Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (21 page)

William threw his cousin an evil look before turning on his heel and exiting the room. Richard hastily followed, having to step lively to catch up to him before they began descending the grand staircase. In the foyer below, Audrey Ashcroft glanced up to see her favourite nephews and an expression of motherly affection swept over her face. Each man went directly to her, placed a kiss on her cheek and then stepped back for the inspection they knew to expect.

Their aunt glanced from one to the other, clearly delighted. “Oh my! The ladies will be deliriously happy that you both decided to attend the ball. And I do not believe I have ever seen either of you look more handsome!”

“You say that each time we are dressed like peacocks,” Richard teased as William tried to keep a straight face.

“It is true! Would that I improved as much from one soirée to the next!”

Everyone chuckled as she stepped to Richard first. Running her hands reverently over the medals on his regimentals, she brushed a phantom piece of lint from his red coat before straightening a perfect collar and staring into his face for a long moment.

“Richard, you are the most handsome man in uniform that I have ever seen. It is a wonder your superior officers do not order you never to appear at any soirée they are attending, so as not to outshine them!”

Richard kept a straight face, while William’s shoulders shook with the effort to contain his amusement. “You are too kind, Aunt Audrey.”

“Nonsense! I am just being honest!” She patted his cheek lovingly then moved to stand in front of William.

“I must tell you, Fitzwilliam, that you look so much better than when Georgiana and I returned to London. Thank you for rising to the occasion and taking stock of yourself.” She glanced at Richard. “I know that your cousin had much to do with your improvement.”  Richard silently acknowledged her statement with a slight nod.  “And I imagine, with the addition of this lovely waistcoat, he has exerted an influence over your wardrobe. For far too long you have favoured black and white, and it makes you appear too sombre. You are a very handsome young man! You should dress like one!”

“I shall keep that in mind, Aunt.”

William’s eyes cut to Richard, who was now waging his own struggle not to laugh aloud, as his aunt ran her fingertips over the gaily coloured threads in the waistcoat and reached up to push a stray curl from his forehead. Then, just as she had with Richard, Lady Ashcroft patted William’s cheek lovingly.

“Your mother would have been so proud of you. I know that I am.”

Tears formed involuntarily in William’s eyes, and fearing she was about to cry as well, Lady Ashcroft hugged him and then turned back to hug Richard. “I am prodigiously proud of you both!”

Just at that moment there was a loud knock at the door, and a footman opened it to reveal Lord Landingham. Looking every inch a member of the landed gentry, he strolled in without waiting while Mr. Barnes rushed to assist him.

“Never mind, Barnes, there is no need to surrender my coat or hat!” Landingham declared.  “This beautiful young lady and I shall be leaving straightaway!” Lady Ashcroft blushed in spite of herself, while her nephews exchanged knowing glances.

“Oh, Marshall, how you do flatter!” 

The Earl of Westcott paused to admire the woman he had come to love since she had become Georgiana’s companion. She was still as slim as a young girl, her hair and complexion equally as youthful, but her vivaciousness was easily her best asset. She literally breathed life into a room, and since she had come into his life, he had learned to smile again. No—he had learned to live again. And tonight she simply took his breath away!

Spectacularly arrayed in a silver-coloured satin creation that was trimmed along the bodice and elbow-length sleeves with delicate lace and seed pearls in the same shade, her dark hair was held atop her head by matching silver combs. In addition, she wore a three-strand, diamond and silver necklace with matching earrings. He was thinking that she could easily be mistaken for a royal princess, when he realised that everyone was waiting for him to speak.

“Lady Ashcroft, I do believe I have never seen you look lovelier!”

When everyone chuckled, he looked surprised. Audrey took it upon herself to explain. “Richard just mentioned that I always say the same thing—that he and Fitzwilliam look more handsome than when last I had seen them! He teased that I was insincere.”

“And now I am seen as disingenuous? Well, I can assure you, madam, that while I think your nephews presentable, you are most definitely more beautiful each time we meet!”

“Very well said, sir! You should be a diplomat,” William declared, turning to take his hat from Mr. Barnes who held both his and Richard’s. “Now, I fear we should all be on our way or Richard will have a paroxysm!”

Richard retorted, “Then do not blame our late arrival on me. It is you who scheme to arrive in time to miss the receiving line. That relieves you of having to smile at our hosts and anyone else who might be in the row.”

By then Richard and William were leading the way down the front steps, still jesting playfully.

“I do no such thing Richard! It is you...”

Lord Landingham and Audrey had stopped on the portico, and he glanced down at the lady standing by his side to find her smiling affectionately at the quarrelling men she considered her sons.  Leaning close to her ear he whispered, “I am quite fond of those two.”

Her eyes sparkled as she considered him. “I am as well, sir! I am as well.”

He held out his arm and she placed a delicate, gloved hand upon it, and they followed the cousins to the street below, where Richard and William entered the Darcy carriage still engaged in debate.

As Darcy’s carriage pulled away, the earl’s carriage took its place, and a footman opened the door for Lady Ashcroft. Swiftly, Landingham handed her inside and followed, barely getting situated in the seat before the conveyance rocked as it moved forward—the driver intent on making short work of the trip around the park to the other side of Mayfair.

~~~*~~~

London
Holmes House
The Ball

Lit up more spectacularly than Vauxhall Gardens
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on fireworks night, the Holmes’ townhouse appeared to be a veritable lighthouse on a hill in the fashionable area of Mayfair. Every window glowed with the light from hundreds of candles in massive chandeliers, and coupled with scores of floor-to-ceiling mirrors circling the ballroom, each reflecting the light, it created a dazzling effect. 

Many residents of London, those not among the elite invited to the soirée, stood outside in the shadows, watching the wealthy arrive in fine carriages drawn by matching pairs of thoroughbreds. Some came hoping to beg or steal, while others wished only to see the finery displayed at such times as this. Slipping as near as they dared without drawing the attention of the footmen and Bow Street Runners hired to keep order and protect the guests, this was most likely as close as they would ever come to a night at the theatre.

Inside the ballroom, Elizabeth could hardly breathe for taking it all in. She had thought Holmes House beautiful on her first visit, but never had she seen it polished and preened to this extent or filled with scores of people, each more finely dressed than the next. In addition, the house was a veritable garden with so many flowers in every conceivable vessel and location that she could not identify one scent in particular. Apparently Lady Holmes did not ascribe to the theory of using one type of flower to the exclusion of all others, so roses were mixed with dahlias, peonies, tulips, chrysanthemums, orchids and other flowers, some she did not recognise. The combination of colours and scents was exhilarating!

Overwhelmed, Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment only to find upon opening them that Alfreda stood before her with a quizzical look. Wilkens’ sister had rushed back to her side after standing in the receiving line with her brother and cousins.

“Elizabeth, are you unwell? And why are you alone? Where are the Gardiners?”

The Gardiners had been with her until minutes before, but Aunt Madeline was feeling faint, since she was with child again, so they were forced to move to the terrace for some fresh air. Secretly Elizabeth had been glad for the reprieve, as Alfreda had not let her out of her sight all day, and her aunt was apparently going to monitor her every move during the ball.

“I am well. And as for my aunt and uncle, Aunt Madeline was not feeling well so they went onto the terrace for some fresh air.”

“Oh dear! I do hope Mrs. Gardiner is not very ill! Do you think I should notify Penelope?”

“I would give her a chance to recover before you alert anyone.”

“I suppose that would be prudent. However, I simply must revisit the subject of your own health. You looked so pale a moment ago when I happened upon you and your eyes were closed. Perhaps you and your aunt have the same malady.”

Elizabeth almost laughed aloud, but she could not betray a confidence and tell anyone of her aunt’s condition. No, that would be for the Gardiners to announce.  “I can assure you that I am not ill. I was merely overcome with the magnificence of everything—the decorations, the food, the people, the number of musicians—everything is on such a grand scale.”

The pronouncement pleased Alfreda. She was aware that Elizabeth came from a family of humble origins, and she wanted her to be impressed with wealth—with her brother’s wealth in particular.

Elizabeth continued. “And I have already been introduced to so many people. I fear I shall never remember all their names.”

“You should not concern yourself with that, as no one expects you to remember everyone you have met. Besides, Brother and I shall be by your side all night, ready to assist. Oh, look! John is coming this way to claim the first dance.”

Elizabeth tried to keep her smile pasted in place as the Earl of Hampton approached, a disturbing look of ownership on his face. Soon she found herself opposite him across a line of dancers. And as the music began, she wondered if she would be able to escape his watch any time that evening. If she did not, she knew the night would be endless.

~~~*~~~

Richard and William entered the ballroom after the first dance had begun, closely followed by Lord Landingham and their aunt. Landingham immediately steered Lady Ashcroft towards some of his associates from the House of Lords, who had acknowledged his arrival. William was grateful that they chose not to stand with him—both well aware of his penchant for anonymity. Landingham was a very popular speaker, and a group always gathered wherever he appeared, hoping to gain some wisdom from his pronouncements on the latest issue before parliament. Breathing a sigh of relief as they walked on, William turned to say something to Richard, only to find him intently examining the assembly.

“Richard?” There was no answer. “Richard!” he called louder.

His cousin stared across the ballroom, seemingly oblivious to his entreaty. Finally William stepped directly in front of him, causing Richard to startle and step back awkwardly.

“Darcy, what the devil!” He glanced around to see if anyone was watching. Seeing a few people eyeing them curiously, he lowered his voice. “Why would you, of all people, make a spectacle of yourself?”

“I was only trying to gain your attention.”

With a hint of exasperation, Richard chided, “Well, now you have it, what do you want?”

“I wish you to help me keep watch for Gisela. I fear she may attempt to confront me or flaunt her latest conquest this evening.” 

The sadness in William’s eyes and resignation in his voice touched Richard, and he was instantly remorseful. Darcy was trapped in a truly ghastly situation, never certain when Gisela might materialize to confront or humiliate him. 

“Relax, Darcy. Walter assured me that she was not invited.”

“Yes, but she was not invited to the last event she attended, either. It appears she may be hoping to catch me in public. I believe her hatred for me has begun to exceed her good judgement. Each time we talk, she makes new threats.”

“But she only harms her own character. Hanging all over Attenborough whilst parading about drunk as a sailor on leave does not serve her interests.”

“Once she is in her cups, she does not care who she exposes—not even herself! And the
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is afraid to reproach her because your mother and father acknowledge her as my wife.”

“And as you are aware, I have told them I do not agree with their stance.”

“Forgive me. I should not have brought that up.”

“No apology necessary. I am only sorry that she and father are so dedicated to pleasing society instead of their own flesh and blood. In any event, I shall keep an eye out for her.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate your help.” With that said, William resumed his stance beside Richard, who instantly picked up where he left off in his search for Miss Bennet amongst the long line of dancers that stretched the entire length of the ballroom. 

Surely she is dancing with that pompous ass, Wilkens, as he had the first set. And though she may be petite, I should be able to spy that ox!

Suddenly, the ladies made a loop around the line, and she came into view! She looked even lovelier than he remembered in a gown of pale blue, with an empire waist that was circled by a dark-blue ribbon embroidered with various colours. The low neckline displayed her womanly curves to great advantage, making jewellery unnecessary, though she wore small pearl earrings. Her ebony hair was pulled into curls atop her head that were interspersed with more of the same ribbons before they cascaded down her back in long tendrils that bounced with every step. For a second, he was awestruck. Then, remembering that she was Darcy’s love, Richard chanced to glance at him, eager to see if he had discovered her yet. He had not.

Nevertheless, as he surveyed the young bucks standing about them, it was obvious that a good many of them had noticed Elizabeth. Numerous heads turned to follow her every move, and for a moment, he wondered if his cousin stood a chance with all the obstacles in his path.