Mrs. Gardiner smiled warmly and curtsied most properly; then she said, “I have the honour of serving on the board of one of the charities that you sponsor, Lady Eleanor.”
“Indeed! Which one?”
“The London Home for Girls.”
“A most estimable organization,” the Countess said, nodding firmly. “I am proud to be one of its supporters.”
Satisfied that the conversation could now proceed without her, Elizabeth took her leave of them in order to assure herself that Georgiana was doing well.
She need not have worried. Georgiana was surrounded by admirers! Elizabeth chuckled as she watched all the young men who had been visiting her regularly attempting to crowd out the newcomers. Lord Fane was speaking to her just now, and Georgiana’s eyes were glowing in response to his attention. Was this going to become a problem, Georgiana and Lord Fane? How could the romance be discouraged before it went any further? Well, that was a dilemma for tomorrow. Mrs. Annesley was standing where she could watch Georgiana unobserved; Elizabeth caught Mrs. Annesley’s eye and they gave each other a brief nod of acknowledgement.
Elizabeth then searched for Caroline Bingley. Caroline’s manners had improved a good deal, but Elizabeth was not yet convinced that the change was real. She was happy to see Caroline sitting peacefully with her friends, the “nobodies” she had entertained at Bingley House, as well as a few others. Caroline was perfectly dressed for the ball, in a lovely green silk gown, gathered at the back in the center with a gold pouf. Her slippers were gold, with green shoe roses to match her gown. She wore a bandeau sporting three feathers, dyed green. Caroline had always adored dressing up – usually far more than the occasion warranted – but it had to be said that she looked very nice indeed.
Caroline spotted Elizabeth and waved her over. “Elizabeth, Lady Alicia hoped to speak with you.”
Elizabeth recalled being introduced to the young lady in the receiving line. Ah, yes, this was the young lady who had made the grievous misstep and had been rescued by the Countess! “Lady Alicia, I hope you are enjoying yourself,” Elizabeth said, kindly.
“Mrs. Darcy, I am, yes. I wished to convey my gratitude for the invitation to Miss Darcy’s ball.”
“Lady Alicia, I believe it is Caroline to whom you should express your thanks, though of course I was more than happy to comply with her request.”
Caroline added, “Lady Alicia was escorted here by her brother, Mr. Gregory, who is the Earl’s second son.”
“Oh, yes, I recall meeting him in the receiving line,” Elizabeth replied.
Lady Alicia spoke again, eyes now on the floor. “I have not received many invitations of late, you see, so I am very grateful for this one.”
“I am glad you are here,” Elizabeth said firmly. “It isfortunatethat you were discovered in time, as an elopement is rarely a good idea for the young lady; it isunfortunatethat the tale was spread about Town. But I was happy to learn that you are now facing into it, Lady Alicia. Continue to be seen in Town and hold your head high. The whispers will die down, I promise you.”
“That is exactly what my friends said, and that is what I plan to do! Thank you, Mrs. Darcy, I appreciate your kindness and understanding.”
Elizabeth then turned to see her husband right behind her, grinning broadly, and beside him – “Richard! I half-believe that I must be dreaming! I never expected to see you here!”
“My general agreed that it was unconscionable for me to miss Georgiana’s come-out ball, and so here I am!” He smiled widely. “He has also tasked me with finding a new mount for him while I am in London; he trusts my judgement when it comes to horses.”
“I could not be more delighted, truly,” Elizabeth said, warmly. She had become fond of Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings; in the course of her marriage, that fondness had deepened into mutual affection and respect. “Have you seen Georgiana?”
“I have, yes, and she was able to persuade one of her suitors to relinquish a dance to me.”
Mr. Darcy’s eyebrows rose. “Her card is full?”
“It certainly is. Are you surprised?”
“No; I simply do not want her to become overwhelmed.”
“Darcy, she is having the time of her life,” the Colonel told him, laughing. “It isyouwho are struggling with all this.”
Mr. Darcy reddened. “She is my little sister!”
“Not any longer,” his cousin said, pointing to the dance floor. Georgiana was laughing gaily as she danced with Mr. Taylor.
Elizabeth’s gaze swept the ballroom and she spotted Lord Fane, standing with his sister, Lady Agatha. They were both watching Georgiana and Mr. Taylor.
Elizabeth nudged her husband, and jerked her chin toward Lord Fane. “See how he watches her?” she whispered.
Mr. Darcy sighed.
“What is it?” the Colonel enquired.
