Page 55 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
They entered the sitting room to find Darcy standing by the fireplace, resplendent in evening dress that emphasised his tall frame and aristocratic bearing. When Elizabeth appeared, his eyes swept over her with unmistakable appreciation, and she felt heat bloom in her chest at his attention.
The sensation was most disconcerting. Over the past fortnight, they had spent much time together discussing their story, their supposed courtship, the details that would make their engagement believable. He had been pleasant company—more than pleasant, if she were honest—something she loathed to admit even to herself.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said, stepping forward with a bow. “You look magnificent.”
“Thank you, Mr Darcy. You appear quite distinguished yourself.”
Near the window, Mr Bingley was speaking with Jane, who had entered just before Elizabeth. The sight warmed Elizabeth’s heart—Bingley’s face was alight with pleasure at seeing Jane again, whilst her sister glowed in his presence.
Jane had told her she found it impossible not to forgive him. His remorse had been so genuine, his explanation so heartfelt. Then again, her sister had never stopped loving him despite the pain he had inflicted upon her. Looking at them now, there was no hint of what had transpired between them before. To anyone looking in, they looked the perfect, contented pair. She glanced at her mother and saw a tear glistening in her eye.
After polite greetings and civil whiskers were exchanged, Darcy proffered his arm.
“Shall we?”
“We shall,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. The sensation was odd. Complex. And oddly thrilling.
Why did she have such disconcerting feelings for Mr Darcy? It made no sense. And it was most impractical especially considering he only saw her as a convenient way to avoid Miss Bingley’s advances.
“We shall join you,” Bingley called. “I hear Mrs Gardiner coming now to join us on our walk.”
Indeed, the front door flew open then and Mrs Gardiner trailed Kitty, Mary, and Lydia inside.
“Goodness, what a gathering,” Kitty exclaimed and curtsied, as did Mary.
“Good evening, Miss Catherine, Mary,” Darcy said. “Miss Lydia.”
Lydia grimaced and durned, curtseying at Mr Bingley but ignoring Mr Darcy. Elizabeth gulped as her sister rose to her full height.
“Good evening, Mr Bingley,” she said with cool politeness before turning away without acknowledging Darcy at all.
“Lydia,” Mrs Bennet said sharply. “Where are your manners?”
“I have left them elsewhere,” Lydia replied, her chin lifted in defiance.
The uncomfortable silence that followed was broken by Mrs Gardiner’s tactful suggestion that perhaps Mr Darcy and Elizabeth should depart for their engagement first, so she could change her pelisse before accompanying Bingley and Jane.
Grateful to depart the awkwardness, Elizabeth tugged on Darcy’s arm and the two left.
***
Once settled in Darcy’s carriage, the tension left her shoulders. “I apologise for Lydia’s behaviour. She is not usually so ill-mannered.”
“Please do not apologise. I understand her feelings completely.” Darcy’s voice held genuine distress. “It pains me that Miss Lydia, who once thought well of me, now holds me in such contempt.”
“She believed you to be a man of principle. When she learned of our engagement—believing it to be genuine—she feltyou had somehow corrupted me into accepting you despite your treatment of Jane.”
Darcy was quiet for a moment, his hands clenched in his lap. “I must confess, Miss Elizabeth, that I did Lydia wrong as well. Not just Jane.”
Elizabeth turned to face him more fully. “How so?”
“When I met her in Meryton, she was reserved, quiet. I thought her a sweet, gentle girl—much like Georgiana. But then I heard from the Phillips how wild she used to be before your father’s death. They spoke of her high spirits, her impetuousness, and I worried about her influence on my sister. I thought she might lead Georgiana into improper behaviour.”
“You misjudged her character.”
“I misjudged your entire family,” Darcy admitted. “I saw what I expected to see rather than what was truly before me.”
A rueful smile tugged at her lips. “That does seem to be a habit of yours, Mr Darcy.”
