Page 156 of Colour My World
He drummed his fingers against the armrest. What, then?
A portrait!
But not today. Not after Rosings Park.
“I will sit for an artist of your choice to stare at me until I wither in boredom once, and only once, when we have blessed Pemberley with an heir.”
He had opened his mouth to argue, but a beringed talon sliced the air before his face.
“Elizabeth has the right of it.” Lady Catherine’s gimlet gaze turned upon him. He shrank back, a nine-year-old boy once again seeking a quick escape. “One must preserve the structure of rank and propriety.”
To Elizabeth and Georgiana, she said, “I am pleased that Darcy women understand this maxim.”
Georgiana pressed her lips together, her shoulders aquiver.
Darcy gritted his teeth.
He had conceded the point. But what of a miniature? Small, private, easily kept close. Yes. A miniature.
He strode to the bellpull and gave it a sharp tug.
Barty would come despite his injury. The poor devil had split open his palm on a cracked decanter two days prior—Georgiana had been appalled.
“Barty, what happened to your hand?”
“A mishap with the glass in the cellar, miss. The decanter slipped its neck and bit mine in kind.”
Georgiana winced. “And yet you insist on working?”
“I should hardly let a little crystal dictate my affairs.”
“Brother, you must see to your man’s well-being.”
Darcy chuckled. “I shall, as he can hardly see to mine.”
Barty registered the insult as he always did. He sniffed.
Moments later, Barty appeared, his usual composure intact despite his bandaged right hand.
“You rang, sir?”
“I have need of you. There is an errand of some delicacy.”
Barty inclined his head. “Shall I ready the carriage?”
“No. You must retrieve something for me—unobserved.” Darcy paused. “Elizabeth must not inquire as to my absence.”
Barty nodded. “A note, then, sir? To forestall questions and hasten the matter?”
Darcy looked at his injured hand.
Barty picked up a quill with his left hand and held it aloft expectantly.
Darcy’s brows lifted.
Barty’s smile widened. He said nothing.
Both men regarded each other in silence.
