Wedding at Pemberley Read online

  Despite her struggle, the performance still did not draw her interest. An uncomfortable feeling of being watched made her restless. It had been settled to meet again during the intermission. That was what the Colonel said. As for Mr Darcy, she fully expected he would not be pleased to socialise with her and her relatives anymore this evening.

  She startled a couple of times, while the music brought her back from her reverie. More often than she would have liked to, her eyes turned toward Darcy’s box, if only for short moments. Each time, he seemed caught up in a conversation with that lady. He evidently was not worried about being seen in a familiar circumstances with her in such a crowded gathering.

  But if she was to be honest, he did not seem worried, in the past, to be seen with her, either. He singled her out more than once during his stay in Hertfordshire; he danced with her at the Netherfield Ball even though she had refused him at Sir William Lucas’s party. He often tried to involve her in conversation when they happened to be in the same room. Then, he pointed out her qualities when he mentioned the “improvement of one’s mind by extensive reading” while she was reading, he referred to his sister’s height in comparison with hers, and he pleaded that she not “sketch his character at this time” after their harsh talk during the dance, when she had foolishly defended Wickham.

  Everything appeared in an utterly different light now. Charlotte Lucas had been perceptive enough to notice the truth almost from the beginning and, most likely, so had Miss Bingley, which explained her rudeness and jealousy. Only she – the recipient of his attention – had been silly, prejudiced, unfair.

  ‘Why am I thinking of all this now? These thoughts are nothing but harmful. I must be grateful for Mr Darcy’s civility, which gives me hope for a chance of asking about Mr Bingley. Who knows? Perhaps our meeting will bring an opportunity to see Mr Bingley too, and he might even consider returning to Netherfield.’

  An increase in the music’s tempo startled Elizabeth and brought her back to her surroundings. Those speculations were irrational. She must not entertain any specific hopes of Mr Bingley. She had to keep her reason, for she would soon leave London and all those there, behind. Had Mr Gardiner not been forced to return to Town, they would have been far away and would not have encountered Mr and Miss Darcy at all. That would have been a loss. She not only had met Mr Darcy but also witnessed a change in his manners, apparent even in the short time they met.

  Loud voices and sudden moves around her took Elizabeth by surprise; she noticed the ending of the first act and realised she did not remember anything from it.

  “Are you enjoying the play, Lizzy?” her aunt asked while she only nodded, forcing a smile.

  “Come, we should take a few steps – I need some air and a drink,” Mr Gardiner declared, offering each an arm. “And let us hope we do not meet other suitors from your aunt’s youth,” he concluded. His words caused his wife to laugh affectionately and squeeze his arm tenderly.

  Elizabeth cast another quick look toward Darcy’s box and noticed only the ladies seated there.

  She felt they were looking at her too, and she turned her head, embarrassed.

  The three of them entered the foyer when they were abruptly stopped by the surprising appearance of Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Viscount.

  “Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, how do you enjoy the play so far?” the Colonel asked.

  “Very much so. And you?” Mr Gardiner asked.

  “Reasonably so, to be honest. I would rather spend a warm evening in less crowded circumstances, but this is my preference only.”

  Mr Gardiner laughed. “I fully understand your feelings, sir.”

  The Viscount stepped in and interjected with unexpected friendliness.

  “If we are not intruding on your plans, we would be pleased to have your company this evening. Our box is quite spacious, and we would be only too happy if you would join our party for the rest of the performance.”

  All three of them stared in disbelief at such an unexpected invitation, and for a few moments, none of them knew how to answer. Mr and Mrs Gardiner exchanged wondering glances, while Elizabeth kept her eyes to the floor, wondering if such a proposal had Darcy’s approval or not.

  Eventually, Mr Gardiner replied.

  “Your Lordship is very kind and your invitation honours us; however, we do not wish to intrude on your private family party.”

  “It is no intrusion, I assure you. We were talking about the coincidence of our meeting and Georgiana keeps talking about how Mrs Gardiner knew her parents. And I believe my wife is curious to see the first love of my life,” he jested, then suddenly became serious.

  “Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, I beg your forgiveness if my jokes are improper. I hope I did not offend or upset you. It is just we were suddenly wrapped in the memories of our happy childhood and we keep talking about it. I mean no disrespect.”

  “You did not offend us, your Lordship. You need not worry about jesting – we are a family who enjoys teasing and making sports of ourselves and others. Besides, I confess I feel proud that my wife chose me, although she had been once loved and kissed by a Viscount. Even if he was only nine, it still counts.”

  The Viscount and the Colonel both laughed, but while the others’ uneasiness was gone, Elizabeth’s distress grew.

  “But perhaps Mr Darcy will not approve of our presence. As my uncle said, we do not want to intrude…”

  “Darcy? Why on earth not?” the Colonel replied. “I am sure he does – he went to order some drinks for the ladies, but I assure you he will be pleased too.”

  Elizabeth was still heavyhearted, but since all the others looked pleased, she had to overcome her reluctance. The worst that could happen was for her to suffer from embarrassment, and she had no other choice but to bear it.

  “My cousin is right,” Darcy’s voice sounded from behind them and Elizabeth turned so abruptly that her feet slipped. He caught her while she blushed and apologised for her clumsiness.

  “But of course, we issued this invitation considering our pleasure only,” Darcy continued, looking straight at Elizabeth. “If our presence makes you uncomfortable, and you prefer to spend the rest of the evening with your family only, we shall insist no further.”

  The warmth of his voice and the genuine concern in his eyes removed her worry about his disapproval but did little to settle her unease. Quite the contrary, his concern and attentiveness for her wishes stirred quivers inside her and his care troubled her almost as much as his aloofness before, but differently.

  Whatever relationship might exist between Mr Darcy and the lady in his box, it could not be doubted that he wished for their company. The motives for his attentions — so openly showed— were more reasons for distress, but it was not the time to solve them yet.

  The second act of the performance was ready to begin, and they were in the hall with all the others’ eyes on her, so Elizabeth bowed her head and responded, her gaze locked with Darcy’s.

  “As my uncle has said, we are honoured and delighted with your invitation.”

  The Colonel exclaimed a jovial “Excellent!” And readily offered her his arm, leading the way.

  The Gardiners came after them, with the Viscount and Darcy behind.

  ∞∞∞

  Elizabeth began to wonder and worry about the ladies’ reception, not only toward herself but her relatives as well. She did not expect open rudeness since the Viscount insisted on his wife’s acceptance. However, the difference in their situation was so great that it was a wonder to be so easily overcome.

  Inside the box, the introductions were performed. Lady Alicia Wellford was a lady of impressive beauty, with a light, open expression and laughing green eyes. She greeted them with some condescension, due to her title and situation in life, but her superior air was softened by her amiable voice and friendly greeting.

  Her sister – Lady Amelia Crawford – did not seem equally pleased with the strangers’ intrusion. Still, she met them with politeness,
then quickly resumed her seat, while the others each chose a chair.

  “Miss Bennet, Mrs Gardiner, you should sit in the first row, to have a better view,” Darcy suddenly said, inviting the ladies with a large gesture. Immediately, Lady Amelia moved to her sister’s left, right at the end of the box, obviously displeased to lose Darcy’s nearness. Elizabeth found herself situated between Lady Wellford and Miss Darcy, while Mrs Gardiner was on the other side of Georgiana. Behind them, the gentlemen each sat behind the lady of his interest, with Darcy and the Colonel in the middle and the married gentlemen behind their own wives.

  Miss Darcy seemed to waver between the pleasure of seeing them again and shyness in front of new acquaintances. However, she slowly became more at ease, comforted by Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner’s gentle manners.

  “Did you enjoy the performance so far?” Lady Wellford asked them.

  “We already asked that – they did,” the Viscount replied, kissing his wife’s hand.

  The lady laughed. “How very proper of you, my dear! Miss Bennet, I am glad to finally meet you. I heard you have made quite an impression on my brother-in-law.”

  Elizabeth blushed slightly and laughed. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is too generous with his praises. I assure you; he had no reason to be impressed.”

  “Well, you stood up against Lady Catherine several times. That is reason enough, I might say.”

  Elizabeth only smiled. Talking about their aunt was not a safe subject with such new acquaintances.

  “Miss Bennet is too modest, I assure you. Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her has reasons to be impressed,” Darcy interjected with complete earnestness.

  Elizabeth’s heart stopped and she forgot to breathe, not daring to even glance at him.

  “Well, even Darcy says so, and you have no reason to doubt him. He and Miss Bennet have never been good friends, so he cannot be biased as I am,” the Colonel laughed.

  “Not good friends? And why is that?” Lady Wellford continued, and Elizabeth had the feeling she was amusing herself at her expense.

  “Well, Miss Bennet confessed to me once that Darcy was her severest critic,” the Colonel replied. Elizabeth paled with shame, she looked at Darcy briefly and noticed his uneasiness, then turned her eyes back to her ladyship, who released another elegant laugh.

  “Oh, this is quite common. Darcy is the severest critic of all of us. You must not be upset with him,” she declared, much to the general glee.

  “I am not upset at all. In fact, I might have taken Mr Darcy’s observations more harshly than they were meant. I believe Mr Darcy is the sort of gentleman who improves on better acquaintance. But I do not know him well enough to be sure,” Elizabeth answered, trying to sound light and diverting. She could not turn to look at Darcy again and was slightly worried about his opinion of that conversation.

  It was Miss Darcy who spoke from Elizabeth’s right side.

  “My brother is the best man; he is fair and honest and honourable and generous. I am sure he did not criticise you with unkind intentions, Miss Bennet.”

  Elizabeth gazed at the girl and met her blue, tearful eyes. Behind her, Darcy’s countenance was now dark and troubled, ready to intervene. Elizabeth readily took the girl’s hand and replied with genuine warmth and care.

  “Miss Darcy, I have no reasons to contradict your words. I have met Mr Darcy only several times, but I never doubted those traits that you mentioned. I apologise if my words led you to believe otherwise.”

  “Dearest, we were only joking,” the Colonel said. “Nobody thinks ill of Darcy, I assure you.”

  Darcy leaned toward her sister, whose hand was still held by Elizabeth, and whispered to her, but loud enough to be heard by the entire box.

  “Do not worry, my dear. In the next intermission, I will make fun of both Miss Bennet and our cousin. I shall not let their teasing go unpaid.”

  Both Elizabeth and Georgiana turned to him, shocked to see a mischievous twist of his lips and gleeful mirth in his dark eyes.

  And the second act of the play began.

  Despite the much better view, Elizabeth’s attention was still not entirely concentrated on the stage. Darcy’s last teasing was as disturbing as it was pleasant and joyful. So very unlike him. She feared he would be angry, but he received their judgment of his character with nothing but amusement.

  “Miss Bennet, is everything well?” Darcy asked her and Elizabeth startled by the warmth of his breath near her ear.

  “Perfectly well, thank you,” she struggled to reply calmly.

  “I have seen the play before and I am still enjoying it,” Miss Darcy confessed, leaning toward Elizabeth. She only nodded in approval.

  The play continued, and Elizabeth grew more at ease with the astonishing circumstance she found herself in.

  Until that afternoon, she was sure she would never see Darcy again, or if she did, he would avoid her like his worst enemy. Instead, she was there, inches away from him, with his sister and others from his family.

  Though she promised herself to pay attention to the stage, Elizabeth could not resist examining Lady Amelia. She was the only one silent and apparently displeased, looking at Darcy from time to time and talking privately to her sister.

  Elizabeth admitted to herself being relieved that the relation between Lady Amelia and Darcy did not seem as close as she feared. It appeared similar to Miss Bingley’s “intimate friendship,” and she remembered the Colonel’s statement about Darcy’s appeal to young ladies.

  Once more, Elizabeth’s heart raced when Darcy leaned to her again.

  “Miss Bennet, I have an extra pair of glasses; would you like it?”

  She whispered a “Yes, thank you”, then took the glasses from him, their fingers brushing in the move. When she regained some composure, she wondered what the others thought of his gesture. Miss Darcy found it rather natural, as she continued talking to Elizabeth, asking if she could better see the actors, while Elizabeth prayed she did not look as embarrassed as she felt. Embarrassed, but pleased. Delighted. Flattered. And deeply surprised by his open and increasing attentions, struggling not to read anything into his gestures but mere politeness.

  Time passed too slowly for Elizabeth, who tried to understand what was happening in the play. She could not remember ever being so oblivious to a performance, nor lacking complete interest in it.

  ∞∞∞

  During the next two intermissions, the gentlemen left the box to stretch their legs and to enjoy some drinks and conversation.

  The ladies remained by themselves and a pleasant discussion started, mostly led by Lady Wellford concentrated on Derbyshire.

  Except for Elizabeth, the other ladies were very familiar with Pemberley and Lambton, and they were pleased to talk about it.

  “All that Pemberley lacks is a woman’s touch. If Mr Darcy marries wisely, he might have a perfect home and a perfect family,” Lady Amelia stated with self-confidence.

  “My brother is always wise and he always makes the best choices,” Georgiana answered.

  “Mr Darcy seems to have taken very much after your father,” Mrs Gardiner offered and Georgina heartily agreed.

  Elizabeth listened to their talk while disturbing feelings and thoughts shattered her. He had chosen her –perhaps not so very wisely. What would these ladies – including Georgiana – say if they knew he had proposed to her and she rejected him? Would they even believe it? Did either of his cousins know? Most likely not – it was not something to be shared.

  “So, how did you meet Mr Darcy, Miss Bennet? I understand you never visited Derbyshire,” Lady Amelia inquired.

  “I met him in Hertfordshire. Mr Darcy’s friend – Mr Bingley – rented property only three miles away from my father’s estate.”

  “Oh, yes, Bingley. I have not seen him in months. In fact, I did see him once during the Season, I believe,” Lady Wellford declared. “What has become of him? Is he still in Hertfordshire?”

  “No, he left last November,”
Elizabeth replied.

  “My brother said Mr Bingley is staying at a friend’s property. In Oxfordshire,” Georgiana explained.

  “I see… lovely young man. His youngest sister is very fond of Darcy too,” she said mockingly, addressing her sister who blushed. “So, Mrs Gardiner, would you have recognised my husband if you did not know who he was?”

  “Most certainly not,” Mrs Gardiner answered with amusement.

  “A strange coincidence that you all meet tonight. And I remember that we were undecided to attend until noon,” Lady Amelia added.

  “I am glad we did – it has turned out to be an entertaining experience,” Lady Wellford concluded.

  The last parts of the play made more sense to Elizabeth, as she had calmed enough to behave properly. Her distress did not diminish, but she became accustomed to it.

  However, the ending of the play turned Elizabeth’s heart heavier again. The more she realised she enjoyed the company of Darcy and his sister, the more painful she felt the loss of it. This had been a fortuitous meeting – but would it remain only as much? She admitted to herself that she was desirous of their friendship when it was likely she could not have it.

  As the play ended, the conversation in the box grew more animated. Minutes passed and they remained among the last to leave.

  Eventually, they exited and stopped in front of the theatre again, taking their farewells. The Colonel promised to call on them soon and was readily welcomed, then he left with his brother and the two ladies. The Darcys’ carriage was waiting in front when Miss Darcy suddenly addressed them.

  “Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet — I was wondering if you have any fixed engagements for tomorrow?”

  “No, nothing special,” Mrs Gardiner answered.

  “Then… if I may...” Miss Darcy stopped for a moment, looking at Mrs Gardiner, then at her brother, and finally at Elizabeth. “I was wondering... if you have time… would you do me the honour of having tea with me tomorrow? Or the day after tomorrow – whenever is convenient for you… I would dearly like to speak more with you…”

  The girl blushed at the impetuosity of such an impromptu invitation. She glanced at her brother again, asking for his late agreement.