While she usually dreaded visiting the dressmaker in Meryton, it was made somewhat better in the company of her aunt, who did not try to press her to add unnecessary frills to her dresses. Elizabeth preferred comfort over fashion, and every trip to the dressmaker with her mother was a battle, leaving both parties dissatisfied. The process of being measured and pinned was the part she despised, and fittings were an additional trial she dreaded.
Though she still despised the process, she was pleased with the dress they planned for the theatre and relished the idea of wearing it. It was a lovely rose-coloured silk, and they had selected just a few ribbons and touches of lace to embellish it, but not so much that it was dripping with them. They would have to return within three days for a fitting to have it done within the week.
“Thank you, Aunt Maddie,” Elizabeth said as they left the modiste. “You know how much I hate visiting the dressmaker, but I look forward to wearing these dresses.”
“You will be lovely in them all, my dear, but the dress for the theatre should be very flattering,” her aunt replied, leading her charge toward additional stores to obtain gloves, slippers, and other accoutrements she would need during the next few months. Their shopping trip lasted several more hours, although they did take a break for some tea and pastries.
The next few days included additional shopping trips where they obtained a few more items for Elizabeth’s wardrobe, including ordering a pair of walking boots. Elizabeth also insisted on a trip to a bookstore, where she searched for newer books to read while she was in London. Her uncle had a decent library, but she had read much of what it contained, and she enjoyed searching second-hand booksellers for rare treasures. She did find a few old favourites, but nothing special. It was not a wasted trip, as she did make a few purchases for her cousins and even found a book to send back to Mary.
Finally, nearly a fortnight after she arrived in town, the day of the trip to the theatre arrived. After bathing in scented water, her aunt’s maid helped Elizabeth arrange her hair in a becoming way before helping her into the new gown explicitly purchased for that night. Her aunt knocked on her door. “Lizzy, you are beautiful, and that dress is charming on you,” she cried. “Now, come downstairs and meet our host for the evening. Your gloves and cape are already by the door.”
“Yes, Aunt,” Elizabeth replied as she exited the room and went downstairs behind her aunt.
As his wife’s footsteps were heard on the stairs, Mr. Gardiner exited his study, his guest following behind. Mrs. Gardiner greeted the gentleman before stepping out of the way to don her cape, allowing Elizabeth to see the gentleman.
For a moment, Elizabeth could not speak. Standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever seen, staring intently at her. Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat, startling them both and causing both to blush.
CHAPTER 2
This is Love?
When Darcy looked up after greeting Mrs. Gardiner, he was immediately tongue-tied. The girl standing in front of him was a beauty. She was grinning at whatever her aunt had said on the final step, and when she looked up at him, he was struck by her sparkling green eyes and was utterly lost.
“My friend, I would like to introduce you to my niece,” Gardiner boomed with a knowing wink at his wife. “This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, this is my investor and friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, lately of London.”
She curtsied, and he bowed, and both acknowledged the greetings shyly. “I have heard we have you to thank for our invitation to the theatre tonight, Mr. Darcy,” she began. “I rereadThe Tempestthis week in anticipation of this evening.”
“It is a story I have always enjoyed,” Darcy acknowledged. “I prefer Shakespeare’s histories myself, but the comedies seem to have a broader appeal for performances.”
She laughed, a light tinkling laugh, and immediately, he imagined listening to that sound for a lifetime. “I have read Shakespeare’s histories as well, and I agree the comedies are far more entertaining,” she retorted. “However, I am unsurprised a barrister would prefer the histories.”
He arched an eyebrow at her. “Why is that?” he asked.
“Well, if I am to believe my father, all men of the law are humourless individuals who would prefer scowling to laughing.I believe he bases this on my uncle Phillips, who usually only comes around to scold him for something or another,” Elizabeth teased.
“Lizzy,” her aunt gently scolded.
Elizabeth immediately dropped her eyes. “I am sorry, Aunt, I … I forgot myself in my excitement about attending the theatre. Mr. Darcy, I did not mean to be impertinent. Well, perhaps I did, but hopefully, I did not offend.”
He laughed. “I did not take offence, Miss Bennet. In fact, I might have been surprised had you not said something impertinent. Your reputation precedes you, madam.”
Elizabeth started at the appellation. “Oh, I suppose here in London, I am Miss Bennet. I am so used to hearing the name for Jane, not myself.”
Darcy looked at her, asking for an explanation.
“My elder sister, sir. I am the second of five daughters and usually go by Miss Elizabeth,” she told him.
His hesitation was evident as if he grappled with what to say next. In the end, he decided on a different approach. “Might I escort you to the carriage, Miss Elizabeth?” She gently rested her hand on his extended arm, causing a jolt to surge between them upon contact. They exchanged startled glances, which transformed into a slight smile, before following the Gardiners to the awaiting coach. Once inside, the conversation revolved around the play they were about to watch, and Elizabeth found genuine pleasure in Mr. Darcy’s company.
As she entered the theatre on the gentleman’s arm, she felt many eyes upon her as they made their way through the lobby. Heacknowledged a few greetings, as did the Gardiners, but they steadily made their way toward the stairs leading them toward their box. Leading Elizabeth toward a seat, he helped her settle before taking the chair to her right, giving him a view of not just the stage but of her. He adjusted his seat slightly so his leg was almost touching her skirt, wanting to maintain some connection with the enchanting woman.
“So, Miss Bennet,” he murmured. “Tell me more about yourself. You obviously are familiar with Shakespeare; do you read only the Bard, or do you also have other favourites?”
She grinned up at him. “I have many favourites, Mr. Darcy, and in various types and genres. I am an avid reader, and my mother frequently complains about the time I spend in my father’s library. I have read nearly everything in his small little book room. I persuaded Papa to teach me just enough Greek to make a mangled mess of readingThe Odysseya few years ago. Since then, I have not attempted anything else in Greek, but I still read everything I can get my hands on. My father was most impressed last year when I read an agricultural text and suggested an improvement on the estate to increase its yields.”
Darcy studied her for a moment. “That is impressive,” he replied. “I have rarely met a female interested in estate management and crop yields.”
Elizabeth laughed merrily. “I have been told frequently such interests make me unmarriageable, but I cannot seem to silence this desire for knowledge I have. I told you I read everything I could, much to my mother’s dismay.”
