Page 62 of To Go Against Her Heart
“I am convinced she wishes to know you better because she can plainly perceive the attachment Mr. Darcy bears toward you,” Jane declared, adding to her sister’s unease.
Elizabeth remained silent as she felt agitated about the evening. Every encounter with Darcy seemed to draw her closer to all she had once opposed, and she no longer trusted her own resolve in the matter.
Meanwhile, at Matlock House, Darcy’s manner betrayed the same discomposure, and it was evident to his family what unsettled him.
“I am certain Mrs. Kingston and her sister will be curious to know about your newfound friendship with Miss Elizabeth once they return from Bath,” Lady Matlock said to Georgiana.
“When are they to return?”
“Within a couple of weeks, I assume, Miss Elizabeth might return to Hertfordshire by then.”
“Oh no! I hope not. Are you aware of the exact date she plans to leave, Brother?” Georgiana asked Darcy with worry.
“I do not know, although she mentioned that it should be soon.”
“Well, I wonder who among my cousins will be at an utter loss after she leaves,” Richard said with a wink, much to Darcy’s irritation.
As much as Darcy wanted to propose to Elizabeth before she left, he was still worried about how she would perceive his intentions. It had been just a couple of weeks since they had become reacquainted, and he did not want her to misunderstand him as rushing to secure her hand.
From the little he had seen between his aunt and Elizabeth, he did not doubt that she approved of her, and there was also no doubt in his mind about how Georgiana would feel to have Elizabeth as her sister. But above all, what truly mattered to him were Elizabeth’s feelings. He wished her to know that her past was of no consequence to him, and that his sole desire was to be the reason for her future happiness. Should she return to Hertfordshire, Darcy was resolved to follow her there and, in this matter, he was determined to be patient.
Elizabeth and her family arrived promptly. Lord Matlock and his wife received their guests with warmth as Darcy made the introductions. Much to Elizabeth’s ease, Lord Matlock resembled his wife in his manners and demeanor and slipped into a comfortable conversation with her uncle. Darcy was utterly enchanted by her appearance that evening as her simple, elegant gown complemented her complexion beautifully, and her eyes seemed to shine with the delicate luster of the satin embroidery adorning her dress.
However, he was impatient to converse with her in private, as she was wholly occupied with Georgiana since her arrival. What vexed him was Richard’s confidence as he joined their conversation, casting a sly smile in Darcy’s direction.
Finally, as the party left to dine, Darcy took the opportunity and led Elizabeth and Georgiana towards the dining room.
“I hope you are well, Miss Elizabeth,” he said to her.
“As well as you saw me a few days ago, sir,” she replied with a smile, and their conversation continued as they were seated next to each other during supper.
Though all present at supper were curious to observe the couple in scrutiny, none of them made it obvious. Mrs. Gardiner and Lady Matlock got along very well as they shared their mutual interests. Richard sat quietly, observing his cousin, and he found Elizabeth to be the perfect match for him. Accordingto him, Darcy seemed to be a different person around her, as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
“I hope Mr. Bingley is well,” Elizabeth said to Darcy.
“He is; I met him yesterday. Has he called on your sister lately?” he asked and suddenly felt he had trodden on a subject not meant to be discussed during supper, at least not with her.
“Forgive me; I did not mean to intrude into your sister’s affairs,” he said in a low voice.
“Mr. Darcy, if I may speak plainly, it is unfortunate as to what transpired because of Miss Bingley. I do not know about your friend, but my sister is hurt because of whatever happened, though she does not hold anyone in contempt for it.”
“She is entitled to feel that way, and I assure you, my friend feels very guilty about allowing someone to meddle with his affairs as such. I do not generally interfere in others’ affairs, but Miss Bennet must know that he is the last man on earth who would willfully cause pain to someone in his acquaintance, let alone your sister.”
“I assure you she comprehends him well enough, yet it is no simple matter to forget the past and proceed with life as though nothing happened,” she said, and looked down at her plate. Darcy felt the pain in her voice and could not mistake the hidden meaning in her words. Their conversation was interrupted as Lady Matlock addressed Elizabeth and Jane.
“I am thrilled that Georgiana finally got the opportunity to get acquainted with you and your sister, Miss Elizabeth. Should you be interested, I would be most happy to accompany you all on a shopping trip.”
Elizabeth looked at Jane, and she nodded in agreement. Jane could see that all the members of the Darcy family were keen on bonding with her sister, and she had no wish to ruin Elizabeth’s chance of finding happiness and true love.
Over the course of the meal, Lord Matlock graciously invited Mr. Gardiner to partake in a few engagements in the coming weeks, and Darcy was delighted to observe both families growing so agreeably acquainted within the first meeting.
“You must play for us, Miss Elizabeth; Georgiana has not stopped mentioning her admiration for your music,” Lord Matlock requested after supper.
“My Lord! I would rather not encourage your anticipation. Miss Darcy has been very generous in mentioning my talents, but I do not play that well,” Elizabeth said.
“I suggest you allow my uncle to be the judge of that,” Darcy said, quite determined to make her play. Georgiana also pressed her to play for them, and Elizabeth finally agreed. As she struggled to choose a song that suited her skills, she was stunned to see Darcy walk up to the piano-forte. Not caring about how the rest of the room perceived his actions, he pulled up a chair and sat beside her.
Elizabeth looked at him with curiosity and raised her eyebrow.
