“Well, approval can be fickle.”
“Not mine,” he said, wondering if she knew it. She smiled fondly, and he reached to take her hand, but she started. Darcy snatched back his hand and said, with some impatience, “Elizabeth, what is the matter?”
“Nothing” was her only answer before she hastened away.
They had moments of warmth and ease, then suddenly it was gone, like she remembered she could not enjoy being with him. But then she was herself again or would claim nothing was the matter. He was certain there was a distance between them that had not been there before, but she claimed there was not. Was he out of his senses, imagining things?
Inviting her to spend time with him, to put her at ease any way he could, might be the better manner in the long run rather than demanding she confide in him, but it might also drive him mad.
CHAPTER TWENTY
To be invited to a party with plenty of room to stretch oneself at their ease was considered a dull entertainment in London. Tonight was an absolute stifling crush. Darcy had stayed by Elizabeth’s side for the better part of the evening as she charmed every person she met. Lord Galway’s rout in Grosvenor Square was so oppressed with company that the ladies and gentlemen were obliged to scramble and snatch for refreshments while practically crashing into one another every time they took a step.
Darcy set out a steadying hand to keep Elizabeth from stumbling as someone jostled her as she moved toward a tray. “I suppose I should consider it quite a treat if I have the good luck to procure a mouthful to eat.”
“Did you not know?” he asked over the din. “It must be crowded to be a success, a well-dressed mob of persons treading on each other’s heels.”
“This is life in London, is it? Quite theton?”
“Now you know why I prefer Derbyshire. We can leave for Hertfordshire now since you are a social success. Perhaps we need not return to London this winter at all.”
He thought this would please her, but Elizabeth’s playful smile faltered. “I…we should return in January. I have obligations.”
He was surprised, but agreed, and they moved through the room. She must feel the obligation to return all the attention she had received since they married. They had already seen Lord and Lady Galway and some of Elizabeth’s new friends, so as far as Darcy was concerned, now that it was past midnight, they could leave.
“Mrs Darcy,” called Lady Summerlin. She strode toward them with vigour. If Lady Summerlin could endure the crush and the noise in her fifties, Darcy supposed he could manage a little longer. “Are you enjoying the splendour of popularity?”
“I always want to be a credit to my husband, but I am afraid all this bustle is too much, even for me.”
They spoke about one another’s best features in dress and hair, and Darcy wondered if he ought to just leave them. But it would take him an hour to find Elizabeth again if he went in search of anyone else, and he was ready to go home whenever she was.
“You must come to dinner this week and stay in the evening,” said Lady Summerlin. “I have yet to hear you play.”
“My playing is just good enough to be praised,” Elizabeth said, smiling. “I am sure you have many friends whose talents are much beyond mine.”
“I have not heard you yet, either,” Darcy said. There was no instrument in the house in town. His sister had never lived there, and he hosted no mixed parties as a bachelor. He would have to rectify that now that he had a wife. “And I am sure your playing is capital.”
“You will be sorely disappointed, I am afraid. I can accompany my own voice well and know what to play to show myself to advantage, but I am by no means a superior performer.”
“You could not disappoint me.”
They shared a private smile, and he knew she understood he did not mean only about music.
Lady Summerlin said, “You are not wearing the infamous diamonds, my dear.”
Her engaged, amused expression shuttered. “I–I did not think of it.”
“You have not worn the aigrette since the day I gave it to you, have you?” He had been gone, but Darcy could not recall seeing her wear them since he returned or even show them to her aunt.
“I do hate to be over-trimmed.”
“Mrs Darcy, look around.” Lady Summerlin gestured to the room and nearly struck a passer-by. “There is a surfeit of gems, lace, feathers, and gauze. You stand out because you have no adornment.”
“Well,” she rasped, breathing faster, “I would rather not be mentioned in the newspapers, and as you said, it is notable.”
Lady Summerlin shook her head. “Trust me, my dear, you must wear it again soon. It is noteworthy now, and its absence will be mentioned eventually. You might as well get some enjoyment from those diamonds.”
The room was splendidly lit up, and he saw the blood drain from Elizabeth’s face. Lady Summerlin left them and he was about to suggest they leave when he was knocked from behind. He turned and saw that Melrose had been pushed into him.
