At Lady Constance’s request, the Bennet sisters took to the pianoforte. Mary and Elizabeth played the instrument while all three sang together, the performance even better than the one he had heard in Kent. They finished to hearty applause and Elizabeth was swept up by Darcy’s cousin Angela before he could get to her. Without realizing how it had happened, he found himself standing next to Mrs. Gardiner.

“Are you looking forward to your visit to The Lakes, Mr. Darcy?” she asked him.

“Yes, quite.”

“Elizabeth is so excited. It was very thoughtful of you to remember how she has always wanted to see them.”

He nodded, but did not respond.

“I believe you will go on to Pemberley afterward?” she inquired.

“That is the plan.”

“Derbyshire is so beautiful that time of year.”

He nodded again. Good God, she’s angling for an invitation already! The register hasn’t even been signed yet!

“Excuse me,” he said curtly before walking swiftly away.

Mrs. Gardiner looked a little shocked, but quickly pasted on a smile and rejoined her husband.

Elizabeth watched her aunt and betrothed from across the room, wondering what they were talking of. From her viewpoint, it looked like her aunt was doing all the talking and that Darcy was doing everything he could to avoid further conversation. She felt a heat building under her skin but told herself this was not the time nor the place to confront him on his rudeness. You knew this about him, Elizabeth. Do not be surprised by his pride now. Still, even though she knew she should have expected it, his behavior toward her nearest relations was upsetting.

Deciding to think no more about it at present, she returned her attention to the other guests.

After escaping the scheming of Elizabeth’s aunt, Darcy joined his uncle Mr. Gibbons in his conversation with Mr. Bennet. After a few minutes spent debating wine vintages and where to buy them, they were joined by the earl and Mr. Gardiner. Darcy was offended by Mr. Gardiner’s effrontery in approaching his uncle, likely for his own gain. Does this tradesman have no shame?

“Here now, Gibbons, Mr. Gardiner says he has a man who can get that port we were talking about at the club,” said Lord Carlisle eagerly.

“Really? Do tell, man!” Gibbons replied.

Darcy couldn’t believe the gall of the man! He was talking and laughing with his relatives as if he was one of them. How dare he abuse Darcy’s hospitality so? He had to admit the Gardiners weren’t too awful and they were certainly dressed fashionably, which is likely why his family spoke to Mr. Gardiner as they did. They didn’t know he wasn’t of the gentry.

But Darcy knew. And he was disgusted by this upstart behavior. He excused himself from the conversation before he said something intemperate. He was getting married tomorrow; he wouldn’t allow anything to mar the occasion.