“And why is that a shame?”
“Because I had high hopes of finding you more sensible. Are you going to disappoint me after all and prove foolish and sentimental?”
“If such things as folly and sentiment disappoint you, then it is very probable, yes. Though, if it will ease your mind, I have no objection to acknowledging a fine streak of impertinence.”
“Perfect!” Mrs Sinclair broke into a toothy grin and turned to call across the room. “Mr Darcy, have you any gin? I feel a thirst coming on.”
Darcy looked over, a knowing smile playing about his lips. “I did warn you, madam.”
Comprehending that she was not party to their joke, but satisfied she had passed some manner of test, Elizabeth turned to the conversation on the opposite sofa in time to hear Georgiana say, “Lizzy was wonderful. I should have been terrified to be asked so many questions by so many strangers.”
“Miss Darcy is telling me about your trip to the theatre,” her aunt explained. “You were well received I hear?”
“Well enough. Nobody was uncivil at least. No doubt, I disappointed them all by not being dressed in rags. Oh, but there was onegentleman there whose acquaintance I was particularly happy to make—Darcy’s friend, Mr Montgomery. He is very amiable.”
“And exceptionally useful, so I understand from Darcy,” Fitzwilliam said.
“Aye!” she agreed, briefly explaining for everybody else Mr Montgomery’s part in uniting her with Darcy.
“It is so sad that he should be a widower at such a young age, though,” said Georgiana.
“Is he?” Fitzwilliam cried.
“He is,” Darcy confirmed. “His wife died the year after they arrived in India. The man is in an unenviable state of limbo. He has returned to England in possession of an infant son with no mother and a considerable fortune with no estate.”
“No estate?” Mrs Sinclair enquired. “I understood the Montgomerys owned Stortley Castle?”
“His father gambled away every brick,” said Fitzwilliam. “And then died.”
“Not quite as useful as his son, then?”
Fitzwilliam snorted. “Perhaps if Montgomery is in possession of both fortune and heir but wants for land and a wife,hecould marry Anne and save me the bother.”
“His uses multiply!” Mrs Sinclair exclaimed.
“What is this?” Darcy enquired.
“Lady Catherine has set her sights on Thirson now that her preferred suitor is no longer available.”
Other than pressing his lips together very slightly, Elizabeth thought Darcy did an admirable job of concealing his amusement.
“Matlock would never consent to it,” he said.
“I do not know,” his cousin replied. “My aunt likes to have her way very well.”
“True, but Montgomery has had misfortune enough. Pray, find another dupe to saddle with such a mother.”
The subject was pursued no further, and proceedings took a musical turn with performances at the pianoforte by Mrs Gardiner, Georgiana and Elizabeth. After that, Fitzwilliam and Mr Gardiner proved a hilarious pairing as they read scenes fromTristram Shandy. Eventually, Mrs Gardiner begged her husband to take her home before she fell asleep, and the exceedingly agreeable evening drew to an end.
Whilst everybody else donned their hats and coats and expressed their anticipation to be reunited at Longbourn for the wedding, Darcy pulled Elizabeth to one side for a private goodbye. “Before you go, I have something for you.”
He produced a small box, lifted the lid and held it towards her. Elizabeth’s chest squeezed with emotion. Within lay a silver and diamond leaf-shaped brooch.
“I preferred you to have one I could be sure would not wither and die.” He lifted her chin with a finger. “For I shall never cease loving you, Elizabeth.”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam, it is exquisite! Thank you.”
“Thankyou.Darcy House has never felt more my home than when you are here with me. The day cannot come soon enough that I do not have to watch you leave.”
