Page 49 of Sketching Mr. Darcy

A fter the departure of Dr. Taylor and Dr. Philips, Darcy shared with his cousin the disturbing meeting in the park. Their close friendship allowed Darcy the freedom of speaking uncensored about Annabelle Stafford’s impertinence and his cousin’s stupidity.

“She surely trapped James by offering monetary support. There is no other explanation.”

“Yes, I imagine that, but I wonder what she hopes to gain. What on Earth is in her mind?”

“Well, it seems she is determined to gain you .”

“That is nonsense. She cannot think to gain me by behaving like a lunatic. Besides, when we met last time, I told her that there was no chance to renew the old acquaintance .”

“She thought she still has some power over you and will continue to use it. I know this kind of woman quite well. I have had my fair share of this sort of behaviour. Fortunately, I am not as desirable a man as you are, so the reactions were less strong,” the colonel laughed.

“I never promised Annabelle anything that I was not ready to offer, and I expressed my opinion very clearly many years ago. She seemed much more reasonable back then, and this is a true mystery to me. She now has a name and means to live her life as she desires. She is a beautiful woman; she might easily find a husband. Why would she persist in an endearment with no success? If things go on in the same manner, I shall be forced to take measures. The idea of being harsh and rude to a woman that once was a close acquaintance pains me. Yet, something will need to be done…”

“And what did Elizabeth say?”

“Elizabeth is a very smart woman. I am sure she guessed there was something peculiar behind that awkward conversation. She was quite harsh in her answers to Annabelle.”

“Perhaps you should tell her the truth…to avoid further uncomfortable meetings, I mean.”

“Elizabeth and I have a very fragile understanding at this point. We have just started to accommodate to each other. How could I possibly say to her, ‘Do you remember the woman we met in the park? We had a private relationship about eight years ago, and now she is chasing me around town, trying to insinuate herself back in my bed. And I suspect she hates you, so try to avoid her if you happen to meet again.’ Is that what you had in mind, Robert?”

Darcy’s voice grew more animated and angry as he paced around the library with the glass in his hand. The colonel laughed harder, and Darcy finally gave up his serious tone.

He dropped the glass when he suddenly discovered Elizabeth, standing still a few steps from the door, dressed in her nightclothes, her hair down, and holding a candle, which she dropped when he called her name.

He hurried to press his boot on the burning candle then turned to her with wonder and worry.

“Elizabeth, is anything wrong? Do you need something?”

“No—forgive me, please, I did not want to disturb you. I could not sleep, and I wanted to find a book. I thought everybody was already asleep. I shall leave you now; good night.”

Darcy had no time to reply before she hurried out—and he did not intend to, as he could easily understand her embarrassment at being seen by the colonel in such informal attire .

He filled their glasses and silently resumed his place in the armchair.

“Mrs Darcy is a beautiful woman. You might turn out to be a very fortunate man, despite the forced start of your marriage,” the colonel said, and Darcy held his gaze.

“She is indeed… And it is true: I am quite fortunate.”

“I am glad. I was just wondering: if this is the case, why is it that you are here with me in the middle of the night while your wife does not know whether you are asleep or not?”

Darcy narrowed his eyes with displeasure. “What kind of question is that?”

“A right question. I do not want to pry; forgive me. I am just worried.”

“You have no reason to worry, I assure you. And your question is right, after all. Let us retire for the night. I did enjoy spending some time with you, though.”

“I forgot to ask: Will you come to the opera the day after tomorrow? It is supposed to be quite a spectacle, and Thomas and Maryanne planned to attend, so I am forced to keep them company. Maryanne invited Lady Isabella too, and I do not want to be alone with them. I hate raising unrealistic expectations.”

“So you wish us to come as a shield to protect you from Isabella Simmons. I wonder why. She is beautiful and witty and possesses a large fortune, I hear.”

“You seem to approve of her, yet you did not marry her,” the colonel replied sternly.

“True…but then again, she always favoured you over everyone else. I believe you avoid her because she is too smart for your taste, Robert.”

“Nice remark—and very amusing, indeed. This must be your payback for my earlier indiscreet question. I guess I deserve it. So, will you come?”

“I shall ask Elizabeth, but most likely we will join you. If Miss Bennet and the Gardiners arrive in Town by then, Elizabeth will probably want to invite them, too. ”

“Perfect—the more, the better. Good night for now.”

The colonel left the house in an excellent disposition, and Darcy returned to his apartment, wondering about Elizabeth. She surely must have heard something, but how much and how strong an effect it had on her he could not even speculate.

He knocked and entered at her invitation. She was sitting in the bed, reading, and the first thing that crossed his mind was how beautiful she looked. The second was the colonel’s openly expressed admiration and his very improper—but true—question.

***

Elizabeth stared at her husband, holding the book from which she had not read a single line.

She could think of little else but the words related to Annabelle Stafford that she heard in the library.

That was why she dared to approach them in such an impertinent manner.

“Back in his bed…” That meant that she had already been there.

Her cheeks were burning with shame for her listening to the conversation and anger for her own silly reaction.

What was her business in this, after all?

Surely, there were more ladies whom he had visited before.

He was a man of the world, after all. But—was he still visiting someone?

Perhaps Lady Stafford? Elizabeth knew for sure that he entered her ladyship’s carriage a couple of days ago, but was he entering her house too?

Oh, for Heaven’s sake, why was she so silly and irrational? Why did she even care about that?

And now, he was standing in the middle of the bedchamber, smiling at her.

“I just came to tell you good night. Are you well, Elizabeth?”

“Quite well, thank you.” She averted her eyes and was surprised to see him sit on the bed. Lucky came to sniff his hand, received a gentle pat on his head, and returned to his sleep .

“There is something I would like to discuss with you,” he said, and she startled.

“Would you like to attend the opera the day after tomorrow? It is a special performance of Artaxerxes.”

“I would love that! I heard a great deal about it from my aunt!”

“We will go with my cousins, Maryanne, and a friend of hers, Lady Isabella Simmons.”

“Oh, another lady,” she replied sharply then turned pale, horrified by her reaction.

He seemed rather amused. “Yes, another lady, but one you will like, I dare say.”

She noticed that he assumed she did not like the other lady. Well, we cannot both like her, she thought as she struggled to keep her countenance.

“If your relatives arrive in Town by then, we will be happy to invite them, too.”

“I just received a letter from Jane sent two days ago. They delayed their return because it snowed heavily and the roads are bad.”

“It is a wise decision. I am glad to know, and you have no reason for concern.”

“Yes, I too…”

There was silence a little while, and he continued to smile then gently caressed her hair.

“I shall allow you to sleep now. I just want to tell you that… You are very beautiful, and I feel very fortunate to be your husband. Good night, Mrs Darcy.”

She stared at him, unable to find a proper answer, and he departed without waiting for her reply.

Her head was spinning, and her heart pounded.

Why did he say that to her? And why did mere words matter so much?

More importantly—why was she afraid to ask him what she wanted to know?

But how could she inquire about the nature of his relationship with Lady Something or with any other lady?

Surely, this was the most irrational thing ever !

Putting any thoughts aside, Elizabeth draped her robe over her shoulders and knocked on the adjoining door. He opened it and met her with a surprised gaze. She stepped tentatively and looked around a moment. Then her eyes locked with his.

“I forgot to tell you that, tomorrow, Georgiana and I will go with Lady Maryanne to the modiste. Two other dresses are almost ready, and I need to try them on.”

“Very well. May I help you with something?”

“No, not at all. I will ask for the carriage to be ready at noon. I wish you good night.”

“Thank you.” He smiled, and for a moment, there was silence again.

She wondered whether he would ask her to stay longer.

He was admiring her beauty, tempted to offer her a seat and a glass of wine, but he hesitated so long that she turned and exited the room in haste.

It took another hour before either of them finally fell asleep—one of them still struggling with wonderings and worries, the other blaming himself for his indecision. And both reached the conclusion that more steps should be taken after almost a week of marriage.

***

London, 2 January