Page 102 of Compromise & Consequence
Elizabeth rounded on him and tapped him hard with her fan.
“Did you just liken my cousin to a dog’s bone?”
For a moment he worried he had offended his wife. Her mood over the past few weeks had been mercurial, vacillating between giddy relief to tears over the smallest slight. About to stammer out an apology, he noticed the twinkle in her eye and let out a breath he did not realize he’d been holding.
“Shall we go and congratulate our cousins?”
At her happy nod, he offered his arm and they excused themselves from Lord Blake’s company.
Upon reaching Jane and Richard, he said, “Let me congratulate you, Jane. I am not sure exactly when you bumped your head and lost all sense of reasoning. There can be no accounting as to why you would accept this reprobate.” He grinned at his lovely cousin by marriage, who stared at him wide-eyed. “But I do know, you make that reprobate very happy and he has sung your praises from the time he first met you. I wish you nothing but joy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Jane began, but he interrupted her.
“We are family in more ways than one now. I insist you call me William or Darcy. Whichever you feel most comfortable.”
“Then, I thank you, William.”
Their conversation turned to mundane topics until it was time to form the receiving line for Elizabeth’s ball.
“Are you nervous?” he asked her when the first set of guests came up the staircase.
“Yes and no. I hate being the center of attention but am so glad this is the penultimate occasion before we leave for Derbyshire. I also cannot wait to dance the first set with my handsome husband.”
The next hour was busy as friends and colleagues made their way through the receiving line, all wanting to see the woman who had captured the elusive bachelor Mr. Darcy and who had also received an invitation to have tea with the Queen during her presentation.
***
“His Royal Highness, Prince Augustus, Duke of Sussex.”
All conversation ceased as the prince entered the ballroom; his retinue of followers at a respectful distance. Lord and Lady Matlock immediately moved toward him, with Elizabeth and Darcy close behind. The ladies curtsied deeply and the men performed low courtier bows.
“Your Highness, thank you for attending our ball.”
“Her Majesty asked that we come and acknowledge our newest cousin.” Prince Augustus turned his attention toward the earl. “Lord Matlock, would you kindly perform the introduction.”
“With pleasure, Sir.” Lord Matlock held out his hand to Elizabeth and she allowed him to draw her closer to the prince. “Your Highness, it is with great pleasure that I present you to my niece, Mrs. Elizabeth de Cortez Bennet Darcy.”
“Mrs. Darcy, the pleasure is fully mine. May I enquire if your first set is available?”
“I do believe it is already spoken for.” The royal duke’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she hastened to add, “By a very handsome prince who has graced our ballroom.”
“I can see why Mother was so taken with you.” He smiled wide at her flattery and crooked his elbow to escort her to the head of the line forming on the dance floor. “May your feet be as light as your wit and your marriage as delightful as your intelligence.”
“Thank you, your Highness,” she demurred with a slight bow of her head. “I am determined to be happy with my choices and just as determined to enjoy my dance with you.”
Prince Augustus leaned forward as though imparting a great secret. “Be thankful it was me who came tonight as I am a wonderful dancer. My brothers –” he gave an elegant shrug – “not so much.”
Elizabeth covered her mouth to stifle the giggle that had threatened to escape.
“Your secret is safe with me.”
He bowed to begin the set and she curtsied.
***
Darcy stood somewhat dazed as his wife danced with royalty. Never, in any of his imaginations, would he have expected such a thing to occur.
“I can guess the subject of your reverie,” came the low voice of his cousin, Viscount Ashton.
