Page 16 of Superior Connections

A lthough she had always enjoyed meeting new people and being in company, either with acquaintances or with strangers, Elizabeth felt particularly nervous. Mr Darcy had called on the first morning of their arrival in town and was eager to introduce his sister. Could she — Elizabeth — be the reason for his haste? Could it have some particular significance? She tried to act appropriately and not allow hopes and speculations to burden a pleasant call.

The girl was holding her brother’s arm tightly when they entered, and the warm welcome was not enough to put even the trace of a smile on her face. She curtseyed elegantly and expressed her pleasure but did not say much more. Elizabeth looked at her with particular interest. She was young and tall, her features hardly resembling her brother’s at all, but her restrained behaviour was similar to Mr Darcy’s. Her guarded manners could easily have been construed as pride, but her blue eyes revealed a timidity that Elizabeth did not fail to observe. She was equally concerned about Mr Darcy’s sister as her own, for Jane looked even more distracted.

“Come, sit here, on the sofa. And you too, Mr Darcy. My dear Miss Darcy, you are so pretty!” Lady Rosseford said. “Very much like your mother. She was one of the most admired ladies in London. I remember her very well, though more than twenty years have passed since I last saw her.”

“Oh…I thank you for your kindness. In truth, I do not dare compare myself to my mother,” the girl whispered.

“I absolutely support Lady Rosseford’s statement,” Mrs Gardiner interjected. “I had the pleasure of seeing Lady Anne more recently. I believe you must have been three or four years old.”

“Did you?” the girl asked, her face finally brighter. “My brother mentioned you may have known my parents.”

“Yes. My father owned a small shop in Lambton, and your parents used to come in quite often. We left Derbyshire ten years ago.”

“How fortunate I am! I am so happy when I meet someone who knew my mother,” the girl confessed. “I was very young when she died, and I do not remember her.”

“I can imagine how painful that must have been for you,” Lady Rosseford said. “A child may grieve the death of a parent almost as much as a mother grieves the loss of a child.”

For a moment there was complete silence, and all eyes turned to the lady. She cleared her throat and changed her tone to a joyful one.

“We may feel sorrow for the past while enjoying the present. I dare say this is a fortunate meeting for all of us.”

“For me, it is an honour and a privilege to be introduced to Mr and Miss Darcy,” Mrs Gardiner declared.

“It is a pleasure for us too,” Mr Darcy said.

“Life is full of coincidences,” Lady Rosseford admitted. “Now that we have been introduced, we can meet and speak of Derbyshire and the Darcys as much as we like. I must confess that, although I have travelled the world, I have never seen a place more beautiful than Pemberley.”

“I shall accept your compliment, your ladyship, as we take great pride in our home. The place is happily situated, but many generations of Darcys have put care, work, and heart into it,” Mr Darcy said in a trembling voice.

“I am sure that is true.”

Slowly and timidly, the subject of Derbyshire helped to dissipate the tension and eased the conversation. Lady Rosseford and Mrs Gardiner touched Miss Darcy’s heart easily, and she became comfortable in their company. Her blue eyes became more serene, and as a shy smile touched her lips, her features became even more handsome.

Mr Darcy watched his sister with affection and pride — his countenance revealing his sentiments clearly. At times, he glanced at Elizabeth, and their eyes met and locked on occasion. Jane, however, remained silent and distracted, and Mr Bingley seemed completely disconcerted.

“I cannot believe we have stayed so long,” Mr Darcy suddenly said. “I hope we have not ruined your plans for the day.”

“Not at all. I cannot remember when I last had such a pleasant morning. We had no other engagements today, only Elizabeth intended to take a walk in Hyde Park.”

“I am happy to postpone it for such a delightful meeting,” Elizabeth said.

“Is your ankle completely healed, Miss Elizabeth?” Mr Darcy asked.

“Yes, very much so,” Elizabeth replied, her cheeks heating as the mere question brought back thrilling memories.

“I am glad to hear it. Forgive me for interfering, but I would suggest always taking a carriage to Hyde Park, even if the distance from here seems short. The park is very large, and you may easily get lost or walk farther than intended. Besides, a servant and another companion should be with you all the time.”

He spoke so seriously that Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you, sir. I shall certainly not be as reckless in Mayfair as I am in Meryton.”

“Oh, I did not mean to imply… I took the liberty of offering some suggestions as my sister is very fond of walking or riding in the park. When I am not with her, she always takes her companion, Mrs Annesley, and a servant.”

“How lovely to hear that. Miss Darcy, whenever you need a companion for your walks, please send me a note. I shall never refuse,” Elizabeth declared joyfully.

As soon as she had said it, she realised her request could have been too much. But Miss Darcy looked at her brother, then said, “I shall certainly do that, Miss Elizabeth. If you wish, we may plan to go tomorrow at noon. I can come and fetch you in my carriage. And Miss Bennet is welcome too, of course.”

“That would be wonderful,” Elizabeth said, glancing at Mr Darcy while her heart raced again.

“You may go tomorrow. We have no other plans,” Lady Rosseford said. “But I still need to find a reputable dressmaker, then we can begin to make our purchases.”

“My aunt Lady Matlock goes to Madame Claudette. She is said to be excellent,” Miss Darcy offered. “I cannot be certain, though. I only go there occasionally, with my aunt.”

“Madame Claudette? I shall keep her in mind and add her to my other recommendations. Madeleine and I shall visit several shops in the next few days, then choose. I hope my nieces will join me, but I fear Elizabeth would forsake me for a walk in the park.”

“That is unfair, dear aunt,” Elizabeth said, laughing. “Unfair but not untrue.”

“In her defence, Lizzy has always been the same,” Mr Gardiner interjected. “Since she was fifteen, her favourite places in London have been Hyde Park and the theatre.”

“That is true. I still believe they are the greatest attractions of London. I was heartbroken when Drury Lane was destroyed by fire! Hopefully it will reopen next year. I am curious about Covent Garden, though. I have not had a chance to attend since it was rebuilt.”

“I have not attended a play or opera in London in almost twenty years,” Lady Rosseford replied. “But we shall have plenty of opportunities from now on.”

“My brother and I love the theatre and opera too,” Miss Darcy said. “Shall we see you there?”

“We are not sure yet,” Lady Rosseford responded. “I have asked Mr Gardiner to procure us a box.”

Mr Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, then at his sister, and finally at the lady.

“Until you find something to please you, I would be delighted to invite you all to use my box. My uncle and I share one at Covent Garden, but the Matlocks rarely attend, especially in winter. And even if they do come, it is large enough for all of us to be comfortable.”

“What a generous offer, Mr Darcy. If it is no trouble for you or your relatives, we shall gladly accept it for now,” Lady Rosseford said. Elizabeth felt both eager and anxious, and a wave of warmth spread inside her. It was hard to believe that on their first morning in London, Mr Darcy had completely reconciled with Lady Rosseford, and their families were already making plans together. It simply felt too good to be true.

“I would like to come to the theatre too if you do not mind,” Mr Bingley finally interjected.

“Of course, Mr Bingley. At least we do not mind — hopefully neither will Mr Darcy,” Lady Rosseford said.

“Bingley, you are always welcome. You do not need a special invitation. However, I am afraid I cannot include your sisters. There will be no room for additional people,” Mr Darcy replied. Mr Bingley nodded, and Lady Rosseford smiled, looking very pleased.

Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, and Miss Darcy stayed for almost two hours — much longer than anyone would have expected for a first call. Once the guests had left, the family discussed the visit with much enthusiasm. Mrs Gardiner, still carrying the recollections of a child fascinated by the Darcys of Pemberley, could hardly believe she had been part of such an illustrious yet friendly encounter.

An hour or so later, the Gardiners left, and Jane retired to her room with a headache. Lady Rosseford wished to rest too, and Elizabeth accompanied her to her apartment, taking a seat by the bed to speak to her for a moment.

“What a lovely day we have had, Lizzy. And how easily we found a box to use,” Lady Rosseford said.

“Mr Darcy was exceedingly generous,” Elizabeth agreed. “I wonder whether his relatives will approve.”

“Why would they not, my dear? I shall try to meet Lady Matlock in the coming days, but I have no concerns. Hosting us in his box will certainly not taint Mr Darcy’s reputation,” the lady said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Aunt, I do have a concern about something more important. Mr Bingley acted very strangely today — as if he is not himself any longer. He was eager to call on us, so I suspect his interest in Jane is not lost, but his amiability certainly is. His behaviour hurt Jane, whose feelings I believe are still strong. Something must be done.”

“What can be done? You cannot tell Jane about the incident at the ball. Mr Bingley is here, they have met, and they will meet again in different places and circumstances. I shall not intervene if he decides to take the next step. Today, he only came here and was silent for hours. Fortunately, Mr Darcy seemed keen to please me in order to support his friend. He might fear I wish to find someone better for Jane.”

“I shall try to calm Jane, but I feel most uncomfortable about this situation. Now please rest. You look tired. Oh, and Aunt?”

“Yes, Lizzy?”

“There is something else more important to be done before finding a dressmaker. We must immediately find an excellent physician, hopefully one who lives nearby, and employ his services.”

“Do not be silly, Lizzy. Who needs a doctor?”

“I do, Aunt. I need to be sure that I can fetch help whenever I need it. I shall ask Mr Darcy for a recommendation. Either he or his relatives must know someone.”

“Do not take advantage of his generosity, Lizzy.”

“I certainly shall not, but I would rather apply to him for a doctor than for a box at the theatre. Now please rest.”

Before Elizabeth left the room, Lady Rosseford seemed to already be asleep. Elizabeth asked a maid to watch her, then she hurried off in search of Jane. She needed a long time and many arguments before she convinced her sister that she had no reason to be jealous of Miss Darcy — who was still a child yet — and that Mr Bingley’s haste in calling before breakfast could only have one explanation.

“But Lizzy, it seems Miss Bingley was telling the truth about not living with him any longer.”

“It is possible that for the first time, Caroline Bingley was actually honest with you. But even if she was also honest about Mr Bingley attending many parties, it is clear he had not forgotten about you. Otherwise, how could he know the day we would arrive, and why would he be so desirous to see you?”

“But he acted so strangely, Lizzy.”

“So did you, my dear. Perhaps Mr Bingley’s admiration for you was too easily accepted and returned in Hertfordshire. Perhaps he must learn to court you properly, and you should enjoy being courted — by him as well as by other gentlemen of consequence.”

Eventually, Jane was comfortable enough to sleep, and Elizabeth went to her own room.

It had been an unexpectedly lovely day — but also exhausting. She had found no time, and no composure, to consider Mr Darcy’s actions until she was alone and resting in her bed.

Lady Rosseford had assumed that Mr Darcy was attempting to gain her forgiveness, both for himself and for his friend, completely disregarding the fact that the gentleman might have other interests. Or could her ladyship be right and Elizabeth wrong? The visit at such an early hour, the introduction of his sister, his encouragement for Elizabeth to spend time with Miss Darcy, his offer of his box for the entire family — could all those be mere signs of consideration towards Lady Rosseford, or perhaps just friendship? Should she dare to allow herself to assume more? Hope for more?

Amongst so much speculation, one thing was clear beyond a doubt: Mr Darcy’s desire to be around her. She took out his neckcloth and squeezed it in her hand, then brushed it over her face. A wave of heat spread inside her body, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to dwell on the recollection of being held in his arms.