Page 105 of The Slipper Scandal
"True enough," Arabella agreed. "Your absence has proved rather fortuitous, Jane."
"I suppose it has," Jane agreed with a quiet laugh. But as she gazed out into the room, her smile faltered momentarily, replaced by an expression of intense interest.
Elizabeth followed her sister's gaze to where her husband stood in conversation with a fair-haired gentleman. As if sensing her attention, he looked up, caught her eye, and began steering his companion in their direction.
The gentle tinkling of crystal announced the arrival of more champagne, carried on silver trays by a number of liveried footmen. Lady Worcester, resplendent in a gown of deep burgundy, accepted a glass before making her way towards Elizabeth. The formidable friend of Lady Matlock’s, who had unexpectedly become one of Elizabeth's staunchest allies, nodded approvingly.
"Mrs. Darcy," she said, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. "I must say, you wear matrimony well."
"You are too kind, Lady Worcester," Elizabeth replied with a curtsy. "Your presence today means a great deal to us both."
"Nonsense. I would not have missed it for the world. One so rarely has the opportunity to witness true affection in these matches. Your husband is fortunate indeed." Lady Worcester smiled and returned to her husband.
"Ladies," Mr. Darcy said as he and the other gentleman approached, his voice warming noticeably as he addressed Elizabeth. "May I present Mr. Charles Bingley, a dear friend ofmine? Bingley, my wife, Mrs. Darcy, her sister, Miss Bennet, and her dear friend Miss Abernathy."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Bingley said, his friendly demeanour immediately apparent. Yet when his eyes met Jane's, something shifted in his expression to reveal a delighted surprise that had Elizabeth and Arabella exchange knowing glances.
"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Bingley," Jane replied, her normally serene composure momentarily unsettled as a becoming blush rose to her cheeks.
From the dining room came the soft clink of silver against china as the final dishes were arranged. A magnificent roast was placed in the centre, surrounded by potatoes roasted to golden perfection nestled alongside carrots glazed with honey and an array of vegetables rarely seen this time of year, from hothouses all around London. Asparagus spears glistened with melted butter, while mushrooms sautéed with herbs offered their earthy fragrance. There were even early peas alongside the parsnips. Pears, apples, oranges, and plums in elegant arrangements were placed on either side of the vegetables, and at both ends of the table stood elaborate confections.
It was far grander than any wedding breakfast Elizabeth had ever seen.
Mr. Bingley met Jane's gaze again. "I must pay my respects to Lady Matlock, and I would not keep you from partaking of this marvellous feast," he said, his reluctance evident in his voice.
“You must join us at our table, Mr. Bingley,” Arabella said sweetly, taking one of his arms and leaving him to offer the other to Jane.
As Mr. Bingley complied by holding out his arm to Jane, he said, "Miss Bennet, might I call upon you while you remain in town?"
"I am returning to Hertfordshire tomorrow, Mr. Bingley," Jane said, disappointed.
"You need not, Jane," Arabella said. "Lizzy's things are already at Darcy House. We could simply move you into her chamber, and then you and I could have a visit. I have missed you."
Jane was very quiet, and for a moment, Elizabeth was concerned that she and Arabella had misread her sister's interest.
"I would like that very much," Jane replied at last. "And that answer applies to both of you."
"Excellent," Mr. Bingley said, placing his hand over Jane’s before realizing what he was doing and removing it. "Excellent.”
"Well! How delightfulthisshall be," Elizabeth said quietly as she watched them go.
"A penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Darcy?"
Elizabeth turned to her husband. He looked impossibly handsome in his wedding attire and his eyes held a tenderness that made her breath catch.
She wound her arm in his. "I was merely reflecting on how the most difficult paths can lead to the most beautiful destinations."
"Poetic as always," he murmured, his lips quirking into that small smile she had come to cherish. "Bingley wasted no time, did he?"
"Jane likes him."
"Do you think so?"
"We shall see. Mr. Bingley seems a most amiable gentleman.”
"He is a good man," Mr. Darcy replied with genuine warmth.
Elizabeth turned her attention back to her husband, but a sudden, delighted squeak drew her gaze across the room. Arabella had flung her arms around Colonel Fitzwilliam, laughing as he lifted her briefly off her feet before setting her down and kissing her hand. A ripple of curious glances passedamong the nearby guests, but the pair seemed entirely oblivious to the stir they had caused.
