“I have taken a box for us,” he said. “My usual one.”
Elizabeth nodded. She noticed the eyebrows of the crowd rose higher as they saw the Gardiners follow Darcy to a place where they had no right to be. Elizabeth’s face burned with anger. Her family were worth ten of these people. They had not a fraction of the Gardiners cleverness, their good sense and their kindness. Who were they to look down on them?
It also troubled her that Darcy had made no move to introduce her to anyone. Was he so ashamed of her that he would blush to introduce her? She held her head high and tried not to allow her annoyance to show on her face.
“What do you think of the program, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked when they had taken their seats. Elizabeth was flicking through the booklet, and despite her annoyance, she gave him a rueful smile.
“It is all in Italian. I do not speak the language. I’m afraid my skills at other tongues are limited. Do you speak it?”
“A little. Not well, but I can follow the general meaning of a song. For example, in this one, the man pleads with the woman not to leave him.”
“Why should she do that? Is he so terrible?”
It was a moment before Darcy responded. Elizabeth looked up to see if he had heard her. His eyes were fixed to the page, and he looked as if he searched for the right words. She smiled.
“Perhaps your skills are a little less than general,” she said.
“Perhaps they are, but I seek to find the correct words.” Darcy paused again, and for some reason, he looked uncomfortable. “The lady wishes to leave the man because she does not love him. She does not think she will be happy with him. Their marriage was arranged, but she would rather risk the scandal of ending their relationship than to spend her life with a man she does not love.”
“Oh.” No wonder he has looked so awkward. Elizabeth kept her eyes fixed to the program to avoid looking at Darcy. The silence stretched between them.
To distract herself from her embarrassment, Elizabeth glanced over at the other boxes. Many faces were turned in their direction. What did they see when they looked at them? An ill-matched couple who did not belong together? Two people who had little to say to one another? Elizabeth wondered if news of the circumstances of their engagement had reached London yet. She was sure it had. Perhaps that was why Darcy was reluctant to introduce her to anyone. It would humiliate him to announce his betrothal to a woman far beneath him and who he only married because he had the bad fortune to compromise her.
Yet the fact that he should invite her and her family here and take a seat in a box that placed them in full view of everyone contradicted that. Why would he do such a thing if he were ashamed of her? Elizabeth did not think she would ever make out the strange man by her side.
The performance began. Elizabeth hoped it would draw the eager eyes of the other theatre-goers away from them, but she had no such luck. When two fine ladies across from her gestured in their direction and giggled behind their fans, Elizabeth felt an initial flash of irritation before her natural good humour asserted itself. Let them wonder at her. What did she care about such people? She had never done so before, and she was not about to start now. To Darcy’s evident surprise, she moved closer to him and whispered requests that he translate for her. Though surprised, he seemed pleased to assist her, with the result being that the two spent most of the performance with their heads bent close together as they whispered to one another. A stranger watching them from a distance would think it a sure sign of intimacy between them.
Although Elizabeth had only asked him to translate so they did not sit there looking like awkward strangers, she was surprised at how much she enjoyed talking with him. He was quick and clever. When she asked about where he learned to speak Italian, he surprised her by speaking of travelling around that country and of the art and paintings he saw there.
“I am envious,” she said. “I have never travelled very far in all my life. And it is a great regret that I cannot speak other languages. I have some very little French, but that will not endear me in the current climate.”
“Perhaps we might remedy that once we are married,” Darcy suggested. “You would like Italy. And until it is safe to travel again, you are always welcome to hire whatever masters you like if there is a skill you wish to learn. It will be easy for us to find recommendations.”
Elizabeth as startled by his generosity. “May I?” she said. “I know married women often allow their skills to fall to one side once they are married, but I have always enjoyed learning. It is not something I would wish to neglect once I am a wife.”
Darcy smiled down at her, his eyes warmer than she had ever seen them.
“That is my notion of an accomplished woman,” he said. “One who always seeks to improve her mind. I am sure painting screens and netting purses are all very well, but a woman who always seeks to learn is a woman I admire.”
“You mentioned once that your idea of accomplishment was extensive reading,” Elizabeth recalled.
“And so it is, but I believe you took offence to that.”
“Did I?”
“Yes. You said you no longer wondered at my knowing only six accomplished women. You rather wondered at my knowing any.”
Elizabeth was bemused that he remembered her words so precisely.
“I was right to scold you for having such a low opinion of women’s accomplishments.”
“I have no such low opinion. I just have a particularly high opinion of some women’s accomplishments. Such as my sister.” He looked down at her. “And you.”
Elizabeth felt pleasantly flustered. “You are very kind, sir, but I have no pretence of being accomplished. Your aunt certainly did not think I was.”
“My aunt thinks no one is as accomplished as she is. She does not concern herself with having the talents to support her high opinion,” said Darcy.
Elizabeth laughed in astonishment and put her hand over her mouth to turn it into a cough lest they attract too much attention.
“For shame, Mr Darcy. What would your aunt say if she heard you speak so?”
Darcy smiled. “I think you and I can already imagine her response.”
“I think I can do so with perfect ease.” She smiled. “So you consider me accomplished? That is flattering.”
“In the way, I value most of all. But did you really not know I was complimenting you? I thought I was plain. And you are not a lady who pretends to demur when someone praises her so I can only assume you are speaking the truth when you say you did not realise.”
“No, I did not. But I thank you for the compliment. And if I may say so…” She leaned closer to him. He bent his head to catch her words. “It is a relief to hear it. Some men do not like their wives to read or learn. I am pleased to know you are not such a man. You will not worry that I will turn plain and short-sighted and need glasses before I am thirty from all my hours squinting over old tomes.”
Darcy laughed. “I do not believe that will happen. I will provide you with an excellent study both at Pemberley and London with all the light you need. You can carry on your bluestocking ways in perfect comfort.”
Elizabeth hesitated. “That is generous of you.”
“It is nothing. I want you to be happy and comfortable.”
Elizabeth stared at his proud profile. She could not work him out. He was so proud and above his company sometimes and then so kind and considerate at others. A small hope crept in that perhaps their marriage would not be so unhappy after all. They might never fall in love, but perhaps there was a very real chance they might enjoy a warm friendship and hold one another in high regard. It was not a marriage she had dreamed of, but that did not mean it would not still be far superior to other unions she had known.
She turned her attention back to the performance. The heroine had appeared on stage on boy’s clothing, and she sprang in front of the hero, taking him by surprise as she spoke to him earnestly and with a passion Elizabeth could not miss even if she could not understand the w
ords.
“What is happening now?” she whispered.
“Isabella has finally realised she is in love with Fernando,” said Darcy. “During their betrothal, she warmed towards him, and when he left, she realised she could not live without him even though he sought to free her from an unwanted engagement. She disguised herself as a boy so she might follow him and pledge her love.”
“How very Shakespearean. I have always observed that Shakespeare’s heroines take nothing at all to dress in men’s clothes so they might find their loves.”
“The poor fools are hardly worth the effort,” said Darcy. “If a man cannot recognise the woman he loves just because she wears the clothing of a boy, he is a poor lover indeed. What — a lady ties her hair back and places a cap on her head, and suddenly he sees nothing but a smooth-faced boy? These idiots do not deserve their love.”
Elizabeth burst out laughing. “Yes, I wonder the ladies do not leave when they realise their darling has observed so little about them that they are fooled into not recognising them. It is not as though their faces are covered.” She nodded towards the stage. “What happens now? How does Fernando take her declaration of love?”
As she spoke, the hero grasped the heroine in his arms for a passionate embrace.
“Quite well, I gather,” said Darcy dryly. They both looked on at the embracing couple with some embarrassment.
“They do seem to be getting along rather splendidly,” Elizabeth agreed mildly as the couple rushed towards a conveniently passing priest to exchange their marriage vows.
They joined in the claps and cheers as the actors bowed and the curtain went down.
“Thank you for explaining it all, Darcy. And for inviting us. I enjoyed it.”
“You sound rather surprised,” said Darcy.
“I am a little. You do not usually converse so easily. You can be enjoyable company when you put your mind to it,” said Elizabeth with an arch look that made Darcy smile.
“I will not follow your leave of taking offence when a compliment is meant. Thank you, Elizabeth. I have been known to have my pleasant moments.”
The family left the box. Mr and Mrs Gardiner spoke with animation about the performance. Jane looked at Elizabeth curiously and gave her an encouraging smile when she saw her take Darcy’s arm. For her part, Elizabeth had been sincere when she said she had a far more enjoyable evening than she anticipated. Who knew she would ever have such a good time with Mr Darcy? If someone had told her that a week ago, she would have laughed and asked if they were mad. Perhaps as he grew more at ease with her, he would open up more and take himself less seriously.
Eyes turned to them once again when they emerged into the foyer. A woman in a magnificent gown with a rich peacock feather curling from an elaborate headdress raised an eyebrow and whispered to a splendidly dressed man by her side. These were the sort of people Elizabeth always imagined Darcy mixing with. It hit her with a start that it was somewhat surprising his closest friend was in trade when he was so proud and attentive to rank. But then, Bingley was so warm and pleasant, he could not fail to endear himself to anyone.
The couple started towards them. Elizabeth resigned herself to the inquisitive questions she knew were coming when Darcy unexpectedly led her in the other direction.
“The hour is late, Miss Bennet,” he said in a firm voice. “The carriage awaits. I must see you home.”
Before the couple could reach them, Darcy had led Elizabeth away out into the night air.
Elizabeth was relieved not to have to speak with the couple, but she felt a rush of embarrassment that Darcy should make it so clear he did not wish to introduce her. Was he so ashamed of her? He could talk and laugh with her in his private box but how he truly felt came out as soon as he was around those who stoked his pride.
Elizabeth was so hurt and so angry at his behaviour especially when she had just been softening towards him that she could not look at him on the drive to Gracechurch Street. She looked out the window in silence as her family spoke about the play and the people they had seen from their vantage point in the box. If Darcy had noticed her silence, he said nothing. He too appeared lost in his own thoughts.
Darcy only came to when they arrived at the Gardiners’ house. He left the carriage to hand Elizabeth out. As he did, he informed her as usual that he would see her tomorrow.
“I am afraid the morning will not be possible, sir,” said Elizabeth coolly.
“Oh?” Darcy’s face was grim. “And why is that, may I ask?”
“Because there are more people than you who require my company, sir and they are those who I shall see less of once we marry. I wish to take my young cousins to play in Hyde Park tomorrow. It is something we do together whenever I stay, and I have neglected them since I have arrived.”
Her words were tart, but Darcy softened slightly when he heard them.
“Ah. Well, I would be a brute if I denied your cousins the pleasure of your company.” He released her hand and bowed. “Good night, Elizabeth. Sleep well.”
Elizabeth nodded and climbed the steps to the house. Before she stepped inside, she looked back to see Darcy still standing by the carriage watching her.
Chapter 17
Elizabeth’s little cousins, Alicia, Thomas and Robert, were ecstatic when she told them she would take them to Hyde Park to play with their hoops and balls. Cousin Jane was a sweet girl who indulged them and was gentle and kind, but she did not have Elizabeth’s energy for running and playing with a ball. They had demanded much of her during her stay, so Elizabeth insisted she take advantage of their absence to relax.
“I will handle them all very well,” she said.
Jane chewed her lip with concern.
“Are you sure, Lizzy? Tommy can be a handful.”
“If he is a handful, I will simply send him away to a sea captain, and they will soon put discipline on him,” said Elizabeth loud enough for her cousin to overhear. She grinned at him, and he burst into a fit of laughter.
“What about me, Cousin Lizzy, what about me?” Robert demanded, refusing to be outdone by his big brother. Elizabeth scooped him into her arms to tickle him and kiss his nose.
“You, sir, shall be sent away with pirates. So have a care you mind your manners,” she said with a mock sternness that made the little boy giggle.
Jane watched her interactions with a misty smile.
“To think, you will have your own soon,” she said in a soft voice. Elizabeth felt a jolt at her words. Yes, she very well might. She could only hope they would not have to suffer as she and her sisters did by seeing their parents unable to love and respect one another. And after the way Darcy behaved towards her the night before, she was not completely confident that would not happen.
Hyde Park was filled with people on such a beautiful May morning. The sun was high and the weather pleasantly warm. Elizabeth found an area of soft grass where they could play ball without disturbing any of the finely dressed cream of London’s society riding out where everyone might see them.
Alicia ordered her brothers about as they organised a game with the ball. Soon, the children were laughing and out of breath as they chased the ball across the grass every time Elizabeth kicked it and then tried to catch it before they did, deliberately running slowly to allow their short legs to win.
“Oh, well done, Alicia,” she cried as the little girl caught it before her brothers could. “It is your turn next, Robert. Do avoid the lake this time.”
The four of them were covered in grass stains and out of breath when Elizabeth heard a familiar voice.
“I hope I am not interrupting.”
She turned in surprise to see Darcy standing there. His tone was clipped, but there was an uncertainty in his eyes as if he feared he was not welcome.
“How did you find us here?” she asked.
Darcy hesitated. “I often walk here in the mornings. I saw you as I passed.”
The children bounded over to him. Although his formal manner pre
viously made them quiet and shy in his presence, they were too full of high spirits to feel anything like that this morning.
“We are playing a game, Mr Darcy,” said Tommy, all eight-year-old bright-eyed enthusiasm. “Lizzy kicks the ball and then we all race to catch it. Whoever catches it wins. I am winning by twelve points.”
“By eight points,” Alicia retorted at once. “My brother is a dreadful liar, Mr Darcy.”
“Alicia,” Elizabeth chided.
“Well, he is! You even said so yourself!”
“I have four points!” Robert announced with a gap-toothed smile, evidently feeling his siblings were getting all the credit.
“Four points! Well done,” said Darcy. “I played a similar game in school. If we had a small number such as you, we would have a goal which one person would defend. The others would have to get the ball through the goal, and everyone tries to stop the other to get the ball for themselves. It is a wonderful game.”
“Will you show us?” the children demanded at once.
The thought of Mr Darcy playing a ball game with grass stained children in the park while London’s well-heeled strolled past and witnessed it was diverting. Elizabeth tried not to grin as she protested.
“I am sure Mr Darcy has other things to do. Perhaps he might play with us another time.”
“I would be most happy to play,” he declared to her astonishment. He turned to look at her. “Unless you have any objection?”
Elizabeth hesitated. She was still hurt after his behaviour the night before, and she did not wish to spend time with him until she had sorted out her feelings. On the other hand, she was surprised that Darcy of all people would want to play a game in public, heedless of who saw him. She looked at the children’s eager faces and relented.
“None at all. How do we play?”
Tommy decided he would like to be the goalkeeper. Darcy suggested they form two teams, and they quickly divided themselves; Darcy and Robert against Elizabeth and Alicia.
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