Over the next couple of weeks, a plethora of activities ensued in preparation for Georgiana’s coming out ball and her presentation at court. Georgiana and Elizabeth spent most days with Lady Matlock, either at Matlock House or Darcy House.
Lady Matlock’s fondness for Elizabeth grew more each day, as she continued to observe the astounding transformations in Georgiana. Lady Matlock often spoke to Georgiana about her obligations to the family as regarded the upcoming Season. More than anything, she encouraged Georgiana to enjoy the Season and all that it had to offer. She counselled her against suffering any pressure to make a match. There was plenty of time for that.
Darcy, on the other hand, was a different matter. her ladyship was determined that he should make a match soon, that very Season if she had any control over the matter. Lady Matlock had grown weary of Darcy’s blithe bachelor behaviour. She bore her son Richard’s conduct far better than she did Darcy’s. Being a second son, Richard did not bear the same responsibilities as Darcy.
It was also essential that Richard marry extremely well. He needed to wed a woman with her own fortune, and a sizeable one at that, if he had any hope of maintaining the style of living to which he was accustomed. Lady Matlock did not promote matchmaking schemes for him. Heaven forbid that she be perceived as mercenary.
Lady Matlock was well aware that both men had reputations as rakes, though no evidence existed to support such notoriety. She was pleased no rumours of mistresses, allegations of adulterous behaviour, or compromising of innocent young women were connected with either of them. Lord Matlock would not have tolerated such recklessness. It was distressing enough that his eldest son and heir was known to keep a mistress. Lord Matlock did not want Darcy and Richard to follow Lord Robert’s example. He suffered serious anguish over the knowledge of their patronage of the brothel. To that day, he blamed the late Mr. Darcy for his role in introducing the young men to such a place. Despite its widely held practice and acceptance as appropriate conduct for gentlemen of their circle, he firmly believed that if Darcy and Richard were not such long-standing patrons, they both might have chosen a wife from among the eligible women of the ton years ago.
Every time her ladyship attempted a matchmaking scheme for Darcy, she found the initial introduction gratifying. The greater the young woman’s beauty, the more he would seem to fancy her. The last dinner with Miss Theresa Rupert left Lady Matlock hopeful that she might be the one. Lady Matlock made sure to invite the Ruperts to the dinner party to celebrate Georgiana’s presentation at court.
The day of Georgiana’s presentation was in a word—perfect. Lady Matlock was entirely pleased. The dinner party did not go as she had planned. Her ladyship was disheartened as she witnessed Darcy’s aloofness towards Miss Theresa. He acted as if he had never met the young lady before. He greeted her kindly, but as an indifferent acquaintance. He remained no more cordial to her than if she were a stranger.
Elizabeth watched the callous scene playing out before her eyes. She was far from amused. She hardly believed the level of indifference Darcy demonstrated towards Miss Theresa. She could not help but be concerned for the young lady as she witnessed Darcy’s neglect and inattention to Miss Theresa’s charms. She felt a pang of sympathy. She was so bothered, she even remarked upon it to Georgiana.
“I wonder what your brother is about this evening. He behaves as though he does not know Miss Theresa.”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam—that is his way. He never looks at any woman more than once. He says he does not want to raise their expectations,” she commented nonchalantly.
“I find it incredible that anyone can go from one extreme to the next in but a matter of weeks,” Elizabeth said.
“You will see,” Georgiana replied.
Elizabeth was not at all pleased with Georgiana’s casual remarks about her beloved brother. To top it off, Darcy was being distant with her, not at all as he behaved when the two of them were alone. They often spent hours discussing books, art, and even politics. Elizabeth began to wonder if she would ever meet the true Mr. Darcy, that intriguing man of whom she only caught fleeting glimpses.
Richard expected Darcy to behave as he did towards Miss Theresa. Over the years, the two of them had perfected that game. His role that night was to focus his attentions upon Miss Theresa… to lend a shoulder for her to cry on, metaphorically speaking… to ease the sting of Darcy’s rejection. The two men believed that was the best way to encourage the lady to abandon her pursuit. Lady Matlock recognised this pattern in their behaviour towards young women. She was appalled.
Lady Matlock viewed Darcy and Richard to be as thick as thieves. After the death of Lady Anne, the two began to spend almost all their time together before Richard went off to school. Apart from each other, they were not inclined towards mischief; when they were together, there was no telling what the two would get into. As a loving mother, she doted on the two of them. Though, she could not decide which of the two was the worse influence upon the other—Darcy with his vast wealth and willingness to finance their escapades, or Richard with his devil-may-care attitude and zest for life. She often chided them on their callous behaviour. In the end, they always suggested she should stop playing matchmaker. That would never do. She was determined to see Darcy marry well. She persisted in her matchmaking schemes. Darcy and Richard continued to play the game.
As Theresa sat in her family’s carriage upon their departure from Matlock House, she silently recollected the events of the evening. Exasperated, but far from put off, she reckoned that if Darcy thought he could trifle with her in one instance and dismiss her in the next, then he had much to learn about her strength of determination. It was merely a vexatious setback, for the Season had just begun. Besides, she was still in Lady Matlock’s favour and would continue to be put in the path of the elusive Mr. Darcy.
As beautiful as Georgiana appeared the night of her coming out ball, Darcy thought Elizabeth was even more so. Of course, it was Georgiana’s night. Darcy wished it to be one of her most memorable.
Darcy, Georgiana, and all of their Fitzwilliam relations stood together in the receiving line to greet their guests. A large number was expected to attend, including the Bingleys, to Lady Matlock’s dismay. That Bingley had married a young lady of the ton did little to recommend him to her ladyship; he still had those two sisters, Caroline and Louisa, and his hapless brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst.
Bingley’s party arrived amongst the first guests. Once inside the ballroom, Charles noticed Elizabeth and soon approached her.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said as he bowed.
“Mr. Bingley,” she responded as she curtseyed.
“Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Grace.” Both women curtseyed as Bingley continued, “Lady Grace, Miss Elizabeth and I met when we both resided in Hertfordshire.” Turning his attention towards Elizabeth, he continued, “It has been so long since I last saw you. Not since November, I think. You look very well. Darcy told me of your dear father and youngest sister. Please accept my condolences.”
“Thank you for your sentiments, Mr. Bingley.” Changing the subject she said, “It is so nice to see you again and to meet your lovely wife. I see that your sister Miss Bingley is here as well.”
“Indeed, she is here. Even now, where I go, so too my dear sister goes,” Charles remarked absent-mindedly. He immediately coloured, having had time to consider the implications of his words. Of course, he loved his younger sister despite his greatest wish that she would follow his example and marry. What Charles wanted most was to inquire of Elizabeth’s sister, Miss Bennet. How could he do so and maintain propriety?
After a few moments, Bingley and his bride focused their attentions upon the arriving guests. Elizabeth quietly observed Lady Grace. She had a warm and pleasing countenance, although nothing about her compared to Jane’s beauty. Lady Grace appeared to give justice to her name; she was graceful, pleasant, and kind. Elizabeth wondered how she fared with her new sisters.
Although titled, Lady Grace’s family was severely lacking in funds when Bingley and she married. Her eldest brother, upon inheriting the family’s grand estate, quickly gambled away all but their homes, including Lady Grace’s dowry. The family needed money. After three Seasons, she had not received an offer of marriage. Caroline Bingley was ecstatic when she learned of the family’s situation. She surmised that a marriage between her brother and Lady Grace would suit both families. The Bingleys would gain highly sought connections, and the family of Lady Grace would receive much-needed funds. Caroline did all she could in encouraging the union.
Elizabeth also detected a change in Bingley. He was amiable as ever, but he lacked the jovial attitude that had defined him while in Hertfordshire. She wondered how she could have been so wrong about him; even Jane had said he was not as affected as Elizabeth professed him to be. Elizabeth had been convinced of his affections for Jane. Then he had abruptly left Hertfordshire and married another woman shortly afterwards. She recalled his once saying, “Whatever I do is done in a hurry; and, therefore, if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes.” She had thought him to be joking! Often she wondered if her family’s fall from grace might have been the reason behind his decision not to return for Jane. Elizabeth recalled when she had written to tell Jane of Bingley’s nuptials. It had been the hardest letter to compose that she ever had written.
The sounds of the orchestra signalling the start of the first set interrupted her reverie. Darcy opened the ball with Georgiana. He danced the second set with Lady Matlock, and the third set with his cousin’s wife, Lady Elise. Once having fulfilled his obligation to dance with all of his female relations, he sought to spend a portion of the evening in Elizabeth’s company. She welcomed his approach with a warm smile.
“You are much in demand, sir. I confess that I find it a bit of a surprise that you would take a break from the festivities to sit with me.”
“I am sorry I have neglected you this evening,” he offered in jest, smiling at her temerity.
“Oh, do not worry about me. It is Georgiana’s night.”
“Yes, thank you for being here for her tonight. She possesses great confidence and self-assuredness. I owe it all to you.”
“You are too kind, sir.”
“No, I am quite serious. I do not know what we might do without you, and, by the way, I will always worry about you.”
“Perhaps Georgiana will meet and fall in love with her future husband tonight. We would find out soon enough how you would manage.”
“Heaven forbid! I hope for at least two Seasons before I have to see her go.”
“I thought you hated society and looked forward to retiring to Pemberley.”
“Why is it that you think I hate society?”
“Mr. Darcy, I am aware of Lady Matlock’s intentions for you. Why, every single woman here seems enamoured of you,” she teased, waxing poetic.
“Not every single woman, I fear,” he whispered in her ear, after leaning forward subtly, sending involuntary chills throughout her body.
Though his intimacy caught her entirely off guard, she quickly recovered, “Name one.”
“Never mind that. Tell me, are you enjoying yourself this evening? I have observed more than a few gentlemen admiring you.”
“Yes, I am. Everything is incredibly beautiful. Georgiana is amazing.”
“She is stunning, and so are you. I shall be quite busy turning gentlemen callers away.”
“Turning away callers for Georgiana?”
“For the both of you.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I am not looking forward to losing either of you,” he confessed, further confounding Elizabeth. Darcy remained by her side for the rest of the set, albeit in silence. Darcy was pleased with the awareness that she was not entirely immune to his charms. Elizabeth knew not what to think.
A short while afterwards, Darcy escorted Elizabeth to Georgiana. She was standing with Lady Matlock, Mrs. Rupert, and Miss Theresa.
Lady Matlock said, “Dear Fitzwilliam, here is our Miss Theresa. I trust you are available for the next set?”
“Yes, of course, Madam. Mrs. Rupert, Miss Theresa,” he bowed and offered his arm to the young woman. “Miss Theresa, may I have the next set?”
“It will be my great pleasure, Mr. Darcy.” The slightly aggrieved female did her best to make a convincing show. The fact of the matter was that she had her heart set upon dancing the supper set with him. That way she would have been sure to have his undivided attention for a large part of the evening. Alas, she would have to wait until supper to engage him, for he voiced not a word to her during the entire set.
A scrumptious supper was served at midnight. Elizabeth was surprised to be seated on one side of Darcy, with Georgiana seated on the other. Lord and Lady Matlock were seated at the table also, along with Miss Theresa. It appeared her ladyship had not given up. It slightly vexed her seeing Elizabeth seated next to Darcy. Having directed Darcy’s housekeeper on the seating arrangements, Lady Matlock placed Miss Theresa at Darcy’s side. She certainly did not place Elizabeth at their table. Nevertheless, there was nothing to be done about it. Unbeknownst to Lady Matlock, Darcy also had spoken to his housekeeper about the seating arrangements.
Fortunately, the table setting was conducive to interaction among everyone. Lady Matlock endeavoured to direct Darcy’s attentions towards Miss Theresa throughout the meal by engaging the young lady in conversation about her many accomplishments. Elizabeth reflected on how Miss Theresa seemed to meet all of Darcy’s prerequisites of being a truly accomplished woman, including the improvement of her mind by extensive reading. Despite his aunt’s best efforts, Darcy would not be tempted. Unless Miss Theresa asked him a direct question, he did not speak to her. When he chose to respond, his answers were terse.
As before, it astounded Elizabeth to see Darcy exhibiting such indifference to the uncommonly beautiful and polished Miss Theresa. Even she was impressed by her list of accomplishments and thought it no wonder Lady Matlock was so eager for Darcy to court the young woman. Exasperated by Darcy’s behaviour, Elizabeth decided to challenge each of his curt responses to Miss Theresa; even if it meant confessing to opinions that were not her own. What a challenge it would be, Elizabeth considered. Miss Theresa barely acknowledged her. She was as dismissive of Elizabeth as she was solicitous of Georgiana.
Seeking once again to gain his attention, Miss Theresa said, “Mr. Darcy, Lady Matlock tells me you recently acquired a first edition of The Mask of Anarchy. The author, Shelley, is one of my favourites. I would love to see it.”
“Indeed, it is a treasure,” Darcy replied. Elizabeth slightly creased her right eyebrow. She thought to herself, What sort of answer is that? She asked to see it!
“I am especially interested in his thoughts on the role of government,” Miss Theresa continued.
After a few moments, when it became clear that Darcy did not intend to respond, Elizabeth said, “I find his views prophetic. It causes me to wonder if he is clairvoyant.”
Darcy nearly choked on his wine. Elizabeth and he had just debated that topic earlier in the week. Elizabeth argued the author’s views were archaic. The fact that she was so clever and extremely adept at arguing opinions that were not always her own was an immense source of pleasure to him. He could not resist her taunt. He responded, “There are some who would argue that his views are antiquated.”
Elizabeth feigned astonishment. “Who would argue such an opinion? What say you, Miss Theresa?”
“I beg your pardon, Miss?” Theresa asked, pretending not to know Elizabeth’s name, whilst pondering why Georgiana’s companion sat at their table, next to Mr. Darcy no less.
“Elizabeth,” she replied, pretending unawareness of the deliberate snub. “I asked if you agree with Mr. Darcy that Shelley’s views are antiquated.” Darcy shot Elizabeth a look that read, Stop it, young lady!
Finally, Miss Theresa responded, “Mr. Darcy, if you believe that, you and I should best discuss another subject.”
Darcy looked at the young woman as if she had grown a third eye. Refusing to take the bait, he resumed speaking with Georgiana.
After a long moment of awkward silence, Lady Matlock persisted. “Miss Theresa, what is the name of the poem you mentioned last week?”
“Laon and Cythna, your ladyship.”
“Yes, of course. Fitzwilliam, I believe you are an authority on that topic, as well.”
“Is that true, Mr. Darcy? It is rare to meet someone who shares my passion for the Ottoman Empire. I would love to discuss it with you.”
Darcy ignored Miss Theresa, so Elizabeth intervened again. “Mr. Darcy, I recall having heard you mention that you met the author while at Cambridge. I am sure Miss Theresa would be interested in hearing of your experience.”
“I doubt that Miss Theresa would find it interesting, Miss Elizabeth.”
“On the contrary, Mr. Darcy, I find anything you say enlightening.”
Darcy briefly glanced at Miss Theresa, and then returned his attentions to Georgiana. Elizabeth decided to give up. Darcy was determined to ignore Miss Theresa, and there was nothing to be done for it.
After supper, the ballroom festivities resumed. Elizabeth resolved to enjoy the rest of the night and not give another thought to Darcy’s rude behaviour towards Miss Theresa.
Later, the Bingley sisters joined Elizabeth and Georgiana, thus providing the first opportunity for Elizabeth and Caroline to interact since their last meeting at Netherfield. Elizabeth easily surmised that Caroline disliked her as much as ever before.
“Miss Elizabeth, my brother Charles tells me you are residing here at Darcy House, as Miss Darcy’s companion. I had no idea,” she condescended.
“Yes, it is true. We have been together for over a month.”
“I trust you are enjoying your place... pardon me, your position,” she derided, in a caustic manner, reminiscent of her conduct in Hertfordshire.
Georgiana responded, “Of course, she is. Having Elizabeth here with my brother and me is the best thing to have ever happened to us.”
“My dear Miss Darcy, did you just say, your brother?” Caroline bristled, wondering what Georgiana was insinuating. While she had not failed to notice Darcy’s admiration of Elizabeth when they were all at Netherfield, she thought surely he had gotten over his infatuation now that they were back amongst society, at least she hoped he had.
“Yes, Elizabeth is very important to both of us.”
“How nice for you,” Caroline retorted. At that moment, Darcy joined the group and requested the next dance with Caroline. As Darcy escorted her to the dance floor, she turned back towards Elizabeth and smirked.
Elizabeth was surprised to see that Caroline was as possessive and solicitous of Darcy as ever she was in Hertfordshire. Now knowing what she did of how he behaved in society, it dawned upon her that Darcy treated Caroline only slightly better than he treated Miss Theresa. Elizabeth perceived Caroline as even more preposterous than before. After so many years, Caroline still had no idea of Darcy’s indifference towards her.
The last guests departed in the wee hours of the morning. Georgiana was alert and vibrant during the entire night, no small feat considering it was her initial coming out in society. Indeed the night was quite memorable. She was so excited to discuss everything that she dragged Elizabeth into her apartment to talk.
Georgiana went on and on about the guests at her coming out ball. Some she already knew through her family acquaintances, but there were many in attendance she had never met. She expressed her utter delight over the prospects for the upcoming Season, particularly her pleasure for her aunt’s encouragement to enjoy herself. Georgiana intended to do just that. She was overjoyed that Elizabeth would be there by her side every step of the way. If she could change anything about the evening, it would certainly be the inclusion of one particular guest.
“I must apologise for subjecting you to Miss Bingley. She was absolutely dreadful.”
“You must not apologise for Caroline’s behaviour. I am afraid she simply does not like me. She never has, and I doubt she ever will.”
“Had I known, I would have insisted that she not be invited.”
“That would have meant that her brother Charles might not have attended.”
“I imagine you have a point. I like Mr. Bingley very much. He is very kind, nothing at all like his sister. His wife seems very pleasant.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth remarked. “She seems too good to be true. She brings to mind my own dear sister Jane.”
“Elizabeth, if only Miss Bennet could have been here tonight. I know how much you miss her. I wish to know everything about her.”
Elizabeth reflected upon the irony of Georgiana’s remarks. Indeed, how different her life might be if Jane and she were still together. Instead of discussing such matters with Georgiana, she shared an account of their stay at Netherfield while Jane was convalescing, without getting into details of Mr. Darcy’s disagreeable comportment. The two young friends talked until dawn.
Darcy rose early that morning, as was his habit. He breakfasted alone and then went out to train with his fencing master. Upon his return, he was surprised to find that neither Elizabeth nor Georgiana was about, especially given the lateness of the hour. He sought out Mrs. Annesley to inquire of his sister, but she too was nowhere to be found. Darcy decided to go to Georgiana’s apartment to check on her. He knocked. Upon receiving no response, he entered. Darcy was surprised at what he found. The two people he loved most in the world were asleep upon Georgiana’s bed. Darcy quickly exited the room. He never expected to find Elizabeth there. Recovering from the vision of Elizabeth sleeping peacefully, her dark hair spread all over the pillow, he thought she was even more beautiful in her sleep than he ever had imagined.
No callers were received that day. He let them rest.
Much later in the afternoon, Darcy summoned Elizabeth to his study. He desperately needed to see her, to spend some time alone with her, and he devised the perfect excuse.
Elizabeth softly knocked at his opened door and walked over to his desk. She curtseyed and stood before him, “You wished to see me, sir.”
“Yes, please have a seat,” he said as he stood to help her in her chair. He then walked over to close the door. Elizabeth thought to herself, He never closes the door when we are alone in his study. Darcy returned to his seat behind the desk.
“I want to discuss last night. I am not pleased with your behaviour at supper.”
“My behaviour?”
“Yes, you were baiting me deliberately on the subject of Shelley.”
“Sir, pardon my saying, but sometimes you are so obtuse. I feel it is your behaviour that reflects poorly.”
“In what regard?”
“In the way you treat Miss Theresa. At first, you overwhelm her with your charms. Then, the next time you see her, you behave as if she does not exist. Are those the acts of a gentleman?”
“You do not understand what it is like for me to be sought out constantly by every mama with a single daughter.”
“Poor Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth chided.
“What would you have me do, Miss Elizabeth? I have asked my aunt to stop her matchmaking schemes. She will not listen. It has become a game.”
“Perhaps it is a game to you and your chum, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I assure you, it is not a game to the young lady. It is cruel and adolescent. Better that you should remain arrogant and taciturn from the start, than to engage the young lady’s hopes.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I will not have this conversation with you.”
“You asked me here to discuss my behaviour at supper. I am only telling you how I feel.”
“Yes, what was I thinking?” he bemoaned as he massaged his raised eyebrow. Darcy expected Elizabeth to challenge him, but he certainly had not planned for her to berate him.
“Fine, if you do not want me to bait you, as you say, then stop being so ridiculous! Your aunt likely will continue her matchmaking attempts, but that does not stop you from playing your malicious games.” With that she left the room.
Though amazed at Elizabeth’s audacity in criticising his behaviour, Darcy knew she was right. While it never bothered him before what others thought of his callousness, he did not want Elizabeth to think badly of him. He promised himself that he would no longer play such games, ever again.
Upon deeper consideration of all that Elizabeth said, Darcy pondered his circumstances. All of the chastisement of a wife with none of the benefits...