The question annoyed Darcy at once, and he frowned while replying sternly, "Colonel Fitzwilliam will join us."
"What about Lord and Lady Matlock?" Mrs Hurst continued.
"I only spoke to them yesterday, and it was short notice. They had previous plans."
"Oh, I see…" Mrs Hurst glanced at her sister.
"I shall host a dinner in the coming days too," Bingley declared, then addressed Jane and her family. "Perhaps you could come and visit my house tomorrow?"
"We would like that very much." Jane blushed and looked at her father for approval.
"But, my dear Jane, I am afraid it will not be possible for you to return from Gracechurch to Mayfair tomorrow. It is not an easy distance," Miss Bingley said with pretended concern.
"It is very kind of you to worry about us; however, we shall be quite close to Mr Bingley's house! Mr Darcy has invited all of us to stay the night," Elizabeth answered sharply. She had had enough of Miss Bingley's impertinence, especially since she insisted on offending her relatives. She would not allow that—and certainly not in her future home.
A moment later, however, Miss Bingley's rudeness was forgotten. It meant nothing compared to the unexpected appearance that startled the entire party: Lady Matlock, her eldest son, Viscount Stanton, and the youngest, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Chapter 4
Darcy rose to his feet with alacrity to greet his august aunt. The unexpected arrival of Lady Matlock, after the discourse of the previous evening, had filled his heart with a palpable sense of anticipation yet covered in uncertainty.
“Lady Matlock—welcome,” he said, calm yet slightly suspicious, a disposition he could hardly hide.
“Good evening,” replied her ladyship, her elegance and formality casting a scrutinising glance about the room, her curiosity barely concealed. “I trust we are not late?”
“Not in the least. Pray, do come in,” Darcy assured her. Then, with a touch of formality, he gestured towards his betrothed and her family. “May I have the honour of presenting my intended, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, along with her family?”
Everyone rose to bow and courtesy to her ladyship as she responded with a slight nod of her head. The viscount waselegant and friendly in his manner, while the colonel did not refrain from expressing his delight.
“Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure to see you once more! I declare, you are lovelier than when we last met. I must extend my congratulations—or rather, congratulate my cousin for securing so fine a lady.” With these words, Colonel Fitzwilliam took Elizabeth’s hands with a familiarity that bespoke genuine warmth.
“Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” she replied with a radiant smile. “It is a pleasure to see you again as well.”
“I believe dinner is ready. Shall we?” Darcy invited the party to move into the dining room, which they did in silence, stealing curious glances at each other.
Lady Matlock was invited to sit at the head of the table opposite Darcy.
As the assembly settled into their places, her ladyship addressed Elizabeth with an unmistakable air of purpose.
“Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the favour of sitting beside me? I should very much like the opportunity for conversation.”
A slight furrow appeared on Darcy’s brow, and for an instant, he seemed poised to intervene. Yet, ever perceptive, Elizabeth offered him a reassuring smile before turning to Lady Matlock. “Thank you, your ladyship. I should like that very much.”
With quiet composure, she took the designated seat, her gaze flickering towards Darcy at the other end of the table. There was concern in his eyes, though she felt no such disquiet. After enduring the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh and suffering the slights of the Bingley sisters, little indeed could unsettle her.
However, Lady Matlock was an impressive and elegant presence, both in appearance and manners, which was totally lacking in Lady Catherine. During dinner, she asked severalquestions about Elizabeth’s family, how she intended to spend her time in London, and her preferences in books, theatre, and opera. Elizabeth knew she was under scrutiny. She could easily understand Lady Matlock’s concern regarding her nephew’s future, so she bore the rather indiscreet and lengthy inquiry with patience and a light heart.
As the final course was served, Lady Matlock, with calculated ease, introduced a new subject. “There is to be a rather special performance at the opera the day after tomorrow. Our party will be in attendance, as, I daresay, will many of our acquaintances. Would you care to join us, Miss Elizabeth?”
The unexpected invitation caused Elizabeth to glance instinctively at Darcy, then back at her ladyship, before her gaze returned to him again.
Lady Matlock, meanwhile, continued, her smile polite yet calm. “I regret to say that our box will be rather full. However, there will be ample room for yourself, Darcy, and Georgiana.”
A weighty silence fell over the table. Elizabeth felt the sharp sting of the implication—the unspoken delineation between herself and her family, the clear demarcation of social standing that Lady Matlock sought to establish. What had been, mere moments ago, an evening of amiable conversation now carried the unmistakable chill of division.
To the astonishment of all, Mr Bennet broke the silence. “I am certain my daughter would be delighted to accept your ladyship. She has always been fond of theatre and opera, and it would be a shame for her to miss such an opportunity.”
Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged a glance of mutual understanding. Mr Bennet’s words held more significance than their surface politeness suggested—he recognised that this invitation, carefully curated as it was, could mark the beginning of Elizabeth’s formal introduction into the higher echelons ofsociety. It was a step she must take, however imperfect the circumstances.
