An Old Friend

by Jemima Selkirk

  6

  Elizabeth had only just arrived back at their home in Connaught Place and was taking off her coat when Georgiana came hurrying down the stairs.

  “Where have you been?” she asked accusingly. “The house has not been the same without you.”

  “You knew I was going to visit the Gardiners,” said Elizabeth calmly as she passed her coat to the housekeeper.

  Georgiana glared at her reproachfully. “Yes, but I did not think you would be so long.”

  “We had much to talk about,” said Elizabeth, trying not to be impatient with Georgiana’s hostile tone. She loved Georgiana, but the younger woman sometimes tried to make unreasonable demands on her time. It had been nice to visit her relatives alone and spend time with Mrs Gardiner catching up with news of the family.

  Elizabeth made her way to the small drawing room with Georgiana following her. “Mrs. Gardiner said how much she was looking forward to seeing you again,” said Elizabeth as she made her way to the small drawing room.

  “Did she? How kind. I will be pleased to see them too. I am sure Mrs. Gardiner can talk to me about London fashion.”

  Elizabeth did not want to spoil her thoughts, but she knew Mrs. Gardiner had no more interest in the latest fashions than she had herself.

  “And how is your headache?” she asked, as she sat down on the sofa. “I am glad to see you are no longer indisposed.”

  Georgiana was dismissive. “It went quite quickly. Mrs. Winter sent up a maid with some ice. It was quite painful, but now it has gone. I could not miss the first ball. Mrs. Tillerson called this afternoon and I showed her the fabric I bought and we made some slight alterations to my designs.”

  Elizabeth immediately felt uneasy. She wished she had been there. She hoped any changes Georgiana had made were small. They had agreed on the designs last week.

  “And did she say when she would come again?” she asked carefully.

  “She said she would be back on Tuesday. I do believe she is very busy at this time of year, but I said I must have them as soon as possible.”

  Elizabeth noted the determined tilt of Georgiana’s chin. It was so like her brother’s. When they wanted something, they would not rest until they got their way. Poor Mrs. Tillerson. No doubt her fingers would grow sore as she sewed to fulfil Georgiana’s order. “Well hopefully she will deliver the first of your gowns next week, but if she does not, you still have plenty to choose from.”

  Georgiana frowned. “I do, but I am still uncertain whether any of them are suitable. Will you come and help me choose what I will wear this evening?”

  Elizabeth stifled a moan. She felt rather weary after playing with the children and she would rather have spent an hour resting before getting ready to go out. She was certain that Georgiana had already made her choice.

  “I am sure you don’t really need my opinion…”

  Georgiana held out her hand and looked at her pleadingly. “Please, Elizabeth. I really do want to know what you think.”

  Elizabeth took the outreached hand and let Georgiana pull her gently to her feet, before they went arm in arm up the stairs to Georgiana’s room.

  Sally, Georgiana’s maid was there, and had already laid three dresses on the bed and was bringing out two more.

  “Do you really need to look at them all?” asked Elizabeth, who worried they were getting crumpled.

  “Yes. I want to look perfect,” said Georgiana. “I don’t want people staring at me and talking…that would be un… unsupportable.”

  Georgiana’s voice nearly broke and Elizabeth looked at her in surprise. Georgiana’s eyes were brimming with tears. Elizabeth could not account for it. Georgiana had been looking forward to her first ball and over the past few days had talked of little else. She turned to Sally. “Would you leave us a moment, please?”

  Sally carefully put down the dress she was holding, and left the room, closing the door behind her.

  As soon as they were alone, Elizabeth guided Georgiana over to the window seat and they sat down facing each other.

  “What is it, Georgiana? I thought you were looking forward to the ball.”

  “I was… I am…” said Georgiana tearfully. “But what if anyone knows… they might not want to know me.”

  Elizabeth could not think what she was talking about. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You know… Wickham and …me.”

  Elizabeth’s heart ached for her. She had suspected that Georgiana might still have some feelings for Wickham, but she had no idea that she was worrying other people might know about their dalliance. “No one knows of your past and you should not be concerned or ashamed. Nothing happened.”

  Georgiana was not so easily comforted. “But it might have… it almost did. If it had not been for Fitzwilliam…” The tears began to flow down her face and Elizabeth took out a handkerchief and pressed it into her hands.

  “It is over now and in time you will find someone worthy of your love.”

  Georgiana dabbed at her face and then she suddenly threw her arms around Elizabeth and held her tightly. Elizabeth was surprised at the gesture, but she wrapped her arms around her and held her just as if she was a small child. Georgiana continued to sob for some minutes and then she gently pulled away, giving a loud sniff and rubbing her eyes. “I am so glad that Fitzwilliam married you,” she said softly.

  Elizabeth was touched. “And so am I. Now come, let us see which gown you will make your debut in. I think the white, with the gold trim. It will set you apart from the other women wearing white.”

  Georgiana was happy to turn her thoughts back to her dresses. She tucked the sodden handkerchief down the front of her dress and then with one final sniff got up to look at the dresses on the bed. “Then I shall wear the white. It is such a long time since I have been to a ball. I hope someone asks me to dance.”

  “You will have no shortage of partners, I assure you,” said Elizabeth confidently. “Now I must start to get ready myself. Shall I tell Sarah to come back and assist you?”

  “Yes, do. She has promised to make my hair look very special.”

  Elizabeth smiled and opened the door where Sarah was hovering outside. “You can go in,” she said to the maid. “Miss Georgiana is waiting for you to work your skills on her hair.”

  “I will do my best, ma’am,” said Sarah cheerfully. “This is a special occasion, isn’t it?”

  “Indeed it is,” said Elizabeth and she left them alone, glad that the sad moment had passed and Georgiana was once more looking forward to the evening ahead.

  Returning to her own domain, she found her dress already laid out on the bed and Maisie waiting to help her get ready. The dress was not exactly new, but Mr. Darcy had given it to her shortly after their marriage and she had hardly worn it. She had decided to wear two of the feathers that she had bought at Waitland and Marsh. After having bathed and dressed in her undergarments and a robe, she sat down at her dressing table while Maisie did her hair. It took a while as Maisie was nervous at getting it right. A small white cap was placed over her curls and attached with the feathers and a brooch. Elizabeth was pleased with the look and once Maisie had helped her into her dress, she added a pearl necklace as a final touch.

  “You look beautiful, ma’am,” said Maisie in admiration.

  “Thank you,” said Elizabeth. Now dressed in her finery, she was beginning to feel a little less nervous. Looking at her reflection, she was certain she would not shame Mr. Darcy in any way. Whether he would appreciate her efforts she could not be sure. His thoughts seemed to be elsewhere.

  When she was ready, she descended the stairs to the drawing room where she found Mr. Darcy standing by the fireplace. Her heart started to flutter as she saw him. No one wore evening wear better than her husband and he looked extremely handsome in his black evening attire.

  Mr. Darcy put down the glass in his hand and smiled warmly at his wife. “Mrs. Darcy, you have never looked more beautiful.”

  “Thank you.�
�� Elizabeth looked at him challengingly. “I have endeavoured not to embarrass you.”

  Mr. Darcy’s eyes narrowed, though he said nothing as a footman poured Elizabeth a glass of wine and handed it to her before bowing and leaving them alone.

  “Elizabeth, this is the second time you have said you might embarrass me. I do not like to hear you speak in such a manner. I hope I have made it clear my admiration for you. There has never been any other woman who I have experienced such a strength of feeling for.”

  “Not even Miss Dearborn?”

  Mr. Darcy put down his glass with such force, spilling some of the liquid on the hearth. “Naturally not, and I am surprised you feel the need to ask.”

  Elizabeth clung onto her glass, trying not to shake. Perhaps it was wrong for her to say anything, but she could not stay silent. “Perhaps it is because you called out her name in my bed last night, sir.”

  It was first time in their married life she had seen Mr. Darcy rendered completely speechless. He stared at her in shock, opening and closing his mouth several times. Another time she might have found it quite comical, but she only felt more annoyed. Had he nothing to say?

  “Twice you mentioned her. Now I cannot see why you should talk about a woman who means so little to you even in your sleep.”

  Still Mr. Darcy did not speak, though she could see what she thought was anguish in his eyes. She was tempted to say more, but she was stalled by the arrival of Georgiana in her white and gold dress.

  Elizabeth could see how nervous she was, but looking at her, she doubted there would be anyone at the ball that looked more beautiful or graceful than Georgiana.

  “Am I suitably attired?” she asked shyly.

  “Beautiful,” said Elizabeth, feeling tears prick her eyes.

  Mr. Darcy found his voice, though it sounded a little gruff. “Georgiana, I could not be prouder than I am at this moment. I consider myself fortunate to accompany two of the most beautiful women in London to the ball.”

  Georgiana held back her tears. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Elizabeth smiled weakly. Mr. Darcy’s words meant nothing to her. He had not answered her question. She still did not know why he had called out Adeline Dearborn’s name in his sleep and she would not rest until she found out.

  7

  Lord Grantham’s home, where the ball was to take place, was a short journey from their own home in Connaught Place. Elizabeth was thankful Georgiana was so busy talking about her hopes for the evening, she did not notice any awkwardness between herself and Mr. Darcy.

  As soon as they arrived and stepped inside, their coats and capes were taken away and they joined the line to be greeted by Lord and Lady Grantham.

  “Darcy, how good of you to come,” said his Lordship, who was rather rotund with a mane of silver hair. “You know Lady Grantham.”

  “Yes, indeed. We are honoured to be here, sir. May I introduce my wife, Mrs. Darcy, and my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

  “You are most welcome, Mrs. Darcy,” said his Lordship as both women curtsied. “Anyone who can bring a smile to this man’s face must be very special.”

  Elizabeth almost giggled. She didn’t know what to say.

  “Do forgive my husband, Mrs. Darcy. He is apt to speak without thinking,” said Lady Grantham, a tiny lady, whose elaborate hairstyle bedecked with pearls gave an illusion of height. “I am sorry we have not met before. I do hope that you will be free to come to one of my ladies’ tea parties.”

  Elizabeth was still reeling from his Lordship’s comment and stuttered as she tried to reply. “That would be… I am not sure of our plans … I…” she broke off as she realised she was being rude.

  Sensing her confusion, Lady Grantham smiled warmly at her. “I will send you a note. You must bring Miss Darcy with you.”

  “Thank you. That is most kind,” said Elizabeth.

  “Enough about teas, my dear,” said Lord Grantham. “Mrs. Darcy, I hope you will do me the honour of opening the ball and dancing with me.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes widened in surprise. His Lordship had surprised her again. She had not expected to be accorded such an honour. “I … uhm…”

  Her husband gently squeezed her arm and she quickly recovered herself. “Thank you, sir, it will be an honour.”

  Elizabeth wished she had a fan to cool her warm cheeks. Taking Mr. Darcy’s arm, they moved with Georgiana into the long drawing room where a group of musicians were playing quietly at one end. Cleared of furniture there was plenty of space for dancing.

  “Doesn’t it look lovely,” whispered Georgiana to Elizabeth as she glanced around the room at other young women who were standing with parents or guardians, nervously waiting for the ball to begin. “I hope someone will ask me to dance.”

  Elizabeth smiled reassuringly. “It will not be long, I am sure,” and she was quickly proven right as a young man approached, smiling nervously and bowing to their small group.

  “Good evening sir, Mrs. Darcy and Miss Darcy.”

  Elizabeth was glad to see a familiar face. The young man was Daniel Monmouth, the second son of the Earl of Clayton. The Clayton estate was a large one in the neighbouring county to Pemberley.

  “Good to see you, Monmouth. How are you?” asked Mr. Darcy.

  “Very well, sir. My father is here, but my mother was unable to attend.”

  “I am sorry to hear that,” said Elizabeth. She had been looking forward to renewing her acquaintance with his mother, who was one of the few people she knew in Derbyshire.

  “I was wondering, whether Miss Darcy would do me the honour of joining me for the first dance?”

  Georgiana looked at her brother and Elizabeth saw him give an almost imperceptible nod of approval. “Thank you. I would be delighted,” she said, and taking the arm offered accompanied him to where other couples were already taking their places.

  It was not many minutes before Lord Grantham appeared, offering his arm to Elizabeth. “Come, Mrs. Darcy. I am gratified to dance with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  Elizabeth wondered what her husband thought of his Lordship’s extravagant words. Looking at the sparkle in his Lordship’s eye, Elizabeth suspected that he enjoyed saying outrageous things, so she ignored the comment and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. Moments later the musicians changed tempo and very soon they were involved in a lively cotillion, which was one of Elizabeth’s favourite dances.

  His Lordship was surprisingly sprightly on his feet and led her very capably. As they moved between the other couples it wasn’t long before they found themselves partnering Georgiana and Mr. Monmouth.

  “Your sister-in-law is an excellent dancer,” he told Georgiana cheerfully, “and I see you are too. Monmouth, you are a lucky man. The Darcy women are in danger of outshining all others.”

  It was difficult to know who was more embarrassed, Elizabeth or Georgiana, and Elizabeth was glad when they moved onwards to the next couple down the line.

  “Are you always so free with your compliments, sir?” asked Elizabeth.

  “I appreciate beauty,” said his Lordship, unabashed by her question. “I was glad to hear of your marriage. It was time Darcy settled and found some happiness and I have heard nothing but good of you. I can see he has chosen well.”

  Elizabeth almost tripped over as she digested his words. She was curious to know who had been talking about her. She knew people liked to gossip but it was the first time she was aware that they might be gossiping about her and she was not sure she liked it.

  Lost in her thoughts, she started to turn the wrong way. His Lordship quickly pulled her back and, feeling guilty, she carried on in the right direction, hoping the small mistake had not been witnessed by anyone.

  The dance was nearing its end when Elizabeth was distracted again. As she linked arms with Lord Grantham and they danced down the line there was a slight commotion near the door. She gazed across and gasped in surprise, wondering if her eyes were deceiving her. Next to an
unknown man was a tall woman with an even more extravagant hair style than Lady Grantham. There was no mistaking the height. It was Adeline Dearborn. Elizabeth’s heart began to beat more quickly. Just as her appearance had caused a stir at Conklin and Brightingley, she was doing the same here. People were nodding and pointing in her direction. She looked for Mr. Darcy, but he was not where she had left him. She suddenly felt uneasy.

  She pulled her eyes away. Lord Grantham was looking at her with interest. “Have you met Miss Dearborn?” he asked.

  “Yes, sir. Briefly two days ago.”

  “An interesting woman,” said his Lordship.

  Elizabeth smiled, though she kept her own counsel. She worried that anything she might say could be misunderstood. She was relieved when the dance came to an end and she curtsied and thanked Lord Grantham.

  “It is I who should thank you, Mrs. Darcy. I have now done my duty. I normally find these occasions quite tiresome, but you have made it less so.”

  “You are too kind,” said Elizabeth faintly.

  “Indeed, I am not. Not only are you an accomplished dancer, you are kind enough not to prattle like so many women of my acquaintance.”

  Elizabeth stifled a laugh. She had not met anyone quite as blunt as Lord Grantham. “I am uncertain Mr. Darcy would agree with you, sir. Too often he has complained that I have broken his peace.”

  “And that is a very good thing, my dear. That husband of yours is far too serious. Now I must return you to him.”

  They both looked around. Mr. Darcy was now standing near the unlit fireplace talking to Adeline Dearborn and the unknown man. She couldn’t see her husband’s face, but Miss Dearborn was laughing, throwing back her head and showing off her long slender neck. The gesture grated on Elizabeth. She had no idea what was amusing Miss Dearborn, but she wished she would go away. She did not want her anywhere near Mr. Darcy.