Chapter 14

Invitations

D arcy assisted his sister up the steps to Matlock House. The house was only three doors from his own, but a cold rain required the use of a carriage, else he and Georgiana would both be soaked and frozen. The heat from inside welcomed him as Godsey, the Matlock’s butler, opened the door and ushered them in. “Lady Matlock is in the yellow salon with her guests.” Darcy dipped his head in wordless acknowledgement before offering his sister his arm.

“Do you think they will like me?”

He looked down at his sister. She had come so far since the near calamity of last summer, when a former friend of Darcy attempted to take advantage of Georgiana’s youth and innocence in order to steal her dowery of thirty-thousand pounds. Thankfully, Darcy got to her in time to prevent George Wickham’s schemes. He promptly fired Mrs. Young, Georgiana’s companion who had an alliance with the so-called gentleman. Unfortunately, he had not yet replaced the lady.

Perhaps it is time to find a new companion for my sister, he thought. Georgiana’s shyness around new people hindered her from making friends. Darcy’s business requirements prevented him from spending significant time with her, and he could not help but wonder if an excellent companion would draw her out. I must find time to ask Miss Gardiner. Perhaps she will know of someone as fitting as Mrs. Annesley. He ignored the other thoughts that followed; the ones that told him that marrying Elizabeth would mean Mrs. Annesley would be free to serve Georgiana. She is not for you, he reminded himself for the thousandth time since parting from her two weeks prior.

He patted Georgiana’s hand. “They will love you.”

She took a bracing breath. Both he and his sister had a sense of cautious optimism about today’s event. His aunt, Lady Matlock, was hosting a few volunteers from the local girl’s charity she supported. Each of her guests, she had assured him, were young and friendly. “Perfect friends for our dear girl.” Darcy hoped that was true. He shuddered at the thought of another Miss Bingley.

He prepared himself for just such an unpleasant lady, but the sight that greeted him as they stepped into the room was far from what he had anticipated. Seated comfortably on a brocade settee, with her dark curls framing her beautiful face, was Elizabeth Gardiner. Darcy’s heart thudded in his chest. Beside her, in animated conversation, sat Lady Susan Corwell, younger sister to his friend Viscount Chryston. She was laughing at something Elizabeth had just said.

For a moment, the world seemed right—Elizabeth was here, in his aunt’s parlor, looking as if she belonged. But Darcy’s relief quickly turned to unease as he took in the entire scene. Three other ladies sat on another sofa, all of whom looked entirely too pleased by his entrance.

Lady Matlock greeted them with her usual warmth. “Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, how lovely to see you both. Please, come in and take your seats.”

As they moved further into the room, Darcy’s sharp eyes caught the calculated way his aunt directed the seating arrangements. She ushered Georgiana to a chair near the three unknown young ladies. But then, with a subtle smile, Lady Matlock guided him to a chair beside Lady Susan. Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam sat on the other side of Elizabeth

“Lady Susan, I believe you have met my nephew before. He is, I think, friends with your brother.” Lady Matlock remarked as she settled into her own chair. “You must have much to discuss.”

Lady Susan’s eyes sparkled with humor as she turned to Darcy. “Indeed, Lady Matlock, it has been far too long since we last spoke, Mr. Darcy. My friend said the two of you met in Hertfordshire. Can you tell me your thoughts of the place? She mentioned that the people were warm and welcoming, though I know at least three for whom that was not the case.”

The sound of Elizabeth’s laugher, light and unguarded, distracted Darcy. What had Richard possibly said to please her so? Darcy could not prevent a glance in her direction. His unease grew. What was Lady Matlock playing at?

“Of course, Lady Susan,” he replied, forcing his attention back to the lady by his side. She was his friend’s sister, after all, and he owed her the courtesy of his full attention. Yet even as they exchanged pleasantries, Darcy’s thoughts remained with Elizabeth.

Lady Susan noticed his distraction. Leaning closer, she whispered, “You seem troubled, Mr. Darcy. Do the proceedings not meet your expectations?”

Darcy’s jaw tightened. “I am merely surprised to see Miss Gardiner here today. I had not expected her company.”

“Lizzy and I volunteer at the girl’s school. We do everything together, actually. She is my greatest friend, you know?”

Darcy had not known. Elizabeth had mentioned a friend named Suzy once or twice, but he had hardly made the connection. How could he?

“I am sure she will chat with you soon, but for now, your aunt has placed her near your cousin for reasons that I can only surmise.”

“And what reasons might those be?” Darcy asked, though he feared he already knew the answer.

Lady Susan’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Oh, I could not possibly speculate. But I do believe that whatever the outcome, it will be most entertaining.”

Darcy did not share her amusement. As the tea service began and the conversation flowed around them, he found himself unable to fully engage. His eyes kept straying to Elizabeth, who seemed completely at ease in Richard’s company. Richard, who was charming and attentive, and who—Darcy was loath to admit—had always had a certain way with ladies. He had no right to feel possessive, and yet… the very idea of his cousin winning Elizabeth’s favor twisted in his gut.

Darcy’s mind was a whirl of confusion. He did not wish for Richard to win Elizabeth, but Darcy could not have her, either. The barriers between them seemed insurmountable—her being the daughter of a tradesman, and his family’s expectations to marry someone with higher status. His own father and grandfather had married daughters of earls, and his great-grandfather called a marquess his father-in-law. Could Darcy do any less?

Elizabeth’s laughter rang out again, and his mood darkened further. His eyes drifted once more to the settee where Elizabeth sat with Richard. His cousin’s easy charm was on full display, and Elizabeth, ever gracious, responded with warmth and bright smiles. Darcy’s chest tightened at the sight.

The tea service provided a blessed distraction. Elizabeth turned from Richard and focused on the others around the room, which pleased Darcy greatly. “Miss Darcy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Your brother has told me a little about you, but I would like to learn more.” It was true. Darcy had shared a few stories of his youngest sister with Elizabeth when she stayed at Netherfield. He had often wondered how Georgiana would fare with someone like Elizabeth in her life.

Georgiana studied the pattern on her teacup. Her shy nature often made such social gatherings a trial, but she was determined to make a good impression. Gathering her courage, she leaned forward slightly, her soft voice carrying across the space between them.

“Miss Gardiner,” she began, “I… I hope you do not find it too forward of me to say, but my brother has written of you often in his letters.”

Elizabeth’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, and a small, pleased smile played at her lips. “Truly? I hope he has not spoken ill of me,” she replied, her tone was light, but it did not hide her curiosity.

“Oh no, not at all,” Georgiana hastened to reassure her. “On the contrary, his words were always in praise of your… your intelligence and wit. And he had great admiration for your ability on the pianoforte. He wrote that your songs gave him much pleasure.”

Darcy, who had been straining to catch their conversation, felt a flush of warmth creep up his neck. He had not realized how often he had mentioned Elizabeth in his letters to Georgiana. His sister’s innocent revelation seemed to catch Elizabeth off guard as well, though she recovered quickly.

“Thank you, Miss Darcy. I am pleased to know that Mr. Darcy wrote kindly of me, though I must admit that he has exaggerated my prowess with the instrument. I am not so technically proficient as some others I know.” Darcy’s lips quirked at the remembrance of their shared conversation about Miss Bingley’s playing.

“My brother never exaggerates. I am certain your playing is everything he said it would be.” Georgiana, emboldened by Elizabeth’s kindness, ventured a suggestion that took even Darcy by surprise. “I wonder if you might do me the honor of playing a duet with me. I find I am always more confident with someone by my side.”

Elizabeth’s eyes lit up with genuine surprise. Thankfully, she did not object to his sister’s request. “I should be most happy to, Miss Darcy. Music is one of my great pleasures.”

“Excellent,” exclaimed Lady Matlock. “I should love to hear you play, as well.”

Elizabeth and Georgiana rose and made their way to the instrument in the corner of the room. Darcy watched them with a mixture of pleasure and apprehension. Georgiana, usually so reticent, had immediately found comfort in Elizabeth’s company. She smiled and appeared to giggle as they searched through the music. The sight of their heads bent together over the sheets of paper gave him sincere pleasure.

Soon, there song began. The notes filled the room, and everyone stopped speaking to listen for a while. God, how he loved her. The agony of never having her tore through him. He stole a glance at his cousin, who sat in rapt attention. If my aunt believes Elizabeth is good enough for Richard, then why would she not be suitable for me?

∞∞∞

Suzy observed Mr. Darcy’s distraction. With a teasing smile she leaned forward and whispered. “Are you so fond of music, Mr. Darcy? Or is it the performer that has caught your attention?”

Mr. Darcy tore his gaze away from the piano, attempting to mask his discomposure. “Music has always been a pleasure of mine,” he replied evenly. Suzy attempted to hide a smirk.

When the song ended, the room broke out into applause. “Brava, ladies,” Colonel Fitzwilliam exclaimed. Mr. Darcy clearly felt himself drawn toward the piano, but first he needed to extricate himself from Suzy’s side.

“Lady Susan,” he began, turning to her with a courteous bow, “you have been a most gracious companion this afternoon. However, I find myself compelled to offer my congratulations to Miss Gardiner and my sister for their splendid performance.”

“Of course, Mr. Darcy. It would be remiss of you not to acknowledge such talent. Please, do not let me keep you.”

With a slight nod, Darcy moved away from her, his heart quickening as he made his way to where Elizabeth and Georgiana were standing, still basking in the glow of their duet.

Colonel Fitzwilliam waited for Mr. Darcy to cross the room before he seized the opportunity and slipped into the seat his cousin had just vacated.

“You seem to have a sudden interest in this side of the room, Colonel. What brings you here?”

With a playful grin, he quietly replied. “I could not help but notice that my mother’s matchmaking plans might not be proceeding as smoothly as she hoped. It is quite obvious she intended to pair me with Miss Gardiner and Darcy with you.”

Suzy chuckled. “I had surmised as much myself. Unfortunately for your mother, it seems Mr. Darcy has other plans.”

The Colonel’s grin widened. “I noticed that, as well. I have never known Darcy to mention a lady — in speaking or writing — to his sister. That he wrote about Miss Gardiner to Georgiana must mean that he she has captured his interest.”

“But will he be strong enough to act upon it? I do not wish for my friend to be trifled with.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked from where Darcy stood at the pianoforte back to the lady beside him. “Darcy would never act dishonorably.”

Suzy let out a relieved breath, before leaning forward. “Then what say you to a little mischief?” she whispered.

He leaned in as well. “You hardly know me, but I assure you that I am always up for a bit of mischief. What do you have in mind?”

Suzy smiled. “Perhaps we should turn the tables on your mother and ensure that Mr. Darcy and Lizzy spend more time together instead.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. “It is perfect. I can, perhaps, see my favorite cousin settled with an admirable lady, and I can thwart my mother’s well-intentioned but poorly executed plans.”

“Excellent,” Suzy replied. “Then let us see what we can do to make this Christmas a bit more interesting.”

∞∞∞

When the tea ended, Georgiana said goodbye to Misses Harris, Rudolph, and Hammonds and promised to visit the school with her aunt on a day when they volunteered. Disappointed that they had no conversation with Darcy, each lady sent him a look of longing before they departed. Normally such obvious maneuvers would have repulsed him, but on this day, he paid them no attention. Elizabeth was the only person his eyes saw.

Too soon, the Effington carriage pulled to the front of the house. Lady Susan gave a conspiratorial wink to Richard. “Before I leave, I must invite you to spend yuletide with my family. Lizzy’s family always joins us at Meadow Haven. It would be so much fun to have a larger party this year. Your eldest son and his family are, of course, also welcome.”

Lady Matlock, pleased to have another opportunity to throw the young ladies together with her youngest son and favorite nephew, agreed readily. “Unfortunately, my eldest and his family will visit with his wife’s mother and father during the season, but the earl and I would love to travel with you to Meadow Haven.” She stopped to look at her youngest son. “Richard, will you come with us?” When he acknowledged that he would, she turned to her nephew. “Darcy, please say that you can come, too.”

Christmas with Elizabeth. Darcy’s heart raced at the idea.

“Oh, Brother, can we?” Georgiana’s face lit with hope.

Darcy smiled at his sister but then turned his eyes to Elizabeth. “Of course. I would not miss it.” Suzy and Richard exchanged a knowing smile.

Darcy and Richard escorted the ladies to their carriage. Richard talked quietly with Lady Susan, and Darcy took advantage of his time alone with Elizabeth. “I hope your heart has recovered from your disappointment.”

The smile on her face faltered. “I… I believe being around good friends and loving family has a restorative effect. But…”

“But it is no easy thing to realize your hopes for sisterly affections have been shattered.” Her head bobbed in a jerky nod. He longed to pull her to him. To comfort her in the ways a man comforts the woman he loves.

A moment passed before either spoke. “Next time we meet, I would like to ask your opinion about companions. My sister is in need of someone, and I know you respect and admire Mrs. Annesley very well. I had hoped that one of you might act as a reference to another respectable companion.”

“Perhaps we can discuss it during our holiday. Mrs. Annesley will be visiting her sister during that time, but I can ask her opinion before we travel.”

“That would be appreciated.” He bowed deeply. “I look forward to spending Christmas with you at Meadow Haven, Miss Gardiner.”

Elizabeth looked up at him, her expression unreadable but tinged with something that made Darcy’s heart skip a beat. “And I you, Mr. Darcy.”