Page 114 of The Mistress of All & Torn

She wished to please Lady Kendal, as she knew how important that evening was for her ladyship; not only because the private ball was among the last glamorous events of the Season but also because of its significant meaning. If it was only for herself, Elizabeth would not have put so much trouble into dressing for a private ball. She did enjoy balls but never took them seriously enough to worry over her appearance.

The only two balls that still tormented her even after such a long time were the Meryton assembly—the first time Bingley had danced with Jane—and the ball at Netherfield. Since then, she had attended several others, elegant and impressive, but by no means as memorable to her.

“You look stunning, Miss Bennet,” the maid declared. “The most beautiful lady I have seen.”

“You are too generous in your praise, my dear. But I shall take the compliment anyway. Thank you for all your help. You may retire now.”

“I am being honest, Miss Bennet,” the maid concluded with a curtsey before exiting the chamber.

The hour was still early and Elizabeth needed a moment of solitude to calm herself, staring out of the window.

She was in Bingley’s townhouse, together with the Gardiners, since it was closer to Lady Kendal’s residence.

It was a warm afternoon in May—too warm for her taste. Elizabeth missed the cool breeze of the Hertfordshire woods, the silence and the scent of Oakham Mount’s groves. She longed for her solitary strolls when her musings were her sole company.

And, even more, she missed the long walks in the beauty of Pemberley Park. But those were memories only. She would never be invited to Pemberley and would never have the impudence to arrive unannounced again.

“Miss Bennet? The carriage is here,” the maid announced. Elizabeth had not even noticed she had returned.

“Very well.”

“The others are ready. They are only waiting for you.”

“Thank you. I shall be downstairs shortly,” Elizabeth said with a last glance in the mirror. For a moment, she wondered who the elegant, fashionable woman that looked back at her was.

Chapter 2

Darcy looked across the table absently. He heard his aunt talking but the words did not pierce his consciousness.

“Thank God I convinced you to do the right thing,” Lady Catherine said. “You have behaved like a savage lately, Darcy! One cannot neglect his duties and his responsibilities to this family so completely.”

“Catherine, this discussion is useless now. You have had your way and Darcy has indulged you. We shall all attend the ball as we agreed,” Lord Matlock interjected. He looked around the table, where his wife and two sons were also seated with Georgiana and Anne.

“Yes, but I had to argue with him for days! This is the first time Anne has been in town, and she feels well enough to enjoy a party. God knows when she will be in such a good disposition again. We must not refuse her this little pleasure,” Lady Catherine continued.

Anne paled with embarrassment. “Mama, nobody must do anything for me. You know I much prefer to avoid the bustle of town. Nothing pleases me more than a lovely, peaceful day with the family. Perhaps with Georgiana playing for us.” She smiled at her cousin, who returned a tender gaze.

“Well, you behave like a savage too, but I am to blame for that by keeping you away from society almost your entire life,” Lady Catherine said. “I did it for your own good, of course. But this is the result. You know nobody in London and nobody knows you! It is important to be valued and known among our acquaintances! We have a name and a position to maintain! Lady Kendal has also been absent from town almost entirely for more than five years now. And still the ton will flock to her private ball. She has invited everyone of consequence, and I doubt anyone has declined.”

“We have already discussed this, Aunt Catherine,” Darcy said absently. He was trying to be more cheerful, as he had noticed Anne and Georgiana were both worried for him, as well as Lady Matlock.

“We talk and talk but with no result,” Lady Catherine continued. “Last year, I allowed myself to be convinced to let Anne spend more time with you. I kept travelling to see my daughter, who turned out to be stubborn, ignoring that which is for her own good. I understand that she wishes to see more of the world, I understand you brought her all kinds of doctors, I can see she has improved lately. But nothing else is happening, Darcy. Nothing has been announced about your engagement, and I have heard no news about a wedding date! People talk and wonder. Everybody expects this marriage to finally occur!”

“Catherine, this is the most inappropriate moment for such a discussion! You lack diplomacy entirely. I am sure both Darcy and Anne know what they have to do,” Lady Matlock interrupted her, and the earl nodded in agreement.

“Well, I must take any chance I can get, since I scarcely see Darcy at all,” Lady Catherine continued furiously.

“So, would you rather stay at home and discuss the matter, Aunt?” Darcy enquired with restrained anger. “I would not oppose such a decision.”

“Of course you would not oppose it! You would gladly waste this unique opportunity to be seen in the civilised world,” Lady Catherine raged. “We shall leave for the ball this instant!”

“Well, I am glad we are agreed upon that,” Lord Matlock said conciliatorily.

“I wonder why Lady Kendal is having a ball now. She must be in her late sixties,” Lady Matlock said. “I do not remember her being fond of parties even when she was younger.”

“Indeed, I have not heard of her presence in town until this Season,” Lord Matlock said.

“What I do know of, and it is often mentioned in the ladies’ gazettes, are her charitable causes. She is known to be a generous philanthropist. Consequently, she is very popular. I heard that the King invited her to the palace and mentioned her merits.”