Or at least, that is what Lady Matlock told them. If Darcy or Elizabeth felt disdain from others in attendance, they said nothing to anyone else, and Elizabeth’s dance card was filled soon after the first dance was over. Despite his aunt’s insistence to the contrary, Darcy danced only with his wife, his sisters, and his cousin, preferring to watch over his wife. Each time a partner led her away, his eyes followed her until she was safely returnedto him. Even when he danced with the others, he ensured he was next to his wife’s partner in the line, allowing him to continue to watch over her.
This led to one overheard comment and a further solidification of Darcy’s feeling for his wife.
“Just look at him,” a shrill voice said. “He already knows he had made a mistake by marrying so beneath him and he watches her to ensure she does not embarrass him.”
A second voice sounded less certain. “They say it is a love match. He is watching her, yes, but he has always been inscrutable. One never knows what he is thinking. He might not smile, but she certainly does, and he appears, I do not know, somehow softer, when she is by his side.”
“A love match,” the first voice scoffed. “That is such a foolish notion. He would have been far better to marry a woman of breeding and wealth. He will tire of her soon; she is not even that pretty.”
“You are right,” Darcy’s deep voice interjected. “‘Pretty’ is far too tame a word to describe my wife’s beauty. She is not only lovely on the outside but also equally lovely within, which is a rare quality. I will never lose interest in her, for I did not marry beneath me; my wife surpasses me in every way that truly matters.”
With these words, the two women were silenced, as well as those around them who heard the exchange. Darcy stalked away to claim his wife for the supper set, which, at his prodding, was a waltz. He took his wife into his arms for the second time that evening, completely unaware of the stares that followed the couple. Throughout the rest of the evening, he watched his wifeintently whenever she was parted from him, and delighted each time she returned, unaffected by anyone’s opinion about the match.
Elizabeth was delightedwith the evening. When she appeared downstairs in her dress, deliberately timed for maximum effect, her husband’s eyes heated in the way she adored. However, they were in a public room of the house, and the Gardiners and Jane had arrived early to accompany them to the ball. Her husband was clearly disappointed at his inability to touch her as she wished and impishly, she delighted in his reaction to her.
This dress was one of her favourites, showcasing her figure perfectly, and she felt beautiful in it. Between the dress, and the emeralds that adorned her neck and ears, she felt prepared to encounter the jealous harpies and all of those who would look down on her that evening. She did not expect to be universally admired, but the beautiful dress gave her confidence, well, that and the look in her husband’s eye when he first saw her in it.
“You look exquisite, my love,” he breathed, ignoring propriety for a moment as he leaned down to kiss her lips lightly. “I knew I should not have allowed you to send me from your dressing room earlier. I cannot kiss you as I wish here.”
She smiled devilishly at him. “If I had not sent you downstairs, you might not have let me leave our rooms, dearest. Your aunt would never forgive us if we did not arrive at all tonight, and she had been adamant that we arrive early.”
He sighed and Elizabeth giggled at the resigned look on his face. “I have already saved three dances for you, as we discussed. That will frustrate her enough, so be happy that I am willing to defy her on this matter.”
Reluctantly, he released her and the two stepped into the parlour where the Gardiners and Jane were waiting. After a short greeting, the five boarded a carriage for the short ride to Matlock House where the ball was to be held.
The three ladies gushed over the decorations and the overall loveliness of the room. “Aunt Eleanor,” Elizabeth cried upon entry, “the room is magnificent. You have quite outdone yourself.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth, but you have helped as well. Now, you and Darcy are to join us in the receiving line,” she commanded, as she invited the others to take from the refreshments she ordered for this purpose. Soon, others began to arrive, and Elizabeth endured the many introductions with Darcy there for support.
After what felt like a long time, but was probably less than an hour in all, the receiving line was done, and the two couples made their way into the ballroom. The earl got everyone’s attention and made his presentation of the couple, expressing his extreme pleasure at his nephew’s match. This, along with the ball itself, demonstrated Lord and Lady Matlock’s support for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth still heard a few comments about her unsuitableness as Mrs. Darcy and it was clear that many were jealous of the unknown lady who had won the affection of a much sought-after bachelor. Regardless, she pasted on a smile, though when she looked at her husband, it was genuine, and her love shone fromher eyes each time she gazed at her husband. This was enough for some, particularly close friends of Lady Matlock, and their acceptance did much to smooth her entrance into society.
At the end of the night, she was delighted to be taken into her husband’s arms once more, for yet another waltz. The dance did not end when they left, and the couple continued their dance late into the night.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Afew mornings after the ball, an unexpected letter arrived at Darcy House. It was a great surprise for Elizabeth to receive a letter from her father, especially since it wasalmostan apology for his failure to agree to Darcy’s request for Elizabeth’s hand. In it, he acknowledged what he had read about the pair in the society pages, along with a few of Mr. Bennet’s own reflections about the affection he had occasionally seen between the pair.
Dear Elizabeth,
Longbourn is doing well, and I understand from the steward that this is mostly due to your diligence. While some might complain at being essentially a figurehead in their own home, I find I have little to complain about. In truth, other than having less funds to purchase new books and my port, I am quite content.
I understand from the steward that you have remained in charge of Longbourn, though your husband does, on occasion, contribute his own ideas. Though I confess to some surprise that he is allowing you to do this, I am pleased to know that our tenants will continue to receive the same careyou have always demonstrated. Perhaps I was incorrect to have refused my consent, though your uncles ensured I gave it regardless of my thoughts on the matter.
From what your mother has read in the papers, the ball hosted by your new aunt to introduce you to society was a success. The gossip columnists seem to think the pair of you are truly in love, and I still confess some astonishment that such a haughty and disdainful man even knows how to express such an emotion. I suppose there was some evidence of it in his treatment of you after that militia lieutenant approached you, perhaps even in his concern for you after you and your sisters when that man escaped the military gaol.
If you can find it within you to increase my allowance, I would appreciate it. Without your company, I find myself spending even more time in my library and would like to purchase additional books to pass the time. I have also had to purchase less expensive port and occasionally whisky instead of the better-quality drinks I was accustomed to. Though if you do not wish to, I will not ask again.
Sincerely,
Your father, Thomas Bennet
Elizabeth read through the letter once, then sighed heavily, handing the letter to her husband.
“What do you think, my dearest?” Darcy asked after reading it.
Elizabeth leaned her head awkwardly against his chest . She brought her hands up to cover her face and took a minute to breathe slowly before finally answering. “I find it difficult to know what to say or do. I do not want my father to die withus still at odds, but I do not know from this that his death is imminent. He has also not truly apologised for his actions, nor does he acknowledge how he used me to run the estate for him.”
