Page 58 of Compromise & Consequence
“Gentlemen, I present to you her grace, the Duchess of Alburquerque. Her husband, the Duke of Alburquerque is the Spanish Ambassador to the Court of St. James.”
“I am pleased to meet the husband of our monarch’s cousin.” The duchess smiled at Darcy. “I believe she is also a cousin ofmi esposo.”
“My grandfather’s heir has that information,” Elizabeth said. “BeforeAbuelosdied, he wrote about my cousin’s passion for genealogy and continuity. With all the strife that has beset Spain these past few years, I understand why his interest remains focused.”
“True,mi esposodoes not sleep well at night. He worriesaboutfamiliaback home.”
“I shall add my prayers to his,” Elizabeth took the duchess’s hand and squeezed it before sitting back in her chair.
Darcy turned to Elizabeth, noting her ease and familiarity with the duchess, and took the chair next to her hoping no one noticed that he did not give his wife an intimate greeting like he did his aunt, although, he did say warmly with what he hoped was a smile, “Good afternoon, Elizabeth.”
“Mr. Darcy,” was her soft reply.
“I wondered how long the both of you would stand outside the door,” Aunt Lucinda teased with a twinkle in her eye. “Her grace thought I may have banned gentlemen from joining my afternoon teas.”
“Oh, no! Contessa Matlock,” the ambassador’s wife said. “I was pleasantly engaged with Senora Darcy and must beg forgiveness for claiming so much of her attention. As always, it is such a delight to visit with her. We did not get a chance to visit with her this past summer and I missed my English cousin’s pert opinions. To speak with someone in my native language is such a treat. Forgive me,por favor.”
“Madam, there is nothing to forgive. Both of you are far too polite to have continued much longer. I am glad his grace had a meeting with Lord Matlock and you joined him. I do believe Fate intervened most fortuitously.”
The duchess said something to Elizabeth and she replied fluently in Spanish. The duchess’s eyes widened and she laughed. His wife’s cheeks turned a rosy hue when she realized everyone else in the room and stopped talking to watch them.
“Forgive me,” Elizabeth said.
“Do not be angry with dearElisabeta. I was naughty in telling her she had a very handsome husband. It explains her reluctanceto travel with us to Spain this summer.” The duchess slid a sly glance at Darcy. “She did not disagree.”
Surprised on two fronts, Darcy openly stared at his wife. First, he was a little taken aback that Elizabeth had previous plans to sail to Spain, and second, he was surprised she would acknowledge him in such a favorable manner.
“Close your mouth, cousin,” Richard teased. “You are catching flies.”
“That is something my uncle Bennet always says!” exclaimed Elizabeth, showing a small measure of relief now that the attention had turned from her.
“I am aware. Your cousin Lydia heard those same words when I was at Longbourn.”
“You were in Meryton, Richard?” Aunt Lucinda lowered her teacup onto its matching saucer, held in her hands. “Whatever for?”
Given the dark look she gave both her son and nephew; Darcy knew she was not pleased with the information.
“I had to see the commanding officer of the militia about one of his officers. They happen to be quartered in Meryton and whilst there, I took the opportunity to meet our newest family members.”
“I see, and was the report favorable?”
“Pardon me? I did not go to check out the Bennet family.”
“If you had, I would be most displeased.” Lady Matlock smiled serenely at her second son. Darcy knew that look. Mother and son would be having a long conversation after everyone left.
“Colonel,” Elizabeth interjected. “How is my family?”
“They are well, Mrs. Darcy. I am sure they will tell you about my visit when next they write.”
A thread of unease stitched across Darcy’s skin. He did not like where the conversation was headed.
“I am not allowed—”
“What my wife is trying to say is –” Darcy rudely overrode his wife – “they will tell her in person when they come to town.”
He had a hard enough row to hoe trying to win her favor and did not need his aunt to learn about his egregious behavior immediately following the compromise. Dear Lord in Heaven, he’d never survive the anger of Lady Matlock.
“My family is coming to visit?”
