His Perfect Gift Launch Party

His Perfect Gift is live!! If you’ve started reading, I can’t wait for to know what you think of it. If you love it, please think of stopping by Amazon or Goodreads and leaving a review or rating. I may not know it’s you (usernames and all that), but I do thank you for doing so. Reviews help us so much!

Any day now I expect to start proofing chapters for the audiobook, and if I know Stevie, once she starts, she’ll finish it faster than it takes Audible to review it 😉

I’ve decided to give you chapter 5 today just in case you’re on the fence about getting the book 🙂 I will have a chance at a giveaway, so check out after the chapter for the opportunity to win a copy of His Perfect Gift!

Chapter 5

The Gardiners’ home had bustled with activity from the moment Darcy had stepped through the door. As soon as he had arrived, the butler had showed him into Mr. Gardiner’s study where they sipped an exquisite French brandy while they awaited the ladies, who had yet to make their appearance. The elder children returned from a quick walk with their nursemaid but were soon ushered upstairs with haste for their tea, leaving the two gentlemen alone to savour their spirits.

“I must thank you for arranging this evening for us,” said Mr. Gardiner. “My nieces have been quite anticipating a night at the theatre and the opportunity to wear one of their new gowns.”

The firelight reflected in his glass while he took a breath in a futile attempt to settle himself. “I am pleased all of you can join me. I take my sister to the theatre on occasion, but being in such a public place makes her uneasy, so I do not force her to go often.” He cleared his throat. “My sister enjoyed her tea with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth immensely. Thank you for allowing them to come.” While he adored hearing Georgiana giggle and talk as she had, he had to bemoan the wall that separated him from his sister and Miss Elizabeth. What he would not have given to be allowed in the music room! How frustrating to be so close, yet so far. How could he prove to Elizabeth he was not an ogre if he never spoke to her?

“The girls enjoyed themselves; I assure you. Lizzy spoke of how impressed she is with Miss Darcy. She said your sister is quite accomplished.”

“Georgiana practices as often as she can. From the moment my mother helped her first press the keys, she wanted nothing more than to play.” He blinked in a rapid fashion at the memory of his mother sitting at the pianoforte with a young Georgiana in her lap. She had never recovered fully after his sister’s birth yet had never let her fragile state interfere with spending time with her children.

“Your sister must cherish the memory.”

“She was too young to remember when my mother first introduced her to the instrument, but she has other memories. I assure you; they are treasured.”

At a knock upon the door, they both turned as Mrs. Gardiner entered. “Jane and I are in the hall. Lizzy was fetching her gloves and will join us in a moment. I hope we are not late.”

“No, not at all.” Darcy drank the last swallow of his brandy and set the glass on the tray while Mr. Gardiner did the same. When he and Mr. Gardiner stepped into the hall, he looked upward to the stairs in time for Miss Elizabeth to appear and almost choked on a swift inhale of breath. She was stunning. The ruby silk creation she wore boasted of a sheer white overlay on the skirt with tiny ribbon roses trimming the waist and the top edge of her bodice. Rose embroidery embellished the white sleeves and finished the ensemble well. A necklace of ruby-coloured beads wrapped around her neck, standing out against the paler flesh of her throat.

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” she said when she reached the bottom.

He gulped and clenched his hands at his sides lest he touch her. “Miss Elizabeth, I am pleased you and your family could join me. May I say how lovely you are? Miss Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner, you are looking well tonight too.” While he spoke, Miss Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow with a matching curve to one side of her lips.

Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner spoke, but he could not have repeated what they said since once his eyes returned to Miss Elizabeth, all else faded away. He held out his arm. “Miss Elizabeth, may I escort you to the carriage?”

Her tongue peeked out and moistened her lips, forcing him to resist drawing closer to her. How he wanted to claim those lips, yet she would surely slap him if he made the attempt. Was she trying to kill him with the temptation? She glanced past him to her aunt, but nodded. As soon as a maid helped her don her cape, she stepped beside him and rested her hand upon his sleeve. “Shall we, Mr. Darcy?”

Once they were inside the equipage, their party chatted during the ride to Drury Lane, though Miss Elizabeth, who sat across from him, was quiet. Was she uncomfortable with his presence? Had she not wished to see Hamlet? She had taken no more than a peek at him before she took his arm. What if she never gave him the opportunity to win her heart? His mind would not settle. He had too many questions that he could not answer.

He shook off the dark mood threatening to ruin his evening. The last time he was in such a state, he had made that ridiculous comment about Miss Elizabeth at the assembly. He could not behave so again. He would ruin whatever slim chance he had to make her his. That would simply not do.

When they arrived, he and Mr. Gardiner alighted first. Mr. Gardiner stepped up to the door and helped his wife and Miss Bennet, then guided them towards the entrance while Miss Elizabeth stepped down with his aid. “Thank you, sir.”

Her hand on his arm lightened his heart. With her so close, he took the opportunity to catch a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye. She looked down, which gave him a perfect view of the side of her head, her ebony curls peeking from the hood of her pearl-coloured cape.

His footmen, who had rushed inside before them, assisted in the removal of their coats before they hastened to his box ahead of their party. Without the impediment of the cape, his eyes traced over the ruby silk bandeau that threaded through her locks. She took his breath away.

“Forgive me!” At a slap to his shoulder, he turned to meet his cousin’s cheerful visage. “I could not get away in time to accompany you to Cheapside, but at least I shall not miss the performance.” Richard bowed over Miss Elizabeth’s hand. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a grin before greeting the Gardiners and Miss Bennet.

“Will Miss Darcy not be joining us?”

His heart sped up until it could have burst from his chest. Miss Elizabeth spoke to him—not just spoke to him, but initiated a conversation. “As you know, she is shy, and after a difficult summer, has preferred not to appear in public. Other than her piano master, my aunt, and her companion, she does not enjoy the society of many people. She has expressed no desire to attend the theatre or even attend a musical performance of late.”

“I am sorry to hear the summer was such a trial for her. She is a dear, sweet girl. I greatly enjoyed my time with her on Wednesday.”

“As she did with you,” he said. “She mentioned joining us for supper, so you will have the opportunity to speak to her then.” He motioned to Mr. Gardiner, and at the man’s nod, they pushed through the crowd towards the stairs. Meanwhile, his mind turned and turned. He was pleased, of course, that Miss Elizabeth enjoyed the company of his sister, but what if they became great friends and Miss Elizabeth never warmed to him? What a torture that would be!

“I appreciate your kindness to Georgiana. She has never had many friends. I fear the estates near Pemberley have a number of young boys, so she has been forced to endure the company of a much older brother instead.”

She tipped her head to look up at him with a soft smile. “She claims you are the best of brothers, so I do not believe she has suffered. You have raised her well.”

With a shake of his head, he sighed. “Not so very well. I fear I have failed her more than once.”

“No parent is perfect, sir. I am certain you did the best you could.”

“Thank you,” he said. Their gazes held for a bit before her cheeks pinked in a becoming manner, and she diverted her eyes.

As they made their way, no one of his particular acquaintance drew his notice. An unusual occurrence, but he would not object to the lack of unwanted attention. Miss Elizabeth shifted away from him once they were inside the box, and his arm appeared empty without her delicate hand perched atop the wool of his topcoat. The Gardiners, Miss Bennet, and his cousin stepped over to the chairs while he followed Miss Elizabeth to the edge of the balcony.

Her gaze roved over the stage and the seats below them while a few people looked up at them from the gallery. The features of a few were familiar, but she was not acquainted with them. “Is that Mr. Bingley?”

His eyes followed the path of hers until they landed upon the occupants of a box across the theatre. Charles Bingley’s ginger-blond hair stood out as did that of Miss Bingley’s. “I believe it is.” Blast! If Miss Bingley noticed him, she would insist upon greeting him. She was the last person with whom he wished to endure this evening.

Miss Elizabeth scraped her teeth along her bottom lip and peered up at him. “May I ask a rather intrusive question without causing offence?”

He frowned and clasped his hands behind his back. “You may ask whatever you wish to know.”

She glanced over to her sister then back to him. “When you and Mr. Bingley departed Netherfield, Miss Bingley sent a letter to Jane, in which she hinted that Mr. Bingley is soon to be betrothed to Georgiana.” Before he could respond, she held up a hand. “I thought her to be misleading Jane at the time, and now that I know your sister, I find the match all the more unlikely.”

He clenched his teeth and released them. Of all the suppositions for Miss Bingley to make. “My sister is far too young to be betrothed, and when she is considered an appropriate age, she will decide when she will come out as well as who she will wed. She and Bingley are acquainted, but their affection is more that of a brother and sister.” He peered over his shoulder to Miss Bennet. “I hope your sister was not dismayed by Miss Bingley’s claims.”

“She was indeed,” said Miss Elizabeth. “Though their acquaintance was brief, my sister came to have a high regard for the gentleman. She thought him all a young man should be.”

If Darcy could have closed his eyes and scolded himself, he would have. Miss Bennet’s demeanour had always been modest, but what if she possessed a reserved disposition similar to his? She would have never revealed her most intimate feelings before all of Meryton. “I am grieved to hear it. I was unaware her heart had been touched.”

Her lips were pressed into a flat line. “Mr. Bingley gave every impression he was attached to her. He seemed so open and amiable. She accepted his attentions as sincere.”

Darcy peered across the theatre. “I doubt Bingley knows of the letter or what his sister has said.” He turned back to Miss Elizabeth to better gauge her feelings on the matter. “If he were to come to Gracechurch Street, do you think she would accept his call?”

“I cannot say. She and my aunt visited Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, but when those ladies returned the call, they behaved in a cold and rude manner. Poor Jane—she had believed them to be friends. She was devastated.”

He nodded and peered back across the theatre, only to be met with the eyes of Bingley as well as his sister upon them. The curtain upon the stage opened so he held out an arm. “We should take our seats.”

When they made to sit, two chairs remained that were side-by-side in front of the Gardiners. How was he to endure an entire performance so close to her? The light rose scent of her perfume pulled at him, urging him closer until he could touch his nose to her flesh and inhale her essence along with the heady floral scent.

Her hand rested upon her leg, and how he itched to take it in his, remove her glove, and touch the softness of her skin with the tips of his fingers. He took in a deep breath and slowly released it. Patience! In order to open her heart to him, he required patience. He was so consumed by Miss Elizabeth’s proximity that his thoughts centred on her and her expressions at the events of the play. He remained thus until he jolted from his reverie at her laugh.

“Mr. Darcy, are you well?”

He could not but smile in return. “Yes, forgive me. I am afraid I was wool-gathering.”

“I sent James and Peter for wine,” said Richard. His cousin clapped him on the shoulder and leaned down next to his ear. “James indicated Bingley is in the passage. He arrived just before the interval.”

Darcy blinked and glanced about him. How had the interval come so soon? “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth, but I must speak to Bingley. If he asks of your sister, what would you have me tell him?”

Her eyes widened and she took a quick peek at Miss Bennet, who spoke to her aunt and uncle. “I am unsure. I do not believe she expects him to renew his addresses.”

Richard stood along with them. “I imagine he will want to join our party.”

Darcy pressed his lips together. “I must go to him, else he will insist upon entering the box. I would not want him to disturb your sister in front of so many people.” She nodded, so he stepped around her and into the corridor.

“Darcy!” Bingley hastened closer and glanced at the door behind Darcy. “I never expected to see you here this evening, and with the Miss Bennets! I had no idea they were even in London.”

“I believe they arrived a se’nnight ago. My cousin introduced me to their uncle, and we dined at their home in Cheapside a few days ago.”

His friend raked a hand through his hair. “I am astounded that you would invite them to the theatre.”

Darcy flinched back a bit. “Why? Because Mr. Gardiner is a wealthy tradesman? I have attended the theatre with you and your sisters. You are not so dissimilar, are you?” While Miss Bingley oft times commented on the Bennet family’s connection to trade, she could have been more severe upon her own ties.

Bingley started and barked out an odd sort of laugh. “I suppose you are correct.” He rubbed his hands together. “Do you think Miss Bennet would accept my call? I had intended to return to Netherfield until Caroline and Louisa followed us to town. I have regretted the way in which I departed. I never took my leave or assured her of my return.” He brightened. “I could join your party for the rest of the performance.”

Darcy set his hand upon Bingley’s shoulder. “I do not believe that is possible. I learnt this evening that Miss Bingley penned a letter to Miss Bennet, informing her you were to soon become betrothed to Georgiana.”

His friend gasped and paled. “I mean no disrespect to your sister, but I would never.”

“I know,” said Darcy, “but Miss Bennet could do no more than believe your sister’s claims. I am concerned the theatre would not be a prudent place to become reacquainted. You do not want to become the performance.”

Bingley winced and shook his head. “I had not considered—”

“Instead, you could join us for a light supper after the play?” Bingley opened his mouth, but Darcy held up a finger. “But, if you are to come, your sisters are not welcome. After what has occurred, I shall not have them upsetting my guests with their snide comments and veiled insults.”

After nodding vigorously, Bingley grasped his hand and began shaking it. “Thank you! I shall accompany them home, then claim fatigue and sneak out.”

All of Darcy’s forbearance was required not to roll his eyes. When would his friend heed his own heart and mind instead of the opinions and manipulations of those around him? “Bingley, one day, you must stand up to your sisters, lest they dictate your life—including who you marry. I can assure you, even Miss Bennet may not tolerate your sisters after their correspondence.”

“Mr. Darcy! There you are!”

His stomach sank like a rock when Miss Bingley reached up and waved from further down the corridor. “You must return to your seats and take your sister with you. She will not be admitted to my box. I will not tolerate her cloying behaviour in front of my guests.”

“Of course,” said Bingley. “Thank you, Darcy.” His ginger-blond hair bobbed through the crowd, but he did not wait to be assured Bingley had escorted his sister away from them and ducked back into the box.

As soon as he stepped inside, Miss Elizabeth hurried over to him. “Well?”

“He is to come to supper this evening. I thought it a better solution than him calling at Gracechurch Street. If your sister decides she has no desire to receive his calls, he will not know where your aunt and uncle live. His sisters know, but I doubt either would tell him.” He prayed she would agree with him.

She glanced over to Miss Bennet before her gaze met his. “I agree. I just do not know when to warn her.”

“He will need to escort his sisters home to Grosvenor Square first. You will have an opportunity when we arrive at Darcy House.”

Miss Elizabeth smiled at him. “You have thought of everything.”

She had smiled at him. What he would not give to have her do so again and again!

Now that’s a great place to leave it! There’s dinner at Darcy House after the theatre in the book, but you have to read it to find out what happens!!

Thanks for reading!