Jump to new as of March 16, 2007
As a grand carriage passed swiftly on the dusty lane, a young couple sliently awaited the apprehensions to come. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his newly wedded wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, were on their way to a large ball with the "fashionable" society of London. They had recently returned arrived at their London townhouse after spending a considerable amount of time on their honeymoon.
The heavy silence was put to an end when Darcy comfortingly placed an arm around his wife, noticing the somewhat troubled look replacing the usualy sparkle in her fine eyes.
"Lizzy, my love, are you nervous?" said Mr. Darcy.
"Oh! This shall not do. I am feeling rather foolish. Since when have I cared about what the ton think of me, Fitzwilliam?" sighed Elizabeth.
"Well, considering this will be your first formal appearance, I think it perfectly natural to be a bit uneasy."
"Do not worry, you shall charm them, Mrs. Darcy." finished Darcy, using her pet name reserved for times when he was to be completely happy. To be sure, he had always been happy with his clever wife, but this was an occasion when he knew he would be rather proud of her.
As the carriage slowly stopped to a halt, Darcy planted a chaste kiss on her gloved hand.
Elizabeth coloured a little, feeling the intensity of his gaze, as he looked encoragingly through his icy blue eyes.
The footman opened the door and allowed Mr. Darcy to hand his Elizabeth out. They were already a bit late, which allowed Elizabeth to collect her composure before entering the large door.
"Do not worry, my love. You look absolutely stunning." Darcy whispered into her ear before entering.
All of the ton had been anxiously awaiting the Darcy's arrival. Mrs. Darcy had been the subject of the most intersting bits of gossip that the women of the ton nattered about.
As the dancing had not begun yet, a hush settled as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were announced.
Posted on Friday, 16 March 2007
The people of the ton were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new couple, the Darcy’s. Word was it that the new Mistress of Pemberley was a poor country girl! The ladies of London were pleased to at the chance to ensue a new topic. A while back, talk had merely been about the Earl of Manson’s son who was to marry within a week. Of course, the ladies knew very well that a compromising situation must have occurred, but Mr. Darcy was finally marrying! After all, he had been one of the most sought-after gentlemen in society.
“Dear Angela, have I told you yet? Mr. Darcy and his wife are to come to our ball to-day!” cried Mrs. Weatherby. Martha Weatherby harbored no ill feelings against the new Mrs. Darcy, for she had married off her daughters long before, although she did enjoy gossip, she was not one to spread rumors without knowing the truth. She for one, had decided to postpone judgment till she had confirmed her suspisions. Mrs. Weatherby was an older lady who was wont to be social and quite pleasant, as her mother was very much like her. She and six or so ladies would meet and chat at her home as a small, but respected social circle and discuss more than just the latest gossip. They were an intelligent group and discussed books and even political ideas, rather than dwelling on the latest fashions for the entire day. However, this did not stop them from discussing the matters of others in their society. She was well acquainted with the late Darcy’s and had been very helpful during the elder Mrs. Darcy’s illness.
“Why, yes! I did hear rumors, but has this been confirmed? I daresay, if this Mrs. Darcy has truly captured Mr. Darcy’s heart, then she must be quite extraordinary. Of course, we shan’t know until we become acquainted, but many in our society have set their caps on him and still failed. Yes, I do hope she shall be much more remarkable.” replied the younger Mrs. Marx, finishing pointedly at a group of frivolous women nearby.
“La! A remarkable beauty! I should think not! Miss Bingley had told me last year what an unpleasant sort of woman she was. She mentioned something about her “country spells”. However, I have not seen her for quite some time. And as a matter of fact-“ went on a Miss Brent, until she was interrupted by the entrance of a handsome couple.
A quiet gasp and a few whispers could be heard as the crowd in the receiving room hushed. Mr. Weatherby walked up to the Darcy’s and bowed.
“Fitzwilliam! You’ve finally made it! And this must be your lovely wife, a pleasure to meet you at last.” Mr. Weatherby said to Elizabeth who was now blushing from the stares.
Truth be told, Mrs. Darcy was to say the least, stunning. She was wearing a simple, yet becoming white silk dress with a rather daring, but fashionable neckline. Her neck was unadorned but had pearl drop earrings. Her hair was, much to Darcy’s delight, in the same style as her hair at the Netherfield ball. The mass of dark brown curls had been put up and decorated with simple pearl pins. Although, this time, she had a few loose curls dangling above her neck very alluringly. She was indeed a beauty, simple and still very elegant. Mr. Darcy, standing to her right, was handsome as ever with his stern navy overjacket. Most would not notice a change at all due to his usually austere façade, but those who knew him well would see the relaxation and content hidden on his face and on his eyes.
The ball went on nicely before the dancing started. Elizabeth was complemented a good 40 times by people who were “pleased to meet her acquaintance”. Elizabeth was beginning to bore of all the petty conversation and the insincere congratulations. Luckily, she was able to discuss amiably with a few women. As the dancing began, Elizabeth was standing off to one side fending off the “superior” women of society while sending glares across the room at her husband. Darcy grinned and, being the perfect gentleman, gallantly came to the rescue after fending off complements of his “fine catch”. His reply was somewhat cold to this degrading remark, as predicted.
However, after coming into clear view of his lovely wife, he thought to himself ‘Hm… They do have a point. Quite a fine catch indeed…’
“Ma’am, I believe you owe me this dance.” Darcy said with a perfectly solemn face, except the amused twinkle in his eyes. The women around blushed and some of the more ridiculous giggled nervously at his sudden appearance. You might have thought he was asking them.
“Of course, how could I forget, sir?” Elizabeth replied seriously. Only her exasperated face gave away her distress.
“You could have rescued me sooner. It was like being surrounded by Caroline Bingleys!” she hissed as they took their places.
Darcy grinned.
“Well, it was rather amusing to see you glare at me. Mr. Warren thought you were just sending me lovesick glances. The poor man doesn’t realize that you are absolutely torturous.” He finished with mock sadness as they parted and rejoined in a line.
Those around them would have been absolutely shocked to hear Mr. Darcy teasing at all, let alone a woman. Elizabeth had been able to instill some of her teasing into him after all.
“Yes Mr. Darcy, I am absolutely horrid. You shall see exactly how torturous I can be, sir.” She replied, giving him a sly look under her lashes.
“Yes, we shall see.” He replied huskily, before whisking her away to the balcony for some privacy away from the crowd.
“Why, Darce is absolutely smitten! Not to mention, his wife is after all, quite the catch.” Mr. Warwick pointed out to his friends. Being single men, they thought it a pity that they had met Mrs. Darcy first.
The women nearby overheard this comment and while the majority approved of Darcy’s choice.
“Well, she is tolerable. I suppose she has a genteel sort of face, but I don’t see anything particular.” Sniffed Miss Brent.
“Come now Matilda, she is very pleasant and intelligent. She strikes a wonderful conversation. I do believe that we shall get along quite nicely. Oh! Martha, please consider inviting her to the discussions!” cried Mrs. Marx to her new found friend’s defense.
“Yes, yes my dears. Quite contrary to the rumors, she is a very well bred lady. I do hope she shall come.” Chided Mrs. Weatherby to the younger women.
The rest of the ball went on rather splendidly, as Mrs. Darcy was approved by the ton as an excellent match for the serious Darcy. The ladies and gentlemen found her to be a pleasant and lovely sort of woman. However, Elizabeth had been forced to endure the snide remarks from several disappointed young ladies and their mercenary mothers. Upon leaving, Mrs. Weatherby and several other ladies had convinced Elizabeth to attend their discussion group when in London. As the Darcy carriage left, both Darcy and Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well, love, it could have been much worse.” Whispered Elizabeth, who was now contentedly leaning against her husband. As her husband began to speak, she began to run her fingers over his arm, distracting him sufficiently.
“Yes, much worse. Next time I shall make sure you do not drag me to another ball. You know how I hate those people. Always so-“Darcy said while losing his concentration.
"Lizzy! You're distracting me to no e-" Darcy was interrupted by Elizabeth who had successfully silenced him with a kiss.