And indeed the torment stopped when the Darcys and the colonel appeared, the presence of her betrothed lightening her heart and relieving her concerns.
Chapter 5
The carriage took them from Gracechurch Street—near Cheapside, as Miss Bingley had pointed out more than once—to a gathering amidst the most illustrious members of London society.
Elizabeth’s heart was beating at a frightful pace when Fitzwilliam finally took her hand in his; she looked at him with bright eyes and then blushed, remembering they were not alone in the carriage.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered.
“Thank you, sir, you are very kind,” she answered politely and smiled nervously.
“I am being honest, I assure you.”
“Indeed, you look beautiful,” Georgiana said, and the colonel supported the compliment.
They all laughed with kindness, inviting Elizabeth to be at ease.
“So do you,” Elizabeth replied to her future sister-in-law.
“I am a little nervous about this evening,” Georgiana admitted.
“As am I,” said Elizabeth, trying to smile. “It is good to know I am not alone.”
“Neither of you is alone: I am here for you both,” Darcy said, kissing Elizabeth’s gloved fingers.
“Miss Bennet, I must tell you that my mother enjoyed dinner and company last evening. She told me she regretted the absence of my father,” the colonel said, and the meaning of his words did not escape Elizabeth.
“I am glad to hear that. Will Lord Matlock join us this evening?”
“He will. My mother insisted. And once my mother decides something, there are very few chances she will not succeed,” the colonel replied.
“I imagine most mothers are the same,” Elizabeth jested.
They were silent momentarily, needing to rest for the confrontation to come. Elizabeth wanted to laugh at her worries as it seemed they were heading not towards an opera but a battlefield.
“Lady Edwina has arrived; she is staying at our place. You will like her very much,” Georgiana declared in the enthusiastic way that characterised her so well when she was amid family.
“I am sure I shall,” Elizabeth answered, her tone less assured than her words. She had already endured unpleasant meetings with elderly ladies from his family. Even Lady Matlock, who declared that she ‘enjoyed’ the dinner, seemed not to totally enjoy Elizabeth’s answers to her probing questions. She looked at Darcy for support; indeed, he smiled, trying to make her feel comfortable during her first encounter with London society. Still, Elizabeth saw the shadow of a persistent worry in his face.
“We shall meet the others in the main upper hall,” he explained. “I expect it to be quite crowded. I heard there is not a single seat available. Most of our relatives will be there.”
“Oh…” Elizabeth murmured.
The colonel laughed. “Do not worry; they are not as frightening as they might appear. Dull at times but not frightening.”
Elizabeth returned the laughter. “Very few things must be frightening for the second son of an earl who is also a colonel in His Majesty’s Army.”
“Or for a witty young woman with noble character and strong determination,” Darcy said hoarsely, kissing Elizabeth’s hand again. Their eyes met and held for a long moment, and the bond between them almost subdued her anxiety. She could defeat any opposition when she had his love and trust.
Arriving at the impressive Covent Garden, they finally achieved a calmer attitude, although the crowd gathered at the entrance and on the adjoining streets distressed Elizabeth again. She could see Georgiana pale, holding her breath while gazing outside.
Darcy left the carriage first and then handed out his sister and betrothed. The colonel offered his arm to Georgiana, who clasped it quickly. Darcy put Elizabeth’s hand on his arm and covered it with his own as they walked towards the entrance.
She glanced around while Darcy and his cousin greeted several acquaintances. No introductions were made until the main hall where, in the centre of another impressive crowd, Elizabeth spotted Lady Matlock with her eldest son, another lady—probably Lady Edwina—and a severe gentleman with a grave countenance: Lord Matlock.
Amid many voices, laughter, and exclamations, Elizabeth was introduced to the earl, who bowed to her with cold formality, then to Lady Edwina.
Elizabeth curtsied, but rather than returning the gesture, Lady Edwina took her hands warmly, showing genuine pleasure at meeting her godson’s betrothed.
