He turned to Elizabeth. “You look exceedingly well. I have not the words to do you justice.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You are doing very well so far, sir.”
Darcy glanced about. “Are we waiting for your parents?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “They are not coming.”
Darcy’s brows drew together slightly. “I am surprised.”
Elizabeth smiled, lowering her voice in imitation of her father. “‘London holds few attractions for me, but I find your Mr. Darcy’s library, as I believe I must now call it, remarkably tolerable.’”
“And my mother,” she continued in her usual tone, “is concerned with being observed, and fears she may commit some impropriety.”
Darcy inclined his head. “The ton may be both intimidating and tiresome.”
Lady Catherine entered the hall. “Well, are we to remain here all evening, or shall we proceed to the theatre?”
They followed her to the carriage and soon set off. As they neared the theatre, their carriage joined the long line waiting to set down its passengers.
***
At last, they arrived, and Darcy assisted the ladies from the carriage, offering his arm to Elizabeth, while Georgiana remained close beside them.
“Pray stay near,” he said quietly. “We should not wish to be separated.”
They entered the building. Brilliant light filled the entrance, where clusters of elegantly dressed company gathered in easy conversation. Glances were exchanged as frequently as words, and many had come as much to observe as to be entertained. The hum of voices and movement gave the whole scene an air of fashionable anticipation.
Elizabeth looked about and soon noticed the Matlocks and Colonel Fitzwilliam making their way toward them. She touched Darcy’s sleeve lightly and inclined her head in their direction.
Lord and Lady Matlock greeted them with composed warmth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled. “It hardly seems fair that you should have the escort of so many lovely ladies, Darcy.”
Darcy gave a slight shrug. “You must find your own.”
Before more was said, Miss Bingley’s voice was heard before she came into view. The Bingleys and the Hursts approached the group.
Miss Bingley stepped directly toward Darcy. “It is so good to see you,” she said, taking his arm, already occupied by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth released his arm at once; her expression did not change.
Darcy stopped short and looked at Miss Bingley with marked displeasure. “I beg your pardon, Miss Bingley.”
He immediately resumed his place beside Elizabeth and Georgiana and led them toward their box.
Bingley came up beside his sister with Jane. “Come along, Caroline, do try to behave.”
Darcy guided Elizabeth, Georgiana, Mary, and Anne into his box, with Colonel Fitzwilliam joining them. Nearby, in the adjoining box, Lord and Lady Matlock were seated with Lady Catherine, the Bingleys, Jane, and the Hursts.
Though the actors commanded the stage, the surrounding boxes offered their own quiet entertainment.
Elizabeth’s attention wandered from the performance to the adjoining box. Lady Catherine was speaking with evident authority, one hand lifted slightly as she addressed Miss Bingley, who listened with a fixed smile.
A movement beside her drew her notice. Jane and Mr. Bingley were engaged in quiet conversation, their heads inclined toward one another, seemingly far more interested in each other than in the play.
Elizabeth allowed herself a small smile before returning her gaze to the stage.
It was only after some time that she became aware of the warmth of Mr. Darcy’s hand about her own.
