The young girl almost bounced with excitement. “Yes, Lizzy. I have had it these two months, but I had no occasion to wear it until now.”
Mr. Darcy then addressed their aunt. “Mrs. Gardiner, we shall take our leave. We must dine early, for Covent Garden begins at seven, and we must not arrive after the curtain rises.”
Mr. Bingley added. “I understand this play is all the rage. It has succeeded beyond anything expected, and I should not wish the ladies to miss any part of it.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, and then turned to her nieces. “My girls, enjoy yourselves. Your uncle returns tonight, but I imagine he will retire early, as he will be fatigued from the travel and the work that has occupied him. You shall see him in the morning.”
Jane spoke for them both. “Aunt Maddie, please give our love to our uncle, and tell him how glad we are that he is home at last.”
Both sisters kissed her cheek, and then Elizabeth accepted Mr. Darcy's extended arm.
He turned to address Mrs. Gardiner. “I shall have your nieces safely home before two o’clock, ma’am. We dine at Darcy House at half past four. The Hursts and Miss Caroline will join our party this evening, and after dinner we shall proceed to the theater.”
“I expect the farce will be concluded by eleven, and then, if you do not object, we should like to return to Darcy House for a light supper. Afterward, we shall escort the Miss Bennets back to Gracechurch Street.”
“That sounds an exciting evening out, sir,” she said.
“Good evening, Mrs. Gardiner.”
The acknowledged couple led the way to the carriage, and the unacknowledged followed behind, their eyes meeting with an intensity that required no words. Mr. Bingley maintained a stream of agreeable conversation which included them all, though Elizabeth, if asked, could not have recounted anything he said.
Elizabeth recognized the streets as they entered Mayfair. As the carriage came to a halt, she looked out the window and beheld a four-storied townhouse built of white Suffolk brick and stone. Its five plate-glass windows, with recessed sashes, caught the late-afternoon light in all its warmth.
She was handed down by Mr. Darcy, and they walked together towards the central porch, which was supported by paired Corinthian columns. Georgiana was already a little ahead, eagerly removing her cloak, for she desired to play her latest sonata for her friend.
As Elizabeth approached the entrance, she raised her eyes to view the second-floor windows with their eared decorativecasings and cornices. The house possessed an elegance that was not ostentatious. She thought it a reflection of the gentleman himself, refined, restrained, and quietly impressive.
Within the foyer, a footman relieved her of her heavy outer cloak, though she kept her cashmere shawl, for the air remained chill. Reticule in hand, she followed after Jane and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy walked at her side, and when he reached for her hand, she lifted her eyes and saw that one corner of his lips curved up slightly. Was he smiling at her?
“Miss Elizabeth, are you warm enough?”
“Yes, sir, I am quite comfortable.”
He offered his arm, and she accepted it, as he called after his sister.
“Georgiana, where are you rushing off to, my dear?”
Georgiana turned. “Brother, I left the sheet music for my new song in my room. May I be excused to retrieve it? I wish to play it for Lizzy while we wait for dinner to be announced.”
“Of course, my dear, but send Peter or Robert, or one of the maids.”
She giggled. “Brother, they will never find it, for I fear I left it beneath a pile of school books in my parlor.”
“Very well, then. Run along. You will find us in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam.”
He glanced down at Elizabeth with a smile. “Georgiana is forever misplacing things. There are days when I doubt she will everoutgrow her habit of leaving half her possessions about the house.”
Elizabeth laughed, but their exchange was interrupted as Miss Bingley appeared in the doorway of the drawing room.
She was staring pointedly at Elizabeth, her eyes drawn to where Elizabeth’s hand remained covered by Mr. Darcy’s, a gesture which, until that moment, Elizabeth herself had scarcely noticed. Mr. Darcy withdrew his hand and offered Miss Bingley a brief bow.
“Miss Bingley. I see you have arrived. And the Hursts?”
Caroline colored. “My sister has not yet come. I arrived ahead of them, hoping to have a little time with you before dinner. I wished to ask a particular question regarding the investment of my dowry.”
Mr. Darcy’s brows lifted. “Is that so? Charles has not mentioned any desire for changes.”
