Page 69 of A Different Impression

The party moved into the entrance hall to don their outer garments. As Darcy fastened Elizabeth’s cape, he allowed his fingers to linger against her shoulders and the back of her neck. Her resulting shiver pleased him, although the glare she cast over her shoulder warned that she understood precisely what he was doing.

When Darcy looked up, he found Richard watching them with an expression that appeared almost wistful. His cousin said nothing, however, and occupied himself by helping the unmarried ladies into the carriage.

Charlotte, Anne, and Jane settled upon the forward-facing seat. Richard immediately selected the place opposite Miss Lucas, leaving Darcy to assist Elizabeth before sitting beside her. The carriage was sufficiently large to accommodate everyone comfortably, but he nevertheless wished they had taken two. A second carriage might have allowed him a few private moments with his wife, although her lingering discomfort during even short journeys made him reluctant to indulge the thought too far.

Having Elizabeth pressed warmly against his side did little to improve his concentration. He attempted to follow the lively conversation around him, but his attention repeatedly returned to the woman beside him and the gown that displayed her beauty to distracting advantage.

Upon reaching the theatre, Elizabeth glanced up at him, evidently noticing the direction of his gaze. She allowed the others to move ahead before slowing her steps.

“You, my dear, are the cause of my distraction,” Darcy growled near her ear. “You are utterly enchanting in that gown—far too lovely, I fear. I am prepared to challenge every man who dares to look at you. I cannot forget how you reacted when I touched your neck, and now I regret failing to kiss you before we left Darcy House. I fear I shall be denied your kisses for far too long this evening.”

She laughed softly. “Perhaps, dearest William, we might arrange our seats behind the others and take advantage of whatever darkness we can find.”

“Minx,” he breathed. “Do you intend to scandalise all of London tonight?”

“Perhaps,” she replied archly before taking his hand and pulling him forward to rejoin their party.

After that exchange, Darcy found it difficult to greet anyone with his customary civility. He noticed the curious glances directed towards them as they entered the theatre, but their marriage was still new enough to attract attention, and he was too preoccupied with Elizabeth to concern himself with what anyone might think.

Darcy could not afterwards have described the first act of the play. As soon as the lights dimmed and the audience’s attention turned towards the stage, he followed his wife’s suggestion and devoted himself to a far more compelling occupation.

When the lamps were raised for the intermission, Charlotte’s knowing glance and Richard’s poorly concealed smirk told Darcy that they had not been quite as discreet as he had imagined. Jane and Anne merely asked Elizabeth whether she was too warm, for her face was noticeably flushed.

Darcy remained seated until Richard prodded his shoulder.

“Come,” his cousin murmured, unmistakable amusement in his voice. “You may help me procure refreshments for the ladies.”

Darcy cast him a warning look but reluctantly rose to follow him.

Grinning, Richard led Darcy into the corridor, where they remained just outside the box, as Darcy was unwilling to leave the ladies without a male protector. “You are determined to test the bounds of propriety tonight, are you not, Darcy?” he enquired quietly. “Miss Bennet and Anne were unaware of what occupied you during the play, but it was obvious to Miss Lucas and me. If my mother were here, she would be extremely displeased with you.”

“You will not say a word of this to your mother or anyone else, Richard,” Darcy hissed. “Notice that I neither confirmed nor denied your supposition about our occupation during the play, but I warn you, you will not mention this to anyone.”

“Or what?” Richard taunted, his grin making it obvious how much he was enjoying his discomfort.

“No more drinking my port,” Darcy warned his cousin, knowing exactly where to strike the biggest blow to his aggravating cousin.

“Hmm,” Richard replied as he considered the threat. “I find that is a rather good inducement to keep silent. And you will be in town for the entire Season, which means I will have many opportunities to visit you and drink your good wine. Now, do be a good cousin and tell me what you know about Miss Lucas.”

Darcy shared with Richard what he knew, which was not much. He had met the Lucas family many times in Meryton, but his attention had been firmly fixed on Elizabeth, and most of the time, he had spoken with Miss Lucas in company with Elizabeth. She had shared with him most of what he knew about Miss Lucas, and he was pleased he could recall a few things that his wife had told him of her dearest friend.

When Darcy and Richard returned with the refreshments, Elizabeth’s sparkling eyes suggested that the ladies’ conversation had been nearly as revealing as the gentlemen’s. Once they were seated, she leaned towards him.

“Charlotte has been asking questions about Richard,” she whispered.

Darcy glanced towards his cousin. “He has been asking questions about Miss Lucas.”

During the next act, they quietly compared what they had learnt. Elizabeth supplied a few particulars Darcy had been unable to give Richard, including the modest size of Miss Lucas’s dowry. If his cousin’s interest proved serious, Darcy wondered whether Richard might at last be persuaded to accept responsibility for Rosings—or whether another small estate might be found for him.

The entire party remained in the box during the second intermission. A succession of acquaintances called to speak with them or seek introductions to the unmarried ladies. Jane attracted considerable notice as Darcy’s new sister, whilst Anne’s possession of Rosings ensured that she received even more. Charlotte’s unfamiliarity also prompted several enquiries, although Darcy and Richard answered them cautiously and discouraged the attentions of any gentleman they considered unsuitable.

Darcy was relieved when the bell announced the final act. Anne had remained composed throughout the introductions, but he had noticed her expression tighten whenever a gentleman addressed his remarks to her whilst allowing his gaze to stray repeatedly towards Jane. He could hardly blame anyone for admiring Jane’s beauty, but such discourtesy towards his cousin did little to recommend the men responsible for it.

He found the final act intriguing, although he and Elizabeth had missed too much of the play to follow every development. He whispered that they ought to return and watch it properly.

“Or we might purchase a copy and read it together before the fire in Pemberley’s library,” he added.

Elizabeth’s smile warmed. “I should prefer that vastly.”