She had kept one hand upon the rail and now let it fall. “No, sir. I believe my balance is restored.”
“And you, Georgie?”
The young lady faltered as she stepped down, and he was quick to provide support. He offered his other arm to Elizabeth, and the three descended together.
They returned the blankets and joined Mr. Bingley and Jane upon the bench, where they sat engaged in earnest conversation. Bingley said, “I have promised Miss Bennet that we shall visit the acrobats at the Triumphal Arches.”
“Fitzwilliam, how much I shall have to tell Richard. First the balloon ascent, and now the acrobats besides. He will refuse to credit a word of it.”
“We shall see him tomorrow, my dear. He will call before he departs for Matlock. He has undertaken to secure the opinion of a specialist for Philip.”
Mr. Darcy turned toward Elizabeth.
“Our cousin, Philip, Viscount Stafford, was a summer guest of the Earl of Harrington and rode out with the hunting party. A stray shot startled his horse, and he was thrown. He struck a large rock that lay half-buried in the ground and received a blow to the back of his head. He can move his fingers and toes, so paralysis is not suspected, yet he has not regained consciousness.” His expression was bleak. “We trust that the military surgeon may suggest some course of treatment to assist his recovery.”
“Did they discover who fired the shot that caused the accident?” Elizabeth asked.
“Richard has only just returned from the Continent. His first concern is Philip’s care, but he has engaged an inspector to examine the matter. He means to learn whether it was no more than a mischance or a deliberate attempt that failed of its mark.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened. “Who would wish to harm Cousin Philip?”
She turned to Elizabeth in explanation. “Cousin Philip is as handsome as Cousin Richard, though he is fair where Richard and my brother are dark. He possesses a lively temper and shows the greatest devotion to Aunt Helen. No one could be a better son,” then she added hastily, “excepting, of course, my brother and Cousin Richard.”
Elizabeth said, “I am sorry for your cousin, yet all hope is not gone. He may still recover. While they continue to give him water, there remains a chance of restoration.”
They continued in conversation until they reached the Arches, where their attention was claimed by the acrobats. They paused to watch a rope dancer whose leaps rose to a remarkable height, yet with each descent, he found the rope with perfect certainty. He jumped and turned, and performed figures that held them all in suspense. When a second performer, a lady, mounted the rope beside him, they were all astonished. He balanced a chair upon his head, and she achieved a handstand upon it.
Georgiana covered her eyes, fearing a fall. Elizabeth stood transfixed. Mr. Darcy had seen the exhibition before and devoted his attention to watching Elizabeth instead.
When the performance concluded, he addressed her. “May I procure a glass of light sherry for you, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, thank you, sir. I should like it very much.”
“And for you, Georgie, a glass of negus.”
He settled the ladies beside Jane in a box Mr. Bingley had secured, then went to procure the refreshments. Mr. Bingley was ordering cheesecake when Mr. Darcy returned with glasses for Elizabeth and Georgiana. A server followed with drinks for the others. They took their seats and enjoyed a moment of rest, and the cheesecake was served soon after.
Mr. Darcy drew his chair near Elizabeth and inclined his head to follow the conversation between her and his sister. He observed Elizabeth’s expression as they reviewed all they had seen and heard during their visit to the gardens.
When dusk began to fall, Elizabeth watched as thousands of small oil lamps and colored lanterns, suspended from the branches along each principal walk, were lit. The illumination transformed the gardens. The golden light trembled with the movement of the light breeze and gave the whole scene an appearance of enchantment. Elizabeth was absorbed in the sight.
She started at a sudden report that sounded overhead, then saw the fireworks break across the sky. “Oh, how lovely. I could never have imagined...”
Mr. Darcy bent his head nearer hers and offered, “If you are ready, we may walk to the green for a better view of the fireworks.”
“I would like that very much, sir.”
He rose and escorted them while Bingley and Jane followed.
Mr. Darcy observed, “Miss Elizabeth, your hair shows like burnished copper in this illumination. The effect is remarkable.”
“Thank you, sir. I was thinking the same of Georgiana. Her hair holds threads of gold in this light.”
“Miss Elizabeth, do you visit London often?”
“No, sir. My uncle’s family usually comes to Longbourn to visit. They both enjoy the fresh air, and my uncle takes great pleasure in fishing and in riding.”
“You do not miss the opportunity to shop at fine establishments or to enjoy the entertainments found only in town?”
