Page 73 of To Go Against Her Heart
“I assure you, I have scarcely spent a more agreeable time than during my stay there, and I very much look forward to returning,” he replied, and to this, Elizabeth observed a disappointment in Mrs. Harrington’s face. She proudly took her husband’s hand and stood beside him.
“Miss Elizabeth is from Hertfordshire as well, my dear, and has traveled to town for amusement, I am sure,” Mrs. Harrington said.
“I assure you, my trip here was not merely for pleasure as I also came to visit my aunt and uncle and spend time with my cousins,” Elizabeth said.
“But I suppose your visit brings with it other, more advantageous prospects too, such as evenings as these,” Mr. Harrington said, and Darcy found his words insulting and had no notion of letting anyone disrespect Elizabeth. But before he could give him a befitting reply, Elizabeth spoke.
“You are quite right, sir. My visit this year has been most memorable and has afforded me the true pleasure of something I had not expected. To your eyes, it may appear as mere evenings of merriment such as this, but I speak rather of the true delight of a most beautiful and genuine friendship—one I have found in Miss Darcy. I assure you that this visit stands in striking contrast to the last,” she said, and Mr. Harrington found her final remark to be as sharp as any blade.
She spoke with a touch of sarcasm in her smile, and Mr. Harrington’s face turned pale. He knew well why he had been so irresistibly drawn to her when they first met, precisely a year prior—it was not merely her beauty, but the intelligence uncommon for any woman of her age that had drawn him to her like a magnet.
Georgiana and Darcy observed that Mrs. Kingston looked extremely uncomfortable suddenly, and in truth, she was not as well-versed as her brother in hiding her feelings and struggled to compose herself.
Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm and excused himself as he wanted to introduce Elizabeth to some of his friends. Georgiana stayed behind graciously, wanting to give them some privacy.
As they took their leave, Elizabeth felt every muscle in her body relax. Each step she took away from Mr. Harrington seemed like a step towards freedom.
“Forgive me. Are you feeling unwell? I hope you are not tired,” Darcy asked Elizabeth, sensing that somehow her countenance looked distressed.
“I am well, and I thank you!”
“We could sit down for a while, if you wish to,” he said, and Elizabeth politely declined.
Darcy sensed that something troubled her, and as they walked, he introduced her to several of his acquaintances and friends, sparking curiosity among the crowd upon seeing the attention he bestowed on her. Some were mutual acquaintances of Mr. Bingley, and thus, Elizabeth soon found herself engaged in conversing with several men and women and hardly had a moment to reflect on the horrendous encounter she had been subjected to.
Georgiana soon joined them, and from the expression on her countenance, Darcy at once perceived that her time with Mrs. Harrington and her sister had been far from agreeable.
“I hope it is not time yet for the dance,” she asked her brother and Elizabeth.
“Not yet!” Darcy replied.
“May I fetch something for you to drink, Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked.
“I should like something to drink; allow me to accompany you,” she said, and Darcy had to restrain himself from following the two women who meant the world to him. Somehow, the very moment she released his arm, Darcy felt an undeniable need and worry to be by her side. He assured Elizabeth that he would find her when the next set commenced.
As Elizabeth and Georgiana made their way toward the refreshment table, Georgiana turned to her and said, “I apologize, Miss Elizabeth, I could sense that Mrs. Harrington was not very kind in the way she conversed with you.” Georgiana felt guilty for introducing Elizabeth to women who saw nothing but wealth and status in anyone they viewed.
“I wonder why you would make yourself uneasy. It is not uncommon for society to assume that country life would be boring,” she said, trying to ease the girl.
“You are too kind. I often feel quite suffocated in a company such as this, and I spent a great deal of time in their presence while my brother was away in Hertfordshire. Sometimes they shower attention on me, yet I dare I say it, they do not truly see me, for I care little for fashion and have no fondness for idle gossip.”
“I assume they are good friends of Lady Matlock.”
“They are as Mr. Kingston’s family has been one of the closest friends and a long acquaintance of my aunt and uncle. We were acquainted with Mr. Harrington and her sister some months ago when they married into the Kingston family. My brother engages with them on occasion but not quite often,” she said, and Elizabeth did not dare to ask anything further, but Georgiana continued.
“I feel at ease when my brother is around during my engagements with them; somehow, he always puts me at ease with his presence. I surely admire your ability to meet new acquaintances and converse without inhibitions. Honestly, I did not know how to handle the questions Mr. Harrington directed towards me after you and my brother took leave.”
“Pardon me, I do not understand.”
“He appeared most eager to learn about our acquaintance and the nature of our friendship. I daresay he now fears I shall neglect his sister and wife on account of it. What struck me as most peculiar was his decision to question me so openly on the matter, as if he felt offended that I was neglecting them. Sometimes people confuse me, Miss Elizabeth, and I fear that after you leave town, I may have to reconnect with their family during dinners at my aunt’s place, and somehow, I do not see myself up to the task,” she said innocently.
“Lady Matlock enjoys their company, I understand.”
“Oh yes! They are invited almost every week, and my aunt is kind enough to include my brother and me as well,” she said,and just then, Elizabeth, unable to steady the tremble in her hand, let the cup slip, spilling some of its contents on her gown.
“Oh! Dear! Please allow me to assist you,” Georgiana said, concerned, attempting to blot the stain from her gown, but the mark refused to fade, much to the likeness of the stain in Elizabeth’s heart.
“I suggest we use vinegar or maybe find a maid in the retiring room,” Georgiana proposed.
