“So had we all.”
“Then we must certainly come,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “And when Lady Matlock declares, the rest of us comply.”
Lady Ashford's glance shifted briefly toward Elizabeth and Darcy, who stood a little apart amid the general confusion. “She may also,” she added, amusement in her voice, “have some curiosity to satisfy.”
The next evening Darcy left his house a little before six and walked toward Grosvenor Street. The distance was slight; only a few doors separated his residence from Lord Matlock's house, yet he preferred to arrive on foot. As he reached the corner, the Gardiners' carriage came into view, and he went forward in time to meet it. Mr. Gardiner descended first.
“You have chosen your moment well, Darcy.”
“I was determined to do so.”
Mr. Gardiner laughed, handed down his wife, and conducted her toward the steps. Elizabeth remained only a moment longer within the carriage. Darcy stepped forward at once.
“Miss Bennet.”
He offered his hand, and as she descended from the carriage he assisted her to the pavement.
“You have been much occupied today,” she said.
“I have. Though I found it a poor substitute for our morning.”
“You must learn to bear such disappointments.”
“I shall endeavour, though I cannot promise success.”
He raised her hand to his lips.
“You improve my chances very little.”
Elizabeth laughed, and he offered his arm. Together they followed the Gardiners up the steps, where Lord and Lady Matlock were already assembled in the drawing room.
“Madeline, my dear,” said Lady Matlock, “you have been too long away from us.”
“My dear Aunt Deborah,” Mrs. Gardiner returned, taking her hands, “we have been most happily detained.”
“That, I think, is already understood,” said Lady Matlock.
“Miss Bennet, I am very glad to see you again.”
Elizabeth curtsied. “You are very good, ma'am.”
Lady Matlock smiled and gave a slight inclination of her head. “We are delighted to have you with us.” She then turned to her husband, who welcomed the party with his usual ease.
“Richard,” said Lord Matlock, “you have not yet met Miss Bennet.”
Richard came forward at once.
“Miss Bennet, my youngest son, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Richard, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“I have heard so much of you that I am glad to make your acquaintance,” he said, bowing over her hand.
“I hope, sir, that what you have heard has not raised expectations too high.”
“Not at all,” he returned. “If anything, I suspect my cousin has been sparing in his account.”
Darcy's look in answer was brief and not particularly encouraging. Richard only smiled and moved on to greet Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
At that moment Lord and Lady Ashford were announced.
