Page 63 of Compromise & Consequence
“The Taming of the Shrew,” Darcy said, sending a conspiratorial grin in the direction of his wife, and was rewarded by a soft smile.
“How apt, given why we are upping the timeline of your introduction to society.” His aunt began laying out her strategy. “To counter whatever offensive Catherine may attempt to mount, you will have no choice but to join me the next few weeks for visiting hours and to return visits. We shall start with Lady Jersey and secure your voucher to Almack’s.”
Aunt Lucinda looked at Darcy.
“Tomorrow, I will send notice to the Lord Chamberlain that I am sponsoring Elizabeth and for him to add her name to the court list for presentation, on April 30. It will be a busy day as this is the first time the Queen has agreed to host them in over two years. Fortunately, as Elizabeth is a minor Spanish royal, she will take precedence and we might not have to wait that long. It would be such a pleasure to avoid the congestion of carriages sure to fill the streets.” She gave Elizabeth a large smile. “And it will drive the denizens of thetoncrazy with a need to know who you are. If you are not declared this season’s Incomparable, I will eat my hat.”
She then outlined a timetable of two months, including Elizabeth learning to walk, curtsy, and bow elegantly whilst walking backward with a ridiculously long train during her court presentation.
“Trust me on this, darling girl. You will want to be proficient. The gown is cumbersome, wider than a church door, and it is almost impossible to sit in the carriage without the hoops flying up and hitting you in the face. You will thank me later.”
Darcy’s uncle inclined his head toward his wife with raised brows as if to say, ‘Did I not tell you?’ and he smiled despite himself. Indeed, the war would be over if left to the women.
Chapter Sixteen
“Elizabeth, may I escort you home this evening?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“Please, do not think me rude, but I wish to have a word with my sister before we take our leave.”
“I am at my leisure, Mr. Darcy, and will continue to enjoy the company of our lady aunt.”
“Thank you.”
He stood, took her hand, and bowed low over it, placing a warm kiss on the back of her fingers. He was rewarded by her cheeks turning a rosy hue and the lowering of her lashes to hide her eyes. After a quick squeeze, he released her hand and turned to approach Georgiana, who had watched with wide eyes.
“Georgiana,” he began, “might I have a word with you before Elizabeth and I leave for the evening?”
“You may,” she said, rising to her feet with natural grace. Somewhere, somehow his little sister had grown up. Once again, he marveled at how much she reminded him of their mother. She followed him to their uncle’s study and took a seat. He paused long enough to marshal his thoughts, then sat across from her.
“First, I apologize for what occurred when the Bingleys came to dinner after my return from Hertfordshire. My behavior was atrocious and you were well within your right to call me out over what I said and what I did.”
“Brother, I love you so very much, and to hear those horrible insults you said while at Netherfield with the Bingleys, shocked me to the core of my being. You are better than that.”
“No, my dear, I am not. I did much worse than spout stuff and nonsense, but that is not why I asked you here. I should have told you as soon as I came back from Meryton I was getting married. I have made many mistakes, and like compound interest on my investments, they have multiplied at a rapid pace.”
“Then tell me how it got out of control.”
“As you well know from my letters, I held Elizabeth in high regard, but had no intention of following it further as her family was well below us concerning money and connections.”
“But…”
“I did not say my judgment was correct, only that is how I saw it whilst there. Regardless of my concern over the vulgar behavior of her family, Elizabeth intrigued me, and at Bingley’s ball, I asked her to dance. After our set, I saw her go outside and worried she would become chilled. When I approached her on the terrace, I thought I saw Wickham sneaking behind some bushes.”
“Mr. Wickham is in Meryton?”
“He was and I erroneously thought Elizabeth was working with him for monetary gain. When she tripped and fell into my arms, tearing her gown, I automatically assumed she had done so on purpose.” At Georgiana’s gasp, he leaned forward and patted her hand. “She did not. It was an accident, but because of my anger I swore to make her rue the day she collaborated with Wickham.”
“Oh, my.” Georgiana’s eyes welled up with tears. “You were so hateful, and the way Miss Bingley gloated over Miss Elizabeth’s fall from grace was horrid. Her true nature was revealed in full that night. I am also disappointed in Mr. Bingley. If he had truly thought well of Elizabeth’s cousin, he should have stayedand supported her, regardless of what action you did or did not take.”
“I agree, Georgie,” calling her by her favorite shortened name. “As everyone in the family now knows, I love Elizabeth and must find a way to make amends. To that end, I would ask if you mind staying with aunt and uncle for a few more weeks.”
“I do not mind in the least.” She gave him a coy smile. “Are you going to woo her by taking her to the theater?”
“Yes, you little minx. I am going to woo her and it is none of your business how I go about doing so.”
“Fine. I will just ask Richard.”
