“So it would seem,” he said, caught up in the expression of her dark eyes and the musical lilt of her voice. Moments later he subtly cleared his throat and gestured to a nearby bookshelf. “Come, I believe what you seek is over here.”
For the next hour and a half, Elizabeth could not be happier as she perused her way through book after book at Ballards. It appeared to William there were several she might wish to purchase, though from the way she weighed them back andforth, he suspected her funds were limited. ‘Twas a shame he could not break with propriety and offer to buy at least one of them for her pleasure. After all, she had given him much enjoyment this afternoon by simply being herself and allowing him to be in her company.
During much of that time, William had surreptitiously watched Elizabeth and was not disappointed, as she often turned to him asking for his opinion of a particular book or author. She was obviously well-read and did not placate him as many other women might have when expressing their thoughts.
At one point he took a decidedly opposing view, wanting to see how she would respond to his affront. It did not take her long to figure out what he was about. Facing him with arms crossed and her foot tapping in agitation, she pointedly said, “Mr. Darcy, are you purposely trying to vex me?”
“Me? Why, I would never be so callous; it is not in my nature.”
She stared at him, her brows now narrowed and her look unwavering. “It seems to me, sir, I have heard you use a similar expression on one other occasion. Was it not at Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner?”
Her accusation caused him to chuckle. “I surrender,” he said, throwing up his hands. “I could not help myself. Your opinions are so impassioned. If you must know, I find it quite refreshing.”
“Refreshing?” She giggled. “Now that is a first, when it comes to my impertinence.”
It mattered not to William if they agreed or differed in their opinions. Elizabeth Bennet was her own person, and the interchange was exhilarating.
The Gardiners’ Residence
After returning to Gracechurch Street, Mrs. Gardiner thought it might be an imposition for William to spend time with her sons, having already spent more than three hours with her and Elizabeth. Nevertheless, he assured her it was not and was consequentially invited to stay on for dinner.
The dinner itself was informal with all of the children present at the table. Even though many families of thetonmight prefer their children dine separately, this was not the case with the Gardiners this evening. As a child, William often dined with his parents when they resided in the country, and he appreciated the fact that Gardiner offered this same courtesy to his children. It was a memory he treasured and a tradition he wished to introduce Anna to.
If truth be told, at this moment he cared not that Gardiner was from Trade. Tonight, he chose to forget about their social differences and simply enjoy himself. In his opinion, Gardiner was a fortunate man, and William longed to one day experience that same happiness with the woman he loved while surrounded by his children.
The more he became acquainted with Elizabeth, the more he liked her. He wondered if she might be the woman who could fulfil his needs and make his dreams become a reality. When she looked at him and smiled, he could not help but be drawn to her. Still, they had not known each other for very long. Other than her love of literature and nature, and a favourable recommendation by Lady Gwendolyn, there was much he did not know about her. And in his estimation, there was far more she did not know about him. For now he would be patient, hoping the rest of the week would help him to decide if he would ask her for a courtship or simply walk away.
Following dinner, Gardiner asked his daughters and Elizabeth to provide the family with some entertainment before the children were sent to bed. The girls were demure as they tooktheir seats at the pianoforte and played their duet. Their shyness reminded him of Georgiana, who seldom played for strangers. Nevertheless, Elizabeth was very encouraging while she turned pages for the young ladies. Next, she would be the one to exhibit. At Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner, she had not wished to play, but here before her family, she was relaxed, and though not as well-trained as his sister, Elizabeth’s playing was every bit as ardent. Her expression was one that warmed his heart, and when she sang, he was drawn to her far more than he cared to admit.
Tonight her choice was Ben Johnson. In a strange way, the words she sang of unrequited love seemed to mirror the yearnings of his heart. True, he had never longed for a woman who could not be his, but in his case, he had suffered from years of loneliness. Could she possibly know how the words of her song affected him as she sang? No. Not even his closest relations knew the depth of the immense heartache he felt or of the endless struggles he had endured in a loveless marriage. Initially, William had accepted that seeking another marriage of convenience was the best he could do. Now, after meeting Elizabeth and the Gardiners, he knew it was not enough. He wanted more than convenience.
Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I'll not look for wine.
The thirst that from the soul doth rise
Doth ask a drink divine;
But might I of Jove's nectar sup,
I would not change for thine.
I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honouring thee
As giving it a hope, that there
It could not withered be.
But thou thereon didst only breathe,
And sent'st it back to me;
