“The poor dear. His heart was broken years ago, you know. He is scared to love again.” Amelia patted Charlotte’s hand kindly. “I ought not to have said anything. Simply know that I am grateful that you have befriended him. Heaven knows he has experienced enough heartache in his life.”
Charlotte said nothing and Amelia picked up her book and began reading. Lost in her thoughts, she worked mindlessly on her embroidery, mulling over the complicated state of affairs she now found herself embroiled in.
It was not fair for Sir Andrew to behave so kindly toward her when he had no intention of marrying. Quite by accident, Charlotte’s heart had become engaged, and now she did not know how to proceed.
Chapter Thirty-Two
June 5, 1812
London
Elizabeth
Elizabeth’s first official social event as Mrs. Darcy happened during the first week of June. Lady de Bourgh had secured invitations to Lady Metcalf’s annual summer ball, and she, Darcy, Charlotte, and Lady de Bourgh were to attend together. Sir Andrew had prior commitments and would be absent that evening.
“Do stop fidgeting, Elizabeth,” Amelia chided gently as the carriage joined the queue leading to the Metcalf’s door. “You look lovely. That color suits you very well.” Charlotte, seated by Amelia, nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, it does.” Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s hand gently, and she calmed at his touch. “It is much better than light, maidenly colors. The green makes your eyes look all the finer.”
She smiled, though her insides still churned with nervousness. In due time, they had departed the carriage and entered the house. Lady Metcalf and her husband, Sir Winston, waited to greet their guests.
“Lady de Bourgh! It is such a pleasure to see you.” Lady Metcalf was of an age with Lady Catherine, if Elizabeth guessed correctly, but she greeted Lady de Bourgh warmly as one would an old friend. “I heard you visited Kent recently. How did you find it?”
“The same as always, my dear friend. Catherine is as she ever was. I did enjoy my visit with Anne.” Amelia turned. “You know Mr. Darcy, of course, but allow me to introduce his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. She is a rare gem, and I have taken quite a liking to her. And this is her particular friend andmyguest, Miss Charlotte Lucas.”
Elizabeth and Charlotte curtsied in turn, and Lady Metcalf regarded them with a curious expression. “Yes, you are both lovely,” she said finally after a moment’s pause. “Do enjoy the evening. Amelia, I would love to speak with you later.”
Amelia nodded, and they followed her into the ballroom. Mr. Darcy offered Lady de Bourgh one arm and Elizabeth the other. Charlotte walked beside and slightly behind her.
“Tell me, Charlotte, will we dance at all tonight?” Elizabeth murmured as they went. She hoped her friend would dance several sets, and that Mr. Darcy would askherfor the opening set.
Charlotte looked very well in her new ball gown. Its color made her skin look luminescent, and the cut and trimmings suited her figure perfectly. Her hair had been styled to great advantage, too, emphasizing her high cheekbones and heart-shaped face.
“You, I am certain, will dance every dance. If Lady de Bourgh is to be believed, the denizens of thetonwill wish to evaluate the new Mrs. Darcy.”
“And judge her worthiness, no doubt.” They came to a stop near a small group of guests and Amelia greeted one of them.
“Mrs. Atkins, it is a pleasure to see you here tonight,” she said. Her tone sounded false, and Elizabeth observed the pinched expression on Mrs. Atkins’s face.A disappointed mama, perhaps?Elizabeth thought it must be so, for there were three ladies with her, their ages appearing to be from twenty to six-and-twenty.
“Mrs. Atkins’s dear mother-in-law is my particular friend,” Amelia informed Elizabeth and Charlotte. She gestured to Elizabeth. “This is Mrs. Darcy. And next to her is my guest, Miss Charlotte Lucas.”
“Pleasure,” Mrs. Atkins said flatly. “How do you do, Mrs. Darcy?”
“Very well.” Elizabeth replied neutrally. “Will you introduce me to your companions?”
Mrs. Atkins nodded and introduced the ladies. “Miss Atkins, Miss Sarah Atkins, and Miss Margaret Atkins. My son, Mr. Reginald Atkins, is over there.”
Elizabeth followed her hand and noted a tall, gangly gentleman standing a little way off with two other men. They seemed absorbed in their discussion and did not acknowledge them.
“Will you dance tonight, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Atkins said, turning to Elizabeth’s husband. “You cannot dance every set with your wife, you know. Lady Metcalf will be expecting you to stand up with all the ladies.”
“I shall do my best to satisfy our hostess,” Darcy replied. “The first set must go to Mrs. Darcy, however, and the second to Miss Lucas.”
“I see. Well, do not stand by the wall all night as I have often seen you do.” Mrs. Atkins then turned back to her daughters, effectively dismissing them.
They moved away, and when they were far enough from the group that they could not overhear, Amelia chuckled. “Poor Mrs. Atkins. She tried very hard to secure Darcy for her eldest.”
Elizabeth turned an inquiring gaze at her husband. He nodded. “Susanna Atkins has been out since she turned eighteen. She is now six-and-twenty. Her mother has attempted to match her with me the last four seasons.”
