“Darcy, I had not understood the matter to be so grave. I knew of the fall, but nothing more.”
“It occurred almost two weeks ago, and he has not yet shown any response. There is no injury upon him except where his head struck a large rock. The swelling has diminished, and the bruising has faded, yet he has neither opened his eyes nor answered in any manner.” He shifted in his seat.
“My uncle required my cousin to return home in the event that Philip does not recover.”
Georgiana’s composure faltered, and Elizabeth took her hand.
“Georgiana, young men often hazard themselves and yet recover without lasting harm. Your family will know more in a short time. I recall the eldest son of one of our tenants, who persisted in climbing trees despite every warning from his father. One day, a decayed branch gave way beneath him, and he fell. He did not wake for almost three weeks, but his mother sustained him with sweet tea and broth, using a toddy lifter. He recovered his strength in due course and left for the city last year to take a post as a legal clerk. He prospers there now.” Georgiana pressed Elizabeth’s hand.
“One would never suppose he had stood so near death. In truth, he slept while his mind recovered.”
Georgiana took comfort from the account, and Elizabeth returned the conversation toThe Mysteries of Udolpho. They continued in pleasant discourse until the carriage drew up near the bank of the River Thames.
Chapter 11: Vaux Hall Gardens
Mr. Bingley turned to the ladies. “I believe you will all enjoy crossing the Thames in a boat to reach the gardens, so we shall alight here.”
The two gentlemen handed the ladies from the carriage, and together they made their way toward the watermen.
For Elizabeth, who had never been on anything larger than her father’s skiff, the crossing became part of the day's adventure. She was soon able to hear music from the gardens drift faintly across the water, mingling with the creak of oars and the low voices of other passengers. Upon reaching the other side, they were carried along by the crowd and finally entered Vauxhall Gardens. They followed Mr. Bingley and Jane along the Grand Walk until they came to the Rotunda.
Georgiana turned to Mr. Darcy, her eyes bright. “Brother, may we sit a while and listen to the orchestra?”
“Of course, my dear.” Mr. Darcy indicated an empty bench, and the party soon settled there, listening to the music while observing the elegantly dressed women promenading along the Grand Walk.
When half an hour had passed, Mr. Bingley turned to the sisters. “May we escort you to the Chinese Pavilion? I have secured a box and arranged for a light meal, including Vauxhall’s famed ham and its celebrated cheesecake.”
Georgiana looked to Elizabeth. “I have never tasted cheesecake, have you?”
“I had never heard of it before today, and I must confess I am as eager as you are to try it.”
“You ladies must try the Vauxhall ham while you are here. It enjoys a reputation for both flavor and delicacy,” Mr. Darcy said as he offered his arms to his sister and Elizabeth, and they followed behind Jane and his friend.
As they moved along the Grand Walk toward the Chinese Pavilion, Elizabeth was pleased by Mr. Darcy’s attentiveness. He kept her firmly at his side, and though the nearness bordered upon impropriety, she knew no one among the crowd and supposed it would pass without remark. A glance at his sister showed that he held Georgiana with equal care upon his other arm. As they advanced through the throng, Elizabeth understood that he was shielding her from the press around them, for several young gentlemen had taken too much wine and were behaving without restraint. More than one man came near enough to crowd Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy drew her against himself to prevent her from being jostled. She caught the scent he wore. It suited him, and she breathed him in, treasuring the moment of closeness and fixing it in her memory.
When they reached the boxes, they took their seats, and a server arrived at once with the order Mr. Bingley had placed earlier. Mr. Darcy poured champagne for the company while the dishes were laid out, platters of cold meats and cheeses, breads, custards, and a bowl of salad. The final tray bore tarts and a cheesecake dressed with blueberry syrup.
“Brother, may I taste the cheesecake first?”
Darcy grinned at his sister and then served her a generous portion. “Certainly, my dear. You must tell us whether it deserves its reputation.”
Elizabeth watched intently as her young friend sampled the cake.
“It is excellent. It dissolves at once and is not cloying. I detect a note of lemon. The sharpness and the sweetness are well balanced.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, amused, and then served Elizabeth a generous piece.
“Miss Elizabeth, you must not delay, for your wishes are written plainly upon your countenance.”
“Sir, you are too observant.” She accepted the plate from him with a laugh, then tasted the cake and closed her eyes as the flavors blended upon her tongue. She made a low sound of pleasure. When she opened her eyes, she became aware that she had drawn Mr. Darcy’s fixed attention; yet the instant he perceived that she had observed him, he turned aside, a deeper color rising in his cheeks.
He assembled a sandwich on the small squares of bread. Elizabeth watched as he layered the thinly sliced Vauxhall ham, cheese, and butter lettuce with oil and vinegar. He ate it in two bites, then prepared another while the ladies continued with their dessert.
When Elizabeth had done, he offered her a sandwich. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“My dear, will you have one as well?”
“Yes, brother, with extra ham. The slices are so fine one might see through them.”
