Page 1
Chapter 1
With a fluttering heart and a sense of pleasant expectation, Elizabeth descended from the carriage in front of the Little Theatre. Although the afternoon was well advanced, the sun’s warmth still lingered, and the gentle June breeze did not chill the air. The Season was drawing to a close, and many Londoners had departed for the comfort and fresher air of their country estates. Elizabeth therefore expected the Little Theatre to be rather empty. However, she was mistaken. A crowd had already gathered in front of the columns. People of the ton, dressed in the latest fashion, and those of the lower classes spoke animatedly among themselves, each within their own circle, as if afraid to step beyond it. No one seemed in any haste to enter, for it was still too hot inside.
Elizabeth observed her uncle and aunt with much affection. Both were elegantly dressed, and it was difficult to place them in any particular group. They greeted some acquaintances on their way to the entrance, and several gentlemen regarded her with what her mother would have termed admiration. But Elizabeth believed it to be mere curiosity about a new, unknown face.
She had been in Town for a whole week, waiting for her uncle to complete his business so they could begin their planned journey to the Lakes. Mr Gardiner’s business often interfered with his holidays; though demanding, it enabled him to provide a comfortable living for his wife and their four children and secure their future.
Mr Gardiner deemed himself a fortunate man, having made the wise decision to marry the best woman he had ever known. He had been blessed with everything a man could pray for—a good living, a lovely wife and beautiful children. In their twelve years of marriage, James Gardiner’s love, respect and admiration for his wife, Madeleine, had grown stronger and more profound.
His wife had also become very close to his family, especially his nieces, adding further joy to his life, for his relations at Longbourn were extremely important to him.
“My dear, I am delighted to be here. I do not regret staying another week in London in the least,” Madeleine Gardiner said to her husband as they entered the theatre’s spacious hall. “I have heard so much praise of this play that I am certain we shall enjoy the performance.”
“Well, it is the least I can do after keeping you and Elizabeth waiting for our departure.”
“On my account, you have no cause to worry,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “Spending time with my aunt, in London or anywhere else, is always a joy.”
And it was entirely true. She liked London, and life with the Gardiners always offered pleasures and surprises. Even finding herself among strangers amused her.
She was more than surprised when she suddenly heard her name called in the crowd. She turned, uncertain who was calling her, only to find Colonel Fitzwilliam approaching, plainly delighted to see her. She smiled at him, but only for a moment, for some distance behind him stood none other than Mr Darcy, pale and astonished—the only man in London she did not want to meet. Her smile faded while the colonel stopped beside them and bowed, still visibly pleased.
On her first evening out in London, she could scarcely believe she had encountered the very man who, a few months earlier, had given her such an unwelcome surprise. Nor had her last conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam left her with much cause for pleasure. Yet he exclaimed, “Miss Bennet! What a delightful surprise. I am so pleased to see you again. How long have you been in Town?”
She curtseyed and forced a smile, trying in vain to keep memories of their last meeting from crowding into her thoughts.
“I am pleased to see you too, sir. I have been in London for a week, but I am soon to leave for the Lakes with my uncle and aunt.”
She gestured towards her relatives. The colonel bowed to them, and they returned his greeting.
“What an agreeable coincidence to meet here! And to think I had no desire to attend the theatre this evening. The heat is insufferable in a crowded hall.”
Elizabeth could no longer avoid Darcy’s gaze. A pretty young woman clung to his arm and watched the scene with evident interest, her blue eyes bright with curiosity.
“Miss Bennet, have you seen Mr Darcy? Cousin, come and greet Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth’s first impulse was to withdraw, but she could not do so without appearing rude. Besides, even if she excused herself politely, she did not know the theatre well enough to find somewhere to hide. She remained where she was, uncertain how to react, convinced he would soon depart, for his stern countenance seemed to betray his displeasure. He seemed at least as surprised as she was. Still, after a moment of silence, Mr Darcy regained his composure, approached and greeted her courteously, though he could not quite appear at ease.
“Miss Bennet, meeting you again is indeed a surprise.”
“Mr Darcy.”
“I trust you are in good health?” he asked, his gaze fixed on her with an expression she could not understand.
“Yes, thank you. We are all in excellent health.”
Both seemed to have forgotten their companions, so the colonel took the initiative and spoke again.
“Miss Bennet, would you do us the honour of introducing your uncle and aunt? But first, allow me to present my cousin, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Surprised yet again that evening, Elizabeth turned towards the young lady with a smile. “I am honoured to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy. I have heard much in your praise.”
She wondered what Darcy thought of introducing Georgiana to her uncle and aunt, who lived near Cheapside, a circumstance Bingley’s sisters had mentioned so often during their conversations at Netherfield that she was certain he remembered it.
Miss Darcy seemed hesitant, but to Elizabeth’s amazement, she smiled beautifully, looking more shy than proud, and replied warmly, “And I have heard much praise of you, Miss Bennet. I am glad to meet you at last.”
“You are most gracious, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth answered, uncertain what the young lady could have heard about her, and from whom.
Attempting to disregard Darcy’s gaze, she continued with a measure of composure.
