding Elizabeth paled and grabbed Jane’s arm. Together they hurried to him as fast as possible without drawing attention to themselves.
With no preamble Jax said, “Ma’am, there’s been an incident.”
“Alex.” Elizabeth breathed his name like a prayer. She swayed until Jane’s hand steadied her.
“He is well. Never got close to the house but there was an attempt.”
Eyes closing for a moment, Elizabeth swallowed, “I shall return with you.”
“Lizzy, Lord and Lady Matlock… you cannot just leave.”
