“It is magnificent, Will!” Lizzy exclaimed from the carriage. “I was here last year but it was a daytime performance and none of the lights were on like this.”
“Come now, your highness.” William smiled. “We will have a marvellous time and if you need anything at all, if you should want wine or anything else, you must tell me. I intend to make sure this is the most memorable evening for you and will indulge your every wish.”
Lizzy nodded, “Thank you, my prince. This is my best birthday yet!”
William exited the carriage first and handed her out with a large grin on his face. There were several attendees who had seen him at functions and were surprised to see the usually stoic man appearing so jovial this evening. Fitzwilliam Darcy had been infamous for standing about at balls or parties and speaking to only a few ladies, usually the wives of his friends, and had been an impossible man to approach.
“There is quite a number of ladies ogling you, Will!” Lizzy whispered. “I thought you were exaggerating when you were bragging about the attentions you received from the ladies but I can see for myself from the looks that they are giving me that they are indeed very envious that they are not the ones on your arm. Shall we give them more fodder for gossip?” She arched her brow.
William raised her hand and kissed it affectionately. “I have no eyes but for you, princess. They can say whatever they wish but this is your night and your happiness is the only thing I care about, Lizzy. Let us go find our seats.” He brightly smiled.
They walked to the Darcy luxury box and took their seats. William helped her with the shawl to ensure she was warm enough and handed her the opera glasses. He cared not who was watching them, as he lifted his beloved’s hand and kissed it once more and held it during the entire first act.
~*~
During the first intermission, William confidently walked the lobby with Lizzy on his arm. He smiled and introduced her to half a dozen of his friends who were also in attendance and fetched Lizzy a glass of wine and catered to her every need. He ensured that she was having a pleasant time and showed everyone how content he was to have her at his side.
He noted several men gawking at Lizzy and smirked at them, knowing that he was the lucky fellow with the beautiful lady on his arm. William introduced Lizzy to his friend from Cambridge, “Mr. James Woods, my friend from Cambridge, Woods, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” The two greeted each other.
James Woods spoke next, “And this lovely lady approaching is Miss Eleanor Grantley.” Miss Grantley arrived at his side and the ladies curtseyed and William bowed.
“We are acquainted. How are your parents, Miss Grantley?” He asked kindly.
“They are well, sir. It is good to see you again appearing quite pleased, and in public, no less. You are always so stern and frightening that this is a big change!”
“It is due to my companion, I assure you.” William laughed. “I am pleased to be here and I am unable to hide it.”
Lizzy spoke next. “I have heard much about you from Miss Darcy’s governess, Miss Grantley. She had praised your kindness and beauty and have heard many wonderful stories from her. Miss Carter has been very kind to include me in Miss Darcy’s studies for years and I have learned much from her.” Lizzy smiled.
Miss Grantley beamed, “I am glad she is with Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet. Miss Carter was a wonderful governess and I do miss her. I hope you are enjoying the opera.”
While the ladies chatted, Mr. Woods leaned and spoke softly, “How do you know her, Darcy? She is stunning and has a figure that would put the finest ladies to shame. Are you courting her? She looks young but is exquisite.”
William smirked, “I plan on winning her as soon as I have a chance to make the request. She is a very close family friend and she is sixteen today.”
“Congratulations, my friend. Miss Grantley might not be as beautiful as your lady but she is quite pretty and I am in courtship with her. She has £20,000 and is an excellent catch and I hope to propose in a few months.” Woods shared. “Good breeding, good looks, Miss Grantley has it all, but if I were not serious about her,” he eyed Lizzy, “I just might have pursued your lady friend. You had better be on guard, Darcy; she can capture any man here tonight if she tires of you. She is a fine specimen.”
“Eyes off, Woods,” William quietly warned his friend. “My lady is not for you to seduce and you know I will beat you to a pulp if you offend me or my lady.” He laughed when his friend’s face paled. “I know you are a good man, Woods. Go back to your lady and give her the attention she deserves.”
The gentlemen smiled at each other and parted ways to return to their seats.
~*~
The second act was just as humorous and William looked over at Lizzy frequently and smiled tenderly to see her giggle while focusing on the stage. His plan was to ask for her hand during the third intermission and return home an engaged man.
During the second intermission, they sat in their box to converse and discussed of the opera so far. He ordered her another glass of sweet wine and they chattered happily of the audience and what character study they could find. The music was beautiful and the comedy of the relationship between Figaro and his beloved Susanna, as well as the Count and Countess Almavina, were undeniably entertaining.
After the third act, William
