Page 17 of Superior Connections

D espite her visible tiredness, late in the afternoon, Lady Rosseford kept her promise and met each of the servants. Elizabeth and Jane were with her, as well as the housekeeper. The lady asked for details about each person’s duties in the house, about their families, and about their living conditions. Talking to so many people, even if only for a few minutes each, took a while, but the lady would not stop until she had seen everyone. Only then was dinner finally served.

“My dears, you must keep in mind one thing. Never disregard the promises you make, especially to those in your employ. There are few things more important than a servant’s loyalty. Perhaps your husband’s loyalty, but that is not always necessary,” she concluded with a laugh.

The next morning, after breakfast, Mr and Mrs Gardiner returned to Lady Rosseford’s house, as planned, and Miss Darcy and her companion, Mrs Annesley, came to fetch Elizabeth for a carriage ride in Hyde Park. At Elizabeth’s insistence, Jane reluctantly agreed to accompany them.

Inside the carriage, Miss Darcy met them with a large smile.

“Would you like to first take a tour of the park? And then we may stop wherever you like, for a walk, perhaps.”

“That would be lovely, thank you,” Elizabeth answered.

“My brother suggested it. He said he might meet us in the park later if he completes his business in time. I hope you do not mind.”

“No, not at all,” Elizabeth replied, her cheeks warming. Last night, Mr Darcy had again been present in her dreams, and the sweet recollections gave her thrills and shivers.

The carriage drove around the park, and, although Elizabeth had seen it many times, either in her aunt’s carriage or on foot, the scenery seemed to be particularly beautiful, more so than she had noticed before. It might have been the park itself, or the notion that she was with Mr Darcy’s sister and he was expected to join them soon.

After a while, they stopped for a walk along the Serpentine, then sat on a bench for a while, enjoying the cold yet sunny weather. Miss Darcy was greeted by several people, whom she responded to with restrained politeness.

It was not long before Mr Darcy appeared, together with Mr Bingley. With no little emotion, Elizabeth assumed that planning that meeting was the Darcys’ little scheme. How else could Mr Darcy have known precisely where they would be?

They exchanged greetings, and the gentlemen sat with the ladies for a little while, then they all resumed the stroll, and there was not much talking for a while. Then Mr Bingley offered Jane his arm, and she reluctantly took it. Elizabeth stole a glance at Mr Darcy, and both smiled.

“How is Lady Rosseford today?”

“She is well, thank you, Mr Darcy. But I am glad you enquired, for there is something of great importance that I wish to ask you.”

“Of course, Miss Elizabeth. What would that be?”

“Do you happen to know a doctor — a physician whose services we could employ?”

“A doctor? Is someone ill?” he asked with concern.

“No…I do not think so. But I have noticed Lady Rosseford is pale and tired at times. And I think she needs some extra care, though she disagrees. I wish to be cautious and prepared in case she needs assistance.”

“We have Dr Miller,” Miss Darcy immediately replied.

“Indeed,” Mr Darcy added. “Dr Miller has been taking care of our family for more than fifteen years. He possesses extensive knowledge and experience.”

“Would you be so kind as to mention us to him? Perhaps he could visit us soon?”

“Certainly. He lives in Grosvenor Street, so distance would not be a problem. I shall write to him today.”

“Thank you, Mr Darcy. Your help has been invaluable to me — to us — so many times. I cannot thank you enough.”

“Please do not mention it, Miss Elizabeth. I am pleased to be at your service.”

Time passed, and no one seemed willing to end the walk until Mrs Annesley mentioned she was tired. Mr Darcy looked at his pocket watch, and they realised they had been out for almost three hours.

“Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, may I offer a cup of tea? At my house?” Miss Darcy asked.

“We would be delighted, Miss Darcy, but not today,” Elizabeth answered with genuine regret. “I am sure Lady Rosseford is waiting for us. But we would be pleased to see you again soon, either at your house or ours.”

“Thank you.”

“Miss Elizabeth, I spoke to my cousins, Lord Matlock’s sons, earlier. We mentioned attending the theatre together, and they were curious to meet you and your aunt. I wonder whether Lady Rosseford would mind if Lady Matlock sent her a note? Perhaps they could meet.”

“I am sure Lady Rosseford would be delighted,” Elizabeth answered.

When Miss Darcy’s carriage left them in front of their aunt’s house, Jane’s smile was larger and brighter than it had been for a while.

“I hope you enjoyed yourself, my dear,” Elizabeth said.

“Very much so…”

“Did Mr Bingley act less strangely than yesterday? You certainly did, from what I noticed.”

“Yes…he…Lizzy, I believe he is intimidated by Aunt Dorothea. I cannot think of another reason. Yesterday he barely looked at me and hardly spoke to me, and today he offered me his arm.”

“Aunt Dorothea is an impressive lady — even frightening at times — we both know that. I am content you have found an explanation, and hopefully you will not be jealous of Miss Darcy again.”

“No, I have been silly… Miss Bingley told me how accomplished Miss Darcy was, and she led me to believe they had plans that she and Mr Bingley…you know… And when I saw her yesterday, she was everything a young lady should be. I would not be surprised if Mr Bingley admired her.”

“You are everything a young lady should be too, Jane. I am not a bit surprised that Mr Bingley admired you from the very beginning.”

“Dearest Lizzy, you are always so kind to me.”

“I love you dearly, so I must be, even when you are silly.” Elizabeth laughed, embracing her sister.

∞∞∞

In the following days, things progressed rapidly.

Mr Darcy was loyal to his promise; a note from Dr Miller arrived for Elizabeth, and, despite Lady Rosseford’s strong opposition, the physician visited them the next morning. He examined the lady, left her some herbs for her weakness, and instructed Elizabeth to observe her closely and send for him at the smallest sign of illness.

Then, Miss Darcy accepted an invitation for tea, and she brought Lady Matlock with her. The introductions were performed, and an important step in Lady Rosseford’s plan was made.

Although she had not decided upon one particular dressmaker, Lady Rosseford visited several shops in the area and purchased several gowns for Elizabeth and Jane — so many that it made the sisters uncomfortable. But Lady Rosseford was not to be contradicted in anything.

After Lady Matlock’s visit, more cards were received, and more visitors introduced themselves to Lady Rosseford and her nieces.

“Have no doubt, girls, they are coming out of curiosity, nothing else. As I mentioned, I have donated some important sums of money to charities, and the prospect of more donations usually stimulates people’s interest and amiability.”

Little did the lady know that her nieces’ only interest was in two gentlemen who had not visited again yet. Elizabeth and Jane accompanied Miss Darcy on another ride in Hyde Park, but Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley did not join them.

Elizabeth worried and wondered. Mr Darcy had been so kind and generous, then suddenly he preferred not to see her again. Lady Matlock’s and Miss Darcy’s visits proved he encouraged the connection between the families, but why he would keep his distance was difficult to understand.

As Mr Bingley was missing too, Jane had the same questions and concerns, to which Elizabeth had no answers.

Fortunately, the night at the theatre was approaching, and the prospect of their reunion was a small compensation for the gentlemen’s absence. Their presence at that event was confirmed, as Mr Darcy wrote to Lady Rosseford, offering to convey her and her nieces in his carriage, for convenience. He mentioned that his sister, Mrs Annesley, and Mr Bingley would be attending the performance too, as well as the Matlocks and the Gardiners.

Lady Rosseford accepted, and the matter was settled, much to Elizabeth and Jane’s contentment. Therefore, the day was awaited with much eagerness. Elizabeth spent some time choosing one of her new gowns, though all were exceedingly beautiful. Eventually, she selected the one that was best suited to her complexion — as her maid Sarah timidly suggested.

Sarah needed more than an hour to arrange Elizabeth’s hair to the satisfaction of them both, then finally Elizabeth put on her gloves and moved her things — including Mr Darcy’s neckcloth — into a new reticule that perfectly matched her dress.

“You look beautiful, Miss Elizabeth,” Sarah said.

“And I have you to thank for that,” Elizabeth answered, smiling at the girl.

She went downstairs, where Lady Rosseford and Jane were waiting.

“My dears, you both look beautiful. Beyond my expectations. I cannot wait to appear in public with you. And I have something to complement your appearance. Come here.”

On the table were two black velvet boxes.

“I believe these are appropriate for tonight,” the lady said. “I suggest the rubies for Lizzy and the sapphires for Jane. But you may swap if you prefer.”

They looked at their aunt, incredulous and hesitant.

“Come now, open them. The carriage will be here at any moment.”

Inside the boxes were two sets of jewels, with necklaces, earrings, and bracelets of exquisite beauty.

The sisters helped each other to put them on while her ladyship watched.

“Dear aunt, you should not—” Elizabeth attempted to speak, but Lady Rosseford interrupted her.

“Yes, I should, Lizzy. This is perfect. Just as I wanted. Now let us go — I believe Mr Darcy’s carriage has arrived.”

Indeed, two vehicles were waiting, and Mr Darcy stepped from one while Mr Bingley descended from the other. Elizabeth dared to look at Mr Darcy, who gazed at her with a dark stare that warmed her despite the cold. It was decided that Jane and Lady Rosseford would travel with Mr Bingley, while Elizabeth would join Mr and Miss Darcy and the latter’s companion. As she placed her hand in his to climb in, Elizabeth felt Mr Darcy’s fingers lingering upon hers for a moment longer than they should have, and she shivered.

As Miss Darcy and Mrs Annesley were sitting together on one seat, Elizabeth sat opposite them, and Mr Darcy sat next to her. The gentleman’s proximity was pleasant but also slightly intimidating, and she hoped the others would not notice her nervousness. The conversation began timidly, with compliments and pleasantries exchanged, but the ride was short, and they soon found themselves in front of the theatre.

Two gentlemen approached their carriage, and Mr Darcy introduced his cousins — Colonel Fitzwilliam and the viscount — who escorted them inside. In the lobby they met the Gardiners, then Lord and Lady Matlock.

Their large group, with Lady Rosseford in the middle of it, attracted many curious glances as they made their way up the stairs, but upon arriving in the box. Elizabeth sighed with delight; the position was ideal for a perfect view over the stage, and it was large enough to accommodate everybody comfortably.