“That was not wholly unexpected, although I did not expect her to attack so quickly. Jane was quiet,” Elizabeth whispered.
“Too quiet,” replied Fitzwilliam. “She still believes she is better than you; it was written in her face.”
“It will be well, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth reiterated, trusting the more she said it, the more she would convince herself. While she harboured some concerns about the plan, she understood revealing them might prompt her husband to summon thecarriage and swiftly return her home instead of allowing events to play out.
Finally, the first strains of the music were heard, and the Darcys moved toward the dance floor. Elizabeth took a moment to take a drink of tea handed to her by Lady Anne, as her throat was dry from speaking to so many people. Soon, they were standing in opposite lines, watching as others stood around them. Elizabeth noted Jane’s position in the line—there was only one person between the sisters, Charlotte. Elizabeth smiled at her friend, momentarily reaching to clasp and squeeze her hand.
As the couples progressed through the line, Elizabeth alternated her gaze between her husband and the surrounding crowd. She noticed her brother and mother-in-law observing and even spotted Richard and the guards discreetly positioned throughout the gathering. Despite being aware of Wickham’s presence in Meryton, Elizabeth still felt taken aback when she finally spotted him near the refreshment table and began to scrutinize him intently.
“I see him as well,” Fitzwilliam murmured as they passed each other in the line. He continued when they found another brief moment, “Richard is standing nearby, along with the others. They are keeping a close watch on him. My love, you should cease staring, or you may inadvertently reveal their presence.”
Elizabeth was startled by this reminder, prompting her to turn her attention to her husband. “Thank you for the reminder, my dear,” she whispered. “I was momentarily taken aback when I saw him here.”
“Be prepared to take whatever Jane offers you when the dance ends. George and I will ensure you do not drink it,” he said as hestood beside her as they waited for their turn. “Are you ready for your performance?”
She laughed lightly. “I am,” she replied. “I have always enjoyed play acting, and now I have a reason to do so.”
All too soon, the dance concluded, and the Darcys started approaching Lady Anne. However, Jane intercepted them before they could reach her, carrying a glass. “Dear sister,” she feigned, “You appeared positively wretched as you concluded that dance, so I thought I would fetch you a drink to ascertain if it might revive you.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her sister’s gesture and the insult it contained. “Thank you, Jane,” she responded, accepting the drink and ignoring her comment. However, as she brought it closer, an unfamiliar scent assailed her senses, triggering a visceral reaction. Her stomach churned, and she turned her face away.
Fitzwilliam regarded her with deep concern, as this was not part of their plan. “Are you feeling well, dearest?” he inquired, his worry evident.
“I am not entirely sure, Fitzwilliam,” she replied, betraying her unease. “It is strange—I caught a scent that turned my stomach. I do not believe it was the wine, but a strong odour lingers. Perhaps a man’s cologne?”
Jane observed her sister cautiously. “It could not be the wine,” she remarked abruptly. “You have had it many times before without any issues.”
“I do not believe it is the wine,” Elizabeth affirmed gravely.
Lady Anne and George joined them, their expressions mirroring concern. “Are you feeling all right, Elizabeth?” Lady Anne inquired.
“I think so, Mother. A noxious odour briefly overcame me, but I am improving now. It just struck me so suddenly,” Elizabeth replied, laughing at herself.
To the astonishment of her sons and daughter, Lady Anne appeared almost pleased by this revelation. “Is this the first time such a thing has occurred?” she asked.
Elizabeth pondered for a moment. “My stomach has been unusually unsettled recently, especially upon rising,” she admitted.
Lady Anne patted her hand reassuringly. “We shall discuss this further tomorrow, though I am confident you are perfectly well. Do not fret, Fitzwilliam,” she assured them both.
Jane stood there, observing their interactions, and for a brief moment, experienced a twinge of… something. It might have been wistfulness for a family like the one before her. However, that sentiment vanished almost as swiftly as it had surfaced.
“Here, Lizzy,” she offered again. “Perhaps the wine will help.”
Stepping in to act his part, George reached forward. “Since Elizabeth is unwell, I will take the drink in her stead,” he offered. “May I?”
“Umm,” Jane hesitated, her gaze flickering towards the refreshment table where Wickham lurked in the shadows. Upon receiving his subtle nod, she extended the drink towards the gentleman, concern about the alteration apparent in her eyes. “Here, I hope you find it to your liking.”
“I am certain I will,” George replied, taking the drink she offered. “Thank you, Miss Bennet.”
CHAPTER 26
Comeuppance
George took a small sip from the glass he held, and everyone standing there took a breath, almost as if they were waiting to see what would happen. As planned, George did not react to the drink but continued as if nothing was unusual. The others did the same. “We have not been introduced,” he said to Jane. “From what I have overheard, I assume you are Miss Bennet, Elizabeth’s elder sister?”
“I am,” Jane replied with a soft, demure smile directed at the gentlemen, fluttering her eyelashes in what she believed was an appealing manner.
With a subtle eye-roll directed at her husband, Elizabeth took the initiative to introduce her sister to her new family. “Oh, I apologize, Jane. This is my husband’s brother, Mr. George Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. And this is his mother, Lady Anne Darcy,” Elizabeth added, belatedly offering the proper introductions.
