Page 30 of Compromise & Consequence
“No, Colonel. Fifty pounds per annum.”
His mouth dropped open, then shut with an audible clack of his teeth.
“I suppose I could always purchase one vital item per year,” she prattled, doing her best imitation of Lydia. “I would have to choose between a sturdy pair of boots or perhaps a warmer coat. But then, I also have to buy fabric to make dresses along with delicate things we women require, such as chemises and nightwear.”
The colonel turned dark red. With rage or shame, she wasn’tsure. Nothing made a man more uncomfortable than a woman discussing theirdelicates.
“I will bloody well kill him.”
“Then, I thank you now in advance. For if you are successful, I shall be a widow who has lost nothing and can return home one thousand pounds richer with a promise of two hundred pounds per annum. These are the amounts agreed upon in the advent of his death before mine.”
“I do not understand. Why would your father sign such an insulting settlement?”
“Your cousin said he would not marry me otherwise. I had no choice. The four remaining Miss Bennets would have been ruined alongside me.”
“Darcy is a fool.”
“I will not argue that point.”
“So, what will we do with you for now?” He gave her a thoughtful glance. “I could introduce you to my mother.”
“I do not think my husband is prepared for me to meet any more members of his family, although I have learned thatin the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity, which makes the idea quite tempting.”
The colonel rocked back in his seat, looking at her with open admiration.
“Mrs. Darcy, have you by chance read theArt of War?”
She faced him, sporting an impish grin.
“Not only have I read the book, Colonel, but studied it extensively.”
“Your father let you read this book?”
“It was my father’s most treasured possession, full of his own thoughts and notations.”
“Was? I thought Mr. Bennet was still alive.”
She mentally kicked herself for dropping even the tiniest morsel about her private personal life. She decided not to embellish and give as few details as possible.Ponder and deliberate before you make a move,and at this stage of the game, she did not want any of Mr. Darcy’s family to know her true status. Once she knew the lay of the land, she might loosen the ropes of information.
“Mr. Thomas Bennet is my father’s elder brother.”
“I am of the mind you are preparing for battle.”
“I do not know what Mr. Darcy has told you about me, I am sure it was not favorable. I had not intended to leave Longbourn until I reached my majority. This marriage changed my plans considerably, and not for the better, I might add. I am adjusting and moving forward.”
“Darcy has no idea what is in store for him.”
“No, he does not.”
“Mrs. Darcy, you are an absolute delight! If he were not so angry, I know Darcy would have fallen in love with you, if only for your quick wit and devious mind.”
“I am afraid he may never know that side of me. He has chosen a different path.”
“For the moment, yes, but his path could still loop around and join yours further down. As for today, pray let me introduce you to my mother.”
“I cannot, Colonel. I do not wish to give further rise to my husband’s anger and provide a reason for an annulment. I do not have his permission to meet members of his family.”
“And yet, here you are with a member of the family.”
