This time, both siblings sighed in tandem, and then shared a rueful smile before following in the Matlock’s wake.
“Lady Stapleton, thank you for including us in this evening’s invitations. You recall my nephew, Mr Darcy.”
Darcy bowed, “My Lady.”
“And this,” Lady Matlock pulled Georgiana closer, “Is my niece, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, this is Lady Stapleton. I shall be sure to introduce you to her son and daughter.”
“My Lady,” Georgiana responded, with her curtsey.
“Miss Darcy, it is a delight to meet you. My, how like your mother you appear. She was such a graceful lady and always had a kind word for everyone.”
“Thank you, Your Ladyship. It is delightful to hear such gracious words about my mother.”
“Mr Darcy,” the Lady continued, “You simply must meet my daughter, Lady Annabel. You were not in Town during her come out, of course, but this evening is the perfect opportunity. She shall exhibit on the pianoforte, and I am convinced you shall be as charmed as the rest of society is.”
“Madam.” Darcy’s bow was as brief as his verbal response.
Lord Matlock was eying his nephew. “Pray, excuse us Lady Stapleton. I wish to introduce Darcy to some of your guests.”
That lady nodded her head, the pinch of her lips portrayed her displeasure.
The two men walked away. Lord Matlock manoeuvred the younger man to an empty corner before he hissed. “Darcy, what are you about?”
A raised brow only made the older man’s face turn red. “Darcy. You must remarry and sire an heir. That will not occur if you alienate all of theTon.”
“I believe, My Lord, I made my position crystal-clear. I am here as Georgiana’s escort and to keep an eye on her. Nothing else. I do not appreciate your and Lady Matlock’s conduct in regard to any potential beaux or eligible marriage partners.”
Lord Matlock sputtered and stammered but was not in control enough of himself to emit a response. Finally, he blurted out, “We shall speak of this later,” and stalked away leaving Darcy standing alone.
“Indeed, we shall.” The words were spoken quietly, but in an icy tone.
~ / ~
Much later, Darcy only just managed not to slam the door to his bedroom. He nearly choked attempting to remove his blasted cravat before Rogers rushed over to complete the task instead.
Seeing his master’s agitation Rogers offered to pour a drink for Darcy before removing the remainder of his clothing.
“No, not just yet.” Darcy’s thoughts returned to the evening and the source of his displeasure, as his valet continued readying him for bed.
Nothing has changed. Not one single aspect of Society has changed in the several years he was away from Town. The daggers the ladies threw at each other, all the while squabbling to earn his attention. The ribald remarks between the gentleman about the very ladies they were attempting to woo to entice them into becoming their wives. There is no care or affection, there is certainly no respect. It is all about fortune and connections.
Darcy scrubbed a hand down his face.It sickens me.
At one point, a widow went so far as to place her hand on my posterior during her indecent proposition.
Anne, for all I could never think of her as a wife in that way, still brought warmth and companionship to Pemberley. It was in her own quiet way, but she never would have uttered words to tear down another lady, no matter the provocation.
Searching for a lady with those qualities and physical attributes to attract me is akin to seeking the holy grail. Orperhaps Atlantis; mythical ideas we mortals will never lay eyes on.
Darcy accepted the drink the second time Rogers offered it. Dismissing his valet, he went to stare outside his window, drink in hand. Swallowing it down in two large gulps he placed the empty glass on the windowsill and leant his head against the glass. Letting his shoulders fall, Darcy sighed. He remained in that position for a minute more before he moved over to the bed and fell into it. Darcy prayed for sleep to embrace him quickly, but suspected his prayers were for nought.
Chapter 13
Longbourn
Both the christening and churching ceremonies concluded quickly, and the family headed back to Longbourn.
Before she walked too far away from the church Elizabeth called to her father. “Papa, I wish to visit mama and introduce her to Alex. Do you mind if I follow a little after you?”
