Page 38 of Cousin Elizabeth
The fire died from Lizzy’s eyes as she saw his shoulders relax and a half smile come to his face. He was probably the best-looking man she had ever seen. She had noticed him standing behind the pillar, which is why she had chosen a chair close by to sit in. She knew who he was and was just waiting for their cousin to introduce them. She had been hoping to dance with him. It was more than a bit disappointing to hear him insult everyone…especially her, since she was the one Mr. Bingley was alluding to.
Caroline stood as Beth led Mr. Darcy over. Lizzy hastily stood as well. “Lizzy, might I introduce my cousin?”
Elizabeth nodded politely but refused to curtsey.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire, please allow me to introduce my most lovely and accomplished cousin, ElizabethBennet of Longbourn. Miss Elizabeth, my most disagreeable cousin, Mr. Darcy.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy was not used to being teased in public. He had become accustomed to Beth’s teasing, but as he looked into the young ladies dancing eyes, he could not help but blush from neck to ears. “My apologies, Miss Elizabeth, for any rude statements you might have overheard. I have a headache this evening, but that is no excuse for bad behavior. Please forgive me.” William made sure to raise his voice, just a bit, so hopefully those still standing about would hear him. He bowed low so they could see also.
Elizabeth stared him in the eye for a bit longer than he was comfortable with then said, “You are forgiven. I have been known to be terse when in pain. Will you accompany us to the supper room so you may meet the rest of my family?”
“Yes, please lead the way.” That had not been as hard as he had thought. Apologizing was not something a Darcy did often. He would have to thank Beth later…for humbling him he supposed. Richard had teased him that he was too proud. Well, he would think of it after his head was not pounding. Maybe foodwouldhelp.
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Darcy finally was introduced to the Bennet family he had not yet met. Mr. Bennet could be interrupted from his discussion with Mrs. Russell for only enough time to shake hands in greeting. Jane Bennet was a lovely creature. Tall, blonde, and willowy, just as his friend Bingley always preferred. She was giving Charles no attention at all though. His cousin, the viscount, was a ‘much better catch’ he thought cynically. The youngest girl present, Miss Mary, looked very much like Beth and her sister Elizabeth. She was very shy though, and just a bit rounder of cheek. That could be her youth though. Her face might thin out as time went by. Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary were of a more petite height than Miss Bennet or Cousin Beth. Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia were tall and blond like their eldest sister. Funny how sisters could look so very different. He much preferred the dark hair of the two middle daughters.
“How is your head?”
Darcy startled from his contemplations when Beth spoke. “I think the food helped. Is your dance after supper taken?”
“It is. Ask Lizzy to dance. I doubt she has actually forgiven you for the insult. Once her good opinion is lost, it’s lost forever, so you only have a short time to make up for your unkind words.”
“You believe I need her good opinion?”
“You need mine, or I’ll smack you in the head again. These are my cousins too. I expect you to be on your best behavior.”
“Anything for you cousin.” Darcy smirked and dodged her pinching fingers coming at him. In such a short time, he had learned to love his cousin. She was spritely and good humored. Well educated and lively. He thought of her almost as a sister. Would it not be perfect if his cousin Richard fell in love with her? Best not think of that. No matchmaking for him. “Miss Elizabeth, might I ask you to dance?” He stood and bowed over her hand.
“I would be honored sir. I assume your head does not hurt you too much?”
“The food helped.”
“I am glad to hear it. You did not speak much at supper, so I was afraid your symptoms had gotten worse.”
“I am reticent around strangers, or near strangers. I prefer to listen over speaking. My father always said, ‘Best to be silent and let people wonder if you are stupid, than open your mouth and prove you are.’ I took that to heart.”
Elizabeth laughed despite herself and Darcy was proud of himself. He wanted to see if she was as much like Beth as she seemed. His cousin was the first lady he had ever had humorous conversations with and laughed without restraint. His cousin Marie…well…she had changed after finishing school. The humor she had when she was younger had turned sharp. She could still make him laugh, but he had lost the ability to make her do so.
“Where did your mind just go, Mr. Darcy?”
“I am terribly sorry. I enjoyed your laugh, and it made me think of my cousin Marie, and how she does not really laugh anymore.”
“I am sorry to hear that. What happened to her?”
“You see! Beth asked the same thing! I do not know and never spent any time thinking about it. Next time I see her, I will try and find out. She went to school one person and came back another.”
“So, something happened at school.”
“Never even crossed my mind, or her brothers. It should have. Georgiana hated school.”
“I am of the opinion, that girls, during the most difficult years, should not be forced around other girls going through the same things. My eldest sister, Jane, is an angel. She helped us all throughthose difficult times. Honestly, I think our cousin Beth helped Lydia more than any of us sisters.”
“What are the most difficult years for a girl?”
“Thirteen to seventeen. Neither a child nor a woman. Everything is changing and there are SO many emotions. Is it the same for young gentlemen?”
“I am not sure young gentlemen ever grow out of those most difficult years.” Darcy said with a perfectly straight face.
