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“Severe is perhaps a touch too strong but I know what you mean. Austere maybe? But with a few subtle adornments I think it would suit me.”

“The adornments will be key, too austere and there will be an air of a governess.”

Their quiet musings were interrupted, rudely and most unwelcomingly.

“Why Miss Eliza Bennet, this is far too fashionable a district if you are shopping for your new uniform as a governess!”

Caroline Bingley had spotted Elizabeth as soon as she entered the store and had overheard the last few words between Elizabeth and Mrs. Smith. When recounting the tale later Elizabeth was a combination of bemused and chagrined at everyone’s surprise at her reaction to Miss Bingley’s usual rudeness. It was not as if she had ever reacted badly. Oh wait….

The events of three days earlier had not changed her overnight although it had been a shock. But three months of support from Lady Maria, strong familial feelings, had eased an anger Elizabeth did not know she carried. The previous November, she had been angry at the world and that anger drove her responses to Miss Bingley. She felt alone and had replied without a care. Now as she contemplated the person in front of her she felt loved, supported and secure. Caroline Bingley was not worth the effort to spar with verbally.

“We are done here Claire, if you will excuse us Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst.”

Elizabeth’s knees barely bent before she turned and left the store. She saw the Duke and Lady Maria further up the street.

“Robert, please let me Mr. Darcy know that we are going ahead to the tea shop. He does not need to rush, as you will be with me and I can see the rest of our party ahead. Claire and I will wait.”

When the tale was retold, that Elizabeth waited for her second bodyguard on New Bond Street made an impression to the others. She was in a safe district, on a safe street and there were no threats. Yet taking her safety seriously was something that was ingrained. And after the assassination of the Prime Minister five weeks later, it was a behaviour that was rapidly copied not mocked. Darcy returned with Robert.

“You did not have to cut short your own shopping William.”

Elizabeth lightly laid her arm upon his and they resumed their stroll south down the street.

“I was merely considering different styles. There was never going to be time for a proper fitting. I will make an appointment for later in the month. You were only in your store for a few minutes, did something happen?”

Before Elizabeth could explain, Miss Bingley answered Darcy’s question for her.

“Mr. Darcy!”

Darcy was looking down at Elizabeth and winced at the indiscreet ululation from behind them. His eyes asked the question and Elizabeth nodded. It was not something, but rather someone.

At the same time, his mind was whirring trying to decide how to deal with Caroline Bingley. He had agreed a strategy with Lady Susan the previous week, and he knew that she had shared it with her friend Lady Maria. But between Easter, the tournament and his engagement more than a week had passed in what seemed like the blink of an eye. He had not spoken to Bingley and was unprepared for making an open cut in the middle of the most fashionable street in London. But then his arm was gently squeezed and he saw Elizabeth’s supportive smile. He did not need his confidence bolstered, rather it was a physical reminder that he was not alone. As they turned to face Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst, Elizabeth’s hand remained on Darcy’s arm.

“Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley.”

Their bow and curtsey were barely civil, not that Caroline Bingley noticed. Her entire being was focused on Eliza Bennet’s hand on her Mr. Darcy’s arm. How dare that country hoyden! The lessons from her oft-referenced seminary were squashed by her anger. She had spent too long bullying her complaisant siblings and took their acquiescence as confirmation that her behaviour was acceptable.

“My dear Mr. Darcy. We have been desolate without your company this season. Your absence has dimmed the lustre of the events we have attended.”

While she meant her flattery, it had not escaped her notice that without the Darcy name to open doors for her and her brother, they had been unable to obtain invitations for the more prestigious events. She had been made painfully aware of their lack of consequence amongst the Ton.

“I am sorry to hear that, but my own experience has been the exact opposite. I have very much enjoyed this season, it has been the best of my life.”

Left unsaid, but clear in its implication, was how Darcy was not desolate at the absence of Miss Bingley from his society. Her eyes narrowed as Darcy and Elizabeth continued to stand there, her hand resting upon his arm.

“I was just telling Louisa that it had been too long since we have dined together. Charles has been remiss in not inviting you to dine with us. He should not be so cavalier with your friendship.”

Little did they know it at the time, but both Darcy and Elizabeth were thinking the same thing. They were observing Miss Bingley and listening to her words but were wondering how she was going to cross the gap between the two pairs. Elizabeth was standing next to Darcy and short of dragging her away it was unclear how Miss Bingley was going to get her claws on Darcy’s arm. It was diverting for them both.

“On the contrary, I have dined with Bingley at our club many times.”

Another jab in his response to her.

“What I cannot understand is why Miss Eliza Bennet is with you. Did you not have enough of her,” Caroline Bingley knew just how to time an insolent pause. “Society while in Hertfordshire.”

The growing humour of their interaction was swept away, and Darcy’s face became severe.

“I have found the society of Miss,” It was Darcy’s turn to hold a pause. “Elizabeth Bennet to be most delightful. She has been a beacon of grace and beauty throughout this season and she has made me the happiest of men by accepting my offer of marriage.”