Page 73 of Compromise & Consequence
“My current lease holder’s fortune came from trade.” Elizabeth struggled to contain her mirth. “And made it very obvious they intended to increase their social worth, by any means. At least, that is my perception of them.”
“And where is your little estate?”
“In Hertfordshire, and it is not a small estate. You might say it is on par with Netherfield Park.”
Of all people, Mr. Darcy gave a snorting kind of cough, excused himself, and reached for his drink. It seems he was also aware of her estate and then mentally chastised herself. Of course, the revised marriage settlement. How much more did he know?
“How convenient,” Miss Bingley continued to probe. “Is this estate close to your family’s home in Merybell?”
“Would you, perchance, be referring to Meryton?”
“Yes,” she said with a sniff and wave of her hand. “The name of that provincial little town always escapes me.”
“My estate is quite close to Meryton, Miss Bingle.”
“Bingley.”
“Yes?”
“My name is Miss Bingley.”
“I am aware.”
“Did we meet your tenants whilst there?” Mr. Bingley asked, his worried gaze flicking between his sister and the newly minted wife of his best friend.
“Miss Eliza−”
“Mrs. Darcy,” her husband said, his patience coming to an end. “You will refer to my wife as Mrs. Darcy.”
Miss Bingley opened her mouth as if to speak again when Jane and the colonel finished their circuit and he said, “Come sit by me, Miss Bennet and I will tell you all about my forays into the wilds of Spain.”
“I have heard Spain is quite beautiful.” Jane allowed the colonel to seat her on the empty settee before lowering his large frame next to hers.
“It is and the people who hail from there are just as beautiful, ferocious, and protective of what they see as their own.”
Jane sent a soft glance toward Elizabeth. “Yes, they are.”
“Would anyone care for another cup of tea?” Elizabeth offered in a bright voice. “I have a delicious Oolong I purchased a few weeks ago. Miss Bingley? Tea?”
“I do not care for a cup of Oolong tea,” Miss Bingley forced out between clenched teeth.
“I would love another, Mrs. Darcy,” Mr. Bingley almost sighed and looked at Jane with what could only be described as sad puppy eyes.
Oh, for heaven’s sake, Elizabeth huffed out in thought and prayed Jane did not fall for his pitiable act of lost love. She then noted the colonel flex his fingers, looking as though he wished to rearrange Mr. Bingley’s face. She dared to catch the colonel’s attention and arched her brow. He gave a slight start before the corner of his lip curved in a small smile.
It was then she saw that her husband had watched the entire silent exchange and although his face retained a shade of hauteur she had not seen in ages, a small twinkle did appear in his eye. There was hope for him yet.
Chapter Eighteen
Darcy heard the quick double tap on his bedchamber door, recognizing Richard’s signature knock. His valet carefully laid down the single-edged razor, wiped his hands, and opened the door to admit him. He then calmly took back up his task and finished shaving his employer. While he waited, his cousin paced to the window and stood overlooking the back garden which led to the mews and stables.
Once his face was cleaned of all soapy residue Darcy stood and shrugged into his tailored jacket, and patiently waited while Jenkins tied his cravat in what looked like deceptively simple knots. Only then did he address his cousin.
“Did you sleep well?”
Richard had stayed the night following the evening of cards. This was not out of the norm, but now that there was a woman involved, his cousin’s interest in staying at his house instead of his parent’s, only a few short blocks away, was suspect at best.
“I did.” Richard made to turn from the window but suddenly leaned in, his attention centered on the activity outside. “Bingley has arrived.”
