Darcy was still reeling over her assumption that there would be two weddings. He shook his head and looked longingly at Elizabeth, who seemed to be enjoying a rational conversation with her father and her uncle Philips. Their eyes met, she shook her head with a smile, and with a nod in his direction, said something to her father. She probably took diabolical delight seeing Darcy stuck beside her mother. This could be a test.
Taking a deep breath, Darcy steeled his resolve and smiled at Mrs. Bennet. “If Bingley intends to invite more guests to Netherfield, I am unaware of it.”
“No matter,” Mrs. Bennet tittered, smacking her fan against his arm, the champagne she held in her other hand sloshing over the brim of her glass. “I daresay two weddings are more than enough for one year.”
Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty ran in a circle around a group of officers, squealing and making a spectacle of themselves.
“Jane and Lizzy will do their duty by their sisters and put my youngest in the way of other rich gentlemen.” Mrs. Bennet accented her lofty claim with a hiccup.
Not if Darcy had anything to do with it. He was more determined than ever to prevent Bingley from attaching himself to such a family before he had gained more command over himself and his household.
“Mrs. Bennet,” Mr. Bennet took his wife’s glass. “Shall I fetch you a glass of punch? It is rather hot in here.”
“Thank you, my dear, but if there is more champagne, I would much rather have that.”
“I believe punch is in order, and perhaps a plate of sandwiches.”
“Oh, I do love a cucumber sandwich!”
“Then it is settled. Lady Lucas, may I fetch anything for you?”
The lady declined, using the opportunity to take her leave. While she had attempted to brag about her eldest son at university—the handsomest young man in all of Hertfordshire, according to Mrs. Bennet—Lady Lucas’ daughters were unattached and therefore of no consequence to Mrs. Bennet.
Turning to Darcy, Mr. Bennet added with a twinkle in his eye, “Perhaps you would be so good as to accompany me. Lizzy said she was rather parched, and I have not hands enough to fetch refreshments for both ladies.”
Darcy bowed his head. This was Elizabeth’s doing. He did not consider himself deserving of her assistance when, only seconds ago, he had credited her with a vengeful motive. She was more forgiving than he was, a trait he was grateful for, given his previous behavior toward her.
He accompanied Mr. Bennet to the refreshment table, gladly dismissing himself from Mrs. Bennet, who had no trouble attaching herself to a new cluster of females over which she could preside. All the while, Darcy pondered how much he had yet to learn about the lady he was to marry.
* * *
Appearingto be the enchanted maiden hurt Elizabeth’s cheeks, but she kept smiling. She peeked over at Mr. Darcy, watching him struggle to maintain his stoic expression and dignified posture. He had lasted much longer in her mother’s company than Elizabeth had expected. Then again, if his mind was as muddled as hers was, he was not fully aware of the conversation surrounding him. Still, she was not indifferent to his plight.
If Mr. Darcy could act like the attentive soon-to-be son-in-law of a woman he surely considered ridiculous, then Elizabeth would continue to smile. She would act like the understanding betrothed and spare him.
She whispered to her father, “I am certain Mr. Darcy would appreciate a reprieve. Perhaps you could offer to fetch Mama some refreshment and request his assistance?”
Papa complied, leaving her alone with Sir William, who was adept at carrying on a conversation with little help from her. Free to muse, Elizabeth reflected on what she had learned about Mr. Darcy.
She still could not believe he had bent down on one knee to propose. A real, proper proposal. Then, he had revealed his prior admission to Miss Bingley! Not only had he saved Elizabeth’s reputation and that of her family, but he had done so in such a way as to grant her a greater degree of dignity. First he knew how to be charming, and now he could be gallant?
Mr. Darcy had everything to offer a lady seeking security, comfort, and position, and he selflessly bestowed it upon Elizabeth when she had nothing to offer him. Was he truly so selfless? So heroic?
She would not have believed it, given Mr. Wickham’s tale of woe, but Mr. Darcy had poked gaping holes in the soldier’s claims. Elizabeth could no longer give the story much credence.
She clearly understood much less of Mr. Darcy’s character than she had thought. The gentleman she was engaged to was a stranger—a stranger with the surprising ability to make her stomach flutter.
Elizabeth had always dreamed of a deep and lasting love. She knew that, of all her sisters, she was the most difficult to please and would therefore be the least likely to marry. Her father might be proud of her strong mind, but it would not be praised by society. She was more likely to disagree with Mr. Darcy than not.
But she would make the best of their situation, as she always did. It gave Elizabeth hope to see that Mr. Darcy, at least for now, was trying to do the same.
Jane and Charlotte appeared at her side. “You will have a fine home, Lizzy,” said Charlotte.
Jane scooped Elizabeth’s hands into hers, her eyes searching. “But do you love him?” she asked softly. “I thought you did not even like him.”
While Elizabeth could not truthfully reply to Jane’s first question, she could address the second implication with confidence. “There is much more to Mr. Darcy than I previously gave him credit for.” She glanced at him. His tall frame made him easy to locate in a crowded room. Papa and Mr. King flanked his sides, perfectly content to philosophize without requiring his participation. When Mr. Darcy’s eyes met hers, she returned his smile. He looked down at the full glass in his hand, and she shook her head. Her thirst could wait to be quenched.
The exchange did not escape Charlotte, who looped her arm through Jane’s. “You have always professed you would marry for love, and I have always wished you success in your endeavor. It pleases me to see evidence that you have found what you sought. Mr. Darcy is an exceptional gentleman.”
