Page 70 of Bitterness of Spirit

“A message for me?” she asked.

“Yes. Tomorrow Anne will take a ride in Hyde Park with her companion. Richard and I shall join them. She wondered whether you would happen to be in the park before noon. She would like to meet you if you happen to be there.”

“I would love to meet Miss de Bourgh. What a lovely surprise, indeed. We would also be happy and honoured if she would stop by for a cup of tea…”

Darcy paused slightly. “I am not sure my aunt would approve of that. And Anne is rather restrained with strangers.”

“Yes, I understand. I walk in the park every day, and before noon is my favourite time. We shall be around the place where we last met.”

“Excellent,” Darcy concluded as he helped her sit and moved to his own place, across the table and towards her left side.

Despite Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst’s cold manners, the dinner was declared a success. The decorations were admired, the food was savoured and praised, the conversation animated and interesting.

For Elizabeth, it was truly one of the most delightful evenings, but she looked forward to seeing it end and the next day arriving quickly.

Chapter 17

“Elizabeth, you have awakened early again,” Mr. Wilson greeted her. “You slept poorly, I assume?”

“Quite the contrary—I slept very well.” She smiled.

“We had a lovely time at Bingley’s.”

“Indeed.”

“I also had a chance to speak to them about the ball. I shall send them an invitation in a couple of days, but they have already accepted.”

“I am glad to hear it. Although, once you mentioned the duke’s presence, it was unlikely that Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst would refuse.”

“I agree. As for the gentlemen, I dare say they would attend regardless, just for the chance of dancing with you,” Mr. Wilson teased.

Elizabeth laughed, flustered. “You should be grateful for their presence and assistance, sir. As a host, you will be obliged to make sure every lady is properly entertained and to dance every set with anyone who is unattended. Mr. Bingley and the colonel might support you in this daunting task. As for Mr. Darcy, from what I know, he is not fond of balls and large gatherings.”

“I am an old man, Elizabeth. Nobody will expect me to dance a single set, let alone all of them. I shall be sure the number of ladies and gentlemen is equal to avoid any awkward moments. As for Mr. Darcy, I am surprised that you are so knowledgeable about his likes and dislikes.”

“Not that knowledgeable—but I know him well enough to possess some information on the subject. As for you, you are not old at all, sir.”

“Be it as you say… so, do you have plans for today?”

She hesitated a moment, wondering whether she should tell him. But Darcy did not request her secrecy, so she saw no reason to conceal her plans.

“Mr. Darcy told me that Miss de Bourgh would be in Hyde Park around noon and would like to meet me. I hope Jane will keep me company for a walk.”

Mr. Wilson seemed surprised and interested. “I did not know you and Miss de Bourgh were on friendly terms.”

“Not really friendly—but we spent some time in conversation at Rosings. She is a lovely person if you come to know her. I enjoyed her company very much, and I am glad to see her again.”

“Will you not invite her for tea?”

“No…I was left to understand that Lady Catherine would oppose that, so we shall only meet in the park. Miss de Bourgh will be with her companion and her cousins.”

“Of course Lady Catherine would oppose your friendship with her daughter. Well, I shall send them an invitation to the ball. I hope Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam will help me convince them and the Matlocks to attend. Lady Jersey—one of the Almack’s patronesses—will also be among the guests, and hopefully several others. That should be a strong inducement to participate, would you not agree?”

“Perhaps…however…Mr. Wilson, I do not know the Matlocks well enough to judge, but I am sure Lady Catherine would be neither joyful nor pleasant company at the ball. She might even ruin it from what I know of her. As for Anne, I am not sure whether she has ever attended any ball in Town.”

“Well, we shall see. Now excuse me; I have some urgent business related to the ball. I shall return around noon. Please enjoy your breakfast.”

When Jane came downstairs, she was wearing a large smile, and she seemed oblivious to everything around her. Kitty, Lydia, and Mary were hungry, as well as the Gardiner children. Mrs. Gardiner tried to keep the entire party under good regulation while Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet choose to eat in the library.