An Invisible Thread Page 10

  “Thank you, William. I believe we should go now. We cannot be late for the family dinner party in our honor!”

  “No, we cannot. Mrs. Darcy, perhaps I might secure the first dance with you? And perhaps the supper set?”

  “I will have to check my dance card but I am sure I can fit you in somewhere.” They smiled at each other and left the house.

  While they were riding in the carriage Elizabeth felt her nervousness increase. Her self-doubts were back and they were overwhelming her thoughts. ‘What am I thinking by riding in this fine carriage heading to a Ball at Matlock House? Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn meeting and greeting London’s best families. What would my dear Mama have to say about this night? It is all too much for me to think about. I know that tonight I look as if I fit the role of Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy but can I get through the evening without embarrassing myself or my husband.’ Darcy could see that Elizabeth was unhappy about something. “What are you thinking about Elizabeth?”

  “I am just lost in my thoughts.” Elizabeth did not want to talk to Darcy about her insecurities. She said the first thing she could think of. “I was thinking about how jealous Caroline Bingley would be if she knew about tonight.”

  “I am sure you do not have to worry about seeing Miss Bingley. My Aunt Patricia met her once and found her to be nothing more than a manipulative social climber.” ‘Lady Matlock is certainly a good judge of character,’ thought Elizabeth. Before she had any more time to feel anxious, the carriage stopped in front of Matlock House.

  When they came into the entrance hall, Lord and Lady Matlock were waiting for them. Aunt Patricia walked forward and said, “Darcy, so good to see you again. And Lizzy how lovely you look. Your gown came out very well, very well indeed. Please allow me to introduce you to my husband, the Earl of Matlock. Hugh, here is our darling new niece, Elizabeth Darcy.”

  Elizabeth gave a deep curtsy and said, “I am very happy to meet you, Lord Matlock. William and Aunt Patricia have told me so much about you.”

  “Yes, yes, well, how do you do, Mrs. Darcy? Welcome to Matlock House.”

  “Thank you, your Lordship. William and I appreciate your kind hospitality.”

  “That is enough of that nonsense, Hugh. Kiss your niece and greet your nephew. Remember you told me you would be on your best behavior tonight,” scolded Lady Matlock.

  “Yes, my dear, whatever you say. Listen Darcy, let this be a lesson for you. If you want to have a happy marriage you should always listen to your wife!” All four of them laughed together at Lord Matlock’s inadequate attempts to be gruff and unkind. Lord Matlock took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it. Elizabeth was very relieved that at least the first ten minutes of the Ball had gone well.

  Before anyone could say anything else, Elizabeth heard Georgiana exclaim, “You are here!” She rushed to Elizabeth and embraced her. “I have missed you so much, Lizzy. I cannot wait until we all leave for Pemberley.”

  “Georgie, I have missed you as well. We will have lots of time to catch up on all our news in the carriage. I understand it is quite a long trip and then we will all be together at Pemberley.”

  Darcy smiled at Elizabeth’s words and greeted his sister with a hug and a kiss on her head. “You look just lovely, Georgie. I am very glad Aunt Patricia allowed you to attend tonight. I hope you will grant your brother a dance.”

  “Of course, Will. Richard has already asked me to dance, as well.”

  “Richard? Richard is here?”

  Richard approached the family gathering. “Yes, I am here and as you can see, thankfully all in one piece!”

  Richard bowed over Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it. “Mrs. Darcy, it is a real pleasure to see you again. You look absolutely lovely and I can see that married life agrees with you. And by the looks of Darcy, I think he is happier than I have ever seen him.”

  “Thank you, Colonel. We are very happy that you are no longer in danger.” Elizabeth was not about to comment on the degree of happiness that existed in her marriage. She was still unsure of her husband’s true feelings.

  “No more of this Colonel nonsense, I am Richard to you, my dear cousin.” Richard reached down and kissed Elizabeth’s hand again. “Please tell me you will save a set and dance with your new relation?”

  “Of course, Richard. It would be my pleasure, but only if you will call me Lizzy.”

  “That is enough of that, Richard.” Darcy tried unsuccessfully to sound critical of Richard kissing his wife’s hand twice. He was too happy to see that his cousin was out of harm’s way. “It is very good to have you back home.” The two cousins hugged each other with the genuine joy of being reunited. Richard winced during their embrace.

  “Careful now, Darcy. I am recovering from a bullet wound.”

  “Richard, I did not know. Did I hurt you? Were you badly injured?”

  “I am quite well bandaged and the bullet wound was not deep, but painful, nonetheless.”

  “I am truly happy you are here tonight, cousin.”

  “As am I, Darcy, as am I.”

  When it was time for the dancing to begin, Lord and Lady Matlock stood alone in the center of the ballroom and all their guests stopped their own conversations to listen. “My Lords and Ladies, Lady Matlock and I are very happy to welcome you all to Matlock House on this very happy occasion. Let the dancing begin with my nephew and his new bride, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.” After Lord Matlock spoke there was brief applause to recognize the newlyweds. Everyone was soon busy getting ready for the first dance.

  Darcy took her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor and Elizabeth felt that hundreds of eyes were studying her every move. When the music started, she and Darcy began to dance and she felt that her husband was looking at her with the same love and adoration she had seen in Hertfordshire. “Elizabeth, my dear, you are a vision of loveliness. I am so proud to call you my wife.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  “Really, Mr. Darcy, such behavior during a dance? What will London’s finest think?” She asked teasingly.

  “They will think that Fitzwilliam Darcy has finally found the woman of his dreams. A woman who has transformed him into a man who is madly in love with his wife and cares not if everyone knows it.”

  “I see. Very well then, in that case your behavior is excusable.” They both smiled while looking into each other's eyes. Elizabeth was sure that everyone in the ballroom saw the way they looked at each other and could no longer doubt that their’s was truly a love match. They were enjoying the dance and were not happy when the music stopped. The dance was over and Darcy escorted his wife to the side of the room. They had much to say to each other after all the miscommunications of the past week. But before they could speak privately, Lord Matlock approached them and asked Elizabeth for the next set. “I would be very pleased to dance with you, Lord Matlock.”

  When the music began, Lord Matlock led Elizabeth to the dance floor. As they began to dance Lord Matlock said, “Lady Matlock tells me that I must insist you call me Uncle Hugh since you are now married to my nephew. How do you feel about that, Mrs. Darcy?”

  “Sir, I would be very happy to do so, if you will call me Lizzy, as does the rest of my family.”

  “Lizzy, Lizzy. Does anyone call you Elizabeth? It seems like a much more proper name.”

  “Uncle Hugh, only William calls me Elizabeth.” Again she blushed at her husband’s personal name for her, but Lord Matlock understood her meaning.

  “Oh yes, I see. Well, I suppose it must be Lizzy and Uncle Hugh. Your Aunt Patricia will be delighted with our new relationship.” They danced in companionable silence until he said, “You know, Lizzy, I was quite upset when Darcy married you. Your marriage disrupted plans that had been in place for many years.”

  “Yes, I know all about your plans with Lady Catherine. But I cannot regret what we have done. I love my husband very much and we intend to be very happy settling for just Pemberley.” Elizabeth said this in a very playful way and Lord Matlock let out a big belly laugh.

  “So, you think you will be content with just Pemberley. Lizzy, I must admit, you are quite a charming young lady. I pray you have a long and happy marriage.”

  Elizabeth was very moved by his words. “Thank you, Uncle Hugh.” As the music ended she stepped toward her new uncle who embraced her and kissed her cheek.

  Lord Matlock coughed to clear his throat. “Yes, well, I had better return you to your husband now. Enough of dancing with the old people. Go have some fun.”

  “I would be happy to dance with you anytime.” As he escorted her back to Darcy, Lord Matlock took her hand, kissed it and walked away.

  “I see you have enchanted my uncle as I knew you would,” Darcy said with a smile.

  “We shall have to see how ‘enchanted’ he is as time passes. But we enjoyed our dance together and he asked me to call him Uncle Hugh. At least he said Aunt Patricia told him to say that.” Darcy, Elizabeth, Richard and Georgiana all chuckled at her words.

  During the next dance, Darcy was dancing with Lady Matlock and Richard was dancing with Georgiana. Elizabeth decided to get a drink from the refreshments table. She was standing there sipping some lemonade when Lady Alice approached her. “Good evening, Mrs. Darcy.” There was no warmth or sincerity in Lady Alice’s greeting.

  “Good evening, Lady Alice.” Neither of the ladies gave the other the courtesy of a curtsey.

  “I hope you are enjoying married life,” said Lady Alice with a sneer.

  “We are very happy, thank you.”

  “Yes, our dear Darcy certainly knows how to keep his women satisfied in the boudoir. Several of us here tonight have been the very happy recipients of your husband’s, shall we say, talents in the bedroom.”

  “How dare you speak to me that way!” Elizabeth quietly seethed. Lady Alice knew her comments had hit their intended target.

  “Enjoy the rest of the evening, Mrs. Darcy and you do look lovely in that dress. It is certainly an improvement over the tattered rags you were wearing earlier this week. Madame Michele can make even a poor country chit like you look good.” Before Elizabeth had a chance to gather her thoughts and somehow respond to her cruel insults, Lady Alice had walked away. Many of the guests had been watching their exchange, although Elizabeth was certain no one had overheard their conversation. Elizabeth had no choice as to what to do next. She turned toward the assembled guests and pasted a big smile on her face. She crossed the room to where her husband was now standing with Georgiana and Richard. As he saw her approach, Darcy reached for her hand and placed it on his arm.

  “Are you well, Elizabeth?”

  “Quite well, I thank you. I just needed something to drink and I saw no need to wait until you had finished your dance with Aunt Patricia.”

  “We saw you speaking to Lady Alice,” said Richard. “I hope that viper did not say anything to upset you. I have heard that she has a unique talent for provoking trouble.”

  “This is not my first encounter with Lady Alice, Richard. I was not expecting her to speak to me in a civilized manner. She is not worth talking about any longer. Georgie, how are you enjoying your first Ball?” The conversation quickly shifted away from Lady Alice to listening to Georgiana proclaiming this night to be the best of her life.

  “May I have the next dance, Lizzy?”

  “Of course, Richard. I believe the musicians are preparing for the next set now.”

  “In that case, shall we?” Richard gave Elizabeth his arm and escorted her onto the dance floor.

  When the music began, Richard said to Elizabeth, “I must tell you that Darcy is a new man and I believe we all have you to thank for it.”

  “I would not say he is a completely new man, maybe just a better version of Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Elizabeth was still not sure if Darcy was the warm, loving man she married or the cold, arrogant man she knew last year in Hertfordshire. She had not had a chance to think about what Lady Alice said.

  “All I know is that marriage certainly agrees with both of you.”

  “Thank you for your kind words, Richard. We intend to be very happy despite anyone who wishes us ill.”

  “What are you talking about, Lizzy? Who could possibly wish you and Darcy ill?”

  “Richard, let us enjoy the music and not think about anything that would diminish the happiness of tonight.”

  “Well, if you do not wish to discuss it, I will comply. Are you looking forward to traveling to Derbyshire?”

  “I am. I know I am to expect many changes in the scenery and the weather. I am looking forward to seeing Pemberley. I have heard so much about it and yet I hardly know what to expect.”

  “You will love Pemberley. It is the perfect place for someone who loves walking and nature as much as you do.” By this time the music had stopped and Richard walked Elizabeth back to where Darcy and Georgiana were standing.

  When Elizabeth was returned to Darcy’s side she said, “William, pray excuse me. I would like to refresh myself.”

  “Of course, my dear, would you like me to escort you?”

  “I would like that, thank you.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth left the ballroom and he led Elizabeth to the refreshing rooms. “I will wait for you here in the hallway.”

  “I will rejoin you shortly.”

  A few minutes later she entered the hallway and her husband was nowhere to be seen. Elizabeth was not worried, she thought some acquaintance of Darcy’s had come along and dragged him into a political or business conversation. As she was walking back to the ballroom, she passed a drawing room with its doors ajar. What she saw next made her feel as if her whole world had collapsed. Darcy was standing in front of the fireplace and Lady Alice was holding onto his arm and speaking to him in a very low voice. Elizabeth could not hear what they were saying but their heads were quite close together. She slowly backed away from the doorway, hoping she had not been seen by the drawing room’s occupants.

  She made her way back to the ballroom and joined Georgiana and Richard who were talking together in a large alcove away from the dance floor. When Richard saw her face he asked, “Lizzy, are you quite well? You look very pale.”

  “I am quite well, Richard. Perhaps a bit tired. I have been dancing a great deal and the hour grows late.”

  “Indeed, it is getting late. Georgie, I believe it is time for you to say good night to one and all.”

  “Yes, Richard, I am very tired. Dancing was ever so much fun. I have so many things to think about tonight, I doubt I will fall asleep quickly,” Georgiana replied.

  ‘You are not the only one who has a lot to think about tonight,’ thought Elizabeth to herself.

  “Good night, Richard. Good night, Lizzy. I will see you soon.” Georgiana kissed Richard on the cheek and embraced Elizabeth and turned to exit the room. Before she had gotten very far, she turned back toward them and said, “I cannot see my brother anywhere. Please tell him good night for me.”

  “Yes, dear one, I will tell him. Sweet dreams.” Elizabeth did her best to hide her unhappiness. She nearly choked on her words as she thought of where her husband had been a few minutes ago.

  “I say, Lizzy, where is that husband of yours? Bloody inconsiderate to abandon his wife after only a few weeks of marriage!” She knew that Richard was trying to be kind. He was attempting to add some humor to the tension that existed at Darcy’s unexplained absence. Several minutes later Darcy entered the ballroom with a fierce scowl on his face. Elizabeth did not ask her husband about where he had been.

  They all talked and danced together the rest of the night and finally said their adieus to Richard and Lord and Lady Matlock around one in the morning. Elizabeth was very quiet when they were back in their carriage during the short ride home. “Did you enjoy yourself tonight, my dear?”

  “I expect I enjoyed myself just about as much as you did,” she said sarcastically.

  “Are you very tired?”

  Elizabeth knew what Darcy was really asking. After her conversation with Lady Alice and what she had seen in the drawing room, there was no doubt in her mind that she could not be intimate with her husband tonight or perhaps ever again. Certainly not until she knew the truth. “Yes, William, I am literally falling off my feet. I plan to get out of this dress and collapse into my bed. I feel like I could sleep for days.”

  Darcy spoke with no emotion in his voice,“Very well, I will make sure you are not disturbed.” They both knew what he was saying and he was not very happy about it. Elizabeth did not care about Darcy’s feelings at this point. It seemed that he was quite adept at finding women who could make him feel better.

  Chapter 13

  Elizabeth slept late the following morning. She had so many things rolling around her mind all night that she did not fall asleep until almost sunrise. She rang for Martha and prepared for the day ahead. When she went downstairs she had not expected her husband to be at breakfast. She knew he was an early riser regardless of when he went to sleep. As Elizabeth was going to the breakfast room, she asked Mrs. Winters if Mr. Darcy was in his study. “No, madam, I believe the master left the house about 10 o’clock.”

  “I see. Did he mention where he was going?”

  “I believe he had a meeting with his solicitor this morning.”

  ‘Probably asking his solicitor to draw up divorce papers so he can marry Lady Alice,’ thought Elizabeth.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Winters. I would like some tea and toast sent up to my sitting room, please.”

  “Of course, madam. It will be delivered shortly.” Mrs. Winters bobbed a brief curtsey and walked back toward the kitchen. Elizabeth slowly climbed the stairs back to her chambers. She had nothing to do all day but worry that her marriage was already over.

  Darcy was gone the entire day. When he returned, Elizabeth was dressing for dinner. Darcy was waiting outside her chambers to escort her downstairs to the dining room. The conversation at dinner resembled that of two complete strangers struggling for things to talk about while they dined. After dinner, they moved to the drawing room for dessert. After a few sips of tea, Elizabeth stood and said, “I am quite tired. I do not believe I have recovered from the Ball. Good night, William.”