Elizabeth had settled near the front window with her correspondence when she observed an elegant black coach pull to the kerb in front of the house. As it was early for callers, she was surprised when MrDarcy stepped down and turned to hand his sister out. Elizabeth spoke urgently to her aunt, touching her hair self-consciously, then smoothed her skirt.What is this about?
The butler opened the drawing room door and introduced their guests. “MrDarcy and Miss Darcy.”
The parties exchanged courtesies, and Elizabeth’s stomach fluttered as she introduced her aunt, “MrDarcy, Miss Darcy, it is my pleasure to introduce my aunt, MrsEdward Gardiner. Aunt, this is MrFitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire, late of London. Sir, Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you. What brings you to Gracechurch Street?”
Darcy’s ears pinked as he looked at Elizabeth, but Miss Darcy spoke eagerly.
“I had neglected to ask your direction the other morning. Brother learnt from our aunt, Lady Matlock, that your uncle was MrGardiner, my uncle’s business associate. Of course, we had to call straight away. Brother insisted.”
Elizabeth smiled at the young girl’s candour, covering her mouth. MrsGardiner cleared her throat to cover her mirth at MrDarcy’s expression.His sister had caught him out!
MrsGardiner sent for tea. Miss Darcy took a seat on the settee with Elizabeth, while MrDarcy sat in a chair facing the ladies.
“Miss Darcy, I wonder if Elizabeth has told you that I spent my childhood in the village of Lambton. My father was MrGranger, the vicar there for many years. I had the pleasure of meeting your parents on several occasions. Indeed, you look a great deal like your late mother, Lady Anne.”
“You knew my mother? How lovely! I do not remember her, but my family has told me much. It would be so nice to hear your memories.” At this, Miss Darcy moved to sit next to MrsGardiner, and they were soon engaged in a lively discussion of Lambton and Lady Anne Darcy.
Elizabeth lifted a brow at MrDarcy. He smiled indulgently at his sister.
“It seems we are forgot, MrDarcy. I shall make every attempt to keep you entertained, as Aunt enjoys nothing more than to share tales from her girlhood. I must insist, however, that you do your part. I am not prepared to deliver a soliloquy.”
“Oh, Miss Bennet, you do yourself a disservice. You are well equipped to carry both sides of any conversation.” He leant back, crossing his leg. “I am certain I have heard you posit opinions that are not your own.”
Elizabeth laughed, enjoying their newfound camaraderie. “Unfair! I was most definitely provoked, you know I was. It is ungentlemanly of you to remind me, and before yourimpressionable sister, sir. You will teach her not to credit a word I say!”
They both chuckled, drawing looks from the others.
“I will credit you with the excellent ability to converse with anyone, subtly turning away barbs such that they miss their mark. It is a skill I envy, I assure you.” He paused, adjusting his cuffs. “You also demonstrate kindness and discretion.”
“Perhaps it is better to leave discussion of the Netherfield party to another time. This is too fine a day to allow that lady to intrude.” At his nod of agreement, she said, “My uncle said we are to dine at Matlock House on Thursday.” Elizabeth glanced up at him through her lashes. “Might you be in attendance with Miss Darcy, sir?”
“I believe I can wheedle an invitation from my aunt. Georgiana is a particular favourite of our Matlock relations.” His dimpled smile made Elizabeth gasp with pleasure and shyly return his smile.
Elizabeth sighed at the strange happenings of the day but was much less conflicted when she picked up the novel Charlotte had given her.
She opened the book,Peril and Partnershipby Louise Bigler, hoping it would settle her thoughts. She snickered at the foreboding first line:It is a truth universally acknowledged that her Ladyship is not to be trifled with.
Chapter 18: Peril and Partnership
by Louise Bigler
Hunsford, Kent
Easter Sunday, the 29thof March, 1812
Elizabeth’s mind wandered as her cousin droned on from the pulpit. It had been difficult to concentrate on his Easter sermon the first time she heard it. Currently, she had far too much to think of. Perhaps if he were actually speaking of the Easter message, it might have been easier. Her current predicament gave a whole new meaning to the power of the Almighty. Hopefully, she would finally be able to bring Jane and Bingley together.
Observing the Rosings pew, was it only her newfound perspective, or did MrDarcy look less haughty alongside his cousins?Contemplating his aristocratic nose, his sculpted sideburns, and his strong jaw, Elizabeth was reminded of how attractive he was. The only softness was his full lips.Why am I dwelling on his lips?As she considered his hair and elegant cravat, his head turned. There was no mistaking the warmth in his eyes as he looked upon her, or the way one side of his mouth quirked in a slight smile. His gaze held hers until Lady Catherine leant forwards, her bearing stiff and her posture erect.
Elizabeth hastily returned her attention to the hymnal on her lap, striving to keep it there. Her mind would not stay fixed on the sermon. Her concentration kept wandering to the Rosings pew, and she was discomfited to find MrDarcy glancing in her direction more than once.
Upon returning to the parsonage, MrCollins questioned her on the sermon, and for the first time, she was glad she hadbeen forced to listen to his sermon more than once. He seemed to vacillate between being pleased that his message had been so well received and quite put out that she could answer correctly. His demeanour did not improve until they were preparing to depart for Rosings. The prospect of being once again in the presence of his patroness pleased him greatly. With even more than his usual pompous air, he led the group to Rosings.
Lady Catherine received them politely in the drawing room. Yet, Elizabeth felt that, despite her Ladyship’s evident attention to her nephews—especially MrDarcy—Elizabeth herself was the true object of her scrutiny. As usual, Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed glad to see her. He sat beside her and talked with so much spirit as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine as well as of MrDarcy. His eyes repeatedly turned towards them, and Elizabeth felt herself drawn towards him in return.
Soon, Lady Catherine was overcome with curiosity and interrupted the colonel. “What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? I must have my share of the conversation.”
And so the conversation continued until coffee was over and the colonel reminded Elizabeth of her promise to play on the pianoforte. MrDarcy joined them, and Elizabeth found herself distracted by the hint of humour on his countenance.
