Page 191 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Should we leave, my dear? It is quite late and I am tired.”

“Yes. It is late, and I am tired too.” She was. Tired, exhausted by emotions, by sorrow, by regrets, by anxiety, and by doubts. However, the evening had passed with less distress than she had feared, at least regarding what and who mattered to her.

Elizabeth bid a hasty farewell to everyone, and her eyes lingered a moment on Darcy’s face. She could not read anything in his countenance, only his dark stare made her shiver. He offered to escort them home, but Lady Kendal graciously declined; it was only a few minutes ride, in the centre of London. He did not insist, only bowed politely and stepped back. Decent, caring, but discreet and considerate, as always. The best of men. The only man in the world she felt relieved to distance herself from, but she missed dearly from the moment she exited the house. Her heart—broken into pieces on the morning they had separated on the beach in Brighton—had not been mended yet, and likely never would be.

Chapter 24

“My dear, did you have a pleasant time?” Lady Kendal asked when they arrived home.

“Yes. Very pleasant. I am glad you convinced me to go.”

“So am I. Everyone was so nice—except for Caroline Pemberton. Upon my word, I cannot decide if I should be angry with her or simply pity her. She is as ridiculous as she is discourteous.”

“Yes, she has always been the same. I assumed an advantageous marriage would improve her civility, but it only increased her arrogance. I am glad that at least she does not live with Jane and Charles any longer.”

“She seemed to purposely defy you, as though you were enemies. Very much like Lady Catherine de Bourgh—I wonder if they are related. Mrs Pemberton resembles her much more than sweet Anne.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, there is a clear resemblance. Or perhaps they are only united in their hatred of me.”

“What on earth could they both have against you? Such resentment is usually very personal, as though you were in direct competition for something.”

Elizabeth shrugged and attempted a smile. She knew very well the reason behind both ladies’ hatred, and it was closely related to Mr Darcy’s handsome figure.

“But Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy protected you decidedly. Not that you needed any help to defend yourself from Mrs Pemberton.”

“They protected you too, Lady Kendal. And it was well deserved.”

“Indeed. They have proved to be loyal and valuable friends to both of us.”

“True,” Elizabeth whispered, trying to sound reasonably calm.

“And the rest of the conversation was very interesting. I was impressed by how honestly and harshly the colonel and Mr Darcy spoke of gentlemen’s duties. Both Mr Pemberton and Mr Hurst were offended by what was nothing but the truth.”

“Mr Pemberton and Mr Hurst seem easily offended. I have not heard Mr Hurst ever express his opinion so decidedly.”

“One of Pemberton’s statements was correct: most men are very much the same. Even my dear Philip was very much like any other gentleman of his rank and position. He had a kind heart and would help anyone in need, but he never put too much effort into his daily responsibilities.”

She was suddenly saddened and wiped several rebel tears that had fallen onto her cheeks. Elizabeth embraced her affectionately. However, after a few moments of sorrow, Lady Kendal started to laugh tearfully and Elizabeth stared at her, bewildered.

“Poor Mrs Pemberton,” the lady unexpectedly said. “She chased Darcy around town for years and now has to witness her sister-in-law doing the same. Can you imagine her despair? I see no sign that Darcy might show Miss Pemberton more attention, but would it not be amusing if he married her and ruined Caroline’s mood forever?”

The sharp claw of torment returned to grasp Elizabeth’s heart.

No, she was not amused at all at the prospect of Darcy marrying Miss Pemberton, although she tried to appear so to indulge her companion. But the circumstance was indeed laughable.

“I doubt Mr Darcy will marry for that purpose only,” Elizabeth tried to joke.

“To be honest,” Lady Kendal continued, “I find it difficult to understand why Mr Darcy has not married yet. He is a man of great character and an excellent situation in life, not to mention very handsome. Probably any young lady would accept a marriage proposal from him. And yet he seems to prefer solitude. It is quite strange.”

“Mr Darcy is younger than his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam was when I first met him in Kent.”

“I am not claiming he is too told to marry…I am just surprised. Colonel Fitzwilliam was known as a gentleman who enjoyed ladies’ company, but Mr Darcy does not seem to favour anyone so far. At least that is what the rumours say.”

“I am sure Mr Darcy can judge what is best for himself,” Elizabeth declared. The conversation distressed her, but she did not feel brave enough to dismiss it.

“Speaking of marriages, my dear… You should be warned that you will soon start to receive many cards from eligible single gentlemen. As soon as the mourning period ends you will become one of the most eligible women in London, not only because of your fortune and connections, but also because of your beauty and wit.”

“Lady Kendal!”