When the Darcys entered everyone gave their courtesies and Georgiana and her brother approached the sisters. As Georgiana stopped to compliment Jane on her new gown, Darcy bowed over Elizabeth’s hand.
“You look beautiful this evening, Mrs Carrington.”
Her slight flush at his compliment only enhanced the luminous shine of her eyes. The dove grey fabric and dark purple trimmings were a far cry from stark, black widow’s weeds.
“Thank you, sir. I am not strictly in my half mourning yet, but I did wish to dress for the occasion. It feels like a celebration of sorts.” She bit her lip, “Is that wrong?”
He shrugged one shoulder, “From a widower to a widow? I am constantly in a state of doubt, wondering what Anne would wishfor me. I am afraid I have no good answers for you, madam. Only, perhaps to trust your instincts?”
She nodded. “And we are a private party; no one else will know.”
“Indeed.” They were called in for dinner and Darcy looked to Mrs Gardiner who waved him off and took her husband’s arm.
He offered his to the pretty woman beside him, not even recollecting Georgiana. She and Jane followed behind them, hiding smiles behind their hands.
Seating was informal, but with such a small group everyone shared in the conversation. Once the first course was cleared, Mr Darcy said, “I can no longer contain my curiosity. Did you meet with success at the attorney’s office?”
Mr Gardiner let out a chuckle, “You held out longer than I had anticipated. Yes, yes, we were met with full courtesy, and everything went smoothly. Lizzy is now in possession of her inheritance.”
Gardiner raised his glass of wine. “A toast to Mr Darcy, Lord Matlock and Lizzy and Alex. May you all have long, happy lives.” The diners raised their glasses and joined the toast.
Elizabeth looked up to see Mr Darcy’s eyes were on her and she blushed, again.Not even halfway through your year of mourning and already you are affected by another man? It is unseemly.She took in a breath and willed her colour to fade.
During the dessert Darcy leant towards her, “Mrs Carrington, should you require a man of business, I mean, I realise Mr Gardiner is… but, a man who invests, that is…”For the love of… Shut up, man!
Elizabeth was intrigued by the flush rising in Darcy’s cheeks. She would not have thought him a man to easily fluster. “I believe I understand, sir. Should I require advice my uncle cannot provide I will let you know. Again, you are too kind. Words cannot express my gratitude-”
“I require no gratitude.” He cut her off, then shot her an apologetic look. “You are Georgie’s friend. We are friends. I should be happy to help if I can.”
“Friends.” She tilted her head and searched his face. He knew not for what. Finally, she offered him that sweet smile of hers, and he could breathe again. “Indeed, sir. We are friends.”
The rest of the evening passed enjoyably, the food was excellent, conversation plentiful and the company was willing to be pleased.
Near the end of the evening, as Darcy and Georgiana mentioned it was nearing time to depart, plans were made between his sister and Elizabeth’s to accompany the Gardiner children to the park. The weather promised to be pleasant, and the next day was considered suitable for their outing.
Seeing Elizabeth was not joining in the discussion, Darcy stepped to her side. “You are not joining them?”
She raised her face to look up at him. Amazed again at how tall and handsome he was.I hope he never finds out how he affects me. I would loathe losing his respect.She placed a hand on her tummy in an effort to calm the butterflies suddenly fluttering in her middle.
“I will not go out unless I must, until I reach half mourning.” They shared a commiserating smile. “It is easier for men, I think.” Her thoughts found voice almost without her awareness.
“What is?”
“You are in full mourning, but you are free to be active. Sitting at home wallowing in the loss, it is…” She huffed out a breath, “Complicated.”
“Being busy is as well,” he grimaced. “We are encouraged to be active. We are expected to join social events, to conduct business, or in the case of a widower, to remarry if he has children needing a mother for them, and if not, he must seek a wife to sire an heir.”
They shared another look. Elizabeth had missed this, the open discourse of thoughts and ideas between two adults. It was enjoyable speaking to an intelligent young man again.
“I find the busyness keeps me from processing. Anne was my family. It was not a love match, but it was love. She was a kind person who never had a chance at living.”
She touched his sleeve in understanding. “Life cut off too soon makes little sense. Even more so when the person was a good soul.”
“Brother,” they both started. So intent were they on their own conversation, the others had been forgotten.
He smiled at Elizabeth, raised her hand and bowed over it. Then turned to his sister. “I am afraid I am busy tomorrow. Be sure to take a maid and two footmen with you when you travel and to the park.”
“Yes, of course.”
