Page 106 of Compromise & Consequence
“Miss Bennet. She is an angel.”
“Miss Jane Bennet? Mrs. Darcy’s cousin?”
“Yes.”
“Are you aware Lord Matlock announced the betrothal of his son Richard to Miss Bennet before the commencement of the ball?”
“Engaged! They are engaged!”
Charles stood so fast his drink toppled off his lap and spilled down his pant leg. About to hasten from the room and confront the colonel, Lord Blake took hold of his forearm and stayed his movement.
“Do not do anything you will regret. Especially now, given the behavior of your sister. It seems the two of you are obsessed with the Bennet ladies for different reasons and my advice is for you to leave quietly. Speak with Darcy in a few days when this latest furor has died down and amend your friendship. As far as Miss Jane Bennet goes, desist with your admiration. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a hardened soldier, a crack shot and deadly with his blade. You do not want to get on his wrong side. He will cut you down and not lose one second of sleep over it.”
Charles stood; shoulders slumped in complete dejection. It was then he noticed some of the gentlemen in the room were laughing and realized the way the drink had spilled; it looked as though he had lost control of his bladder. He exited the room and Matlock House as quickly as possible. The next morning, he joined his sister in the carriage to Scarborough.
***
The crowd dispersed in the foyer leaving the royal retinue, Darcy and Elizabeth, Lord and Lady Matlock, and somehow the colonel and Jane also stood with them. His Royal Highness stepped closer to Darcy and said in a low voice, “When you grovel and apologize to your sweet wife – which you will - make sure it is done in private. If you attempt to gain her favor in public, she will think you are only trying to save face. I do not know what you were thinking, keeping low-flung trash like that Bingley woman as a friend, nor can I understand how you could say such cruel things about such a delightful creature as your wife. I will have my man check in with you two days hence to ensure you have done right by my cousin.”
The prince then stepped away and gave Elizabeth a low courtier bow. Everyone was shocked that he would perform such a humbling service. He took her hand and raised it to his lips.
“You are everything lovely, my dear. Your husband is a good man, all I ask is that you listen with an open heart. Remember your determination.”
Elizabeth graciously accepted the kiss on her hand and dipped into a deep curtsy, her head bowed gracefully.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
She stayed in that attitude until he tugged at her hand to raise her upright.
“Lord and Lady Matlock, other than this one minor incident, Ienjoyed my brief sojourn into your home. I am authorized by the Queen to invite you and the Darcys to tea three weeks hence. The Lord Chamberlain of the Household, the Marquess of Hertford, will issue an invitation with the date and time. Good evening.”
He then pivoted and strode down the hall, disappearing down the grand staircase, his retinue close behind. Darcy tried to catch his wife’s attention.
“Elizabeth,” he started to say.
She ignored his entreaty and looked everywhere but at him.
“Our guests are gathered in the other room and we should not keep them waiting,” she said, her head held high. “Lord Matlock, I believe my next set is with you.”
“It is, Elizabeth. Let me escort you back to the dance floor.”
He crooked his elbow and she placed her hand on his forearm and they both re-entered the ballroom. Darcy stood rooted to the floor, not moving even after the musicians began warming up before the next set commenced.
“Mr. Darcy.” He was startled and noticed Jane by his side. “I believe the next set is ours.”
“I…”
He knew not what to do.
“Give me your arm and escort me to the ballroom. Keep your head high and smile while we dance. Lizzy will forgive you if you are honest in your feelings for her. You have made many mistakes, but have come too far to quit now.”
He held out his arm and Jane graciously accepted it, smiling serenely at guests as they made their way to the second position in the line, next to Elizabeth and his uncle. His wife ignored him, keeping her gaze locked on Lord Matlock. However, the smile gracing her face did not even remotely reach her fine eyes. He deeply regretted every foul thing that had crossed his lipsconcerning Elizabeth and her family. Damn, Caroline Bingley and her vicious propensity for tearing down his wife every chance she got. He had no choice; he had to cut the Bingleys from his life. This could not go on any further.
He and Miss Bennet danced in silence while his wife chatted gaily with his uncle. It wasn’t until the fourth turn and he caught sight of how glassy her eyes were that he realized she was doing everything in her power not to cry. He almost stuttered to a stop.
He had done this. Not Caroline Bingley, but him. He was the one who said those vile words and nothing could take them back.
In one of their turns where he held his wife’s hand while she moved in a circle beneath his outstretched arm, he said, “Forgive me, Elizabeth. I have no words.” When next they met, he whispered, “Please meet me in the library when our set comes up.”
