Page 34 of An Interrupted Proposal
He felt a slight pressure upon his arm and looked down to find Elizabeth smiling up at him. “Are we late, sir? Will the performance begin soon?”
Feeling a bit chagrined, he shook his head. “I fear it is a habit of mine to find my seat quickly upon arriving. Would you prefer to mingle, my dear?”
“I believe a few of your acquaintances would like to speak with you, but if you prefer to avoid them, I will bow to your greater understanding.” Her lips pursed in such a way that he anticipated the tease which followed. “Although, if you feel the need to practise conversing more easily with others, I would not discourage you.”
Unable to suppress his amusement, Darcy slowed his pace and smiled. “I suppose we have a few minutes and, though I believe I practised just yesterday, the activity is never wasted.”
“Just so,” Elizabeth agreed, “and I believe the first subject is approaching.”
Darcy followed her gaze and saw an acquaintance from university making his way through the crowd. As he introduced Elizabeth to the gentleman and his wife, he noticed Bingley introducing Jane and the Gardiners to friends while Georgiana stood slightly behind Elizabeth with Miss Lucas, speaking to a young lady whose gaze consistently turned towards Darcy. He was certain that the entire theatre would be aware of the engagements before the curtain rose on the performance.
Indeed, the crowd about Darcy’s party ebbed and flowed, growing when Philip and his parents joined them, until the bell was rung to announce the performance would soon begin. Darcy felt odd after being engaged in conversation with so many. Normally, he would have been irritated or possibly overwhelmed, but Elizabeth had directed the interactions in such a way to quickly end those which made him uncomfortable and encourage those that were truly interesting. The dreaded tiresome discussions never fully developed, and he found he had enjoyed speaking to some individuals whom he had previously avoided. His gaze fell on the lady at his side, and his heart swelled with love and contentment.
***********
“Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner said as he approached. “Might I have a private word with you?”
After glancing about the sitting room and ensuring his guests were happily engaged in conversation, he nodded and led the gentleman to his study. Once they were both settled by the fire with a snifter of brandy, he asked, “I hope you enjoyed the performance this evening.”
“Mrs. Gardiner and I both thought it well done.” He took a sip and settled back in his seat. “Elizabeth told me of the plans you and Bingley have discussed regarding the younger Bennet sisters. Though I appreciate what you wish to accomplish, it is not your responsibility. That falls to my brother and sister. You, Lizzy, Jane, and Bingley should be focused on starting your own lives, not raising someone else’s children.”
Darcy considered Gardiner’s words and sat in silence; his gaze focused on the flames. Finally, he nodded. “I do understand your concerns, but do you believe Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are capable of making the changes in their daughter's lives?”
It was Gardiner’s time to consider, and he sipped his brandy before replying. “Perhaps not, but if a companion were hired to prepare them first, you, Bingley, and my nieces would be able to spend at least some time to yourselves. If Lydia and Kitty master specific accomplishments, they will earn theopportunityto stay with their older sisters for a few months in preparation for a coming out.”
“I see.” Darcy set his empty glass on the table and leant forwards. “Perhaps Mrs. Annesley would accept the position at Longbourn. I have considered that my sister will not have need of a companion once Elizabeth and I have wed.”
Gardiner chuckled and laid a hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “It has not been so long ago that I was a newlywedded man, my son. Trust me when I say that you will not want your sister with you immediately following your wedding, nor for several months afterwards. Have you considered where she will reside and if she will need her companion then?”
A blush warmed Darcy’s cheeks. “I have not discussed it with her, but expected she would stay with my aunt and uncle.”
“I am certain she is comfortable with them.” He set his glass beside Darcy’s. “Or you might consider allowing her and Mrs. Annesley to stay at Longbourn. It would allow my sister and her younger daughters to see what is expected of a lady of theton.”
Darcy nodded. “I will speak to her and Mrs. Annesley, as well as Elizabeth, to gather their thoughts before we make a decision.”
“Wise man,” Gardiner said as he rose from his seat. “You will do well to remember to include Elizabeth in matters. My Margaret has saved me from making many errors, once I learnt to ask her opinion.” He straightened his waistcoat and smiled. “Shall we return before they come searching for us? I do not wish to displease the Earl.”
“Have no fear, sir. You need only send him a pound of your best coffee and you will be forgiven.” Darcy followed his guest back to the others.
***********
The Darcy carriage drew to a halt before the inn, and Darcy stepped forwards once the door was opened and the step was set. “Bingley and I have reserved a parlour and tea while the horses are being changed.” He handed the ladies out, placing Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm before leading them inside.
“Is this why the two of you rode ahead?” she asked. “I thought you had become bored by our conversation.”
Darcy chuckled. “I never tire of speaking with you, my love. We were simply seeing to your needs.”
“And it had nothing to do with Bingley challenging you to a race?” she asked innocently.
“I was correct,” he said with a theatrical sigh. “I have recently seen a similar expression on my sister’s countenance. My days of quiet and control are coming to an end.”
Her delightful peal of laughter caused him to chuckle. “You, sir, are quite ridiculous.” She leant closer after glancing over her shoulder. “And I suspect you are pleased to see your sister so happy.”
“You are correct, of course. I suspected you would be a wonderful influence for her and have been quite pleased that I was proven correct.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I am uncertain if your arrogance and pride are rearing their ugly heads again.”
“Ah,” Darcy held up a finger, wagging it from side to side. “But as I have mentioned before, even if there is a certain superiority of mind, pride must be kept under good regulation.”
