Page 7 of The Heir and Spare
“Paltry at best. I’m afraid I might be the weak link of the two of us?”
“Not at all I’m certain, as I have very little ability in any of the areas needed. Perhaps we shall work on a comedy of errors?”
She tapped her finger on the tip of her nose. “I think you’re on to something.”
Their host seemed oblivious to them both except for the occasional glance out the side of his eye. Whatever his goal was for this activity, he was certainly actively interested in their reaction. He hovered over Miss Mary, answering questions and turning through the pages. But he was definitely aware of Miss Elizabeth and himself. How very curious. Well, he should be grateful to the man. He’d very much like to get to know this new Miss Elizabeth and to keep her frowns at bay.
The door to the library opened with a rather large bang, jerking their attention toward a slightly disheveled young man standing in the doorway, waving aside the servant who had followed and was about to announce him.
“I’m Lord Perceval.” He bowed with a flourish of one hand. “I apologize for my tardiness.”
“Oh, excellent. I told them to expect your arrival.” Lord Shackley’s grin could hardly be contained as he looked from Miss Mary to the newcomer and back.
Miss Elizabeth snorted and then covered her face with one hand. “Excuse me.”
“No, my sentiments exactly.” He nodded in Lord Perceval’s direction. Then he held out his hand. “I’m Mr. Darcy. This is Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary.”
They shook hands and then with the same flourish and dramatics, Lord Perceval bowed over Miss Elizabeth’s hand. He lingered a moment longer than one would expect, long enough to draw attention, and then rose with a wink just for her.
Arthur wished to stand between them. But Miss Elizabeth seemed unfazed by this stranger’s attempt to flirt with her.
He knew he had no right to prevent such a gesture, so he tamped down his protective reaction, somewhat.
Then Lord Perceval primped and played with Miss Mary for a moment. Darcy soon saw that the playful nature was simply his manner of interacting. And Darcy hoped the women could see such a thing as well, that Miss Mary’s heart would be guarded, and that Miss Elizabeth would still enjoy Arthur’s rather quiet and subdued manner after such an energetic force entered the room.
Chapter 5
Elizabeth
Elizabeth watched Mary with astonishment as she blushed and giggled and warmed under the flamboyant energy that poured out of Lord Perceval. Mary might not be enamored, but she was indeed enjoying herself. And Mary enjoying herself was not something Elizabeth could remember happening. Ever. She had supposed that Mary’s version of enjoyment was limited to the more serious pursuits of thought and action and that she was very much above anything frivolous. But Lord Perceval was able to find the part of Mary that did indeed enjoy attention and a social conversation.
Elizabeth felt like one of those tittering marms who watched from the side and matchmade every couple that came together. Nothing slipped by those women. But she could not help her riveted attention.
Lord Shackley approached them. “I do have another copy of the green volume.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Lord Perceval and Mary moved with the book to sit by the fire, and Elizabeth didn’t think that conversation was ending any time soon.
* * *
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy found their own corner of the room. He stood behind a chair for Elizabeth and when she was seated, sat as close as was possible to her. “I would like to at least see who is the author of such an intriguing tome? And how will we adapt the stories in some theatrical way?”
He rubbed his hands together in such an outward show of glee that Elizabeth could only laugh.
Mr. Darcy watched her, and as she glanced again in his direction was stunned by the appreciative smile and sparkle in his eyes.
Could this be the same man who couldn’t be bothered to dance with her? Was this the one who deemed her not handsome enough? What had caused such a transformation? Was it simply because she was the only woman of interest present? Would his attention drift once the others arrived? She couldn’t know, but decided there was no reason to continue with antagonism. She would simply keep her distance emotionally and certainly guard her heart against such a handsome face, one who was showing an extra amount of attention. Being noticed, she decided, was heady. A man’s attention to her every intake of breath, his eyes studying the curls of her hair, the curve of her lips, was sending waves of anticipation through her in such a way that she wanted more and felt herself drawn to him simply because he saw her. Never before had she known you could sense a man’s eyes on you, feel where he looked, respond to his gaze. She warmed and knew her face was turning pink. It was heady indeed.
Lord Shackley brought them another book, a copy of the same in Mary’s hands. Elizabeth opened it up and smiled. “Shakespeare’s Sonnets?”
“Exactly. Think of all you can do with that! Think of the possibilities.”
Mr. Darcy rubbed his chin. “Could we also glean from the actual stories? They might be easier to portray?”
“You may, certainly, as long as the sonnets play a part. They must be central.”
Elizabeth turned page after page and then laughed to herself. “They are some of the most romantic…” She cleared her throat. “That God forbid who made me first your slave?” She ran her finger down the page. “Sweet love renew thy force…thus can my love excuse the slow offense…shall I compare thee to a summer’s day…” She paused and glanced up at Lord Shackley. “Are you perchance hoping to enliven the romantic tendencies of this group?”
