“At the very least, he does owe you an apology, Lizzy, and you should allow the gentleman the opportunity to do so.”
“If you say so,” she said, her face full of mischief. “Let me just say if I do not care for his addresses, I shall not make it easy for him.”
“No, I suppose you will not,” Mrs. Gardiner sighed. “I fear the poor man may be at your mercy this evening.”
“Poor man, indeed! In truth, Mr. Darcy is fortunate that Uncle had the opportunity to speak privately with Mr. Bingley and set him straight about Jane’s lack of fortune and Eliza’s rumour. The fact that Mr. Bingley did not cast off Jane after allwas said and done is enough to temper my ire for the present. I suppose we shall never know if Mr. Darcy had words or not with his friend about the matter.”
“Elizabeth,” Mrs. Gardiner said her name with warning.
“Forgive me, Aunt. You are not to worry. Though my first impression was not favourable, I promise to be civil, if only to please you.” She smiled prettily. “And with Lady Gwendolyn going out of her way to favour me, I have her to consider as well.”
“That is all I ask. Who knows, Mr. Darcy may have since regretted his words from the bookshop and may turn out to be an amiable gentleman.”
“Aunt Gardiner, you may think that if you wish, but I find it unlikely.”
At that moment, William happened to glance to where Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were conversing. Obviously stunned at seeing Elizabeth, he quickly composed himself and whispered something to Richard before excusing himself from the group.
“Aunt, he is coming this way. What in heaven’s name is he about? Surely he does not intend to apologise now when we have not been properly introduced.”
“Elizabeth, could it be he has mistaken you for Eliza? It is completely logical considering his aunt is such a good friend to Lady Deming as well as godmother to her eldest. Even though you are cousins, he would have no knowledge that the two of you look so much alike.”
Not taking her gaze from him for a moment she said, “So it would seem.”
A few moments later William was standing directly in front of Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner. Bowing, he curtly enquired, “Miss Deming, may we speak privately?”
Elizabeth continued to stare at him, momentarily surprised by his abrupt demeanour. “Sir,” she replied coolly. “I believethere is some mistake. I amnotMiss Deming, and neither have we been properly introduced.”
A mask of hauteur came over William’s face. True, other than their unfortunate encounter at the bookshop, it had been some years since they were in each other’s company, yet to refuse to acknowledge him in this way was unconscionable.
“I see,” he responded through gritted teeth. Obviously irritated by Elizabeth’s response, William excused himself and left as abruptly as he came.
“My goodness,” said Elizabeth, a bit stunned.
“Come, my dear. Without giving too many particulars, let us alert Lady Gwendolyn to the fact that Mr. Darcy has mistaken you for your cousin. It would be best if she were to make the introduction and help us clear up this misunderstanding before going in to dine.”
“I agree.”
Seeing that William was visibly upset, Richard stopped him as he was about to leave the room. “Cousin, what did she say?” he whispered. “Did she not accept your apology?”
“I was not given the opportunity,” he nearly spat. “Not to mention she refused to acknowledge me by saying she was not Eliza Deming and that we had never been properly introduced. I tell you, Richard, I never cared for the younger Deming sister and her silly pranks, but this time she has gone too far.”
“Frankly, I find it hard to believe that Eliza Deming is even here of all places. Mother said nothing about her attending. As I recall, Miss Eliza was not one who enjoyed intellectual exchanges.”
“That is an understatement. I may owe the woman an apology, but I will not be made a fool of.”
“I understand.” Glancing over his shoulder, Richard remarked, “Curious; it appears Miss Eliza is speaking with Lady Gwendolyn.”
“She what?! Excuse me. I believe I have something to settle.” He turned and strode with purpose, heading straight for Lady Gwendolyn, with Richard in tow.
The Other Side of the Room
“You say he has you confused with your cousin Eliza Deming?” questioned Lady Gwendolyn. “I do not believe I have ever met the woman.”
“Lady Deming and my father are twins, Your Ladyship, and my cousin and I bear a remarkable family resemblance. My cousin’s elder sister, Eleanor Deming, is Lady Eleanor’s god-daughter and I suspect that is how Mr. Darcy met my cousin in the first place.”
Lady Gwendolyn chuckled softly behind her fan. “My dear friend is far too serious for his own good. Let me handle this; it will only take a moment to clear up the confusion. Ah, I see both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are about to join us, and not looking too happy I might add.”
“Lady Gwendolyn,” William bowed curtly, failing to acknowledge Elizabeth or Mrs. Gardiner.
