Page 14 of A Letter in the Wind (Mayhem and Scandal Collection #1)

Darcy returned to his study after his morning readings and debate with his sister. Once there, memories of his youth nagged at him. He successfully resisted the urge to go on a walk or call on Bingley and inquire after the Bennets. One day, far too soon, Darcy was sure he would have to face Elizabeth again. Until then, he would shore up his defences.

He went to church with his sister and her companion as planned. The building was not nearly as full that morning as it would be on Easter or Christmas. Given the state of most families, it did not surprise him that they did not attend services more frequently. In the afternoon, he wrote to his steward and housekeeper at Pemberley from the drawing room, where Georgiana and Mrs Annesley took turns playing the pianoforte and reading aloud.

By dinner time, he felt sufficiently restless. Compared to the freedom he had to walk and explore at Rosings, London was stifling. How curious that Georgiana felt so differently. She preferred bustling towns with places to go and people to see. Therefore, he did not take it personally when she found him poor company. His mind wandered to one lady he knew who enjoyed the outdoors and being active as much as he did.

By the time Darcy entered the opera that evening, he was relieved for a change of scenery. After sitting in his box while waiting for the performance to begin for several minutes, he heard unexpected steps behind him. In stumbled Bingley and a party of friends. He saw a middle-aged man and a woman about his age, but he could see two other ladies were behind them.

“Darcy! I thought you would not be here this evening,” Bingley said while pumping his hand.

“Georgiana requested to come, and I could not resist pleasing her. We are to leave for Pemberley after Easter.” He had long ago given Bingley an open invitation to use his box. Looking over his friend’s shoulder, Darcy asked, “Will you introduce me to your friends?”

“Certainly!” Bingley grinned. “You do know two of them. I have brought Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”

He moved slightly and motioned for the ladies to step forward. They both curtsied. Darcy bowed over each of their hands, experiencing a jolt as he touched Elizabeth. He thought he observed a slight blush from her. Despite his intentions, his heart galloped at the sight of her. She appeared radiant in a dark green gown.

Bingley cleared his throat, and Darcy realised he had not released Elizabeth’s hand. He let it go while noticing she was quite pink. He felt heat on his own face, as well. Bingley nodded at the fashionably dressed older couple who approached.

After the proper introduction, Bingley added, “Mr Gardiner is Mrs Bennet’s younger brother and resides in town.”

In Cheapside, if Darcy correctly recalled from Miss Bingley’s gossip. They looked more elegant than he expected from a tradesman or…Mrs Bennet’s relations.

“I am very pleased to meet you,” he said politely before introducing Georgiana to the others. “The performance is about to begin, but I look forward to getting to know you better during the intermission. Please, sit where you are most comfortable.”

Bingley effortlessly navigated Jane to his side, with Mrs Gardiner and Mr Gardiner finishing up the front row. Elizabeth had been exchanging a friendly conversation with Georgiana. Before Darcy knew it, his sister had arranged to sit at the end of the row with Elizabeth beside her. The slight smile and tease in Georgiana’s eyes belied her intentions. Unfortunately for her, propriety declared that he leave an open seat between him and Elizabeth since there was space for it.

“Darcy! The housekeeper said I would find you here!”

Darcy whirled around to see his cousin’s laughing face. Georgiana let out a squeal and ran to greet him.

With a roll of his eyes, Darcy announced to the group, “This is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. He has recently returned from the Continent.”

“Very recently returned,” Richard said with a laugh. “And who are your friends?”

Darcy set about introductions, feeling awkward because he did not know the Gardiners. Thankfully, Richard’s gregariousness covered any flaws. The din of the crowd quieted, and Richard nudged Darcy over so he could have a seat.

“You will not sit with your parents?” Darcy asked once they were seated.

“They did not come this evening, and I do not wish to be alone.” He leaned forward and smiled at the ladies to Darcy’s right before dropping his voice. “Besides, why should I leave when I can make you sit closer to the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Richard,” Darcy quietly warned.

“Oh, unless you would prefer that I sit next to her? It might be rude to move now, but after we break for refreshments…”

“Richard.” This time, Darcy turned and glared at his cousin.

He chuckled. “That glower would be more effective in better lighting. You are not wishing me back to Boney already, are you?”

“No,” Darcy honestly replied. Richard was sometimes annoying but also one of Darcy’s dearest friends. His appreciation and gratitude for Richard’s good health outweighed his irritation.

“Is this why you left Rosings early?” Richard waggled his brows.

“Certainly not.”

“How does she know Georgiana?”

“She does not. I will tell you more later.”

Richard looked at him pleadingly, but Darcy refused to pay him any attention. The performance had begun, and beside him, Elizabeth’s attention had grown fixed on the stage. He became aware of every slight change in her breathing, every small gasp and subtle sigh.

Early in the first act, Darcy whispered to her. “Do you understand Italian, Miss Elizabeth?”

“It is a beautiful language but is rather challenging to understand,” she confessed.

“Even the most conversant might find it difficult to follow along due to the nature of the songs.”

“Hmm,” Elizabeth seemed to agree as she nodded. “Do you comprehend it, then? Would you explain it to me?”

He had hoped she would say that. His desire to lean close to her and inhale her sweet lavender perfume outweighed the fact that he was not gifted at translating and had never been a good student of the language. The heady mixture of her nearness and repeating the romantic words made him lightheaded. In the end, he feared he was mostly incoherent.

“Thank you,” she said as the crowd applauded. She turned to look at him, her eyes bright but soft. “I think I appreciate it more now.”

“My pleasure,” he murmured.

The curtain fell, and Bingley immediately asked the group if he could retrieve their refreshments. At their agreement, he requested Darcy and Richard assist him.

“This is going well, I think!” Bingley said jovially as they walked to the counter. “I did not know that you had returned already, Darcy. I hope you are not put out that I did not call on you or request permission to use the box.”

“Certainly not,” Darcy said. “It is always open to you. I would have invited you, but it slipped my mind.” Darcy winced. That was not truthful. How often did he lie out of politeness or to keep the peace? Why had he always believed he was such an honest man?

“You? Forget something?” Bingley laughed. “That is a surprise. Well, what brings you back from Rosings so early this year?”

“I asked the same question!” Richard said from behind them. “Bingley, do you think it has anything to do with Georgiana’s enchanting new friend?”

“Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes, Richard. I am sure it has everything to do with Miss Elizabeth.” He laughed uproariously.

Richard poked Darcy in the ribs. “Tell us about your lady.”

“Be quiet!” Darcy hissed. “Miss Elizabeth is not my lady. If you must know, Georgiana requested that I return earlier than usual. As Lady Catherine had asked me to come earlier than my custom, I felt it only fair.”

“Ah, and Lady Catherine pushed Anne on you, as usual?” Richard asked.

“I always enjoy being out of doors and believe Rosings’ grounds are spectacular but found even more reason to partake of them this year,” Darcy answered cryptically.

“Which is how he ran into Miss Elizabeth so often,” Bingley supplied.

Darcy’s eyes widened in surprise. How did Bingley know that? He looked at his friend. He was not unintelligent. Was it that easy to deduce the direction of Darcy’s thoughts and interests? Or had Elizabeth said something to Jane? If she had, did that mean the encounters meant something to Elizabeth? Darcy’s palms began to sweat.

“Did you already know the Bennet ladies?” Richard asked Bingley. “I just assumed they were Darcy’s guests, and you managed to sit next to the handsomest lady, as usual.”

Darcy fought the urge to roll his eyes. How could either one of them prefer Jane when Elizabeth was present? On the other hand, he would not suggest they turn their attention to her.

Bingley laughed at Richard’s remark before answering. “I have only recently met the Gardiners. Aside from the Bennets, I have been trying to remember how I know their name.” He shook his head. “Darcy and I met the Bennets in Hertfordshire last fall. I leased a house, and their father’s estate was nearby.” Bingley nudged Darcy out of the way as they waited in line. “Miss Bennet enchanted me immediately, but Darcy and my sisters did not believe she loved me back. So, I was persuaded to return to town for the winter.”

Richard tsked in disapproval. “Like you would know the clues to a woman’s heart, Darcy.”

Bingley nodded. “I was insecure enough to not question his assessment. Well, he met Miss Elizabeth at Rosings, and somehow, she set him straight.”

“He told you this?”

“Of course not!” Bingley laughed. “However, she never hesitated to argue with him in Hertfordshire. All of a sudden, I got a letter of confession and apology, stating that he had new information and Jane Bennet had genuine affection for me. What else could be the cause of such new knowledge ?”

Richard grinned. “Ah, and this is why she is not your Miss Elizabeth? She does not fawn and simper over you?”

Darcy looked over his shoulder to scowl at them. “I have no use for such insipid ladies. No lady except Georgiana is anything to me or likely ever will be.”

“Enough of your ridiculous standards,” Richard said. “You know you must marry and have an heir. Since you do not believe in love, why are you so fastidious? One is as good as the next. If you will not take Miss Elizabeth, I would be delighted with her.” He turned to Bingley again. “Does she have any fortune?”

Bingley shook his head. “No. They have three younger sisters and no brother. The estate is entailed, and the rumour is their dowry is a pittance.”

Richard sighed. “It is a good thing you are both so rich. I need a lady with an income if I am to quit the army.”

“I do need Caroline off my hands…” Bingley teased.

“Where is your darling sister?” Richard asked with a sarcastic tone.

“I sent her to Scarborough.” Bingley’s smile vanished. “She knows why.”

“If you ladies are finished gossiping,” Darcy said scornfully, “I suggest we collect our beverages and return to the box. The performance will resume soon.”

On their way back to the others, Richard spoke softly to Darcy. “I am sorry if my teasing offended you.”

“Do not trouble yourself,” he answered. “Just be mindful of your tongue in such a public place.”

Richard nodded. “You would not want rumours about an attachment.”

“It would be unfair to her to raise her expectations,” Darcy replied.

Another falsehood. Elizabeth would laugh at the reports. He had insisted that he did not believe in love, and she was no simpleton. She would not be awaiting his addresses. Indeed, he had told her exactly how he felt about her relatives and situation in life. No, the truth was that Darcy did not want to hear the reminders of her indifference. He must put her from his mind and heart.

Once they reached the box, he approached Georgiana. While speaking with Elizabeth, his sister looked more animated than she had in months. She had instantly lost much of her reserve and uncertainty around Elizabeth. She had that effect on most people. The sight of the two ladies he most cared about enjoying each other’s company charmed him. Yet, it was dangerous too. It would be difficult enough to be in Elizabeth’s company due to his friendship with Bingley. If Georgiana befriended Elizabeth, it would be intolerable.

At just that moment, she turned to look at him, her lips slightly raised as her gaze seemed to search his for something. He did not know what she hoped to see, but he watched her smile slip. He had disappointed her somehow.

Breaking eye contact with her, his chest tightened. He inhaled quickly and forced an aloof expression on his face. “Ladies,” he said while handing them each a cup of punch.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said as their hands grazed.

They both wore gloves, but he felt the familiar tingle at her accidental touch, and his breath hitched.

“How many times did you say that you have seen this opera, Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked.

Elizabeth blushed. “I said at least five, but, truthfully, it must be nearer ten.”

“She explained things to me that I did not understand,” Georgiana continued. “She has read the play in Italian as well.”

“Indeed?” Darcy asked with raised brows.

“William,” Georgiana reached for his free hand. “I know Easter is soon, and then we will depart for Pemberley. All the same, please, may Miss Elizabeth visit before we leave so we might play pianoforte together?”

Georgiana’s pleading eyes and excitement were no match for his reluctance. Additionally, there was fascinating information. Elizabeth did understand the opera, perhaps more thoroughly than he did, yet she asked for his interpretation.

“I will speak with the Gardiners to arrange a time,” Darcy said.

Georgiana squealed with joy, and Elizabeth smiled at Darcy a little. There seemed some hesitance in her expression. Whatever he had done when he entered the box continued to concern her. The signal went forth for the performance to begin again.

When they sat next to each other, he turned his attention to her. “I apologise if I seemed arrogant in giving a translation to someone already quite the expert. Indeed, I fear I may have made a fool of myself.”

“I am not offended, sir,” she replied. “I found your interpretation and the attention you paid to me very…” She hesitated for a moment, “agreeable.”

Darcy sucked in a deep breath. His heart raced, and he tingled all over. He leaned closer so no one else could overhear. “If I did not know any better about how little you think of me, I would believe you were flirting with me.” He could feel the heat radiate from her face as she blushed at his words.

Elizabeth spoke without looking at him. “You have been mistaken many times before, sir. Perhaps you do not understand me as well as you presume.”

Temptation coursed through him. What was the harm in flirting a little in the privacy of his box? She knew better than to expect anything of him. They both did. But if she were game for it, then so was he. It was all he could ever hope to enjoy with her. After months of indecision and fighting his attraction, he would give in for the next hour.

“I will be careful not to presume anything again,” he said.

For the rest of the opera, whenever a description of passion for the heroine flowed from the hero’s lips or details of her unparalleled beauty, he angled his head closer to Elizabeth and whispered, “ Sei bella .” You are beautiful.

It was hardly creative or an endearment, but he had no practice in such things. He merely used what he knew of Italian grammar to piece it together. As the hour wore on and she did not stop him, he grew more creative and bolder.

Tu es belle . French.

Tu eres hermosa. Spanish.

Quam pulchra es . Latin.

Eísai ómorfi. Greek.

Darcy had never wished that he knew more languages before. Elizabeth deserved to be told of her beauty in every tongue. By the time the opera had finished, they were both red-faced. As they exited the box, Richard claimed Georgiana. He was left to escort Elizabeth. She placed a trembling hand on his arm.

Did she feel the same magnetic force that he did? He pulled her a little closer in the open hall surrounded by the great horde. One thing was most evident to him. Parting with her would be more painful this time than ever before.