* * *
“And what didyou think of the evening’s performance, Miss Bennet?”
Lizzy and Mr. Darcy stood in the entrance hall as a maid removed her wrap and took her gloves.
“I enjoyed it very much. It is a new experience for me to delight such a luxury as a private box, but one I could get used to. There was no better seat in the house, unless I were to go down and play Kate to the Petruchio on stage.” He laughed and guided her into the music room behind Georgiana and Kitty.
“Miss Bennet, I assure you, that although your lively spirit has been evident many times, you are no Kate.”
“I feel there are others who would disagree with you, sir.” She thought of her mother and then Mr. Hamilton, and a cloud passed over her countenance. As if reading her mind, Kitty spoke from across the room.
“It was a surprise to see Mr. Hamilton tonight, was it not, Lizzy?”
“Yes, it was. But not all surprises are meant to be unpleasant.”
“What did he say to you when he drew you away from us? He looked very animated, indeed.”
“He inquired after our parents and told of his communications with his housekeeper at Ashby Park. Nothing of consequence.”
That seemed to pacify her younger sister, who turned back to Miss Darcy. Elizabeth looked out the window to the night sky, lost in thoughts.Animated? He was trying to school his frustration with me. How I should have asked him to accompany us to the theatre or chosen to stay at home! Should he have not made the offer himself? We are not engaged nor are we courting. He has no right to make such presumptions. I am out in the company of friends. I am beginning to believe Mr. Hamilton is one of the last men I could ever be prevailed upon to…
She shook her head and quickly allowed herself to be drawn back into the room.
“Shall we go in to dinner?” Mr. Darcy asked when a footman appeared at the door. “Cook has prepared a masterpiece for us this evening.”
“I am famished, William, and do hope Cook made extra Shrewsbury cakes so I may sneak some to my room tonight.” Miss Darcy giggled.
“So, we have a thief in our midst, do we?” He held out his arm to Lizzy as the two younger girls followed behind.
“We did it,” Kitty blurted out before Miss Darcy could stop her. “We did it, and we took the strawberry preserves.”
“Oh no!” Miss Darcy gasped, laughing at her friend. “It is only a game Wills and I play. Cook always makes extra cakes and keeps them in the larder for me to take at night, then reports to my brother that there is a thief.”
Kitty’s pink cheeks were indicative of her embarrassment, and she attempted to regain some ground by turning to Mr. Darcy and with no little grandeur asked, “And how did you enjoy the play, sir?”
It was all Mr. Darcy could do to contain his laughter to embarrass the girl further when the door opened and Colonel Fitzwilliam was announced.
“Richard!” Mr. Darcy beamed. “What brings you here?”
“I was at the theatre in Father’s box and saw you leave. I wanted to come and see who your charming guests were but missed my opportunity in the crush. Knowing Cook had most likely prepared something divine, I hurried over to satisfy two desires: my hunger and my curiosity.”
“Fitzwilliam, may I introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire and her younger sister, Miss Katherine Bennet.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed to the ladies before following them into the dining room. “And who is that young woman with golden hair? She does look familiar, but much too grown up to be little Georgie.”
“Oh, Richard.” Miss Darcy harrumphed and rolled her eyes. “Will you ever cease your teasing?”
“Never, Georgie. When I cease to tease, you should be concerned.” He flashed a toothy grin before taking his first sip of wine. “Now, Miss Katherine. How did you enjoy the theatre this evening?” he asked as the first course was brought in.
“I have never been to the theatre before nor seen such a lovely display of jewels.”
“Ha! Yes, I will agree with you. The ladies were dripping tonight, were they not, Darcy?”
“I could not say I noticed,” was his reply.
“Oh, I did,” Miss Darcy said. “Everyone looked so elegant. It was as if the Season had begun early this year.”
“Oh? And what do you know about the Season, little miss?” Lizzy grinned at Miss Darcy and unconsciously met the colonel’s gaze. He continued. “What say you, Miss Bennet? Do you believe the women were over-trimmed this evening?”
